THE SENATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THE THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE / INTERIM OF 2020 COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Rep. Nicole E. Lowen, Chair Rep. Tina Wildberger, Vice Chair Rep. Sharon E. Har Rep. Ryan I. Yamane Rep. David A. Tarnas Rep. Cynthia Thielen Rep. Chris Todd COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM Senator Glenn Wakai, Chair Senator Brian T. Taniguchi, Vice Chair Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye Sen. Kurt Fevella Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole NOTICE OF INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING DATE: Tuesday, January 14, 2020 TIME: 10:00 AM PLACE: Conference Room 325 State Capitol / 415 South Beretania Street A G E N D A The purpose of this briefing to hear from Hawaii Energy about their programs and progress on energy efficiency measures in the state to achieve the Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard of 4,300 GWH by 2030. Hawaii Energy is the program under contract with the PUC to promote and incentivize energy efficiency measures in all counties except for Kauai. They are funded by ratepayers through a fee on electric utility bills – the public benefits fee. Their services include consumer education and technical assistance, administering rebate programs, and working with residents, businesses and state agencies to reduce energy use. The Hawaii Energy director and staff will update legislators on their programs and services, what progress has been made since the implementation of the public benefits fee to increase efficiency in the state, what the next steps are for energy efficiency, and how efficiency can help Hawaii to meet its clean energy goals. No public testimony will be accepted. If you require special assistance or auxiliary aids and/or services to participate in the informational briefing (i.e., sign language interpreter or wheelchair accessibility), please contact the Committee Clerk at 808-586-8400 to make a request for arrangements at least 24 hours prior to the briefing. Prompt requests help to ensure the availability of qualified individuals and appropriate accommodations. For further information, please call the Committee Clerk at 808-586-8400. Senator Glenn Wakai - Glennator, Chair Senator Brian Taniguchi, Vice Chair Members: Senator Lorraine Inouye, Jarrett Keohokalole, Senator Kurt Fevella

THE SENATE THE THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE INTERIM OF 2019 COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Chair Senator Michelle N. Kidani, Vice Chair NOTICE OF MEETING DATE: Friday, January 3, 2020 TIME: 10:00 AM PLACE: Conference Room 211 State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street A G E N D A In preparation for the 2020 legislative session, the joint Committees on Ways and Means and Higher Education will hold a budget briefing to receive an update on the University of Hawai’i system. Topics to be discussed will include, but are not limited to the following: · Enrollment · Executive and Managerial Salary Increases · Tuition Reserve Fund · S397 Special Fund and Fringe Benefits · SR 149 S.D.1 (2019 Session) · Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy · Atherton Innovation Center / Sinclair Library · Space Utilization Study and Analysis · Repair and Maintenance Backlog · Cancer Center Representatives from the departments of Accounting and General Services and Budget and Finance will also be present to offer insight and answer questions pertaining to the S397 Special Fund and Fringe Benefits. No public testimony will be accepted. If you require auxiliary aids or services to participate in the public hearing process (i.e., interpretive services (oral or written), ASL interpreter, or wheelchair accessibility), please contact the committee clerk at least 24 hours prior to the hearing so that arrangements can be made. For further information, please call the Committee Clerk at 586-6800. Committee on Ways and Means Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, Chair Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair Members: Senator J. Kalani English, Senator Breene Harimoto, Senator Lorraine Inouye, Hawai'i State Senator Kaiali'i Kahele, Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha, Senator Michelle Kidani, Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki, Senator Gil Riviere, Senator Maile S.L. Shimabukuro, Senator Brian Taniguchi and Senator Kurt Fevella Committee on Higher Education State Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Chair Senator Michelle Kidani, Vice Chair Members: Hawai'i State Senator Kaiali'i Kahele, Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran and Senator Kurt Fevella

