HONOLULU – Senator Carol Fukunaga (Senate District 11 – Mānoa, Makiki/Punchbowl, Tantalus, and Papakōlea) is sponsoring a community forum alongside fellow area legislators Representative Della Au Belatti (House District 26 – Makiki, Punchbowl) and Councilmember 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) 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.     MAKIKI-PUNCHBOWL-PAPAKŌLEA COMMUNITY FORUM   Tuesday, March 18, 2025   6:00-7:30 p.m.   Stevenson Middle School Cafeteria   1202 Prospect Street, Honolulu, HI 96822     "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 Senator Fukunaga.     Representative Belatti pointed out that cancellation of the Local Food for Schools program would compound Hawaiʻi’s food insecurity issues and stated, “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.”     Councilmember Dos Santos agreed and stated that, “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."      Members of the public are encouraged to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue with the legislators. They will also receive updates on pending legislation in the Hawaiʻi State Legislature and at the Honolulu City Council.      For more information, please contact 808.586.6460.    For a PDF version of the event flyer, CLICK HERE.

HONOLULU - The annual Education Week hosted by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature returns this year, to honor exceptional individuals in education. Co-sponsored by Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani (District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia) and Representative Justin H. Woodson (District 9 – Kahului, Puʻunēnē, portion of Wailuku), the event will be held at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol from March 17 to 21, 2025.    “Education Week at the State Capitol is a time to celebrate the incredible work of educators and students across our state,” said Senate Vice President Kidani, who chairs the Senate Committee on Education. “It’s an opportunity to reflect on the progress we've made in strengthening our public education system and renew our commitment to making sure every student in Hawaiʻi has access to the resources they need to thrive.”    “Each year, the Legislature proudly recognizes exceptional leaders who positively impact our students' lives and demonstrate a strong commitment to quality education, leadership, and supporting student success,” stated Representative Woodson, chair of the House Committee on Education.    AWARD PRESENTATIONS DURING FLOOR SESSIONS   Awardees will be recognized daily during Floor Session in the Senate and House Chambers, respectively.  Senate Floor Session – 11:30 a.m.  House Floor Session – 12:00 p.m.    Monday, March 17:  ·                     State Teacher of the Year  ·                     Milken Teachers of the Year    Tuesday, March 18:  ·                     Senate Youth Delegates  ·                     Prudential Emerging Visionary  ·                     National Blue Ribbon Schools    Wednesday, March 19:   ·                     Hawaiʻi Association of Secondary School Administrators’ Principal & Assistant Principal of the Year  ·                     National Association of Elementary Schools’ Principal & Assistant Principal of the Year  ·                     Hawaiʻi State Principal & Assistant Principal of the Year  ·                     Masayuki Tokioka  Excellence in School Leadership   ·                     Hawaiʻi State Counselor of the Year    Thursday, March 20:   ·                     Charter School Teacher of the Year  ·                     Complex Area Teachers of the Year    Friday, March 21:   ·                     Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts State Winners      CLICK HERE for the full list of awardees who will be recognized during Education Week 2025.     EDUCATION WEEK EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT THE CAPITOL   There will also be various events open to the public during this week.  ·                     Monday, March 17: Friends of the Library Book Fair, Conference Room 224, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.  ·                     Wednesday, March 19: HSTA: Shaping ED Policy Informational Booth, 4th Floor Lanai, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   ·                     Thursday, March 20: HI Public Education Student Showcase, 4th Floor Lanai, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

HONOLULU – Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13 – Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown) today applauded the recent passage of Senate Bill 1648,  aimed at providing fair and timely compensation to customers affected by power outages. SB 1648 SD1 addresses the challenges faced by businesses and individuals after significant power interruptions, like those experienced by communities in downtown Honolulu and Chinatown in June 2024. During those outages, local businesses suffered extensive losses, including spoiled inventory, equipment damage, and revenue loss.     In response, the bill proposes a new framework to compensate customers for actual damages caused by power outages. The bill requires that when more than 1,000 customers experience a power interruption lasting four or more hours, the utility must compensate customers for their actual damages. It also allows utilities to seek a waiver from the PUC if the interruption was caused by uncontrollable factors, such as severe weather, customer tampering, or external disruptions.    Senator Rhoads, chair of the Judiciary Committee and the primary introducer of the bill, emphasized that the bill aims to create a balanced system for determining who bears the cost of power outage damages – whether it's independent business operators or utility shareholders. “The goal of this bill is to determine who should pay the losses for a power outage when no one is at fault or fault cannot be determined. I don’t believe this burden should default to the shoulders of small business owners,” said Rhoads.    SB 1648 SD1 will now be considered by the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives.

HONOLULU – 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) today announced the Senate's passage of an important bill moving forward this legislative session. SB 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. “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 Senate Vice President 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,” stated 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.

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Senate on Tuesday 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 their 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 Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13 – Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown), chair of the Judiciary Committee and the primary introducer of the bill. “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 (AAUW) of Hawai‘i noted the importance of this amendment in light of recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings. AAUW 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. AAUW’s 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.

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) 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 FIREWORKS 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 - RELATING TO FIREWORKS , 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,” stated Senator 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.”

