HONOLULU – Senator Jarrett Keohokalole (District 24 - Kāne‘ohe, Kailua) today celebrated the signing of Senate Bill 1044 , a major step forward in stabilizing Hawai‘i’s property insurance market amid growing risks from hurricanes and climate change. Now known as Act 296 after being signed by Governor Josh Green this morning, the legislation takes effect immediately and aims to improve access to affordable insurance coverage for homeowners and condominium associations statewide. “This bill provides a lifeline to families burdened by soaring insurance costs, offering them a clear path forward after being shut out by the market. This legislation is the result of two years of focused work by partners across sectors – banking, insurance, real estate, and regulators,” said Senator Keohokalole, who chairs the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection (CPN) Committee.     “I thank the Governor for bringing these stakeholders together to find practical, responsible solutions for kamaʻāina. This legislation offers much-needed relief, particularly for seniors on fixed incomes who have faced the greatest challenges in today’s insurance market.”   CPN Vice-Chair Carol Fukunaga added, “I know that condo owners in urban Honolulu will be very appreciative for state assistance to help protect their homes.”   Key provisions of the new law include:   Reactivation of the Hawai‘i Hurricane Relief Fund (HHRF) to help stabilize hurricane-related insurance claims   Expanding the role of the Hawai‘i Property Insurance Association (HPIA) to collaborate with private insurers to offer broader and more competitive coverage Targeted support for condominium associations and unit owners, who have faced rising costs and limited options   A mandate for the Insurance Commissioner to lead a long-term study on sustainable solutions for the property insurance market   State funding to support the startup and operational needs of both HHRF and HPIA   Senator Keohokalole emphasized that implementation will be phased, and that building partnerships with private insurers will take time.   To learn more about the HHRF, including application materials, FAQs, and related resources, visit https://cca.hawaii.gov/ins/hhrf .   For a PDF version of this news release, CLICK HERE.

HONOLULU – Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi, Niʻihau) today issued a statement regarding the convening of a special session for 2025:    “After reviewing the Governor’s veto list and the measures he ultimately signed into law, the Hawaiʻi State Senate determined that a special session to override the veto is not warranted at this time.” For a PDF version of this news release, CLICK HERE.

“I am devastated that Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot by a man posing as a law enforcement officer.  While we grieve with the Hortman family and pray for the Hoffman family, it is our duty to unconditionally denounce and quash these heinous, unspeakable acts and to prevent the normalization of these events.”   - Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi  (Senate District 8 - Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau)    “We are heartbroken by the tragic events that unfolded this morning in Minnesota. Hawai‘i stands in solidarity in grieving the loss of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. We extend our deepest prayers and thoughts to their family, to Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, as they heal and recover from this horrific act of violence, and to the entire Minnesota Legislature during this unimaginable time. Our hearts are with the people of Minnesota, their leaders, and all those affected. As public servants, we remain committed to upholding democracy and faithfully representing the people. At this time, the safety and security of our lawmakers, staff, and communities remain a top priority.”   - House Speaker Nadine K. Nakamura (House District 15 - Hā‘ena, Wainiha, Hanalei, Princeville, Kīlauea, Anahola, Keālia, Kapa‘a, portion of Wailua, Kawaihau)  For a PDF version of this news release, CLICK HERE.

A collection of news articles featuring members of our Hawaiʻi Senate Majority Caucus NEWS ARTICLES Hawai'i Tourism Authority board in limbo as lawmakers call for briefing Original Article Honolulu Star-Advertiser Allison Schaefers Jun 22, 2025 The state legislators in charge of tourism are holding a post-session informational briefing Monday on the beleaguered Hawai‘i Tourism Authority that could play out more like an exit interview. Gov. Josh Green’s office said in an email Wednesday that he plans on asking for courtesy resignations from the entire HTA board before the beginning of the next fiscal year, which starts July 1. Green’s stance is related to the passage of Senate Bill 1571, which changed HTA’s governance model when he signed it May 29. “Because the responsibilities of the board have changed to an advisory role, he feels it best to start with a clean slate,” the email said. “The HTA board as it was previously established no longer exists, so it makes sense to look at the composition of the new board.” State Rep. Adrian Tam (D, Waikiki), chair of the House Committee on Tourism, and state Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D, East Maui-Upcountry-Molokai-Lanai-Kahoolawe), chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development and Tourism, are holding the joint informational briefing at 10 a.m. Monday in Room 329 of the state Capitol. Tam said the briefing will review HTA’s interim action plans, current projects and recent developments. He said the briefing also will cover contract updates, the community-driven destination management action plans, or DMAPs, and audit findings issued by the state auditor. “The purpose of this is to have an open discussion about the future of HTA and the current plans as well as any open-ended questions that other members of the community and the Legislature may have,” Tam said, adding that legislators from outside the tourism committees are welcome to sit in and ask questions. “A lot of our members are genuinely curious about the future of HTA, and rightfully so. This is our largest industry,” he said. Caroline Anderson, HTA interim president and CEO, said in an email, “Establishing an effective governance structure is essential and will determine how successful HTA can be in fulfilling its mission to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the impacts on our natural resources, culture and community.” DeCoite said Thursday that the idea behind the briefing is to avoid waiting until the end of the year and then scrambling at the last minute to address concerns about tourism, especially since it’s the economic driver for the state. She said she expects Monday’s briefing will be comprehensive. “We just have had challenges with HTA and some of the things that they have been doing. We have tried to solve everything in the past years. There are just a lot of issues. We keep seeing HTA in the newspaper,” DeCoite said. She added that above all, HTA officials have to work together and prioritize its goals and projects. “They have got to be able to justify the funds that they requested for some of the priorities that they have asked for — more so on the destination management, which has been an issue for me,” DeCoite said. “I’m sure you saw the audit on the destination management action plans and it doesn’t look good.” The latest management audit released by State Auditor Leslie H. Kondo determined that HTA’s destination management focus is “not new or effective” and the agency remains unable to gauge its own performance. The state audit was especially critical of HTA’s DMAP effort, which it determined was “poorly planned and executed with key decisions deferred to third-party contractors and island steering committees. The result: many of the actions did not address hot spots, were underway or already achieved, or were impractical.” The DMAPs are HTA’s latest destination management strategy, and the plans approved by the HTA board in 2021 were intended to detail the steps the community, the visitor industry and other sectors deemed necessary to improve tourism management over a three-year period. The DMAPs were an outgrowth of the HTA Strategic Plan, which ran from 2020 to 2025 and was touted as the first strategic plan the agency developed as part of its shift from a mainly marketing focus to a greater emphasis on destination management. Anderson said in an email that the audit “identified areas for improvement, and we have begun assessing the recommendations provided in the report. HTA remains focused on improving its processes and procedures, including how we measure success and effectiveness in accomplishing our mission.” SOME OF the HTA board and staff disagreed with the management audit’s findings, and it’s unclear what tack they will take in the informational briefing. It’s also uncertain how current HTA board members will react to Green’s request or the other coming governance changes. HTA staff already is dealing with several key vacancies, although Anderson has launched a 90-day action plan to shore up the agency. In addition to downgrading the HTA board to an advisory board, SB 1571 lays out new operational and administrative criteria, and sets new standards for the selection of board members. The bill also amends eligibility requirements to serve on the advisory board. It removes the director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism from the board and requires that board members must be a representative of a tourism-impacted entity. Other provisions allow the House speaker and Senate president to each appoint an HTA advisory board member and allow the advisory board to appoint the HTA president and CEO, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Additionally, SB 1571 requires the HTA leader to report to the governor. The measure also clarifies that the Hawai‘i Convention Center must reflect a “Hawaii” sense of place instead of a “Hawaiian” sense of place. HTA board Chair Todd Apo said the board is still processing the changes. Apo added that John Cole, the deputy attorney general assigned to HTA, told the board at its last meeting that the state Department of the Attorney General’s interpretation of the law “does not require the board to get wiped out and restarted now.” Apo said Cole told the HTA board that “nobody has the authority to require any board member to resign, but obviously it can be asked for, and then it is up to each board member.” THE DILEMMA before the board members only adds to the recent uncertainties. In the past several months, HTA has undergone dramatic leadership shake-ups as it has struggled to address allegations of inappropriate freebies at the Hawai‘i Convention Center and inconsistencies in its Hawaii Tourism Conference partnerships. There were also allegations about potential procurement violations and late payments to contractors. Opens in a new tab State Sen. Kurt Fevella (R, Ewa Beach), HTA contractors, former HTA employees and some board members also alleged in a Honolulu Star-Advertiser story Opens in a new tab May 4 that HTA and DBEDT failed to respond promptly to complaints about a hostile work environment, including alleged racist and sexist comments, that they claim contributed to the recent resignations of five Native Hawaiian members of HTA’s leadership team. Isaac Choy, HTA vice president of finance and acting chief administrative officer, was put on unpaid leave May 9 at the direction of the state attorney general and the Department of Human Resources amid allegations he made racist and sexist remarks on the job. Since Choy was the project manager for $100 million in repairs at the convention center, his absence could extend the center’s planned construction beyond two years, putting the state at risk of losing millions of dollars Opens in a new tab in group tourism bookings. Choy, who remains on unpaid leave, has sued named and unnamed HTA officials, alleging they retaliated against him for reporting what he called procurement, spending and other violations. Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite New office to coordinate state's broadband expansion efforts Original Article Spectrum News Michael Tsai Jun 11, 2025 With the signing of House Bill 934 this week, the state’s efforts to achieve universal broadband access will be officially coordinated via a centralized State Broadband Office. What You Need To Know Act 201, formally establishes the State Broadband Office within the Department of Accounting and General Services In addition to coordinating broadband deployment across public and private sectors, the office will be responsible for administering grant programs in support of broadband infrastructure and innovation, overseeing strategic broadband investments and ensuring high-speed internet access is extended to underserved communities statewide Act 201 also provides funding for six digital navigators, who will support digital literacy programs in libraries and other venues across the state The state has opened a request for proposals for the Hawaii Community Digital Navigators Project to hire, train and manage community digital navigators who will be located in 51 public library branches Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, serving as acting governor while Gov. Josh Green is in Washington, D.C., to meet with federal officials and attend the annual Hawaii on the Hill event, signed the measure into law on Monday. “With the signing of House Bill 934, Hawaii is taking a necessary step toward a future where every resident, regardless of geography, age or income, can connect to and use affordable, reliable broadband internet to access education, healthcare and economic opportunity,” said Luke, who leads the state’s Connect Kakou high-speed internet initiative. “This law not only lays the groundwork for much-needed services — it also helps ensure keiki through kupuna acquire the skills and support they need to use the internet to improve their daily lives.” The measure, now Act 201, formally establishes the State Broadband Office within the Department of Accounting and General Services. In addition to coordinating broadband deployment across public and private sectors, the office will be responsible for administering grant programs in support of broadband infrastructure and innovation, overseeing strategic broadband investments and ensuring high-speed internet access is extended to underserved communities statewide. “Access to high-speed internet is vital for every aspect of our lives,” said state Rep. Greggor Ilagan, who co-introduced the bill. “There are residents in rural areas who are counting on us to deliver important broadband upgrades and programs. The State Broadband Office gives us the focus and framework to turn vision into action.” Act 201 also provides funding for six digital navigators, who will support digital literacy programs in libraries and other venues across the state. The new positions build on a 2023 pilot program in which community-based professionals, stationed at public libraries, assisted residents with digital skills, internet connectivity, accessing devices, and online services like telehealth and job applications. “I’ve seen firsthand the barriers a rural island community faces when it comes to building computer skills that many take for granted,” said state Sen. Lynn DeCoite. “By connecting people to digital navigators, we’re empowering our residents in countless ways.” State librarian Stacey Aldrich said the 2023 pilot program demonstrated the high demand for digital literacy support. “Digital navigators are trusted guides who will help ensure no one is left behind in the digital age and we are so excited to grow this program,” she said. The state has opened a request for proposals for the Hawaii Community Digital Navigators Project to hire, train and manage community digital navigators who will be located in 51 public library branches. Interested applicants can access the full RFP by visiting connectkakou.org . The deadline to submit a proposal is June 30 at 2 p.m. Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite Pohoiki Boat Ramp dredging begins Original Article HI Tribune-Herald Tribune-Herald staff Jun 10, 2025 Dredging work began today to restore access to the lava-barricaded Pohoiki Boat Ramp, eight years after an eruption of Kilauea volcano rendered the structure unusable. Hundreds of people gathered Monday for a community celebration and blessing at the top of the ramp, which by November is expected to be clear of an estimated 42,000 cubic yards of black sand and boulders. That’s about 22,000 full-sized pickup truck beds. “This is a day of celebration to recognize the collaboration of the community, elected officials and (the Department of Land and Natural Resources) working together to support this project,” DLNR Chair Dawn Chang said Monday. “The Pohoiki Boat Ramp is a piko, or focal point for this community. Fishing is a huge part of the greater Puna community and commercial, recreational and subsistence fishers have been waiting patiently for this work to begin.” Even before the 2018 eruption, Finn McCall, the head engineer with the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, made multiple visits to Pohoiki. Immediately after the eruption stopped, McCall continued making further visits to Pohoiki to shift the strategy in addressing ramp needs, according to the DLNR. “Boy, this has been a long journey,” McCall said. “We tried looking at sites from Kapoho all the way to Kalapana. Sand and boulders continued to fill the entire bay, but once that stopped, we began focusing on restoring the Pohoiki ramp.” The state had hoped for more federal support to approve removal of most of the volcanic debris in Pohoiki Bay, but FEMA was only able to approve restoration of the boat ramp entrance channel. Then it took dogged efforts by state lawmakers from the district to convince the rest of the Legislature that opening the Pohoiki Boat Ramp was the top priority for people in the district, according to the DLNR. Chang on Monday singled out the efforts of state Sen. Joy San Buenaventura and state Rep. Greggor Ilagan in getting $5.4 million of state funding for the dredging. The total project cost came in at $9.28 million, which means the $2.9 million shortfall is being covered by the DLNR’s Boating Special Fund, which derives its revenues almost entirely from boating user fees. “We needed people to understand how much it cost in fuel just to bring all our boats from the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor in Hilo, the nearest boating facility, out to Puna to they could fish to feed and support their families,” San Buenaventura said during the blessing ceremony. San Buenaventura and Ilagan often pointed out it was akin to only having one small boat ramp for all of Oahu. According to the DLNR, Chang fielded letter after letter, comment after comment from upset and frustrated fishers, some of whom had to give up their generational livelihoods of fishing because it became too expensive. Family members with lineal connections to the coastline were not able to fish, either. She and every single speaker singled out the community for not giving up and pushing to have Pohoiki restored. As did the consulting company and contractor hired to do the work. “This has been one of the most eye-opening, humbling projects I’ve ever worked on,” said Kyle Kaneshiro of Limtiaco Consulting. “The community made everything so easy. This is not an easy project, but the community got everyone together.” Guy DiBartolo from Goodfellows Bros. Inc., added, “I’ve been to many ground blessings and ceremonies. This one for me, stands out as something unique and special, seeing the community’s involvement over many months and years.” For many people, like DLNR First Deputy Ryan Kanaka‘ole, Pohoiki stirs up fond childhood memories. “Summertime for me was coming down here, making the two-hour drive each way from Kaʻu with my father to dive, surf or just relax. This day makes me remember my dad. He didn’t have a house, but he had a car, and I’ll never forget those days spent at Pohoiki.” The contractor has nine months to complete the project but expects to be finished in November, according to the DLNR. Senators Mentioned: Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura Gov. Josh Green could veto 19 bills. Here are 5 you should know about Original Article Hawaiʻi Public Radio Ashley Mizuo Jun 10, 2025 The 19 bills on Gov. Josh Green's intent-to-veto list impact many different issues, from criminal justice to housing to taxes. Just because a bill is on this list, though, doesn’t guarantee that the governor will veto it — he just had to notify the Legislature by June 24 of bills that could be vetoed. Green has until July 9 to make his final decision. In the meantime, the state Legislature can decide if it wants to come back into session to override any vetoes with a two-thirds majority. Here are the five bills on the list that HPR is paying close attention to. 1. Asset Forfeiture: HB126 This measure would change the state’s criminal asset forfeiture program. What does that mean? It’s when law enforcement can seize property to investigate crimes — even if no one has actually been charged. Lawmakers passed a bill that would require law enforcement to return the seized property to someone who has not been charged with a crime after one year. Currently, the seized property could be forfeited even if no charges were brought against the owner. It would also establish better reporting requirements for the state Attorney General’s Office. Green wrote that the one-year restriction is not enough time for law enforcement to file charges and that forfeited property is important in investigations. House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee Chair David Tarnas explained that if the measure is vetoed by the governor, he will continue to work on it next year. “We did suggest in our bill that the assets would only be able to be forfeited once an individual is charged. And so hopefully we'll be able to stay with that as the trigger, but we would extend the time. So rather than just being one year, maybe two years will be sufficient,” he said. “We'll have to work on this and see if that's going to be the right combination of things so we can have reform.” While Green was a lawmaker, he introduced a bill in 2016 that would have required a conviction for property to be permanently seized. 2. Tax Credits: HB796 This measure would have significantly reduced most tax credits offered in the state by either putting a five-year sunset on them or, in the sixth year, 2031, beginning to reduce them by one-third over three years. The tax credits ranged from those for renewable energy projects to the film industry. Green wrote that “removing the specific tax exemptions afforded to these entities would provide little financial benefit to the state while harming, in particular, sugarcane producers.” 3. Solitary Confinement Regulation: SB104 Another measure being considered by Green for a veto would set stronger regulations on the use of solitary confinement on inmates. Kat Brady, the coordinator of the Community Alliance on Prisons, has been fighting for reform of the state’s use of solitary confinement for the last decade. “Isolation with absolutely no programs, no books, nothing – you're thrown in a cell with a little thin mattress on the floor and you have nothing, and maybe you get out for one hour a day,” she said. “Humans are social creatures and to isolate people – it's so inhumane.” A 2021 report showed that 245 inmates in Hawaiʻi were put in solitary confinement – 97 were kept there for over a year. Green wrote that the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation already has policies in place and follows national standards. He added that the department is working with the Correctional Systems Oversight Commission to amend its policies and procedures. However, in written testimony for the measure, the Correctional Systems Oversight Commission supported the bill and wrote that it was concerned about the current operations at DCR regarding solitary confinement. “The Commission is extremely concerned about the long-term physical and psychological effects of 12-plus months in a segregated housing setting, which are now well-documented and studied. The trend nationally is to decrease the amount of time in segregated housing settings,” it wrote. “With the state of Hawaii's transition to a therapeutic model of corrections, SHIP should be reevaluated and potentially eliminated in totality as it does not align with a rehabilitative framework.” 4. Permits for single- and multi-family housing: SB66 The measure would require counties to grant building permits to single and multi-family homes within 60 days if the application is certified by a licensed engineer and an architect. Senate Housing Committee Chair Stanley Chang explained that it’s a way to speed up the ability for people to improve their homes. “Building departments are extremely overburdened that permit times can take up to a year or longer, even for simple single-family homes or two-story residential as this bill addresses,” he said. “This enables homeowners across the state to improve their properties without being dragged on for years at a time by the building departments.” The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting was one of the entities that opposed the measure. DPP Director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna wrote in her testimony on the measure that the bill could jeopardize the safety of the homes. “Everyone, including DPP, wants building permits issued quickly, but it should not be at the cost of life and safety,” she wrote. “The review that determines compliance with codes is essential to the approval of the building permit. By simply allowing the “approval” of a building permit without the proper review for compliance with the codes defeats the purpose of the building permit review and places the public at great risk.” Green wrote that he is considering a veto on the measure because it would undermine regulatory agencies and create a conflict of interest for professionals. 5. State Budget: HB300 Green is considering vetoing line items from the state’s about $20 billion operating and capital improvement budget. The governor’s office did not provide a detailed list of what particular items were being considered. However, he wrote that federal funding and lower revenue projections for the state were the main reasons driving his decision. Senators Mentioned: Senator Stanley Chang Bills aimed at protecting vulnerable youth approved by Hawaiʻi Legislature Original Article Big Island Now May 28, 2025 State Sen. Joy San Buenaventura of the Big Island, who represents Puna at the state Capitol in Honolulu, is lauding passage during the 2025 session of the Hawaiʻi Legislature of three bills aimed at strengthening protections and expanding support for some of the most vulnerable youth throughout the state. Senate Bills 292 and 951 along with House Bill 613 focus on accountability, safety and access to essential services. “These bills reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting Hawaiʻi’s most vulnerable keiki,” San Buenaventura, chairwoman of the state Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, said in a press release outlining the measures. “This session, we made it a priority to make sure that young people in crisis are met with compassion, support and real opportunities to heal and thrive.” SENATE BILL 292 : Relating to Sexual Exploitation SB 292 establishes safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation, shielding them from prosecution for related offenses when seeking medical or law enforcement help. Office of Hawaiian Affairs, which supports the bill, called this initiative crucial in its written testimony to the state Senate Judiciary Committee and wrote it represents a significant step toward combating sex trafficking and providing justice for victims, particularly Native Hawaiians — who are disproportionately impacted by this form of exploitation. “Establishing safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation sends a clear message that our state is committed to protecting the rights and well-being of all individuals, especially our most vulnerable populations,” the agency’s testimony says. SENATE BILL 951 : Relating to Child Protection SB 951 strengthens child abuse reporting protocols by requiring the disclosure of military affiliation and coordination with appropriate military authorities. Hawaiʻi Military Affairs Council wrote in testimony to a joint hearing of the state Senate Health and Human Services and Public Safety and Military Affairs committees that there is a critical gap in child protection for military families. While federal law requires Department of Defense personnel to report suspected child abuse or neglect to military and local authorities, there is no reciprocal requirement for state and local child welfare. That gap can result in vulnerable military families missing out on crucial services. “This measure would establish a reciprocal state requirement, enhancing coordination between state child welfare services and military support systems, ultimately improving access to prevention and rehabilitation services for military children and families,” the agency wrote in its testimony. The approach is already being used in 35 other states. HOUSE BILL 613 : Relating to Homeless Youth HB 613 creates a Safe Spaces for Youth Program under the Office of Youth Services, providing shelters and support for unaccompanied homeless youth across all counties. “Hawaiʻi is facing a crisis in homelessness, with our youngest community members bearing hardship,” the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi wrote in testimony to the state House Committee on Human Services and Homeleessness. The party said 1 in 10 young adults age 18 to 25 years old and 1 in 30 youths age 13 to 17 years old in the islands experience some form of homelessness without the support of a parent or guardian. They are among the most vulnerable members of the community — facing heightened risks of mental health issues, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, physical violence and disruptions in education. “By passing this bill, the Legislature will take a crucial step in breaking the cycle of youth homelessness and protecting Hawaiʻi’s future generations,” wrote the state’s Democratic Party. “Providing stable shelter, food security, mental health support and pathways to education and employment will empower these youth to build self-sufficient and productive lives.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura Hawaiʻi Makes History As First State To Charge Tourists To Save Environment Original Article Civil Beat Marcel Honoré May 27, 2025 Hawaiʻi has officially become the first U.S. state to enact a so-called “green fee” — a charge added onto hotel room stays and other short-term visits to help protect the local environment and address the growing impacts of climate change. Gov. Josh Green signed the fee into law Tuesday after years of unsuccessfully urging the Legislature to pass it. Set to take effect next year, the fee could raise around $100 million annually, state officials estimate, a portion of which will go toward Hawaiʻi’s response to future disasters similar to the 2023 Lahaina wildfire. “Hawaiʻi’s doing what other states and other nations are going to have to do … there will be no way to deal with these crises without some forward-thinking mechanism,” Green said moments before signing the bill. “I hope that the world is watching,” he added, “because having something that is a balance between industry and environment is going to be the way to go forward to protect your people, to protect your states, to protect your economy.” Specifically, the revenue will come from a .75% increase on the tax Hawaiʻi visitors pay on their nightly hotel and short-term stays. The uptick raises the state’s transient accommodations tax, or TAT, to 11%. Visitors already pay an additional 3% TAT on their stays to the counties. That will translate to visitors paying about $3 extra, Green said, on a $400 room stay. Overall, the move aims to make Hawaiʻi’s reefs, beaches, trails, mountains and other unique yet vulnerable environments more resilient to heavier storms, more severe droughts and other challenges linked to the changing climate. It also seeks to avoid making locals pay the entire price of that damage. Green and other supporters say the fee on hotel stays, cruise ship cabins and short-term rentals is justified because of the link between the nearly 10 million visitors who fly to Hawaiʻi each year and the island state’s climate change and environmental issues. Jerry Gibson, Hawaiʻi Hotel Alliance president “We need the money to restore those beaches, to reconstruct them, to take care of invasive plants that are around our hotels…” The fee proposal has previously gotten plenty of pushback from some local short-term rental owners and the hotel industry, who worry visitors will choose to go elsewhere if fees on their Hawaiʻi stays climb too high. On Tuesday, however, key members of the local hotel industry attended the bill’s signing ceremony in a strong show of support. While they’re still worried about a drop in visits, they said the need to restore Hawaiʻi’s eroding beaches and remove invasive species has grown more urgent to keep those visitors coming. “We need the money to restore those beaches, to reconstruct them, to take care of invasive plants that are around our hotels and around residences,” Hawaiʻi Hotel Alliance President Jerry Gibson said. “So we went from one end of the spectrum, you know, almost to the other.” After extended talks with Green, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts President Jeff Wagoner said local industry leaders felt assured enough that the tax charged to their visitors would go to those projects. Now Comes The Heavy Lifting While state leaders and conservation groups have general ideas about where to deploy the green fee, exactly how the money will be spent — and which local groups and agencies it will benefit — hasn’t been set. Green said Tuesday a process to review and select projects should start in the fall ahead of the first fee collections in January. The Legislature will also have a say in where the money goes. That’s because in an unusual move the fee will be routed to the state’s general fund instead of a special fund . Green downplayed concerns Tuesday that the arrangement could lead some green fee dollars to be spent on other purposes. “We will actually sit around together and come up with a list of what to spend,” he said. State agency heads and the state’s new fire marshall will have a say, he added, in where the dollars go. The need for a dedicated source of climate and conservation revenue has received strong support from numerous local conservation organizations. A coalition of those groups, Care For ʻĀina Now, presented a study earlier this year showing an annual conservation funding gap of at least $560 million for Hawaiʻi. That gap could be as large as $1.69 billion based on the worst-case scenario, according to the study. Some of the annual green fee collections, Green has said, can further be leveraged to float bonds that might cover larger and more expensive projects in the hundreds of millions of dollars. A New Strategy After the fee proposal failed to pass last year, Green assembled a “Climate Advisory Team” in part to lobby lawmakers to get it approved. That team, called the “CAT” for short, interviewed more than 60 individuals from state and county agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and industries to better understand Hawaiʻi’s vulnerabilities to storms and other climate-related events, said Chris Benjamin, the group’s chair. “Our goal was not about slowing climate change — even though that’s a very important goal,” Benjamin said Tuesday. “Our goal was to try to acknowledge that Hawaiʻi is vulnerable and try to find ways to make us less vulnerable.” Prior ideas for collecting the green fee included charging visitors an arrival fee when they land at the airport or charging them a park-usage fee they could pay through their cell phones. However, lawmakers questioned how those proposals would work and be enforced, and opponents questioned whether they were even legal. Chris Benjamin, chair, state Climate Advisory Team “Our goal was not about slowing climate change — even though that’s a very important goal.” Other prior proposals included using interest generated from the state’s rainy-day fund or collecting a one-time fee for visitors to access scenic hikes, visit popular beaches, check into hotels, rent cars or participate in other tourism-related activities. This year, the Legislature found that increasing the TAT would be the simplest way to go — and that approach managed to make Hawaiʻi the first state in the nation to approve a green fee. It emulates similar green fees passed on the national level by Palau, New Zealand and other visitor-popular destinations. Civil Beat’s coverage of climate change is supported by The Healy Foundation, Marisla Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation and the Frost Family Foundation. CORRECTION: A previous version of this story included an incorrect figure for the new total TAT. Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite Hawaiʻi governor signs historic “Green Fee” climate impact legislation Original Article Maui Now May 27, 2025 Gov. Josh Green, M.D., signed historic climate impact legislation into law on Tuesday. Act 96 (Senate Bill 1396 ) is a first-in-the-nation initiative that establishes a climate impact fee, or “Green Fee,” creating a stable source of funding for environmental stewardship, hazard mitigation and sustainable tourism in Hawaiʻi. The Green Fee is projected to generate $100 million annually, and the Green Administration will work with the legislature to confirm projects next session as revenue becomes available. “Today Hawaiʻi ushers in the first Green Fee in the nation. Once again, Hawaiʻi is at the forefront of protecting our natural resources, recognizing their fundamental role in sustaining the ecological, cultural and economic health of Hawaiʻi. As an island chain, Hawaiʻi cannot wait for the next disaster to hit before taking action. We must build resiliency now, and the Green Fee will provide the necessary financing to ensure resources are available for our future.” Following the devastating Maui wildfires and in response to the growing frequency and intensity of natural disasters across Hawai‘i and the nation, Gov. Green established the Climate Advisory Team (CAT) in 2024, led by Chris Benjamin and comprised of a team of leaders, to develop community-informed policy recommendations. A key recommendation of the CAT was to establish a dedicated source of funding for climate change mitigation and disaster resilience. The CAT recommended the transient accommodations tax (TAT) as a potential revenue source. “The Green Fee bill marks a historic investment in climate disaster resilience and environmental protection,” said Benjamin. “Using the TAT to fund resiliency projects ensures that the financial burden of safeguarding our ʻāina and people doesn’t fall upon residents alone. We thank the Legislature, industry and countless community groups and individuals who advocated tirelessly for this bill.” Senate Bill 1396 increases the TAT rate by 0.75% beginning in 2026 and levies, for the first time, the TAT on cruise ships that port in the state. Assessing the TAT on cruise ships — a sector of transient accommodations that has long gone untaxed under the TAT — promotes equity across the tourism industry, ensuring that all visitors to Hawai‘i contribute to the islands’ long-term resilience and well-being. “While fees may not be the most popular method of revenue generation, stakeholder dialogue has affirmed that visitors are willing to pay a climate impact fee in order to support Hawaiʻi’s environmental protection efforts and preserve the beauty and cultural heritage of the islands for future generations. The Green Fee ensures that visitors share in the kuleana of environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism,” according to a news release from the Governor’s Office. “I mahalo the tourism industry for stepping up and collaborating on this initiative, which will preserve Hawaiʻi for kamaʻāina and visitors alike,” said Green. “The fee will restore and remediate our beaches and shorelines and harden infrastructure critical to the health and safety of all who call Hawaiʻi home, whether for a few days or a lifetime. Sen. Lynn DeCoite (District 24 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe and Molokini) said the bill is a matter of common sense and responsibility. “I think it’s really about our kuleana, to the state, to the people of Hawaiʻi. Climate change is here and has been a super-huge challenge for all of us. As the chair of the Economic Development and Tourism (EDT) Committee, the impacts are real. The bill shares the responsibility of caring for our home with those who come to visit, to ensure that our natural resources are cared for, for future generations.” Rep. Adrian Tam (District 24 – Waikīkī) thanked the stakeholders representing a very diverse coalition of individuals, from the visitor industry to the environmental stewardship advocates. “The funds raised by this bill will go toward much-needed environmental stewardship as well as erosion mitigation and restoration projects, so it is really a win-win for all of us. The signing of this bill will ensure that the investments in resilience and taking preventive measures will protect Hawaiʻi’s environment and our economy, and it will soon save taxpayer dollars in the long run.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch premieres Original Article Considerable Joe Sanders May 19, 2025 The world premiere of Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch” took place Saturday at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California. The event celebrated the film’s debut and showcased Hawaiian culture, courtesy of the Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB). The premiere featured numerous stars from the film, including Chris Sanders, Billy Magnussen, Zach Galifianakis, Maia Kealoha, Sydney Agudong, Courtney B. Vance, Kaipo Dudoit, and Amy Hill. Several dignitaries and cultural figures, such as State Rep. Shirley Ann Templo, State Sen.Lynn DeCoite, and Miss Aloha Hula 2025, Jaedyn Pavao, attended the event. Maia Kealoha, who starred as Lilo, and Sydney Agudong, who played Lilo’s older sister Nani, were among the Hawaiian talents featured in this adaptation. Tia Carrere, who voiced Nani in the original animated film, took on the role of Mrs. Kekoa, a new character. The depiction of Hawaiian culture was further enriched with traditional Hawaiian protocols led by kumu hula Lilinoe Kaio, with performances from Halau ‘o Lilinoe and Na Pua Me Kealoha. Aaron J. Sala, President and CEO of HVCB, underscored the importance of the event. Celebrating Disney’s Hawaiian heritage “This premiere wasn’t just a celebration of a film — it was an opportunity to elevate the people, culture, and stories that define our Hawaii,” Sala stated. The collaboration with Disney marks HVCB’s commitment to diversifying its promotional efforts beyond conventional tourism marketing. HVCB is in the midst of significant organizational changes. Under Sala’s leadership since September, the bureau has been diversifying its portfolio in response to dwindling funding from the Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA). The new direction aligns with a broader strategic plan to reduce reliance on HTA contracts and engage in partnerships that responsibly promote Hawaiian culture and tourism, the presence of lawmakers like Sen. Lynn DeCoite and Rep. Shirley Ann Templo at the premiere highlighted the state’s stance on using cinema and media to boost tourism. This diversification aims to ensure a sustainable future for Hawaii’s tourism industry while respecting and promoting local culture. Hawaiian Airlines also contributed to the event by offering guests leis and photo opportunities. The airline’s new “Searching for Stitch” augmented reality experience aims to educate users about mindful travel across the Hawaiian Islands. Jerry Gibson, President of the Hawai’i Hotel Alliance, and Keith Vieira, principal of KV & Associates, expressed optimism about HVCB’s new strategic direction. They believe this initiative will help sustain Hawaii’s tourism industry amid changing economic and political landscapes. As “Lilo & Stitch” opens nationwide, the film serves as both an entertainment piece and a cultural bridge, inviting audiences worldwide to engage more thoughtfully with Hawaii’s rich heritage. Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite City Council requests to restore Sand Island's Native name Original Article Honolulu Star-Advertiser Ian Bauer May 12, 2025 City lawmakers are leading the push to return Sand Island’s name to its Native Hawaiian name Mauliola, which means “breath of life” or “power of healing.” Over 641 acres in size and largely man-made, Sand Island features industrial zone businesses, a U.S. military base, a state-owned recreational park and the city’s prime wastewater treatment facility, all within Honolulu Harbor. But the site also has significant local history, and that’s why the Honolulu City Council’s International and Legal Affairs Committee voted unanimously last week to pass Resolution 63, which urges the Hawaii State Board on Geographic Names (HBGN) to rename the site as Mauliola. The full Council is expected Wednesday to review Resolution 63 for approval. The resolution, introduced by Council member Radiant Cordero, states, “From the mid-1800s through the mid-1900s, this small tidal island grew in size with the dredging and infilling of Honolulu Harbor, altering an area that had once been a large complex of fishponds and reefs.” The resolution says the name Mauliola harks back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, when the rapid urbanization of Honolulu and an increasingly busy harbor brought an influx of disease, which rapidly spread. “Mauliola was utilized to quarantine ships, and the government built a crematorium on the island, which in part led to Mauliola becoming known as Quarantine Island,” the resolution read. Over time, Quarantine Island grew in size with more dredging and infilling of Honolulu Harbor in the 1940s. The island was utilized by the military as a coastal defense station and an internment camp during World War II, for Japanese Americans and other Axis nationals. The resolution states, “Quarantine Island later became known by its present name, Sand Island, which is listed as the island’s official name on the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), a federal repository for identifying official place names. State governments are given the authority to provide ‘administrative names’ to places, which are then listed in the GNIS.” The state Board on Geographic Names was established to designate the official place names and spellings of geographic features in the state of Hawaii, and to ensure uniformity in the use and spelling of geographic features, the resolution says. “The HBGN uses cultural and historical significance as a criterion for considering a name change, with preference given to names in ‘Olelo Hawaii,” the resolution states. Rhonda Burk, advocacy chair for the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association, or OHCRA, during an April 30 committee meeting told the panel that her group had officially requested that Sand Island be renamed Mauliola. She said that name “embodies values of healing, renewal and interconnectedness that resonate deeply within our paddling community.” “Renaming Sand Island to Mauliola aligns with efforts to restore traditional place names and highlights the historical and cultural significance of this location, which was historically used by Native Hawaiians and later became a site of a World War II detention camp,” Burk added. The canoe racing association was not alone in its Sand Island name-change request. In submitted written testimony to the Council, state Sen. Glenn Wakai (D, Kalihi, Mapunapuna, Airport) expressed his support for Resolution 63 as well. “Renaming the island to its original name of Mauliola is a thoughtful and appropriate action to reflect the historical and cultural significance of the area,” Wakai said. “While many know it today as Sand Island, the name Mauliola connects us to the deeper history of the island, particularly its role as a place of quarantine and the meaning behind the name itself, which refers to healing and renewal.” “Recognizing original place names in ‘Olelo Hawaii is one way we can promote awareness of and respect for Native Hawaiian culture,” he added. “It also helps preserve the unique identity of our communities and the stories tied to the land.” At the meeting, Cordero said the resolution’s effort was only “a starting base.” She also stressed that the requested name change will not affect address changes or renaming to actual streets and thoroughfares — including to well-traveled Sand Island Access Road, off North Nimitz Highway. Senators Mentioned: Senator Glenn Wakai Construction Begins on Farrington Highway Widening Project Original Article Hawaii Department of Transportation May 9, 2025 HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) today hosted a blessing and groundbreaking to mark the start of construction of the Farrington Highway Widening Project, an approximately three-mile stretch from the Kapolei Golf Course Road near the University of Hawai‘i – West O‘ahu to Old Fort Weaver Road. The widening project will expand the current two-lane road to include a new two-way turn lane, as well as bike lanes and pedestrian sidewalks on both sides from Kapolei to ‘Ewa. The scope of the project will include reconstruction of the Kaloi Stream Bridge and Honouliuli Stream Bridge, as well as construction of drainage structures and culverts; asphalt and concrete pavements; concrete curbs, gutters and sidewalks; gas, water and sewar lines; street lighting, traffic signals and landscaping. The work also will include relocation of water mains, relocation of overhead and underground electrical and telecommunications infrastructure, demolition and removal of structures, clearing, grading and pavement markings and signage. The project is designed to meet future capacity needs, while also balancing multimodal travel for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit users. The widening will support the development of affordable housing and commercial uses in the area, while also providing connections to four of the city’s Skyline stations, including the Kualakaʻi – East Kapolei, Keoneʻae – UHWO, Honouliuli – Hoʻopili, and Hoʻaeʻae, West Loch stations. The $138 million project, which was awarded to contractor Nan, Inc., is anticipated to take two years, with an estimated completion in Spring 2027. The City and County of Honolulu is committing $15 million towards construction. For more information on the Farrington Highway Widening, please see https://hidot.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Farrington-Highway-Widening-TOD-April.pdf A picture of the groundbreaking may be downloaded at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/farrington-widening-groundbreaking-scaled.jpg Please credit “Hawaii Department of Transportation” or “HDOT” if you use it. Pictured left to right is Ed Shukri, vice president of Nan Inc.; Representative Darius Kila, chair, House Transportation Committee; Ed Sniffen, director, Hawaii Department of Transportation; Senator Henry Aquino, former House Transportation Committee chair, representing Pearl City, Waipahu, West Loch Estates, Hono‘uli‘uli, Ho‘opili; and Brandi Lasconia an inspector with QRSE, HDOT’s construction management consultant. Senators Mentioned: Senator Henry J.C. Aquino Progress Report: Lawmakers Fund More Housing, Not Special Treatment for Locals Original Article Honolulu Civil Beat Jeremy Hay May 9, 2025 In 2021, Nolan Hong and his wife were trying to buy their first home on Oʻahu. They kept getting outbid with cash offers above the asking price. “It became clear that many of the buyers we were competing against were not in the same boat as us — a local family simply trying to put down roots,” the couple wrote in legislative testimony supporting the Kama’aina Homes Program bill. It was one of two bills proposed in this year’s legislative session that aimed to address the housing crisis by setting aside certain properties for residents. But lawmakers couldn’t hash out their differences, and both bills died. Instead, the Legislature passed bills meant to boost the supply of housing overall. While those bills could address the shortage behind rising home prices, they are likely to take longer — in some cases, years — to have an impact. Although advocates were disappointed by the failure of the Kama’aina Homes bill, they said the session shows that the state is making progress to increase the housing supply and bring down costs. “We’ve had a chronic housing crisis here in Hawai‘i for decades, and so we’re not going to solve it with a simple cure-all,” said Perry Arrasmith, director of policy at Housing Hawaiʻi’s Future, a group that advocates for workforce housing. “Our housing shortage is 1,001 different pieces of a constantly shifting puzzle.” Progress Report A weeklong series looking at some of the state’s most pressing issues and what lawmakers are doing to address them. Environment: Bolder Action Needed To Protect Hawaiʻi’s Environment Native Hawaiians: Help With Housing Continues To Elude The Hawaiian Community Invasive Species: Hawaiʻi Primes Itself To Battle Biosecurity Threats Education: Hawaiʻi’s Working Families Need More Support Fireworks: Hawaiʻi Fireworks Reforms Put Enforcement Onus On Police Insurance: Will Reforms Stabilize Hawaiʻi Condo Insurance Costs? Progress Report: Neighbor Islands Need More State Support On The Job Front Progress Report: A Series Of Child Abuse Deaths Failed To Spur Major Reform No Homes Reserved For Locals The bill that Hong and his wife, Jamie Yamagata, testified in favor of would have funded county programs that give homeowners or homebuyers grants in exchange for agreeing to deed restrictions that limit ownership to people who work in Hawaiʻi. A similar bill would have allocated funds so counties could provide grants to homeowners to construct accessory dwelling units — separate living quarters on the property — in exchange for deed restrictions. The bills were based on a program in the ski town of Vail, Colorado. Since 2018, about 1,000 homes have been taken off the market in Vail for people who don’t live or work there, according to the text of one bill. Advocates said the bills’ failures set back efforts to offer immediate help to residents in a state where the median single-family home price is now just over $1 million , more than half of renters pay upwards of 30% of their income in rent , and a quarter of homebuyers in the last quarter of 2024 lived elsewhere . “We missed a huge opportunity to give counties power to say, you know what, we’re going to give residents money so that right now, when they sell it or when they rent out that property, we can 100% guarantee it’s going to another resident,” said Arjuna Heim, director of housing policy at Hawaiʻi Appleseed, a social justice policy research and advocacy organization. State Sen. Stanley Chang, chair of the Senate Housing Committee, said he supports deed restrictions in theory but believes giving grants to a small number of people is an inefficient use of taxpayer money. He argued that low-interest loans would be better because as they’re paid off, that money can be used to assist others. Chang said lawmakers negotiated the terms of both bills but couldn’t get to yes before the session ended. “We got closer and closer to common ground,” he said. “We just ran out of time.” $200 Million To Lend To Developers Lawmakers appropriated $200 million to a program offering low-interest loans to developers to build affordable rental housing. That’s on top of $300 million provided three years ago. More than 2,000 below-market-value units built with the assistance of the 2022 allocation are expected to come on line this year. The fund has $186 million available for other projects, said Gordon Pang, a spokesperson with the state’s Housing Finance & Development Corporation. Under another bill that passed and that advocates lauded, the fund would also be used to encourage higher density development in neighborhoods around transit stations , like those for Honolulu’s Skyline rail system. Under the bill, counties that want the state to fund mixed-income rental housing in those neighborhoods would have to meet density standards established in the bill. It requires those projects to be approved by planning officials based on objective standards rather than by elected officials. The Legislature has not yet funded that program, said Rep. Luke Evslin, chair of the House Housing Committee, but he said he hopes it will next year. “Now we have the definition of transit-supportive density in statute, and we should over time be tying more and more funding sources to that definition,” Evslin said. Housing advocates acknowledged the impacts of the high-density development program won’t be felt for some time, but they said the bill lays the foundation to pursue such housing in urban areas. “It’s a very forward-thinking bill,” Arrasmith said. Speeding Up Project Approvals Lawmakers also passed bills that aim to break up bureaucratic logjams blamed for holding up projects. Several bills tackle delays at the state’s Historic Preservation Division, which reviews development proposals to determine their impact on historic and cultural properties. The division serves a critical purpose in a state with thousands of Native Hawaiian historic and sacred sites threatened by tourism and development. But housing advocates and developers say those reviews can slow construction because under state law, any structure older than 50 years is potentially historic. A study by the libertarian group Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi found that the Historic Preservation Division handled 2,300 projects between 2021 to 2024 and took an average of 94 days to review each one. One bill tightened the state’s definition of a historic structure , adding that it must be eligible for the state’s register of historic places. The bill also excluded certain projects from historic review, including some on existing residential property. Another bill allows the understaffed office to hire outside consultants to conduct reviews . “Obviously there are a lot of things here that need historical review,” said Ted Kefalas, director of strategic campaigns at the Grassroot Institute. But “not everything over 50 years is historical,” he said, and if the preservation division “needs a long time to look at these things, it’s OK to ask for help.” Self-Permitting Bill Weakened Another bill that aims to cut red tape would have allowed architects to sign off on building permits for certain projects themselves if a county doesn’t do so within 60 days. The bill cited a study that found it took Hawaiʻi three times as long to issue building permits than the nationwide average. Justin Tyndall, a University of Hawaiʻi economics professor who co-authored the 2022 study, said the bill had been watered down as it made its way through the Legislature. As introduced, the bill would have required counties to issue a building permit within 60 days if a project met certain conditions. By the time the bill was forwarded to the governor’s desk, it simply said that after 60 days, applicants can apply for an expedited permit that they could sign themselves if certain conditions were met — including that the building is under three stories tall and that the architect is adequately insured and absolves the county of liability. The bill “might result in shorter permitting times, which is probably helpful,” Tyndall said. But it’s “probably not a game changer.” Housing advocates across the ideological spectrum were more hopeful than Tyndall, but they said any impact of the bill would depend on whether counties embrace the process. “It’s a question of whether they play by the spirit of the law or slow-walk it,” Kefalas said. One Honolulu architect whose firm handles multi-family, affordable and workforce housing said he is concerned about the liability that might come with signing permits for the firm’s own projects. “The permitting process is so slow and onerous here, and time is money,” said Grant Chang, a principal at Lowney Architecture. “And something like this could really help. But I think we’re very cautious about it.” Last week, a similar self-certification program developed by the Honolulu City Council was launched, 18 months after it was created. The program’s start was delayed by the same staffing issues that had led to a backlog in building permits, officials said. Senators Mentioned: Senator Stanley Chang Keiki Fest Combines Education with Entertainment Original Article The Molokai Dispatch Jack Kiyonaga May 8, 2025 This year’s annual Keiki Fest was a successful mix of entertaining activities and critical information for Molokai families. Organized by the Molokai Community Action Team, the event focused on ‘ohana well-being, explained Titi Hernandez, lead organizer of Keiki Fest. “It’s for the keiki and their families,” said Hernandez. “We wanted to celebrate the keiki a little bit more as well as have a place for families to hang out.” With over 1,200 Molokai community members in attendance at the Molokai Community Health Center on April 26, Hernandez and the Molokai Community Action Team were busy ushering kids and families between information booths, games, prizes, music performances and more. The Molokai Community Action Team partners with Molokai Child Abuse Prevention Pathways to deliver critical messages and education to families at Keiki Fest. The informational booths with different Molokai services and resources serve as checkpoints for kids to earn prizes, explained Hernandez. “Nobody can get a prize until they get education,” she said. Senator Lynn DeCoite, fresh out of the senate’s final budget discussions, came out with her family to enjoy the day and present special recognitions on behalf of the senate. “This event says a lot about our community,” said DeCoite. “I think this gives us an opportunity to come out and share some of our mana’o on how we can do better for Molokai.” DeCoite presented the Molokai Community Action Team with an award from the senate for their community contributions. Additionally, Jodi Puaoi, branch manager at American Savings Bank, was recognized for her years of contributions to Keiki Fest. “This Keiki Fest wouldn’t be here without you,” said DeCoite to Puaoi as she presented her with the award. The day ended with the highlight to end all highlights – the fire trucks came and sprayed the kids with water hoses. As DeCoite put it, “the kids are happy, the parents are happy, everyone is happy.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite Free Wifi Now Offered at Molokai Airport Original Article The Molokai Dispatch May 8, 2025 Hawaii Department of Transportation News Release The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) recently announced that free Wi-Fi is now available at Molokai Airport (MKK). Service through Hawaiian Telcom began April 17 and is available throughout the terminal. The fiber optic network infrastructure was installed through HDOT’s HI Connect pilot project, which improved broadband infrastructure along roads in Kalihi, Puna, Ka‘u, Nanakuli, Wai‘anae, Makaha and Kapa‘a. The Hawaiian Telcom 1G fiber network can accommodate video streaming and downloads by multiple users. “Air travel is a necessity for Molokai residents to access medical care and other resources,” said Senator Lynn DeCoite. “Access to free internet while waiting for flights can help make these essential trips more efficient and comfortable. I appreciate HDOT working to connect Molokai Airport.” “Wi-Fi has been available at our larger, busier airports since 2018,” said Hawaii Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. “Offering this free service at Molokai Airport is part of our efforts to make meaningful, cost-effective improvements at our facilities for local travelers.” MKK travelers can connect to the network through a series of simple steps: turn on Wi-Fi; open your device’s Wi-Fi settings; make sure Wi-Fi is enabled; connect to the Airport Wi-Fi SSID; look for the official airport network name (SSID) in the list of available networks; “HI Connect Free Wi-Fi,” tap or click to connect; wait for the Captive Portal Page to open. After connecting, a browser window or pop-up should automatically appear. If it doesn’t, open a web browser like Safari, Chrome, or Edge, and go to any website. You should be redirected to the Wi-Fi login/acceptance page. Then, just accept the terms and conditions, review the terms of service and privacy policy, tap or click accept, and confirm connection. Once accepted, the captive portal will usually redirect you to a confirmation or welcome page. You can now browse the internet. Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite Hawai'i Leaders and Rams Discuss Mauicamp and Community Impact Original Article BVM Sports BVM Sportsdesk May 7, 2025 Hawai'i Governor Josh Green, State Senator Lynn DeCoite, State Representative Adrian Tam, and Rams President Kevin Demoff announced the Rams' Mauicamp in Maui, from June 16-19. Following devastating wildfires in Maui, the Rams raised significant funds for disaster relief, enhancing their partnership with the state. The event will feature player activities, youth clinics, and community service, with hopes to strengthen ties and grow the Rams' fan base in Hawai'i. Demoff hinted at future collaborations, potentially leading to more Rams events and a stadium in Hawai'i. By the Numbers The Rams raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through fundraising efforts for Maui relief. The Mauicamp will accommodate unique on-field activities over four days, including clinics for 400 local student-athletes. State of Play The Rams will host training activities at War Memorial Stadium alongside local youth clinics. Local government officials are optimistic about fostering an ongoing relationship with the Rams beyond this year's camp. What's Next The Rams and Hawai'i officials aim to explore a longer partnership, potentially leading to more events and a future stadium on the islands by 2028, coinciding with the Los Angeles Olympics. Bottom Line This partnership reflects a growing relationship between the Rams and Hawai'i, emphasizing community support and economic growth while fostering a budding football fan base in the state. Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite Hawai'i Governor Josh Green M.D., State Senator Lynn DeCoite, State Representative ... Original Article The LA Rams Wyatt Miller May 7, 2025 WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Hawai'i Governor Josh Green M.D., State Senator Lynn DeCoite, State Representative Adrian Tam and Rams President Kevin Demoff spoke with local media on Wednesday about the Rams' Mauicamp Powered by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), which will take place from Monday, June 16 to Thursday, June 19. After wildfires devastated parts of Maui in August of 2023, the Rams raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through the sale and auction of custom-made "Mālama Maui" shirts and the in-game 50/50 Raffle supporting American Red Cross relief efforts, among other fundraising endeavors. Those efforts, along with their previous relationship from hosting a preseason game in 2019, made both sides realize that "a partnership is in order," Green said. "We wanted to find a way to thank L.A. for one huge reason, which if I say nothing else today, it should be this: Mahalo," Green said. "Mahalo means thanks, and it's thanks from our heart." "Our state went through a very, very tragic and tough circumstance in 2023... And we're healing, we're growing, we're returning to a place where we can live again. But the Rams stepped up, and they ran their Mālama, which was a care campaign for us, and brought incredible resources to help us heal, reestablish the need to travel to Hawai'i, to Maui." Green said they reached out to the Rams to discuss having minicamp in Maui while staying at Fairmont Kea Lani, which will serve as "an official home of the Rams" – they accepted. On Tuesday, June 17 and Wednesday, June 18, the Rams will host on-field team activities, featuring players in workout gear at War Memorial Stadium in Wailuku. After team activities on Tuesday, the Rams will host a girls flag football and boys football clinic for 400 local student-athletes, and then players and staff will join Habitat for Humanity to assist the rebuilding of four homes in Lahaina. On Wednesday, the Rams will host a PLAY 60 Field Day for local children ages 5-12 who participate in the County of Maui's Play and Learn Sessions (PALS) Summer program on Wednesday. "It is going to be a special four days for the organization and hopefully something that the rest of the NFL really looks at celebrating as we get to the end of the offseason," said Demoff. The Tuesday on-field football session will be invite-only through HTA, while Wednesday's session will be open and free to the public through ticket sales. This agreement is currently only in place for one year, but both the Rams and the state of Hawai'i are leaving the door open for a longer relationship that will encourage more Rams events in Hawai'i. Demoff mentioned 2028, when Los Angeles will host the Olympics, as a potential opportunity for that. "We're hopeful to be able to continue it and see how it goes and where we can go from there," Demoff said. "... Governor Green and I have been talking over the past few years, we would love to see a stadium get get built there and as soon as one did, I think we would love to get back there for preseason." The damage that both Los Angeles and Hawai'i have endured from wildfires over the past few years has only fortified the connection between the Rams and The Aloha State. "At that time, we didn't know how tied together we would be by devastating wildfires when we made this announcement, but I think that strengthened the bond between our islands and Los Angeles," Green said. "It's made this an even more important event." The last time they held a preseason game in Hawai'i, it sold out within 12 hours of the announcement and became the most attended event at Aloha Stadium, beating out a Bruno Mars performance, "which was a good one to pass," Demoff said with a smile. He added that this is "a truly symbiotic relationship that we hope grows over time." DeCoite and Tam also expressed their thanks for the Rams' generosity and excitement about the partnership. "I'm excited to welcome the Los Angeles Rams to Hawai'i so we can not only foster more economic stimulus and grow our economies, but to grow a fan base for the Los Angeles Rams in Hawai'i as well so that we can continue to have them come visit us when we build our new stadium," Tam said. Added DeCoite: "There's been no team that I know of today like the LA Rams that have stepped up, have truly pushed out Aloha." Although he grew up a Steelers fan in Pittsburgh, Green said he always liked the Rams' "electric" franchise, and has come to appreciate it even more in working with the team's leadership. Bringing the team to Hawai'i recognizes both their appreciation for the Rams' generosity and the youth of Hawai'i's growing fandom and athletic aspirations. "This is our opportunity to bond with the L.A. Rams," Green said. "This is our opportunity to say, you are fantastic, you're the people we trust, and we want to have a positive impact and a generational relationship." Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite Lawmakers OK about 250 bills Original Article Honolulu Star-Advertiser Andrew Gomes and Dan Nakaso May 1, 2025 The state Legislature gave final approval to about 250 bills Wednesday during several hours of voting that included a surprise defeat of a gun-control measure. Approved bills now poised to become law pending decisions by Gov. Josh Green include measures to turn up illegal fireworks pursuit and punishment, regulate future catastrophic wildfire damage liability and fund the state government for the next two fiscal years as risks of an economic downturn loom due to federal government policies. Senate President Ron Kouchi gave the Senate an “I” letter grade for its work this year, meaning incomplete, given that he and other legislative leaders expect there will be a need to call a special session before 2026 to respond to state fiscal landscape changes stemming from federal funding cutbacks, tariffs and other things coming out of the of Trump administration. “With what is looming federally and the uncertainty, we have been trying to make the best decisions that we can without knowing if it’s going to stick,” Kouchi (D, Kauai-Niihau) said at a news conference after the Senate’s roughly four-hour floor session at the state Capitol. Because the federal fiscal year begins Oct. 1, Kouchi anticipated possibly holding a special legislative session in November. House Speaker Nadine Nakamura also is preparing for a special session, which she said could run five days, though she did not project a timetable. The state budget bill, according to House Finance Committee Chair Rep. Kyle Yamashita, is projected to leave the state general fund with a $756 million balance at the end of the next fiscal year on June 30, 2026. But Yamashita (D, Pukalani-Makawao-Ulupalakua) said this amount could change if Hawaii’s economy suffers and state tax revenue collections fall. That, in turn, could require adjustments to state spending, and could be compounded if big federal funding cuts are made to state programs. The state budget bill, House Bill 300, appropriates $19.9 billion in spending on state government operations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, including $10.6 billion from the state general fund sustained by tax revenue. One high-priority issue partly addressed in the budget is to crack down on the importation and use of illegal fireworks as part of a effort to prevent tragedies like the Jan. 1 fireworks explosion at a home in Aliamanu that killed six people and wounded dozens. State appropriations in the budget bill or other bills also include $300 million for affordable housing and $50 million for nonprofits that lose federal funding. Another bill passed Wednesday would increase and expand the state’s hotel room tax, and direct some of the additional revenue to equally pay for natural resource management, climate-related disaster mitigation and mitigating tourism impacts on the natural environment. “We know that our environment is our economy,” said Nakamura (D, Hanalei-Princeville-Kapaa). Nakamura, who became House speaker this year, gave the House an “A” grade for the quantity and quality of bills passed after almost 3,200 bills were introduced in January. “It’s been an incredible first-year experience,” she said at a news conference after the more than six-hour House floor session. “I’m really proud of what we were able to accomplish.” A few bills on Wednesday failed to pass because of flaws. One of those was Senate Bill 1396, the hotel room tax measure, though floor amendments were made so that it can receive final approval Friday, the last day of this year’s regular session. There was critical debate on a few bills Wednesday, including one to toughen Hawaii’s gun-control law. SB 401 aimed to ban the transfer, sale and importation of assault rifles, assault shotguns and .50 caliber firearms beginning Jan. 1. Instead, it was shot down by the slimmest majority of senators after an initial miscount. House and Senate negotiators agreed on a compromise draft of SB 401 Friday. Yet Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D, East and Upcountry Maui-Molokai-Lanai) on Wednesday offered a new draft on the Senate chamber floor to in part grandfather existing owners and add exemptions for subsistence hunting and invasive wildlife control. Sen. Karl Rhoads (D, Nuuanu-Downtown-Iwilei) said that approving the floor amendment would kill the bill because no matching amendment was being considered in the House. The vote to adopt the amendment, by Kouchi’s initial count, failed 13-12, meaning the existing draft of the bill could be passed. Later, however, Sen. Brenton Awa (R, Kaneohe-Laie-Mokuleia) claimed that the vote actually was 13-12 in favor of adopting the floor amendment. Kouchi, who had voted to adopt the amendment, called for everyone to repeat their vote. That confirmed Awa’s claim and triggered loud applause from more than a dozen firearms advocates in the Senate gallery. Jon Abbott, who was dressed as a colonial American Revolutionary War soldier and is a director for the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, celebrated the bill’s failure shortly afterward on the Capitol rotunda with other opponents of SB 401. One of the most emotional arguments during the House floor session centered around a bill to limit where the city can establish Oahu’s next landfill to replace Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Nanakuli, scheduled to close March 2, 2028. If signed into law by Green, HB 969 would prevent a landfill from being built over an aquifer, after the city selected a site above an aquifer northwest of Wahiawa. The city and state Department of Health both opposed HB 969, arguing that the tighter restrictions would force it to expand Waimanalo Gulch and keep it open past its closure deadline. On Wednesday, some West Oahu House members urged their colleagues to kill the bill, but were unsuccessful. Passing HB 969 would ensure that “the Nanakuli landfill will stay open,” said Rep. Darius Kila (D, Nanakuli-Maili). Children are growing up “in the shadow” of the landfill and it needs to close, Kila said. Rep. Christopher Muraoka (R, Waianae-Makaha) was much more blunt. “We don’t need the Nanakuli landfill,” he said. “We’re sick and tired of being the trash can of the island.” The bill passed the House 42-7, and 24-1 in the Senate. Another passionate yet unsuccessful plea to kill a bill took place in the Senate. This measure, SB 897, directs the state Public Utilities Commission to determine an electric utility’s monetary liability limit for catastrophic wildfire damage for which it is responsible, with the cap potentially applying to a time period that could be many years regardless of the number of wildfire disasters in the period. Hawaiian Electric is on the hook to pay $2 billion of a $4 billion settlement over damage claims from the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfire that killed 102 people and destroyed most of Lahaina. Sen. Jarrette Keohokalole urged colleagues to vote down SB 897 in part because the PUC’s role and time-based cap were added by a conference committee Friday and received no public input. Keohokalole (D, Kaneohe-Kailua) said a potential liability cap covering more than one fire is shocking. Keohokalole also said some parts of the bill are good, including allowing Hawaiian Electric to reduce financing costs to pay for wildfire mitigation. Still, he urged colleagues to do better. “What we’re doing here today is wrong, and we all know it,” he said. According to bill supporters, the PUC has more expertise than lawmakers for the task as the existing regulator for utility companies. The three-member commission assisted by staff also is to receive $500,000 via the bill to hire experts and would make decisions in a quasi-judicial process that includes public input. Any cap also would be subject to approval by Hawaii’s governor. SB 897 passed the Senate 20-5 and the House 39-10. Senators Mentioned: Senator Karl Rhoads Senator Ronald D. Kouchi Senator Lynn DeCoite Senator Jarrett Keohokalole Honolulu Dept. of Parks and Recreation seeks to increase number of city parks Original Article Star-Advertiser Jamm Aquino Apr 23, 2025 Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation is going forth with efforts to increase the number of city parks with recreational dog privileges. Currently fewer than 15% of these public spaces allow leashed or unleashed dogs. DPR is proposing a comprehensive change to parks island-wide by allowing leashed animals in more city parks, but while also looking for community feedback. (photos) Senators Mentioned: Senator Chris Lee Senator Glenn Wakai YWCA ‘Dress For Success’ program empowers local women Original Article KITV Megan Bobilin Apr 16, 2025 HONOLULU (Island News) – State and City lawmakers, Capitol staffers and community members teamed up this week with one goal, to empower women in Hawaii. With more than 90 bags filled with donations for the annual YWCA O‘ahu ‘Dress For Success’ Program, members of the Hawaii State Legislature took a step towards helping women achieve independence. The annual clothing drive includes gifts of professional attire, including dresses, blazers, accessories, shoes, handbags and brand-new undergarments. Supporting local women as they work reenter the workforce, often overcoming barriers such as poverty, homelessness or incarceration. Hawaii Representative, Gregg Takayama, who helps to organize the annual event highlighted the difference it makes in the community. "Dress for Success has transformed the lives of countless women by helping them to build confidence and prepare for new job opportunities," Takayama said. “Sometimes, all it takes is one outfit to help someone land a job and take that first step toward independence.” Senator San Buenaventura echoed that sentiment, agreeing that professional clothes can be a significant investment with the power to transform lives and therefore, the community. “The YWCA’s Dress for Success initiative goes beyond just professional attire—it represents dignity, opportunity and empowerment,” Buenaventura said. “When we invest in women, we invest in stronger families, stronger communities and a stronger future.” With pride, Buenaventura expressed support for the community initiative – all to give women the tools, confidence and support they need to thrive in the workforce. Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite Senator Donna Mercado Kim Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura Trump’s Actions Prompt Surge In Public Forums As Worries About Cutbacks Climb Original Article Honolulu Civil Beat Chad Blair Apr 6, 2025 On a muggy night in Makiki in March, as rain clouds darkened the skies above Stevenson Middle School, dozens of residents gathered inside the school’s cafeteria to learn about a more consequential storm brewing nationwide. The occasion was a town hall for the Maikiki-Punchbowl-Papakōlea neighborhoods, organized by state Sen. Carol Fukunaga and featuring two other elected officials, state Rep. Della Au Belatti and Honolulu City Councilman Tyler Dos Santos-Tam. The primary topic that evening was the draconian funding cuts that are coming out of the two-month-old administration of President Donald Trump. As Fukunaga warned in her invite to the town hall, any significant cuts may mean essential programs and services “that our communities rely on every day” could be severely impacted. Town halls are a hallmark of American democracy. Typically, they include discussions of public safety, pending legislation and neighborhood concerns. Of late, many have focused on current crises such as invasive species. But the actions of the Trump administration have raised anxiety and uncertainty to a new level. Constituents are looking to local leaders for answers — and help. Town halls are a direct way to share what local government is doing about it. For the Legislature, that includes possible special sessions the weeks of Aug. 25, Sept. 29 and Nov. 17. Those align with when Congress must approve a new federal budget agreement, which is operating on a continuing resolution until the end of September. Belatti spoke first that night, underscoring Fukunaga’s alert. Hawaiʻi and its people, she said, need to brace themselves for the harsh realities that are likely coming, especially cuts to federal entitlement programs like Medicaid and others that so many in Hawaiʻi depend on. “When we talk about what’s been happening at the federal level, and the chaos and the executive orders and saying people are going to be fired and people are going to lose their jobs over cutting grant funding — when those things come down, it affects directly our community,” she said. “And that’s the kind of thing that the three of us have been monitoring for the last three months.” “It feels like it’s been five years,” she said. Belatti, a progressive Democrat, rejected arguments from the president and his advisor, Elon Musk of the ad-hoc Department of Government Efficiency, that federal funds used locally amount to fraud, waste and abuse. She said she sees firsthand how the monies are helping people get by. “It’s actually going to communities that are doing the work that we tasked them to do,” she said, mentioning especially support for the sick and poor. Belatti choked up a little, her eyes brimming. She asked the audience to give her a second so that she could “get a little emotional, because it’s been very much a whirlwind moment in time I have never seen in my 18 years of government. “I thought Covid was bad,” Belatti said. “This is actually worse than Covid because of the chaos and uncertainty that we’re all living in.” ‘Everyone Is Hands On Deck’ Trump has been in office less than 100 days, but the speed of his executive orders and the shredding of federal agencies by DOGE have been dizzying, disorienting and unending. The biggest threat from Trump-Musk for many legislators is to Medicaid. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, citing data from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee, said in a recent press release that nearly 20% of Hawaiʻi’s population is covered under the health care program for low-income individuals and families. It can be very confusing to keep track of all that is going on. But in a small blue state like Hawaiʻi, lawmakers like Belatti, Fukunaga and Dos Santos-Tam are leveling with constituents, refusing to sugarcoat the seriousness of what they describe as an unprecedented and growing crisis. The idea of holding special sessions later this year, said Belatti, is to be able to respond to any fiscal shortfalls or needs that arise. While the state has set aside several hundred million dollars in emergency funding in the event it has to draw on the money to compensate for federal cuts to programs, the lawmakers said it may not be enough. Belatti said she is on calls with legislators all over the country, comparing votes and planning for what’s next. “That’s how critical this situation is,” she told the crowd at Stevenson Intermediate. “Everyone is hands on deck, because this is going to potentially affect communities.” At The Federal Level Town halls have not been limited to state and county offices. U.S. Reps. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda have been holding their own forums in the islands since Trump’s inauguration, some in person, some by phone, some online. For Case, it included a “talk story” in February where he said that Americans are living in dangerous times. Tokuda’s forums included one on Maui where she said many in attendance expressed fear, anger and frustration at what’s happening in D.C. Hawaiʻi has no Republican representative in Congress, and county offices are nonpartisan. At the Legislature, Senate Minority Leader Brenton Awa said he was not planning any town halls in his district about the Trump cuts. And House Minority Leader Lauren Matsumoto said nothing is planned during session for her caucus. “We are probably going to do our listening tour again this summer but not specifically about Trump,” she said. At the March 18 Makiki town hall some local issues — condo insurance, little fire ants, fireworks, schools — were on some people’s minds. But the Trump-Musk cuts dominated the remarks from the legislators. Belatti said she is worried that the Legislature has not set aside enough money in the event the state has to shoulder more of the costs of federal cuts. “We did put $200 million in the rainy day fund, ” she said. “I will tell you, that’s not going to be enough. It’s just not. The Senate is moving a grant-in-aid bill that’s going to potentially help address kind of the human, medical, health care resources, those kinds of nonprofits that are our partners. But again, I don’t know that that’s going to be enough as well.” Fukunaga also worried that monies set aside by the House and Senate to protect social services may not be enough. Her chamber recently passed the grant-in-aid bill, Senate Bill 933, which she described as a “kind of a catch-all bill” that would temporarily fund nonprofits that have lost federal funding or positions. But it’s only a temporary fix. When it comes to budget decisions, Fukunaga said she and her colleagues are “taking each day one step at a time, and at least trying to put different vehicles in place so that if there are specific emergency areas that we can respond quickly.” She said that the Legislature is in close contact with the congressional delegation and the governor and lieutenant governor. She also encouraged people in the audience to be engaged, and to donate time and money to groups in need. “This is really a time to start thinking about how we all get together so that we can mobilize our communities to survive whatever lies ahead,” she said. Anne Smoke, who lives in a condo in the Punchbowl area, said she was grateful for the Makiki town hall and for the work of her representatives in government. “I’m concerned about what’s happening,” she said in an interview after the forum. “I feel for all of them, because they are really carrying a burden. There isn’t probably a minute that goes by that they’re not watching to see what’s next.” “They’re on it — that was my impression — and they’re trying to prepare.” Concerns At County Level, Too Budget cuts will roll down to county level. Dos Santos-Tam, chair of the City and County of Honolulu’s budget committee, told the audience that 12% of Honolulu’s $4 billion budget comes from federal funds. The Department of Transportation Services, which runs Skyline and the bus system, is among the most dependent on that funding. What “keeps me up at night,” he said, are possible cuts to homeless services. “If they don’t have the staff, if they lose grant funding, there’s just not going to be people to go out and do these sorts of services,” Dos Santos-Tam said. Mayor Rick Blangiardi has set aside about $30 million for stop-gap purposes in case of federal cuts, something Dos Santos-Tam supports. “But I’m also deeply concerned that $30 million is not enough,” he said at the town hall. “What do we do after that $30 million is exhausted? We can’t just sit on our hands and let people in our community suffer, but we don’t have all the answers. We’re limited in terms of our property taxes.” Dos Santos-Tam said he was not trying to scare people, but he made clear at the town hall that constituents should be concerned about possible serious cuts to programs they depend on. Concerns about county funding extend to the neighbor islands, which also receive funding from D.C. Heather Kimball is a Hawaiʻi County Council member and president of the Hawaiʻi State Association of Counties. She and state Rep. Matthias Kusch held a town hall at Honokaʻa People’s Theatre March 30, one of several held recently by area lawmakers on the Big Island. Kimball told Civil Beat that about 10% of Hawaiʻi County’s revenue comes from intergovernmental sources that are the direct result of federal funding that passes through the state to the county. That figure currently is around $96 million, and Kimball said the county officials are concerned “about how much of that is actually going to come through, directly or indirectly.” Like Dos Santos-Tam, she said cuts would primarily strike mass transit, housing and social services. Kimball said she is not yet at a “point of panic.” “I strongly believe in the constitutional protections of a three-branch system and the role of bureaucracy, and it’s getting tested regularly,” she explained. “Let me say that optimism is tested regularly on a daily basis.” Kimball also spoke at an online briefing March 28 sponsored by the Hawaiʻi Alliance of Nonprofits, where she elaborated on her concerns about federal cuts — namely, to Medicaid. “From our standpoint, health services are primarily managed through the state, but the indirect impacts of reduction in funding and SNAP benefits, TANF benefits or other Medicaid services could have an impact on the ability of the state to pass through some critical funding to all four counties.” Kimball’s advice to the counties and nonprofits that received federal funds for Covid relief and under the Inflation Reduction Act is to make sure those monies are encumbered so that they can be used as intended. Up Next Belatti said the Makiki town hall was just one example of community engagement. Up next for her is a forum set for Wednesday evening at Waiwai Collective on University Avenue. “Our Kuleana: Fighting for Hawaiʻi’s Future,” which will focus on federal and state budget cuts, features Kai Kahele, chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees; Deb Zysman, Hawaii Children’s Action Network’s executive director; Noelani Goodyear-Ka‘opua, a UH Mānoa professor; Will White from Hawaii Appleseed; and state Rep. Tina Grandinetti. The forum will be moderated by state Rep. Ikaika Hussey. Echoing other lawmakers, he told Civil Beat the state is not only facing the likelihood of huge cuts to federal monies but also a reduced revenue stream locally. “There’s the revenue that we’re no longer getting because of the tax reforms that were just passed in the last session,” he said. “So there’s a pretty hefty amount that we need to cover.” That conversation, said Hussey, should include discussion of shifting away from depending on imports by growing the size of the local economy. Senators Mentioned: Senator Carol Fukunaga Hawaii Filipino Caucus to be honored with “Guardians of Immigrant Justice” award Original Article Hawaii News Now Annalisa Burgos Apr 5, 2025 HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Legal Clinic (TLC) is honoring immigrant rights champions at its annual benefit event this Thursday. The nonprofit provides free, quality legal services, education and advocacy to ensure justice for low-income immigrants and migrants in Hawaii. Among this year’s “Guardians of Immigrant Justice Award” honorees are the co-chairs of the Filipino Caucus of the State Legislature, state Sen. Henry Aquino and Rep. Greggor Ilagan. The lawmakers joined HNN’s Sunrise to talk about their work. Founded in 1998, the caucus has secured funding to support Hawaii’s Filipino community and other underserved groups, expanding language access and other services. This session, they worked on a number of bills to offset the negative impact of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, such as offering legal representation for those in immigration-related proceedings in immigration court, including deportation defense, asylum applications, and other migration relief processes. Due to federal funding cuts and other state priorities, none of the caucus’ proposals passed this session. Yet, they said the need is great amid increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, mass deportations, and penalizing policies that separate families. TLC Executive Director Bettina Mok said they have been working on a U Visa resolution for undocumented victims of crime to get police certification of cooperation with police, so they can eventually qualify for green card application. TLC is also honoring the late immigration attorney Clare Hanusz in memoriam. Immigration attorney Danicole Ramos will receive the inaugural Clare Hanusz Award for Emerging Leaders in Immigrant Justice. The pau hana benefit takes place on April 10 at Cafe Julia from 5-7 p.m Ticket information can be found here. Funds raised will help TLC provide free immigration legal services and advocate for fair immigration policies. Donations can be sent here. Past awardees include: 2024: UNITE HERE! Local 5, Dina Shek of Medical Legal Partnership, & Terrina Wong of Pacific Gateway Center. 2023: Amefil “Amy” Agbayani. 2022: John Robert Egan, The Honorable Mazie K. Hirono, & KNDI Radio 1270 AM. 2021: Esther Arinaga, William Hoshijo, & Patricia McManaman. Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved. Senators Mentioned: Senator Henry J.C. Aquino Auto-Enroll for the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program Clears Another Hurdle Original Article ASPPA John Lekel Apr 2, 2025 Legislation that would shift the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program from one requiring employees to opt in if they want to participate to one in which they instead would be automatically enrolled and would have to opt out if they do not want to participate has the imprimatur of a Senate committee. That’s unanimous imprimatur, actually — the Finance Committee of the Hawaii Senate recommended that SB 855 be passed without amendment in a 14-0 vote on April 1. Assistant Majority Whip Henry Aquino (D-Waipahu) introduced SB 855 on Jan. 17, a measure that would amend the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program, the program out in place to provide retirement plan coverage to private-sector employees in Hawaii whose employers don’t have a plan of their own in place. SB 855 would clarify the definition of "covered employer" under the Hawaii Retirement Savings Act by requiring that covered employers automatically enroll covered employees into the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program unless the covered employee chooses to opt out. It also would repeal the limit on the total fees and expenses that can be spent for the program each year. It also would appropriate funds to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for the development and operation of the program. Rep. Jackson Sayama (D-St. Louis Heights) introduced HB 847, the House of Representatives version of S. 855, on Jan. 23. Being Heard The Finance Committee held a public hearing on SB 855 on April 1. Kale Lopez, State Director for AARP Hawaii, in her in-person testimony, called it a “problem” that the Hawaii Retirement Savings Act, the measure that creates the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program, requires people to opt in to the program. “There’s no employer-funded program where you have your employees easily opting in if you want to help them save for retirement,” Lopez said, adding that such an approach enables employees to acknowledge that while the program makes it easy for them to save, but allows them to fall prey to the feeling that they “don’t want to.” Lopez indicated to the committee that an opt-out approach will yield better results, testifying that “across the country, the opt-out program has demonstrated at least 80% of employees who are offered the program choose to actually save.” In Writing Caroline Cadirao Director, Executive Office on Aging (EOA) — an agency that is part of the Hawaii Department of Health — quantified the possible impact of the program, testifying that it “will help about 173,000 private sector workers save money for retirement.” Like Lopez, Cadirao endorsed the opt-out approach, writing that “automatic enrollment in a retirement savings program is considered a ‘best practice’ in the industry and will enable more employees to save for their future.” She added that approach also will allow employees to make informed decisions and “make proactive choices about their financial future.” Not only does “opt-out” boost participation, suggested Gary Simon, a member of the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs (PABEA) — an appointed board that advises the EOA — it also results in higher overall contribution rates than those seen in plans for which enrollment is voluntary. “Automatic enrollment of employees into the program is critical to the feasibility of the program,” wrote Brian Taniguchi, a member of the Hawaiʻi Retirement Savings Board, the body that administers the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program. Lopez struck a similar tone, writing, “it is critical now that the proposed amendments in S.B. 855, SD1, HD1 are adopted by the legislature to ensure the success of the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program.” Small Business Concerns Taniguchi reported that in a survey Hawaii Retirement Savings Task Force conducted, many small business owners agreed that “being able to offer a voluntary, portable retirement savings program would help local small businesses attract and retain quality employees and stay competitive.” Tina Yamaki, President of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii, had a different take on the effect of the measure on small businesses. She said her organization is concerned that the change in enrollment approach could increase burdens on small businesses. “Implementing and managing such programs incurs ongoing costs for businesses, particularly challenging for those with high turnover rates, such as customer service roles. Whether managed internally or through third-party services, the financial strain is considerable, with additional expenses incurred to opt employees in and out of the program,” Yamaki said in her written testimony. Pamela Tumpap, President of the Maui Chamber of Commerce, expressed a similar view. That chamber, she said, supported the Hawaii Retirement Savings Act when the “because we understand the importance of retirement savings” and that they “greatly appreciated that the program required employees to opt in, as it reduced the burden on businesses.” But implementing and managing a program in which employees instead opt-out, she said, would incur costs on small businesses which she said “can be particularly challenging for those with high turnover rates, such as in customer service roles.” The Bottom Line “To secure their finances, retirees must have sufficient savings to cover their living expenses, inflationary costs, as well as medical or other emergencies,” wrote retired human resources manager Merle Minami-Shima, on behalf of AARP Hawaii. She continued, “Without adequate savings retirees will have no choice but to rely on others to help them with their financial needs and may even have to turn to the government to fill in the gaps. Jeff Gilbreath Executive Director Hawaiʻi Community Lending (HCL), a nonprofit community development financial institution that makes grants and loans to help local people build, buy, and save homes from foreclosure, called saving for retirement “crucial to ensure security” against emergencies. He added that it would benefit the state as a whole as well, since it would “collectively slow outmigration of our local people.” “There is an urgent need to provide a viable option for private sector workers to have access to a retirement savings plan,” wrote Taniguchi. Finding out More Previous coverage of SB 855 is available here and here . Written testimony submitted for the April 1 hearing is available here . A video of the April 1 hearing is available here . Information about SB 855 is available here . Senators Mentioned: Senator Henry J.C. Aquino Senate Committee on Ways and Means advances executive budget bill Original Article Maui Now Mar 31, 2025 The Senate Committee on Ways and Means on Monday passed House Bill 300 Senate Draft 1 , which outlines the Executive Branch state budget for the upcoming fiscal years. The bill includes funding for both the State’s operating and capital improvement budgets for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. Following the latest downward forecast from the Council on Revenues and amidst ongoing economic uncertainty, the WAM committee has adopted a budget that it says maintains essential services for the state’s most vulnerable populations and proactively expands the economy through strategic investments in emerging sectors. With potential cuts in federal funding and policy changes that could result in broader economic challenges, the Senate reports it remains committed to fostering economic resilience and advancing meaningful solutions that Hawaiʻi’s communities need to thrive. A summary of totals included in the approved budget are as follows: Operating Budget: For Fiscal Year 2025-2026 , the operating budget totals almost $10.44 billion in general funds and about $19.93 billion across all financing sources. For Fiscal Year 2026-2027 , the operating budget totals around $10.42 billion in general funds and almost $19.74 billion across all financing sources. Capital Improvement Budget: For Fiscal Year 2025-2026 , the capital improvement budget includes about $1.56 billion in general obligation bond funds and around $3.72 billion from all financing sources. For Fiscal Year 2026-2027 , the capital improvement budget includes over $339.5 million in general obligation bond funds and about $2.05 billion from all financing sources. “The Senate continues to prioritize investments that foster systems within our island home to sustain essential services, including access to food, healthcare, and housing,” said Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Senate District 17 –  portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), WAM chair. “This budget makes strategic appropriations to invest into our local regional economies to drive economic growth statewide. This wholistic approach will help to diversify our economy, create high-paying local jobs, and reverse the brain drain. Together, we can make Hawaiʻi a place where locals can live, learn, work, and play.” “In these times of uncertainty, we focused on the essentials: health and safety, compliance, infrastructure, and maintaining and modernizing state assets,” stated Sen. Sharon Y. Moriwaki (Senate District 12 – Waikīkī, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, McCully), vice-chair of WAM. “We’ve also focused on our Senate priorities of affordable housing, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and economic development and diversification including agricultural innovations.” Budget allocations in line with this year’s Senate priorities: Education and Workforce Development Add one position and $55,068 in FY26 and $110,136 in FY27 to advance financial literacy education initiatives statewide Add 2 positions and $220,272 in FY26 and FY27 for educational programming for students in residential facilities and for neglected/delinquent youth Add $1,450,000 in FY26 and FY27 to address healthcare workforce shortages in collaboration with DOE Add four positions and $947,736 in FY26 and FY27 to provide career foundations across core and emerging industries, in collaboration with the McKinley Community School for Adults and the Business Development and Support Division Add 11 positions and $1,243,212 in FY26 and $1,468,488 in FY27 to address nursing shortages statewide Add $15,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 for the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program to help improve access to quality healthcare in underserved areas Add $1,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 to establish the Aloha Intelligence Institute in UH Community College Systems to develop pathways for workforce development Add $4,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 for the Hoakea Program, in partnership with the Polynesian Voyaging Society Add $465,000 in FY26 and FY27 for differentials for Charter Schools teachers, including for hard-to-fill and Hawaiian Immersion teachers Add 58 positions and $5,027,927 in FY26 and 108 positions and $8,236,302 in FY27 for the Lieutenant Governor’s Ready Keiki initiative, which aims to expand access to pre-school statewide Housing, Homelessness, and Stabilizing Hawaiʻi’s Property Insurance Market Add $4,100,000 in FY26 and FY27 to help offenders reintegrate into society, including by providing replacement vital documents, mental health treatment services, substance abuse treatment services, and transitional housing Add $1,550,000 in FY26 and FY27 for Family Assessment Centers for homeless families with minor children Add $3,750,000 in FY26 and FY27 for Housing First Program to provide transitional housing to individuals who frequent healthcare services and the criminal justice system Add $1,750,000 in FY26 and FY27 for Homeless Outreach Services to collaborate with state agencies to transition individuals into long-term housing solutions Add $5,000,000 in FY26 to support State agencies to address homeless encampments on State lands Add $3,750,000 in FY26 and FY27 for Rapid Re-housing Program which provides supportive services to families Add $250,000 in FY26 and FY27 for State Rent Supplement Program to provide housing subsidies for low-income families Increase State Low-Income Housing revolving fund ceiling to add 2 positions and $160,478 in FY26 and $300,356 in FY27 to assist with Public Housing programs Add one position and $100,000 in FY26 and FY27 for the 99-year leasehold program, which aims to develop low-cost residential condominium units for first-time homebuyers Increase special fund ceiling by $200,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 for distribution of insurance proceeds from the Maui wildfires General Governance and Constitutional Rights Add $200,000 in FY26 and $220,000 in FY27 for IT accessibility implementation in the Office of Enterprise Technology Services, in consultation with the Disability and Communication Assess Board Increase special fund ceiling by $5,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 to expand 911 services to new and emerging technologies Add two positions and $440,000 in FY26 and FY27 to establish the Immigrant Services and Access Unit to promote economic self‑sufficiency, community inclusion, and integration Add $1,500,000 in FY26 to improve paid family and medical leave Add $250,000 in FY26 and $264,000 in FY27 for the Silver Alert Program, which helps protect vulnerable kupuna and persons with cognitive impairments or developmental disabilities Add eight positions and $5,042,937 in FY26 and $2,292,014 in FY27 to create the Explosives Enforcement Section to help stop the importation of illegal fireworks Add one position and $200,000 in FY26 and FY27 to help incorporate language access laws into disaster management plans Add six positions and $876,000 in FY26 and FY27 for the Office of Wellness and Resilience to continue Hawaiʻi’s largest statewide health survey ever, as well as the largest dataset using the Center for Disease Control’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Worker Well-being Questionnaire. Add $125,000 in FY26 for medical transportation across rural Oahu Add two positions and $612,210 in FY26 and $1,694,644 in FY27 to expand critical State services to blind and visually impaired residents of the neighbor islands Environmental Sustainability and Infrastructure Add 44 positions and $13,324,731 in both fiscal years for biosecurity Add 7.5 positions and $422,604 in in both fiscal years to operate and maintain irrigation systems statewide Add $200,000 in FY26 and FY27 to minimize the spread of rat lungworm disease Add $1,500,000 in FY26 and FY27 for overtime payments within the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Add 21 positions and $4,967,103 in FY26 and $2,002,972 in FY27 to protect the natural resources of our State Add one position and $110,000 in FY26 and FY27, and increase special fund ceiling by $5,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 to revitalize plantation-era reservoirs statewide Add $500,000 in FY26 for climate change assessments in community development districts Increase federal fund ceiling by $393,600 in FY26 and $442,800 in FY27 for three positions for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, which aims to expand high-speed internet access to Native Hawaiian households Add $15,000,000 in FY26 for fire mitigation on highways statewide Increase revolving fund ceiling by $11,591,397 in FY26 for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits Agricultural Innovation and Other Revenue Streams Add $2,058,118 for the Agribusiness Development Corporation to support local farmers, in collaboration with the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience Add $2,000,000 in FY26 to supplement the revolving fund to keep irrigation water rates affordable for local farmers Add $865,000 in FY26 and FY27 to help local entrepreneurs expand to global markets Add $4,150,000 in FY26 and FY27 for the First Lady’s Feeding Hawaiʻi Keiki initiative, in collaboration with the DOE and CTAHR Add $1,500,000 in FY26 to establish the Smart Food Program that will allow Hawaiʻi food producers and retailers to make specific food items available at discounts to SNAP recipients Add $4,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 to cement Hawaiʻi’s position as the gateway between the East and the West Add one position and $35,508 in FY26 and $71,016 in FY27 for the Hawaiʻi Film Office Add two positions and $66,888 in FY26 and $133,776 in FY27 for the Academy of Creative Media Add $126,000 in FY26 and FY27 for the Small Business Coordinator, to help ensure equal opportunity for businesses owned by veterans, Native Hawaiians, and women Add one position and $57,500 in FY26 and $115,000 in FY27 for antitrust laws and the promotion of a fair and competitive economy Budget allocations for State Departments include: Department of Agriculture Add 44 positions and $13,324,731 in both fiscal years for biosecurity Add 7.5 positions and $422,604 in in both fiscal years to operate and maintain irrigation systems statewide Add $2,000,000 in FY26 to supplement the revolving fund to keep irrigation water rates affordable for local farmers Add $100,000 and 1 Grant Writer position to capitalize on extramural funding Department of Accounting and General Services Add one position and $2,550,000 in FY26 and $4,800,000 in FY27 to expand access to Boards and Commissions meetings Add $200,000 in FY26 and $220,000 in FY27 for IT accessibility implementation in the Office of Enterprise Technology Services, in consultation with the Disability and Communication Assess Board Add $1,600,000 in FY26 and FY27 for cybersecurity risk mitigation efforts Add $310,000 in FY26 and $325,000 in FY27 for cloud backup and disaster recovery solutions Add two positions, and $1,088,500 in FY26 and $1,167,000 in FY27 to establish the Cemetery Management Office Add $126,000 in FY26 and FY27 for the Small Business Coordinator, to help ensure equal opportunity for businesses owned by veterans, Native Hawaiians, and women Add two positions and $2,115,000 in FY26 and $380,000 in FY27 for the Campaign Spending Commission to upgrade electronic voting systems Increase special fund ceiling by $5,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 to expand 911 services to new and emerging technologies Increase special fund ceiling by $200,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 for distribution of insurance proceeds from the Maui wildfires Department of the Attorney General Add two positions and $196,863 in FY26 and $271,445 in FY27 for the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission to help ensure a comprehensive offender re-entry program Add two positions and $152,767 in FY26 and $305,531 in FY27 for the Medical Fraud Unit Add one position and $57,500 in FY26 and $115,000 in FY27 for antitrust laws and the promotion of a fair and competitive economy Add one position and $57,500 in FY26 and $115,000 in FY27 to help uphold child protection laws and support the Office of Youth Services Add $3,070,000 in FY26 and FY27 to help ensure pay equity for Deputy Attorney General positions Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism Add $1,450,000 in FY26 and FY27 to address healthcare workforce shortages in collaboration with DOE Add $250,000 in FY26 and FY27 to provide career foundations in collaboration with DOE’s community schools for adults Add $865,000 in FY26 and FY27 to help local entrepreneurs expand to global markets Add $4,150,000 in FY26 and FY27 for the First Lady’s Feeding Hawaiʻi Keiki initiative, in collaboration with the DOE and CTAHR Add $4,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 to cement Hawaiʻi’s position as the gateway between the East and the West Add one position and $35,508 in FY26 and $71,016 in FY27 for the Hawaiʻi Film Office Add $500,000 in FY26 for climate change assessments in community development districts Add $2,058,118 to support local farmers, in collaboration with the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience Department of Budget and Finance Add one position and $983,500 in FY26 and $592,600 in FY27 to safeguard the State’s $24 billion assets for the Employees’ Retirement System Increase trust fund ceiling by 143,719 in FY26 and $287,438 in FY27 for one Investment Officer to help maintain post-employment benefits, including healthcare Add $1,653,691 in FY26 and FY27 to help ensure pay equity for positions within the Office of the Public Defender Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Increase special fund ceiling by:$12,000,000 to renovate the historic King Kalakaua Building $58,233 in FY26 and $116,466 in FY27 for 1 Auditor for the Public Utilities Commission to address rate payer affordability and renewable portfolio standards Department of Defense Add $230,000 in FY26 for critical telecommunications infrastructure Add $2,037,196 in FY26 and FY27 to help ensure pay equity for positions at the Youth Challenge Academy Add one position and $200,000 in FY26 and FY27 to help incorporate language access laws into disaster management plans Department of Education Add $4,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 for the Hoakea Program, in partnership with the Polynesian Voyaging Society Add $726,100 in FY26 and FY27 to make girls flag football a sport Add $63,082 in FY26 and FY27 for neighbor island student participation in JROTC competition Add two positions and $220,272 in FY26 and FY27 for educational programming for students in residential facilities and for neglected/delinquent youth Add $10,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 for skilled nursing services for individuals with disabilities Add $1,700,000 in FY26 and FY27 to increase access to mental health and well- being support systems Add four positions and $697,736 in FY26 and FY27 to provide career foundations across core and emerging industries, in collaboration with the McKinley Community School for Adults Add $4,125,000 in FY26 and FY27 for the Farm to School mandate, which aims to locally source 30% of DOE school meals by 2030 Add $500,000 in FY26 and $250,000 in FY27 for an automated handing system that utilizes radio-frequency identification for all Public Libraries Add $465,000 in FY26 and FY27 for differentials for Charter Schools teachers, including for hard-to-fill and Hawaiian Immersion teachers Add 58 positions and $5,027,927 in FY26 and 108.00 positions and $8,236,302 in FY27 for the Lieutenant Governor’s Ready Keiki initiative, which aims to expand access to pre-school statewide Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Increase federal fund ceiling by $393,600 in FY26 and $442,800 in FY27 for three positions for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, which aims to expand high-speed internet access to Native Hawaiian households Department of Human Services Add six positions and $876,000 in FY26 and FY27 for the Office of Wellness and Resilience to continue Hawaiʻi’s largest statewide health survey ever, as well as the largest dataset using the Center for Disease Control’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Worker Well-being Questionnaire. Increase special fund ceiling by $225,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 for the Hospital Sustainability Program Increase special fund ceiling by $35,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 for the Nursing Facility Sustainability ProgramThese recurring appropriations sustain public-private partnerships to provide care to the most vulnerable populations in the State Add $750,000 in FY26 and FY27 for the Child Wellness Incentive Pilot Program Add $1,500,000 in FY26 to establish the Smart Food Program that will allow Hawaiʻi food producers and retailers to make specific food items available at discounts to SNAP recipients Add two positions and $612,210 in FY26 and $1,694,644 in FY27 to expand critical State services to blind and visually impaired residents of the neighbor islands Department of Human Resources Development 1. Add $1,750,000 in FY26 to help ensure pay equity for civil service jobs across the State Department of Health Add $125,000 in FY26 for medical transportation across rural Oʻahu Add $8,600,000 in FY26 and $18,400,000 in FY27 for Medicaid home and community-based services waiver for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities Add $5,500,000 in FY26 to expand the number of psychiatric beds at the Hawaiʻi State Hospital Add $1,600,000 in FY26 and FY27 for a second medic station and ambulance on Molokaʻi Add three positions and $192,408 in FY26 and FY27 for the Senior Medicare Patrol Program to protect kupuna from medical fraud and scams Add $1,700,000 in FY26 and FY27 for reproductive health and family planning services Add $15,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 for the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program to help improve access to quality healthcare in underserved areas Department of Law Enforcement Add eight positions and $5,042,937 in FY26 and $2,292,014 in FY27 to create the Explosives Enforcement Section to help stop the importation of illegal fireworks Add $825,000 in FY26 to help prevent gun violence Add $250,000 in FY26 and FY27 for de-escalation training for law enforcement officers Add $250,000 in FY26 and $264,000 in FY27 for the Silver Alert Program, which helps protect vulnerable kupuna and persons with cognitive impairments or developmental disabilities Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Add two positions and $440,000 in FY26 and FY27 to establish the Immigrant Services and Access Unit to promote economic self‑sufficiency, community inclusion, and integration Add $1,500,000 in FY26 to improve paid family and medical leave Add two positions and $76,996 in FY26 and $130,592 in FY27 to enforce temporary disability insurance and prepaid healthcare laws Department of Land and Natural Resources Add one position and $110,000 in FY26 and FY27, and increase special fund ceiling by $5,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 to revitalize plantation-era reservoirs statewide Add $1,500,000 in FY26 and FY27 for overtime payments within the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Add 21 positions and $4,967,103 in FY26 and $2,002,972 in FY27 to protect the natural resources of our State Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Add $112,000 in FY26 and FY27 to provide trauma-informed care training for uniformed and non-uniformed staff Add $4,100,000 in FY26 and FY27 to help offenders reintegrate into society, including by providing replacement vital documents, mental health treatment services, substance abuse treatment services, and transitional housing Department of Taxation Add 338,150 in FY26 and $593,400 in FY27 for the Tax System Modernization Project Department of Transportation Add $15,000,000 in FY26 for fire mitigation on highways statewide Add $5,000,000 in FY26 to support State agencies to address homeless encampments on State lands University of Hawaiʻi Add 11 positions and $1,243,212 in FY26 and $1,468,488 in FY27 to address nursing shortages statewide Add $200,000 in FY26 and FY27 to minimize the spread of rat lungworm disease Add two positions and $66,888 in FY26 and $133,776 in FY27 for the Academy of Creative Media Add $1,000,000 in FY26 and FY27 to establish the Aloha Intelligence Institute in UH Community College Systems to develop pathways for workforce development Add two positions and $210,150 in FY26 and FY27 for Windward Community College’s Mental Health Technician Certificate of Competence Program, in collaboration with the Hawaiʻi State Hospital Senators Mentioned: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Kamānele Park marks 110 years with UH alumni support Original Article University of Hawaiʻi News UH News Mar 27, 2025 Kamānele Park, a wahi pana (sacred place) in Mānoa, celebrated its 110th anniversary on March 15, 2025, with a special ceremony. The park, located mauka of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus on University Avenue, was originally dedicated on March 15, 1915, by Queen Liliʻuokalani and Mayor John Lane. Many UH Mānoa alumni played key roles in the event and the ongoing preservation of the park. The anniversary event hosted by ʻEhiku Hanauna recreated elements of the original dedication, including a pule (prayer) in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and English by Kuʻulei Serna, a professor in UH Mānoa’s School of Teacher Education. Attendees enjoyed a cappella performance of “Hawaiʻi Ponoʻi” by Aspasia Hong and the hula “Nani Mānoa” by ʻImiloa Borland. In a symbolic tribute, 10 girls offered ʻImiloa hoʻokupu (lei offerings) to the park’s heiau rock feature, proclaiming, “I name thee, o park, Kamānele!” With deep historical ties to the community, Kamānele Park was also the site of UH Mānoa’s Lei Day celebration in 1934. UH alumni, community stewardship The event highlighted the ongoing stewardship of Kamānele Park by ʻEhiku Hanauna, a nonprofit that formally adopted the park through Honolulu’s Adopt-a-Park program. Several of its leaders, including June Rae Hee, Jackie Osumi, Hiʻilei Serna and Hōkū Serna, are UH Mānoa alumni. Sen. Carol Fukunaga recognized founding president Vanessa Distajo for the group’s contributions to preserving the heiau. UH alumni Rosanna Thurman and Catharine Thetford, leaders of OASES (Oceanic Archaeological Science Educational Services), were honored for their archaeological fieldwork and preservation plan. Cultural resource expert Keʻalohi Reppun, another UH alumna, was also recognized. Among the attendees was UH Mānoa archaeology professor James Bayman, supporting his former students. He was surprised to see Jasper Distajo, a freshman in his class, at the event. When Distajo shared that he had volunteered at the site since childhood, someone jokingly asked Bayman if extra credit was in order. Smiling, he replied, “There’s no need when said student is already earning an A.” “Kamānele Park’s anniversary celebration was a testament to the lasting connections between the local community and UH Mānoa,” said Vanessa Distajo. “Through research, cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and volunteerism, students and alumni continue to honor and safeguard this sacred place for future generations.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Carol Fukunaga Sex trafficking civil lawsuit bill advances in state Senate Original Article Maui Now Brian Perry Mar 27, 2025 A House bill that would authorize victims of sex trafficking to file civil lawsuits against their perpetrators has passed unanimously in the Senate Judiciary Committee . Now, it advances to the full Senate floor for second reading. Voting in favor in committee on Tuesday were committee Chair Karl Rhoads and Sens. Stanley Chang and Joy San Buenaventura. Two committee members were absent and excused: Vice Chair Mike Gabbard and Sen. Brenton Awa. According to a report published in 2018 by Arizona State University and the Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women, 1 out of 11 adult male residents in Hawaiʻi are “online sex shoppers.” House Bill 111 calls sex trafficking a form of modern-day slavery. “The report also estimated that there were 74,362 potential sex buyers in Hawaiʻi,” the bill says. “Moreover, Imua Alliance, a victim service provider for survivors of sex trafficking and sexual violence, estimates that 150 establishments participate in the commercial sex trade in the state, increasing the high risk for sex trafficking. In addition to allowing civil lawsuits in cases of sexual exploitation or sex trafficking, House Bill 111 would extend the statute of limitations for civil claims to 10 years. Written public testimony submitted on the bill was strongly in support of its passage. Supporters of the measure said it would support victims and make perpetrators more accountable. Sex trafficking victims suffer from complex forms of trauma that can include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, dissociation, parasuicidal behavior, and substance abuse. House Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama introduced the bill. It made its way through the House without a single “no” vote in committee or on the House floor. Senators Mentioned: Senator Karl Rhoads Senator Stanley Chang Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura THE HAWAI'I STATE SENATE ANNOUNCES CONFIRMATION OF TWO KEY LEADERS IN DEFENSE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT Original Article MyPearlCity PC Community Mar 21, 2025 The Hawaiʻi State Senate today confirmed Major General Stephen Logan as the Adjutant General for the State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense and Major Mike Lambert as the Director of the State of Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement. Senator Brandon Elefante (Senate District 16 – ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City), chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM) praised the confirmations. “I am pleased to support the confirmation of Major General Logan and Major Lambert, two highly skilled leaders who bring years of dedicated service to our state,” said Senator Elefante. “Major General Logan’s military expertise and Major Lambert’s long-standing dedication to law enforcement will be critical in advancing the safety and security of Hawaiʻi.” Major General Logan brings over 40 years of military experience, including leadership positions such as Commander of the 103rd Troop Command and Assistant Adjutant General. His expertise in disaster management and logistics was key in his unanimous confirmation as Adjutant General. “I am honored by the Senate’s confirmation,” stated Major General Logan. “As Adjutant General, my commitment is to serve Hawai‘i with integrity, dedication, and a focus on enhancing our state’s defense capabilities. I look forward to working alongside our military and community partners to ensure the safety and security of our state and its residents.” Major Lambert has spent over 20 years in law enforcement and most recently served as a major with the Honolulu Police Department (HPD). His leadership and dedication to public safety have earned him widespread support from the community. “I am deeply humbled by this confirmation and excited to take on the responsibility of leading the Department of Law Enforcement,” said Major Lambert. “My focus will be on fostering strong relationships within our communities, ensuring the safety of all residents, and upholding the highest standards of integrity and service in our law enforcement efforts.” During Friday’s Floor Session, the Senate voted unanimously in favor of confirming both leaders to their new positions. ABOUT THE HAWAIʻI STATE SENATE MAJORITY The Hawaiʻi State Senate consists of 25 members who serve staggered four-year terms. The Senate Majority consists of 22 Democrats for the 33rd Legislature, which convened on January 15, 2025. For the latest news and updates, follow the Senate Majority on Facebook , Instagram , or visit https://www.hawaiisenatemajority.com. Senators Mentioned: Senator Brandon J.C. Elefante Longtime Rep. Gene Ward Retiring From Hawaiʻi State House Original Article Honolulu Civil Beat Chad Blair Mar 21, 2025 A veteran Hawaiʻi Republican lawmaker says he will leave the Legislature at the end of the month due to health problems. Rep. Gene Ward, who represents Hawaiʻi Kai, Kalama Valley and Portlock in the state House of Representatives, will step down March 31, more than a month before the end of the current session. “As some of you are already aware, over the past few months I have experienced several health setbacks including anemia and sciatica,” Ward, 82, said in a statement. “Recently, I was diagnosed with pneumonia. The recovery from various health issues has been a slow and painful process.” Ward received praise for his service from Gov. Josh Green and House Speaker Nadine Nakamura, both Democrats, as well as House Republican Caucus Leader Lauren Matsumoto and House Minority Floor Leader Diamond Garcia. “Gene was always up for the good fight and would go the extra mile for any issue he felt strongly about,” Matsumoto said in a statement. “Honestly, he’s been such a fixture here that this session hasn’t been the same without him.” In the Democrat-controlled state Senate, meantime, Sen. Mike Gabbard read Ward’s retirement statement aloud to his colleagues during floor session Friday. Ward is a Vietnam veteran who served as a translator-interpreter, according to his official House biography . He also served in the Peace Corps in East Timor. Ward served in the House from 1990 to 1998, when he ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Congress. He served as a presidential appointee under the second Bush administration in the USAID Office of Democracy and Governance as a senior democracy adviser from 1999-2004. Ward returned to the state House in 2006. He is a former House minority leader. A holder of a Ph.D. from the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa, Ward taught at Chaminade and Hawaiʻi Pacific University as an adjunct professor. The vacancy for the District 18 seat will be filled by the governor, who will choose from three area applicants approved by Republicans in the district. Senators Mentioned: Senator Mike Gabbard Sen. Fukunaga and area legislators host community forum on federal funding cuts Original Article Maui Now Mar 18, 2025 Sen. Carol Fukunaga (Senate District 11 – Mānoa, Makiki/Punchbowl, Tantalus, and Papakōlea) is sponsoring a community forum tonight to discuss the potential impact of federal funding cuts on local services and resources, along with critical topics such as condo insurance, little fire ants, fireworks, schools and public safety. The forum is held alongside fellow area legislators Rep. Della Au Belatti (House District 26 – Makiki, Punchbowl) and Council Member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (City Council District 6 – portions of Kakaʻako, Downtown Honolulu, Chinatown, Punchbowl, Papakōlea, Pauoa Valley, Nuʻuanu, Iwilei, Liliha, ʻĀlewa Heights, Kalihi, and Kalihi Valley). “As we face potential federal funding cuts, the reality is that essential local programs and services that our communities rely on every day could be severely impacted,” said Fukunaga. Belatti pointed out that cancellation of the Local Food for Schools program would compound Hawaiʻi’s food insecurity issues and said, “This is especially true in Title I schools where school meals for low-income students might be their only reliable source of nutrition each day.” Dos Santos agreed and said, “This forum will be an opportunity to hear from residents, understand their concerns, and work together to find ways to protect the resources that support our families and neighborhoods.” Participants will also receive updates on pending legislation in the Hawaiʻi State Legislature. Todayʻs (Tuesday, March 18, 2025) forum is on Oʻahu at Stevenson Middle School Cafeteria, located at 1202 Prospect Street in Honolulu. It runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Senators Mentioned: Senator Carol Fukunaga Bill to construct more ohana units passes Senate committee Original Article Star Advertiser Mia Anzalone Mar 12, 2025 The state Senate’s Housing Committee deferred a bill Tuesday that would have paid Hawaii homeowners and homebuyers to restrict occupants to locally employed residents, instead approving a bill to promote the construction of more accessory dwelling units, commonly known as ohana units, for workforce housing. House Bill 740 would establish the Accessory Dwelling Unit Financing and Deed Restriction Program to provide funding to the counties to distribute grants to eligible homeowners or homebuyers to construct ADUs with the condition that occupants of the property, including those living in primary or secondary units, must be employed, or use to be employed, at least 30 hours per week at a local business. The amended version of HB 740 defines ADUs as a “second dwelling unit that includes its own kitchen, bedroom and bathroom facilities, and is attached or detached from the primary dwelling unit.” The Senate’s approval of the measure ended the momentum for HB 739, which would have established the Kama‘aina Homes Program allowing counties to pay homeowners or homebuyers a sum of money under the condition that the home be occupied by at least one owner-occupant or tenant who works, or used to work, at a local business for at least 30 hours a week. Sen. Stanley Chang (D, Hawaii Kai-Kahala-Diamond Head), who chairs the Senate Housing Committee, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Tuesday that HB 740 will be the “vehicle” for advancing the goals of both bills to increase the inventory of affordable workplace housing. At Tuesday’s public hearing, Chang said he appreciates the efforts to encourage more ADUs in Hawaii and wants the state to focus on the construction of new units rather than converting existing ones. “We need to shift away from a model where the state gives away money and never gets it back,” Chang said at the hearing. “The state needs to act as an investor that realizes a gain, an appreciation on the investment of its funds, which are, after all, taxpayer funds.” While both bills worked to enable the creation of more housing for the local workforce, Chang told the Star-Advertiser that HB 740 is one potential solution to creating low-cost financing for ADU construction statewide. “If the state spends a lot of money and no new housing is built, then I don’t think we’re getting any closer to solving the housing shortage,” he said. Chang noted during the hearing that similar grant programs already exist, citing Maui County’s ‘Ohana Assistance Pilot Project, which launched in July and provides grants of up to $100,000 to homeowners to design and construct attached or detached ADUs with a 10-year deed restriction to provide workforce housing. HB 740 is supported by a number of organizations, including the Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice. In written testimony the center’s director of housing policy, Arjuna Heim, said the bill addresses financial barriers to constructing ADUs, which typically cost about $250 to $350 per square foot to build. The deed restriction, which was also a feature of the deferred HB 739, is a key aspect of HB 740, according to Heim. “The deed restriction requirements ensuring occupancy by local workers, maintaining employment within the county, demonstrate a thoughtful approach to preserving housing for Hawai‘i’s working families,” Heim said in written testimony. “This helps prevent the conversion of these units to vacation rentals or investment properties and help establish a locals-only market.” Joshua Wisch, president and executive director of the nonprofit Holomua Collaborative, which focuses on making Hawaii more affordable for working families, was a staunch supporter of HB 739 and said he was disappointed the bill was deferred. “We’ll have to see what was retained in the Senate draft before we can determine any future support,” Wisch said in a statement to the Star-Advertiser. “We still believe (the Kama‘aina Homes Program) can help create a dedicated and permanent housing supply for local working families, and are already exploring ways to lift the program up at a county level, come back to the Legislature next session or find other avenues to pursue it,” he said. A 2023 report by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization found that 20% of Hawaii residents had enough income to afford a single-family home costing $875,000. Another recent study by Holomua Collaborative, which surveyed 1,500 local workers with middle- to upper-middle incomes, found that 70% of respondents said they will or might relocate to a less expensive state in the coming years, with housing costs a major issue. Twenty-seven percent said they would move out of Hawaii within the next five years. Senators Mentioned: Senator Stanley Chang Hamakua Energy Plant sold Original Article Hawaii Tribune-Herald JOHN BURNETT Mar 12, 2025 The parent company of Hawaiian Electric Co., Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., has sold the 60-megawatt Hamakua Energy Plant to a subsidiary of Harbert Management Corp. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, but HEI said the sale isn’t expected to have a material impact on company finances. The Honokaa power plant was owned by Pacific Current LLC, a subsidiary of HEI. In previous news releases, HECO has referred to Hamakua Energy as the electric company’s “largest independent power producer.” Harbert, based in Birmingham, Ala., is an investment management firm with longstanding holdings of power-generating facilities, including an ownership stake in the 208-megawatt Kalaeloa Partners LP co-generation plant on Oahu since 1997. “We believe Harbert’s depth of experience in owning and operating power plants and being a good partner with utilities, including in our state, will serve the Hamakua Energy Plant and Hawaiian Electric well in their missions to supply power for the people of Hawaii Island and support the island’s transition to an increasingly renewable energy future,” said HEI CEO Scott Seu in a statement. “This sale is a further step toward simplifying HEI’s strategy and regulatory position as we focus on our core utility business.” According to a March 3 blog entry by Henry Curtis, an environmental activist and executive director of Life of the Land, HEI — which had banking, shipping and real estate interests — has been selling off its assets and now owns only HECO, the electric utility for Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island. In an earnings announcement last month, HECO reported a net loss of $1.4 billion for 2024, partly due to being tagged with a $1.9 billion share in payouts to victims of the August 2023 Maui wildfires that killed 102 people. The power company reported a net income of $199 million in 2023. After its credit rating plummeted to junk-bond status, HECO asked legislators this session for a $1 billion fund as a hedge against future wildfire liability, to be paid for by a small fee on its customers. One measure, House Bill 982, which has passed over to the Senate, would limit amounts customers could collect in lawsuits or administrative settlements. A companion measure, Senate Bill 1201, didn’t receive a hearing from the Ways and Means committee and missed the first crossover. The utility claims it can’t pay another catastrophic wildfire settlement without the requested fund. HECO — which said in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing that it can’t afford to pay a dividend to HEI — compensated Shelee Kimura, HECO’s president and CEO, with $1.25 million in salary and bonuses in 2024. Four HECO vice presidents collected from nearly $600,000 to more than $900,000 in salary and bonuses. The Hamakua Energy Plant, which provides about a third of the Big Island’s 180-megawatt peak electricity demand, went offline in late February 2024. A Hamakua Energy spokesperson attributed the plant’s failure to “mechanical issues with our generators.” The outage occurred at the same time HECO’s Keahole generator — which, according to Hawaiian Electric’s website, contributes 77 megawatts to the grid — was on the mainland being overhauled. On March 25, 2024, the utility asked customers to reduce their power consumption through at least mid-April, a time period that included Hilo’s signature event, the weeklong Merrie Monarch Festival. Low generation capacity forced HECO to initiate forced outages known as rolling blackouts on the Big Island on Jan. 8, Feb. 13 and March 14, 2024. Three state lawmakers wrote the PUC on March 15, 2024, calling for an investigation of HECO, noting that 21,000 customers were affected by the rolling blackouts on the Big Island the previous night and another 13,000 on Oahu who lost power a week earlier. “The lack of reliability due to insufficient energy generation, HECO’s aging equipment, unreliable oil-fired power generation, and immediate and long-term solutions should be investigated,” the letter by Sens. Glenn Wakai, Jarrett Keohokalole and Lynn De Coite, all Democrats, stated. The Merrie Monarch Festival and its signature hula competition were not impacted by outages, and HECO announced a public end to the Big Island’s power shortage on April 25. In early September 2024, former owners Pacific Current announced that Hamakua Energy — which used biodiesel to generate between a quarter and a third of its Honokaa plant’s electrical power — was converting its facility to use 100% renewable fuels. The state has set a goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045. Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com. Senators Mentioned: Senator Glenn Wakai Senator Jarrett Keohokalole Senator Lynn DeCoite Hawaii senators push bipartisan bill for new state holiday Original Article Star Advertiser Andrew Gomes Mar 10, 2025 The list of annual state holidays in Hawaii could grow by one under legislation that easily passed a milestone last week. State senators voted 25-0 to approve and send to the House of Representatives a bill that would make Nov. 28 La Ku‘oko‘a, or Hawaiian Independence Day, as Hawaii’s 14th official state holiday. The Legislature in 2023 passed a bill to designate Nov. 28 as La Ku‘oko‘a to celebrate a historical recognition of the kingdom of Hawaii’s independence dating to 1843. But that measure, which became Act 11, did not make the day a state holiday. Now state lawmakers, via Senate Bill 614 , are considering elevating La Ku‘oko‘a to an official holiday. “We celebrate Fourth of July, American Independence Day, as an official state holiday,” Sen. Kurt Fevella, a Republican who introduced the bill with two Democratic colleagues, Sens. Stanley Chang and Carol Fukunaga, said in the Senate chamber preceding Tuesday’s vote. “It’s a day when 13 American colonies separated from Great Britain,” said Fevella (R, Ewa Beach-Ocean Pointe-Iroquois Point). “But why haven’t we celebrated when Hawaii became a sovereign nation as a state holiday? … Colleagues, let’s stand together for the Independence Day of our Hawaii nei.” Testimony on SB 614 has been near-unanimously supportive, with written comments from about 35 people, the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. Reese Flores, a Native Hawaiian student at the University of Hawaii, told two Senate committees during a Feb. 13 public hearing that La Ku‘oko‘a is an important part of Hawaiian history that deserves recognition. “We should be reminded that our ancestors fought and sought independence to keep our nation sovereign,” she said. On Nov. 28, 1843, Great Britain and France formally recognized, under a joint Anglo-Franco Proclamation, the kingdom of Hawaii as an independent nation — 50 years before the 1893 overthrow of the monarchy that preceded Hawaii’s 1898 annexation by the United States. The intent of SB 614 is stated to “recognize the compelling history of Hawaiian independence and memorialize the injustice of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.” According to OHA, La Ku‘oko‘a, which literally means Independence Day, was celebrated as a national public holiday under the kingdom of Hawaii and then later by a provisional government, the republic of Hawaii and the territory of Hawaii. OHA said in written testimony that La Ku‘oko‘a merits joining Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole Day, celebrated annually on March 26, and King Kamehameha I Day, observed annually on June 11, as Hawaiian cultural state holidays instituted by Hawaii lawmakers. Hawaii also observes Statehood Day as an official holiday annually on the third Friday in August to mark its 1959 admission as the country’s 50th state. Beighlee Vidinha, a Native Hawaiian student at UH, said during the Feb. 13 hearing that La Ku‘oko‘a is part of the identity of Hawaiians as sovereign people before identities as American citizens. “If we can honor Statehood Day and American Independence Day as state or federal holidays, we can honor La Ku‘oko‘a, an important indication of our independence and sovereignty as people,” she said. Kimmer Horsen testified at the same hearing to say in part that La Ku‘oko‘a as a state holiday would help educate children, newcomers and tourists about Hawaii’s history. “A bill for terminating Statehood Day would also be wise, as a suggestion,” she said. “This is a step in the right direction for true Hawaiian kingdom independence.” The only person to testify against the bill was Kenneth Conklin, a longtime opponent of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement. Conklin, in written testimony, characterized the bill as using a “182-year-old historical footnote” to give a small boost to “Hawaiian pride” at a large cost in money and undelivered government services. Luis Salaveria, director of the state Department of Budget and Finance, said in written testimony for a Feb. 28 Senate committee hearing on the bill that the loss of state labor and productivity for one day is valued at about $18.3 million from payroll expenses, including Social Security, Medicare and pension costs. Wilbert Holck, chief negotiator with the state Office of Collective Bargaining, said in written testimony that enacting a law to make La Ku‘oko‘a a state holiday would have no effect on public workers unless such a day off work were negotiated and agreed upon mutually. Nov. 28 is already a state holiday every five to six years when it aligns with Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November. That happened in 2019 and 2024, and will happen again next in 2030. Current official state holidays >> New Year’s Day >> Martin Luther King Jr. Day >> Presidents Day >> Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole Day >> Good Friday >> Memorial Day >> King Kamehameha I Day >> Independence Day >> Statehood Day >> Labor Day >> Veterans Day >> Thanksgiving Day >> Christmas Day Senators Mentioned: Senator Stanley Chang Senator Carol Fukunaga Education bill funding program that combines culture with academics, continues to advance Original Article Maui Now N/A Mar 7, 2025 Senate Bill 529 SD1 relating to education seeks to appropriate funds to expand the Hoʻākea Program, an educational initiative that integrates Hawaiian cultural practices with academic subjects to engage students and promote environmental stewardship. Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani (District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia) who chairs the Senate Committee on Education (EDU) announced the Senate’s passage of the bill as it continues on a path forward this legislative session. “Programs like Ho‘ākea create meaningful learning experiences for students that bridge culture, community, and education, fostering a deeper connection to their heritage and building a stronger sense of identity and responsibility,” said Kidani. “By incorporating traditional knowledge with modern curriculum, this initiative empowers our keiki to become the next generation of leaders.” “The impact of Ho‘ākea has truly been profound for our students, our families and our communities,” said Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) Superintendent Keith Hayashi. “Through hands-on learning stations, the mission of Hoʻākea is to inspire students to embrace the ‘Navigator Mindset’ and become the leaders, stewards, and critical thinkers that can navigate us into a better future.” According to Nainoa Thompson, Pwo Navigator and CEO of Polynesian Voyaging Society, “education is everything, it will determine our future of what we teach our children. I’ve seen the impact when there’s a bridge that’s created between the power of communities and families, and Ho‘ākea is that bridge to teachers who are the bridge to our schools.” Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom, Hui O Wa‘a Kaulua President, vocalist and songwriter, shared her strong support, writing,“using foundational values and perspectives of waʻa and ʻāina, students learn about, explore, and troubleshoot issues they experience daily – like coastal erosion, water and food security, emergency preparedness, and community resilience. Connecting place, culture, and history to core subjects like math, science, and social studies engage their natural curiosity and excitement to learn.” The bill now moves to the House for consideration. Senators Mentioned: Senator Michelle Kidani State senate moves bill to protect access to contraceptives Original Article Kauaʻi Now N/A Mar 6, 2025 The Hawai‘i State Senate passed Senate Bill 350 , which proposes an amendment to the state’s Constitution that protects individuals’ rights to access contraceptives and make decisions about their reproductive health. The bill secures that no law or state action can interfere with the ability to obtain birth control, including methods like IUDs and emergency contraceptives. “The right to contraception is essential for the well-being of our communities, and is crucial for maintaining public health in Hawai‘i,” said Sen. Karl Rhoads, chair of the Judiciary Committee. “This constitutional amendment would reinforce that our state remains a leader in protecting reproductive rights and access to contraception.” Written testimony in strong support of the bill from the American Association of University Women of Hawai‘i noted the importance of this amendment in light of recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings. American Association of University Women of Hawai‘i pointed out that while the right to contraception was upheld in Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) and Eisenstadt v. Baird (1972), the decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022) raises concerns that this right could be challenged. The testimony also emphasized support from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who stated that access to contraception is a medical necessity that is vital for the health and economic security of individuals. SB 350 SD1 with the proposed constitutional amendment now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senators Mentioned: Senator Karl Rhoads Senate bill would prohibit sales of bundled foreclosed homes at public sale Original Article Maui Now Brian Perry Mar 5, 2025 A bill relating to the public sale of foreclosed homes in the wake of natural disasters or economic crises passed third reading 25-0 in the Senate and crossed over to the state House of Representatives on Tuesday. A companion bill, House Bill 467 House Draft 1 , was referred to the House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. David Tarnas of Hawaiʻi Island, but it has not moved on from there. Senate Bill 332 Senate Draft 1 would prohibit sellers of foreclosed homes from bundling properties at a public sale. Instead, each foreclosed home would be sold separately. The legislation specifies that the sale of a foreclosed property is not final until either 15 days after the public sale; or 45 days if an eligible bidder submits a subsequent bill or written notice of intent to submit a subsequent bid. “Natural disasters and other economic crises can often lead homeowners to default on their mortgage payments, resulting in a wave of foreclosures,” the bill’s legislative finding says. “Previous foreclosure crises have resulted in the replacement of owner-occupied homes with investor-owned rentals, prolonged vacancies and unmaintained residential properties. As climate-related crises become more intense and frequent, and as housing cost burdens increase for low- to moderate-income homeowners, the Legislature believes it is necessary to ensure that foreclosed homes are not lost to second homebuyers or residential investors.” A report submitted by Judiciary Committee Chairman Karl Rhoads says that “some investors exploit foreclosure crises to purchase foreclosed properties at the expense of local families. Accordingly, this measure prohibits the bulk sale of foreclosed properties, thereby providing residents with a better chance to submit more competitive offers to purchase a foreclosed property.” Lahaina Strong submitted public testimony in favor of the bill. The bill “addresses the urgent need to protect local residents from the devastating impacts of a looming foreclosure crisis on Maui,” Lahaina Strong wrote. “With the foreclosure moratorium ending, our community is facing another wave of grief as the economic impacts of the August 8th wildfire continue to unfold. Without intervention, disaster capitalism threatens to exploit this crisis, allowing outside investors to purchase foreclosed properties and profit at the expense of local families.” “By requiring individual property auctions, local residents have a fairer chance to submit competitive offers,” the organization said. “Bundled auctions only benefit investors, shutting out families who want to rebuild and remain in their community.” “When paired with the work of community land trusts, this measure can help create a pool of permanently affordable housing for local residents and generational families in Lahaina,” Lahaina Strong said. On Feb. 21, the Maui County Council approved providing up to $5 million to the Lahaina Community Land Trust . The money would come from the County’s Managed Retreat Revolving Fund to property acquisition by the trust, giving Lahaina landowners who need to sell an option to keep wildfire-impacted lands in resident ownership and resist offers from outside investors. Makana Hicks-Goo, organizer of LIMBY (Locals In My Backyard) Hawaiʻi, also supported the bill, saying it would provide owner-occupants and local nonprofits a sort of “right of refusal,” and substantially increase the prospects for local homeownership at lower prices. Members of the LIMBY group, a hui of concerned kamaʻāina and kānaka working to help develop solutions to our state’s housing crisis, “are concerned that NIMBYism has driven up costs and driven our friends and families out by opposing all development. We are equally concerned that the apparent answer to this, YIMBYism, insists that anything resembling true affordability is impossible so instead they promote building housing that gets bought by overseas investors. We know we won’t solve our housing woes without building more, but we won’t solve them by simply building more.” “The true solution is to create a housing market for locals: one that houses locals first, is tied to local wages, and is managed in trust,” the group said. “The future for kamaʻāina and kānaka will be LIMBY or Las Vegas.” Lahaina native and certified mortgage planning specialist Tera Paleka said she lost her mortgage brokerage business in the Lahaina wildfire and supports the bill as being “crucial in protecting local families from displacement as Maui faces an impending foreclosure crisis.” “Many (Maui residents) are struggling to pay rent while worrying about their future when the foreclosure moratorium lifts,” Paleka said. “Families are being separated because landlords cannot accommodate everyone in smaller condos and homes. This additional emotional and physical stress often leads to substance abuse, domestic violence, and, in some heartbreaking cases, suicide. Hawaiʻi has been grappling with high suicide rates, and the recent events have only exacerbated this crisis.” Even before the 2023 wildfires, local families were struggling to stay afloat, she said. Now, with the foreclosure moratorium ending, wildfire survivors are at risk of losing properties that have been in their families for generations. “The disaster has compounded their grief, financial ruin and collective trauma,” Paleka said. “As someone known as the ‘Local Lender,’ who has financed many of the fire victims’ homes, I am deeply immersed in their struggles. I receive numerous calls, emails and texts filled with questions, tears and frustration from families uncertain about their future. This bill is one of the most critical measures I implore you to enact promptly.” “Without intervention, disaster capitalism will exploit this crisis, pushing local families out while outside investors profit,” she said. The bill was introduced by Senate Housing Committee Chair Stanley Chang, who represents East Honolulu. Central Maui Sen. Troy Hashimoto is vice chair of that committee. Senators Mentioned: Senator Karl Rhoads Senator Stanley Chang Senator Troy N. Hashimoto Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee highlights fireworks bills Original Article Maui Now Mar 4, 2025 The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM) chaired by Senator Brandon Elefante (Senate District 16 – ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City) has been pushing forward key bills to tackle the ongoing issue of illegal fireworks in Hawai‘i. Through these legislative efforts, lawmakers aim to reduce the dangers posed by illegal fireworks and hold accountable those responsible for illegal activity. SB 222 SD1 – relating to fireworks provides funding for the current Illegal Fireworks Task Force and extends its operation period which was scheduled to end on June 30, 2025, for another five years through June 30, 2030. It passed through the Senate last week and is now with the House. SB 227 SD1 – relating to firewor k s establishes and provides funding for the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement, which would work in tandem with the existing Illegal Fireworks Task Force. It passed Third Reading on the Senate Floor today. SB 1324 SD2 – r e l a t i n g t o f i r e w o r k s , a bill that is part of the Governor’s package with strong support from the Department of the Attorney General, aims to strengthen fireworks safety laws. It includes tougher penalties for fireworks offenses, especially if someone is injured or killed as a result. The bill introduces new criminal offenses related to illegal fireworks use, including sending or receiving fireworks by air, distributing them to people without permits, and other safety violations. It also establishes a system to handle fireworks-related infractions and allocates funding for enforcement. This bill also passed Third Reading today. “These measures are vital steps in enhancing the safety and security of our communities,” said Elefante. “By strengthening enforcement and increasing penalties for illegal fireworks, we are taking proactive action to prevent harm and protect our residents. The extension of the Illegal Fireworks Task Force and the proposed Enforcement Division will ensure that our laws are being upheld, and that those who break them face the consequences they deserve. We must continue to prioritize the safety of our people, and these bills are a key part of that commitment.” “These bills will ensure that the State and County law enforcement agencies have the resources and laws necessary to tackle this very important issue,” said Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) Director Mike Lambert. “Fireworks enforcement is critical in ensuring community safety.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Brandon J.C. Elefante Column: Make land trust, limited-profit developers for homes Original Article Star Advertiser Dale Kobayashi and Makana Hicks-Goo Mar 2, 2025 Hawaii has a housing crisis that needs no introduction. If you were born here, chances are you were born with it: mentions of our housing crisis started popping up in local papers in the 1930s. Nearly a hundred years on, we’re still trying to sort it out. These days the refrain you’re likely to hear is that it’s simply a matter of supply and demand. By which it’s always meant just supply — concerns about demand are gauche. Supply is the hot topic. Indeed our housing crisis is often described flatly as a “housing shortage.” The conventional wisdom stops here claiming that if we increase supply prices will fall. It’s true that we’ve seen the dire consequences of not building enough. In the 40 years since 1980 production has lagged and home prices (adjusting for inflation) have risen by 161%, according to Census data. But it’s hard to argue that we’ve never built enough. In the 40 years between 1940 and 1980, we built more homes than the rest of the U.S. on a per capita basis. Units per capita increased by 62%, our housing stock by 268%. The results were equally bad as when we didn’t build: home prices rose by 510%, adjusting for inflation. It seems whether we build or don’t, in Hawaii prices rise. This really shouldn’t be surprising. Everyone engaged in building homes in Hawaii benefits when prices go up, and they’re good at their job. The solution to this problem isn’t in the debate we see play out constantly between NIMBYs and YIMBYs (“not in my backyard” and “yes in my back yard”); both have had their crack at the problem. It’s instead something quite different, rooted in how property markets actually work, and our actual problems. Let’s call it LIMBY — locals in my backyard. LIMBYs know we need supply, but think it’s ridiculous to ignore the other side of pricing: demand. LIMBYs also think it’s silly to ignore how markets work and how land is priced to guarantee a return on investment determined more by Wall Street’s requirements than by local incomes. The solution that works through these tangled problems, that can better leverage public investment in housing, that can build a housing market tied to local incomes, is a land trust and limited-profit developers. Land trusts provide a ready mechanism to eliminate land speculation and thereby limit price increases. A limited-profit developer creates competition in the market to price development as a simple percentage of gross costs rather than a return on investment set by capital markets. These aren’t untested ideas. Land trusts underpin affordable housing across the globe — most notably in Vermont. Limited-profit developers are critical for housing development in Singapore and Austria. A raft of other changes are needed to shore up things now and help us build that market. State Sen. Stanley Chang has pending legislation to retool our state financing programs, which are currently giveaways to well-connected developers. Chang wants programs to direct developers toward actually affordable housing, and we agree. State Rep. Tina Grandinetti has introduced a slew of bills to make sure tenants in naturally affordable housing are protected — and they should be. State Rep. Amy Perruso and state Sen. Les Ihara have introduced legislation to study how to better create a housing market for locals, using state resources and trusts based on ideas from local developer Peter Savio. Hawaii ought to be a place where you are more likely to make it here if you were grown here. As our housing crisis has steadily gotten worse, you’re now more likely to own a home in Hawaii if you were flown here. Creating a housing market for locals is the only path forward. Senators Mentioned: Senator Stanley Chang Tia Lewis: Balance Safety And Tradition When It Comes To Fireworks Original Article Honolulu Civil Beat Tia Lewis Mar 2, 2025 The air smelled of sulfur and smoke, the streets were covered in the red shreds of firecracker casings. A thick haze blurred Waiehu, Maui, glowing with the bursts of aerials. Some legal, most not. It was New Year’s Eve in Hawai‘i, and for as long as I could remember, this was the way we welcomed the new year. As a kid, I’d sit on the driveway with my family, lighting fountains and bright spinning flowers while Maoli played on the speaker. The crackling pops echoing down the street. Uncles would set off the more “giant” fireworks in the backyard, while my cousins and I lit sparklers from Walmart. The chaos, the noise, the smell, it was all part of the tradition. This New Year’s Eve, celebrations took a dark turn when the terrible explosion in Salt Lake left six people dead and many seriously injured. This reignited the debate over Hawai‘i’s long-standing love affair with fireworks. The question now isn’t whether something needs to change, it’s how we can balance safety with tradition. Because for many of us, New Year’s Eve just wouldn’t be the same without fireworks. “For those that have grown up here, we’ve seen how fireworks has sort of become a part of tradition and culture,” says Sen. Brandon Elefante, who chairs the Public Safety Committee. “In this day and age, fireworks has gotten out of hand and out of control, especially with illegal fireworks, to a point where people have lost their lives or have been seriously injured.” So, how can lawmakers crack down on illegal fireworks while preserving a tradition deeply woven into Hawai‘i’s culture? Enforcement remains the biggest obstacle. Law enforcement officials argue that current regulations are nearly impossible to uphold, as illegal aerials continue to flood in through shipping containers. While an outright ban was initially considered, legislators backed off, instead shifting their focus to stricter penalties and port inspections. Senate Bill 1226 proposes a shipping container inspection program to stop illegal fireworks at the source. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 999 increases fines for minor offenses and Senate Bill 302 protects the use of fireworks for cultural purposes but requires a permit for that use. With such widespread participation, acquiring a permit would likely be a challenge, especially with a cap on how many permits can be issued per person. The demand would far outweigh the supply, leaving many unable to obtain legal access to fireworks. Even so, no matter how strict the laws become, people will find a way to pop fireworks, whether through secret underground purchases or simply ignoring enforcement efforts. The balance between safety and tradition remains delicate and the idea of a silent New Year’s Eve feels unimaginable. Fireworks are more than just noise and light, they symbolize renewal, a way to cast out bad luck and welcome a fresh start. It’s an act of community bonding, a connection to heritage and a part of our local culture here in Hawai’i. Growing up in Waiehu, fireworks were an essential part of my New Year’s Eve. As someone of Chinese and Filipino heritage, my family has always embraced the belief that fireworks ward off evil spirits, ensuring a fresh start to the new year. The deafening cracks of firecrackers and sparkly bursts of aerials were more of a tradition for my family, rooted in cultural superstition and the hope for prosperity, protection and good fortune. Alongside the loud pops coming from neighboring streets, there was always an unspoken awareness of the risks. We all knew someone who had burned their fingers lighting a firework too soon or had a close call with an unexpected explosion. Reflecting back, it is almost like we turned a cold shoulder to the news reports of homes catching fire, pets running away in fear and all the injuries. We thought we were invincible. I was a very anxious kid when it came to fire and lighters; I was always hesitant to light fireworks myself. However, my aunties who were firm believers in the tradition always found a way to persuade me, reminding me that lighting at least one firework would bring me good luck for the new year. Instead of a lighter, I’d use a green mosquito repellent coil, my own little compromise between fear and tradition. Despite my initial hesitation, there was always that thrill in finally lighting the fuse and quickly stepping back, watching as the sparks traveled down before erupting into a burst of color. In that moment, fear gave way to excitement, and I felt a sense of connection to the generations before me who had upheld this tradition. New Year’s Eve nights carry the sound of laughter and cheers with a lingering scent of smoke. This night is so important to many of us. It reminds us that this is the one night the entire island is united in celebration, bound by culture, superstition and the unshakable belief that the new year should begin with a bang. Yet it is still so important to recognize the responsibility that comes with the use of fireworks. Following the rules and using fireworks responsibly ensures that this tradition can continue without causing harm. By finding a balance between celebration and safety, we can preserve what makes these moments of the New Year so special while respecting the well-being and safety of our communities. Senators Mentioned: Senator Brandon J.C. Elefante Sen. DeCoite Honored by Friends of the Library of Hawaii Original Article The Molokai Dispatch The Molokai Dispatch Staff Feb 27, 2025 Last week, Hawaii Senator Lynn DeCoite was honored as the 2024 Legislator of the Year by the Friends of the Library of Hawaii (FLH) with their Mahalo Award. “Mahalo Sen. DeCoite for all that you do to support libraries and literacy, especially your work to promote the ‘Ohana Readers program,” shared FLH in a social media post. The Mahalo Award by FLH is presented to a Hawaii State Legislator who has shown considerable support for the Hawaii state public libraries in the previous year and throughout their career. “I am truly humbled and honored to be named the 2024 Legislator of the Year by FLH. It’s a privilege to continue supporting our public libraries, and I look forward to all the exciting possibilities ahead for our community,” shared DeCoite on social media. In honor of the award, copies of DeCoite’s favorite book, Curious George, will be donated to the Molokai Public Library and Hawaii State Library. Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite Hawaii lawmakers prepare to replenish lost federal funds Original Article Hawaii News Now Daryl Huff Feb 26, 2025 HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The layoffs of nearly 150 fire survivors on Maui may just be the beginning of the end of federal funding for scores of Hawaii nonprofits. Now lawmakers are laying the groundwork to protect the state safety net. Because the state treasury is in relatively good shape, lawmakers are looking into whether they can fill in where the federal government has backed off. More than 200 nonprofits in Hawaii provide direct service to poor, elderly, disabled and disadvantaged communities with federal funds in the hundreds of millions of dollars. So far, only a handful have been directly impacted by Trump administration freezes, but at a hearing Wednesday, senators began planning for a worst-case scenario for essential nonprofits. Ways and Means Chair Donovan Dela Cruz described the kinds of agencies that might qualify “as providing crucial, programmatic aid and outreach in the health and services sector.” Dela Cruz told Hawaii News Now that the bill is a vehicle for a difficult process. “We’re going to have to prioritize,” he said, “because there’s only so much money to go around.” Because it could take months before it’s clear where the cuts have fallen, Dela Cruz wants to be prepared in case the governor has to call lawmakers into an emergency session. “What the bill does is at least it gives us some options to hopefully strategically respond to the cuts at some point,” Dela Cruz said. For many on Maui, that time has come after 27 agencies and nearly 150 jobs were cut after money from a federal Department of Labor grant ran out. The state says it’s looking for funds to replenish the agencies. But Sen. Troy Hashimoto, D-Wailuku, Kahului, Waihee, Waikapu Mauka, Waiehu, said this is an emergency that qualifies for emergency funding. “I think we as a state need to step up,” he said. “I think we will have to work with the governor’s office to see what state resources we can immediately allocate.” The biggest dilemma for lawmakers is that if they step up with state money, they have no idea how deep the Trump budget cuts will go or how long they will last. Hashimoto is a veteran of budget battles at the Capitol, so he is not suggesting this will be an easy or automatic decision. “What becomes the priority, you know? Because we have our state programs that we have to continue,” he said. “Can we pick up all the federal programs?” Senators Mentioned: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Senator Troy N. Hashimoto Housing, clean energy bills pass key Hawaii legislative committee Original Article Star Advertiser Dan Nakaso Feb 26, 2025 The critical state Senate Ways and Means Committee has moved out four bills on the eve of next week’s deadline to keep bills alive, including one that would provide more state funding to improve and upgrade low-income housing projects. Collectively, the four bills that passed the Senate’s finance committee would address some of Hawaii’s “most urgent needs during this legislative session,” Ways and Means Chair Donovan Dela Cruz (D, Mililani-Wahiawa-Whitmore Village) said in a statement. “Through these measures, we are investing in Hawai‘i’s future by building a more resilient, self-sustaining economy and a higher quality of life for our residents,” Dela Cruz said. Legislators in both the House and Senate are working to move out bills ahead of the March 6 deadline to send bills that originate in the House or Senate to the opposite chamber and keep them alive this session — or essentially kill them by the “crossover” deadline. The bills that passed out of WAM this week are: >> The latest version of SB 65, which would fund repair and maintenance needs for residents in low-income housing projects. The upgrades are just one part of the state’s overall strategy to provide affordable housing for virtually all income levels to help make Hawaii more affordable and stem the exodus of residents leaving for states with lower housing costs. Hawaii needs an estimated 50,000 additional affordable housing units. >> The latest version of SB 125, which would create tax incentives for local farmers and businesses that process local farm products, to help them compete with outside markets. >> The latest version of SB 448, which would help maintain agriculture lands involved in food production, especially in Central Oahu. It would allow the state Agribusiness Development Corp. to preserve the lands for food production. >> The latest version of SB 1269, which would provide funding to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to look at geothermal energy potential in the neighbor islands — particularly Hawaii island, home to the Puna Geothermal Venture, which generates power from geothermal gas from Kilauea Volcano. Exploring more geothermal energy opportunities would be part of Hawaii’s larger effort to find clean, reliable and cost-effective energy and reach its net-zero carbon emissions goal while providing more affordable power. DBEDT Director James Tokioka said in written support of SB 1260 that “Hawaii’s heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels has historically resulted in some of the highest electricity costs in the nation. “Increasing our geothermal capacity presents a strategic opportunity to enhance grid reliability, reduce dependency on volatile global oil markets, and provide cost-effective energy solutions that benefit both businesses and consumers.” Geothermal energy also has the potential to expand a tech industry that, Tokioka said, could spur “future economic growth, particularly in sectors such as advanced manufacturing and data centers. These industries depend on reliable and affordable electricity to remain competitive. Without a stable energy supply, Hawaii risks losing out on investment opportunities that could otherwise diversify our economy, create high paying jobs, and foster technological innovation.” But Keoni Shizuma opposes expanding geothermal technology. He and others submitted identically worded testimony in opposition that said: “Unlike wind, solar, or wave energy generation, geothermal requires permanent damage and desecration to the environment. The drilling into the ‘aina, once done, can’t be undone. “In Hawaiian culture, the surface of the ground is sometimes seen as a body form of our goddess Papahanaumoku. To drill into the ground would be to desecrate parts of her, while if wind, solar, or even wave energy generation was pursued, all the structures would be temporary and merely sit on the surface (or in the ocean). “I would request that out of respect for Hawaiian cultural values and beliefs, Hawaii not pursue geothermal energy generation. We live in the perfect environment for innovations in renewable energy technology. Let Hawaii become a leader in new techniques and technologies in this field, push forth the field at University of Hawaii, and learn from international leaders of energy technology.” Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda said in his written testimony that the Big Island’s early geothermal efforts have “not yet translated into tangible economic outcomes. Now is the time to take the next step, to see if these resources can be developed to power our economy and benefit our communities.” The bill would ensure safeguards for construction of a future geothermal power plant, Alameda wrote. “This roadmap is designed with clear, measurable benchmarks so that legislators can easily assess whether or not the project is on track. If the benchmarks are met, it will demonstrate that this is a wise investment for the state, with the potential for significant returns in the form of reliable, renewable energy. If the benchmarks are not met, the legislature will have the clarity to redirect funds and efforts elsewhere. This approach ensures that we only continue to invest in geothermal if it proves to be a commercially viable and sustainable solution for Hawaii’s energy future.” The latest version of SB 65 has received no written opposition. Its House companion, House Bill 907, has not been scheduled for a hearing and appears unlikely to cross over to the Senate. In written testimony in support of SB 65, Hakim Ouansafi — executive director of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority — wrote, “The age of Hawaii’s public housing inventory presents significant challenges” to house people that include families that earn less than 30% of the area median income, people with disabilities and kupuna. “Many properties were constructed over 50 years ago and require extensive updates to remain safe and habitable, and the HPHA faces a capital needs backlog of approximately $720 million,” Ouansafi wrote. “Additional funding is urgently needed to address this backlog and to ensure public housing units remain safe, decent and sanitary and available to those who need them most. As the HPHA relies on federal funding for approximately 90% of its operations, and as this funding is tied to unit occupancy, the rehabilitation of vacant units is critical to maximizing federal support. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not subsidize vacant units, and HPHA’s administrative fees to pay staff are also tied to occupancy, compounding the urgency of this work.” Catholic Charities Hawaii wrote in support of increased funding, in part because it will make affordable units available “to house homeless persons and many elders who face homelessness. The HPHA offers the most affordable housing available to the community. Tenants pay only 30% of their incomes for rent. This makes these units affordable even to homeless persons, seniors struggling with limited income, and very low-income families. However, many units cannot be occupied due to health and safety issues in the units. These units must be brought into shape ASAP to house our state’s residents with extremely limited incomes. “These units are ‘low hanging fruit’ that should be immediately repaired to add them to our inventory of safe and decent housing,” Catholic Charities wrote. “These units do not need to wait years for permits or construction. Legislative funding could make them available very fast compared with funding for new construction.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Senate committee advances key bills on housing, agriculture, businesses and energy Original Article Maui Now Feb 25, 2025 The Senate Committee on Ways and Means, led by State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, passed several key bills this week aimed at tackling housing shortages, supporting local businesses, and advancing sustainability in Hawai‘i. “We’re continuing to take proactive steps in addressing some of Hawai‘i’s most urgent needs during this legislative session,” Dela Cruz said. “Through these measures, we are investing in Hawai‘i’s future by building a more resilient, self-sustaining economy and a higher quality of life for our residents.” The following bills were passed out of the WAM Committee this week: SB 65 SD2: Relating to housing – This bill addresses the repair and maintenance needs for Hawai‘i’s public housing units used by some of the state’s most vulnerable populations. As the Senate continues to prioritize the availability of housing, bringing existing housing inventory back online is critical to addressing the housing shortage. SB 125 SD1: Relating to State Enterprise Zones – Enterprise zones create tax incentives that can be used to provide local small businesses with incentives to develop and scale their operations. This bill helps local farmers and businesses that process local farm products stay competitive in both local and global markets. SB 448 SD1: Relating to Agriculture – Maintaining O‘ahu’s agricultural lands in production is vital for food resilience and security, especially in Central O‘ahu’s remaining agricultural heartland. This measure enables the Agribusiness Development Corporation to preserve these lands by ensuring they remain productive through a negotiated conservation easement. SB 1269 SD1: Geothermal resources – This bill allocates funds to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to explore geothermal energy in counties with less than 300,000 residents. The goal is to use this clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy source to help the state reach net-zero carbon emissions, while still providing affordable power for homes and businesses. Senators Mentioned: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz 'Akamai Arrival' takes off: Ag declaration form goes digital Original Article KHON2 Jill Kuramoto Feb 24, 2025 HONOLULU (KHON2) — Traveling to Hawaiʻi is about to get a high-tech upgrade. A new pilot program aims to ditch the pen and paper currently used to declare plants and animals. For years, travelers to Hawaiʻi have been required to fill out a paper declaration form, listing any live plants or animals they’re bringing to the state, with the goal of protecting the islands’ delicate ecosystem. “These creatures, which are very scary, especially this one, should not be coming into Hawaiʻi,” said Gov. Josh Green while pointing to a tarantula in a tank next to him. Now the paper ag declaration form is getting an overhaul, making fumbling for a pen at 35,000 feet no more. “We all know the best time to let a passenger know what not to bring into the state is before they get on the plane. Not when they’re scurrying through their baggage to look for a pencil and then, oops, I got a ferret. Oops, I brought in live plants,” said Sen. Glenn Wakai, chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs. Beginning March 1, select flights on most domestic airlines that fly to Hawaiʻi will participate in the three month long pilot program. “Akamai Arrival” has the same questions as the paper form and will be accessible on both laptops and smartphones. Travelers will fill out the form electronically before landing. State Department of Agriculture inspectors will review the manifest compared to the number of completed declaration forms and similar to the paper form, the data will be deleted. “It’s going to be helpful for our state, but most importantly, it’s our biosecurity weapon,” Green said. Some passengers, like Cheryl Engle from Michigan, welcome the change. “It was a little bit of a pain, we didn’t have a pen on us. We didn’t have anything to write on,” Engle said. The state says it’s hoping the digital form will also help increase compliance, which currently is around a 60% completion rate. As for the effectiveness of the declaration form in stopping invasive species, the Department of Agriculture says about 75% of all flights coming in have something to declare, but it’s not easy to catch everything sneaking into the islands. “We’re getting those types of animals maybe one or two a year. I would say regulated goods, things that require permits or treatments beforehand, you’re probably getting one per day,” said Jonathan Ho, HDOA Branch Manager. Wakai says he hopes to use the approximately $800,000 saved from going paperless to buy ag sniffing dogs to do more to keep invasive species out of the islands. “Zero. Not one person in 79 years has ever been prosecuted. What does that tell you? It tells you that the ag form is really not keeping bad things out of our community,” Wakai said. For now, the state says they eventually plan to add more languages to the form and the valuable tourism survey will be included. For more information, visit the Akamai Arrival website . Senators Mentioned: Senator Glenn Wakai State leaders announce digitization of Plants and Animals Declaration Form Original Article Maui Now Feb 24, 2025 State leaders today announced the launch of “Akamai Arrival,” a pilot program that will digitize Hawaiʻi’s Plants and Animals Declaration Form, streamlining the process for travelers arriving in the islands. The initiative, authorized under Act 196 (2024), marks a significant step toward modernizing Hawaiʻi’s biosecurity efforts, by improving form completion rates and strengthening protections against invasive species. Beginning March 1, 2025, the pilot program under the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) will roll out on select domestic flights in partnership with major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. Participating airlines will integrate the digital form into their arrival processes, giving passengers a more efficient way to submit required agricultural declarations before landing in Hawaiʻi. “Protecting Hawaiʻi’s unique environment from invasive species is critical to our way of life, our economy, and our future. The ‘Akamai Arrival’ program is a forward-thinking approach that modernizes our biosecurity efforts while making it easier for travelers to comply with our agricultural protections. This initiative is another step toward preserving our islands for generations to come,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D. This concerted effort to modernize and adapt technology is an important step to further protect Hawaiʻi’s natural heritage. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, together with legislators, HDOA, airline partners, and stakeholders, developed the digital agriculture form pilot program. “This is what government should be doing — utilizing technology to improve our state processes and better serve the public. Every one of us, whether coming home or traveling to Hawaiʻi, is very familiar with filling out the paper agriculture form. By digitizing this form, we’re making compliance easier for travelers while using technology to protect what makes Hawaiʻi so special,” said Luke. Airlines participating in the pilot have discretion over flight selection and implementation methods. The ʻAkamai Arrival’ website will serve as a hub for passengers, providing access to the digital form, flight information and an FAQ page to assist travelers. “US airlines play a critical role in connecting travelers to Hawaiʻi, and the transition from paper to digital agriculture declaration forms is a significant step toward modernizing the travel experience. We’re proud to support the Akamai Arrival program, making the arrival process more seamless and efficient for travelers,” said Sean Williams, Airlines for America vice president of State and Local Government Affairs. “The Department of Agriculture has been addicted to paper for nearly 60 years. Five years ago, I advocated for the digitization of the declaration form, but was met with resistance. Lawmakers had to pass a law last year to encourage the migration from paper to an app,” said Sen. Glenn Wakai, who chairs the Senate Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs. “The ʻAkamai Arrival’ program will inform passengers about what’s not acceptable to bring to Hawaiʻi BEFORE they board the plane, rather than when they’re scrambling for a pen over the Pacific.” “Enhancing our state’s biosecurity efforts and protecting our islands from invasive species requires modern solutions, and the implementation of a digital form is long overdue,” said Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa, chair of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems. “I appreciate the collaboration among stakeholders to streamline the screening process and strengthen our state’s ability to ensure safe arrivals.” The pilot program will run from March 1 through May 31, 2025. Monthly progress updates will be shared with participating airlines and data collected will help determine potential expansions of the program in the future. For more information about the digital declaration form and the Akamai Arrival initiative, visit: https://akamaiarrival.hawaii.gov/ Senators Mentioned: Senator Glenn Wakai Half Of Hawaiʻi Inmates Leave Prison Without The IDs They Need To Start Over Original Article Honolulu Civil Beat Caitlin Thompson Feb 24, 2025 Simoné Nanilei Kamaunu left prison in 2022 with a $500 check and no way to cash it. She’d lost her social security card before she was locked up, her driving permit had expired and her prison identification card didn’t count for anything outside of the Women’s Community Correctional Center. Without a state ID, she couldn’t open a bank account to deposit the money she had gotten from a nonprofit for completing her GED while incarcerated for 16 months years for a parole violation. “It’s been super hard because I’ve gotten out with nothing, no social security card, no nothing,” she said. “I had to hit the ground running and hustle myself.” The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is supposed to help incarcerated people obtain identification. But more than seven years after the state Legislature passed a law requiring that it do so, the number of people leaving prisons with the documents they need to function in society has barely budged. Almost half of people released from Hawaiʻi’s state prisons between November 2023 and October 2024 did not have a valid state ID, according to data the corrections department reported to the Legislature. About 95% of people released from jail during that same period did not have one. Tommy Johnson, the department’s director, says the inmates are partly to blame. “It’s not from our lack of trying; you can’t make them fill out the documents for a card,” Johnson told Civil Beat. “A lot of the folks don’t want to provide that information to us.” Johnson also noted that the numbers may be inaccurate because people might not have had their IDs with them when they were arrested, and those documents are being held for them by someone on the outside. He also cited challenges coordinating with other government agencies and obtaining the equipment necessary to collect inmates’ photos and signatures for their IDs. It took Kamaunu about three months after her release to get the identification she needed to cash her $500 check, just in time to buy Christmas presents for her baby. “The prison system,” said Kamaunu, “is setting us up to fail.” The slow implementation of the law means that every year hundreds of people are being released without the identification they need to find work, secure housing or open a bank account. More than a dozen states have laws requiring corrections agencies to help inmates obtain identification prior to release. Hawaiʻi’s 2017 law requires the corrections department to inform people in prisons and jails that they can receive help getting identification documents while behind bars, including a state ID, birth certificate and social security card. Corrections staff ask during intake and assessment whether they would like that assistance, Johnson said. But implementation has been full of false starts , stymied by slow-moving conversations between government agencies and a drawn-out process to acquire equipment. It took several years for the corrections department to work set up a game plan and sign the necessary agreements with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Customer Service and the Social Security Administration, said Johnson. Hawaiʻi requires that people apply in person for a driver’s license or state ID — and that’s a big problem for prisoners. It wasn’t until June 2022 — more than four years after the law went into effect — that Halawa Correctional Facility became the first prison to process inmates’ applications for state IDs with a machine on site. In the first year and a half after that machine was installed, the department helped 150 people get IDs, according to a report that the corrections department sent to the Legislature in December 2023. Since then, the agency also has released more than 750 people from all the state prisons without one, according to data that the department sent to lawmakers in 2023 and 2024. In 2022, the Legislature appropriated $100,000 to put ID machines in four other correctional facilities. So far, none have been purchased. Inmates at prisons other than Halawa Correctional Facility can’t get their IDs until they are released or go on furlough, at which point they can leave the facility to go to a DMV appointment. Johnson said the department hasn’t been able to buy the machines for the past few years because it had to wait for The Department of Customer Services’ Division of Motor Vehicles to upgrade its system. “The satellite machines we purchase have to be the exact same with the same specifications as the city and county so the machines can talk to each other for processing ID cards,” he said. Until then, Johnson said the department is helping people get other documents like a birth certificate or social security card, which they’ll need to apply for an ID once they’re released. But there’s been a delay in getting people social security cards too. More than half of the people who left prisons between November 2022 and October 2024 didn’t have one, according to data presented to the Legislature. It wasn’t until early last year that the corrections department signed an agreement with the Social Security Administration to help incarcerated people get social security cards. Johnson attributed the slow process to “hiccups” dealing with the federal agency that lasted two and a half years. The local office was closed during the pandemic and faced a long backlog of work when it reopened, allowing inmates to start getting cards last fall. Tsofit Ohayon entered the Women’s Community Corrections Center with nothing — no driver’s license, no social security card, no documents to prove that, despite being born in Israel, she’s an American citizen. Ohayon knew it would be complicated to get those documents, and she soon realized she wasn’t going to get enough help while she was incarcerated for credit card theft and related charges in 2020. Despite her best efforts, she wasn’t able to get her proof of citizenship until she was on furlough. That set back her timeline for getting other documents that she needed. She wanted to tutor students in math at the community college where she’s now getting an engineering degree. But until she got her ID, she wasn’t able to work. “I was very irritated because I knew that I was going to come out exactly in the same predicament as I went in,” said Ohayon. “I’m going to have to figure out a way to move mountains to get these people to do anything.” Johnson said that part of the reason people leave prison without an ID card is because it takes a long time to get all the necessary supporting documents, like a birth certificate or social security card, especially if they’re starting from scratch. “This process takes months and months,” he said. That means some people start applications while in prison but don’t actually get their IDs until they leave. A proposed bill in the Legislature is meant to address that problem. Senate Bill 224 — introduced by 10 lawmakers including Senators Brandon Elefante, Henry Aquino and Stanley Chang — would launch the process of getting vital documents earlier in a person’s incarceration. The current law requires the agency to start the application when someone is a year or less out from their release. Senate Bill 224 requires that the department begin working on obtaining inmates’ identification as soon as possible. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supports the legislation, but Johnson said his staff is already doing this in the state prisons. However, he said starting earlier in jails won’t make much of a difference, since most people are there for weeks, rather than years. That isn’t sufficient time, according to Johnson. “It’s a really tough nut to crack to try to get them ID cards,” he said. “There’s very little we can do with respect to trying to get it. We can get the application in, and then we need a forwarding address where to send the document when it comes in.” For people who have been incarcerated, the situation remains frustrating. “Why even pass a law if you guys aren’t following it?” said Kamaunu. “You expect us to have integrity and be on it, but … what kind of example are you leading by?” Senators Mentioned: Senator Brandon J.C. Elefante Senator Henry J.C. Aquino Senator Stanley Chang No more pen hunting for Hawaii Agriculture forms on planes, state welcomes digital age Original Article KITV Kimber Collins Feb 24, 2025 HONOLULU (Island News) -- The physical State of Hawaii Agriculture Declaration forms are being grounded, and now boarding is Akamai Arrival . The new web-based system launched by the state on Monday is aimed to ease the process for incoming travelers. “Came back on a flight yesterday, received the obligatory form and waited until the personnel on the plane said the usual, 'The state of Hawaii makes you fill out this form, but they do not give us pencils, so it’s on you,'" said Hawaii Governor Josh Green. "And everyone looks around and they see me sitting there saying 'where’s my pencil? Why do I have to fill out this form?'” "Yeah we had to fill them out but no one seemed to have a pen so it was a scramble," said Philip Caparso, Visiting from New Hampshire. The online form is the same process as the physical, where you select any produce or animals you have with you, or select none of the above. But now it can be filled out days in advance. “The best time to let a passenger know what not to bring into the state is before they get on the plane," said Senator Glenn Wakai, (D) Kalihi-Salt Lake-Foster Village . "Not when they are scurrying through their bags looking for a pencil and then ‘Oops I have a ferret. Oops I brought in live plants.’” The Department of Agriculture said about 60% of inbound travelers are filling out the physical form. For the sake of Hawaii's diverse ecosystem, state leaders say we need to do better. “Biosecurity is critical to the bedrock of sustainability," said Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa, (D) Kona, Kailua to Hōnaunau. "Our farmers have experienced devastation for nearly 20 years especially on Hawaii island. We really need to address biosecurity threats.” If you are worried about the digital age taking jobs, the state says that will not happen. Instead, having flight info come in before the wheels touch down will be a game changer for the agriculture staff. “You’re doing it as the flight comes out so you are kind of racing the passengers to an extent," said Jonathan Ho, HDOA PQB Chief. "Now you're building time, you can plan and better utilize the limited staff that we have.” The program starts Saturday, March 1 for only 40 select flights each day. The state will review the progress after May 31 and decide to let the program take-off full time, or depart in a new direction. The flights on the pilot program will only ask for agriculture products, no tourism information will be taken which is different from the physical forms. However, the state plans to add that section after the trial time. Senators Mentioned: Senator Glenn Wakai Kirstin Downey: Bills Could Speed Up Rebuilding Of Lahaina's Front Street Original Article Honolulu Civil Beat Kristin Downey Feb 21, 2025 Some of the regulatory mire that has choked Lahaina’s recovery may be clearing up. Pending state legislation would allow buildings anywhere in Hawaiʻi that are destroyed in certain types of disasters to be rebuilt if the replacement structure has the same footprint and overall dimensions. It seems odd that such legislation is needed at all, as it is hard to imagine why fire victims should be doubly victimized — first by the event and then by bureaucratic gridlock. But that has been the situation in fire-ravaged Lahaina, where owners of homes and stores have been left dangling for more than 18 months as beleaguered and overwhelmed Maui County officials drag their feet, seemingly struggling to juggle the conflicting demands of the state’s convoluted regulatory land-use thicket. “All that’s been introduced is a positive for homeowners and commercial property owners,” said Kaleo Schneider, whose family owns several buildings on Lahaina’s Front Street that had housed 20 small retail stores, including Honolulu Cookie Co. and Wyland Gallery. “Anything that happens is a positive.” Senate Bill 830 , introduced by Sens. Troy Hashimoto and Stanley Chang, would narrow the definition of the term “development” in coastal zone management law by excluding some kinds of government oversight when properties are impacted by “certain events.” The legislation defines those events as things — like fires or earthquakes — that are so bad they cause the state’s governor or a county’s mayor to declare a state of emergency. However, the bill specifically excludes properties harmed by “waves, storm surges, high tide or shoreline erosion.” The measure won unanimous support Wednesday in a Senate Ways and Means Committee hearing chaired by Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz. He amended the bill to include proposed language from the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources that would allow exemptions for structures that had been deemed lawful before the disaster occurred. The DLNR’s testimony suggests that it will permit and promptly process “submerged land leases” that existed along Lahaina’s Front Street seawall, as that “stretch of shoreline has been armored for over a century.” A companion bill in the House, House Bill 1181 , has passed its second hearing before the Water and Land Committee and has moved to the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee. The legislation appears to be moving quickly. Another measure that would help speed up reconstruction of Lahaina’s historic core is Senate Bill 1296 , which specifically exempts some structures in the town’s Lahaina Historic Landmark District from being required to obtain what is called a Special Management Area use permit or minor permit, obligations that are ordinarily imposed on proposed new construction. That measure is sponsored by Sens. Angus McKelvey, who represents Lahaina, and Lorraine Inouye of the Big Island. It was approved by the Water and Land Committee, but the Judiciary Committee has not yet scheduled a hearing on it, and there is no companion bill in the House. Lahaina is Hawaiʻi’s treasure box. This remarkably condensed area of about 2 square miles represents almost all of the distinctive periods of Hawaiʻi’s history — from the arrival of the ancient Hawaiians, through the ruling lineages of Maui, to the early Kamehameha dynasty and into the monarchy, to places associated with Hawaiʻi’s adoption of near-universal literacy in the 1830s and also to sites associated with the missionary, whaling and plantation eras. It’s also the single place that most comprehensively draws together the heritage of so many of the demographic groups that make up Hawaiʻi’s unique ethnic mix today . Historically Lahaina has been an economic engine for Maui, and its most popular tourist destination. With the demise of the sugar industry, Maui is almost entirely dependent on tourism as its economic generator. Maui’s mounting financial woes are underscoring the need to push Lahaina’s redevelopment ahead. The island’s hotel occupancy rate has been hovering at the lowest level in 35 years, except for the Covid-19 pandemic era, and its unemployment rate has fallen only because thousands of workers have moved away, according to the December 2024 forecast by the University of Hawaiʻi’s Economic Research Organization . Lahaina’s displaced residents, meanwhile, became increasingly disturbed by the slow pace of rebuilding, with many reporting they have been told by Maui County officials that it could take up to five years before they could move back home, including two years to get through the county permitting process and two more years for construction work. They organized a letter-writing campaign to Gov. Josh Green, pleading for his intervention, and in December, Green issued a proclamation exempting some properties from coastal zone management restrictions. Supporters of the proposed legislation say it will extend the governor’s protections. “We need the bills to pass to be an additional buffer so we are still covered,” Schneider said. Dozens of displaced Lahaina residents and business owners have submitted testimony begging the Legislature to act. “As we struggle to pay our mortgage and condo fees for a home that doesn’t exist, our financial situation gets scarier by the day,” wrote Elise Strong, a Lahaina homeowner forced to move to Montana. “Lahaina has so much recovery to do. It is all so hard. Please help us to be able to come home, and to have a home again, as soon as possible. I don’t know how long we can afford these bills with no home to live in.” The future of the separate historic landmark district bill is more uncertain. The Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation has endorsed the measure. Its executive director, Kiersten Faulkner, said she is also monitoring the other bills to see how they develop. Prompt action by the Legislature is desperately needed, Schneider said. “It’s necessary and a step in the right direction,” Schneider said. “We were sitting in the dark without anyone paying attention.