In November 2019, the total monthly supply of statewide vacation rentals was 919,100 unit nights and monthly demand was 630,500 unit nights, resulting in an average monthly unit occupancy of 68.6 percent (Figure 1) In comparison, Hawai‘i’s hotels were 78.8 percent occupied in November 2019. It is important to note that unlike hotels, condominium hotels, and timeshare resorts, vacation rental units are not necessarily available year-round or each day of the month. The unit average daily rate (ADR) for vacation rental units statewide in November was $181, lower than the ADR for hotels ($260). HTA’s Tourism Research Division issued the report’s findings utilizing data compiled by Transparent Intelligence, Inc. The data in this report specifically excludes units reported in HTA’s Hawai‘i Hotel Performance Report and Hawai‘i Timeshare Quarterly Survey Report. In this report, a vacation rental is defined as the use of a rental house, private room in private home, or shared room/space in private home. This report also does not determine or differentiate between units that are permitted or unpermitted. The “legality” of any given vacation rental unit is determined on a county basis. Island Highlights In November, Maui County had the largest vacation rental supply of all four counties at 304,000 unit nights, which is an increase of 32.9 percent compared to a year ago. Unit demand was 231,000 unit nights, resulting in 75.9 percent occupancy (-3.8 percentage points) with an ADR of $220 (+2.9%). Maui County hotels were 74.9 percent occupied with an ADR of $354. On O‘ahu, the vacation rental supply in November was 252,000 unit nights. This is a decrease of 4.4 percent from a year ago. Unit demand on O‘ahu was 170,000 unit nights (-5.4%), resulting in a 67.5 percent occupancy (-0.8 percentage points) and an ADR of $146 (+0.8%). O‘ahu hotels were 82.0 percent occupied with an ADR of $229. There were 224,000 available unit nights (+18.9%) on the island of Hawai‘i. Unit demand was 135,000 unit nights (+18.4%), resulting in 60.2 percent occupancy (-0.2 percentage points) with an ADR of $135 (-8.5%). Hawai‘i Island hotels were 75.7 percent occupied with an ADR of $245. Kaua‘i had the fewest number of available unit nights at 139,000 (+32.8%). Unit demand was 94,000 unit nights (+16.7%), resulting in 68.1 percent occupancy (-9.4 percentage points) with an ADR of $211 (-9.2%). Kaua‘i hotels were 72.2 percent occupied with an ADR of $250. Tables of vacation rental performance statistics, including data presented in the report are available for viewing online at: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/research/infrastructure-research/ About the Hawai‘i Vacation Rental Performance Report The Hawai‘i Vacation Rental Performance Report is produced using data compiled by Transparent Intelligence, Inc., which was selected by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority as the provider for these data services. The report includes data for properties that are listed on Airbnb, Booking.com, HomeAway, and TripAdvisor. Data for units included in HTA’s Hawai‘i Hotel Performance Report and Hawai‘i Timeshare Quarterly Report have been excluded from the Hawai‘i Vacation Rental Performance Report. This report also does not determine or differentiate between units that are permitted or unpermitted. The “legality” of any given vacation rental unit is determined on a county basis. For November 2019, the report included data for 34,058 units, representing 59,635 bedrooms in the Hawaiian Islands. #HawaiiState #HawaiiTourism #HTA #HawaiiTourismAuthority #VacationRentals #HawaiiVacations

