KONA, HAWAIʻI – Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha, Representative Nicole Lowen, and Representative Kirstin Kahaloa welcomed Governor Josh Green’s release of $50 million in state funding to support the development of a new medical campus and outpatient care center in Kona, in partnership with The Queen’s Health Systems. The funding will support the design and construction of essential site preparation and infrastructure, bringing West Hawaiʻi one step closer to expanded healthcare services closer to home. The project aims to reduce the need for residents to travel long distances to access care and strengthen healthcare delivery for local families, kūpuna, and future generations. “This is an important step toward bringing healthcare closer to home for West Hawaiʻi residents,” said Senator Kanuha (Senate District 3 – Kona, Kaʻū, Volcano). “Mahalo to Governor Green, Queen’s, and everyone who helped move this partnership forward.” “West Hawaiʻi residents have been asking for better access to healthcare for decades,” said Representative Lowen (House District 7 – Kailua-Kona, Honokōhau, Kalaoa, Pu‘uanahulu, Puakō, portion of Waikoloa). “This funding is a major step toward making that a reality. It’s incredibly meaningful to see years of community advocacy and collaboration finally coming to fruition. Mahalo to everyone who has worked so hard to make this possible.” “Every West Hawaiʻi resident has a story about the challenges of finding a doctor, getting an appointment, or needing to fly to see a specialist,” said Representative Kirstin Kahaloa (House District 6 – Honaunau, Napo‘opo‘o, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Holualoa, Kailua-Kona). “This investment and the partnership with Queen’s are helping write the next chapter of healthcare for our community.” The release of funds marks an important milestone in advancing the project. Continued coordination between the State, The Queen’s Health Systems, and project partners will help move the medical campus and outpatient care center toward development and expand access to care for West Hawaiʻi residents. ###

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI- The Hawaiʻi State Senate Majority today announced its leadership and committee assignments for the upcoming legislative session which convenes on January 20, 2027. The Senate Majority caucus met yesterday with its newly elected members to select leadership, finalize the structure of its standing committees, and determine committee leadership assignments. The Senate will have 13 standing committees for the upcoming session, down from 15 during the previous Legislature. The Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committees have been combined, as have the Commerce and Consumer Protection and Government Operations committees. Additionally, the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs has been renamed the Committee on Public Safety, Resiliency, and Military Affairs, reflecting our increased focus on disaster preparedness, response, recovery and future challenges facing the state. The Senate leadership and standing committee chairs and vice chairs are as follows: Senate Leadership: Senate President – Ronald D. Kouchi Vice President – Lorraine R. Inouye Majority Leader – Dru Mamo Kanuha Majority Floor Leader – Rachele Lamosao Assistant Majority Floor Leader – Danielle M.M. Bass Majority Whip – Mike Gabbard Assistant Majority Whip – Tricia Nakamatsu Assistant Majority Whip – Jackson Sayama Committee Assignments: Agriculture (AGT) Chair: Herbert M. “Tim” Richards III Vice Chair: Mike Gabbard Commerce and Consumer Protection (CPN) Chair: Troy N. Hashimoto Vice Chair: Carol Fukunaga Economic Development and Tourism (EDT) Chair: Lynn DeCoite Vice Chair: Glenn Wakai Education (EDU) Chair: Donna Mercado Kim Vice Chair: Mike Gabbard Energy and Inter-Governmental Affairs (EIG) Chair: Glenn Wakai Vice Chair: Stanley Chang Health and Human Services (HHS) Chair: Joy San Buenaventura Vice Chair: Jackson Sayama Housing (HOU) Chair: Stanley Chang Vice Chair: Troy N. Hashimoto Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHW) Chair: Jarrett Keohokalole Vice Chair: Joy San Buenaventura Labor and Technology (LBT) Chair: Brandon J.C. Elefante Vice Chair: Rachele Lamosao Public Safety, Resiliency, and Military Affairs (PRM) Chair: Carol Fukunaga Vice Chair: Danielle M.M. Bass Transportation (TRS) Chair: Angus L.K. McKelvey Vice Chair: Lorraine R. Inouye Water, Land, Culture and Arts (WLA) Chair: Chris Lee Vice Chair: Lorraine R. Inouye Ways and Means (WAM) Chair: Donovan M. Dela Cruz Vice Chair: Sharon Moriwaki ###

