KAILUA-KONA — Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha (SD3 - Kona, Kaʻū, and Volcano) and Representative Nicole E. Lowen (HD6 - Kailua-Kona, Honokōhau, Kalaoa, Pu‘uanahulu, Puakō, portion of Waikoloa) are inviting West Hawaiʻi residents, families, and community members to attend the Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group Community Open House on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Kailua Pier. Established by House Concurrent Resolution 191 (2025) and organized by the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), the Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group brings together community members, cultural practitioners, recreational and commercial ocean users, government agencies, and other stakeholders to help shape a shared vision for the future stewardship of Kailua Bay and the Kailua Pier area. The Community Open House offers an opportunity for residents to learn about ongoing planning efforts, connect with members of the working group, and provide valuable feedback on the future of one of West Hawaiʻi’s most treasured coastal resources. The afternoon will feature: • ʻOhana-friendly water activities • ʻIke kūpuna and fishing talks • Updates on Kailua Pier and Kailua Bay improvement plans • Interactive opportunities for community input and discussion “Kailua Bay is a place where culture, recreation, tourism, and our local way of life all come together,” said Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha. “The future of this wahi pana should be guided by the people who know and care for it. I encourage everyone to attend, share their manaʻo, and help shape a stewardship plan that honors our community, our culture, and future generations.” “Our community has a deep connection to Kailua Bay, and this Community Open House is an important response to the many community members who have reached out to our offices over the years with concerns and ideas about the Bay’s future,” said Representative Nicole E. Lowen. “Whether you fish, paddle, swim, welcome visitors, or simply enjoy spending time at the Pier with your family, your voice matters. I hope residents of all ages will join us.” The legislators expressed their appreciation to DLNR and the members of the Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group for their continued collaboration and commitment to community-driven stewardship. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend. For more information, please visit: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/kailua-pier-open-house/. Event Details: Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group Community Open House Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026 Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Location: Kailua Pier, Kailua-Kona ###

WHO/WHAT: Community Resource Fair. Hosted by: Senator Rachele Lamosao (Senate District 19 — Pearl City, Waipahu, West Loch Estates, Hono‘uli‘uli, Ho‘opili) Senator Brandon Elefante (Senate District 16 — ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City) Representative Gregg Takayama (House District 34 — Pearl City, Waiau, Pacific Palisades) Representative Cory M. Chun (House District 35 — Portions of Pearl City and Waipahu, Crestview) WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, July 18, 2026 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon Mānana Elementary School 1147 Kumano Street, Pearl City, HI 96782 PRESENTER: State Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen EXHIBITORS: Board of Water Supply Honolulu Police Department Honolulu Fire Department Mānana Security Watch Pearl City Neighborhood Board AARP Honolulu Real Property Tax Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Hawaiian Electric Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau And more! PURPOSE: The Community Resource Fair is designed to keep the community informed and connected. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation will provide updates on current and upcoming transportation projects in the area, including road work and other improvements that may affect residents and traffic patterns. The event will also connect community members with government agencies, neighborhood organizations, and local service providers offering programs, resources, and information on public safety, emergency preparedness, agriculture, and other initiatives that support the well-being of our communities. ###

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI — Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi, Niʻihau) was honored by the Legislative Assembly and the Regional Government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in recognition of his distinguished public service and his heritage as a descendant of Azorean immigrants. The tribute was presented during the Celebrations of the Day of the Autonomous Region of the Azores 2026 on May 25, 2026—Azores Day—in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island. Senate President Kouchi was recognized in the official ceremonies after being nominated for recognition as a descendant of Azoreans who have made significant contributions to public life in Hawaiʻi. The annual Day of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, commonly known as Azores Day, is the region’s highest civic observance, celebrating the history, culture, and accomplishments of the Azorean people. The official ceremonies recognize individuals whose achievements exemplify the enduring contributions of the Azorean diaspora around the world. Senate President Kouchi was one of six recipients to receive the Autonomous Insignia of Recognition, an honor bestowed upon individuals for their merits, civic achievements and service. “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the people of the Azores, the homeland of my great-grandmother and so many others who left in search of opportunity and a better life,” said Senate President Kouchi. “Their courage and commitment to family and community helped shape Hawaiʻi into the vibrant, diverse place we know today. I am deeply humbled to accept this recognition on behalf of my family and the many descendants of Portuguese immigrants who continue to strengthen our communities.” Raised on Kauaʻi, Senate President Kouchi is the great-grandson of Maria Victoria Sousa, an immigrant from São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, who arrived in Hawaiʻi aboard the steamship Bell Rock on November 2, 1883. Senate President Kouchi’s recognition highlights the longstanding historical and cultural ties between Hawaiʻi and the Azores. Beginning in the late nineteenth century, thousands of Azorean immigrants settled throughout the Hawaiian Islands, where they made lasting contributions to agriculture, commerce, public service, and civic life. Their descendants continue to enrich the diverse cultural fabric of Hawaiʻi and play important roles in communities across the state. ### Photos from the event in the Azores are available here.

Senate bill advances to strip county council approval of state-funded housing projects Maui Now Brian Perry February 14, 2025 Original Article 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.