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) Highways Division is pleased to announce that Pali Highway (Route 61) will be open in both directions 24 hours a day, seven days a week beginning Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019. The new rock shed tunnel structure is nearing completion and is located on Pali Highway in the Honolulu-bound direction before the second tunnel and is designed to prevent debris from falling on the roadway. Photo courtesy: "Hawaii Department of Transportation" or "HDOT". Emergency slope repairs resulting from the catastrophic landslides on President’s Day, Feb. 18, 2019 are substantially complete. The highway between the tunnels is now protected from future rockfalls and landslides by a redundant system with an attenuator catchment fence and a new rock shed structure over the Honolulu-bound lanes before the second Pali Highway tunnel. An anticipated four-hour long full closure of the Honolulu-bound lanes of Pali Highway will be scheduled in January 2020 to complete construction of the 80-foot rock shed. This closure will be scheduled in the overnight hours to minimize impacts to the public. An announcement will be made when the closure is scheduled. Work on Phase 1 of the Pali Highway Improvement project—which included repaving and reconstruction of the highway between Waokanaka Street and Kamehameha Highway and street lighting improvements from Vineyard Boulevard to Kamehameha Highway—is anticipated to be completed in February 2020, weather permitting. One lane closures are necessary to complete shoulder, median, and guardrail work and will be scheduled during off peak hours. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we worked to improve Pali Highway and make it more resilient against the severe weather events we’ve been seeing in recent years,” said Hawaii Department of Transportation Deputy Director of Highways Ed Sniffen. “Safety for our contracted workers and the traveling public was our number one priority as we worked on the emergency repairs and our ongoing repaving and street lighting project.” Facts and Figures: Pali Highway – Street Lighting from Vineyard Boulevard to Kamehameha Highway and Resurfacing from Waokanaka Street to Kamehameha Highway began in December 2017. The original project scope included: Resurfacing, reconstruction, construction of concrete median barriers, and guardrail replacements on Pali Highway from Waokanaka Street to Kamehameha Highway (a 5-mile stretch of multilane highway). Light Emitting Diode (LED) street light replacements (322 fixtures total) and installation of new communications conduits from Vineyard Boulevard to Kamehameha Highway. Installation of concrete median barriers and new street lights from Wyllie Street to Pauoa Road.Widening of the Honolulu-bound shoulder between Dowsett Avenue and Wyllie Street to reduce traffic impacts from the City and County of Honolulu’s Dowsett Highlands Sewer Relief project. New traffic signs, striping, drainage improvements, and shoulder rumble strips between Waokanaka Street to Kamehameha Highway. Installation of safety features such as High Friction Surface Treatment and glare screens at the hairpin turn. Installation of traffic counting systems and traffic signal improvements along the corridor. Items added to the original scope: Specification of use of Stone Matrix Asphalt for travel lanes as the mix is more durable and flexible, which allows for a longer life span over traditional asphalt pavement. Raised thermoplastic lane striping. Additional construction designed to recover and mitigate Pali Highway from rockfall and landslides included: Design and construction of an 80-foot long tunnel structure (rock shed) to protect the Honolulu-bound lanes between the Pali Tunnels (area listed as No. 9 on the Statewide Prioritized Rockfall List). Design and installation of rockfall attenuator fencing, roadside rockfall barriers, and anchor wire mesh netting between the tunnels and at the site of the mudslide past the second Kaneohe-bound tunnel. Estimated total cost: $22 million for the emergency repairs $64 million for the Phase 1 improvements #PaliHighway #Route61 #RoadRepairs #DOT #Transportation #HawaiiState

Today, the state reduced its personnel on Mauna Kea. We made this decision after we were informed that TMT is not prepared to move forward with construction on Mauna Kea at this time. State personnel have been deployed to assist the Hawaiʻi County Police Department and to help ensure public safety and safe access for Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) equipment and personnel. State personnel and resources will continue to be available upon request to support Hawaiʻi County’s efforts to restore full public access on Mauna Kea Access Road. While I am disappointed that TMT will not move forward at this time, I hope this will allow for some respite during the holiday season. I also remain committed to continuing the many conversations that are currently taking place. I know that we can do great things when we work together, and I am hopeful that our community will be stronger going forward. I want to thank the officers of the Hawaiʻi County Police Department, as well as our state law enforcement officers at the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Public Safety and the Attorney General’s office. #Maunakea #ThirtyMeterTelescope #TMT #DavidIge #HawaiiIsland #DLNR

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) Airports Division alerts the traveling public of a three-day employee strike by members of the Unite Here Local 5 union which includes food service employees who work at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). The employees began the picket line at HNL this morning. It is anticipated to continue for three days with normal operations resuming Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019. During this time there is limited service available at the various food and drink establishments throughout the airport which will significantly impact travelers. HMSHost employs associates in various restaurants at HNL affected by the strike. All of the stores operated by the Blind Vendors Ohana at HNL, such as Pages & Pages, are open and fully operational offering grab and go food, snacks and beverages. Passengers may want to consider bringing their own food and snacks with them if they are traveling out of HNL. Be sure to verify if the food is prohibited through the security checkpoints before leaving for the airport. For a list of the food items that are allowed through TSA checkpoints please click here. Please remember liquids more than 3.4 ounces are prohibited through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. Empty water bottles are allowed and can be filled at the water stations located throughout the airport once you pass through the security checkpoint. HNL welcomes more than 21.2 million inbound and outbound passengers a year which on average is more than 58,000 people a day. The passenger numbers typically increase by 3-5 percent around holidays such as Christmas. As always, people are advised to check flight status with their airline before leaving for the airport and they should allow enough time to get from curb to gate. #HMSHost #FoodService #HNL #DOT #HawaiiState