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – Have you ever thought about how you can help make Hawaiʻi a better place? Now’s your chance! The Hawaiʻi State Senate is now hiring for the 2027 Legislative Session, offering individuals an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in state government while helping serve the people of Hawaiʻi. From researching legislation and supporting Senate committees to assisting constituents and providing technical support, Senate staff play an important role in the legislative process. The Senate is seeking motivated individuals with a variety of skill sets and backgrounds to fill positions in Senators’ offices, committee chairs’ offices and legislative support offices. Opportunities include budget analysts for the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, committee clerks, legislative assistants, legislative researchers, attorneys, video support technicians and other administrative and support positions. No previous experience is required. Whether you’re a recent graduate, an experienced professional, or interested in exploring a new career path, working at the Senate provides an opportunity to develop valuable skills, learn how state government operates, and contribute to work that impacts communities across Hawaiʻi. Join our Senate team for the 2027 Legislative Session! Full-time and part-time positions are available, with assignments beginning as early as December and continuing through April or May. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as on-the-job training. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sjobs.aspx to view available positions and application instructions. Additional job opportunities and position descriptions will be posted as they become available. For questions about employment opportunities, contact the Senate hiring office at (808)586-6720 or senatehiring@capitol.hawaii.gov The Hawaiʻi State Senate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ###

Honolulu Dept. of Parks and Recreation seeks to increase number of city parks Star-Advertiser Jamm Aquino April 23, 2025 Original Article 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)

Opportunities to export local goods increased through passage of Act 237 Maui Now August 12, 2025 Original Article The Senate Committee on Ways and Means received a comprehensive update on Tuesday from the Agribusiness Development Corporation on the development of Hawai‘i’s food and product innovation efforts to help scale up local farmers and entrepreneurs and increase economic resilience. The ADC is administratively attached to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Dane Wicker, Deputy Director of DBEDT, along with other members from ADC, DBEDT, University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center, and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health gathered near the historic Kaua‘i Plantation Railway in Līhuʻe for a site visit and briefing on the strategic plan guiding the Food and Product Innovation Network pursuant to Act 237, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2025. Discussions focused on regional coordination, infrastructure development, and the launch of a pilot on Kauaʻi that integrates processing equipment, workforce training, and business support services. “Continuing to invest in agricultural production is a clear step in the right direction,” said Sen. Glenn Wakai (D – 15, Kalihi, Māpunpuna, Airport, Salt Lake, Āliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, and portions of ʻAiea and Pearl City), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism. “A month ago, I secured a partnership with Amazon Air Cargo to take Hawaiʻi agricultural products to the mainland – cheaper and faster.” “The Senate recognizes that agriculture is not just about farming — it’s about food security, economic opportunity, and sustaining our way of life,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (D – 8, Kaua‘i, Niʻihau). “We’ve supported a wide range of agricultural initiatives championed by our farmers, local business owners, and community leaders, and it is encouraging to see necessary steps being taken to expand our export capacity and provide more locally grown food on the tables for our schools and hospitals. These are the kinds of forward-thinking efforts that can transform Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy and create lasting benefits for our islands.” The Hawai‘i FPIN initiative draws inspiration from New Zealand’s public-private innovation model and includes strategic investments across the islands. Recent legislative support includes the passage of Act 237 , Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2025, establishing FPIN, Act 250, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2025, appropriating $350,000 for program coordination, and Act 230, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2024, dedicating $2 million for a new agricultural processing facility in Kekaha. FPIN’s vision is to enable Hawaiʻi-based entrepreneurs to develop, scale and export products that strengthen our food system, reduce import reliance, and capitalize on Hawaiʻi’s global brand. The Kaua‘i facility is part of a larger ecosystem that includes complementary projects on Oʻahu and Maui, integrating food science, equipment access and training partnerships with UH and DOH. “The Food and Product Innovation Network is a meaningful investment in Hawaii’s future—one that bridges education to export pathways by equipping our schools, colleges, and entrepreneurs with the skills and infrastructure they need to bring local innovations to the global marketplace,” said Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz (D – 17, portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village). “By strengthening the entire ecosystem—from classroom learning to commercial-scale production—we’re fostering regional economic development that benefits our communities statewide and elevates Hawai‘i-made products on the world stage.” “The FPIN is critical to building a resilient and self-sustaining economy for Hawai‘i,” said DBEDT Deputy Director Dane Wicker. “By investing in the infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and wraparound services our local businesses need, we are not only creating new small and medium-sized enterprises—we’re supporting existing companies, expanding our Hawai‘i Made program, and strengthening initiatives like farm-to-school and farm-to-state. This is about more than just economic growth; it’s about food security, community resilience, and reducing our dependence on imported food and emergency provisions during natural disasters.”

Avian flu prompts state to request pause on interisland transportation of birds Hawaiʻi Public Radio HPR News Staff December 16, 2024 Original Article In response to the detection of the avian flu virus in Hawaiʻi, state agencies are asking the public to hold off on moving poultry and other bird species between islands for the next three months to prevent the spread. The state Department of Agriculture made the request in a news release on Friday. It said the ask for a voluntary pause was a suggestion from Moloka‘i Sen. Lynn DeCoite, who is also a farmer. The virus was first detected in Hawaiʻi last month and had not been detected in the islands prior. It is highly pathogenic and can spread between birds through contact or if birds come into contact with contaminated material. The public can report animal illnesses to the agriculture department by calling 808-483-7100. Though human cases are rare, residents can call the state Department of Health at 808-586-4586 if they develop symptoms after being exposed to sick birds.