HONOLULU – The Senate Committee on Ways and Means (WAM) chaired by Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (District 17 - Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village) voted today to move forward Senate Bill 933 , a short form bill that would set aside one-time, non-recurring grants within the state budget to support essential services across the nonprofit sector. This bill was created to address potential negative impacts of the federal funding freeze imposed by the United States Office of Management and Budget on Hawai‘i’s federally qualified health centers, along with programs offering childcare, social services, subsidized housing, and homelessness assistance.    “We understand the vital role that nonprofits play in providing essential services to our residents, and we cannot afford to allow those who depend on these services to fall through the cracks,” said Senator Dela Cruz. "SB 933 provides an option to make sure that these fundamental programs continue to operate without disruption."    “This important legislation comes at a time when Hawai‘i’s nonprofits face an unprecedented financial crisis from the threat of federal funding freezes on crucial programs that support our communities and neighbors,” said Melissa Miyashiro, President & CEO of Hawai‘i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations (HANO). “This bill helps ensure that these organizations can remain operational in this turbulent moment and continue to deliver critical services that safeguard the health, well-being, and stability of Hawai‘i residents.”    “The ongoing federal funding uncertainty is placing enormous pressure on our nonprofits, threatening their ability to deliver essential services that countless individuals and families depend on,” stated Aloha United Way’s President & CEO Michelle Bartell. “This bill is a lifeline – providing critical funding for health, housing and human services, to ensure nonprofits can continue serving our most vulnerable populations while we work toward long-term solutions.”    The one-time non-recurring grants proposed in SB 933 are designed to provide assistance to those organizations that may otherwise struggle to maintain their services in the face of federal funding challenges. The bill aims to allocate resources to support organizations that provide essential services for Hawai‘i’s people.

Maui Legislator Urges County to Follow Governor’s Lead in Supporting Dislocated Maui Workers HONOLULU, HI – In response to the abrupt layoffs of 131 Maui residents who were employed in wildfire recovery efforts, Senator Angus L.K. McKelvey (District 6 – West Maui, Mā‘alaea,Waikapū, South Maui) today condemned the federal government’s decision to cut funding, and commended Governor Josh Green’s swift action to integrate displaced workers into state programs. He urged county governments to follow suit in finding immediate solutions to keep these critical workers employed. “The sudden termination of these positions is not just a policy shift—it is a profound misstep that threatens our economic stability and the well-being of our community,” said Senator McKelvey. “Many of these individuals who have already endured the trauma of the August 2023 wildfires, were dedicating their time and energy to rebuilding Maui. Now, without warning, they have been left jobless, without a clear path forward.” The layoffs, a direct result of federal funding cuts to the National Dislocated Worker Grant (NDWG) program, have disrupted essential recovery efforts on the island. Organizations like the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) and Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) have scrambled to seek alternative funding sources, but the loss of federal support has had immediate and devastating consequences, including the temporary closure of the Kako‘o Distribution Center, which serves wildfire survivors. Senator McKelvey praised Governor Green for signing an executive order to accelerate the hiring of displaced federal workers into state positions. “Governor Green has shown true leadership by ensuring that these skilled workers are not abandoned. By expediting their integration into state employment, he is providing stability not just for these individuals, but for our entire recovery effort,” McKelvey stated. McKelvey also emphasized the broader implications of the federal government’s decision, warning of increased unemployment and economic instability. “This is a short-sighted move that will ultimately cost more in the long run. Stripping away support mechanisms forces individuals to rely more heavily on government aid and charitable organizations, creating a cycle of dependency rather than empowerment. We should be investing in our workforce, not abandoning them.” As the affected workers seek new employment, MEO and the Maui County American Job Center are offering assistance, and a resource fair has been scheduled for this weekend. However, McKelvey stressed that temporary fixes are not enough. “We need a commitment from every level of government to ensure that these workers, who have given so much to their communities, are not left behind.”

HONOLULU – The Senate Committee on Ways and Means (WAM) chaired by Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (District 17 - Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village) passed several bills this week aimed at addressing housing shortages, supporting local businesses, and promoting sustainability.    “We’re continuing to take proactive steps in addressing some of Hawai ‘i’s most urgent needs during this legislative session,” said Senator Dela Cruz. “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 (ADC) 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 (DBEDT) 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.

HILO, HI  – Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) is very pleased to announce that Governor Josh Green has released $10 million in funding to the School Facilities Authority (SFA) for preschool expansion. Four classrooms will be created at the ʻImiloa Campus at the University of Hawaiʻi in Hilo to build out pre-kindergarten programs.    “I want to thank Governor Green and his administration for recognizing how important it is to help working families and individuals continue and advance their education with access to childcare," said Senator Inouye.    This funding is a significant step forward in expanding educational opportunities for young children in Hawaiʻi. It will support families in the community by providing vital early education resources to prepare future generations for success.

KAPOLEI, HI  – Senator Mike Gabbard (District 21 – Kapolei, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, portions of Fernandez Village, and ʻEwa) announced today that Governor Josh Green has released over $430,000 to the School Facilities Authority (SFA) for preschool expansion at Barbers Point Elementary School.    “I extend my heartfelt thanks to Governor Green for his continued commitment to our keiki and their education,” said Senator Gabbard. “This funding will provide much needed early learning opportunities and make sure that our children have the foundation they need to succeed. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts this expansion will have on our families in Kapolei, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, and beyond.”     These funds reflect a strong investment in early childhood education, expanding access to childcare and educational opportunities during the critical formative years of a child’s development.

KĀʻANAPALI, MAUI, HI  – Senator Angus L.K. McKelvey (District 6 – West Maui,   Mā‘alaea, Waikapū, South Maui) issued the following statement today in light of an explosion that happened at The Whaler on Kāʻanapali Beach yesterday evening:     "First and foremost, my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the individuals who were injured and their families during this difficult time. It is important that we allow officials to conduct a thorough and careful investigation before drawing any conclusions or speculating on the causes.      It is in times of disaster that community is so important. I want to thank not only the first responders but members of the general public as well, who rushed to the aid of the injured immediately after the incident.”