The Hawaii State Judiciary is seeking individuals who speak English and another language to become court interpreters. Register today for one of the workshops, completion of which is a mandatory requirement. The two-day workshops will be held in 2020: Maui: Feb. 11-12 at the Hoapili Hale Courthouse in Wailuku Hawaii Island (Kona): March 3-4 at the Keahuolu Courthouse in Kona Kauai: March 10-11 at the Puuhonua Kaulike Courthouse in Lihue Hawaii Island (Hilo): March 19-20 at the Hale Kaulike Courthouse in Hilo Oahu: Feb. 22-23 or March 28-29 at Aliiolani Hale (Supreme Court Building) in Honolulu The deadline to register is January 31. Registration forms are available on the Judiciary’s website and from the Office on Equality and Access to the Courts at 808-539-4860. In collaboration with the State Office of Language Access, the workshop registration fee is offered at only $50 (valued at $150). Individuals seeking to become a court interpreter must also pass a written English proficiency exam, court interpreter ethics exam, and criminal background check. Court interpreters are independent contractors and not Judiciary employees. They assist the courts in providing access to justice to court customers with limited English proficiency. Depending on their performance on written and oral exams, court interpreters are paid $25 to $55 per hour with a two-hour minimum. For more information, contact the Office on Equality and Access to the Courts at OEAC@courts.hawaii.gov or 808-539-4860.

HAWAI'I COUNTY — The Hawai'i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), together with the Hawai'i County Civil Defense Agency, will conduct siren testing at the following locations and times on Friday, December 20, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Nāpo′opo′o, Captain Cook Punalu′u Ka′ūBaker Avenue, Hualani Park Hawaiian Paradise Park #3, Puna Residents nearby may hear the siren sound for 30-seconds to 3-minute intervals during the identified timeframe. Testing will include short blasts known as “burps.” During the tests, Emergency Management Officials and Technicians will be checking the functionality of the sirens. These sirens were installed as part of HI-EMA’s ongoing All-Hazard Outdoor Warning Siren Program. Other sirens will be updated, and new sirens installed, at various locations across the state under this Program. The All-Hazard Outdoor Siren Warning System for Public Safety is one part of Hawai'i’s Statewide Alert & Warning System used to notify the public during pending emergencies. HI-EMA encourages the public to make use of other supplemental methods of warning including, but not limited to, signing up for the County of Hawai'i Civil Defense mass emergency notification system called Blackboard Connect, and utilizing NOAA Weather Radio. Residents with concerns about the sirens or their operations, or with reports of siren malfunctions, may contact the Hawai'i County Civil Defense Agency at (808) 935-0031.