Special $50M state fund authorized to help Hawaii nonprofits Star Advertiser Andrew Gomes July 10, 2025 Original Article Hawaii nonprofits affected by federal funding cuts should get ready to apply for grants from a special $50 million state fund created by a bill signed into law Wednesday. Gov. Josh Green authorized the new fund by signing Senate Bill 933, which he said will help prevent fraying of the social safety net that nonprofits help provide largely in areas of health care, food security, housing support, child care and emergency relief. “These organizations are the heartbeat of our community,” Green said. “They’re quiet and consistently standing in when we have crises … and if they don’t have enough resources, the safety net dissolves.” To be eligible for grants, nonprofits must provide documentation that they have lost federal funding, or that the work they do primarily serves a population that has been negatively affected by federal funding cuts. Under the new law, Act 310, four state lawmakers — two picked by House Speaker Nadine Nakamura and two picked by Senate President Ron Kouchi — will decide as a committee how much to give out and to which applicants. Processing and distributing grants will be handled by Aloha United Way with support from the Office of Community Services within the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. AUW may receive up to $500,000 for its work, while the Office of Community Services is to receive $130,000 to hire the equivalent of two full-time personnel plus $10,000 for office equipment and furniture. It is uncertain when program operators might be ready to begin accepting applications, followed by approvals and fund distribution. Green said he expects Nakamura (D, Hanalei-Princeville-Kapaa) and Kouchi (D, Kauai-Niihau) will appoint committee members later this month, and that the grant consideration and distribution process will begin as soon as possible. State lawmakers realized shortly after the 2025 legislative session began Jan. 15 that their normal procedure for providing annual grants in aid to nonprofits would not align well with needs after the session ended on May 2, given evolving efforts by the Trump administration to slash federal funding in many areas including support for social service providers. Sen. Troy Hashimoto, who helped shape the final somewhat controversial version of the bill, said a lot of his colleagues were nervous about how they could best help nonprofits this year, and wanted to give out more than $30 million through grants in aid decided before May 2. “But when we started to see what was happening at the federal level, we kind of knew that it was going to throw everyone off because a lot of the nonprofits would not know what their budget outlook would look like,” Hashimoto (D, Wailuku-Kahului-Waihee) said at Wednesday’s bill signing ceremony in Green’s office at the state Capitol. “I think this will go a long way for our community.” It is expected that some nonprofits not approved for grants in aid earlier this year, and some that sought more than they were granted, will obtain grants from the special fund. About 400 applications were filed by nonprofits seeking $192 million in aid this year, and $30 million was approved for 121 applicants. Kayla Keehu-Alexander, vice president of community impact at AUW, called the new fund critical to counteract pullback in federal funding for nonprofits. “This has been a turbulent year for Hawaii’s nonprofits who have been navigating through precarious waters for the last six months,” she said during the ceremony. “This is a powerful acknowledgement that our nonprofits deserve the same kind of stability that they offer our community every single day.” Rep. Daniel Holt, chair of the Legislature’s Subcommittee on Grants-in-Aid, said nonprofits facing reduced federal funding or effects of such reductions deserve relief, which was a simple goal that took what he described as creativity and difficulty to craft the final version of the bill. “This is what happens when we work together and when government listens and leads with intention,” he said. There was some reluctance in the 76-member Legislature with having four lawmakers determine grant awards with no public meeting requirements for a special legislative committee of sorts. Three Democrats in the House voted to approve the bill with reservations, including Rep. Dela Au Belatti, who called it “constitutionally deficient.” Voting against the bill were five of eight Republicans in the House: Reps. David Alcos, Diamond Garcia, Lauren Matsumoto, Christopher Muraoka and Elijah Pierick. In the Senate, the bill passed 23-2, with two of three Republican members voting no: Sens. Brenton Awa and Samantha DeCorte. Green said he doubts that anyone will challenge the legality of the new law because it would harm nonprofits serving residents in need. “I think if we do see lawsuits against this bill, it would be pretty cynical,” he said moments before signing the measure. “Because these $50 million are going to ultimately go to people who are hungry, people who are suffering from domestic violence, people who are losing their health care coverage, people who don’t have a health center available to them.”

Pearl City state senator announces retirement KHON2 Cameron Macedonio September 24, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (KHON2) — State Sen. Henry J.C. Aquino, who represents Pearl City, Waipahu, West Loch Estates, Honoʻuliʻuli and Hoʻopili announced his retirement from the legislature, effective Nov. 30. “It has been an honor to represent residents, neighbors, supporters, friends and family in the Hawaiʻi State Senate. I’ve also had the opportunity to serve with amazing colleagues, past and present, who have worked hard to address the needs of our great state — an absolute privilege to have served with you all,” Aquino said. “I’m grateful for the senate and house staff along with the individuals who have worked in my office during my time in public service.” Aquino went on to detail that the decision to retire was not made lightly and for the best of his constituents. “It is my belief that this best serves the needs and interests of the people of Senate District 19,” Aquino said. After his retirement, Aquino plans to join a locally based consulting firm “that emphasizes non-profit organizations and association management.” Aquino has served for a total of 17 years in both houses of the legislature.