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Troy N. Hashimoto Senator Stanley Chang Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Sens. Angus L.K. McKelvey Friends of the Library of Hawai'i honors State Sen. Lynn DeCoite with Mahalo Award Original Article Maui Now Feb 21, 2025 Nonprofit The Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i on Wednesday presented the Mahalo Award to State Sen. Lynn DeCoite, recognizing her support of Hawai‘i’s public libraries. The Mahalo Award is given annually to a legislator who has demonstrated exemplary support of Hawaiʻi’s public libraries during the prior legislative session. DeCoite has served in the state legislature since 2015, first representing District 13 in the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives and, since 2021, representing District 7 in the Hawai‘i State Senate. Beyond her dedication to increasing local food production, environmental conservation, affordable housing and transportation, she has been a passionate advocate for libraries and literacy. This includes working to elevate public libraries in her district: the Lāna‘i Public Library, Hāna Public & School Library, Makawao Public Library and Moloka‘i Public Library. DeCoite’s support for the libraries and literacy has extended beyond the 2024 legislative session, said the nonprofit in an announcement Friday. Since 2019 she has promoted childhood literacy through ‘Ohana Readers, an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that offers free, monthly, age-appropriate books to Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Hāna keiki ages under the age of 5. The program was launched as an initiative of then-First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige in partnership with then-State Rep. DeCoite, the Learning to Grow program of the State Department of Human Services, the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System, Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi and Read to Me International. “It’s been a pleasure to work with Senator DeCoite to bring books into the homes of her constituents through the ‘Ohana Readers program,” said Nainoa Mau, executive director of Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi. “We are delighted to honor her with the Mahalo Award as our 2024 Legislator of the Year.” DeCoite has also been an advocate for the renovations at the Molokaʻi Public Library to make it a bright and welcoming place for residents to learn and gather. And she has promoted the free employment training resources at the Molokaʻi Public Library, which is a partnership between Goodwill Hawaiʻi, the American Job Center and the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System. “Senator DeCoite cares deeply about her community and the library and works to build bridges to make it a resource for all,” said Stacey Aldrich, a State librarian. DeCoite was honored by Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi at their Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 at the Hawai‘i State Library. In her honor, copies of her favorite book, “Curious George” by H. A. Rey, will be donated to the Molokaʻi Public Library and the Hawaiʻi State Library. Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite Bill to require nonresident user fees at state parks and trails clears key Senate panel Original Article Maui Now Brian Perry Feb 20, 2025 The Senate Ways and Means Committee unanimously recommended passage Tuesday of a bill to set user fees only for nonresidents visiting state parks and trails. Senate Bill 439 would require the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules to impose user fees that solely apply to nonresidents visiting state parks and trails, as selected by the board. In written testimony submitted to the committee , Land Board Chair Dawn Chang said the department already has 10 parks statewide with parking and entry fees. Four parks have advanced reservations systems in place to manage public access and collect fees. The Maui state parks are Mākena State Park, ʻĪao Valley State Monument and Waiʻānapanapa State Park in Hāna. Parking and entrance fees at state parks are already levied only upon out-of-state visitors, she said. Hawaiʻi residents are free, and they do not require advance reservations to enter state parks. “State Parks has been evaluating the inventory of all park units and has established certain criteria to apply to determine the efficacy of charging for parking and entry – and if reservation-based access is warranted,” Chang said. State Parks has identified five additional park units to consider adding parking and entry fees and reservation-based access, but none are in Maui County. The five parks are: Kekaha Kai (Kona Coast) Kua Bay State Park, Wailoa River State Recreation Area – Rainbow Falls and Kealakekua Bay on Hawaiʻi Island; Wailua River on Kauaʻi; and Pu’u Ulaka’a State Wayside Park on Oʻahu. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, but reminded lawmakers that the legislation should make it clear that before state park visitor fees are deposited in the State Park Special Fund, OHA’s pro rata 20% must be deducted as part of the public lands trust. “Hawaiʻi’s position as a premiere visitor destination is due in large part to the access to our oceans and mountains that are generally available free of charge,” OHA said. “A visitor fee is therefore appropriate and fair to ensure that visitors who are able to enjoy our State Parks also contribute to the costs of maintenance, which in addition to facilities and utilities maintenance often includes invasive species control, erosion mitigation, and other costs related to ongoing environmental threats.” Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo, a grass-roots community organization formed to improve communities’ quality of life through care of Hawaiʻi’s natural and cultural heritage, testified in support of the bill to help “offset some of the environmental and community well-being degradations caused by our historically overly extractive tourism industry by infusing the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources with much-needed funds dedicated to the protection, management and restoration of Hawaiʻi’s natural resources.” The organization noted that the Hawaiʻi state constitution requires the protection and enforcement of Native Hawaiian rights, including traditional and customary practices that are intrinsically dependent on threatened natural resources. “ Hawaiʻi’s biocultural resources are also a part of the public trust, and must be managed and protected for the benefit of current and future generations, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo said. “It is no secret that the historical and existing models of tourism continue to negatively affect our home, causing overcrowding and strain on our water, food, and special places – making life much less enjoyable for residents, and at the ultimate expense of our fragile ecosystems with native plants and animals being the most vulnerable.” The organization pointed out that many other governments around the world are taking steps to “correct the underinvestment in their natural resources,” including Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Galapagos Islands and the Republic of Palau. “It is time that Hawaiʻi – widely-known as one of the most exploited tourist destinations in the world – follows suit, to best protect our fragile environment, which Native Hawaiians and kamaʻāina hope to continue stewarding for generations to come.” The Tax Foundation of Hawaii questioned whether the fee for out-of-state visitors might be challenged as an unconstitutional violation of the Privileges and Immunities Clause. It requires that “the citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states.” Although it has been held that a state may treat out-of-state residents differently in some situations, such as in granting licenses for recreational hunting, the court held in the 1978 case Baldwin v. Fish & Game Commission of Montana that the result may be different when the nonresident is not given access to any part of the state to which he or she may seek to travel. This is because the court has recognized that the Constitution protects the right of citizens of the United States to travel freely throughout the land, according to the Tax Foundation. Other, more recent federal court cases, have sustained the power of government to charge a user fee whose proceeds are dedicated to protect and preserve the natural attraction for which the user fee was charged, such as Hanauma Bay on Oʻahu. And the Hawaii Supreme Court, in State v. Medeiros, held that the following test would be applied to distinguish between a user fee and a tax: “whether the charge (1) applies to the direct beneficiary of a particular service, (2) is allocated directly to defraying the costs of providing the service, and (3) is reasonably proportionate to the benefit received.” “Applying this test, the proposed user fee looks more like a tax,” the Tax Foundation said. “Although the fee is collected in a special fund, it can be spent on any park or trail, not only the park or trail that the payor of the fee paid to enter or use. Indeed, the uses to which the money in the fund can be put are broad and varied, and are not limited to the care and upkeep of natural attractions visited by tourists.” Members of the Ways and Means Committee voting in favor of the bill were Chair Donovan Dela Cruz, Vice Chair Sharon Moriwaki and Central Sen. Troy Hashimoto. Other committee members voting “aye” were Sens. Henry Aquino, Brandon Elefante, Lorraine Inouye, Dru Mamo Kanuha, Michelle Kidani, Donna Mercado Kim, Chris Lee, Glenn Wakai and Kurt Fevella. Sen. Lynn DeCoite of Moloka‘i, East Maui, Upcountry and Lāna‘i was absent and excused. Senators Mentioned: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki Senator Troy Hashimoto Senator Henry J.C. Aquino Senator Brandon J.C. Elefante Senator Lorraine R. Inouye Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha Senator Michelle N. Kidani Senator Donna Mercado Kim Senator Chris Lee Senator Glenn Wakai Senator Lynn DeCoite Hawaii Senate bills aim to protect farmers, boost ag theft penalties Original Article Star Advertiser John Burnett, Hawaii Tribune-Herald Feb 20, 2025 Two agriculture-related bills moving forward at the state Legislature would increase penalties for agricultural theft and allow farmers and ranchers to use deadly force against intruders under certain circumstances. Senate bills 1248 and 1249, both introduced by Sen. Tim Richards (D-Kohala), have cleared the Committee on Agriculture and Environment. Both bills on Feb. 13 passed their second readings. SB 1248, the stand-your-ground legislation, has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, while SB 1249, an omnibus agricultural measure, has been referred to a joint session of the Judiciary and Ways and Means committees. SB 1248 would allow a farmer or rancher, under certain circumstances, to use deadly force without retreating. Richards calls the measure the “Cranston Duke Pia Act.” Pia was a 39-year-old Makaha rancher, who was — in Richards’ words — “executed in front of his mother” for protecting his cattle from hunting dogs on Feb. 17, 2024. Pia died of a single gunshot wound to the head. Chantston Pila Kekawa, then 17, of Maili, was charged as an adult with second-degree murder, first-degree terroristic threatening, firearm offenses and first-degree theft. He’s pleaded not guilty and has a trial scheduled for April 7 in Honolulu Circuit Court. Richards said Pia’s mother visited his office four days after the shooting. “Mutual friends brought her in with Cranston’s widow,” Richards said. “I gave her my word I would work very diligently on trying to make a difference, and not let Cranston’s murder be for nothing. That’s been my driver. “We’ve hit some headwinds, as you can imagine … but it is making progress and it is highlighting the problems of crimes against agriculture.” The measure received written testimony in support by the state Department of Agriculture, Kapapala Ranch, Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council. In her written testimony, Lani Cran Petrie of Kapapala Ranch in Kau said that she, as president of the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, presented a resolution in Pia’s memory earlier this month to a National Cattlemen’s Beef Association committee. “The resolution was accepted by the committee and is moving towards its presentation to the full membership for vote at the next annual convention,” Petrie wrote, calling the response from fellow ranchers at the convention in San Antonio “humbling and overwhelming.” The Hawaii Farm Bureau testified that Pia’s death “highlighted the vulnerabilities that agricultural workers face, particularly in remote areas where law enforcement response times may be delayed.” “In recent years, the agricultural community has reported an increase in confrontations with trespassers, including incidents where farm workers and landowners have been physically threatened,” the testimony states. “In some cases, criminals have returned multiple times, emboldened by the knowledge that response times from law enforcement are slow or that penalties for agricultural crimes are minimal. Farmers and ranchers need stronger protections to defend themselves and their families when faced with imminent threats.” Pia’s father, Mike Pia, told lawmakers in live testimony on Feb. 10, “I want to see this thing pass.” “Until today, I still ask the question, why?” Mike Pia testified. “Why a young kid took my son away, my youngest son, of my four children?” “I’m still grieving today. It’s very painful,” he said. According to the FindLaw website, 29 states have some form of stand-your-ground law. A companion bill to the omnibus agriculture bill, House Bill 859, was introduced by Rep. Matthias Kusch (D-Hilo, Hamakua) and passed its second reading on Feb. 5 after clearing the Committee on Agriculture. The legislation’s intent is to establish an agricultural crime prevention program within the DOA to provide grants, education and other services to the state’s agricultural industry and to strengthen laws regarding agriculture theft and hunting on private agriculture lands. “The meat and potatoes of this bill is that it more carefully lays out penalties for agricultural crimes,” said Kusch. “Right now … (perpetrators) don’t get pursued by prosecutors because it’s sort of nebulous. There are a lot of hurdles, like you have to catch someone with a camera and they would have had to have climbed over a sign saying ‘this fruit is not free.’” “We’re talking about making it sting a little bit,” added Richards. “The perpetrators are stealing avocados or papayas, whatever. And what the attorney general is working on is to stiffen the fines to make them more expensive and changing laws from saying ‘may include jail time’ to ‘shall include jail time’ to lock these people up.” Written testimony in support has been submitted by Hawaii County Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen, Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General and the state Department of Agriculture. Written testimony in opposition was submitted by the Office of the Public Defender. Waltjen told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald on Tuesday that he supports the efforts by Richards and Kusch “to aid farmers and ranchers by providing funding to protect and secure their crops and livestock, establishing more appropriate penalties to hold offenders accountable to deter future crimes, and supporting local law enforcement with additional resources.” “Agricultural crimes — including theft, trespass and poaching/hunting on private agricultural lands — have been an ongoing concern across our state,” Waltjen said. “To my knowledge, our office is the only law enforcement office in the state that conducts agriculture crime awareness and prevention efforts by visiting local farmers markets. “Our investigators educate vendors and members of the public about agriculture theft, the impact of purchasing stolen fruits, vegetables and produce, laws regarding ownership and movement certificates, document recent agriculture theft incidents for victims, and share methods farmers and ranchers can employ to protect their crops, animals, produce and equipment.” Waltjen said the measures, if passed, “will further support these types of efforts” statewide. Senators Mentioned: Senator Herbert "Tim" Richards, III Bill to ban algorithmic price-setting in Hawaiʻi’s rental market moves ahead in Senate Original Article Maui Now Brian Perry Feb 19, 2025 A bill aimed at protecting Hawaiʻi renters from algorithmic price-setting has cleared the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, which has recommended passage on second reading and referral to the Judiciary and Ways and Means committees. Senate Bill 157 Senate Draft 1 would prohibit the use of algorithmic price-setting in Hawaiʻi’s rental market. It would require the Department of the Attorney General to develop and undertake a public education program regarding the prohibition, and it would establish fines and penalties. A YouTube video of the committee hearing can be seen here . According to a committee report , the bill’s purpose is to prevent artificially inflated rental prices by banning the use of algorithmic price-setting, which has been used in local housing markets to share private data, including current prices, available square footage, vacancy levels and the number of applicants for a particular unit. The committee found that third-party price setters use that data to recommend rent and occupancy levels and advise landlords to hold some units off the market to raise the price of a unit, creating artificial scarcity and displacing island renters. “Because Hawaiʻi already has the highest median rent in the nation, this measure will help ensure units are filled via competitive pricing, rather than through cooperation to set prices,” the committee report says. In public testimony on the bill, Maui Chamber of Commerce President Pamela Tumpap said that while the chamber agrees that Maui rents were inflated by post-wildfire rental support practices of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the bill might be “challenging to enforce effectively.” “We would encourage the consideration of additional proposals and innovative ideas to address the broader issue of escalating rental prices,” she said. “We share this concern and are increasingly witnessing residents being forced to sleep in their cars due to the lack of affordable rental options,” Tumpap said. Jordan Hocker, education and outreach coordinator for the Maui Housing Hui, a grass-roots organization formed after the 2023 Maui wildfires, said that rents in Maui County have gone up 44% in the last two years and were climbing even before the wildfires disaster. “The rate of houselessness in the state of Hawaiʻi has grown by 87%,” she said. “We acknowledge that renters, those making 70% area median income and below, are most at risk of becoming unhoused and face the greatest challenges under our housing crisis.” Hocker said a forward-thinking bill such as Senate Bill 157 is needed “to protect Hawai’i’s renters from the unrelenting condition of corporate greed and price-fixing to the detriment of our community.” “Hawaiʻi’s renters cannot afford any additional compounding factors,” she said. Michael EKM Olderr also supported the bill, saying: “These algorithmic, AI-driven rent pricing schemes prey on vulnerable tenants and exploit those who are struggling to have enough money to support themselves. They are driven not out of necessity to cover damages, mortgages, or upkeep costs but as a lazy attempt to satisfy a landlord’s greed.” Lyndsey Garcia, director of advocacy for the Hawai‘i Association of REALTORS®, noted that in August 2024, the Department of Justice and eight states (not including Hawaiʻi) filed a lawsuit against software company RealPage . The department alleges an unlawful information sharing scheme that allowed property managers to increase apartment rental prices through the use of RealPage’s algorithmic pricing tools. The lawsuit, which is still ongoing, does not currently target the property managers who utilize the tool, according to Garcia. Senators Mentioned: Senator Jarrett Keohokalole Senator Carol Fukunaga Senator Angus L.K. McKelvey Senator Herbert "Tim" Richards, III Hawaii bill would subsidize fencing to control ungulates Original Article Star Advertiser Michael Brestovansky Hawaii Tribune-Herald Feb 18, 2025 A proposal to help subsidize the installation of animal control fences is the only survivor of four bills in the state Legislature aimed at controlling pigs, goats and sheep. Senate Bill 523, co- introduced by Kohala Sen. Tim Richards and Puna Sen. Joy San Buenaventura, would require the state Department of Agriculture to establish a biosecurity fencing cost-sharing program that would reimburse farmers up to a certain percentage of the cost of installing animal control fences. As currently written, farmers who can demonstrate their active agricultural operations and have developed an “approved conservation plan” can apply to have “not less than 50%” of fencing expenses reimbursed. The bill currently has a blank spot where an upper reimbursement limit per person would be established. Similarly, it does not yet specify what the program’s total yearly budget would be. “People are afraid to go into their own backyards,” said San Buenaventura. “But the fencing cost per acre is huge.” Bob Duerr, commissioner on the Big Island Game Management Advisory Commission, said the cost of fencing can reach $1 million per mile in some places. He added that fences have proved to be effective for animal management, driving problem animals from areas with fences to areas without. “Large swaths of mauka lands in the hands of federal, state and private landowners are fenced and game animals eradicated,” Duerr said. However, Duerr said, this also has interfered with hunters, who can no longer rely on access to their common hunting grounds. “Hunting game animals for food is an effective population control that is disappearing,” Duerr said. “Fencing with access corridors is a must for game management.” Other pig-related bills have failed to move through the Legislature. Another San Buenaventura bill, SB 315, died Wednesday when two Senate committees deferred the measure. That bill would have expedited the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ permitting process to allow for the destruction of feral pigs on private land, if the animals have caused or are likely to cause substantial damage to crops. House Bill 347, which would have prohibited the DLNR from establishing bag limits for goats in public hunting areas, also was deferred earlier this month, and a companion bill in the Senate hasn’t moved at all since being introduced. Finally, Senate Bill 568 would have designated the DLNR as the state’s primary agency for trapping feral goats and sheep, and would require it to establish a program to humanely manage feral animal populations. That bill also has failed to move at all since its introduction, to Duerr’s chagrin. “Though looking like having no chance of passing, this bill puts its finger on the game animal problem’s pulse,” Duerr said. “No one is responsible for the conservation and control of game animals in the state of Hawaii. At GMAC we have only seen DLNR talk about eradication, which means fencing tens of thousands of acres and killing all the ‘invasive’ game animals within. “For years now at GMAC, we have not seen DLNR nuisance animal population studies or game management plans for problems beyond fence and kill.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Herbert "Tim" Richards, III Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura South Maui to receive $3.2 million to help control deer Original Article The Maui News Gary Kubota Feb 17, 2025 Gov. Josh Green has released $3.2 million in capital improvements to design and construct more fencing along the slopes of South Maui to control the overpopulation of axis deer. State Sen. Angus McKelvey said the funding is a powerful demonstration of responsiveness and commitment to safeguarding the land and future of South Maui. The overpopulation of deer was cited as one of the reasons South Maui saw increased flooding in recent months. “This moment sends a strong message to the people of South Maui that the governor and his administration understands the urgency and are committed to expediting the resources needed to tackle the flooding crisis from mauka to makai,” McKelvey said. He said that the unchecked spread of axis deer has led to severe agricultural losses and increased the risk of flooding due to overgrazing, which weakens soil stability. The lawmaker who represents South Maui and West Maui explained that the fencing initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance conservation efforts and long-term sustainability in the region. According to McKelvey, the funding was secured through the combined efforts of a number of legislators including Reps. Terez Amato and Kyle Yamashita and state Sens. Lynn DeCoite and Donovan M. Dela Cruz. In the past, fencing has been put in downslope of Haleakala as well as horizontally to limit the deer migration and make it easier to cull their numbers. Maui ranchers and farmers say the deer population has caused losses in crops and a lack of forage in unfenced lands amounting to millions of dollars. Some Kula farmers say deer continue to appear in large numbers near the Naalae Road area and often graze around the Kula Hospital. Upcountry Farmers Market owner Neal Coshever said he’s continuing to see large numbers of deer while driving on Calasa Road, including the park below the Kula Fire Station. “I haven’t seen a significant amount of reduction,” Coshever said. A state program offers a dollar amount for each deer killed and has helped ranchers and farmers to reduce the deer numbers and provide some money for fence repairs and the installation of deer fencing. The state Division of Forestry and Wildlife said in November that the deer population on Maui was estimated at 34,000, significantly less than their numbers were years ago. Axis deer were brought to the Hawaiian Islands from India in late 1867 as a gift to King Kamehameha V and released on Maui in 1959. Senators Mentioned: Senator Angus L.K. McKelvey Senator Lynn DeCoite Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Sen. Angus McKelvey: California Fires Mean Bad News For Lahaina Original Article Honolulu Civil Beat Richard Wiens Feb 16, 2025 Editor’s note: Sen. Angus McKelvey, who chairs the Senate Government Operations Committee, is a key figure in recovery efforts following the August 2023 Maui fires. In an interview edited for length and clarity, he discusses the latest obstacles to rebuilding Lahaina and talks about the government reforms he is backing. You said last May you could imagine two futures for Lahaina: Either taken over by monied outside interests, kind of becoming the Kakaako of West Maui, or restored in a way that brings back many of its former local residents and at least some of the old businesses. Which direction do you think it’s going at this point? Right now, unfortunately, I think we’re headed in the direction of the monied interests. We’re still at that fork of the road, but what’s adding unbelievable pressure is what’s happened in California and now with the federal government. This has completely changed the entire tapestry of reality for the future of Lahaina. How so? You have the issue of interruption or potential loss of future federal monies. You have the fact that you’ve got tariff wars breaking out and counter-tariffs. Most of the construction material — because of the supply chain and other issues — before the Pacific Palisades fire was being bought from China in an effort to try to start rebuilding before the insurance money started lapsing. Now you’ve got the potential tariffs coming in against China, 10% plus the additional 25% from all aluminum and steel. You’ve got potentially a lot of workers who are from the immigrant community, who have now taken off. People who, I guess it was anticipated, would do a lot of the manual, blue-collar laboring. You’ve got all of these issues. And of course, you’ve got Pacific Palisades. After that fire happened, I was hearing about how Maui’s not going to get anything. The contractors are going to sell to LA because they don’t have to put it on a barge and wait, they can go ahead and these guys are paying cash. So we’re going to see a huge diversion, or interruption, of materials coming from the West Coast because of California. Now you’ve got tariffs popping in all over the place for other materials from other places, and meanwhile, the clock is running out on so many people because of their insurance policies requiring them to start substantially rebuilding already, or before this coming August. Time is totally on the side of the outside interests. Last year you were proposing establishing a community district to oversee both state and county restoration efforts. Are you still pushing for that? It was a bill was to create a community development association that would kind of transcend the county and the state. But given everything that’s been going on, especially now with the changes with the federal government, I didn’t reintroduce the bill this year. There are a lot of people in the community who, over the summer, were talking about it. They thought it was an idea that we should keep discussing, and I was contemplating putting together a community working group. But right now, with all of this raining down on everybody’s head, even though I do believe for the future of Lahaina this could be a very powerful tool for community control over this very precious place, it would create so much disruption to an already disruptive and chaotic environment and government system that it could literally push people over the edge. So at this point, this is a discussion best had when we start to get people back into homes, we start working with local partners who are trying to develop housing strictly tailored for Lahaina people. You also proposed that the state acquire all West Maui water districts. Are you still pushing for that? I did put it in again this year. Unfortunately, the bill was deferred in the Water and Land Committee after the hearing. I know that that’s something that the county of Maui has really been pushing. When I introduced the bill last time, there was no discussion going on anywhere about it. But in the meantime, even though the bill failed last year, the Maui County Council has picked it up and is continuing to discuss it on their end. You had also said that it was essential that the state establish concessionary lending programs for the underinsured and mortgage forbearance for fire victims. Where does that stand? None of it happened. I was very disappointed. It was basically the banks won. And this is where special interests do rear their heads, despite efforts to get the executive branch and others to see that this was a way to save people. Now many of the places that are being sold are due to the fact that people can’t continue to pay mortgages, and they’re underinsured, and they’re not going to be able to rebuild. And then, of course, when they do get an insurance check, it goes to the bank for the mortgage. And so you’re watching the situation where now it looks to the people like the best thing to do is to sell, put it on the market. We do have some bills this year to strengthen the community land trust program and establish it statewide. And I’m hoping that the Lahaina Community Land Trust can get some serious support, because they’ve been working on trying to be an alternative for people who feel like they have to sell but they don’t want to sell it to an offshore interest. I’m really bummed that we didn’t do any kind of public financing. And again, the banks don’t want to underwrite these customers. There was a hearing on a bill, and I said, “why do you guys oppose every type of public financing? You don’t want these customers anyway. You won’t give them loans, you won’t give them mortgages. But yet, when the state tries to offer something to them, you come in and kill it.” And this goes for the state, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. They have, consistently, with their regulated entities, been on the side of the industry, not the consumer. How about the tax surcharge on rental cars to help pay for the northern extension of the Lahaina bypass? That moved, and it’s moving on to the next committee. The bill also calls for diverting the Transient Accommodations Tax to building the bypass, because originally the resort areas were supposed to build the northern terminus of the bypass as the condition of the approval for their developments in Kāʻanapali, and they never did it. By using the TAT in addition to the rental surcharge, we can hopefully get them the money to get the project going, and then we can bond out the rest of it as we get moving. But this is a way to get this critically needed highway going. And I’ve got to tell you, the No. 1 legislative accomplishment of my whole career was working with (then-state Sen.) Roz Baker and Sen. Dan Inouye in getting the original bypass bill. I couldn’t imagine what that night of the fire would have been like had there been no bypass. Let’s move on to a couple of overall government reform measures. You’re the lead introducer of a bill to charge a 5% fee on independent expenditures by non-candidate committees. Where did that idea come from? It’s to help pay for public campaign financing. I absolutely loathe campaign fundraising, everything about it, and to have a public financing system where that is basically off your shoulders and you can run your race, and you know you have the resources to get your message out regardless of everything, is a good thing for democracy. More people run, and we get more talent. Getting talent on the bench has always been a struggle for neighbor island delegations. So having a public financing system, I believe, gives neighbor islanders the ability to run and to serve. The PAC (political action committee) fee is a way we can create more funding for it that we’re not taking from other things. A lot of times these PACs come in and do these independent expenditure committees against candidates who don’t have many resources to compete with anyway, and blow them out of the water. So why not create funding from their activity that these candidates can now use to get their message out? Use a fee on the PACs because the more activity they’re doing in a race, the higher fee they’re going to pay. And that, of course, will create a hopefully robust public financing system. Didn’t this bill get amended to where the proceeds of this PAC fee, if it were adopted, would actually go to the Campaign Spending Commission instead of straight to the public campaign funding? Yeah, I asked for that because they’re going to need to do structural things to effectuate the campaign financing thing far beyond money in the fund, and this way we can go ahead and structurally set up the public financing system. The candidates can report easily and qualify and get the money. We’re trying to give the commission additional resources so they can stand it up and have the flexibility to oversee it. I thought it was a good amendment. Another election measure that you signed on to would establish at least three additional voting centers on Oʻahu so we don’t end up with the long lines and delays that occurred last November. Do you think that’s going to happen? I hope so. It’s going to be an issue of money and staffing. But we can’t have long lines like this repeatedly. People should have the ability to come in and be able to vote at the last minute and not sit in long lines or get turned away or have this chaos. So I hope that we can find the revenue for these additional voting centers. You’re still sold mainly on mail balloting though? Oh yeah, it’s just so much easier and efficient. And, you know, people on Maui really took to it. And of course, most people over there basically vote by mail. But some things have to be discussed going forward because of all those ballots that were considered spoiled because the signatures did not match, and a lot of people said they were never given notification enough to go in and cure them. One issue with the mail-in is you’re signing your signature on the outside of an envelope. If I’m an identity thief, I’m having a field day with that. You were a co-sponsor of a proposal to ask voters to amend the constitution to create a 12-month Legislature . That’s been deferred for now, but the House speaker and Senate president have introduced bills to at least create a task force to study the idea of a year-round Legislature. Do you think that represents progress and that maybe something might happen there? I hope so. I mean, just look at what’s going on this year. You’ve got 30 members of the House who have two or less years’ experience. You’re asking them to literally step into a $4 billion budgetary picture. You’re expected to come in and do this all in the span of the 60 legislative days. Then on top of that, in order to promote more transparency, you’re trying to do 72-hour advance notice of hearings. This is why you’ve had weird stuff happen at the very end of the session, and you wouldn’t have this happening if you had a longer session. I like the idea that you spend the first five months of the session working on the budget bills. And then members can really sink their teeth into the policy stuff. Are you agreeable to the House speaker’s notion that you could still only have 60 days of floor sessions, but just spread them out over the year, with a lot more days for committee hearings and other business? I agree. I think we could do that. And if we had a longer legislative session, we could actually do committee hearings in the community, instead of just all in the square building. That’s one of the advantages of having more time is you could do more outreach types of things. You’re also the lead introducer of a bill to require the selection of heads of public agencies or divisions be done in in open meetings, through an open public process. What’s behind that? We need transparency because that’s a critical decision that’s going to determine the direction and fate and efficacy of these boards and commissions and that should be decided in public. I understand the concern of proprietary, confidential information, but the selection itself should be an open and transparently deliberate process. So that’s what I’m trying to achieve with the bill. It’s come up before and didn’t make it, and so I felt it was worth bringing back again, especially with these very powerful boards that exist and are growing statutorily every year. Senators Mentioned: Senator Angus L.K. McKelvey Senate bill advances to strip county council approval of state-funded housing projects Original Article Maui Now Brian Perry Feb 14, 2025 A bill to exempt state-financed housing developments from county council approval has passed second reading on the Hawaiʻi Senate floor and advanced to the Ways and Means Committee. Senate Bill 27 drew mixed reactions during a public hearing late last month before the Senate Housing Committee, chaired by Sen. Stanley Chang of urban Honolulu and southeast Oahu, and vice chaired by Sen. Troy Hashimoto of Central Maui. Lahaina Strong submitted written testimony saying that current fast-tracked state housing projects have a 45-day review period and “are reviewed thoroughly while remaining time-sensitive.” “In the broader context of Maui’s permitting process, 45 days is not a significant delay,” Lahaina Strong said. “If a project truly meets the intent of the 201H law to prioritize affordable housing, then it should easily gain County Council approval. Eliminating this review period undermines the County Council’s role and the community’s opportunity to weigh in on projects that directly impact their lives.” The housing advocacy group borne in the wake of the August 2023 Maui wildfires said that West Maui has had to “grapple with the misuse of the 201H process.” “Developers have used it to push projects that may technically include affordable housing units but ultimately serve to subdivide rural land into multi-million-dollar ‘gentlemen’s estates.’ These projects have created deep mistrust in the community, as they fail to address the pressing need for truly affordable housing while exploiting loopholes for profit,” Lahaina Strong said. “For Lahaina, this is not just an abstract policy concern — it’s a matter of survival.” “Our community faces unique challenges, including water scarcity and ongoing infrastructure recovery, which demand thoughtful, inclusive decision-making,” the group said. “Senate Bill 27 would sideline these considerations by fast-tracking projects without sufficient community engagement, exacerbating an already fragile situation.” Other testimony opposed to the measure came from the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting, HI Good Neighbor and 16 individuals. Maui Chamber of Commerce President Pamela Tumpap supported the bill. “The Chamber recognizes that, historically, many projects have gone to the County Council for approval, only to face significant conditions that render them financially unfeasible,” she said. “This is particularly disconcerting for state-funded projects (201H), which already must meet special conditions and are intended to provide affordable housing. Given the urgency of the housing crisis, we need to expedite the development of housing as quickly as possible. The county approval process is often time-consuming and subject to extensive testimony, and additional delays can result in increased costs.” “In light of the severe housing shortage in both the state and Maui County, we strongly support initiatives that promote, rather than hinder, the development of housing for our residents,” Tumpap said. Other submittals of testimony in favor of the bill came from the Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, Housing Hawaiʻi’s Future and one individual. Senate Bill 27 was introduced by Chang and Hashimoto, as well as Republican Kurt Fevella of Ewa Beach, Sharon Moriwaki of urban Honolulu and Glenn Wakai of Central Oʻahu. A Housing Committee report on this bill is here. A YouTube recording of the Jan. 28 committee meeting is here. The Senate also has passed on second reading Senate Bill 38, which would prohibit county councils from making modifications to housing development proposals that would increase project costs. That bill, also heard in committee on Jan. 28, was introduced by Sens. Chang, Fevella, Hashimoto and Joy San Buenaventura of Puna, Hawaiʻi Island. Public testimony on Senate Bill 38 was as mixed as Senate Bill 27, with both sides of the debate lining up in favor or opposition in similar fashion. Lahaina Strong expressed strong concerns about diminishing the County Council’s role in addressing community needs on pending housing projects. “The County Council is the body closest to the people and the realities on the ground, particularly in disaster-affected communities like Lahaina,” the group said. “Ensuring that housing projects align with our community’s needs and values requires a process where local voices are heard. The current proposal undermines this essential process by allowing the state to bypass county-level approval for projects that have received state funding. This sets a dangerous precedent and risks disenfranchising communities across Hawaiʻi.” Lahaina Strong said that the bill provision that prohibits the County Council from making any modifications that could increase the cost of a project is “deeply concerning.” “It effectively ties the hands of the County Council, preventing them from addressing critical design, safety or infrastructure concerns that could arise during the review process,” Lahaina Strong said. “Responsible development often requires adjustments to ensure a project is sustainable, accessible and aligned with local needs — adjustments that may incur additional costs but are essential to long-term success. This limitation prioritizes cost savings over the well-being and functionality of our communities.” In support of the bill, Tumpap said: “we have witnessed projects that initially met county and state requirements and appeared financially feasible. However, when these projects went before the County Council for final approval, new conditions were often imposed. These modifications frequently led to increased costs, making the projects no longer financially viable. As a result, many housing developments were not built, and the housing that had been planned never materialized.” “Developers are often unable to obtain accurate estimates for these last-minute conditions and cannot properly assess whether the changes fit within the overall project budget,” she said. “Many of these conditions involve the development of critical infrastructure, which we believe should be the responsibility of the county and state. By the time developers reach the County Council level, they already know what will work financially. Sudden changes during this process create significant challenges and, over the years, have led to a loss of potential housing.” According to a committee report, testimony in support of the bill also came from the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corp., Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi, NAIOP Hawaiʻi, Housing Hawaiʻi’s Future and one individual. Testimony in opposition was submitted by Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting, HI Good Neighbor and 12 individuals. Commenting as an individual Maui County Council member, Chair Alice Lee said this morning: “While I enthusiastically support efforts to limit affordable housing costs and expedite housing projects, I generally do not advocate for state restriction on local authority.” “The counties are uniquely positioned to better understand local impacts and nuances of proposed developments,” she said, adding that Senate Bill 38 would “entirely remove the counties’ ability to safeguard and protect their communities from potential negative aspects of proposed developments if modifications increase the affordable housing project’s costs, even slightly. This proposed restriction on county power comes at too high a cost.” “Similarly, Senate Bill 27 would exempt projects that have received a financial commitment from the state from needing county legislative approval. Removing all local approval of these housing projects could have costly and unintended results,” she said. In other updates of housing-related legislation, House Bill 739 has cleared the Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. David Tarnas and vice chaired by Rep. Mahina Poepoe. The bill would establish a Kamaʻāina Homes Program. Modeled after the Vail InDEED program in tourist-Mecca Vail, Colo., the program would provide funding to the counties to purchase voluntary deed restrictions from eligible homeowners or homebuyers. Central Maui Rep. Tyson Miyake and Kaua’i Rep. Luke Evslin were co-introducers for the House bill. The Kamaʻāina Homes Program would be established within the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corp. at a time when the median single-family home sells for more than $1 million in Maui County, although the condominium market has sustained a recent price and sale volume chill over concerns about the vacation rental phase-out bill pending before the Maui County Council. That measure is expected to be scheduled for consideration in late March. Meanwhile, the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization is working to complete a study of the bill’s economic impacts in the first quarter of this year. The Council has until June 18 to take action on the bill within a 180-day time period for department-initiated land use legislation set by the Maui County Charter. In addition to Tarnas and Poepoe voting in favor of House Bill 739 were Reps. Della Au Belatti, Kirstin Kahaloa, Amy Perruso, Gregg Takayama, Chris Todd and Garner Shimizu. Rep. Diamond Garcia voted “aye” with reservations. Reps. Elle Cochran and Mark Hashem were excused. Two bills going nowhere so far this session are House Bill 489 and Senate Bill 1214, which take aim at discouraging owners of second homes in Hawaiʻi who leave them unoccupied much of the time. The legislation would establish a Vacant Homes Special Fund under the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corp. for rental assistance programs similar to federal Section 8 tenant-based housing assistance. Under the measures, residential property owners who allow their property to remain vacant for 180 days, or more than a year, would be subject to an annual general excise tax surcharge. It also requires people who own residential property but don’t live there to obtain a general excise tax license. Editor’s note: This story has been updated from its original post to add comments, as an individual council member, from Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee. Senators Mentioned: Senator Stanley Chang Senator Troy Hashimoto Senator Joy San Buneaventura Senator Glenn Wakai Fireworks task force bill passes out of committee; now headed for final reading Original Article Maui Now Brian Perry Feb 13, 2025 The Hawaiʻi Senate Ways and Means Committee passed Senate Bill 222 , which would fund an illegal fireworks task force. Although the amount of funding is not specified, the measure is now headed for third reading on the Senate floor before crossing over to the House of Representatives. A committee news release pointed out that Chair Donovan Dela Cruz established the task force in 2021. “The group focuses on intercepting illegal fireworks and addressing the growing problem of homemade explosives in the community, helping to improve public safety and reduce related risks.” On Feb. 5, the Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs recommended passage of the bill — the same day that Honolulu police announced that a sixth person died from injuries suffered in a New Year’s fireworks explosion in Honolulu. The blast of fireworks initially killed three adults and left more than 20 people in critical or serious medical condition. Most public testimony was in support of the bill. For example, Allen Novak said: “I support this measure as it helps to curb the use of illegal fireworks in Hawai’i. In spite of claims to the contrary, aerial fireworks are not a cultural tradition, and they present a fire, health and nuisance hazard to the community.” The state Department of Law Enforcement reported that the Illegal Fireworks Task Force has successfully removed, so far, more than 200,000 pounds of illegal fireworks from Hawaiʻi’s streets. The bill would extend the sunset clause for the task force from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2030, which the department said “is critical to maintain this momentum and ensure the long-term effectiveness of the Task Force’s mission.” Earlier written testimony also supported the funding for the task force, its operations and hiring of administrative support staff. Money also would cover reimbursements to law enforcement agencies for personnel, overtime, fuel, equipment and storage and disposal of confiscated fireworks. On Wednesday, 13 members of the Ways and Means Committee voted in favor of sending the bill to the Senate floor, including Chair Dela Cruz, Vice Chair Sharon Moriwaki and Sens. Henry Aquino, Lynn DeCoite, Brandon Elefante, Troy Hashimoto, Lorraine Inouye, Dru Mamo Kanuha, Michelle Kidani, Donna Mercado Kim, Chris Lee, Glenn Wakai and Kurt Fevella. Also Wednesday, the House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs Committee unanimously recommended passage of companion House Bill 508 on second reading. Supporting the measure were Chair David Tarnas, Vice Chair Mahina Poepoe and Reps. Della Au Belatti, Mark Hashem, Kirstin Kahaloa, Amy Perruso, Gregg Takayama, Chris Todd and Garner Shimizu. Rep. Diamond Garcia voted “aye” with reservations. In other Ways and Means Committee action, the panel advanced: Senate Bill 327 Senate Draft 1 , which would expand the Hele Imua internship program. The program allows residents to take part in paid internships with private businesses. Funded by the Legislature in 2022, Hele Imua provides opportunities for people to gain valuable work-based experience and support themselves and their families. “Workforce development programs like Hele Imua are critical to reversing the brain drain and keeping residents employed in Hawaiʻi,” according to the committee. Senate Bill 1117 Senate Draft 1 would clarify regulations around electric bikes (e-bikes), requiring helmets, setting age limits for certain types of e-bikes and introducing insurance requirements for electric motorcycles. “The goal is to promote the responsible use of e-bikes, which can help reduce people’s reliance on traditional vehicles,” the committee said. “The bill also expands an existing rebate program to encourage more people to use e-bikes in a safe and sustainable way.” Senate Bill 1044 Senate Draft 1 would address rapidly rising insurance costs for condominiums by expanding the Hawaiʻi Property Insurance Association and the Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund to offer coverage for properties that are unable to get insurance through private companies. The bill was amended to include a loan program to help condominiums with maintenance issues that have led to higher insurance premiums or made it difficult to get insurance from private companies. Senators Mentioned: Senator Donovan Dela Cruz Senator Sharon Moriwaki Senator Henry Aquino Senator Lynn DeCoite Senator Brandon Elefante Senator Troy Hashimoto Senator Lorraine Inouye Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha Senator Michelle Kidani Senator Donna Mercado Kim Senator Chris Lee Senator Glenn Wakai Hawaiʻi State Legislature's Kūpuna Caucus presents bill package Original Article Maui Now N/A Feb 12, 2025 Members of the Kūpuna Caucus announced a bill package focused on enhancing the quality of life for Hawaiʻi’s seniors, Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. Pictured (Front row): Rep. Linda Ichiyama, Rep. Cory M. Chun, Sen. Troy Hashimoto, Sen. Sharon Moriwaki, Sen. Lynn DeCoite; (Back row): Kealii Lopez (state director, AARP), Caroline Cadirao (director, Executive Office on Aging), Sen. Kurt Fevella and Rep. Ikaika Olds. Present at the press conference but not in photo were Rep. Lisa Marten and Rep. Garner M. Shimizu. Photo Coutesy: Hawaiʻi State Legislature The Hawaiʻi State Legislature’s Kūpuna Caucus convened by state Sen. Sharon Moriwaki and Rep. Cory M. Chun shared their 2025 legislative package, a set of bills focused on enhancing the quality of life for seniors across the state. These proposed measures include expanding access to healthcare, addressing the need for more food security and improving affordable housing options. The Kūpuna Caucus’ package consists of five bills: SB877 / HB702 Relating to human services Appropriates funds to increase the funding for Medicaid in-home services, conditioned on the Department of Human Services obtaining the maximum federal matching funds. SB878 / HB703 Relating to kupuna housing Extends the sunset date for the State Rent Supplement Program for Kūpuna to 6/30/2028. SB879 / HB701 Relating to taxation Establishes a refundable Family Caregiver Tax Credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to report to the Legislature before the convening of each Regular Session. SB880 / HB705 Relating to the Executive Office on Aging Establishes a temporary Medi-Medi Project within the Hawaiʻi State Health Insurance Assistance Program administered by the Executive Office on Aging to assist older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits. Requires the Executive Office on Aging to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. SB881 /HB704 Relating to food security Establishes the Hawaiʻi Food Security Special Fund to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit levels to those provided in federal fiscal year 2023. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. “We are committed to having our seniors receive the support they need to live with dignity and independence, especially during this period of time in their lives,” Moriwaki said. “This legislative package is a crucial step towards building a more inclusive and equitable future for all generations.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Troy Hashimoto Senator Sharon Moriwaki Senator Lynn DeCoite $3.2M released for axis deer fencing in South Maui to address flood risks, environmental concerns Original Article Maui Now N/A Feb 12, 2025 State Sen. Angus L.K. McKelvey on Wednesday announced $3.2 million in Capital Improvement Project funds to design and construct axis deer fencing in South Maui. The funds were released by Gov. Josh Green amid a state emergency proclamation to address the growing environmental and safety concerns caused by the overpopulation of axis deer on Maui, which has been identified as a major cause of the conditions leading to previous flooding like that of just last month. “This decision is not just an administrative act—it is a powerful demonstration of responsiveness and a commitment to safeguarding our land, our people and our future,” McKelvey said. “This moment sends a strong message to the people of South Maui that the governor and his administration understands the urgency and are committed to expediting the resources needed to tackle the flooding crisis from mauka to makai.” According to McKelvey, the funding, which was secured through the combined efforts of legislators Rep. Terez Amato, Rep. Kyle Yamashita, Sen. Lynn DeCoite and Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz, will be used to mitigate the destructive impact of the axis deer population on agriculture, infrastructure and the general safety of the community. McKelvey expressed his gratitude for the swift action taken by the administration, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “The unchecked spread of axis deer has led to severe agricultural losses and increased the risk of flooding due to overgrazing, which weakens soil stability,” McKelvey said. “The governor’s commitment to funding this project reflects a proactive approach to preventing further environmental degradation and ensuring the well-being of residents.” The South and West Maui lawmaker explained that the fencing initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance conservation efforts and long-term sustainability in the region. Leaders and stakeholders emphasize that the project will serve as a foundation for future flood mitigation and environmental preservation efforts. “The funding release marks a significant step forward in addressing one of South Maui’s most pressing ecological challenges,” McKelvey said, adding that, “community members, conservation advocates and policymakers will continue working together to ensure the successful implementation of the project and explore additional strategies for sustainable land management.” “The fences we build today are not just barriers—they are bridges to a safer, stronger and more resilient Maui,” McKelvey said. Senators Mentioned: Senator Angus L.K. McKelvey Senator Lynn DeCoite Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Gender-affirming healthcare bill passes in Hawaii Original Article KITV Jeremiah Estrada Feb 12, 2025 HONOLULU (Island News) -- The Hawaii State Legislature passed a healthcare bill which expands protections for and ensures access to gender-affirming care for youth and adults. Senate Bill 1150 was approved on Wednesday morning due in part to the Hawaii Senate Health and Human Services Committee, chaired by Senator Joy San Buenaventura, and the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, chaired by Senator Jarrett Keohokalole. This bill comes with amendments from those Senate committees. The bill affirms that patients, doctors and parents have control over medical care without any interference from other states. Testimonies were made over this bill this week including arguments in support of and opposing what rights would be established. Testifiers who backed the bill said that families would benefit from it, whereas critics feared the lengths people on the mainland would take to come to Hawaii to access gender-affirming healthcare for a child. The Stonewall Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii is grateful about the critical legislation as it comes as a victory for transgender people and their families. This bill will advance protection for local healthcare providers and guarantees that certain groups are not prevented from receiving healthcare. “The Stonewall Caucus remains committed to advocating for the passage of Senate Bill 1150 into law.” said Abby Simmons, Chair of the Stonewall Caucus, “We look forward to continuing to work alongside lawmakers, healthcare professionals, transgender individuals and their ohana, as well as community advocates to ensure that Hawaii remains a safe haven for those seeking essential, compassionate medical care.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Jarrett Keohokalole Senator Joy San Buenaventura Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Seek Tougher Fireworks Enforcement, But No Statewide Ban Original Article Civil Beat Blaze Lovell Feb 11, 2025 State senators declined to move forward with a statewide ban on all fireworks on Monday, and instead are working to significantly strengthen law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute fireworks cases. Within the last week, measures to increase fireworks penalties, boost funding for investigations and allow for the random inspection of containers at the ports have all cleared their initial hurdles in the Senate. Together, the measures represent the most significant steps to crack down on illegal fireworks that legislators have taken in more than two decades. Over those years, a series of reports outlined steps that lawmakers, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors could take to curtail fireworks in Hawaiʻi , but those recommendations were rarely acted on. The moves this week in the Senate show how dramatically the politics of policing fireworks changed after an explosion at a neighborhood fireworks display on New Year’s Eve left six dead . Police have so far made 10 arrests . The incident gave lawmakers a new sense of urgency. “I feel like we should have done more in the past,” said Sen. Brandon Elefante, chairman of the committee primarily responsible for advancing fireworks bills this year. Aerial fireworks have been illegal in Hawaiʻi since 2000, and most consumer fireworks except for firecrackers have been outlawed on Oʻahu since 2011. Elefante said that he and other senators are focused this session on giving law enforcement officials the tools they need to pursue fireworks-related cases. Gov. Josh Green’s administration has also proposed rewriting fireworks laws to make it easier for prosecutors to bring criminal cases and enhancing penalties for offenders. The most significant part of the governor’s proposal under Senate Bill 1324 changes various fireworks-related definitions in the state’s laws. For example, the current definition of an “aerial device” is a firework with 130 milligrams or less of explosive material that, when ignited, produces an audible or visible effect. Law enforcement officials said that definition requires forensic testing and the testimony of expert witnesses to prove a crime occured. And that’s assuming there’s anything left of the device to test. It’s particularly a problem “if the firework has already gone up. There’s no evidence to collect,” Deputy Attorney General Tricia Nakamatsu told lawmakers. Under the proposed changes, an aerial device would be defined as anything that shoots at least 12 feet into the air and explodes or emits fireballs. The Attorney General’s Office said the bill creates “common sense” standards that most people would be able to testify about in court if called upon. The bill also increases penalties for some fireworks violations. Under the current law, throwing a firework out of a moving car is treated the same as igniting one outside of designated times. Both could only be punished with a fine of up to $5,000. SB 1324 would create higher penalties for more dangerous acts and raise penalties up to a class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. Sonny Ganaden, deputy public defender “We believe that’s frankly unconstitutional.” Honolulu City Councilmembers are also considering stricter penalties for people who have illegal aerials on Oʻahu. Their Bill 7 would make possession of 25 pounds or more of aerial devices a class C felony, punishably by up to five years in prison. It is scheduled for its first committee hearing on Thursday. The state measure under consideration would also allow prosecutors to pursue civil fines in addition to criminal charges. However, that provision drew opposition from the state Office of the Public Defender. Indigent defendants who can’t afford an attorney would be assigned a public defender in a criminal case, but would not get representation in a civil case. “We believe that’s frankly unconstitutional,” said Sonny Ganaden, a deputy public defender. The office instead supported lawmakers’ other efforts to fund initiatives aimed at cracking down on illegal aerials. Lawmakers appear keen to funnel more resources to state law enforcement to stem the flow of illegal fireworks into the state. Senate Bill 1226 , which also cleared its first round of committee hearings last week, would institute a container inspection program at harbors in Hawaiʻi. Under the current draft of the bill, the law enforcement department would have discretion over which containers to inspect. Once a container is selected, it would be sequestered from the rest of the port to avoid disrupting the normal flow of container goods carrying essential items to store shelves. Senators made that change in part because harbor users and shipping companies had objected to past container inspection proposals. The proposed new inspection program would utilize dogs who can smell fireworks within closed containers. In cases where the explosives are hidden at the back of a container, the dogs could detect the scent once the doors are opened. Senators have asked for $750,000 for the program, but the department said that may not be enough. Two more dogs alone could cost more than $600,000, and more costs are expected. Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert told lawmakers that the state currently spends at least $1 million every time it needs to ship a full container of confiscated fireworks to the mainland for disposal. He asked them to pass those costs on to the fireworks importers and intended in-state recipients. Lawmakers are proposing additional funding for the law enforcement department to create a new explosives unit and continue a task force that has already seized more than 220,000 pounds of illegal fireworks in the last two years. Mike Lambert, law enforcement director “As the issues switch throughout the state, we’d have the latitude to move between fireworks and firearms.” Lambert said that he eventually wants the task force and explosives unit to take up gun violence investigations and envisions its future as a state-level version of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “As the issues switch throughout the state, we’d have the latitude to move between fireworks and firearms,” Lambert said. Russell Fong, the department’s finance officer, said that the new unit would cost about $5 million in its first year of operation and $3.2 million in its second. The unit would be staffed with eight investigators and one clerk. Included in those first-year costs are $2.1 million for an explosives testing lab. On Monday, state Senators gave preliminary approval to a measure, Senate Bill 999 , that would increase fines for minor fireworks offenses and divert funds from fireworks penalties to the state’s general fund. However, language to outlaw the fountains, sparklers and firecrackers that are currently permitted on Hawaiian islands except for Oʻahu was struck from the bill. The Honolulu Police Department and the state Department of Law Enforcement supported the ban, saying it might deter fireworks users. But the bill was opposed by retailers who say the ban would impact small businesses that sell fireworks around the holiday season. James Fuller, who represents the pyrotechnic industry, said that fireworks producers and retailers support a crackdown on illegal aerials and measures to increase resources for law enforcement. But the original draft of SB 999 went too far. “We’ve go to get illegal fireworks off the streets,” Fuller told Civil Beat. “Banning all fireworks … does not represent a fix to that challenge.” Consumer fireworks give people an alternative to popping aerials, and don’t carry the same risks of fire or the noise that disturbs people and their pets on New Year’s, Fuller said. He encouraged Hawaiʻi officials to instead pursue educational campaigns that remind fireworks enthusiasts to keep sources of water nearby, to not light fireworks near flammable structures and to keep the audience at a safe distance. Elefante, chairman of the Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee, said he proposed changes to the bill after hearing concerns about the original draft from other senators. At the hearing Monday, the public safety committee voted to remove language from SB 999 regarding an outright ban on all fireworks. Senators also included provisions for a new community safety program, which would be run by county police departments. Senators Mentioned: Senator Brandon J.C. Elefante Hawaii's growing pest crisis, is a stronger plan needed? Original Article KHON2 Bryce Moore Feb 8, 2025 PALOLO VALLEY, Hawaii (KHON2) — Coqui frogs, coconut rhinoceros beetles and little fire ants are just some of the invasive species that the Hawaii Department of Agriculture has their hands full with in 2025. Some even say a biosecurity chief position is needed. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture said working with the community to combat invasive species will be critical in 2025 since $10 million was approved for 2025. “[Ten million dollars] is more money than the Department of Agriculture has ever had dedicated to biosecurity efforts,” said HDOA chair Sharon Hurd. “We’re going to say, ‘We have a statewide plan for public property, but for the private properties in the communities, maybe you guys can help us with this funding and decide what you’re going to do for coconut rhinoceros beetles.” Coconut rhinoceros beetles are widespread on Oahu and has also been found on Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island. Invasive Species Committees on each county respond to reports, but some legislators hope to cut through red tape by establishing a chief of biosecurity. “So that it becomes a priority so that someone actually owns the issue and can follow through,” said Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Donovan Dela Cruz. “We need a much more tight strategic plan that we know can get implemented.” The manager of the Oahu Invasive Species Committee has some concerns about shifting roles, however. His crew just sprayed for coqui frogs on Feb. 7 in Palolo Valley. “They’re proposing to move it from the DLNR right now to the Department of Agriculture,” Nate Dube said. “So when anything gets past the ports of entry and starts to establish, that’s where Oahu Invasive Species Committee is able to come in and work with residents, work in their backyards.” Field specialists said their on-the-ground work would not be possible without the public and they urged folks to send in reports. “If you see something, say something. So it’s always good to call the pest hotline or contact either. HDOA, OISC whoever is involved, you know, just getting it to the right parties and being able to, you know, report a pest. If you see one,” said HDOA Acting Land Vertebrae Specialist Jessica Miura. Dela Cruz said it is time that there is a position that can be held to account for the continuing spread of invasive species since there are so many city, state and community agencies. “I mean, it’s gotten to the point where we have little fire and we have coconut rhinoceros beetle, we have coqui frog, and the list is continuing to grow,” Dela Cruz said. “We are hoping for the day that farmers and ranchers can wake up and they can say, ‘Okay, what do I farm today,’ rather than, ‘What invasive species do I have to treat for today?'” Hurd said. The bill to create a biosecurity chief passed the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee on Feb. 6. Senators Mentioned: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Community to celebrate life of Ka'ū Calendar editor Julia Neal Original Article Big Island Now Tiffany DeMasters Feb 7, 2025 Julia Neal, founder of the monthly publication the Ka‘ū Calendar and owner of the Pāhala Plantation Cottages, has been described as compassionate, generous, a community advocate and a dedicated journalist. On Jan. 24, the Pāhala resident for about 30 years passed away in her home on Jan. 24. She was 75. “Everybody knew who she was and what she did,” said Iopa Maunakea, founder of the nonprofit Men of Pa‘a. “That lady impacted the community just by her paper alone. She had a lot of integrity.” Neal kept people from Miloli‘i to Pāhala informed of the goings-on in Hawai‘i Island’s sprawling rural district. From county elections to the controversial proposed resort development in Punalu‘u, Neal reported on the community truthfully. On Saturday, the community is invited to celebrate Neal’s life at 9 a.m. at the Plantation House at 96-3209 Maile St. in Pāhala. With Neal now gone, the Ka‘ū Calendar will cease operations, with its final publication to run later this month. The community is invited to submit letters, prayers, poems and art in honor of Neal to contribute to the final issue. Send submissions to tibarra2000@gmail.com by Feb. 14. Neal also ran a bed and breakfast and vacation rental business called the Pāhala Plantation Cottages, where she hosted weddings, science camps, music festivals and a variety of community events and gatherings. “Her love for Ka‘ū’s unique community and culture and realization that the rural region lacked organized print media inspired her to start the Ka‘ū Calendar,” said Neal’s nephew, William Neal. “She also firmly believed that bringing the voices of those who call Ka‘ū home to the forefront on the region’s most consequential issues was imperative.” William Neal said his aunt was the hardest-working person he ever knew. “Few have had the passion and drive that she had,” he said. “Every day, she would wake up to report on the happenings of the community and national stories of consequence for Hawai‘i at large without missing a day.” Neal covered community events, including the Ka‘ū Coffee Festival, high school graduations and the Pāhala Christmas Parade. She also hosted countless concerts at her property. One Facebook user said they can’t imagine Pāhala without Neal, who always was wearing a hat and smiling. William Neal said his aunt largely ran the paper alone. “She did have some help with graphic design putting the paper together and from time to time throughout the years she had some folks help her take photos for stories or seek advertisers,” he said. “But largely the day-to-day reporting was all done by Julia.” Neal was born in Missouri to a military family that was always on the move. She grew up in several places around the U.S. and Europe, including Kentucky, New York, Germany and France. In the 1980s, Neal worked as a photographer for The Garden Island newspaper on Kaua‘i, working her way up to editor of the publication. Senate Speaker Ron Kouchi was elected as a Kaua‘i County Council member when he met Neal, who at the time was a reporter at The Garden Island. “It was a time when reporters would sit through the entire county council meetings,” Kouchi said. “They were firey journalists and did a lot of homework and research.” Kouchi said Neal covered the development controversy of Nukoli‘i. According to a 2016 Honolulu Civil Beat article by the now Kaua‘i State Rep. Luke Evslin, the fight over Nukoli‘i was “Kaua‘i’s worst political crisis since statehood.” Developers were trying to build a resort on Kaua‘i’s east shore. Although the vacant land at Nukoli‘i was upzoned to urban by the State Land Use Commission in 1974, no building could occur until the county changed the zoning to resort. According to the Civil Beat article, the Planning Department, through the Līhu‘e Development Plan, recommended resort zoning in 1978, which sparked a wave of protests. While they were on opposite sides of the issue, Kouchi supporting development and Neal opposing it, the senator said she wrote the story with all the facts, allowing readers to make their own choices. “She was a professional,” Kouchi said. “She held you to the fire and asked the hard questions.” After turning 40, Neal moved to the Big Island to start a new life in Pāhala. Men of Paʻa’s Maunakea said Neal was involved in everything from housing to education. “She was fearless about reporting things in Punalu‘u,” Maunakea said. Maunakea met Neal four years ago. She opened up her cottages to the nonprofit when the members would stay overnight while in Ka‘ū to do service projects. He said Neal always made it a point to spend time with the group during their stays. “She opened doors for us to engage our community service with the Ka‘ū region,” Maunakea said. Neal is survived by her partner Michael C. Worthington, brother Forest Neal II, and three nephews; Forest Neal III, Michael Neal and William Neal. Senators Mentioned: Senator Ronald D. Kouchi Honolulu launches $5M grant program to support low-income rental housing Original Article Star Advertiser Ian Bauer Feb 7, 2025 Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration is offering $5 million in grant funding to stoke the creation of more low- income rental housing on Oahu. Currently, the city Department of Land Management is soliciting proposals from nonprofit entities and public agencies for funding opportunities through the Affordable Housing Fund, or AHF, which typically provides funding to develop and expand affordable rental housing for households earning 60% or less of area median income. The fund also comes with the requirement that funded housing remain affordable for at least 60 years. But in this solicitation, the city is prioritizing projects that serve extremely low-income households — or 30% AMI and below, including those experiencing homelessness — in which a person earns $29,250 a year or a family of four receives $41,750 annually, according to the state Housing Community Development Authority. “This funding opportunity is a key part of the city’s broader strategy to increase the supply of affordable housing, particularly for those in urgent need, including individuals transitioning out of homelessness,” Kevin Auger, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Housing, said in a statement. In a statement, Catherine Taschner, DLM’s director designate, said the program encourages “organizations to bring forward projects that will have a lasting impact.” “By prioritizing projects that serve extremely low- income households, this initiative underscores our commitment to tackling homelessness and expanding affordable housing opportunities,” she said. The funding cap is $55,000 per unit, meaning the program could support at least 90 units at full funding, according to city officials. They add that the actual unit production will depend on project scope, land acquisition costs and whether funds are used for new construction or rehabilitation. City officials say they won’t know the number of affected units until the completion of the competitive selection process. And while 90 units is the estimated baseline, the final number could be higher depending on how efficiently funds are allocated and whether projects secure additional financing. The proposal submission deadline is scheduled for 3 p.m. March 18. Meantime, the city is also seeking developers willing to build or redevelop four new affordable housing projects on city-owned parcels in urban Honolulu. The properties in question include: >> 1615 Ala Wai Blvd. >> 436 Ena Road. >> 130 S. Beretania St. >> 1421 Pensacola St. Under this program, selected developers will enter into a 75-year ground lease with the city and will be responsible for designing, financing, constructing and operating affordable rental housing on these sites. DLM recently issued a “request for qualifications” to redevelop the four underutilized sites, the city said. The deadline to submit is 1 p.m. March 21. Both of these efforts correspond with the Blangiardi administration’s unveiling earlier this week of its new plan to expand construction of more housing across Oahu. Coinciding with the mayor’s second four-year term, the city’s Office of Housing released its 2025-2028 Strategic Housing Plan, which aims to partner with developers to “activate underutilized” city-owned lands on the island and involve using new types of “financing strategies” to build more housing on the island. The plan, which does not offer an overall number of new housing units the city expects to develop on the island, will supposedly lay the groundwork for such development in the coming years — or at least as long as the Blangiardi administration remains in office. The mayor’s second and final term ends in 2028. During a news conference held Wednesday at the Mayor’s office, a few “special guests” — namely, representatives from large developer firms including Kobayashi Group LLC, Stanford Carr Development LLC and Castle &Cooke Hawaii, among others — appeared. Peter Savio, a longtime real estate developer in Hawaii and president and CEO of the Savio Group of Companies, did not appear at the mayor’s news conference. But afterward, Savio told the Honolulu Star- Advertiser that the city’s approach to building more affordable housing on Oahu misunderstands the real issue at play. “We do not have a supply problem; we have a demand problem,” he said. “As we build affordable units and sales restrictions expire, they get resold at market and become unaffordable.” And most so-called affordable housing units are “unaffordable based on local wages,” he said. “Real estate markets are local in nature, and slow for the building and sale of homes in a community,” he added. “This means homes are sold tied to the income of buyers and sellers in that community.” Savio said if applied to housing in Hawaii, and tied to average wages, a three-bedroom, two-bath fee-simple home should sell for about $450,000. Instead, that home sells for more than $1 million, he noted. “‘Affordable’ projects have studios at $250,000 (and) one-bedrooms at $400,000. They are lower than market prices but still unaffordable,” said Savio. “Outside demand has pushed our market above the local sale price by over $700,000.” “Our wages do not allow us to compete for home purchases. We are priced out of our market because of our demand,” he said. “If demand is the problem, building more supply simply attracts wealthy mainland and foreign buyers.” “If demand is the issue, building more is the worst thing the government can do,” he added. To solve the problem, Savio claimed the government must establish a program to keep housing affordable in perpetuity. “This can be done by creating an affordable local market where homes are sold in a controlled market, where price is determined by increase in wages,” he said. “Wages go up 20% over 10 years, the price goes up 20%.” “All we have done is create a local market for local wage earners, which is what our market would be without the distortion of outside buyers,” he said. To that end, Savio said he supports new state-level legislation introduced by Sens. Les Ihara Jr. and Carol Fukunaga. He said the measures — Senate Bills 1632 and 379, respectively — are meant to establish “a local market” for housing as well as keep so-called affordable housing “affordable forever.” “That’s the real story,” he added. “We have a solution and it will work.” Meanwhile, according to the city and the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, or UHERO, the median sales price of a single-family home exceeds $1.1 million, and median rents approach $2,000. In the Honolulu metro area alone, there are nearly 20,000 cost-restricted units, while West Oahu contains approximately 9,000 units, UHERO says. According to the Hawaii Housing Factbook, 58% of Oahu renters are rent-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing. In comparison, 29% are severely rent-burdened, allocating over half their income to rent, the housing report says. Senators Mentioned: Senator Les Ihara, Jr. Senator Carol Fukunaga Senate panel passes bill to fund illegal fireworks task force Original Article Maui Now Brian Perry Feb 6, 2025 The Hawaiʻi Senate Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs has recommended passage of Senate Bill 222 , which would appropriate an as yet undetermined amount of state funding for an illegal fireworks task force. The committee’s unanimous action on Wednesday came as a sixth person, a 30-year-old woman, was confirmed to have died from injuries suffered in a New Year’s fireworks explosion in the Salt Lake area of Honolulu. The massive explosion at a residence initially killed three adults and left more than 20 people in critical or serious medical condition. A companion bill, House Bill 508 , has passed first reading and been referred to the House Finance; and Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs committees. No public hearing had been scheduled for the bill as of Thursday afternoon. Most of the written testimony on Senate Bill 222 supported the funding for the task force, its operations and hiring of administrative support staff. Money also would cover reimbursements to law enforcement agencies for personnel, overtime, fuel, equipment and storage and disposal of confiscated fireworks. According to the state Department of Law Enforcement, the Illegal Fireworks Task Force has successfully removed more than 200,000 pounds of illegal fireworks from Hawaiʻi’s streets, with operations and investigations continuing to progress. The bill would extend the sunset clause for the task force from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2030, which the department said “is critical to maintain this momentum and ensure the long-term effectiveness of the Task Force’s mission.” Abbra Green, executive secretary of Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi, submitted testimony in strong opposition to “any prohibitions and enforcement measures targeting fireworks.” “We believe Hawaiians have the right to pursue and engage in any activities that bring them joy and fulfillment,” Green said. “Fireworks prohibitions and regulations infringe upon the freedom of our citizens to partake in this time-honored custom, diminishing the spirit of celebration and unity that fireworks bring.” Strict enforcement measures to crack down on fireworks use “would only serve to burden law enforcement resources, and diverted needed attention away from more pressing issues,” Green said. “Prohibitions and heavy enforcement will lead to unnecessary conflict between police and citizens, eroding trust and creating an atmosphere of fear and animosity. Causing harm against another person is already illegal, and crimes can already be prosecuted without these new tyrannical enforcement measures.” Beverly Heiser said: “The Aliamanu tragedy was sad, and it is hopeful that the lives lost and those suffering from life-changing critical injuries were not in vain but will provide the wake-up call to take the use of illegal fireworks seriously. This all starts with legislators creating laws to invoke stiffer penalties and higher fines, and it allows enforcement to the fullest extent of the law to instill a fear of getting caught and induce deterrence.” While effectiveness of the measure might require more funding in the future, “how do you put a price on lives lost, life-changing deformities and psychological issues that may require medical attention for the rest of one’s life? Yes, enough is enough,” Heiser said. Bronson Teixeira said the funding measure would be a “waste of taxpayer dollars” and not stop illegal aerial fireworks. Voting in favor of the bill were committee Chair Brandon Elefante and Vice Chair Glenn Wakai, with Sens. Carol Fukunaga and Karl Rhoads, all of Oʻahu. One dissenting vote came from Sen. Samantha DeCorte of West Oʻahu. By an identical vote, the Public Safety & Military Affairs also recommended approval of Senate Bill 227 . It would establish an Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement and provide an as yet unspecified amount of funding for the division. Public testimony submitted on the bill was similarly for and against the measure. The committee deferred action on Senate Bill 476 , which would increase fines for fireworks violations from the current $500 to $5,000 per offense. A 2011 report from the Illegal Fireworks Task Force to the Legislature said an increase in fines associated with illegal fireworks may act as a stronger deterrent. Written public testimony on Senate Bill 476 was mostly in favor, with opposition coming from the Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi and others protesting government infringement on personal freedoms. The committee was unanimously in support of passage of Senate Bill 1226 , which would establish a Shipping Container Inspection Program to ferret out illegal fireworks being smuggled into Hawaiʻi. The bill proposes spending $750,000 in fiscal 2025-2026 and the same amount, again, in fiscal 2026-2027 to administer the program and purchase at least two fireworks- or explosive-sniffing dogs. That bill was introduced by Sens. Karl Rhoads, Henry Aquino, Stanley Chang, Brandon Elefante, Mike Gabbard, Michelle Kidani, Angus McKelvey, Herbert Richards III, Carol Fukunaga, Jarrett Keohokalole, Sharon Moriwaki, Joy San Buenaventura and Glenn Wakai. Senators Mentioned: Senator Karl Rhoads Senator Henry J.C. Aquino Senator Stanley Chang Senator Brandon J.C. Elefante Senator Mike Gabbard Senator Michelle N. Kidani Senator Angus L.K. McKelvey Senator Herbert "Tim" Richards, III Senator Carol Fukunaga Senator Jarrett Keohokalole Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura Senator Glenn Wakai MAHALO SENATOR ELEFANTE – SENATE PUBLIC SAFETY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HOLDS SERIES OF HEARINGS ON ILLEGAL FIREWORKS BILLS Original Article myPearlCity.com PC Community Feb 6, 2025 HONOLULU – The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM), chaired by Senator Brandon Elefante (Senate District 16 – ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City), completed a series of significant hearings today addressing legislation aimed at combatting illegal fireworks in communities across Hawai‘i. Three separate hearings held at the Hawai‘i State Capitol went over several key bills that focus on strengthening enforcement measures and penalties related to illegal fireworks use. A priority for the Senate, these bills aim to enhance public safety and respond to the increasing concerns about the dangerous and disruptive use of fireworks. The following bills were heard today: SB 999 : this bill would ban the use and sale of consumer fireworks, set fines for breaking the law, and create a fund to support safety education programs using money from the fines and seized property; the committees who heard the bill (PSM/CPN) deferred it to Monday, February 10 for decision-making. SB 1226 : this bill aims to create a program to inspect shipping containers, require the Department of Law Enforcement to report on the program’s effectiveness, and provide money to support the program. The TCA/PSM committees passed the bill with amendments. SB 302 : this piece of legislation would limit the use of consumer fireworks to only approved cultural events with a permit, ban selling them without a permit, and add a fee for those permits. The TCA/PSM committees passed the bill with amendments. SB 1324 : this bill would increase penalties for fireworks-related injuries or deaths, create new criminal offenses for illegal fireworks actions, and set up a system to handle fireworks violations. The PSM/TCA committees passed the bill with amendments. SB 227 would create a new division to enforce laws against illegal fireworks. It was passed unamended. SB 476 would raise the fines for certain fireworks violations, starting on July 1, 2025. The bill was deferred. SB 222 : this bill provides more funding for the illegal fireworks task force for the next few years until June 30, 2030. It was passed unamended. Senator Elefante emphasized the critical nature of these discussions, noting that illegal fireworks not only pose safety hazards but also disturb residents, pets, and local wildlife. “Today’s hearings represent a major step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities,” said Senator Elefante. “By strengthening enforcement and increasing penalties, we are sending a clear message that the unlawful use of fireworks will not be tolerated.” The bills are part of ongoing efforts to address the rising concerns over fireworks-related incidents, including fires, injuries, and public disturbances, especially in light of the tragedies that happened in the state at the beginning of this year. Senate Committee acronyms, for reference: PSM: Public Safety and Military Affairs CPN: Commerce and Consumer Protection TCA: Transportation and Culture and the Arts ABOUT THE HAWAIʻI STATE SENATE MAJORITY The Hawaiʻi State Senate consists of 25 members who serve staggered four-year terms. The Senate Majority consists of 22 Democrats for the 33rd Legislature, which convened on January 15, 2025. For the latest news and updates, follow the Senate Majority on Facebook, Instagram, or visit https://www.hawaiisenatemajority.com. Senators Mentioned: Senator Brandon J.C. Elefante Hawaiʻi Might Finally Put The Bite On Bedbugs In Housing — But Not Hotels Original Article Civil Beat Stewart Yerton Feb 5, 2025 The first sentence of a bill before the Legislature says it all: Bedbugs are bloodsucking insects that typically hide in bedrooms and come out to feed at night. Anyone with a nightmare hotel experience can tell you that. But what’s surprising about the proposed legislation, which would require landlords to ensure rental properties are free of the pests, is that it’d be the first bedbug regulation in Hawaiʻi, which has one of the highest percentages of renters in the U.S. Hawaiʻi Sen. Stanley Chang, chair of the Senate Housing Committee, which approved a version of the bill Thursday, has his own bedbug story from a time in New York. “I would not wish it on my worst enemy,” he said. Senate Bill 456 puts the presence of bedbugs on par with a lack of running water, electricity or plumbing in a home. Sen. Karl Rhoads, who sponsored the bill , said a property infested with bedbugs “probably rises to the level of uninhabitability” under Hawaiʻi’s landlord-tenant code. The bill, however, doesn’t apply to Hawaiʻi’s sprawling hotel sector, which had $5.5 billion in revenue in 2024, and any effort to include the industry in the legislation is likely to face strong opposition. The latest version of the bill mostly makes landlords responsible for fixing the problem, prompting pushback from the Hawaiʻi Association of Realtors. If the bill passes, Hawaiʻi would join 24 other states and cities with bedbug laws. Some date back decades and bear archaic language indicating how long bedbugs have plagued communities. An Ohio law from the 1940s bans the pests in rail cars, and Wisconsin requires landlords to use “all means necessary” to prevent bedbugs in homes for “orphans, indigents and delinquents.” Nevada requires hotel rooms with bedbugs to be fumigated. Other states and cities protect residential tenants like Hawaiʻi would do. New York City demands that landlords provide new tenants with a bedbug history of the apartment and apartment building for the previous year. A bedbug bill introduced in 2024 died. Rhoads, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, hopes this can be the year Hawaiʻi finally does something. “I’ve never had them, thank God,” he said. “But I hear they’re horrible.” The Hawaiʻi Department of Health doesn’t keep statistics on bedbugs because they don’t carry or spread disease. But the department says the bugs can cause itching and loss of sleep, and that “excessive scratching can increase the chance of secondary skin infections.” Bedbugs are also sneaky. People generally sleep through bites because the creatures, who like warm, dark spaces, inject an anesthetic and blood thinner into their hosts before feeding, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports . The bugs can hide in box springs and headboards for several months without needing blood. Although overall data doesn’t exist, anecdotes of high-profile incidents abound in Hawaiʻi. In 2014, a bedbug infestation was reported at Oʻahu Community Correctional Center . In 2023, the state Department of Transportation had to shut down a section of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport so exterminators could kill bedbugs that had infested part of a terminal. In March, Hawaiʻi News Now reported that Honolulu’s Joint Traffic Management Center was temporarily shut down after bedbugs were found in the building’s quiet room. It cost $1,800 to fumigate the space. For an unfiltered (and unverified) peek at the local bedbug problem, bedbugreports.com lets travelers anonymously share stories about outbreaks in rental housing and hotels, such as an alleged incident at a landmark Waikīkī hotel. “My husband and I checked into the hotel on 9/11/2024,” the traveler reported. “When I woke up the next morning, I had several red, itchy bumps on my arms. I thought that I was bitten by a mosquito — however, the next morning, I had several more bites on my knee and arms. I then checked for bedbugs (tip from my daughter) and BINGO, in the seam of the mattress, box springs, I found bedbugs.” Hotel executives contacted by Civil Beat were reluctant to speak on the record about bedbug issues. But Tim Lyons, executive director of the Hawaiʻi Pest Control Association, said it’s not uncommon for bedbugs to hitchhike with travelers into hotels. Even the most expensive properties are susceptible, he said. “They’re not discriminatory,” Lyons said of the pests. Eight states have statutes addressing bedbugs at hotels, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Rhoads said his bill is aimed only at the pests in residences. As for hotels, he said, in the age of social media and online reviews, it’s easy for word to get out if a property has a widespread problem. “It’s incumbent on them if they want to make money to take care of the problem,” he said. But Rhoads also said, “If the committees that take a look at it decide they want to include hotels, it won’t bother me at all.” But a bill expanded to include the powerful hotel industry could face a tough climb. The Hawaiʻi Association of Realtors testified against the bill, saying “owners or tenants residing in infested units can unknowingly transfer the bedbugs to adjacent properties, and determining the source of the infestation can be complicated.” Alvin Fukuyama, owner of State Termite and Pest Control in ʻAiea, said there’s also a question of fairness. It can cost $200 per room to treat a home for bedbugs, he said. Many exterminators provide no warranty if the bugs come back, but tenants or their guests, not landlords, are usually the ones who bring bedbugs into a home, Fukuyama said. “Whoever’s living there is typically the one who’s bringing it in,” he said. Senators Mentioned: Senator Stanley Chang Senator Karl Rhoads Hawaii’s plan to develop leasehold homes advances Original Article Star Advertiser Andrew Gomes Feb 4, 2025 An unconventional state initiative to build more homes for Hawaii residents with moderate incomes is approaching a critical test to see whether homebuyers want high-rise condominiums with 99-year land leases. A more than $200 million tower is envisioned in Honolulu with 360 units and leasehold prices ranging from $456,400 for units with one bedroom and one bathroom to $862,600 for units with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The Hawaii Community Development Authority, a state agency pursuing the plan at the direction of Hawaii’s Legislature under a law enacted in 2023, is seeking a $30 million appropriation from lawmakers over the next two fiscal years to help pay for the ambitious project. However, it’s not yet clear whether enough interest from prospective buyers exists, or if enough funding for the envisioned tower can be arranged. “If there is buyer demand, we still see assembling financing for the project as a hurdle,” Craig Nakamoto, HCDA executive director, said in an email. “If there is buyer demand and if financing can be assembled, we see the pilot project as a new model for developing affordable housing for local people, that can be replicated.” The idea for the state to develop and sell leasehold condos on state land was initially proposed as legislation in 2019 by Sen. Stanley Chang (D, Hawaii Kai-Kahala-Diamond Head) based on a model used by the government in Singapore to provide lifetime housing for residents at affordable prices. As envisioned for Hawaii, such housing would come at no long-term cost to the state because revenue from unit sales would fully repay development expenses as a “revenue neutral” investment. At the end of a tower’s 99-year lease, during which condo buyers would pay for all upkeep, the state would take ownership of the entire property. To carry out the plan, the Legislature in 2023 passed Senate Bill 865, which became Act 97 and appropriated $1.5 million to HCDA for preliminary work. The agency hosted focus sessions with developers, economists, lenders and real estate brokers in 2024. Then HCDA sought bids from developers to take on the project, and selected Ko Laila LLC, a company whose principals in 2024 completed a mainly midpriced 328-unit condo tower in Kakaako called Ililani. Ko Laila, led by Henry and Kenneth Chang, is expected to finish preliminary design, cost and site evaluation work for a leasehold condo tower this summer. Then the company intends to solicit nonbinding purchase reservations to gauge interest from prospective buyers. To qualify, prospective buyers would have to meet certain requirements under Act 97 that include not earning more than 140% of Honolulu’s median income. This limit equates to about $156,000 for a couple and $195,000 for a family of four. Nakamoto said HCDA also aims to make units affordable to households earning the median income, which equates to about $111,000 for a couple and $139,000 for a family of four. In 2024 on Oahu the median sale price for single- family homes was $1.1 million, a point at which half the homes sold for more and half for less. For condos the figure was $515,000. Leasehold condos have been developed in Hawaii previously on private land. Most of these units produced decades ago were converted to fee-simple ownership, though some still exist today. A 2021 study ordered by the Legislature and updated in 2022 concluded that buyer demand would likely be high for leasehold condos with two bedrooms and two bathrooms priced at $400,000. The study by the Hawaii Budget and Policy Center of the nonprofit Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law &Economic Justice said a comparable fee- simple unit built by a private developer would cost $600,000. Part of the difference is attributable to financing costs and profit for a private developer, as well as the cost of land. Yet the land cost for individual unit owners in a high-rise can be relatively small. For instance, the city for property tax purposes values the land in a one- bedroom and one-bath unit in the 423-unit Ke Kilohana tower, which opened in Kakaako in 2019, at $20,200, compared with $543,700 for the unit itself and other shared interest in the building. This unit is currently listed for sale at $560,000. A site for HCDA’s envisioned leasehold condo tower has not yet been decided. Nakamoto said potential sites exist in Kakaako and along the city’s Skyline rail route. If sufficient interest from buyers is received for the envisioned tower, HCDA and Ko Laila would still have to arrange financing. Nakamoto said an initial analysis indicated that the project may not be able to attract private financing to pay for construction, so HCDA and Ko Laila are exploring other options including state funding for the more than $200 million project. “If there isn’t sufficient buyer interest or if the means of financing the development is not available, the pre-development will conclude and no further work on the development will be conducted,” Nakamoto said. Senators Mentioned: Senator Stanley Chang The Sunshine Blog: How Much Is A Governor Worth? A Mayor? A Judge? Original Article Civil Beat The Sunshine Blog Feb 4, 2025 Political sticker shock: Gov. Josh Green is squirming a bit at the much-publicized proposal floated by the state salary commission a couple weeks ago that would boost his salary by more than 61% over the next six years. He’d be OK with a 35% to 40% pay hike over his current $189,480 annual wage, his chief of staff, Brooke Wilson, told the commission last week. “Just to cut straight to it — and you know at the end of the day you guys are going to decide, OK? — but his feedback was that he felt more comfortable with a 35% to maximum 40% increase over six years for he and the lieutenant governor,” Wilson said. Commissioners noted Green’s current salary is less than what the Honolulu mayor makes, which they suggested is inappropriate given Green’s expansive statewide responsibilities. Mayor Rick Blangiardi got a raise last year that boosted his pay to $217,392. But Wilson told the salary commission that Green doesn’t think he needs to be paid more than the mayor. After all, he has a car, a driver and housing at Washington Place, perks the mayor doesn’t have. Green, according to Wilson, thinks judges should get a “great increase” in their salaries because competition from the private sector is making it more difficult to attract candidates for judicial appointments. Still, the commission seems intent on a pretty hefty ramping up of the pay scales for the governor and other state officials — including legislators — despite plenty of public outrage that has followed since The Blog and others reported that whopping increases were on the table. On Monday commissioners mapped out a tentative schedule for the governor that includes a 32% raise effective July 1, followed by 4% raises for each of the following five years. That still works out to a total of 52%, or nearly 61% over the six years when compounding of the annual raises is taken into account. Bottom line: The governor’s pay would be $304,301 in 2031. That’s actually a year after Green would be termed out of office if he’s reelected in 2026. The commission is charged with recommending pay increases for the next six years for the governor, the lieutenant governor, state department heads and deputies, Hawai’i judges, and the Legislature. Commission members plan to vote on the package of pay raises at their next meeting on Monday. The raises will automatically take effect unless the state House and Senate both vote to reject them in an all-or-nothing deal. The sun is shining brightly so far: Last week was the Legislature’s first full week of committee hearings and The Blog could hardly keep up with all the sunshine bills that went whizzing through, thanks to the snappy pace set by The Sunshine Boys. That’s the title our cartoonist Will Caron recently gave to Judiciary chairs Sen. Karl Rhoads and Rep. David Tarnas. The Blog would add Senate Government Operations chair Angus McKelvey to that crew; he’s pulled quite a few accountability bills to his hearing calendar, too. It’s early yet and of course conference committee is where everything will die, but many of the key reform measures are getting some actual love from lawmakers: more restrictions on contractor and grantee political donations, more money for partial public financing of campaigns, more requirements for lobbyists’ disclosure. Bill packages requested by the state Ethics Commission, Elections Commission and Campaign Spending Commission — including prohibiting contributions to state elected officials while they’re in session and funding for more investigators — are being heard and largely approved, at least by one chamber or the other. Even a couple of constitutional amendments that would ultimately need to go to the ballot for approval by voters are getting a legislative thumb’s up (so far): increasing the mandatory retirement age for judges to 75, fixing an issue with blank votes and overvotes in Hawaiʻi’s elections, and an end run around Citizens United by declaring that in Hawaiʻi free speech shouldn’t necessarily mean huge campaign contributions. Coming up this week, lawmakers are scheduled to take up more bills related to the public financing of campaigns and a serious effort by Rep. Tarnas to curb one aspect of pay-to-play politics by better tracking contractors and grantees who are getting state funding and restricting the money they have been funneling to elected officials. (That’s at 2 p.m. Wednesday in House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.) Lawmakers also seem interested in changing the law regarding asset forfeiture to make sure authorities only seize property in criminal cases where someone has been actually convicted, and convicted of a felony. Bills making it clear that the public has the right to record law enforcement officers also are moving forward. The House Republican caucus’s Stand Your Ground proposal has yet to be scheduled for a hearing. Bipartisan proposals to ban or restrict cell phone use in schools seem to be going nowhere. The same for bills that would require more voter centers, especially on Oʻahu, to help alleviate long lines for voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day. The Blog could go on and on about some of the other interesting proposals we’re tracking here. But the Legislature’s website is pretty easy to navigate for bills and hearings and it also has easy links to live video streams or recorded hearings. We’ll do our best to keep you updated on the issues we’re following. There’s about a month to go til crossover, when bills must be approved in at least one chamber and they cross over to the other one. Session stretch: A couple of the bills getting some attention this year entertain the notion of putting lawmakers to work year-round — not necessarily every day but spreading the legislative session throughout the year to give policymakers more time to do their jobs in an increasingly complex world. Count Senate Judiciary chair Karl Rhoads as a loyal skeptic on this one. He’s giving some air to Senate President Ron Kouchi’s version of a proposal by House Speaker Nadine Nakamura to create a task force to study how the session could be extended over 12 months (now it’s 60 session days spread over about four months). Senate Bill 1514 gets a hearing Friday at 9:25 a.m. before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Nakamura’s House Bill 1425 is set to go Wednesday at 2 p.m. before the House Legislative Management Committee. “It’s not clear to me that there’s any stomach for extending the session either in the building or amongst voters,” Rhoads told The Blog on Monday. Rhoads made quick work of another proposal for a 12-month Legislature on Friday when he unilaterally deferred Senate Bill 733, which sought to put the question directly to the voters via a constitutional amendment. His Judiciary Committee colleague, Sen. Stanley Chang, was the lead sponsor on that one, along with a few other senators. Chang has frequently pushed for an extended legislative session, and has called the current setup “four months of chaos.” Of course being in charge comes with some privileges. Referring to the Nakamura/Kouchi push for a task force to study the issue, Rhoads said, “since it’s a leadership bill, I think that’s the one that will move if any do.” Gordon Ito out at DCCA: Rumors have been swirling for some time that former House Speaker Scott Saiki is favored by Gov. Josh Green to be Hawaiʻi’s insurance commissioner. In fact, Saiki now has a job at the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division, but not the top spot. Yet. On Monday, the agency announced that Gordon Ito is retiring from the insurance division after 31 years including 10 total as commissioner. Jerry Bump, who joined the division in 2008, has been named acting director. Standing up to Trump and Musk: Meanwhile, 5,000 miles away across the continent — and the ocean — Hawaiʻi’s senior senator vowed to place a “blanket hold” on all of Trump’s nominees to the U.S. State Department until the attempt to shutter the U.S. Agency for International Development is reversed. Just last week Sen. Brian Schatz was named ranking member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs. And today … there he was on the steps of the agency with a handful of other Democratic senators and reps promising to put up a fight to keep the Trump administration from dismantling a vital lifeline from the U.S. to other countries. “Dismantling USAID is illegal and makes us less safe,” Schatz said. “USAID was created by federal law and is funded by Congress. Donald Trump and Elon Musk can’t just wish it away with a stroke of a pen — they need to pass a law.” Schatz called the Trump-Musk move “brazenly authoritarian” and “a self-inflicted chaos of epic proportions that will have dangerous consequences all around the world.” Over the weekend, staffers from the new Department of Government Efficiency took possession of classified information held by the agency and then refused to allow employees in the building on Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported. A single senator can hold up nominations under the Senate rules. Senators Mentioned: Senator Karl Rhoads Senator Angus McKelvey Senator Ron Kouchi Senator Stanley Chang Senate bill passes to waive SMA permits for rebuilding in historic Lahaina town Original Article Maui Now Brian Perry Feb 4, 2025 A bill to help with rebuilding historic Lahaina town advanced Monday afternoon out of the Senate Water and Land Committee, chaired by Sen. Lorraine Inouye of Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island. Senate Bill 1296 would not require special management area permits for structures in Lahaina town if they were destroyed in the deadly Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire disaster and if planned reconstruction stays within the footprint of the structure as it stood before it was consumed by flames. Sne Patel, president of the LahainaTown Action Committee, said the bill is essential for Lahaina’s rebuilding. “The Maui wildfires devastated Lahaina, displacing families, shuttering businesses and halting our local economy,” he said in written testimony . “Without streamlining the permitting process, rebuilding efforts will face unnecessary delays, leaving our community in limbo. While this bill is a step forward, we urge lawmakers to increase the SMA minor permit threshold to $1 million rather than $750,000. With construction costs exceeding $1,000 per square foot, compounded by inflation, labor shortages, and increased tariffs on steel and lumber, a higher threshold is critical to prevent further permitting roadblocks.” The committee advanced the legislation , introduced by West and South Maui Sen. Angus McKelvey , by removing its Part 2 on Page 9 as that section was considered redundant and unnecessary for the bill overall. The committee meeting on the bill and others can be seen on YouTube here . Senate Bill 830 , drafted by Central Maui Sen. Troy Hashimoto , and its companion measure, House Bill 1181 , introduced by Central Maui Rep. Tyson Miyake , would narrow the scope of the definition of the term “development” in coastal zone management law by excluding reconstruction of structures impacted by disasters. No hearings have been scheduled yet on those measures, however. McKelvey’s Senate bill would not exempt properties directly on the shoreline. The bill also increases the valuation threshold of development subject to a special management area permit from $500,000 to $750,000 when it’s located within the area covered by a federal disaster declaration on Aug. 8, 2023. In written public testimony submitted to the committee, Mayor Richard Bissen and Maui County Department of Planning Director Kate Blystone supported the bill. They said it would not only expedite construction for non-shoreline structures, but also increase the SMA minor permit threshold to $750,000 for federal disaster areas, which is appropriate “given high construction costs witnessed after the August Lahaina wildfire. This steep cost increase can be assumed for future disaster events.” Wailuku attorney Jeffrey Ueoka testified in favor of the Senate bill, saying that “while there will be many more challenges and hurdles to overcome while rebuilding, SB1296 provides some desperately needed relief from a very complicated regulatory process.” Ueoka is a land-use attorney assisting with Front Street Recovery, a coalition of business owners dedicated to rebuilding and revitalizing Front Street. Testifying on behalf of the LahainaTown Action Committee and the Front Street Recovery Organization, Haloa Dudoit said: “This bill is critical to helping our community rebuild from the Lahaina wildfires. Property owners within the SMA face not only devastating loss but also an overwhelming, complex rebuild process that threatens their ability to restore their homes, businesses and livelihoods; all essential to Lahaina’s recovery.” Dudoit added that nearly a year and a half has passed since the wildfires, “yet progress is slow, with little beyond debris removal. With a sunset date of August 8, 2028, this bill provides a clear and necessary pathway for rebuilding before it is too late.” The bill acknowledges the necessity, under the Coastal Zone Management law, to control development near shorelines to avoid permanent losses of valuable resources and the foreclosure of management options. The law also has safeguard to ensure adequate public access to publicly owned beaches, recreation areas and natural reserves. Rebuilding efforts in Lahaina will face significant challenges from rapidly rising construction costs, which are expected to escalate in light of the massive Los Angeles wildfires. The bill says SMA valuation thresholds were established in 2014 and are outdated because of significant increases in construction costs. In Maui County, the Department of Planning administers the Coastal Zone Management law, and the Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi planning commissions are the decision-making authorities for SMA permits. An SMA permit is the first permit required for developments within designated coastal areas. No agency is authorized to issue other development permits within SMA areas unless approval is first received within SMA procedures provided in state law. Senators Mentioned: Senator Lorraine R. Inouye Senator Angus L.K. McKelvey Senator Troy N. Hashimoto Bill would ban immigration detention centers on state land Original Article Star Advertiser Dan Nakaso Feb 4, 2025 Immigration detention centers would be banned on state and county lands, and other bills in the Legislature also would ensure due process for any detainees. The bills have drawn both condemnation and support as Senate and House members consider public testimony. The bills are moving through the state Legislature as federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents continue to enforce President Donald Trump’s promise to sweep up illegal immigrants, many of whom have committed no violent offenses, and deport them. During his presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly said unspecified numbers of illegal immigrants had committed murders and were members of violent drug cartels. Trump also has threatened to eliminate “birthright citizenship” for American-born children of immigrants, a right that’s enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Gov. Josh Green has repeatedly told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that he will not deploy Hawaii National Guard troops to the mainland to assist in rounding up illegal immigrants, especially if it means separating them from their families. House Bill 73 would prohibit the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and Board of Land and Natural Resources from allowing state land to be used for immigration detention facilities while also forbidding state and county agencies from “contracting with the federal government or processing any permit for this purpose.” HB 73 unanimously passed out of the House Committee on Economic Development and Technology. HB 438 and its Senate companion bill, Senate Bill 816, would create a “Due Process in Immigration Proceedings Program in the state Judiciary to provide legal representation to individuals in immigration-related proceedings in immigration court.” HB 457 also would require state and local law enforcement agencies “to notify an individual of their rights when in law enforcement agency custody before any interview with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on certain matters regarding immigration violations.” HB 22 would limit state and county law enforcement agencies’ ability to collaborate with the federal government for immigration purposes. The bill received support from, among others, the office of the Kauai County Prosecuting Attorney, which wrote, “As the smallest of the State’s County law enforcement team, our Office does not have the resources to spare to enforce civil immigration detainers. In addition, we share concerns about due process violations in enforcement of these orders.” House Bill 73, which would prohibit detention centers on state and county land, has been opposed by individuals and a group called Hawaii Island Republican Women. The bill has been referred to the House Economic Development and Technology, Water and Land, and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committees. No hearings have been scheduled yet on HB 73. Support for the ban on immigration detention facilities has come from individuals, organizations and agencies such as the state Office of Public Defender; immigration and civil rights groups; Catholic Charities Hawaii; Honolulu Council member Matt Weyer, who represents the North Shore and parts of Central Oahu; Hawaii County Council member Jennifer Kagiwada; and unions like Hawaii’s largest — the Government Employees Association — and Unite Here Local 5 that represents thousands of employees of Filipino descent working in Hawaii’s hotel, food service and health care industries. “Many of our union members are immigrants or children of immigrants, they are the working-class families, friends and neighbors that make up the fabric of our Hawaii communities,” the union wrote in testimony supporting the House bills. “We support HB22 as it clarifies how Hawaii will treat non-judicial warrants. … (There) are legitimate concerns about the constitutionality of civil immigration detainers, as opposed to criminal warrants issued by a judge with probable cause.” But Jamie Detwiler, president of Hawaiian Island Republican Women, wrote in opposition to banning detention centers on state and county land: “If the Federal government provides funding to build Federal detention facilities and procures the land lawfully, a federal detention center should be built. We need to support the efforts of our President Trump and his administration in their pursuit of making America safe again.” Andrew Crossland wrote in his testimony in opposition, “I STRONGLY OPPOSE any Bill in which the State would attempt to defy the deportation efforts of the federal government to enforce our immigration laws. We need to take care of legal citizens and residents in Hawaii first, not illegal aliens who are criminals by definition.” In her testimony, Sharee Orr wrote, “Illegal aliens are illegal. They did not follow immigration process therefore should not be afforded any help by the state to keep them from being returned to where they came. They eventually become burden to the taxpayer.” Noela von Wiegandt opposed HB 73 in her written testimony because “we don’t have enough housing to house the legal citizens who live here and to house our Veterans and homeless. I do not want my tax dollars spent on any facilities to house illegals on our public land. Just deport them and they can apply the legal way to live in the United States.” State Sen. Henry Aquino (D, Pearl City-Waipahu-West Loch) chairs the Senate Labor and Technology Committee and helped introduced SB 816, which would create the “Due Process in Immigration Proceedings Program.” Aquino wrote in a text to the Honolulu Star- Advertiser that he introduced it “in response to growing concerns from the immigration community and civil rights groups specifically.” “Currently there’s very few resources that help folks navigate the complex legal processes surrounding immigration-related actions,” Aquino said. Tuia‘ana Scanlan — president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 665 union, which represents entertainment workers — cited the internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans and the first generation of Japanese immigrants following the Japanese navy’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. In the anti-Japanese hysteria that followed, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, one of America’s most progressive Democratic presidents, issued an executive order requiring the U.S. military to round up and force both Japanese- and U.S.-born Japanese Americans into internment camps across the U.S. West, including a much smaller one on Oahu called Honouliuli. Congress eventually apologized and paid surviving internees $20,000 each, for a total of $1.6 billion. Honouliuli has since been designated a National Historic Site. “If history teaches us anything, it is that racially motivated support for the construction of detention centers is wrong,” Scanlan wrote in support of HB 73. “We need only remind ourselves of the Japanese internment camps. … It is a slippery slope to allow for the creation of internment camps. It is a deplorable mechanism used to rob contributing members of society of their possessions and their dignity.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Henry Aquino Officials urge action on speeding problem Original Article Star Advertiser Victoria Budiono Feb 3, 2025 State lawmakers are pushing for stricter penalties on speeding, which has contributed to nearly half of all highway deaths and accounted for 236 fatalities over the past five years, according to the state Department of Transportation. In 2023 alone, speeding played a role in about 60% of fatal traffic crashes. During a town hall meeting Tuesday at Prince David Kawananakoa Middle School, residents of District 27 — Pacific Heights, Nuuanu and Liliha — voiced concerns about speeding on Pali Highway and in residential areas. State Rep. Jenna Takenouchi, who represents the district, invited the Honolulu Police Department to weigh in. HPD officials noted that while the department frequently receives complaints about speeding in the area, about 95% of drivers caught speeding are residents of the neighborhood. Honolulu police officials said residents who want stricter enforcement of speeding laws must be prepared for the consequences. They noted that while many call for more action, some later complain when they receive citations themselves. Officers emphasized that speeding is speeding, no matter how little a driver exceeds the limit. Takenouchi expressed strong support for legislation this year aimed at imposing stricter penalties for speeding, which threatens public safety and contributes to excessive noise for residents. House Bill 54, along with its companion Senate Bill 97, seeks to increase penalties for excessive speeding, elevating the charge to a Class C felony for a third or subsequent offense. The bills also give the court authority to order the forfeiture of the vehicle involved in the offense as part of the sentencing. SB 97 was introduced by state Sen. Brandon Elefante (D, Aiea-Pacific Palisades-Pearl City), who also chairs the Senate Public Safety Committee. Elefante said he “constantly receives calls on excessive speeding” and has urged law enforcement to take action by citing and arresting those who violate speed limits. He said that while law enforcement has been active in addressing the issue, speeding in his district persists, particularly from Friday to Sunday, between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. The bill proposes that drivers exceeding the speed limit by 30 mph or more, or driving over 80 mph regardless of the limit, would face fines, license suspension, driver retraining and surcharges. For a first offense, penalties include a fine between $500 and $1,000, a 30-day license suspension and either community service or up to five days of imprisonment. Subsequent offenses within five years would result in higher fines, longer suspensions and more community service or imprisonment. Three-time offenders within five years could face a Class C felony, license revocation and vehicle forfeiture. Under current law, excessive speeding is classified as a misdemeanor if a driver exceeds the speed limit by 30 mph or more, often considered a petty misdemeanor. Most speeding violations, however, are treated as civil infractions and do not carry misdemeanor charges. “This is constant. This goes on almost every weekend,” Elefante said. “We have constituents who call 911, we have HPD that goes out and conducts their investigation and enforcement. It’s speeding, it’s noise but it’s also a danger to the community and those who need to use our roadways to get to their destination safely.” Elefante shared that over the last weekend in January, HPD informed his office of two arrests for racing on the freeways of Pearl City and Aiea. Furthermore, between Jan. 14 and 17, additional enforcement actions led to more arrests and citations related to racing and excessive speeding. “There were four arrests, two for excessive speaking and reckless driving without a license,” he said. “Four citations and two reckless driving without a license, excessive speeding.” HPD reported a slight increase in speeding violations over the past two years, with 25,700 offenses recorded in 2023 and 27,252 in 2024. As of Jan. 29, HPD has already documented 1,503 violations for the year. Standard speeding continues to be the most common offense, with 21,172 citations issued in 2023, rising slightly to 21,251 in 2024. Excessive speeding saw a significant increase, with more than 5,000 citations given out in 2024, while reckless-driving violations rose to 602. Racing offenses decreased to 247 in 2024 from 341 in 2023. The year-to-date statistics as of Jan. 29 showed that HPD issued over 180 citations for reckless driving and eight for racing, excessive-speeding citations are close to 200 and standard speeding violations already surpassed 1,000. The city Department of Transportation Services receives about 2,000 complaints annually from across Oahu, with roughly half related to speeding concerns, officials said. As a first step, the city asks HPD to increase speed enforcement in problem areas. If that does not resolve the issue, speed trailers — portable radar devices that display drivers’ speeds — are temporarily deployed as a short-term deterrent, though they can remain in place for only a few weeks. For persistent speeding problems, midterm solutions are implemented, including road striping to create additional shoulder or parking lanes, which visually narrow the roadway to encourage slower driving. Additional signage and solar-powered flashing pedestrian beacons near schools also may be installed to improve safety. Long-term measures require funding and construction, such as installing speed humps, median and curb modifications and roundabouts, which are larger infrastructure projects that often involve contractors and take more time to complete. State Transportation Director Ed Sniffen said the state has installed 258 speed humps, which he credits with reducing overall crashes by one-third and major crashes by two-thirds. Since 2019, Sniffen said, a location that previously saw 25 fatalities now has only one following the installation of a speed hump. Sniffen said about 100 people die on Hawaii’s freeways annually, with speeding as a leading factor and excessive speeding accounting for 30% of those fatalities. Both city and state officials are exploring ways to address the speeding problem in Hawaii. However, they urge residents and community members to take action by adhering to posted speed limit signs, as outlined in each county’s ordinance. Senators Mentioned: Senator Brandon J.C. Elefante Hawaiʻi Lawmakers At Work Year Round? That's Becoming A Real Possibility Original Article Honolulu Civil Beat Richard Wiens Feb 2, 2025 It was a typical scene at the Capitol: two Kauaʻi legislators getting together to discuss common interests and how they could support each other and the folks back home. The sort of thing that happens at the start of every session. But this was also a high-level meeting between longtime Senate President Ron Kouchi and brand-new House Speaker Nadine Nakamura, and the latter had a special request. “She innocently in her folder slid over a bill,” Kouchi recollected with a smile the next day. It was a proposal that could significantly change how the Legislature operates, and Nakamura wanted Kouchi to join the cause by introducing the same measure in the Senate. “I don’t know if you’d sign it,” Kouchi recalled her asking, “but I said, ‘For you Speaker, I’d be happy to sign it on our side and we’ll see what happens.’” And just like that, the often-proposed but seldom seriously considered concept of converting the Legislature to a year-round enterprise took on new life. “I’m glad you signed that bill,” Nakamura said to Kouchi as the top two legislative leaders headlined Civil Beat’s Civil Cafe at the Capitol on Jan. 22. Then she made her pitch. “All of the county councils in the state are year-round,” Nakamura said. “They have a fraction of the state’s budget and they meet year-round because the work of the counties — and here at the state — is year-round. Emergencies happen year-round.” “We currently have a 60-day session from the middle of January to the first week of May and we have these self-imposed deadlines that require us to not hear a lot of bills,” she said. “It requires us to write very complex bills in a very short period of time. We do not get the time to really work it as we would on the council side.” She noted that she and Kouchi are both former Kaua‘i County Council members. “I really appreciate that process and I think we should move toward that.” Why It Could Actually Happen Nakamura’s House Bill 1425 calls for the creation of a task force to study the logistics and ramifications of a 12-month Legislature. Don’t roll your eyes. This would not likely be one of those longstanding committees that eventually issues a report to be put up on a shelf and forgotten. In addition to the speaker’s sincere interest in the issue, the panel would be required to submit its findings to the Legislature at least 20 days before the start of the 2026 session. More importantly, something occurred just five days after the Civil Cafe that likely removes a big obstacle to a year-round session: State Salary Commission members revealed they were considering bumping up legislators’ pay by 40%. If that happened, there would be no further debate about whether the job is full-time. And If legislators are full-time, why should the session be so short? “It would be good to pay legislators more so we don’t have to have that second job,” Nakamura said at the Civil Cafe. Better pay and no outside employment would reduce conflicts of interest and could also lead to a more diverse group of legislative candidates, the speaker said. “We are excluding caregivers, women especially, who want to come out and do this type of work, from entering state legislative offices,” she said. Lawmaker salaries aside, there would certainly be other costs associated with the move to a 12-month Legislature, such as additional staff resources and travel. “I know it is a big change,” Nakamura said. “The study group would really take a look at what are the different issues, what are the costs.” The current 60 days for floor sessions might still be sufficient — they would simply be spread out over 12 months, she said. Meanwhile, bill-writing and committee hearings could proceed at a less frenzied pace. Nakamura’s bill gets its first hearing Wednesday at 2 p.m. before the Legislative Management Committee. In addition to her bill and Kouchi’s companion measure, Senate Bill 1514 , there are two other bills this session proposing the conversion to a 12-month Legislature. The companion measures would put the question directly to voters via a proposed constitutional amendment. One of them, Senate Bill 733 , was heard Friday by the Senate Judiciary Committee. It was deferred, meaning it probably won’t proceed this session. The other, House Bill 770 , does not yet have a committee hearing scheduled. The Legislature is also waiting on a more modest study of the 12-month option that’s being put together by the Legislative Reference Bureau as the result of a Joint House Resolution approved last session. The LRB was asked to study the pros and cons of a continuous legislative session, what the calendar might look, and the salary needs for full-time legislators and staff. What’s Really On The Table Here Legislative leaders conduct much of the people’s business behind closed doors and wield near-dictatorial powers in open committee meetings and especially during the private negotiations that dominate each session’s final days. They often point to the current tight deadlines (one sponsor of SB 733 has called it “four months of chaos”) to justify secrecy for the sake of expediency. Each election season, legislative candidates are asked in their Civil Beat Q&As if they would support applying the Sunshine Law to the Legislature to stop most of those secret meetings at the Capitol. Many say they would — if the sessions weren’t so darned short. Perhaps the time really has come to take more time. Legislators long ago exempted themselves from the open meeting laws that apply to other government bodies. But a year-round Legislature could not only better oversee the work of 20 state departments and agencies and a $20 billion budget, it could do so in the light of day. If the speaker of the House and the president of the Senate are open to operating more like the county councils on a 12-month schedule, shouldn’t they be willing to conduct their business out in the open just as the councils are required to do? Senate Judiciary Chair Karl Rhoads said as much when he amended a year-round Legislature proposal two years ago to apply the Sunshine Law to state lawmakers. At the time, he noted that Hawaii had almost twice the population it had back in 1968 when the current legislative procedures were enshrined in Article III of the State Constitution . Getting legislators to abide by the Sunshine Law won’t be an easy sell. But if they convert to a 12-month session, they would have plenty of time to do the right thing and allow the public to observe their deliberations, not just their committee hearings. Some will say the Capitol just wouldn’t be the same without the old-fashioned horse-trading that goes on in private. Not the same, but perhaps better. What about the idea that what happens at party caucus meetings stays at party caucus meetings? Again, it wouldn’t be the same if their constituents were watching, but it might be better. Longer Sessions Already Possible Even now, legislative leaders aren’t quite as rushed as they often say they are. The State Constitution spells out when each session begins — the third Wednesday in January — but not when it ends. Those 60 days of floor sessions could already be spread out over a lot more of the calendar instead of ending in early May. And committee hearings could continue in the intervals. If they feel like they have unfinished business — and every session ends with that feeling — legislators can also extend a regular session for an additional 15 days or call themselves into special session for up to 30 days. Either of those options requires the approval of two-thirds of the House and Senate. Still, a cleaner way to convert to a 12-month session would be through voter approval of a constitutional amendment. That’s because the constitution’s current timing requirements for the governor to sign or veto bills is tied to when the Legislature adjourns its regular session. This session’s bills for a full-time Legislature, for instance, would give the governor 90 days to sign or veto measures, with no reference to the date of adjournment. It’s becoming plausible to imagine a future in which better-paid legislators hold no outside employment and are unconstricted by artificial deadlines. However it unfolds, a longer session holds promise for a more effective Legislature Change is coming. Newer lawmakers are raising more questions about the top-down nature of things at the Capitol. The recent hour-long discussion on the House floor of its rules of operation was refreshing evidence of the shift, because those rules traditionally are imposed with no dialogue at the start of each session (as they still are in the Senate). It’s becoming plausible to imagine a near-term future in which better-paid legislators hold no outside employment and are unconstricted by artificial deadlines. Their only jobs would be addressing the many challenges facing Hawaii, which should be full-time work indeed. Senators Mentioned: Senator Ronald Kouchi Senate Judiciary Committee passes wealth asset tax bill for assets above $20M Original Article Maui Now N/A Feb 1, 2025 The Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Judiciary passed Senate Bill 313 in a hearing Thursday morning, which would implement a wealth asset tax for assets valued over $20 million. “SB 313 is a significant step towards creating a fairer, more equitable economy,” said Judiciary Committee Chair Karl Rhoads, who introduced the bill. “This legislation pushes for those with the greatest resources to contribute their fair share to the prosperity of our state. By moving this bill forward, we are tackling inequality head-on and working to build an economy that benefits all, especially those who have been left behind for far too long.” If the bill becomes law, individuals with assets worth more than $20 million would pay a state tax on the value of their assets above that amount. For example, if someone has $25 million in assets, they would pay the tax on the $5 million that exceeds the $20 million threshold. The tax rate would be 1%. The Committee adopted Chair Rhoads’ recommendation to assess the tax every three years. SB 313 would include assets like real estate, stocks, bonds, cash, art and collectibles, in the calculation. Those subject to the wealth asset tax would report their assets to the Department of Taxation and pay the tax at the same time they file their regular state income taxes. If passed, the bill as amended would be applied to taxes due after Dec. 31, 2029. Sen. Rhoads has introduced similar legislation in the past – SB 925 in 2023, and SB 2389 in 2022. Massachusetts has already implemented a similar state wealth tax, with the money collected aimed at funding transportation and education programs, and other states are considering similar legislation. Senators Mentioned: Senator Karl Rhoads Hawaii bans ticket scalping after Bruno Mars Fan uproar Original Article Hypebot Chris Castle Jan 31, 2025 Bruno Mars fans have been hit hard by ticket scalpers, with resale prices soaring to thousands of dollars. Now the state of Hawaii bans ticket scalping via new legislation that bans re-sale markups, stop bots and protect consumers. Bruno Mars is a huge star everywhere but has exceptionally loyal fans in Hawaii. Unfortunately, this means he is a top target for bots and ticket resellers. At a 2018 concert at Honolulu Stadium, second row seats priced at $125 face were reportedly resold for $6,972 . As usual, the artist had nothing to do with these resellers and the artist did not make the reseller’s margin. If that’s not a market failure , I don’t know what is. That margin was driven by bots that are as close to resellers as one is to two and have been the subject of a lot of attention by lawmakers at the federal level and increasingly in the states. Bots have been illegal under federal law since 2016, but federal law enforcement authorities have done little to enforce that law to the great frustration of Senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal who sponsored the legislation. This leaves enforcement to states and Hawaii is no exception. Hawaii state senators Chris Lee (D)*, Karl Rhoads (D)*, Joy San Buenaventura (D)*, and Lorraine Inouye (D), have introduced legislation under Hawaii’s consumer protection authority that would limit resale prices to the face price of any ticket . The bill language states: "The legislature finds that popular events held in the State attract secondary market profiteers, commonly known as scalpers. Scalpers often utilize computer software to navigate a ticket-selling platform and its security measures in a fraction of the time as a human being to purchase multiple tickets and conduct multiple transactions simultaneously. For example, in 2018, thousands of tickets for a concert held in the State by recording artist Bruno Mars ended up on third party websites at inflated prices. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to eliminate the impact of scalpers on Hawaii residents by prohibiting tickets to be sold at a higher price than the original price charged by the primary venue ticket provider." See how easy that was? Does it make me uneasy to have government setting prices? It does, but it’s about the only way I can see in the current environment to stop resellers like StubHub from blatantly ripping off fans by leveraging their confederates in the vast bot ecosystem . If the federal government is not going to prosecute these people under existing laws, then don’t be surprised if the states pass their own consumer protection legislation with a host of penalties. The Hawaii legislation is scheduled for a January 30 hearing before Hawaii’s Senate Transportation and Culture and the Arts Committee. Fingers crossed it gets voted out of the committee. We should not be surprised. It’s gotten so bad, fans are not going to tolerate bot scalping and under well-trodden principles of subsidiarity, it’s only appropriate for states to take charge. To coin a phrase, “don’t believe me just watch.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Lorraine Inouye Senator Chris Lee Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura Mokulele Not in the Clear Yet Original Article The Molokai Dispatch Jack Kiyonaga Jan 31, 2025 While Mokulele has resumed commercial flights to Molokai, residents are still dealing with prolonged delays, flight cancellations and a frustrating lack of communication from the airline. In a recent interview with KHON news, Ed Sniffen from the Hawaii Dept. of Transportation explained that Mokulele is only at about 50 percent flight capacity right now and that it will take approximately six weeks before Mokulele flights are back to normal. Currently, Molokai community members and representatives are heading efforts to try to bring better flight service to the island. Molokai’s Tylor Tanaka is helping lead this process by collecting hard data on flight delays and cancellations experienced by residents. “We’re gathering tangible data that we can use to plead our case not just at the county level, but at the federal level as well,” explained Tanaka. Tanaka is circulating a survey intended for anyone who has been affected by Mokulele’s flight service since Jan. 15. He is asking for specific dates, costs, reason for travel as well as what additional routes and travel options people had to find. Tanaka plans on presenting the data to Molokai representatives like U.S. Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono, U.S. Representatives Ed Case and Jill Tokuda, and Hawaii State Senator Lynn DeCoite and Hawaii State Representative Mahina Poepoe. “We want to be able to say ‘hey look at this, look at what is happening here,” said Tanaka. “We want to show them also that we are resilient, and we find solutions on our own, but of course we could use their help.” Tokuda has been engaging in conversations with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), specifically looking at leveraging Mokulele’s Essential Air Service (EAS) contracts. “I have been in conversation with multiple federal agencies about any and all remedies we have to prevent these lapses in service and explore alternative options to keep our neighbor island communities connected,” said Tokuda. “In conversations with the USDOT, I have asked them to consider a delay of award or shorten their upcoming EAS contracts for Kalaupapa and Kamuela in order to give them the most flexibility and options in selecting a carrier. I also requested that they consider going out earlier to solicit new contracts for existing EAS routes if carriers have not been able to live up to the terms of their agreements. At my request, USDOT included reporting requirements in their most recent EAS contract for Lanai in order for there to be accountability on the consistency and reliability of their routes,” explained Tokuda. “We will continue to work with USDOT on requiring contingency plans to prevent lapses in services as a part of future EAS contracts. This is a complicated and challenging issue that will require collaboration between state, federal, and private stakeholders, but our residents deserve nothing less than the ability to get safely to and from their island home.” One potential competitor for Mokulele could be Pacific Air Charters, which filed to begin commercial flights to Molokai back in June 2024, according to Sniffen. However, flights from Pacific Air Charters won’t be operational for at least one to two years while they complete FAA certification requirements. Find Tanaka’s survey at forms.gle/yDQ2Hpw9Adma1WW79. The deadline for the survey is Jan. 28. Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite Hawaiʻi Constitution amendment proposed as protest of unlimited campaign spending Original Article Kauaʻi Now Brian Perry Jan 31, 2025 A proposed Hawaiʻi Constitution amendment that would be at odds with the controversial 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court decision that took the brakes off campaign spending limits has passed unanimously out of the Hawaiʻi Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday. Senate Bill 311 would advance a proposed amendment to the Hawaiʻi State Constitution to provide that its freedom of speech protection does not include the expenditure of money to influence elections. In a legislative finding, the bill says that the US Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission reversed long-standing campaign finance restrictions and designated corporate spending on elections as free speech protected under the First Amendment of the US Constitution. “The decision removed any limits on the amount of money that corporations, special interest groups, and political action committees (PACs) could spend on an election,” the bill says. “The legislature further finds that the decision in Citizens United is a serious threat to our democracy.” “Corporations enjoy various advantages, including limited liability, perpetual life and favorable treatment in the accumulation and distribution of assets, which allow them to amass and spend an extraordinary amount of money on political messages that often have far greater reach and influence than messages from individuals,” the bill says. The measure notes that there has been a “massive increase in political spending by corporations, special interest groups, and PACs, dramatically expanding their already outsized political influence on election outcomes and policy decisions.” The bill maintains that the people of each state have the power to amend their state constitutions, and “the Legislature believes it is critical that the state express its disapproval of the Citizens United decision.” According to the bill, at least 20 states, including Hawaiʻi in 2016, have taken legislative action to urge Congress to pass a constitutional amendment to overturn the decision. However, “Congress has failed to take any action and appears unlikely to do so.” The bill was introduced by Senate Judiciary Chairman Karl Rhoads of urban Honolulu. He was joined in introducing the measure by South and West Maui Sen. Angus McKelvey; Oʻahu Sens. Stanley Chang, Carol Fukunaga, Michelle Kidani, Sharon Moriwaki and Mike Gabbard (vice chair); and Hawaiʻi Island Sens. Lorraine Inouye of Hilo, Joy San Buenaventura of Puna and Herbert Richards III of North Hilo. Rhoads said the bill was amended Thursday to add language about the Buckley v. Valeo case , which also addressed political speech. The case is a landmark 1976 Supreme Court decision that, among other things, upheld the limitations of contributions to candidates for federal office. Senate Bill 311 is symbolic, Rhoads said, “in the sense it likely won’t have any immediate effect on campaign spending.” “It would be an important statement of what Hawaiʻi residents believe the role of money in politics should be and it is no more symbolic than all the anti-choice states leaving their anti-abortion statutes on the books even after the Supreme Court ruled that a woman’s right to choose was constitutional in the Roe decision. Playing the long game,” he said. Written public testimony submitted on the bill was mostly in support of its passage. Michael EKM Olderr said: “Citizens United’s damage to our country and our state cannot be understated. Time and time again, that ruling has undermined policy-making and real change in this country. It shifted the focus of elected officials from their constituents to special interests, which has led to the Oligarchs who now whisper in our president’s ears. It has eliminated trust in our democracy and the value of our institution and created an air of legal bribery.” Olderr suggested amendments to the bill; for example, tweaking the words “to influence elections” to make them less broad. Victor Ramos opposed the bill, saying that the US Supreme Court has already ruled, and “therefore, any justification to propose a change (amend) to our State of Hawaii Constitution must be more than just a ceremonial gesture.” Andrew Crossland also opposed the bill, saying it would curtail free speech protected by the US Constitution. Stephen Munkelt supported the measure. He said that while it could not have any immediate effect on federal elections, “it may well play a role in state political contests and return some measure of power to the people.” Honolulu resident Josh Frost said the Citizens United decision “can arguably be pointed to as the beginning of an accelerated unravelling of basic democratic principles and systems in our country. “We are becoming an oligarchy. A terrifying drift that has been accelerated by the Supreme Court’s ruling on Citizens United,” Frost said. “The notion that money is speech and that ‘corporations are people’ are equally offensive and maddening. Corporations don’t breathe. They don’t feel pain, don’t need sleep nor sustenance. They have no need for health care and, perhaps most importantly, corporations do not vote. Yet their ‘voice’ drowns out those of ordinary Americans who are actually people. Real people who have no money for campaign contributions or campaign advertising.” Editor’s note: This post was updated from an original version with the addition of comments from Senate Judiciary Chairman Karl Rhoads. Senators Mentioned: Senator Karl Rhoads Senator Angus McKelvey Senator Stanley Chang Senator Carol Fukunaga Senator Michelle Kidani Senator Sharon Moriwaki Senator Mike Gabbard Senator Lorraine Inouye Senator Joy San Buenaventura Senator Herbert "Tim" Richards III Hawaii Lawmakers Propose Legalizing Adult-Use Cannabis Original Article Ganjapreneur Graham Abbott Jan 30, 2025 New legislation introduced in Hawaii seeks to legalize adult-use cannabis and establish the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office, which would oversee the state’s medical cannabis and hemp businesses alongside its future adult-use industry. Senior state lawmakers in Hawaii last week proposed legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis, regulate the plant’s production and distribution, and establish a new agency to oversee the state’s adultuse, medical cannabis, and hemp industries, Marijuana Moment (https://www.marijuanamoment.net/key-hawaii-lawmakers-filesweeping-bill-to-legalize-marijuana-and-regulate-hemp-derivedcannabinoids/) reports. House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Chair David Tarnas (D) and Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chair Joy San Buenaventura (D) sponsored the legislation in the House and Senate, respectively. The proposal would allow adults aged 21+ to possess up to one ounce of cannabis flower and up to five grams of concentrate. The proposal would also legalize small-scale cannabis home grows, allowing adults to grow up to six plants for personal use with a maximum of 10 plants — and two pounds of homegrown cannabis — per household, the report said. The proposal would also establish the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office, which would be tasked with overseeing the state’s adult-use, medical cannabis, and hemp industries. The Hawaii Senate successfully passed cannabis legalization (http://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/legalization) reforms last year but the proposal failed to advance through the House of Representatives. Advocates believe the issue stands a better chance this year, however, partly because the new Speaker of the House, Rep. Nadine Nakamura (D), supports the reforms, the report said. Meanwhile, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) — who supports legalizing adult-use cannabis in the state — recently signed (https://www.ganjapreneur.com/hawaii-gov-signs-executive-order-toprotect-caregivers-as-some-medical-cannabis-provisions-expire/) an executive order providing stopgap protections for medical cannabis caregivers after some provisions of the state’s medical cannabis program expired. Senators Mentioned: Senator Joy San Buenaventura Hawaii Leaders Wary After Federal Funding Pause Rescinded Original Article Spectrum Michael Tsai Jan 30, 2025 Some 48 hours after the Trump administration ordered a freeze on federal grants and loans, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget rescinded its directive on Wednesday, leaving both the administration and its dissenters here and around the country to declare victory at the same time. What You Need To Know On Monday, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget issued a memo directing all federal agencies to pause financial assistance offered under their auspices so they could be reviewed for compliance with the administration’s new initiative to purge progressive programs supportive of diversity, equity and inclusion; LGBTQ+, environmental justice and other causes that do not align with the president’s priorities News of the intended pause was quickly met with a pair of lawsuits. U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan later issued a stay in response to one of the suits just minutes before the OMB directive was to have taken effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday On Wednesday, OMB officially withdrew the directive without further explanation While the funding pause did not materialize, officials said the long-term threat to programs and services that do not meet Trump’s approval remains real On Monday, the OMB issued a memo directing all federal agencies to pause financial assistance offered under their auspices so they could be reviewed for compliance with the administration’s new initiative to purge progressive programs supportive of diversity, equity and inclusion, LGBTQ+, environmental justice and other causes that do not align with the president's priorities. A subsequent clarification noted that the pause would not affect core assistance programs, such as Social Security, Medicare or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. At a news briefing on Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the pause was proof of the Trump administration being “good stewards of taxpayer dollars.” News of the intended pause was quickly met with a pair of lawsuits, one by the National Council of Nonprofits, the American Public Health Association, the Main Street Alliance and the LGBTQ+ elders advocacy group SAGE and another by a coalition of 22 state attorneys general, including Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez. U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan issued a stay in response the first suit just minutes before the OMB directive was to have taken effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday. On Wednesday, OMB officially withdrew the directive without further explanation. The administration contends that the issuance of the initial order achieved its greater purpose in making sure federal agencies were aware of their obligation to understand and adhere to hundreds of executive orders Trump issued in the first week of his return to the White House. And while many federal, state and local leaders remained chagrined at the widespread confusion wrought by the OMB directive, some viewed the action as a necessary shock to the system in line with Trump’s campaign promise to remake the federal government. “This is Donald Trump,” Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., told The Associated Press. “He throws hand grenades in the middle of the room and then cleans it up afterwards. I just think the guy’s a genius.” Democrats and others opposed to Trump’s wide-net action celebrated OMB’s cancellation of the order, which some attributed to public outcry. “Yesterday, we all woke up to chaos, uncertainty, and confusion as the Trump administration freezes federal funding,” state Rep. Adrian Tam posted on his social media accounts. “This funding is critical to infrastructure, healthcare, education, and wildfire recovery. While I’m happy that the Trump Administration backed off, I want to remind you that he wouldn’t have backed off had it not been for our community leaders raising the alarm on how this funding will hurt us. Pressure works; pushing back when we see bad policies is essential. Thank you to everyone for uniting and voicing their concerns. Today is a win for Hawaii.” Initial news of the intended freeze drew a sharp rebuke from Hawaii's political leaders and prompted state agencies, under the direction of Gov. Josh Green, to mobilize quickly to assess the potential impact and draw alternative plans for maintaining critical programs and services. In a speech on the Senate floor Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, decried the freeze and the violation of the Constitution he said it represents. “The government shutdown that Donald Trump just ordered is illegal and unconstitutional,” Schatz said. “He is not a king and we do not live in a monarchy." Schatz said the freeze would result in “real pain” for many Americans. “If you’re a disaster survivor in North Carolina or Louisiana, or California or Texas or Florida or Maui, you don’t know what happens next,” he said. “If you’re a low-income family that relies on the Women, Infants, and Children Program to get healthy meals for your kids, if you live in a remote area like Waianae or Lanai in Hawaii and you go to a community health center to fill your prescriptions or to get a checkup, this freeze on funding means you don’t get help.” U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda issued a joint statement Wednesday shortly after the order was temporarily blocked. “Eight days into his dictatorship, President Trump has mandated a federal funding freeze that will cost Hawaii hundreds of millions in federal support,” they wrote. “Even a ‘temporary’ freeze will create a lapse in funding for disaster relief efforts in Lahaina, as well as crucial programs like Medicaid, Head Start, nutrition assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, school lunch programs and many more. State Attorney General Anne Lopez, along with a coalition of 21 other attorneys general, filed suit to immediately stop enforcement of the OMB policy and preserve essential funding. “The impacts of this policy withholding federal funds have already been realized in our state," Lopez said. "Neither the president of the United States nor an acting federal budget official can unilaterally upend federal law and cause such mass uncertainty in the Hawaii and our sister states by withholding federal funds authorized by law. The Department of the Attorney General will stand up for the rule of law in this nation.” The coalition argued that jeopardizing state funds will put Americans in danger by depriving law enforcement of much-needed resources and interrupting support for U.S. Department of Justice initiatives to combat hate crimes and violence against women, stop drug interdiction, support community policing and provide services to victims of crimes. The AGs also noted that the OMB policy would halt essential disaster relief funds to places like California and North Carolina, where tens of thousands of residents are relying on FEMA grants to recover after devastating wildfires and floods. In a statement released after the District Court ruling but before the order was rescinded, Gov. Josh Green said the Trump administration’s effort to freeze federal funding “cannot stand.” “My administration is currently assessing the impact of this pause on essential state programs and services, including education, health care, social services and wildfire recovery,” Green said. “For those programs that are found to be impacted, the state of Hawaii will work to develop alternate plans to ensure that key services for local residents are continued.” Hawaii’s legislative leaders also spoke out against the freeze and expressed concern for those who rely on services and programs funded by federal grants and loans. “This latest directive from the federal level comes at a time when many communities are already facing hardships, and it threatens to disrupt the distribution of critical resources to individuals, businesses, and organizations that rely on federal financial assistance,” said Senate President Ronald Kouchi. “These programs — spanning health care, education, infrastructure, housing and more — are lifelines for our Hawaii residents as well as millions of Americans and the temporary suspension of these funds will only exacerbate challenges that are already straining our communities.” House Speaker Nadine Nakamura said legislators were closely monitoring the situation. “This freeze is deeply concerning as it could jeopardize critical services that Hawaii’s communities depend on, including education, healthcare, social services, wildfire recovery and essential federally funded programs,” she said. “Furthermore, it undermines the progress we have made in ensuring representation and support for our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.” And while the funding pause did not materialize, officials said the long-term threat to programs and services that do not meet Trump’s approval remains real. In a news briefing after the OMB order was rescinded, Leavitt emphasized that while the freeze will not move ahead, federal agencies are still required to comply with Trump’s mandate to review all financial assistance programs to ensure that they follow his executive orders. In that regard, the state’s hurried efforts to assess the potential impact federal grant and loan cancellations would have on its myriad programs and services may have given it a head start in preparing for cuts yet to come. Green said his administration is assessing the impact the funding pause would have on essential state programs and services, including education, health care, social services and wildfire recovery and work to develop alternate plans for keeping key services available. State Comptroller Keith Regan confirmed that the Department of Accounting and General Services has several divisions or attached agencies that would be affected should it lose federal funding. “The main impact would be to our public arts initiatives in the State Foundation of Culture and the Arts,” he said. “Indirectly, it is possible the Archives may need to halt projects funded by its federal grants and our State Procurement Office’s Surplus Property Program may be affected by the pause in funding.” State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations director Jade Butay said his department is “deeply concerned” about potential impacts to its ability to deliver essential services. “A significant portion of our operations, including workforce development, unemployment insurance, job training and workplace safety through our Occupational Safety and Health division, is supported by federal funds,” Butay said. “Any disruption to these critical programs could affect workers, employers and communities statewide. We are actively monitoring the situation and are awaiting further guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor to understand the full scope of the impacts and next steps. We remain committed to serving the people of Hawaii and ensuring the continuity of essential programs.” The Hawaii Department of Defense, which includes the Hawaii National Guard, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, Office of Veterans’ Services and Civilian Military Programs, is heavily reliant on federal funding, receiving approximately $88 million for its annual operating budget; about $350 million to administer its Hazardous Mitigation Program Grant; and nearly $25 million for its Emergency Management Program Grant. The department further anticipates approximately $56 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement for Maui wildfire disaster response and recovery. It also receives federal grant funding for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program to coordinate its counter-narcotics efforts with federal, state and county law enforcement agencies. “While these federal programs are being reviewed by OMB, there’s no immediate impact to operate, retain qualified personnel, and continue to protect the citizens of the state of Hawaii,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, the state adjutant general. The Hawaii State Public Library System could also be significantly impacted by the freeze. HSPLA receives about $1.5 million in Library Services and Technology Act funding that enables it to provide access to library materials, technology to connect to the internet, and online databases. “The suspension of this funding will cause our communities to face limited access to information that supports their health, business, education and ability to connect to the world,” HSPLA reported on Tuesday. “Specifically, students will not have free access to test preparation and families will not have easy access to legal forms to support their needs.” HSPLS also is a recipient and partner for two digital equity projects, one that offers basic digital literacy classes statewide and another, funded via the Federal Broadband Equity Access Development program, that supports digital literacy navigators in all public libraries. Meanwhile, the Hawaii Department of Transportation is seeking clarification regarding potential impacts on obligated formula projects and discretionary funds. Likewise, the state Department of Law Enforcement reported that it is still seeking a final determination of the impacts from its federal partners. Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com . Senators Mentioned: Senator Ronald D. Kouchi Senate bill would transfer Māla Wharf and Kīhei Boat Ramp to Maui County Original Article Maui Now Brian Perry Jan 29, 2025 Dissatisfied by state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ management of small boating facilities, West and South Maui Sen. Angus McKelvey has drafted a bill to transfer maintenance and operations of Māla Wharf in Lahaina and the Kīhei Boat Ramp to Maui County. Under the bill, the County could set permit fees to generate revenue for the facilities’ upkeep. Senate Bill 750 , introduced by McKelvey and Oʻahu Sens. Stanley Chang and Kurt Fevella, includes a legislative finding that “state boating facilities on Maui are cherished and important parts of the island’s communities and are critical for fishing, recreation, commerce and transportation.” “However, the Legislature recognizes that Maui’s state boating facilities have descended into complete disarray and are under-functioning in many different aspects,” the bill says. It says repairs and maintenance at the Maui boating facilities are “incomplete” and done on an ad hoc basis. Operations of the facilities are managed through state offices on Oʻahu and communications go through “several layers of personnel.” The bill would also transfer nearby park areas to the county for maintenance. The Department of Land and Natural Resources had no comment on the bill. The measure would allow Maui County to set and collect permit fees from facility users. It also has an unspecified amount included as an appropriation to pay for the transfer. In response to a Maui Now request for comment, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee said she does not support transferring the boating facilities to Maui County to assume their operation, administration and maintenance, particularly with an undetermined amount of funding support. Lee noted that the boating facilities are in “extremely poor condition” and “yet the bill proposes to give this liability to Maui County when we are still in the thick of recovering from the August 2023 wildfires. The recovery process has our infrastructure agencies, along with other operations, administration, and management, at full capacity – we simply do not have the manpower and financial resources to manage these facilities at this time.” “I am typically a supporter of home rule, and there may be a time in the future when this idea could be discussed thoroughly and responsibly with all relevant agencies and personnel, but now is not that time and this discussion has not occurred,” Lee said. Senate Bill 750 has passed first reading and been referred to the Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz and vice chaired by Sharon Moriwaki, both of Oʻahu; and the Water and Land Committee, chaired by Sen. Lorraine Inouye of Hawaiʻi Island and vice chaired by Sen. Brandon Elefante of Oʻahu. No public hearings had been scheduled as of Wednesday morning. Senators Mentioned: Senator Angus L.K. McKelvey Senator Stanley Chang Senator Donovan Dela Cruz Senator Sharon Moriwaki Senator Lorraine Inouye Senator Brandon Elefante Trump’s order to cut federal funding sends shock waves in Hawaii Original Article Star Advertiser Dan Nakaso Jan 29, 2025 President Donald Trump’s orders to cut federal funding for a wide range of programs and nonprofit organizations has set off chaos and confusion in Hawaii and around the country. All of Trump’s orders to halt federal funding for multiple programs sent Hawaii officials scrambling Tuesday to pinpoint which programs and services may be at risk. Hawaii departments and agencies rely on 2,600 different federal “accounts,” acting Gov. Sylvia Luke told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. But state officials do not know whether the list of 2,600 federal accounts used by various state agencies — including the state departments of Health and Human Services and the University of Hawaii — was complete, including how many state workers’ salaries are funded by the federal government, Luke said. She asked anyone who hears about or experiences disruptions in programs to contact their state legislator so the state can get a better picture of the situation. Luke hopes state legislators provide more funding for critical programs that rely on federal funding to continue services across Hawaii. But of the state’s $17 billion budget, Luke said half comes from special and federal dollars. “We don’t have the funds to supplant all of the federal funds that can be lost,” she said. In a statement Tuesday, state Senate President Ron Kouchi (D, Kauai-Niihau), said, “These programs — spanning healthcare, education, infrastructure, housing, and more — are lifelines for our Hawai‘i residents as well as millions of Americans, and the temporary suspension of these funds will only exacerbate challenges that are already straining our communities.” House Speaker Nadine Nakamura (D, Hanalei-Princeville-Kapaa) issued a statement saying, “This freeze is deeply concerning as it could jeopardize critical services that Hawai‘i’s communities depend on, including education, healthcare, social services, wildfire recovery, and essential federally funded programs. Furthermore, it undermines the progress we have made in ensuring representation and support for our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.” The Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations said in a statement that Trump’s call for a “temporary” pause on all agency federal grants and loans “will have immediate and devastating impacts to nonprofits that receive federal funding and for our communities at large. The shock waves of this unprecedented action are reverberating throughout the country and our local communities. HANO joins in your concerns and your fears, and we believe this unilateral action taken by President Trump is unconstitutional.” Luke said that in her 10 years as House finance chair before being elected lieutenant governor in 2022, “We have never seen this type of directive out of the White House.” Even more concerning, she said, Trump’s actions are aimed, in particular, at critical issues for Hawaii, including addressing climate change, embracing diversity, culture and inclusion — and at specific communities such as immigrants like herself, various ethnicities, lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders. “They have an agenda,” she said of the Trump administration and his supporters. Luke hopes Trump’s threats to dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency do not jeopardize future federal funding to rebuild Maui after the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires, which killed 102 people and all but wiped out Lahaina. And she also worries that Trump might target the Compact of Free Association, which gives residents from the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau access to the full range of federal benefits available to lawful U.S. residents, including food aid from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Aid for Needy Families. The agreements were made after U.S. nuclear weapons tests killed, maimed and caused health issues for the people of their islands. On Monday the U.S. Office of Management and Budget issued a directive to federal agencies to pause “all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all federal financial assistance” starting Tuesday to conduct a review of whether government spending “aligns with Trump’s agenda,” Schatz told his Senate colleagues Tuesday. The OMB later clarified that programs would be spared from review that provide direct benefits to people who receive Medicaid, SNAP or Social Security benefits. Gov. Josh Green said in a statement that Trump’s directives have “caused a great deal of chaos, confusion and uncertainty.” “The presidential order seeks to prevent the people of Hawaii from receiving crucial services funded by the millions of dollars they pay to the federal government each year,” Green said. “This cannot stand. My administration is currently assessing the impact of this pause on essential state programs and services, including education, health care, social services, and wildfire recovery.” The immediate aftermath of Trump’s flurry of directives will equally effect Republican and Democratic states, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda said separately Tuesday. Schatz rose on the floor of the U.S. Senate and said: “I also would like to select the federal funding, which I agree with and fund that, and select the funding that I disagree with and defund that. But I’m not a monarch and neither is Donald Trump. “We’re hearing from so many constituents across the country, and I had a bit of a time delay because it’s earlier in Hawaii, but all of my colleagues were getting incoming texts and calls and panicked people,” Schatz said. “This isn’t about some arcane government program. This is, like, basic stuff.” Schatz, Tokuda and others including the Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations called Trump’s “temporary” pause on all agency federal grants and loans unconstitutional, chaotic and creating confusion across the country, including in red states. Tokuda said Trump “decided in his head that he was just going to do it. And that’s resulted in an onslaught of executive orders. He was just going to put out his mandates, throw noodles to the wall and see what would stick, to see if Republicans in Congress would bow down to him, ultimately making this a government of one and removing the separation of powers that protects all Americans.” Just as the cuts were to take effect Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan ordered the Trump administration not to block funding to existing programs until Monday after nonprofit and public health organizations filed lawsuits. AliKhan has scheduled a hearing in Washington, D.C., for Monday. However the judge rules, it remains to be seen whether the losing side will appeal — or Trump will simply ignore a decision against his directives, claiming they are the result of executive orders, Luke said. “We really don’t know,” she said. “We won’t know if this will continue a week from now, a month from now, a year from now. But we have an obligation to be ready for the worst-case scenario.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Ronald D. Kouchi Strengthening Hawai'i's Food Security: A Call To Action Original Article Honolulu Civil Beat Lauren Zirbel Jan 28, 2025 Hawai‘i is the most remote populated place on the planet, making it one of the most vulnerable locations in the world when it comes to food security. The food insecurity crisis has already reached a critical level, with nearly one in three residents experiencing food insecurity. On Hawai‘i island, this rises to an alarming 40%. A single natural disaster or global economic shock could disrupt access to food and essential supplies, underscoring the urgency of addressing our lack of food supply chain resilience. The Legislature must prioritize bold initiatives in 2025 to tackle this crisis before it is too late. One essential step toward resilience is supporting local food production, processing, and storage through targeted tax incentives and streamlined regulations. Proposed legislation focuses on: Establishing refundable tax credits for businesses that invest in food and beverage supply chain infrastructure, such as storage facilities, processing plants and distribution systems. Streamlining permitting processes to reduce unnecessary delays and costs for critical food system projects. These measures are designed to reduce Hawai‘i’s dependence on imports, stabilize food costs and ensure the state is prepared for emergencies. Local businesses already face steep challenges, including some of the highest electricity, shipping and labor costs in the nation. Many companies have opted to shift production to the mainland due to Hawai‘i’s crushing regulatory and tax burdens, leaving the state without critical local food infrastructure. Addressing these barriers will empower local producers, improve food security, and generate economic growth. The vast majority of states already recognize that taxing groceries is regressive. Hawai‘i is one of only a handful of states that still taxes them at the full rate, disproportionately impacting low- and middle-income households. Families here face some of the highest living costs in the nation, and taxing essential items like food only worsens the financial strain. Research highlights the impact: A 1% increase in grocery taxes raises food insecurity among low-income families by 0.84%. States that exempt groceries see lower rates of food insecurity, creating a fairer and more equitable environment for families. Georgia’s elimination of its grocery tax in the 1990s shows the potential economic benefits of such a move. By 2021, the policy had saved households $691.4 million, created over 18,000 jobs, and generated $1.45 billion in economic activity. Hawai‘i can follow this model to provide relief for struggling families while driving economic growth. Food insecurity affects nearly one in three residents in Hawai‘i, with rates climbing to 40% on Hawai‘i Island. Regular delays and high taxes increase operational costs and drive up prices. If the state is serious about doubling local food production, bold action is required. Under the current system, many businesses are opting to leave the state. Eliminating grocery taxes and investing in local food infrastructure would: Provide immediate financial relief to families. Enable local farmers, processors, and distributors to expand their operations. Build a resilient food system capable of withstanding natural disasters and economic disruptions. These critical initiatives are championed by a dedicated coalition of leaders. In the Senate, Sen. Carol Fukunaga, Lynn DeCoite, Stanley Chang, Kurt Fevella, Angus McKelvey and Mike Gabbard are driving these efforts. In the House, Reps. Kirstin Kahaloa, Greggor Ilagan, Rachele Lamosao, Della Au Belatti, Cory Chun, Tina Grandinetti, Jeanné Kapela, Darius Kila, Lisa Kitagawa, Nicole Lowen, Tyson Miyake, Dee Morikawa, Ikaika Olds, Amy Perruso, Mahina Poepoe, Sean Quinlan, Jeanna Takenouchi, Chris Todd, Elle Cochran, Trish La Chica and Adrian Tam are leading the charge. Addressing our food security crisis isn’t just about solving today’s challenges — it’s about safeguarding Hawai‘i’s future. Removing grocery taxes will ease the financial burden on families, while targeted investments in local food infrastructure will make the state more self-sufficient and disaster-ready. These measures reflect the values of aloha and community that define Hawai‘i. Mahalo nui to the legislators who are taking bold steps to create a stronger, healthier Hawai‘i. Your leadership is critical to ensuring that our islands can thrive in the face of future challenges. Senators Mentioned: Senator Carol Fukunaga Senator Lynn DeCoite Senator Stanley Chang Senator Angus L.K. McKelvey Senator Mike Gabbard Hawaii Senate Bill Would Create New Top Tax Bracket Original Article Law360 Jaqueline McCool Jan 28, 2025 Hawaii would create a new income tax bracket to impose a higher rate on joint income over $1.9 million beginning in 2030 under a bill that passed first reading in the... Senators Mentioned: Senator Karl Rhoads Competing bills seek to define power of Mauna Kea Authority Original Article Star Advertiser Michael Brestovansky Jan 28, 2025 Hawaii lawmakers will battle it out this session with competing bills dictating the powers of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. Hilo Sen. Lorraine Inouye has reintroduced this year a measure she acknowledged would neuter the power of the state authority, which will take over management of the Mauna Kea Science Reserve from the University of Hawaii in 2028, by making it subservient to the state Board of Natural Resources. That measure, Senate Bill 6, follows up on a similar one she introduced in 2023, which failed to pass. The 2023 bill would have added minimal language to state laws clarifying that all powers and jurisdiction over state conservation district land, which includes all of the science reserve, will remain with the BLNR. While SB 6 goes into more detail than the 2023 bill, it serves a similar purpose. It states that the MKSOA will be “the principal authority for the management of state-managed lands within the Mauna Kea lands; provided that the natural resource management enforcement and emergency response over these lands shall remain the responsibility of … the Department of Land and Natural Resources.” “Conservation land should remain in the control of the BLNR,” Inouye said Thursday, explaining she considers the matter a public land trust issue. Inouye noted she was “the only naysayer” when the Legislature passed a measure in 2022 to form the MKSOA in the first place. At the time, she expressed concerns about the ability of the Mauna Kea Observatories to renew their leases with the state between the transition of power in 2028 and the expiration of UH’s master lease in 2033. In 2023, Inouye also was concerned about what she saw as ambiguity in MKSOA’s jurisdiction. The wording of its powers, she said in 2023, could suggest that the MKSOA has authority over nearly 56,000 acres across Mauna Kea instead of just the 11,000-acre science reserve. Inouye said Thursday she believes there was no problem with UH’s land management before 2022, and that the bill forming the MKSOA was railroaded into passage for political reasons and without consultation with UH’s Center for Maunakea Stewardship. But while Inouye said she hopes some of her colleagues in the Legislature have come around to her way of thinking since 2023, she has opponents this time around. Two bills, House Bill 143 and Senate Bill 769, would clarify the MKSOA’s powers following the 2028 transition, allowing it to approve or deny conservation district use permits and ensure lessees’ compliance with permit requirements. Kohala Rep. David Tarnas, who introduced HB 143, called his bill “an important refinement” of Act 255, the 2022 law that established the MKSOA. He said Inouye’s bill is an attempt to fundamentally change the purpose of the MKSOA beyond the terms of Act 255, and that he would prefer to keep moving forward with the authority instead of going backward. HB 143 and SB 769 also specify that the current conservation district use permits for every one of the summit telescopes will not be transferred from UH to the MKSOA in 2028. Hamakua and Kohala Sen. Tim Richards, co-introducer of SB 769, said where those permits would go is yet to be determined by the MKSOA. John De Fries, MKSOA board member, said that question is still a hotly debated one. “But I’m confident we can resolve the issue,” De Fries said. “We’ve got experts in the field working on it and talking about it.” De Fries said he met with Inouye on Thursday and has “agreed to disagree” about her measure. He said Act 255 has as its central tenet the concept of “mutual stewardship,” whereby representatives of diverse groups including UH, the Mauna Kea Observatories and the Hawaiian community can make decisions about the mountain, which would be undermined by SB 6. “Sen. Inouye would like the return decision-making power back to BLNR … which would reduce the authority to only an advisory capacity,” De Fries said. Ultimately, De Fries said, the mutual stewardship concept is what drew him to join the MKSOA board, and he hopes the board can continue to operate as intended. “What attracted me to this board was this new way of resolving issues this complex and critical to Hawaii’s future,” De Fries said. Richards said he was not wedded to the specific solutions of SB 769 and that there may well be better solutions for the authority yet to be developed. But, he added, “we’ve got to get something in the pipeline now because we’re running out of time. We have three years, and if we can’t get something started now, we’ll be a year behind.” All three bills — SB 6, HB 143 and SB 769 — have been referred to multiple committees in their respective chambers, but no hearings have been scheduled for any of them. Senators Mentioned: Senator Lorraine Inouye Senator Herbert " Tim" Richards III Ala Wai cleanup underway in preparation for heavy rain forecast to start Thursday Original Article Spectrum Spectrum News Staff Jan 28, 2025 On Tuesday, the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation worked with the state Department of Transportation and the City and County of Honolulu to clean up the mud and debris that had collected in the Ala Wai Canal following heavy rains over the weekend. In addition, the agencies are preparing for another episode of heavy rains that the National Weather Service is predicting for the rest of the week with flash flooding, high south to southwest winds and strong to severe thunderstorms preceding a cold front. In an effort to reduce the amount of rubbish that flows into the canal following heavy rains, a DOBOR contractor worked to clear a “trash trap” located permanently at the outflow of the canal just beyond the Ala Moana Boulevard bridge at the entrance to Waikiki. The trap is used to keep trash from flowing into the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and out into the ocean, but DOBOR Administrator Meghan Statts said the trap booms only catch about 20% of the debris. On Wednesday, a temporary second trash trap was installed to divert any rubbish flowing down the canal into the permanent trap located on the opposite side of the Ala Moana Bridge. Statts said, “We are trying to mitigate some of the debris coming down the canal with the big storm that’s predicted to hit us shortly.” The trap will augment the work being done upstream by HDOT. DOT officials were on-site Tuesday afternoon discussing mitigation measures that could be placed in the canal before the predicted rains begin. Additional measures were expected to be put in place by Wednesday morning. State and county officials encourage people who live along the Ala Wai Canal, as well as along streams that flow into the canal, to secure items that could end up in the canal since weekend rains had carried large coolers and a variety of debris into the trash trap. HDOT, DLNR, the University of Hawaii’s College of Engineering and area legislator Senator Sharon Moriwaki are discussing a long-term solution to the chronic problem of reducing trash buildup in the Ala Wai Canal, something that Statts said has been discussed for over 30 years. Statts says “over the years, tons of debris have flowed out into the Pacific unchecked over the years.” This becomes a problem for boaters and recreational users of the Ala Wai Canal, the small boat harbor and the ocean. When the Ala Wai Canal was built as a flood control measure, Statts says people probably thought little about the consequences of storm debris. “I think people need to remember that if you have trash, any kind of ‘ōpala, throw it away properly. Don’t drop it into streams or the canal because much of this stuff ends up in the ocean.” Editor’s note: The article has been updated with information on the second trash trap and the chronic problem of trash buildup. (January 30, 2025) Senators Mentioned: Senator Sharon Moriwaki State legislature hear proposed bills advocating for Hawaiʻi's keiki Original Article Kauai Now N/A Jan 28, 2025 Hawaiʻi state legislators and community advocates joined together to present the 2025 Keiki Caucus Bill Package and priorities dedicated to improving the lives of Hawaiʻi’s children and families. The Keiki Caucus, established in 1994, is a collaboration between Hawaiʻi state legislators, community leaders, and youth-centered organizations who come together to propose, draft, support, and implement policy changes that will improve the lives of Hawaiʻi’s young people. The Keiki Caucus is co-convened by Sen. Joy A. San Buenaventura representing Puna, Rep. Lisa Marten representing Waimānalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai and parts of Kailua, and Rep. Ikaika Olds representing McCully-Mōʻiliʻili. Legislators identified five top priority issues impacting Hawaiʻi’s youth and families for the upcoming legislative session. They include: Tax credits for household and dependent care services; Funding for community schools; Paid family leave; E-cigarette regulation; Universal free school breakfast and lunches. “During the interim, we collaborated with community advocates to develop proposals that address top-of-mind issues such as the rising cost of childcare, which significantly impacts the cost of living for Hawaiʻi’s keiki and families,” said Keiki Caucus co-convenor and Representative Lisa Marten. “We also identified ways to support our youth in schools, ensuring they receive a quality education while feeling empowered and supported to succeed.” The 2025 Keiki Caucus Bill Package consists of the following measures: HB753 – Relating to the Household and Dependent Care Services Tax Credit Increases a taxpayer’s applicable percentage of employment-related expenses that is used to calculate the household and dependent care services tax credit. Extends the sunset date of the temporary increase in maximum employment-related expenses that are used to calculate the household and dependent care services tax credit, established by Act 163, SLH 2023, to 6/30/2030. Sunsets 6/30/2030. HB754 / SB821 – Relating to Community Schools Appropriates funds to the Department of Education for community schools and a program manager position. HB755 / SB852 – Relating to Paid Family Leave By 1/1/2028, requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to establish a family and medical leave insurance program and begin collecting payroll contributions to finance payment of benefits. By 1/1/2029, requires the Department to start receiving claims and paying benefits under the program. Specifies eligibility requirements and employee protections under the program. HB756 / SB972 – Relating to Health (E-Liquids) Prohibits the sale of flavored nicotine products and the mislabeling of e-liquids as nicotine-free, Establishes penalties for violations, Authorizes the Department of Health to appoint, commission, or contract for services of inspectors, Establishes two full-time equivalent program specialist positions and one full-time equivalent hearing officer position. HB757 – Relating to Education Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, requires the Department of Education to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students enrolled in department schools. Community advocates from Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Ceeds of Peace, Hawaiʻi Afterschool Alliance, Hawaiʻi Appleseed, and Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Speaks! rallied their support for the bills outlined in today’s press conference. The Keiki Caucus, established in 1994, is a collaboration between Hawaiʻi state legislators, community leaders, and youth-centered organizations who come together to propose, draft, support, and implement policy changes that will improve the lives of Hawaiʻi’s young people. Senators Mentioned: Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura Editorial: Reevaluate landfill site restrictions Original Article Star Advertiser N/A Jan 28, 2025 The search for a new Oahu landfill site, an issue that has roiled city leadership for years, is still unsettled, and lawmaking underway at the Legislature should be aimed at finding a path to a solution. So far, a collection of bills at the state Capitol is not close to achieving that goal. Legislation seems more aligned with the Honolulu City Council’s adamant opposition to placement of a landfill above an aquifer, a noncontroversial and politically safe move. Given the recent history of threats to water supply — the disastrous leak of fuel from the Navy’s underground Red Hill storage tanks leaps to mind — it’s easy to understand why. The city is currently considering acquiring 150 acres of agricultural lands near Wahiawa, located over an aquifer. On Wednesday, the City Council is expected to weigh Resolution 3, which would reaffirm a 2003 Council policy barring siting a dump near sources of fresh groundwater. Members are not expected to reverse that position now. However, Oahu is confronted with a reality check: Strict regulations that seek to safeguard the aquifer have made squaring that circle all but impossible. Keeping guardrails is rational, but the time has come for some reform to Act 73, the state law that put those guardrails in place. Or at the very least, open discussions for reform. Act 73 was passed in 2020 as Senate Bill 2376, which established that “no waste or disposal facility shall be located in a conservation district except in emergency circumstances where it may be necessary to mitigate significant risks to public safety and health.” Even with such circumstances, under the law, the emergency would not be authorized for more than three years. It would be hard to argue with that. If there is any give within Act 73, it may be within the law’s second section, which defines buffer zones that must separate a facility such as a landfill from the conservation district. At least one of the measures introduced this session, House Bill 748, would reduce the buffer zone from one-half mile to one-quarter mile around the landfill. Lawmakers should consider that seriously, among other proposals that could reasonably improve the chances of finding an acceptable landfill site. By contrast, the Senate seems headed in the opposite direction. Senate Bill 550 would add a restriction against siting a landfill “near or above” an aquifer, as determined by state health officials in consultation with county boards of water supply. That makes sense, but the bill also would enlarge the buffer zone set in Act 73 to a full mile away from conservation lands. None of the bills had been scheduled for a hearing as of Monday, but whenever they do come up, lawmakers need to examine what elements of Act 73 could be relaxed and whether that would yield further possibilities for a landfill location. In addition, legislators should seek a public appearance by military representatives to address the issue. In the past, military officials have not shown enthusiasm for making any Department of Defense property available when approached by Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration. It is worth a reevaluation now. State Sen. Mike Gabbard rightly is insisting on more precise figures from the Navy specifically about the acreage of its Oahu land holdings, and how much of that is not over an aquifer. Good questions. And even if state lawmakers can’t convince officials to change policy, voters need to know the reasons — particularly given the past history of Navy stewardship of natural resources. Before the city proceeds with the purchase of the Wahiawa site, better used in active farming, it is essential that every landfill alternative site is reviewed — as well as constraints that might be reasonably eased. The public deserves no less. Senators Mentioned: Senator Mike Gabbard State lawmakers plans for homeowners insurance relief faces hurdles Original Article KHON2 Stephen Florino Jan 28, 2025 HONOLULU (KHON2) — State lawmakers say they’re looking at all they can to help homeowners deal with sky-rocketing insurance rates. But experts say it’s a tough road ahead. Because of massive disasters like the Lahaina wildfire and the fires in Los Angeles, insurance experts are predicting a grim future for insurance rates. “I foresee the rates will stay high and depending on how the rest of 2025 goes, if we continue to see disasters that are worse than expected, then we will probably see higher rates in the future as well,” said insurance agent Kendrick Nishiguchi. One plan that lawmakers have to help is to resurrect the Hawaii Property Insurance Association and the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. But that admittedly has some hurdles. “HPIA is not set up to write condominium insurance,” said Matt Chun, HPIA board chair at a joint committee hearing at the state capitol. “It’s a new, developing event, emerging event. I believe some of the catalyst is the Lahaina, Maui fires because what it did is, it made a lot of our standard carriers gunshy, re-evaluate what they’d like to write, and started to not wanna write some of these buildings.” HPIA is already operating but needs to be re-structured to help the current situation. But the Hurricane Relief Fund is starting from scratch and is still finalizing contract details with consultant AON. “There’s been no firm timeline,” said Ed Haik, HHRF board chair at the same hearing. “We’re still in the contracting phase which really is not incumbent on hid or the board so far.” “If you guys are not under contract yet, can you also start looking for a different company to contract with? Because this is, I mean, getting a little ridiculous I think,” said Rep. Scot Matayoshi, House Consumer Protection & Commerce chair. “It’s a difficult problem,” said Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, Senate Commerce & Consumer Protection chair. “It’s scary. You know if the state of Hawaii just started providing insurance to all homeowners statewide and we have another catastrophe, we could go bankrupt.” Lawmakers are looking at at least 10 insurance bills this session. While even they admit there might not be a silver bullet to the problem, they are looking at anything and everything to help. “I think people need to temper their expecations a little too,” Matayoshi said. “I think people are expecting us come up with a silver bullet, but with the LA wildfires, with other natural disasters around the world really, the re-insurance market is gonna go up and I want people to just be prepared that the solution may not as immediate as they’d like.” “Nothings gonna come quickly enough,” Keohokalole said. “And we’re not likely be able to reduce prices back to what people remember, but we can try and provide some relief and stabilize the market.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Jarrett Keohokalole Major Reform Bills Are Still On The Table. Will This Be The Year They Pass? Original Article Honolulu Civil Beat By Patti Epler, Richard Wiens, Chad Blair Jan 26, 2025 On Election Day, voters on Oʻahu waited hours in line to cast their ballots in person at one of the only two voter centers operating that day. The centers had to stay open well beyond the mandatory 7 p.m. deadline, delaying the first election results until after midnight . It wasn’t the first time. Since transitioning to all-mail voting in 2020, state and county officials have routinely short-changed the system for those who want to vote in person. The painful process of standing in line to cast a ballot has repeated itself for at least three election cycles. Now, state lawmakers have responded to the public frustration and introduced at least five bills this legislative session to require counties, particularly Honolulu, to open more centers on Election Day. More than 200 of the 3,000-plus bills filed this session — the deadline was Thursday — are again seeking ways to make government more accountable and transparent, or at least work more efficiently. As with the push for more voter centers, lawmakers are responding to public outcries on a number of headline-grabbing issues — from problems with allowing money to influence state contracts to government seizure of assets before being convicted of a crime to cracking down on allowing kids to bring cell phones to school. This year we are continuing our effort to track measures that work to improve — or in some cases back away from — government accountability, transparency and ethical leadership. “Let The Sunshine In ” started two years ago when a special House Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct proposed more than two dozen improvements to laws relating to ethics, campaign finance, elections and other government practices. Much has been accomplished, but, as this year’s raft of proposed legislation shows, there is still a lot left to be done. The Foley commission, as it came to be known because it was headed by retired Judge Dan Foley, was appointed after two veteran state lawmakers and a couple of Maui County officials were convicted in federal court of charges related to accepting bribes from a Honolulu businessman. For years, he had been paying them to sway legislation and, in Maui County’s case, steer lucrative contracts for wastewater management to his company. Then the FBI got wise to it, setting off a political drive to put in place the kinds of accountability measures other states have had for decades. In 2023, lawmakers passed many of the Foley commission recommendations, including strengthening the investigation of and penalties for government fraud, reforming key areas of the political process like lobbying practices and campaign financing and generally reducing the power of money in politics. But a number of the toughest reform measures — stopping pay-to-play practices by government contractors, full public financing of elections, prohibiting campaign contributions during legislative sessions, more transparency of political relationships, among others — were left on the table . The same proposals surfaced again in the 2024 session and again failed to pass. Rep. David Tarnas, who chairs the House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee which has jurisdiction over most of the political and government reform measures, said in a recent interview that lawmakers have made significant progress in the last two years. He ticked off the list of Foley commission measures that got through the first year and called that “a very useful guide.” He pointed to a handful of recommendations that have been a tougher sell politically, such as applying the state’s open meetings law, called the Sunshine Law, to the Legislature, which exempted itself years ago. Reducing the cost of providing public records, eliminating campaign contributions during session and using public money to help candidates run for office are other measures he hopes to revisit this year. Tarnas said he has been eyeing a Connecticut law that regulates political donations, especially campaign contributions from companies that are seeking to do business with the state — the classic pay-to-play situation. He planned to introduce a bill that builds on the Connecticut model. Several other measures also have been introduced that seek to control influence by contractors and nonprofits that rely on the state for grants and business. The problem gained new urgency after an investigative report by Civil Beat and The New York Times detailed tens of millions of dollars that have flowed from contractors to candidates over the past decade, and the blatant soliciting of political money through late-night parties and other fundraising efforts. Other issues that got no traction in the last couple years are coming back this year not only as bills but also as proposed constitutional amendments, which would give the public the ability to vote directly on an issue. Lawmakers generally have refused to allow any significant public policy measure to go to the ballot and Hawaiʻi is the only Western state without a statewide citizens initiative process. A Special Commentary Project Yet numerous legislators have signed on to ask voters to weigh in on term limits, legalizing marijuana, a year-round Legislature, the retirement age of judges, abortion rights and even the right to a clean environment, among other issues. When it comes to good government bills, Democrats and Republicans are often on the same side. And the list of accountability measures this year includes many that are co-sponsored by members of both parties. In the House, a new bipartisan Good Government Caucus has been organized and members have teamed up to push for improvement in legislative and political practices including paying to hire an investigator for the Campaign Spending Commission and tightening restrictions on money flowing into candidates and campaign committees. We’ve pulled together a list of the 200-plus bills and their sponsors that we’ll be tracking this session, organized here by subject matter so it’s easier to follow. The brief descriptions are just that — shorthand for what the bill is basically about. Please use the highlighted link to go to the bill for the details. We plan to update this list periodically so save this story and check back to see what progress, if any, has been made. Some are already set for hearings in the coming week so check the committee hearing schedule for both the House and the Senate for times. Civil Beat’s List Of Sunshine Bills ELECTIONS Increasing the number of voter service centers HB 259 – Requires each county council district to have one voter service center and have it open on election day. —Alcos, Iwamoto, Matsumoto, Olds, Reyes Oda, Ward HB 297 – Requires each county council district to have one voter center and the center is open on election day. —Pierick, Alcos, Garcia, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Reyes Oda, Shimizu, Ward HB 601 – Increases the number of voter centers and funds them. —Garcia, Pierick, Ward SB134 – Counties with populations of more than 500,000 to get three more voter service centers. —Kim, Aquino, Chang, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Kanuha, Keohokalole, Kidani, McKelvey, Moriwaki, San Buenaventura SB 1240 – Increase the number of voter service centers. —Awa, Chang, DeCorte Voter registration HB 408 – Office of Elections package: extends time to register for voting by mail to 10 days before primary rather than 30 days. —Nakamura SB 275 – Elections Commission package: Extends time to register for vote by mail to 10 days before primary rather than 30 days. —Kouchi HB 473 – Creates voter registration program to automatically preregister or register youths 16 and older in public, charter and private schools. —Lee, Amato, Belatti, Hashem, Holt, Hussey, Iwamoto, Kahaloa, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kila, Kusch, La Chica, Marten, Miyake, Olds, Pierick, Poepoe, Sayama, Takatama, Takenouchi, Tam, Tarnas, Todd SB 78 – Makes an application for voter registration part of certain state agency application processes. —Rhoads, Chang SB 81 – Requires the Department of Human Services’ Med-QUEST division to automatically transmit applicants’ voter registration information to the Office of Elections and clerk of the county of the applicant’s residence. —Chang, Rhoads, Moriwaki HB 322 – Requires the Department of Human Services to automatically transmit voter registration information for any Med-Quest applicant. —Kapela, Belatti, Grandinetti, Iwamoto, Kusch, Miyake, Perruso, Poepoe, Tarnas, Todd Elections and election practices SB 114 – Establishes presidential preference primary elections for the 2028 election cycle. —Rhoads, Chang, Lee, Fukunaga SB 335 – Requires a political party’s objection to a candidate nomination to be determined by the Office of Elections. —Chang HB 104 – Challenges to election nominating papers by party officials to be determined by the Office of Elections. —Tam, Iawamoto, Kitagawa, Marten, Perruso, Takayama SB 176 – Changes the criteria for mandatory recounts. —Rhoads SB 780 – Requirements for disqualifying candidates from the ballot and challenging them. —Rhoads, Chang, Richards HB 134 – Requires elections officials to provide an electronic system for filing nominating papers. —Quinlan, Chun, Iwamoto, Kahaloa, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kila, Kitagawa, Kusch, La Chica, Lamosao, Marten, Matayoshi, Olds, Pierick, Poepoe, Reyes Oda, Souza Voter issues SB 435 – Voter guide: Requires Elections Office to notify voters about voter guide and make it available 21 days before primary and 50 days before general. —Rhoads, Chang, Gabbard SB 1030 – Specifies that voter fraud and intimidation includes carrying a gun at a voter center or polling place. —Lee, Chang, Rhoads, Wakai, Ihara HB 767 – Expands ballot curing period from five to 13 days. —Souza, Amato, Belatti, Grandinetti, Hussey, Kapela, Marten, Matsumoto, Perruso, Poepoe, Reyes Oda Legislative vacancies HB 1078 – Provides governor with discretion to not fill a vacant legislative position if the vacancy occurs 120 days or less from an upcoming primary. —Nakamura SB 5 – Governor can fill a legislative vacancy by appointment for the rest of term and the next term. —Inouye, Chang, Fukunaga, Hashimoto, McKelvey, Fevella SB 300 – Governor has to fill legislative vacancies by a certain deadline or Senate president or House speaker can do it. —San Buenaventura, Chang, Fevella, Moriwaki SB 1397 – Provides governor with discretion to not fill a vacant legislative position if the vacancy occurs 120 days or less from an upcoming primary. —Kouchi Elections Commission and oversight HB 141 – Elections Commission members to be confirmed by Senate. —Tam, Belatti, Grandinetti, Iwamoto, Marten SB 948 – Would make members of the Elections Commission subject to Senate approval. —Chang SB 1515 – Replaces the boards of registration with on-call circuit judges to hear elections disputes. —Kouchi HB 1435 – Replaces the boards of registration with on-call circuit judges to hear elections disputes. —Nakamura SB 1555 – Adopts the Code of Fair Campaign Practices that candidates may use as a guide for their election campaigns. —Ihara HB 23 – Elect the Insurance Commissioner. —Ilagan CAMPAIGN FINANCE State contractor donations HB 371 – Campaign Spending Commission package: Restrictions on donations from contractors and grantees, company and organization officials and their family members. —Nakamura SB 257 – Campaign Spending Commission package: Restrictions on donations from contractors and grantees, company and organization officials and their family members. —Kouchi SB 809 – Campaign Spending Commission package: Contractor and grantee donations restrictions. —Rhoads, Fukunaga, Gabbard, Moriwaki, Richards HB 765 – Prohibits contributions from contractors, officers, consultants and family members. —Belatti, Grandinetti, Hussey, Kapela, Marten, Matsumoto, Perruso, Reyes Oda HB 1336 – Amends the prohibition against contributions to a candidate committee or noncandidate committee by state and county contractors to include state and county grantees and the owners, officers, consultants, and joint account holders of a state or county contractor or state or county grantee. —Iwamoto, Amatto, Belatti, Cochran, Perruso, Souza, Matsumoto HB 894 – Prohibits state contractors from donating to or soliciting donations for noncandiate committees and political party committees. —Tarnas, Amato, Evslin, Iwamoto, Kahaloa, Kapela, Kusch, La Chica, M. Lee, Lowen, Marten, Olds, Perruso, Poepoe, Reyes Oda, Souza, Takayama, Tam, Todd Other campaign contributions HB 372 – Campaign Spending Commission package: Prohibits campaign contributions to elected officials during session. —Nakamura SB 258 – Campaign Spending Commission package: Prohibits campaign contributions to elected officials during session. —Kouchi HB 149 – Requires corporations to provide shareholders with a report of independent expenditures and political contributions. —Tarnas, Belatti, Iwamoto, Marten, Perruso, Poepoe, Quinlan, Souza, Tam HB 369 – Campaign Spending Commission package: Return excess campaign funds or they go to the state. —Nakamura SB 255 – Campaign Spending Commission package: Excess campaign contributions to go to state if not returned within 30 days. —Kouchi SB 1593 – Unused campaign funds couldn’t carry over to subsequent election and would go to the state after a certain period of time if not used. —Awa, DeCorte HB 769 – Creates a Democracy Dollars program to provide vouchers for voters to be able to spend on candidates. —Belatti, Grandinetti, Hussey, Kapela, Perruso, Souza HB 662 – Repeals exemption for use of the candidates own funds, makes contributions by family members subject to limits, amends loan amount from candidate or family. —Kila, Evslin, Lamosao, Takenouchi HB 772 – Disallows use of campaign funds to buy two tickets for fundraisers. —Belatti, Grandinetti, Hussey, Matsumoto, Perruso, Pierick, Reyes Oda, Souza HB 1190 – Repeals the authority for campaign funds to carry over to subsequent elections. —Iwamoto, Perruso, Pierick HB 1478 – Establishes new requirements for identifying certain top contributors for election campaign purposes. – Belatti, Cochran, Grandinetti, Marten, Muraoka, Perruso, Souza, Amato SB 1202 – Allows candidates to spend campaign funds for child care. —Kim, Aquino, Chang, Fevella, Hashimoto, Kidani, McKelvey, Rhoads, San Buenaventura, Dela Cruz, Richards Public financing of elections HB 370 – Campaign Spending Commission package: Revises partial public financing with increased amounts for each office. —Nakamura SB 345 – Campaign Spending Commission package: Partial public financing increases cap on matching funds and amount that can be spent. —Rhoads, Chang, Fukunaga, Kidani SB 256 – Campaign Spending Commission package: Revises partial public financing with increased amounts for each office. —Kouchi HB 308 – Increases partial public financing of elections. —Poepoe, Amato, Belatti, Evslin, Grandinetti, Iwamoto, Kahaloa, Kila, Perruso, Tarnas SB 51 – Establishes a comprehensive system of public financing for all candidates seeking election to state and county public offices in the State of Hawaiʻi, to begin with the 2026 general election year. —Rhoads, Chang, Fukunaga, McKelvey, San Buenaventura, Fevella, Ihara, Moriwaki HB 766 – Full public financing of campaigns beginning in 2026. —Belatti, Amato, Grandinetti, Hussey, Perruso, Souza PACs HB 771 – Campaign Spending Commission package: Establishes new requirements on super PACs including fees and fact-checking of messaging. —Belatti, Grandinetti, Hussey, Marten, Matsumoto, Perruso, Reyes Oda, Souza SB 1032 – Requires business entities contributing or spending money in an election to disclose their foreign influence and requires independent expenditure committee donors to disclose their interests. —Lee, Kidani, Moriwaki, Rhoads, Fevella, Fukunaga SB 1173 – Imposes a fee on noncandidate committees based on amount of money spent. —McKelvey, Rhoads Campaign Spending Commission HB 691 – Appropriates money to Campaign Spending Commission for new positions. —Kapela, Grandinetti, Iwamoto, Perruso, Poepoe, Tarnas HB 768 – Good Government Caucus – Funds more investigators for Campaign Spending Commission. —Belatti, Grandinetti, Hussey, Marten, Matsumoto, Perruso, Quinlan, Reyes, Oda SB 118 – Creating and funding an investigator for the Campaign Spending Commission. —Rhoads, Chang ETHICS HB 411 – Ethics Commission package: Uniform provisions for penalties under lobbying law. —Nakamura SB 289 – Ethics Commission package: Uniform provisions for penalties under lobbying law. —Kouchi HB 412 – Ethics Commission package: Expands definition of lobbying to include high government officials when involving procurement. —Nakamura SB 290 – Ethics Commission package: Expands definition of lobbying to include high government officials when involving procurement. —Kouchi HB 413 – Ethics Commission package: Clarifies restriction on lobbyist contributions. —Nakamura SB 291 – Ethics Commission package: Clarifies restriction on lobbyist contributions. —Kouchi HB 493 – Applies state ethics laws to legislators. —Iwamoto, Belatti, Perruso, Pierick, Ward SB 1583 – Authorizes legislators to use state equipment for community initiatives within their own districts. —Awa, DeCorte PUBLIC RECORDS HB 130 – Caps fees on public records and includes a public interest waiver. —Tarnas, Belatti, Chun, Grandinetti, Iwamoto, Kapela, Kitagawa, Marten, Perruso, Pierick, Poepoe, Reyes Oda, Souza, Takayama, Ward SB 406 – Caps the cost of reproducing a public record at 5 cents per page. —Rhoads SB 863 – Cap on search and redaction costs for public records and a waiver when in the public interest. —Rhoads HB 131 – Allows records to be released for research purposes. —Tarnas, Belatti, Grandinetti, Iwamoto, Kapela, Kitagawa, Marten, Perruso, Pierick, Poepoe, Souza, Tam SB 353 – Prohibits governor from suspending requests for public records during an emergency and allows Legislature and county councils to terminate governor or mayor’s state of emergency. —Rhoads, Elefante, McKelvey SB 786 – Requires public records be made available in a disability-accessible format. —Rhoads, Chang, Fukunaga SB 571 – Designates all federal ICE records pertaining to detained individuals are public. —Aquino SB 1255 – Clarifies that public records subject to disclosure under UIPA includes information created and maintained by private contractors. —Kim, Chang, DeCoite, Fevella, Hashimoto, Kidani, Dela Cruz SUNSHINE LAW HB 724 – Brings the Legislature under the Sunshine Law. —Hussey, Iwamoto, Matsumoto, Perruso HB 494 – Applies Sunshine Law to the Legislature by repealing exemption. —Iwamoto, Pierick HB 144 – Allows two or more members of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority to meet together during transition period as long as no commitment to vote is made and no decision-making. —Tarnas, Garrett, Kahaloa, Kila, Matayoshi, Takayama SB 770 – Allows two or more members of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority to meet together during transition period as long as no commitment to vote is made and no decision-making. —Richards, Aquino, Chang HB 403 – Kauaʻi County Council package: Allows any member of a board to attend an informational meeting as long as it’s not directed at that board. —Nakamura SB 270 – Kauaʻi County Council package: Allows any member of a board to attend an informational meeting as long as its not directed at that board. —Kouchi HB 1412 – Designates the neighborhood commission as the appropriate oversight authority for application of the Sunshine Law to neighborhood boards. Authorizes neighborhood boards to discuss official government reports without placing it on the agenda, provided that no decision-making can be made. —Reyes Oda, Alcos, Garcia, Kusch, Matsumoto, Pierick, Tam, Todd SB 405 – Allows neighborhood boards to discuss items not on the agenda if brought up by a government official. —Rhoads HB 686 – Defines community outreach boards and brings them under the Sunshine Law similar to neighborhood boards. —Kapela, Kahaloa, Perruso SB 869 – Defines community outreach boards and brings them under the Sunshine Law similar to neighborhood boards. —Kanuha, Chang, McKelvey, Gabbard, Ihara SB 381 – Requires that selecting heads of public agencies or divisions be done in open meetings through an open public process. —McKelvey, Chang, DeCorte, Gabbard, Fevella HB 50 – Authorizes boards and commissions to make decisions about employees without approval of the affiliated department. —Garrett SB 444 – Authorizes boards and commissions to make decisions about employees without approval of the affiliated department. —Dela Cruz, Chang, Hashimoto, Kidani, Kim, Moriwaki, San Buenaventura SB 1556 – Establishes a Trusted Public Representative Program within the Office of Information Practices under which the office assigns a volunteer Trusted Public Representative trained in the requirements of the Sunshine Law and observes public agency meetings closed to the public. —Ihara SB 1651 – Requires that board packets for public meetings be posted at least two full days in advance of meeting. —Rhoads HB 329 – Exempts the School Facilities Authority Board workgroups and subcommittees from the Sunshine Law. —La Chica, Amato, Iwamoto, Kahaloa, Kitiagawa, Marten, Olds, Poepoe, Quinlan, Reyes Oda, Souza, Todd SB 580 – Exempts the School Facilities Authority Board workgroups and subcommittees from the Sunshine Law. —Hashimoto, Aquino, Chang, DeCoite, Fevella, Gabbard, McKelvey, Ihara ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY Legislative procedures HB 296 – Require fiscal notes on all bills. —Matsumoto, Alcos, Garcia, Muraoka, Pierick, Reyes Oda, Shimizu, Ward HB 1199 – Requires fiscal notes on all fiscal bills. Prohibits a committee from making a decision on a fiscal bill without a fiscal note. —Reyes Oda, Garcia, Iwamoto, Matsumoto, Olds, Perruso, Pierick, Todd, Ward HB 568 – Requires fiscal notes for legislation. —Shimizu HB 792 – Clarifies the office of the legislative analyst. —Yamashita SB 1081 – Establishes the Legislative Budget Office to produce fiscal reports on bills and legislation. —Inouye HB 793 – Requires House Speaker and Senate President be notified within 10 days of the state receiving any federal monies available for spending. —Yamashita HB 875 – Appropriates funds for a State Capitol tour guide position within the Public Access Room. —Lee, Chun, Kahaloa, Kapela, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Lowen, Matsumoto, Morikawa, Olds, Perruso, Poe, Souza, Takayama, Tam, Tarnas, Ward, Kila, Reyes Oda HB 1465 – Establishes a housing allowance for legislators from neighbor islands who come to Oʻahu for session. —Amato, Iwamoto SB 1031 – Allows Legislature to put non-binding advisory questions and referendum on the ballot to ask voters their opinion on matters. —Lee, Chang SB 1545 – Repeals language in the State’s Code of Ethics that exempts the Legislative Branch from prohibitions against nepotism in public employment. —Kim, Chang, Fevella, Gabbard, Kidani, Richards, Wakai SB 1611 – Requires appointments to certain state agency jobs be approved by the Senate, including the governor’s homeless coordinator, the senior advisor for mental health and the deputy human services director. —San Buenaventura, McKelvey SB 711 – Requires Senate confirmation for state employees whose salary is larger than the governor’s if it’s an employee in the governor’s office or if larger than the head of the agency the person is working in. —San Buenaventura, Chang, Fevella, Hashimoto, McKelvey HB 1320 – Requires the University of Hawaiʻi system to collect, analyze, and publicly report certain graduate outcome data. —Garrett, Amato, Belatti, Iwamoto, Kila, Lamosao, Marten, Miyake, Perruso, Poepoe, Tarnas SB 741 – Establishes an external audit committee within the University of Hawaiʻi to audit the UH System and the Board of Regents and report annually to the Legislature. —Dela Cruz, Chang, Elefante, Hashimoto, Kidani, Richards SB 747 – Establishes an audit office within the Department of Education to audit the DOE and report to the Legislature. Creates six positions for the audit office and provides funding. —Dela Cruz, Hashimoto, Kidani, Richards SB 798 – Establishes a Child Welfare Oversight Commission to review practices of CWS and issues raised in the 2024 auditor’s report and make recommendations to reduce child harm and death and propose legislation for reform. —Rhoads SB 375 – Governor Package: Establishes a government restructuring commission. —McKelvey, Chang, Gabbard, Kidani, Fevella, Hashimoto HB 1425 – Establishes a temporary working group to study the feasibility of transitioning the Hawaiʻi State Legislature’s regular session from one that meets for 3.5 months from mid-January to early May, to one that meets on a year-round basis. —Nakamura SB 1514 – Establishes a temporary working group to study the feasibility of transitioning the Hawaiʻi State Legislature’s regular session from one that meets for 3.5 months from mid-January to early May, to one that meets on a year-round basis. —Kouchi SB 1618 – Establishes a Journalistic Ethics Commission overseen by state government including establishing a code of ethics and a board to hear complaints and levy penalties for violations. —Kim, DeCoite, Dela Cruz, Fevella, Hashimoto, Richards, San Buenaventura, Wakai Asset forfeiture and other policing issues HB 126 – Hawaiʻi Omnibus Criminal Forfeiture Act: Increases transparency and accountability around asset forfeiture. Clarifies what property can be forfeited. —Tarnas, Amato, Belatti, Grandinetti, Iwamoto, Kitagawa, Lamosao, Marten, Perruso, Poepoe, Souza, Takayama HB 492 – Civil asset forfeiture occurs only after conviction. —Iwamoto, Grandinetti, Perruso SB 320 – Restricts asset forfeiture to after conviction of felony. —San Buenaventura, Chang, Lee, McKelvey, Rhoads SB 722 – Makes civil asset forfeiture only for felony convictions and other changes. —Rhoads, Aquino, Chang, Fevella, Gabbard, Inouye, Kidani, McKelvey, San Buenaventura, Wakai SB 1029 – Asset forfeiture applies to felony convictions. —Lee, Chang, McKelvey, Rhoads SB 1126 – Asset forfeiture upon conviction only. —Wakai SB 813 – Requires a law enforcement officer to report criminal misconduct by other officers and specifies the officer can be decertified if they don’t report. Also requires psychological screening before becoming a police officer and prohibits chokeholds. —Rhoads, Chang HB 595 – Establishes the right to record law enforcement. —Belatti, Grandinetti, Perruso SB 307 – Establishes right to record law enforcement. —Rhoads, Chang HB 610 – Establishes a cold case unit within the AG’s office for investigation of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples. —Souza, Amato, Cochran, Iwamoto, Perruso, Poepoe HB 291 – Stand Your Ground law established. —Garcia, Alcos, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Pierick, Reyes Oda, Shimizu, Ward HB 390 – Increases penalties for bribery, under certain circumstances. —Nakamura SB 775 – Prohibits state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement except in limited circumstances. —Rhoads, Aquino, Chang SB 1149 – Requires law enforcement to report all possible hate crimes. —Lee, Hashimoto, Rhoads SB 1156 – Makes it a crime to create a sexually explicit deepfake. —Gabbard, San Buenaventura HB 278 – Requires county police agencies to collect data on arrests, stops, use of force and complaints and provide to the AG which would produce a report. —Tarnas, Belatti, Grandinetti, Iwamoto, Kila, Kitagawa, Marten, Perruso, Poepoe, Sayama, Souza, Takayama HB 61 – Requires county mayors to appoint medical examiners. —Souza, Perruso Media literacy and civic education HB 100 – Authorizes school complexes to incorporate media literacy in their standards-based curriculum, including content that prevents negative impacts of misinformation, disinformation, digital discrimination, and online hate speech. —Perruso, Belatti, Grandinetti, Iwamoto, Marten, Poepoe, Tam, Chun SB 772 – Media literacy and digital citizenship curriculum in schools to prevent misinformation and online hate speech. —Rhoads, Chang, Gabbard, Kim, San Buenaventura, Fukunaga, Hashimoto, Richards SB 844 – Requires digital citizenship and media literacy curriculum in the schools. —Chang HB 763 – Promotes civic education in public schools including two full-time positions. —Perruso, Belatti, Garrett, Grandinetti, Hussey, Kapela, Matsumoto, Olds, Pierick, Poepoe, Quinlan, Reyes Oda, Souza, Takayama HB 1210 – Requires the Department of Education to provide and disseminate its procedures for dealing with bullying. —Templo SB 1631 – Establishes the Aloha Civics Collaborative to promote civics and perpetuate the Aloha Spirit. —Ihara Cell phones and social media HB 289 – No cell phones or social media in schools and requires social media education program. —Shimizu, Alcos, Garcia, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Pierick, Reyes Oda, Ward HB 623 – Requires the Board of Education to adopt a policy that bans the use of phones and related devices by students during school hours. —Woodson, Evslin, Garcia, Garrett, Grandinetti, La Chica, Lowen, Marten, Olds, Perruso, Pierick, Poepoe, Quinlan, Takayama, Tarnas, Ward HB 1195 – Requires the Department of Education to prohibit cell phone use during the instructional day, prohibit student access to social media through the school’s internet, and implement a social media education campaign. —Shimizu, Alcos, Lowen, Muraoka, Pierick, Ward HB 1224 – Requires the Department of Education to prohibit cell phone use during the instructional day, prohibit student access to social media through the school’s internet, and implement a social media education campaign. —Matsumoto, Alcos, Evslin, Garcia, Kila, Kusch, Lamosao, Matayoshi, Muraoka, Pierick, Reyes Oda, Ward HB 1303 – Requires each public school to implement a policy to prohibit students from using cellular phones and other wireless communication devices during school hours. —Kila, Evslin, Kahaloa, Lamosa, Poepoe HB 1343 – Requires the Board of Education to adopt a policy that bans the use of phones and related devices by students during school hours. —Woodson, Amato, Chun, Evslin, Garcia, Garrett, Grandinetti, Holt, Kahaloa, Kila, Kusch, La Chica, Lamosao, Lowen, Marten, Matayjoshi, Matsumoto, Morikawa, Olds, Perruso, Pierick, Poepoe, Quinlan, Sayama, Souza, Takayama, Tarnas, Templo, Todd, Ward AI and Internet HB 487 – Provides funds to Legislative Reference Bureau to procure AI to streamline state law and regulations. —Muroaka HB 824 – Gives funding to the Legislative Reference Bureau to procure AI to streamline state laws and rules. —Muraoka HB 546 – Establishes the Aloha Intelligence Institute within UH to develop, support and advance AI initiatives. —Garrett, Kapela, Kila, Olds Sayama SB 1622 – Establishes the Aloha Intelligence Institute within UH to develop, support and advance AI initiatives. —Kim, Chang, Inouye, McKelvey, Richards, San Buenaventura, Wakai HB 639 – Requires anyone engaging in commercial transactions to make it clear the customer is interacting with an AI chatbot if it is mimicking a human. —La Chica, Grandinetti, Iwamoto, Lowen, Marten, Perruso, Pierick, Todd, Ward SB 640 – Requires anyone engaging in commercial transactions to make it clear the customer is interacting with an AI chatbot if it is mimicking a human. —Keohokalole, Chang, Fevella, Fukunaga, Hashimoto, Moriwaki, San Buenaventura, Wakai HB 1384 – Establishes the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council. —Garrett, Amato, Belatti, Chun, Kapela, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kila, Lamosao, Miyake, Morikawa, Perruso, Poepoe, Quinlan, Souza, Takayama, Ward Neighborhood boards and community meetings HB 944 – Authorizes neighborhood boards to solicit ideas for capital improvement projects and budget priorities and county mayors to respond. —Hussey, Amato, Belatti, Iwamoto, Matsumoto, Olds, Perruso, Pierick, Reyes Oda HB 1395 – Requires counties to ensure neighborhood board members’ terms don’t exceed one year and residents can vote for board members with electronically or in person. —Pierick SB 1558 – Applies the campaign finance laws to candidates for the neighborhood boards. —Ihara HB 1329 – Requires government agencies planning a major project to give notice to communities that are affected and hold public hearings —Cochran, Amato, Belatti, Grandinetti, Iwamoto, Perruso, Pierick, Poepoe, Ward HB 1453 – Prohibits boards from beginning or continuing meetings after 9 p.m., excluding county council meetings. —Tam, Kila, Templo, Matayoshi SB 1617 – Prohibits boards from beginning or continuing meetings after 9 p.m., excluding county council meetings. —Chang SB 1253 – Clarifies rules regarding boards and commission members who are holdovers. -—Kim, Chang, DeCoite, Fevella, Hashimoto, Inouye, Wakai, Dela Cruz, Moriwaki CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Changes to the Legislature, elections and campaigns HB 770 – Establishing a continuous legislative session with restrictions on outside employment. —Belatti, Amato, Grandinetti, Hussey, Kapela, Perruso, Reyes Oda, Tam SB 733 – Establishing a continuous legislature that meets at least once a month. Restricts outside employment. —Chang, Gabbard, McKelvey, Fevella SB 311 – Provides that right of free speech does not include spending money to influence elections. —Rhoads, Chang, Fukunaga, Inouye, Kidani, McKelvey, Moriwaki, San Buenaventura, Gabbard, Richards SB 1225 – Majority of votes means all yes votes and doesn’t include spoiled, blank or over votes. —Rhoads, Chang, Fukunaga, Gabbard, San Buenaventura SB 1238 – Incumbent legislators would be ineligible to serve based on the size of the Native Hawaiian population. —Awa SB 1284 – Proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit discrimination against a person because of ethnicity, age, disability, religion, national ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. —Lee, Kidani, Rhoads, San Buenaventura SB 1557 – Proposes a constitutional amendment to provide for a citizens’ assembly and to authorize the citizens’ assembly to propose to the Legislature constitutional and statutory revisions or amendments to the laws governing elections, political campaigns, campaign finance, ethics, referendum, reapportionment, legislative process, and public access to information. —Ihara HB 140 – Making reapportionment based on the resident population rather than the permanent resident population. —Quinlan SB 124 – Making reapportionment based on the resident population rather than the permanent resident population. —Rhoads Term Limits HB 298 – Term limits – Maximum 12 years in each chamber starting in 2026. —Ward, Alcos, Garcia, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Pierick, Reyes Oda, Shimizu HB 488 – Term limits on elected officials plus bars criminally convicted elected officials from office. —Muraoka, Pierick HB 495 – Term limits in Legislature of 16 years. —Iwamoto, Matsumoto, Perruso, Pierick, Ward HB 570 – Term limits of 12 years for legislators. —Shimizu HB 764 – Term limits for legislators starting in 2028. —Belatti, Amato, Garrett, Grandinetti, Hussey, Matsumoto, Perruso, Pierick, Poepoe, Reyes Oda, Souza, Ward SB 1594 – Legislative term limits of 16 years. —Awa, DeBorte, Ihara Changes to the judiciary SB 175 – Increase mandatory retirement age of judges to 75. —Rhoads, Chang, Gabbard, San Buenaventura HB 1216 – Requiring the election of state justices and judges. —Pierick SB 121 – Giving the Senate more time to consider and confirm judges. —Rhoads, Kanuha, Kidani Changes to public schools HB 930 – Requiring the public school system to be thorough and efficient. —Perruso, Grandinetti, Pierick, Poepoe, Ward HB 287 – Proposes a constitutional amendment that would establish local school boards throughout the state to be elected by the voters. —Reyes Oda, Alcos, Garcia, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Pierick, Shimizu, Ward Right to abortion and contraception HB 728 – Right to reproductive freedom including abortion and contraception. —Grandinetti, Amato, Belatti, Cochran, Evslin, Ichiyama, Kahaloa, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kusch, La Chica, Lamosao, M. Lee, Lowen, Marten, Morikawa, Perruso, Poepoe, Sayama, Souza, Takayama, Takenouchi,Tam, Tarnas, Templo, Todd SB 297 – Abortion rights. —San Buenaventura, Chang, DeCoite, Kanuha, McKelvey, Moriwaki, Rhoads, Richards, Kidani SB 350 – Right to contraceptives. —Rhoads, Chang, Richards, San Buenaventura, Moriwaki Legalize marijuana HB 519 – Legalize recreational use of cannabis by those 21 and older. —Ward, Iwamoto Environmental health HB 597 – Establishes right to clean environment. —Poepoe, Amato, Grandinetti, Iwamoto, Kahaloa, Lamosao, Lowen, Marten, Perruso SB 559 – Right to a clean environment. —Rhoads, Gabbard SB 702 – Right to a clean environment. —Gabbard, Chang, Fevella Internet privacy SB 170 – Exclusive property right to the data you generate on the internet. —Rhoads, Chang, Fukunaga, Lee, San Buenaventura, Gabbard Senators Mentioned: Bills seek to legalize betting on pro sports Original Article Hawaii Tribune-Herald John Burnett Jan 24, 2025 At least two bills have been introduced in the state Senate with the intent of cashing in by legalizing limited forms of sports wagering — which is still illegal in Hawaii, despite numerous attempts that have gone bust in recent years. Senate Bill 373 has been referred to the Economic Development and Tourism Committee, where a favorable vote would forward the measure to a joint session of the Ways and Means and Judiciary committees. The legislation, introduced by Sen. Angus McKelvey (D-Maui) and co-sponsored by Sens. Joy San Buenaventura (D-Puna) and Glenn Wakai (D-Oahu), the majority floor leader, would establish an online fantasy sports contests registration and monitoring program under the Department of the Attorney General. The measure also would impose an online fantasy sports contests tax on the gross revenues of registrants. “We’ve been such an outlier state,” McKelvey told the Tribune-Herald on Thursday. “And as I say in the preamble of the bill — and I point to that — there’s no law actually on the books against it. It’s the opinion, rather, of a former attorney general’s office.” McKelvey was referring to a 2016 opinion issued by then-Attorney General Douglas Chin, which stated that daily fantasy sports contests, such as those run by FanDuel and DraftKings, constitute illegal gambling under existing state laws. “Gambling generally occurs under Hawaii law when a person stakes or risks something of value upon a game of chance or upon any future contingent event not under the person’s control,” said Chin at that time. “The technology may have changed, but the vice has not.” “They say it’s gambling. I say it’s not,” opined McKelvey, who pointed to a 2018 study by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which also is included in the measure’s preamble. “The studies that were done show that online daily fantasy — not sports book, very important, sports book is gambling — but online daily fantasy is at a same level of skill or greater than solitaire, which is in Hawaii a game of skill,” McKelvey said. McKelvey noted that Utah is the only other state banning online daily fantasy sports contests, and that his measure, if passed, would provide Hawaii with a revenue stream already realized by 48 other states. “I thought it was a way to bring us up to speed with all the other states of the nation, allow us to tap into unrealized tourist revenue, and provide — especially with the federal government conditioning aid now to all sorts of things — trying to create a way for extra investment or extra monies for the Lahaina rebuild which, of course, affects everybody across the state,” he said. “That was the idea. And after that was done, the fund could be used to fund other worthy programs in education and infrastructure and potential tax relief.” McKelvey lost a home in the Lahaina wildfire of Aug. 8-11, 2023, which killed more than 100 people and devastated the historic former whaling town. “My understanding is because of the California wildfires, Maui’s concerned they aren’t going to have the rebuilding ability for Lahaina, because they expect the price of building supplies to skyrocket,” said San Buenaventura. “I support taxing what the federal government has allowed the states to be able to do. And I generally support the idea because people are already gambling online, and I want to be able to regulate and tax it.” The measure would legalize online daily fantasy wagering on professional sports, but not on collegiate or high school sports or sports involving animals, such as horse racing and dog racing. “I’m trying to align this with what’s on online daily fantasy sites,” McKelvey said. The bill, which passed first reading, does have a provision for allocating start-up funds for the registration and monitoring program, but the amount is left blank. The other measure, Senate Bill 1572, introduced by Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D-Maui, Molokai and Lanai) and co-sponsored by Sen. Donna Mercado Kim (D-Oahu), would establish the Hawaii State Sports Wagering Commission within the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The commission would codify licensing requirements for sports wagering operators, as well as penalties for violations. In addition, the measure would specify that sports wagering shall not be considered games of chance or gambling. Under the bill, the commission would be allowed to conduct background checks on applicants for a sports wagering operator license and persons in control of applicants for a sports wagering operator license. It also would require tax revenue collected from sports wagering to fund certain initiatives, including 50% for public education programs and 25% for affordable housing. In addition to “online qualified gaming entities,” the bill also would allow sports wagering “in-person at a retail sports betting location approved by the commission.” The bill, like SB 373, would permit wagering on professional sports but prohibit bets on collegiate and high school sports, as well as sports involving animals. The fee for an initial sports wagering operator license would be $250,000. The fee for renewal of a sports wagering operator license would be $100,000. As of Thursday afternoon, SB1572 passed first reading but hadn’t received a committee referral. Senators Mentioned: Senator Angus L.K. McKelvey Senator Lorraine R. Inouye Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura Senator Glenn Wakai Hikers who trespass might pay for search, rescue costs Original Article Star Advertiser By Talia Sibilla and Dan Nakaso Jan 22, 2025 Two Senate bills seek to recover the hefty cost to search for and rescue trespassing hikers who venture onto illegal or closed trails across the state. Senate Bills 130 and 508 do not specify a dollar amount that hikers would have to reimburse any agency that rescues them. Both bills say trespassing hikers who ignore a warning notice or sign of closure would have to pay all or a portion, but not less than half, of all search and rescue expenses, which typically involve county firefighters, helicopters, pilots, ambulances and medical crews. SB 508 specifies that trespassing hikers would be fined if they act with “intentional disregard.” It also proposes that the penalty for criminal trespass rise to a misdemeanor from a petty misdemeanor. The Honolulu Fire Department conducts most search and rescue hiking operations on Oahu and has consistently disagreed with every previous bill that resembles the efforts of SBs 130 and 508. Requiring “payment for certain rescues may cause lost or injured hikers to hesitate or not request assistance from first responder agencies,” Louise Kim McCoy, HFD spokesperson, wrote in an email to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “Such a delay in requesting assistance may exacerbate the situation, further endangering the lives of persons involved and their potential rescuers.” HFD helps anyone who calls for rescue and worries that charging them would push them to “make an attempt to self-rescue, further endangering themselves and potentially making a rescue more complex,” McCoy said. Twelve senators introduced SB 130, and most referred questions to state Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D, East and Upcountry Maui-Molokai-Lanai). She did not respond to repeated requests for comment. SB 508 offers illegal hikers a way to avoid paying for the cost of their search and rescue by purchasing a proposed “hike safe card” before going on a hike. The hike safe card would protect hikers even if they were rescued from an illegal site, unless the search and rescue response was caused by behavior that “any reasonable person would consider to be reckless.” Under SB 508, hike safe cards would “cost no less than $25 for an individual and no less then $35 for a family.” The cards would be valid for one year. Proceeds from the sale of the cards would go into a new statewide search and rescue special fund, which would be created by another bill, SB 1177. SB 1177 also would create a new position — Office of the State Search and Rescue Coordinator — to serve as a centralized authority statewide for search and rescue operations. It would be part of the new state Fire Marshal’s Office. The bill also seeks to address a “lack of funding, tools, and technology for state-wide searches.” In 2024 the Diamond Head Summit Trail near Waikiki represented the top site for HFD hiker rescues, followed by Lulumahu Falls, Koko Crater Stairs and Lanikai Pillbox. They’re all legal and popular hikes, especially among tourists. But HFD also regularly rescues hikers from illegal trails including the Stairway to Heaven, which leads to the top of the Koolau Mountain Range above the H-3 freeway in Kaneohe, and Sacred Falls State Park in Hauula, which has been closed since the fatal Mother’s Day 1999 rockslide that killed eight people and injured dozens more. Data collected by HFD between 2022 and 2024 showed 510 rescues from “legal trails” based on a list of trails pulled from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks “Na Ala Hele” trail website. By comparison, there were 282 rescues for hikers on illegal or unlisted trails. But McCoy said that the data may not be a true representation because “there isn’t a complete list of all trails (let alone legal or not) on the island. There are also trails that aren’t technically illegal, but may not have made any state or city lists as ‘legal.’” Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite Senator Donna Mercado Kim Housing bills vie for state lawmakers’ attention Original Article Maui Now Brian Perry Jan 22, 2025 With a bill introduction deadline looming on Thursday, state lawmakers already have nearly 150 measures to consider as ways to address Hawaiʻi’s dire housing shortage, a problem even more acute on Maui after the August 2023 wildfires destroyed thousands of homes. Here’s a sampling of some of the measures, all of which have passed first reading in either the state House or Senate and have been referred to committees for further review: House Bill 489 and Senate Bill 1214 would establish a Vacant Homes Special Fund under the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corp. for rental assistance programs. Under the bill, residential property owners who allow their property to remain vacant for 180 days, or more than a year, would be subject to an annual general excise tax surcharge. It also requires people who own residential property but don’t live there to obtain a general excise tax license. The bills also require the counties to disclose a list of unoccupied residential properties to the state Department of Taxation, and it requires the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to calculate average annual rental value for the basis for the surcharge amount. The House measure takes aim at owners of second homes in Hawaiʻi, pointing out that the state’s infrastructure enhances property values and development opportunities, but that owners of second homes, who leave them vacant throughout the year, “fail to contribute proportionately to the local economy that sustains their value.” Surcharge income would be used by the state for a rental assistance program similar to the federal Section 8 tenant-based housing assistance program, according to the bill. The amount of the surcharge would be equal to the estimated amount the housing unit would generate in excise taxes if it were rented to a tenant in a comparable real property size and area, indicated by ZIP code. The task of figuring out how to implement such a law would fall to the director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, who may adopt, amend or repeal rules to carry out the property vacancy surcharge. The bill was introduced by Oʻahu House Reps. Kim Coco Iwamoto and Amy Perruso. Central Maui Rep. Tyson Miyake is co-introducer with Kaua’i Rep. Luke Evslin for House Bill 739 , which proposes to establish a Kamaʻāina Homes Program that would provide funding to the counties to purchase voluntary deed restrictions from eligible homeowners or homebuyers. Established within the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corp. at a time when the median single-family home sells for nearly $1.4 million, the Kamaʻāina Homes Program would be modeled after the Vail InDEED program in tourist-Mecca Vail, Colo. According to the bill, Vail implemented in 2018 a voluntary program to allow the town to buy and place deed restrictions in perpetuity on local homes from willing buyers that limited occupancy to owner-occupants or resident tenants who live and work in the town of Vail. Since it began, the program has set aside more than 1,000 deed-restricted residences for local working residents and helped provide more attainable housing for residents. Miyake, Evslin and Oʻahu House Rep. Rachele Lamosao of Waipahu have introduced House Bill 525 , which would clarify that dwelling units eligible for the Rent-to-Own program shall be units that are for sale in fee simple or leasehold on state or county land under a lease with an initial term of no less than 99 years. The bill would increase amount of time that the sales price of dwelling units under the Rent-to-Own Program shall remain fixed from five years to 10 years after the rental agreement is executed. At least a couple of measures would tie the hands of county councils in some cases. For example, Senate Bill 27 would exempt state-financed housing developments from the requirement to obtain approval from the applicable county council. The bill was introduced by Senate Housing Committee Chair Stanley Chang, with support from Vice Chair Troy Hashimoto, of Central Maui. Other senators backing the bill include Republican Kurt Fevella of Ewa Beach, Sharon Moriwaki of urban Honolulu and Glenn Wakai of Central Oʻahu and Senate floor leader. And, Senate Bill 38 would prohibit the legislative body of a county from making modifications to housing development proposals that would increase the cost of the project. That bill was introduced by Sens. Chang, Fevella, Hashimoto and Joy Buenaventura of Puna, Hawaii Island. Calling for a change in Hawaiʻi’s landlord tenant laws is House Bill 464 . For tenants residing in rental units for more than 90 days, the bill would require a landlord to notify a tenant of any intent to raise the rent for any subsequent rental agreement or any intent to terminate a rental agreement 60 days before the expiration of the original rental agreement. It would also mandate a 90-notice to terminate a tenancy for tenants of three years or more and 60 days for tenants of less than three years, with certain exceptions. It also increases the amount of time required to give notice to terminate tenancies that are less than month-to-month. The bill includes a legislative finding that working families in Hawaiʻi face increasing housing insecurity and displacement. “Many renters in Hawaiʻi lose their housing through processes that never register as evictions because they happen at the end of a lease term,” the bill says. “Landlords can decline to renew a lease, even for complying tenants, without cause. These arbitrary lease nonrenewals are highly disruptive to the lives of tenants and are a cause of poverty, financial insecurity and emotional distress.” The bill proposes finding that under the residential landlord-tenant code, fixed term leases –- for example, a one-year lease –- currently have no notice requirement. Instead, landlords are recommended to give notice prior to the lease expiration. Short notice or lack of any notice “imposes serious hardship on many tenants who struggle to locate adequate housing in Hawaiʻi’s increasingly tight rental market and face serious economic burdens to cover the costs of relocation.” Such costs include application fees, safety deposits, rent and taking time off from work to inspect units and move belongings from a former residence to a new one. “Given the realities of Hawaiʻi’s current rental market, the Legislature finds that tenants need additional time to secure adequate housing,” the bill says. The measure was introduced by Maui County Reps. Terez Amato of South Maui and Rep. Mahina Poepoe of Molokaʻi and Oʻahu Reps. Tina Grandinetti, Daniel Holt, Kim Coco Iwamoto, Darius Kila, Trish La Chica, Lisa Marten and Amy Perruso. Senators Mentioned: Senator Stanley Chang Senator Troy N. Hashimoto Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura Legislative measure would have state acquire all West Maui water systems through eminent domain Original Article Maui Now Brian Perry Jan 16, 2025 Waterfalls could be seen in the hills above Launiupoko in West Maui. A bill introduced in the state Legislature would require the state to acquire all West Maui water systems through eminent domain. File photo (3.13.21) PC: Barbie GreenhalghThe state Department of Land and Natural Resources would be required to acquire all West Maui water systems through eminent domain and then hold them in trust for the management by Maui County, according to a bill introduced this legislative session. Senate Bill 386 has been proposed by Maui Sens. Angus McKelvey (West and South Maui, Mā‘alaea and Waikapū) and Lynn DeCoite (Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe and Molokini); Oʻahu Sens. Stanley Chang (Hawai‘i Kai, Kuli‘ou‘ou, Niu, ‘Āina Haina, Wai‘alae-Kāhala, Diamond Head, Kaimukī, Kapahulu), chair of the Senate Housing Committee; Republican Kurt Fevella (‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of ‘Ewa Villages); and Hawaiʻi Island Sen. Joy San Buenaventura (Puna). The bill’s legislative finding says that “West Maui’s water resources are under significant strain due to prolonged drought conditions, climate change and increased demand from private entities controlling approximately 80% of these resources, supplying water to hotels, golf courses and large estates. The 2023 Maui wildfires, exacerbated by invasive grasses and limited water availability, highlighted the critical need for improved water management and accessibility.” The measure also says that the diversion of streams for private use has negatively affected traditional Native Hawaiian agricultural practices and the ecological health of the region. According to the bill, “it is imperative to assert public control over West Maui’s water systems to ensure equitable distribution, enhance resilience against climate-induced droughts and wildfires, and uphold the public trust doctrine enshrined in the Hawaiʻi State Constitution.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Angus L.K. McKelvey Senator Lynn Decoite Senator Stanley Chang Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura Photos: Lawmakers, lobbyists and citizens kick off the 2025 legislative session Original Article Hawaiʻi Public Radio Jason Ubay, Mark Ladao, Ashley Mizuo, Sophia McCullough Jan 15, 2025 State representatives and visitors attend opening day of the 2025 legislative session at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol on Jan. 15, 2025. Jason Ubay/HPRNew year, new legislative session. Lawmakers, lobbyists and engaged citizens gathered at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol in Honolulu this morning to kick off the 2025 session.Some of HPR's news team spent the day alongside attendees. Here's what they saw. Live mele and hula kick off the 2025 Hawaiʻi House of Representatives on opening day.Jason Ubay/HPR Visitors to the Capitol are required to go through security screening.Jason Ubay/HPR Community members gather in the open-air Hawaiʻi State Capitol courtyard on opening day.Jason Ubay/HPR Members of the United Public Workers union attend opening day.Jason Ubay/HPR From left to right: House Republicans Garner Shimizu, Diamond Garcia, Elijah Pierick, Lauren Matsumoto and David Alcos III on opening day of the 2025 legislative session. (Jan. 15, 2025) Jason Ubay/HPR First-year Rep. Matthias Kusch of Hawaiʻi Island, center, with Gov. Josh Green on opening day. Green appointed Kusch to the position after the death of former Rep. Mark Nakashima.Jason Ubay/HPR Rep. Nadine Nakamura addresses the state House as speaker for the first time on Jan. 15, 2025. Nakamura said investments into more affordable housing will be top of mind for lawmakers as they try to address the cost of living.Mark Ladao/HPR First-year Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto cast the lone "no" vote against new House Speaker Nadine Nakamura on opening day of the 2025 legislative session. Ashley Mizuo/HPR Hawaiʻi House Speaker Nadine Nakamura speaks to the press. She is the first woman to lead the chamber. Mark Ladao/HPR Attendees wait to enter the House and Senate chambers at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol on opening day of the legislative session on Jan. 15, 2025. Senators and representatives have their offices on the second, third and fourth floors. The governor and the lieutenant governor are housed on the top floor. Jason Ubay/HPR Senate President Ron Kouchi addresses senators and attendees on opening day of the legislative session on Jan. 15, 2025. Kouchi said many of the state’s problems can be traced back to one thing: housing. Mark Ladao/HPR Senate Minority Leader Brenton Awa addresses the chamber on opening day of the legislative session on Jan. 15, 2025. Awa called for more support for locals and Native Hawaiians. He also criticized local leaders, pointing at Gov. Josh Green’s offer to house Los Angeles fire victims in hotel rooms, the Honolulu City Council’s recent 64% pay raise, and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s “ownership” of local media. Mark Ladao/HPR Senate President Ron Kouchi, flanked by Senate Democratic leadership, speaks to the press on opening day. (Jan. 15, 2025) Mark Ladao/HPR Representatives and senators usually open their office doors and offer food to community members roaming the hallways. Mark Ladao/HPR The Hawaiʻi State Capitol building from across S. Beretania Street. Jason Ubay/HPR Tags Local News State Legislature Senators Mentioned: Senator Ronald D. Kouchi Senator Chris Lee Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha Senator Jarrett Keohokalole Senator Lynn DeCoite Senator Herbert "Tim" Richards, III Senator Troy Hashimoto Senator Henry J.C. Aquino Hawaiʻi Legislature Begins 2025 With High Hopes For Solving Our Toughest Issues Original Article Honolulu Civil Beat Kevin Dayton, Chad Blair Jan 15, 2025 The state House and Senate are largely on the same page when it comes to priorities for the 2025 session that officially opened Wednesday. Leading the list are stabilization of the condominium insurance market, strengthening enforcement of illegal fireworks, streamlining approval processes so developers can build more affordable housing and improving biosecurity to control and expel invasive species. But House and Senate leaders are not in agreement on issues such as recreational marijuana. And some House members clashed over rules governing their own chamber. Differences between the House and Senate — both of which are overwhelmingly controlled by Democrats — on what issues to enact and how to enact them may not have evaporated. For example, the Senate approved bills for recreational marijuana over the past two sessions but the measures died in the House — something that Senate President Ron Kouchi reminded reporters of at a press conference following the floor session. Rep. David Tarnas said he was working on an omnibus bill that would take into consideration not only recreational marijuana but also adjustments to the state’s medical marijuana program and related issues. “I think the people in the state of Hawaii really would like us to address cannabis policy in a comprehensive manner, which includes medical cannabis, which has been legal for many, many years,” he said. “It includes hemp, which is legal as well. And it includes the adult use of cannabis.” And, while both chambers are generally in sync with the priorities of Gov. Josh Green, a fellow Democrat, they are still not sold on the governor’s proposal for a fee levied on visitors through the hotel tax to pay for climate change mitigation. Rep. Kyle Yamashita, chair of the House Finance Committee, wants to be careful before considering taking interest from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to pay for climate mitigation. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025) Rep. Kyle Yamashita said he was cautious about embracing another idea from the governor: to use interest from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to help pay for part of climate mitigation. The state currently enjoys a healthy fund balance, but economic cycles can change, he warned. “I’m kind of hesitant to touch that because I believe we need to build the reserve up,” he said. “My concern is we had over a decade since the Lehman Brothers downturn of prosperity and then we had the pandemic and we had a drop. But the Fed just gave us so much money that it actually spiked and caused inflation.” A better option, said Yamashita, might be to raise visitor fees at popular tourist destinations such as trails, something that Kouchi said he is open to considering. Hanging over the Legislature’s to-list is a shared unease with what might transpire in Washington, D.C., when Donald Trump returns to the White House with a Republican-controlled Congress to support him. House Speaker Nadine Nakamura expressed concerns that Hawaiʻi’s share of federal funding might be reduced. Hawaiʻi’s vulnerability to events out of its control is underscored by the Los Angeles fires that are still burning. Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, who is working on home insurance legislation, said the increase in severity of natural disasters has made crafting legislative solutions more complicated. Hawaiʻi, he noted, is at risk not only for tsunamis, hurricanes and volcanoes but also wildfires. “We are now seen as a risky state,” he said, pointing out that Hawaiʻi was not considered an insurance concern after 1992’s Hurricane ʻIniki. “But now that these catastrophes are getting so much attention, we have to deal with what’s happening in the marketplace now. So some of it is going to be our responsibility to stabilize.” Jobs Wanted For Locals The Senate plans to focus on workforce development coupled with education. The idea, said Kouchi, is to help young students not only with internships and apprenticeships but to help them find jobs in Hawaiʻi after school. The Senate’s priorities involve advancing technology integration across campuses, aligning curriculum to workforce needs, supporting career and technical education and boosting student test performance. The House is also interested in expanding training and internship programs to better prepare students for public and private sector career paths. “Additionally, we are examining strategies to recruit and retain public workers in the State of Hawaiʻi as we face workforce retirements and prepare for upcoming vacancies,” according to a House press release. Senate President Ron Kouchi made it clear Wednesday that there are a number of important issues for the House and Senate to work on. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025) Kouchi said Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, the Ways and Means Committee chair, would take the lead on education and workforce development. The Senate would also seek to generate new revenue streams, possibly through innovations in agriculture. Kouchi and Dela Cruz also both favor land banking — buying and managing land with the intention of selling or developing it. Kouchi said land banking could lead to developing more housing and agriculture and even help when it comes to siting new jails and prisons. House History, And Rules In the House, Nakamura became the first female speaker in Hawaii history to take charge of a House floor session. Nakamura thanked the new House leaders and her fellow House Democrats, who chose her as speaker for the 33rd Legislature in November. The discussions in the Democratic caucus that resulted in her selection for the top job in the House were not open to the public. Nakamura said she turned to her 97-year-old mother, Mabel Maeda, for advice on how to handle the responsibility and challenges of her new role. Maeda, who watched from the House floor as Nakamura spoke, experienced the full weight of governmental power in Hawai’i during the years following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. She was orphaned at age 6, and her guardian before the war was a Tenrikyo minister who was taken away in the middle of the night and imprisoned in New Mexico, Nakamura said. When she was older, she and other students were required to work at least one day a week in the pineapple fields to support the local wartime economy. Nakamura said she reflected on those experiences because “the decisions we make in this chamber will also reverberate for generations to come.” Nadine Nakamura is the first woman to lead the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives. On opening day Wednesday, she called for her colleagues to work together. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025) “So when I asked my mother what advice she’d give me and my fellow legislators, she said that we should try to be humble and respect each other,” Nakamura said. “She said to overlook the faults that we all have, and find the good in each other.” Nakamura introduced the 11 freshmen House members, and called on all of her colleagues to work cooperatively on a House vision for Hawaiʻi that stresses the need for a “healthy, thriving and housed” state population. “If we work together, if we set aside grudges, if we listen to each other, roll up our sleeves, and if we direct our limited resources wisely, we can achieve this vision,” she said. “And when we disagree with each other, which might happen now and then, we do so respectfully and with civility.” Related Articles Solving Hawaiʻi’s Housing Crisis Front And Center In New Legislative Session Green Proposes Spending Another $30 Million On A New Oʻahu Jail Legislature May Take A Stand Against Decades Of Pay-To-Play Politics Will This Be The Year Hawaiʻi Charges Visitors For Their Environmental Impact? Green Says Budget Has Room For Public Worker Pay Raises, Even With Tax Cuts Hawai‘i House Finance Chair Has Plans For Big Changes In The Tax Code Legislators Look To Support Student Recovery From The Pandemic In what may be a sign of political friction to come, freshman Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto, a Democrat, and Rep. Kanani Souza, a Republican, voted against a routine resolution appointing House caucus leaders and making House committee assignments. Iwamoto, who is a lawyer and a left-leaning Democrat, said the appointment of Rep. Linda Ichiyama as both vice speaker and a voting member of four House committees violates House rules. The most recent House rules allow the vice speaker to serve as a voting member of only one committee. Iwamoto also objected to the makeup of the House Finance Committee, which she said should have included another Democrat, according to the House rules. The committees are supposed to be composed of Republicans and Democrats proportionate to their numbers in the House, which Iwamoto said requires another Democrat on Finance. There are 42 Democrats and nine Republicans in the House. Souza, who is also a lawyer, voted against the resolution because she said there were changes made to the committee lineup and included in the resolution after the committee assignments were announced in a House memo and a news release to the public last year. She did not say what changes prompted her objection. Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto voted against routine resolutions including committee assignments over what she said were violations of House rules. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025) House Democratic Majority Leader Sean Quinlan replied that proportionality is “very poorly defined in our House rules,” and the House is in the process of updating the rules. He also said there is nothing in the rules specifically prohibiting the speaker or vice speaker from serving as committee members. Republican Minority Leader Lauren Matsumoto thanked Nakamura for making an effort to reach out to the minority, and praised the new House leadership for “re-examining how we conduct the people’s work in this chamber.” She called on House members to make fiscal policy changes that include eliminating the state income tax, and eliminating taxes on tips. She also urged public disclosure of how much each bill before the Legislature will cost, a mechanism that in some states is known as “fiscal notes.” That means “we have to know how much something costs before we vote on it. Currently 44 other state legislatures already do this, and it’s time Hawai’i does as well,” she said. Yamashita, the House Finance Committee chair, said in a news conference after the floor session that the House is undertaking a comprehensive review of both state and county taxes. Nakamura noted the Legislature passed an unprecedented state income tax cut last year that will reduce state tax collections by billions of dollars in the years ahead. “I think it would be a stretch” to now entirely eliminate the state income tax, she said. As for fiscal notes, Yamashita said that has been brought up before, but “it takes resources and effort.” He added that “it’s something we, at this time, we don’t have the resources to be able to put something out there.” Gov. Josh Green is slated to deliver his State of the State address Tuesday. The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn May 2. Senators Mentioned: Senator Ronald D. Kouchi Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Senator Jarrett Keohokalole Leeward CC cohort entrepreneurs participating in national food showcase Original Article University of Hawai'i Thomas Heaton Jan 15, 2025 Leeward Community College Contact: Chris Bailey, (808) 927-2025 Manager, Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center Tad Saiki, (808) 455-0531 Marketing Specialist, Marketing Posted: Jan 15, 2025 Senator Donovan Dela Cruz with Hawaiian Vinegar Co. Fancy Food Show, Las Vegas Mauka Meats at the WVAPDC Leeward Community College's Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC) will be exhibiting at the upcoming 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show, the kickoff event of the food industry’s annual cycle, produced by the Specialty Food Association and offering thousands of diverse makers, buyers, brokers, distributors, and industry professionals from across the U.S. and the globe three days of delicious product discovery, networking, and business opportunities. The WVAPDC and its participating ʻĀina to Mākeke entrepreneurs will showcase a variety of innovative food and beverage products that highlight the unique flavors of Hawaiʻi. Located in the Incubator Village, a dedicated space for first-time exhibitors, these entrepreneurs will introduce their unique creations to a global audience. Visit us in Booth #IV35 through #IV82 to explore the flavors of Hawaiʻi and learn more about these pioneering businesses. The 49th Winter Fancy Food Show returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 19–21 and will feature more than 90,000 specialty foods and beverages from global makers. Participants will also gain access to real-time insights from the SFA Trendspotter Panel, educational programming and panels on the Main Stage, and the new Debut District area featuring first-time exhibitors, brand-new products, incubators, and startups. “The Winter Fancy Food Show offers an incredible opportunity to showcase Hawaiʻiʻs rich food heritage and innovative spirit on a global stage. Our ʻĀina to Mākeke entrepreneurs represent the best of local creativity, sustainability, and dedication to quality. Leeward Community College is proud to support these businesses as they share their unique flavors of Hawaiʻi with the world,” says Leeward CC Chancellor Carlos Penaloza. The WVAPDC will be exhibiting with eight food entrepreneurs who have completed Leeward CC’s ʻĀina to Mākeke or University of Hawaiʻi Maui College’s Food Innovation Center’s business incubator programs. Any Kine SNAX – Any Kine SNAX is a Hawaiʻi-owned, small family business that was started in 2020 from a desire to share our fun and tasty freeze-dried candies and treats with family and friends. Galleon Chocolates – We are a Maui-based chocolatier specializing in bold and innovative chocolates that celebrate Filipino and Hawaiian flavors. Hawaiian Krunch Company – Our artisanal small batch granolas feature four of Hawaiʻi’s indigenous canoe crops: Kalo (taro), ‘Ulu (breadfruit), ‘Uala (sweet potato), and Niu (coconut). We proudly source 80% of our ingredients from local, Hawaiʻi farmers. Hawaiian Vinegar Co. – Hawaiian Vinegar Co.’s unique, artisanal vinegars and shrubs are crafted from locally sourced seasonal fruits and produce. Our unique Hawaiian flavors support sustainability by upcycling excess and off-grade produce, as well as by-products. Hometown BBQ – Our craft BBQ sauces feature Hawaiʻi-grown fruits and unique local flavors. Island Rayne Gourmet – Our craft hot sauces showcase bold, island-inspired flavors. Island Sausage – Artisanal quality salami and snack sticks with local flavors and flair by Hawaiʻi’s only salami producer. Mauka Meats – Premium, locally sourced meats, sausages and bone broth, with a focus on quality, sustainability, and supporting Hawaiian agriculture. Attendees are invited to visit Leeward CC and the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center and our ‘Āina to Mākeke entrepreneurs at Booths #IV35 through #IV82 to explore these unique products and learn how we’re advancing Hawaiʻi’s food industry on the global stage. About the WVAPDC: The Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC) is a project of the University of Hawaiʻi Leeward Community College and the State of Hawaiʻi, contributing to the growth of Hawaiʻi’s agricultural industry and entrepreneurial community through: Premier educational programming to students and community members, empowering Hawaiʻi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for generations to come. Increased opportunities for local farmers and growers to sell their products to value-added producers. Supporting local entrepreneurs to incubate their business through access to small business resources, production kitchens and in-house product and process development. The WVAPDC is a 33,000 square foot food manufacturing facility located in Wahiawā in Central Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi. Our center is a resource for food entrepreneurship and education. We offer product development consultation services, lab testing and production kitchens. We serve Hawaiʻi’s processors, entrepreneurs, farmers and students focused on developing and creating food products. This initiative aligns with the State of Hawaiʻi and the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s (DBEDT) efforts to diversify the local economy. By introducing Hawaiʻi-made products to a larger audience, the WVAPDC provides a platform for entrepreneurial growth and fosters export opportunities for Hawaiʻi’s unique agricultural and value-added products. For more information about WVAPDC visit our website , or email vapdc@hawaii.edu and follow us on Instagram . For additional media contact, please contact WVAPDC Manager, Chris Bailey at crbailey@hawaii.edu. Senators Mentioned: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Honolulu City Council ‘reaffirms’ opposition to landfill over aquifer Original Article Honolulu Star - Advertiser Ian Bauer Jan 11, 2025 Over 20 years ago a prior Honolulu City Council passed a resolution that stated municipal solid waste landfills should not be located in proximity to Oahu’s underground drinking water sources. In 2003, Resolution 9 was adopted to safeguard Oahu’s important water resources. At the time, the policy was supposedly prompted by concerns that even with the best landfill technologies, the risk of hazardous materials contaminating the island’s freshwater aquifer could, over time, potentially harm public health and safety. The city’s policies, however, also can change over time. On Dec. 10, Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration announced its intent to site the city’s next dump on active agricultural land owned by Dole Food Co. Hawaii near Wahiawa. The site — west of Kamehameha Highway and north of Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road — is also about 800 feet above Oahu’s freshwater aquifer, according to Board of Water Supply Manager and Chief Engineer Ernie Lau. To that end, Lau has expressed opposition to the planned landfill site’s location, due to its proximity to the island’s primary supply of drinking water. Others, like Council Vice Chair Matt Weyer and Council member Radiant Cordero, agree. On Jan. 2 the pair introduced Resolution 3, meant to reaffirm the city’s 2003 policy against landfills near underground freshwater sources. Weyer, whose Council District 2 includes Wahiawa as well as the North Shore, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that he wants the city administration to revisit its landfill siting decision. “Before we spend taxpayer money, before we go down a path that isn’t workable, we just kind of want to provide the pathway to take this off the table and move on to other locations and have that discussion with the community,” he said. Weyer said he’s had “conversations with the mayor’s administration, and they know my concerns” over the landfill’s siting in Wahiawa. “They feel that they can operate it safely, and they believe it’s the only legal pathway (to have a landfill),” he said. “But when we look at the Board of Water Supply’s position, we definitely stand with them, recognizing that they do have authority to reject a potential landfill site.” Cordero, whose Council District 7 includes Halawa and Red Hill, noted the urgency in preventing more contamination from entering Oahu’s freshwater supply. “Placing a solid waste landfill over our city’s aquifer would be both counterproductive and reckless,” she said in a statement. “After the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility leak in my district, our communities across the island are still recovering.” But the city contends a new landfill on Oahu is necessary. And the Wahiawa site, the city argues, allows it to continue to handle the island’s estimated 225,000 tons of solid waste and related materials it puts into its dump each year. City officials say they hope to negotiate a purchase of about 150 acres — the amount of land needed for a solid waste landfill — out of what they described as an approximately 2,360-acre parcel now owned by Dole. Dole has publicly stated opposition to the city locating a landfill on its actively used agricultural lands in Wahiawa. However, the company has indicated to the city it has unused lands for sale nearby. At the state Capitol on Tuesday, city Managing Director Mike Formby and city Department of Environmental Services officials addressed lawmakers with the city’s reasons to have the next dump on Dole lands. City officials said it was due, in part, to a state- imposed Dec. 31 deadline to find an alternate site, ahead of the planned closure of the 35-year-old Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Kapolei, in accordance with a 2019 decision and order by the state Land Use Commission. That West Oahu dump is set to close in 2028, though the landfill will not reach full capacity until 2032, the city said. At the same meeting, BWS’ Lau noted a U.S. Geological Survey study conducted in 2003, which states all landfills eventually leak — often dispersing into the environment harmful chemicals like arsenic as well as PFAS, or so-called “forever chemicals,” linked to illnesses like cancer. BWS must evaluate the proposed landfill site and, based on its proximity to potable water sources, may approve or reject the proposal. Previously, BWS objected to the city siting a landfill within its so-called “no-pass zone,” an area that covers the interior of the island where Oahu’s potable water aquifer is located. During the joint meeting of the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment, state Sen. Mike Gabbard, chair of the Senate’s committee, asked, “Who has the final say, the Board of Water Supply, City Council, the mayor? Where does it end?” Formby replied the city has set out a plan “to exhaust as many options as we could, respecting the rule of law.” The city, he said, has not “formally made a recommendation for this proposed site to (BWS) yet.” He added, “Whether or not that gets challenged, and (Chief Engineer Lau) might write us a letter and say, ‘For your specific proposal, I say no,’ in which case, we would appeal that to the (BWS’ board of directors).” Formby said the board also “has the ability to actually override the chief engineer, which would then give us a green light for this proposed site.” Meanwhile, Weyer said a public town hall meeting over the proposed landfill site will be held 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Wahiawa Elementary School’s cafeteria, 1402 Glen Ave. BWS’ Lau, state officials and Dole company representatives will be in attendance at that meeting, he said. The Council’s Committee on Housing, Sustainability, Economy and Health is also expected to review Resolution 3 at 1 p.m. Tuesday inside City Council Chambers, 530 S. King St. Senators Mentioned: Senator Mike Gabbard DOE Gets An F: Hawaiʻi Schools Miss Their First Local Food Target Original Article Honolulu Civil Beat Thomas Heaton Jan 10, 2025 The Hawaiʻi Department of Education bought just 5% of ingredients for school lunches from local producers last year, failing to hit its first state-mandated farm-to-school target of 10% for local foods. And that counts purchases of local bottled water. This translated to roughly $4.5 million of the education department’s $82 million in food spending during the 2023-2024 school year for local produce, dairy, ground beef and poi among other staples, according to a report school officials will present Friday to the House Finance Committee. The department’s failure does not come as a shock to many in farm-to-school circles who have for years criticized the approach and speed of the agency’s work to integrate locally grown food into school meals. The mandated increase in spending was intended to ensure children received more nutritious meals and to give an economic boost to Hawaiʻi farmers and ranchers. “I’m really saddened and frustrated but definitely not surprised,” former teacher and farm-to-school advocate Rep. Amy Perruso said. Locally sourced and cultivated dairy accounted for 0.51% of the state Department of Education’s food spending during the 2023-2024 school year. (Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022) The state tasked the department with increasing its local food spending incrementally, starting this year at 10% and ending in 2050 when it is expected to spend 50% of its food budget on local produce. But the department backslid since the goals were set. In 2022, local food accounted for 6.2% of the state’s food purchasing, 0.8% higher than the latest school year. The report to state lawmakers shows ground beef made up the lion’s share of the department’s total spending on local food, accounting for 3% during the 2023-2024 school year. Fruit and vegetables accounted for 1.83% and less than 1% for poi, dairy and locally sourced bottled water. The bottled water, from Hilo, is offered a la carte for students purchasing school meals in the cafeteria and is deemed a “local processed product,” DOE spokeswoman Nanea Ching said in an email. It is a “creative stretch” to include bottled water in the report to the Legislature, Hawaiʻi Farmers Union advocacy director Hunter Heaivilin said, one that he is certain Hawaiʻi farmers did not benefit from. The department spent more than $40 million on imported processed foods in the 2023-2024 school year, accounting for 56.75% of its ingredients, the remaining 37.82% was spent on imported meat, fresh produce and dairy. DOE officials have in the past blamed local food industry's weak supply, price point, and flimsy supply chains for the lack of progress. Agriculture and farm-to-school advocates have largely rebuked that idea, saying the DOE's School Food Services Branch has been too opaque and inflexible to sell local food to. The department has consistently shown "reticence to pursue public will that has been embodied in state law," said Heaivilin, a food systems planner. To be sure, there are products that Hawaiʻi farmers will not be able to grow competitively or affordably enough for the department, such as apples, potatoes and rice. So the DOE should alter meals to better suit the local food system, Heaivilin said, or it should consider changing the way it reports its progress, so food producers have a greater understanding of what they could grow. "Some of these could be automatic import replacements, some of these could require changing menus," Heaivilin said. Hawai‘i Grown This ongoing series delves deep into what it would take for Hawai‘i to decrease its dependence on imported food and be better positioned to grow its own. Read More Ching said the DOE plans to host forums with vendors to guide them on the department's procurement laws, among other things, to help farmers, ranchers and other food producers better negotiate deals with them across the islands. The department has nevertheless failed to meet its mandated goal this year, casting doubt over the program's success. Lawmakers will have to resolve a discrepancy in laws by 2030 because two different laws — 2021's Act 175 and Act 144 from 2022 — show different targets, one being 30% and the other 18%. Perruso said she's not sure there are consequences either way for the department failing to meet the targets. The department has banked on the development of a centralized mega-kitchen model , based on mainland school food operations and local chain restaurant Zippy's , which prepares food in a central location to distribute throughout each island. The DOE signed a contract for the first kitchen's construction late last year, worth almost $30 million, to be built in Whitmore Village on Oʻahu. With the kitchen, strongly supported by Senate Ways and Means Chair Donovan Dela Cruz , the DOE hopes to iron out kinks in the supply chain on its way to reaching mandated goals. Perruso said the Legislature is also partly to blame for the department's failure to meet the goal, having left the department with just one position dedicated to the task. That role was not filled until August last year, after being vacant for three years. Randy Tanaka, DOE's former facilities superintendent, said he was doing the job himself until he was fired in late 2023. "It's not going to be possible for one person to effectuate that change," Perruso said, so the state needs to intervene to help the department achieve the goals. " Hawai‘i Grown " is funded in part by grants from the Stupski Foundation, Ulupono Fund at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation and the Frost Family Foundation. Senators Mentioned: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz The Sunshine Blog: Here’s When It Pays To Be A Doctor — And A Governor Original Article Honolulu Civil Beat The Sunshine Blog Jan 10, 2025 Dr. Green goes to Washington: Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green has become the leading voice — at least for the moment — opposing the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Our very own Dr. Gov. Green was all over Washington, D.C., this week, lobbying senators and telling anyone who would listen about the time in 2019 when he led a medical mission to Samoa to fight a raging measles outbreak only to find Kennedy and his anti-vax campaign had gotten there first. The country had experienced a drop in vaccination rates before the outbreak, driven in part by fear after the death of two infants in 2018 who had received a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine that had been improperly prepared. But Kennedy has also been blamed for exacerbating the problem. In 2019, just months before an emergency was declared, he traveled to Samoa and met with prominent anti-vaccination activists on the island. And then during the height of the outbreak, when children were dying, he sent a letter to the prime minister questioning whether it was the MMR vaccine itself that had caused the public health crisis. By the time the outbreak had run its course, thousands of people were sickened and 83 died, many of them children. Green, who is passionate and articulate about the problems that come when people refuse to get vaccinated, had an op-ed published in The New York Times this week and was featured in a Washington Post story and on cable media including CNN and Fox News. And he was trending on social sites. “I have no personal animus toward Mr. Kennedy on a lot of his policies,” Green told Civil Beat’s Washington correspondent Nick Grube, who caught him as he was sitting on a plane waiting to take off back to Hawaiʻi. “I just have an absolute objection to having the secretary of Health and Human Services be against vaccines, and he is. He can say what he wants to try to mitigate the damage, but everyone knows about his vaccine skepticism.” Green met with nearly a dozen senators from both sides of the aisle, including Democrats Dick Durbin of Illinois and Ron Wyden of Oregon. He was reluctant to name anyone else, he told Grube, because they were worried about political fallout. And besides, Green told Grube, he was really there on official state business like checking on federal cash that could and should be headed our way and other things of interest to Hawai‘i. While in town he worked with two different advocacy groups, 3.14 Action and Protect Our Care, to push his message and coordinate meetings with lawmakers. Already 3.14 Action has featured the governor in one of its advertisements opposing Kennedy. Green, who The Blog has heard would really like to be the country’s health secretary himself one day, told Grube he anticipates returning to D.C. in the future to crusade against Kennedy, including testifying before Congress if the opportunity allows. He’ll even talk to Donald Trump. Check, please: Wednesday is Opening Day of the 2025 Hawaiʻi Legislature, so that can only mean one thing: state legislators will rush to hold campaign fundraisers before the opening gavel falls because they’re prohibited by state law from holding organized fundraisers during session. The Blog is referring specifically to Sens. Lynn DeCoite and Jarrett Keohokalole , who asked for donations at Capitol Modern Tuesday night. It’s conveniently located right across Richards Street from the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. On Wednesday night Sens. Chris Lee , Donovan Dela Cruz , Henry Aquino and Troy Hashimoto passed their hats at Bishop Museum. Aquino, DeCoite and Keohokalole are planning ahead — they’re not up for reelection until 2028. House bills proposing to end the acceptance of all campaign contributions during legislative sessions (not just at organized fundraisers) passed that chamber unanimously in the 2023 session but were not heard by the Senate. Civil Beat opinion writers are closely following efforts to bring more transparency and accountability to state and local government — at the Legislature, the county level and in the media. Help us by sending ideas and anecdotes to sunshine@civilbeat.org . The mysterious making of the rules: The rulebook dictating how Hawaiʻi lawmakers conduct the public’s business is a big deal. The Blog has long contended that many of the most urgently needed legislative reforms could be accomplished with simple rule changes . With the start of a new biennium Wednesday, new rules must be adopted. Actually there are two rulebooks, one for the House and another for the Senate . And how they approach the task says a lot about the differences between the two chambers. The House formed a four-member Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedures that has been reaching out to representatives for their suggestions regarding the rules. The Senate, meh, not so much. Here’s how Senate Judiciary Chair Karl Rhoads puts it: “I think the Senate tends to be a little more, what’s the word I’m looking for? You’re a senator. If you have a problem with something, you need to raise it. We’re not necessarily going to go look for you to solicit your concerns.” Rhoads says he’s heard nothing about possible new Senate rules in the lead-up to the new session. Which, come to think of it, is not so different from what the House is doing. Its advisory committee is meeting in private, much to the consternation of reform advocates like Gary Hooser. The former senator writes in his own blog that current House rule No. 20 requires that the committee’s meetings be conducted openly: “Every meeting of a committee of the House … held for the purpose of making decisions on matters referred to the committee shall be open to the public.” But House Judiciary Chair David Tarnas points out that this House advisory committee is just that — advisory. “They’re not making decisions,” Tarnas says. “They’re recommending and they’re advisory. The decision-making itself is when we vote on it.” That will presumably occur soon after the Legislature convenes. That’s when we’ll know if either chamber is serious about limiting the power of conference chairs, preventing the money committees from controlling non-fiscal matters, eliminating anonymous bill introductions and so forth. Hope springs eternal: And speaking of being serious about reform, a hui of good governance groups gathered at the Capitol Thursday to launch what they called “Good Government Lobby Day.” The goal of the Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action, Our Hawai‘i, Common Cause and Clean Elections Coalition is to advocate for government reforms that will strengthen transparency, accountability and fairness in the legislative process. “Welcome to your House of Representatives,” Rep. Della Au Belatti said as she welcomed some two dozen folks to Conference Room 325. She said she had not seen such a level of reform activity in her 20 years in the Legislature, adding that a revived Good Government Caucus at the Legislature is already working on bills. Rep. Della Au Belatti at the Good Governance Lobby Day meeting at the Capitol Tuesday. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024) Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto said the new energy for reform began in 2022 when two lawmakers were arrested for and later convicted on bribery charges. There had been a culture, she said, that allowed Ty Cullen and J. Kalani English to get away with corruption. But there’s a lot of new blood in the Leg today. The groups, which spent half of the day meeting with other lawmakers, are pushing for a range of reforms including making public testimony on bills available early, doing away with anonymous bill introductions, taking non-financial bills out of money committees, enacting term limits and establishing full public financing of campaigns. Women of the house: One-third (or 32.43%) of the total number of state legislators in the 50 states and territories in 2025 are women, a slight increase from just a few years ago. The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada are at or above the 50% mark of women state legislators, the highest representation nationwide. How does Hawaiʻi do? Compared to many other states and territories, pretty good at 40.8%. Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia, for example, each have legislatures with less than 20% women members. The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives now has its first-ever female speaker, Nadine Nakamura. Two women have led the state Senate, Colleen Hanabusa and Donna Kim. Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite Senator Jarrett Keohokalole Senator Chris Lee Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Senator Henry J.C. Aquino Senator Troy N. Hashimoto Senator Donna Mercado Kim Debate over landfill site is aired before lawmakers Original Article Honolulu Star - Advertiser Ian Bauer Jan 10, 2025 The benefits and drawbacks of having Honolulu’s next solid waste landfill located in Central Oahu were highlighted at the state Capitol this week. Two joint Legislature committees held an informational meeting over the city’s plan to site its dump on Dole Food Co. Hawaii property near Wahiawa. That site — meant to allow the city to continue to handle the island’s estimated 225,000 tons of solid waste and related materials it puts into its landfill each year — was first announced by Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Dec. 10. At the Capitol, city Managing Director Mike Formby, city Environmental Services Director Roger Babcock and ENV Deputy Director Michael O’Keefe offered reasons to have the next dump on Dole lands. In part, the trio said it was due to a state-imposed Dec. 31 deadline to find an alternate site, ahead of the planned closure of the 35-year-old Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Kapolei, in accordance with a 2019 decision and order by the state Land Use Commission. That West Oahu dump is set to close in 2028, though the landfill will not reach full capacity until 2032, the city said. Conversely, Board of Water Supply Manager and Chief Engineer Ernie Lau noted a landfill not properly sited on the island posed a significant public health and safety risk, as it could affect the potable water supply of Oahu’s underground aquifer. BWS must evaluate the proposed landfill site and, based on its proximity to potable water sources, may approve or reject the proposal. Previously, BWS objected to the city siting a landfill within its so-called “no-pass zone,” an area that covers the interior of the island where Oahu’s potable water aquifer is located. The city’s proposed landfill location — identified as “Area 3, Site 2” in the city’s 2022 Landfill Advisory Committee’s recommendation report — is on agricultural land to the west of Kamehameha Highway, north of Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road, the city said. The city hoped to negotiate purchase of about 150 acres — the amount of land needed for a solid waste landfill — out of what it described as an approximately 2,360-acre parcel now owned by Dole, according to Babcock. “Ninety acres of that is the actual landfill,” he said at the Tuesday meeting. “And the remaining area is for a little bit of a buffer zone as well as storage for equipment, a place for trucks to get off the road, a scale house, etcetera.” Dole has publicly stated opposition to the city locating a landfill on its actively used agricultural lands. Still, Babcock explained that the new landfill — planned for about 800 feet above the island’s aquifer — also offered protections against leakage. He noted the dump site will have “required monitoring wells in the groundwater to detect any unlikely leak” or contamination. “And most importantly, the liner system,” he said, “and the leachate collection system, which together prevent the escape of contaminants from the landfill and prevent contamination of underlying groundwater.” He added that U.S. landfills require “a dual-liner system that consists of both a thick plastic geo- membrane … and it also includes a clay liner.” BUT THE city wants the state Legislature to change a state law, too. Babcock explained the city’s desire to “relax” restrictions under Act 73, which governs where a landfill can legally and safely be located in order to achieve a new, permanent landfill location on Oahu. The 2020 law places restrictions on locating waste-disposal facilities, particularly those close to conservation lands or half-mile “buffer zones” near residential areas, schools or hospitals, as well as near airports or tsunami inundation zones. Babcock said amending Act 73 could do one of two things: reduce buffer zones down to a quarter-mile or eliminate them altogether, thereby opening up more lands for potential city dump sites. Such a legislative change could take time, however. “If that is unsuccessful, then it would be necessary to extend the operations at the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill,” he added. But BWS’ leader expressed his strong reservations over the safety of a landfill being sited above the island’s “freshwater resources.” “Landfills contain contaminants that can enter groundwater if it leaks out of a landfill,” Lau said. “And that leachate is actually pretty contaminated” rainwater. He said “landfills, once constructed, are permanently there.” But cap rock — an area of hard, impervious rock — also rings around Oahu’s coastline like a protective barrier, he added. “The cap rock is a very important geologic feature here because that’s the basis of why the Board of Water Supply over 40 years ago decided to create a ‘no-pass’ area on our island,” Lau said. “Because that cap rock along the coastal areas helps to protect and keep the freshwater inland, and helps to keep large capacities of freshwater inland in these underground, volcanic aquifers.” “And the cap rock is where we would recommend that landfills be considered if they had to be put in,” he said. Noting a U.S. Geological Survey study conducted in 2003, Lau added that all landfills eventually leak — often dispersing into the environment harmful chemicals like arsenic as well as PFAS, or so-called “forever chemicals,” linked to illnesses like cancer. He also noted that USGS’ 1999 “Ground Water Atlas of the United States” showed that groundwater underneath the proposed Wahiawa dump site flows downward, in directions toward Waialua, Mokuleia and Kawailoa. “If leachate were to leak from this area, it might head toward the Waialua-Haleiwa area, and might impact the aquifer down there,” Lau said. “So the contaminant plumes would potentially move to the north.” During the joint meeting of the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment, legislators questioned the city’s overall plans for the new landfill site as well as potential changes to Act 73. Among them, state Sen. Mike Gabbard, chair of the Senate’s committee, asked, “Who has the final say, the Board of Water Supply, City Council, the mayor? Where does it end?” Formby replied the city has set out a plan “to exhaust as many options as we could, respecting the rule of law.” The city, he added, has not “formally made a recommendation for this proposed site to (BWS) yet.” “Right now the mayor firmly believes that the city and county can site a landfill over the aquifer safely,” he said. “Whether or not that gets challenged, and (Chief Engineer Lau) might write us a letter and say, ‘For your specific proposal, I say ‘no,’ in which case, we would appeal that to the (BWS’ board of directors).” “And the board then has the ability to actually override the chief engineer, which would then give us a green light for this proposed site,” said Formby. “We’re just not there yet.” Gabbard also asked, “I’ve heard that Dole is not real excited about selling that land. … Is that true? What’s the latest?” “Our understanding of what Dole has said is that particular, specific location that we have identified would affect their operations,” Babcock replied. “But at the same time they did say that they have other land that they have for sale … so that’s a pretty good indication that they’re interested in talking with us and to find a solution.” After the meeting, Dole Hawaii General Manager Dan Nellis said his company believes the city’s proposed landfill on its Wahiawa property is “untenable.” “Particularly because it is right in the middle of our pineapple fields,” he told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser by phone, “and it would create extreme hardship on us, operating our farm.” Nellis confirmed Dole does indeed have other parcels for sale. However, he said the city hasn’t approached his company regarding those available lands. “I just told them initially, ‘Hey, why are you asking to go into our land that we’re farming when we have other land that we’re not farming that is for sale?’” he said, adding the for-sale properties are not far from the proposed landfill site. “They’re pretty close, about a mile away.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Mike Gabbard A slew of new housing laws take effect this month to streamline building, protect tenants Original Article Stateline Robbie Sequeira Jan 9, 2025 A new row of homes is under construction in a Santa Clarita, Calif., neighborhood in 2023. The state has enacted dozens of new laws to expand housing options and protect tenants — a trend expected to continue nationally this year. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) Read more Stateline coverage of how communities across the country are trying to create more affordable housing. New state laws taking effect this month aim to confront the nation’s ongoing housing crisis in various ways, from expanding housing options, to speeding up the development process, to protecting struggling tenants from eviction. Similar bills are in store for this year’s legislative sessions. The new laws include measures to combat landlord retaliation in Illinois and Minnesota , to seal eviction records in Idaho and, in California , to streamline the process for building backyard accessory dwelling units, known as ADUs. Other states focused on the barriers preventing housing from being built by relaxing zoning laws to allow for new types of development, and put the onus on cities to make affordable housing available. Surveys show most Americans, of all backgrounds , communities and political persuasions, want to see more housing built. The need, experts say, is overwhelming. Freddie Mac estimates the current housing shortage at about 3.7 million homes. For extremely low-income tenants, that shortage is more than 7 million rental homes , according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “I expect that it will be a banner year for housing legislation, because many state legislators and governors ran for the first time on a platform that included addressing housing cost inflation,” said economist Salim Furth, a senior research fellow and director of the urbanity project at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. “Now they need to deliver.” Furth, who is tracking 135 housing-related bills this year, said he expects a return of last year’s popular issues: making it easier to build an ADU, allowing residential development in commercial zones, and streamlining permitting processes. Perhaps no state did more last year than California, which enacted more than 60 housing-related laws . Most encourage more development in a state with an estimated shortfall of 2.5 million homes . Among the new laws in California are measures that eliminate parking requirements for certain residential developments near transit stations, ease the development of more housing in existing neighborhoods, and strip local governments of the power to block some affordable housing in-fill projects except on the grounds of public health or safety. The state also enacted several laws to encourage more construction of ADUs . Among other provisions, the measures offer up-front transparency on ADU regulations, encourage the building of ADUs in coastal zones, and offer flexibility for ADUs on multifamily lots. Accessory dwelling units have gained a lot of bipartisan traction in state legislatures . Gretchen Baldau of the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council praised new laws in Arizona and Nebraska that allow ADUs and modular homes on residential lots, and said she sees momentum for legislation in Delaware and Georgia that could allow for ADUs. “Housing reform can be a tricky issue for lawmakers because the topic literally hits close to home,” Baldau, who is the senior director of the commerce, insurance and economic development task force for ALEC, as the think tank is known, said in a statement to Stateline. ALEC has offered legislatures model legislation that would lower permitting and construction barriers to building ADUs, she noted, along with other model bills that would eliminate discretionary review and approvals and limit most third-party legal challenges to approved developments . Tenant protections Several new laws impose checks on tenant-landlord relationships. New laws in Illinois and Minnesota, for example, prohibit landlords from retaliating against tenants who report code violations, seek repairs or engage in tenant organizing — the latter of which is robust in Minnesota . Minnesota’s law also offers protections for tenants who report issues to the media, or who call for emergency assistance. In Idaho, eviction actions filed on or after Jan. 1, 2025, are automatically shielded from public disclosure if the entire case was dismissed, is not pending appeal or if three years have passed since the filing date. Idaho was one of at least three states, along with Maryland and Massachusetts, to enact laws last year that seal eviction records, according to a Stateline review. The laws have been hailed by housing advocates who say they will prevent a person’s eviction history from being used against them, though landlords argue eviction data is relevant to leasing decisions. ‘Housing isn’t just one issue’ With 26 state legislatures back in session as of Jan. 8, housing bills are slowly trickling in. California, a bellwether when it comes to housing policy, has a few bills introduced that would ban the use of algorithmic devices to set rents , prevent local agencies from placing parking standards on ADUs , and create a new state authority to build and maintain social housing , a public community housing movement gaining momentum in some advocacy circles. In Texas, two Republican lawmakers have filed bills that would override local ordinances restricting or prohibiting accessory dwelling units. And in Maryland, Democrats say they plan to introduce legislation to speed development approvals for new housing, alongside tenant protection proposals such as a bill that would require landlords to have a legitimate cause for evicting a tenant. Affordability, homelessness, economic mobility — they all hinge on whether we can provide enough housing. – Hawaii Democratic state Sen. Stanley Chang Tim Rosenberger, a legal policy fellow at the conservative Manhattan Institute, predicts differing approaches to housing: Red states will focus on increasing supply, while blue states will prioritize rent control, he said. “With rates high and inventory priced far above what most Americans can afford, expect red states to pursue commonsense efforts to increase supply while blue states look at ways to try to curb prices,” he said. “Legislators must reject increased regulation, rent and price controls. They should jump at opportunities to reduce regulation and bureaucracy and unleash building.” In Oregon, lawmakers are considering legislation that would impose rent control on mobile home parks and require indoor cooling in apartments with at least 10 units. The National Apartment Association predicts other states might consider rent stabilization measures as well. Housing will be a chief priority for some state lawmakers going into the next sessions. One of Democratic state Sen. Stanley Chang’s goals when he heads back to Hawaii’s legislative floor on Jan. 15 is to change how quickly the state uses its rental housing revolving fund. Under the current system, Chang said, roughly $519 million the state holds in the fund might not be spent until 2038. “Housing finance reform has been our top priority for years,” he said. “This program alone funds over half of all new housing construction in Hawaii — it’s the primary way we produce housing in the state. If we tweak this program, we could get 10 buildings for the price of one.” Chang added, however, that the scale of the affordable housing problem is too complex to boil down to one or two issues or solutions. “Housing isn’t just one issue: It’s the foundation of everything. Affordability, homelessness, economic mobility — they all hinge on whether we can provide enough housing. It’s time to stop treating this as a side project and recognize it as a central priority,” Chang told Stateline. “This is a solvable problem.” Senators Mentioned: Senator Stanley Chang Legislators consider new laws to restrict where landfills can be placed Original Article Hawaiʻi Public Radio Ashley Mizuo Jan 9, 2025 The new Oʻahu landfill will replace Waimanalo Gulch on the leeward coast.City and County of Honolulu Legislators are considering changing laws restricting where counties can place landfills. This comes after Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s controversial announcement to place the island’s next landfill in Wahiawā . “Anger, frustration, disbelief, fear, anxiety and then circling back to anger,” is what Rep. Amy Perruso said she hears from people in her districts. She represents the areas that would be most impacted by the city’s decision. At the heart of the outrage is that the new landfill would be placed over a drinking water aquifer. Board of Water Supply Chief Engineer Ernie Lau told lawmakers that he disagrees with the Wahiawā location because of the potential threats to Oʻahu's drinking water. He said that it will impact future generations. “It's the generations that haven't even been born they're going to depend on these freshwater resources,” he said. “Right now this area in Central Oʻahu and going toward the North Shore — it's the freshwater resources that have not been fully developed yet that may be needed for the communities 100, 200 years from now.” Lau compared the situation to the Red Hill incident in 2021 where jet fuel leaked into the water system poisoning thousands of residents. “ We are at the crossroads that Red Hill was in its decision-making to place 250 million gallons of fuel storage underground fuel tanks, single-walled right over a drinking water aquifer,” he said. “ That decision was 80 plus years ago ... the question I have is, are we going to 80 years from now or 100 years from now find out that wasn’t a good decision?” Local News Wahiawā location selected for Oʻahu's next landfill site Listen • 2:07 One of the main reasons the city felt that it had no choice, but to select a landfill location over an aquifer, is because of a law known as Act 73 . The law says landfills cannot be located in conservation-zoned land or within half a mile of any residence, school or hospital. Landfills also cannot be located in a tsunami zone. Ultimately, the city chose Wahiawā because other locations under consideration were over what's called a well-capture zone, which is even more crucial to Oʻahu's water supply. A capture zone is where freshwater water naturally flows to and collects. Then, wells pump water from capture zones and deliver it where it needs to go. That is what makes it more risky to put a landfill near a capture zone. Adding to the uncertainty is that it's difficult to know what exactly is going on under the surface regarding water flow without drilling a well, which is expensive. However, Rep. Sean Quinlan said that he's working on a measure that would ban landfills from being built over aquifers. In that bill, he is considering adjusting the restrictions in Act 73 to give the city more options. “I think we are looking at all elements of Act 73,” Quinlan said. “One potential solution would be to amend it down to a quarter-mile buffer zone, which would open up certain sites. Another potential solution would be to weaken the language around certain conservation land which would also open up other sites.” Perruso, who is vice chair of the House Energy and Environmental Protection Committee, said it's crucial to make it illegal to put a landfill over an aquifer. But she's not sure that decreasing the buffer zone in Act 73 is the answer. “One is a measure that would make citing a landfill over an aquifer illegal. I think that's an important first step because we can't rely on Ernie Lau to be forever holding that position,” she said. “I do think that it's extraordinarily dangerous to engage in the practices of citing these kinds of facilities over our aquifer. I think we should have learned that lesson already from Red Hill.” The Conversation Oʻahu residents invited to learn more about proposal to raise wastewater fees Listen • 10:09 Perruso wants to give the city tools to encourage people to produce less trash. “ The Environmental Caucus will likely be introducing a measure on extended producer responsibility,” she said. “We really have to do more in the area of reducing, recycling, and reusing, and we know that we can because other jurisdictions are doing it, and our counties are just not making those investments.” Sen. Mike Gabbard, who chairs the Agriculture and Environment Committee, explained that he's open to conversation about reducing the buffer zone, but that the city should be instead considering federal lands that are not over aquifers. “I'm not convinced the military cannot spare 150 acres of land that's not over an aquifer to help us out and I want to pursue that,” he said. “The city and county seems to think it's a no-go and it's a done deal. It's not going to happen, but I want to go and pursue that.” The city was considering putting the landfill on Waipiʻo Soccer Complex, which is on land owned by the Navy. However, the Navy rejected its request in April 2024. City Environmental Services Director Roger Babcock explained that although the city did do another study on areas where a landfill could be located if the Act 73 restrictions were loosened, it still intends to pursue the Wahiawā location it selected. “ We're sticking with that plan A is that this is the best option of not a lot of good options,” he said. “ Then if that doesn't pan out for whatever reason or a law is passed that makes it not possible, which I think that legislation is going to be introduced, then we would move to plan B which is to ask the legislature to modify Act 73 so that some other sites that would be outside the no pass zone would become available.” The legislative session starts next Wednesday. Senators Mentioned: Senator Mike Gabbard County, state lawmakers to talk priorities during next Waimea Community Association town meeting Original Article Big Island Now Big Island Now Jan 8, 2025 A new Hawai‘i County Council was seated and got to work in December 2024 with a few new faces at the table, including one who represents Kohala. Opening day of the 2025 session of the Hawai‘i Legislature is next week on Jan. 15. Waimea Community Association invites residents of the Kohala and Hāmākua communities to come learn about the priorities of their elected local and state government officials directly from them during its next town meeting. The meeting is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the Jerry Nelson Conference Room of the W.M. Keck Observatory headquarters, located at 65-1120 Māmalahoa Highway, in Waimea. State Sen. Tim Richards , who represents Senate District 4 (North Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona), and state Rep. David Tarnas , who represents House District 8 (Hāwī, Hala‘ula, Waimea, Makahalau, Waiki‘i, Waikōloa, Kawaihae, Māhukona), will speak about policy issues and priorities, their committee assignments and how the community can participate in the state legislative process. Two members of the Hawai’i County Council are presenting as well — Hāmākua Councilwoman Heather Kimball and newly elected Kohala Councilman James Hustace. Hustace will speak in person. Kimball, chairwoman of the Hawai‘i State Association of Counties, will attend via Zoom from Washington, D.C., where she is participating in briefings with presidential and congressional leadership. There will be time for questions and answers. Community members are urged to submit questions prior to the meeting by email at waimeacommunityassociation@gmail.com . Questions can also be shared in person or on chat by those watching the livestream on Waimea Community Association’s Facebook page and will be be addressed as time permits. The spotlighted nonprofit organization for January will be Hawai‘i County 4-H Equine Council represented by Kohala educator and horsewoman Fern White. Also participating in the meeting will be South Kohala police Capt. Roy Valera and Community Policing Officer Justin Cabanting with an update about public safety news and events. Community members can attend in person or watch the meeting livestream on the Waimea Community Association Facebook page or YouTube channel . A recording of the meeting also will be available on Facebook and YouTube for later viewing. 2025 Waimea Community Association leadership Waimea Community Association recently elected new leadership for 2025. Former vice president Mary Beth Laychak was elected president and former president Nancy Carr Smith was selected as vice president. Mary Beth Laychak was recently elected president of Waimea Community Association. (Photo Courtesy: Waimea Community Association) Other officers for the new year include newly elected secretary Makela Bruno and re-elected treasurer Victor Tom. Board members are Patti Cook, David Greenwell, Lani Olsen-Chong, Riley Smith, Ryan Ushijima and Chris Wong. Email Waimea Community Association President Mary Beth Laychak at waimeacommunityassociation@gmail.com or click here for additional information about the upcoming town meeting or the association. Senators Mentioned: Senator Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III

Hawai'i Tourism Authority board in limbo as lawmakers call for briefing Honolulu Star-Advertiser Allison Schaefers June 22, 2025 Original Article The state legislators in charge of tourism are holding a post-session informational briefing Monday on the beleaguered Hawai‘i Tourism Authority that could play out more like an exit interview. Gov. Josh Green’s office said in an email Wednesday that he plans on asking for courtesy resignations from the entire HTA board before the beginning of the next fiscal year, which starts July 1. Green’s stance is related to the passage of Senate Bill 1571, which changed HTA’s governance model when he signed it May 29. “Because the responsibilities of the board have changed to an advisory role, he feels it best to start with a clean slate,” the email said. “The HTA board as it was previously established no longer exists, so it makes sense to look at the composition of the new board.” State Rep. Adrian Tam (D, Waikiki), chair of the House Committee on Tourism, and state Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D, East Maui-Upcountry-Molokai-Lanai-Kahoolawe), chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development and Tourism, are holding the joint informational briefing at 10 a.m. Monday in Room 329 of the state Capitol. Tam said the briefing will review HTA’s interim action plans, current projects and recent developments. He said the briefing also will cover contract updates, the community-driven destination management action plans, or DMAPs, and audit findings issued by the state auditor. “The purpose of this is to have an open discussion about the future of HTA and the current plans as well as any open-ended questions that other members of the community and the Legislature may have,” Tam said, adding that legislators from outside the tourism committees are welcome to sit in and ask questions. “A lot of our members are genuinely curious about the future of HTA, and rightfully so. This is our largest industry,” he said. Caroline Anderson, HTA interim president and CEO, said in an email, “Establishing an effective governance structure is essential and will determine how successful HTA can be in fulfilling its mission to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the impacts on our natural resources, culture and community.” DeCoite said Thursday that the idea behind the briefing is to avoid waiting until the end of the year and then scrambling at the last minute to address concerns about tourism, especially since it’s the economic driver for the state. She said she expects Monday’s briefing will be comprehensive. “We just have had challenges with HTA and some of the things that they have been doing. We have tried to solve everything in the past years. There are just a lot of issues. We keep seeing HTA in the newspaper,” DeCoite said. She added that above all, HTA officials have to work together and prioritize its goals and projects. “They have got to be able to justify the funds that they requested for some of the priorities that they have asked for — more so on the destination management, which has been an issue for me,” DeCoite said. “I’m sure you saw the audit on the destination management action plans and it doesn’t look good.” The latest management audit released by State Auditor Leslie H. Kondo determined that HTA’s destination management focus is “not new or effective” and the agency remains unable to gauge its own performance. The state audit was especially critical of HTA’s DMAP effort, which it determined was “poorly planned and executed with key decisions deferred to third-party contractors and island steering committees. The result: many of the actions did not address hot spots, were underway or already achieved, or were impractical.” The DMAPs are HTA’s latest destination management strategy, and the plans approved by the HTA board in 2021 were intended to detail the steps the community, the visitor industry and other sectors deemed necessary to improve tourism management over a three-year period. The DMAPs were an outgrowth of the HTA Strategic Plan, which ran from 2020 to 2025 and was touted as the first strategic plan the agency developed as part of its shift from a mainly marketing focus to a greater emphasis on destination management. Anderson said in an email that the audit “identified areas for improvement, and we have begun assessing the recommendations provided in the report. HTA remains focused on improving its processes and procedures, including how we measure success and effectiveness in accomplishing our mission.” SOME OF the HTA board and staff disagreed with the management audit’s findings, and it’s unclear what tack they will take in the informational briefing. It’s also uncertain how current HTA board members will react to Green’s request or the other coming governance changes. HTA staff already is dealing with several key vacancies, although Anderson has launched a 90-day action plan to shore up the agency. In addition to downgrading the HTA board to an advisory board, SB 1571 lays out new operational and administrative criteria, and sets new standards for the selection of board members. The bill also amends eligibility requirements to serve on the advisory board. It removes the director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism from the board and requires that board members must be a representative of a tourism-impacted entity. Other provisions allow the House speaker and Senate president to each appoint an HTA advisory board member and allow the advisory board to appoint the HTA president and CEO, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Additionally, SB 1571 requires the HTA leader to report to the governor. The measure also clarifies that the Hawai‘i Convention Center must reflect a “Hawaii” sense of place instead of a “Hawaiian” sense of place. HTA board Chair Todd Apo said the board is still processing the changes. Apo added that John Cole, the deputy attorney general assigned to HTA, told the board at its last meeting that the state Department of the Attorney General’s interpretation of the law “does not require the board to get wiped out and restarted now.” Apo said Cole told the HTA board that “nobody has the authority to require any board member to resign, but obviously it can be asked for, and then it is up to each board member.” THE DILEMMA before the board members only adds to the recent uncertainties. In the past several months, HTA has undergone dramatic leadership shake-ups as it has struggled to address allegations of inappropriate freebies at the Hawai‘i Convention Center and inconsistencies in its Hawaii Tourism Conference partnerships. There were also allegations about potential procurement violations and late payments to contractors. Opens in a new tab State Sen. Kurt Fevella (R, Ewa Beach), HTA contractors, former HTA employees and some board members also alleged in a Honolulu Star-Advertiser story Opens in a new tab May 4 that HTA and DBEDT failed to respond promptly to complaints about a hostile work environment, including alleged racist and sexist comments, that they claim contributed to the recent resignations of five Native Hawaiian members of HTA’s leadership team. Isaac Choy, HTA vice president of finance and acting chief administrative officer, was put on unpaid leave May 9 at the direction of the state attorney general and the Department of Human Resources amid allegations he made racist and sexist remarks on the job. Since Choy was the project manager for $100 million in repairs at the convention center, his absence could extend the center’s planned construction beyond two years, putting the state at risk of losing millions of dollars Opens in a new tab in group tourism bookings. Choy, who remains on unpaid leave, has sued named and unnamed HTA officials, alleging they retaliated against him for reporting what he called procurement, spending and other violations.

PRESS RELEASES STATEMENTS FROM THE HAWAI‘I STATE LEGISLATURE ON THE MINNESOTA LAWMAKERS’ SHOOTINGS FREE SCHOOL MEALS COMING TO MORE HAWAIʻI STUDENTS UNDER NEW LAW GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY MARKS LAUNCH OF $20 MILLION WORKFORCE HOUSING PROJECT FOR LĀHAINĀ EDUCATORS MORE PRESS RELEASES NEWS ARTICLES READ MORE Hawai'i Tourism Authority board in limbo as lawmakers call for briefing Original Article Honolulu Star-Advertiser Allison Schaefers The state legislators in charge of tourism are holding a post-session informational briefing Monday on the beleaguered Hawai‘i Tourism Authority that could play out more like an exit interview. Gov. Josh Green’s office said in an email Wednesday that he plans on asking for courtesy resignations from the entire HTA board before the beginning of the next fiscal year, which starts July 1. Green’s stance is related to the passage of Senate Bill 1571, which changed HTA’s governance model when he signed it May 29. “Because the responsibilities of the board have changed to an advisory role, he feels it best to start with a clean slate,” the email said. “The HTA board as it was previously established no longer exists, so it makes sense to look at the composition of the new board.” State Rep. Adrian Tam (D, Waikiki), chair of the House Committee on Tourism, and state Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D, East Maui-Upcountry-Molokai-Lanai-Kahoolawe), chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development and Tourism, are holding the joint informational briefing at 10 a.m. Monday in Room 329 of the state Capitol. Tam said the briefing will review HTA’s interim action plans, current projects and recent developments. He said the briefing also will cover contract updates, the community-driven destination management action plans, or DMAPs, and audit findings issued by the state auditor. “The purpose of this is to have an open discussion about the future of HTA and the current plans as well as any open-ended questions that other members of the community and the Legislature may have,” Tam said, adding that legislators from outside the tourism committees are welcome to sit in and ask questions. “A lot of our members are genuinely curious about the future of HTA, and rightfully so. This is our largest industry,” he said. Caroline Anderson, HTA interim president and CEO, said in an email, “Establishing an effective governance structure is essential and will determine how successful HTA can be in fulfilling its mission to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the impacts on our natural resources, culture and community.” DeCoite said Thursday that the idea behind the briefing is to avoid waiting until the end of the year and then scrambling at the last minute to address concerns about tourism, especially since it’s the economic driver for the state. She said she expects Monday’s briefing will be comprehensive. “We just have had challenges with HTA and some of the things that they have been doing. We have tried to solve everything in the past years. There are just a lot of issues. We keep seeing HTA in the newspaper,” DeCoite said. She added that above all, HTA officials have to work together and prioritize its goals and projects. “They have got to be able to justify the funds that they requested for some of the priorities that they have asked for — more so on the destination management, which has been an issue for me,” DeCoite said. “I’m sure you saw the audit on the destination management action plans and it doesn’t look good.” The latest management audit released by State Auditor Leslie H. Kondo determined that HTA’s destination management focus is “not new or effective” and the agency remains unable to gauge its own performance. The state audit was especially critical of HTA’s DMAP effort, which it determined was “poorly planned and executed with key decisions deferred to third-party contractors and island steering committees. The result: many of the actions did not address hot spots, were underway or already achieved, or were impractical.” The DMAPs are HTA’s latest destination management strategy, and the plans approved by the HTA board in 2021 were intended to detail the steps the community, the visitor industry and other sectors deemed necessary to improve tourism management over a three-year period. The DMAPs were an outgrowth of the HTA Strategic Plan, which ran from 2020 to 2025 and was touted as the first strategic plan the agency developed as part of its shift from a mainly marketing focus to a greater emphasis on destination management. Anderson said in an email that the audit “identified areas for improvement, and we have begun assessing the recommendations provided in the report. HTA remains focused on improving its processes and procedures, including how we measure success and effectiveness in accomplishing our mission.” SOME OF the HTA board and staff disagreed with the management audit’s findings, and it’s unclear what tack they will take in the informational briefing. It’s also uncertain how current HTA board members will react to Green’s request or the other coming governance changes. HTA staff already is dealing with several key vacancies, although Anderson has launched a 90-day action plan to shore up the agency. In addition to downgrading the HTA board to an advisory board, SB 1571 lays out new operational and administrative criteria, and sets new standards for the selection of board members. The bill also amends eligibility requirements to serve on the advisory board. It removes the director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism from the board and requires that board members must be a representative of a tourism-impacted entity. Other provisions allow the House speaker and Senate president to each appoint an HTA advisory board member and allow the advisory board to appoint the HTA president and CEO, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Additionally, SB 1571 requires the HTA leader to report to the governor. The measure also clarifies that the Hawai‘i Convention Center must reflect a “Hawaii” sense of place instead of a “Hawaiian” sense of place. HTA board Chair Todd Apo said the board is still processing the changes. Apo added that John Cole, the deputy attorney general assigned to HTA, told the board at its last meeting that the state Department of the Attorney General’s interpretation of the law “does not require the board to get wiped out and restarted now.” Apo said Cole told the HTA board that “nobody has the authority to require any board member to resign, but obviously it can be asked for, and then it is up to each board member.” THE DILEMMA before the board members only adds to the recent uncertainties. In the past several months, HTA has undergone dramatic leadership shake-ups as it has struggled to address allegations of inappropriate freebies at the Hawai‘i Convention Center and inconsistencies in its Hawaii Tourism Conference partnerships. There were also allegations about potential procurement violations and late payments to contractors. Opens in a new tab State Sen. Kurt Fevella (R, Ewa Beach), HTA contractors, former HTA employees and some board members also alleged in a Honolulu Star-Advertiser story Opens in a new tab May 4 that HTA and DBEDT failed to respond promptly to complaints about a hostile work environment, including alleged racist and sexist comments, that they claim contributed to the recent resignations of five Native Hawaiian members of HTA’s leadership team. Isaac Choy, HTA vice president of finance and acting chief administrative officer, was put on unpaid leave May 9 at the direction of the state attorney general and the Department of Human Resources amid allegations he made racist and sexist remarks on the job. Since Choy was the project manager for $100 million in repairs at the convention center, his absence could extend the center’s planned construction beyond two years, putting the state at risk of losing millions of dollars Opens in a new tab in group tourism bookings. Choy, who remains on unpaid leave, has sued named and unnamed HTA officials, alleging they retaliated against him for reporting what he called procurement, spending and other violations. June 22, 2025 Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite New office to coordinate state's broadband expansion efforts Original Article Spectrum News Michael Tsai With the signing of House Bill 934 this week, the state’s efforts to achieve universal broadband access will be officially coordinated via a centralized State Broadband Office. What You Need To Know Act 201, formally establishes the State Broadband Office within the Department of Accounting and General Services In addition to coordinating broadband deployment across public and private sectors, the office will be responsible for administering grant programs in support of broadband infrastructure and innovation, overseeing strategic broadband investments and ensuring high-speed internet access is extended to underserved communities statewide Act 201 also provides funding for six digital navigators, who will support digital literacy programs in libraries and other venues across the state The state has opened a request for proposals for the Hawaii Community Digital Navigators Project to hire, train and manage community digital navigators who will be located in 51 public library branches Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, serving as acting governor while Gov. Josh Green is in Washington, D.C., to meet with federal officials and attend the annual Hawaii on the Hill event, signed the measure into law on Monday. “With the signing of House Bill 934, Hawaii is taking a necessary step toward a future where every resident, regardless of geography, age or income, can connect to and use affordable, reliable broadband internet to access education, healthcare and economic opportunity,” said Luke, who leads the state’s Connect Kakou high-speed internet initiative. “This law not only lays the groundwork for much-needed services — it also helps ensure keiki through kupuna acquire the skills and support they need to use the internet to improve their daily lives.” The measure, now Act 201, formally establishes the State Broadband Office within the Department of Accounting and General Services. In addition to coordinating broadband deployment across public and private sectors, the office will be responsible for administering grant programs in support of broadband infrastructure and innovation, overseeing strategic broadband investments and ensuring high-speed internet access is extended to underserved communities statewide. “Access to high-speed internet is vital for every aspect of our lives,” said state Rep. Greggor Ilagan, who co-introduced the bill. “There are residents in rural areas who are counting on us to deliver important broadband upgrades and programs. The State Broadband Office gives us the focus and framework to turn vision into action.” Act 201 also provides funding for six digital navigators, who will support digital literacy programs in libraries and other venues across the state. The new positions build on a 2023 pilot program in which community-based professionals, stationed at public libraries, assisted residents with digital skills, internet connectivity, accessing devices, and online services like telehealth and job applications. “I’ve seen firsthand the barriers a rural island community faces when it comes to building computer skills that many take for granted,” said state Sen. Lynn DeCoite. “By connecting people to digital navigators, we’re empowering our residents in countless ways.” State librarian Stacey Aldrich said the 2023 pilot program demonstrated the high demand for digital literacy support. “Digital navigators are trusted guides who will help ensure no one is left behind in the digital age and we are so excited to grow this program,” she said. The state has opened a request for proposals for the Hawaii Community Digital Navigators Project to hire, train and manage community digital navigators who will be located in 51 public library branches. Interested applicants can access the full RFP by visiting connectkakou.org . The deadline to submit a proposal is June 30 at 2 p.m. June 11, 2025 Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite Pohoiki Boat Ramp dredging begins Original Article HI Tribune-Herald Tribune-Herald staff Dredging work began today to restore access to the lava-barricaded Pohoiki Boat Ramp, eight years after an eruption of Kilauea volcano rendered the structure unusable. Hundreds of people gathered Monday for a community celebration and blessing at the top of the ramp, which by November is expected to be clear of an estimated 42,000 cubic yards of black sand and boulders. That’s about 22,000 full-sized pickup truck beds. “This is a day of celebration to recognize the collaboration of the community, elected officials and (the Department of Land and Natural Resources) working together to support this project,” DLNR Chair Dawn Chang said Monday. “The Pohoiki Boat Ramp is a piko, or focal point for this community. Fishing is a huge part of the greater Puna community and commercial, recreational and subsistence fishers have been waiting patiently for this work to begin.” Even before the 2018 eruption, Finn McCall, the head engineer with the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, made multiple visits to Pohoiki. Immediately after the eruption stopped, McCall continued making further visits to Pohoiki to shift the strategy in addressing ramp needs, according to the DLNR. “Boy, this has been a long journey,” McCall said. “We tried looking at sites from Kapoho all the way to Kalapana. Sand and boulders continued to fill the entire bay, but once that stopped, we began focusing on restoring the Pohoiki ramp.” The state had hoped for more federal support to approve removal of most of the volcanic debris in Pohoiki Bay, but FEMA was only able to approve restoration of the boat ramp entrance channel. Then it took dogged efforts by state lawmakers from the district to convince the rest of the Legislature that opening the Pohoiki Boat Ramp was the top priority for people in the district, according to the DLNR. Chang on Monday singled out the efforts of state Sen. Joy San Buenaventura and state Rep. Greggor Ilagan in getting $5.4 million of state funding for the dredging. The total project cost came in at $9.28 million, which means the $2.9 million shortfall is being covered by the DLNR’s Boating Special Fund, which derives its revenues almost entirely from boating user fees. “We needed people to understand how much it cost in fuel just to bring all our boats from the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor in Hilo, the nearest boating facility, out to Puna to they could fish to feed and support their families,” San Buenaventura said during the blessing ceremony. San Buenaventura and Ilagan often pointed out it was akin to only having one small boat ramp for all of Oahu. According to the DLNR, Chang fielded letter after letter, comment after comment from upset and frustrated fishers, some of whom had to give up their generational livelihoods of fishing because it became too expensive. Family members with lineal connections to the coastline were not able to fish, either. She and every single speaker singled out the community for not giving up and pushing to have Pohoiki restored. As did the consulting company and contractor hired to do the work. “This has been one of the most eye-opening, humbling projects I’ve ever worked on,” said Kyle Kaneshiro of Limtiaco Consulting. “The community made everything so easy. This is not an easy project, but the community got everyone together.” Guy DiBartolo from Goodfellows Bros. Inc., added, “I’ve been to many ground blessings and ceremonies. This one for me, stands out as something unique and special, seeing the community’s involvement over many months and years.” For many people, like DLNR First Deputy Ryan Kanaka‘ole, Pohoiki stirs up fond childhood memories. “Summertime for me was coming down here, making the two-hour drive each way from Kaʻu with my father to dive, surf or just relax. This day makes me remember my dad. He didn’t have a house, but he had a car, and I’ll never forget those days spent at Pohoiki.” The contractor has nine months to complete the project but expects to be finished in November, according to the DLNR. June 10, 2025 Senators Mentioned: Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura MORE ARTICLES