HONOLULU – Hawai‘i Governor David Ige, military dignitaries, legislative leadership and project engineers celebrate the grand opening of the Pacific Energy Assurance and Renewables Laboratory (PEARL) with a Hawaiian blessing at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) today. PEARL, which will be designed and built by engineering, architecture and construction firm Burns & McDonnell, is a state-of-the-art renewable energy microgrid developed in coordination with the Hawai‘i Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies (HCATT), the Air Force Research Laboratory, National Guard Bureau, Hawai‘i Air National Guard and the Naval Facilities Command. “The state of Hawai‘i is proud to pursue this innovative project,” Gov. Ige says. “PEARL will advance the state’s clean energy vision of maximizing Hawai‘i’s energy self-sufficiency and security by developing and utilizing local energy resources in a balanced way.” Microgrids will play a critical role in reducing Hawai‘i’s dependence on fossil fuels, helping the transition to renewable energy and creating a multitude of new jobs in the state. Further, microgrids like PEARL can help mitigate grid disturbances and strengthen grid resiliency during natural disasters. “The PEARL project is the first of six planned microgrids, which will not only provide energy assurance, resiliency and cybersecurity to the 154th Wing F-22 campus at JBPHH, but also serve as a technology and business development laboratory to complement the state’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045,” says David Molinaro, acting HCATT director. Planning for the project began in 2016, with construction slated for completion in August of 2020. Once complete, PEARL’s technical capabilities include 1.5 megawatt (MW) of solar PV integration, 500kWh of battery energy storage and the ability to restore 1 MW of power instantaneously with less than a 10% voltage drop. “Burns & McDonnell is proud to design and build this state-of-the-art microgrid, supporting some of our nation’s most critical military infrastructure and the great state of Hawai‘i,” says John Bothof, Pacific operations manager for Burns & McDonnell. “The PEARL project will open doors for others of its kind, and we look forward to deepening our roots in Hawai‘i and continuing to build upon our longstanding partnership with the Department of Defense.” #microgrid #Energy #DavidIge #PEARLProject #HawaiiState

WATER REMAINS SAFE TO DRINK AFTER TRACE LEVELS OF CONTAMINANTS DETECTED IN ONE MAUI AND ONE HAWAI‘I ISLAND WATER WELL Honolulu – During routine sampling of drinking water systems across the state, trace levels of organic chemicals were detected in water samples collected at the Haiku Town Water Association, Inc. water system on Maui and the Hawai‘i Department of Water Supply Kukuihaele water system on Hawai‘i Island. 1,2-Dibromochloropropane (DBCP) and 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) were detected in the Haiku Town Association, Inc. HT-1 Well. The Haiku Town Water Association, Inc. water system is a small residential system which serves approximately 65 persons in Haiku, Maui. Atrazine was detected in the Kapulena Well of the Kukuihaele water system which serves approximately 450 residential customers on Hawai‘i Island. Drinking water from these wells remains safe, as the trace levels detected were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and State Maximum Contaminant Level (MCLs) for these contaminants. “These trace levels of the chemicals do not pose a public health threat, and the waters from these wells are safe to drink,” said Keith Kawaoka, deputy director for environmental health. “The Department of Health will continue to work together with these water systems to ensure tests for these chemicals continue. Such testing is part of scheduled monitoring regularly conducted to ensure that everyone’s water is safe to drink and public health is not compromised.” The DBCP level confirmed at the HT-1 Well was 0.02 parts per billion (ppb). This trace level is one‑tenth of the EPA MCL of 0.200 ppb. The state of Hawai‘i has a more stringent MCL of 0.04 ppb, and the concentration found was also lower than the state’s more stringent level. EPA defines the MCL as the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. The standards are set to avoid human health risks based on a lifetime of consuming water containing that level of contaminant. DBCP was a soil fumigant and nematicide that was used during pineapple cultivation. 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) was confirmed at 0.11 ppb, which is below the state MCL of 0.6 ppb. There is no federal standard for TCP. The presence of DBCP and TCP in the sample is attributed to the former cultivation of pineapple on the site itself. The use of the soil fumigants containing these contaminants ended in the mid-1980s, suggesting that the detected levels are not expected to increase in the future. Atrazine was confirmed in the Kapulena Well at 0.054 ppb, well below the federal and state standard of 3 ppb. Atrazine is an herbicide used on row crops such as sugar cane. Atrazine had been previously reported in the Kukuihaele water system at a level of 0.27 ppb in 2011. Water from these water systems is tested as mandated by federal and state drinking water regulations. To date, these water systems continue to be in full compliance with all federal and state standards for drinking water. PDF: Trace levels of contaminants detected in one Maui and one Hawaii Island well

Think Globally, Write Locally to Win a Day in the Field with Conservationists (Honolulu) – High school students across Hawai‘i are encouraged to write about a wahi pana, (a pulsing place) special to them, in preparation for the 50th anniversary of International Earth Day on April 22, 2020. The contest is presented by the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). During the past half century the ‘aina of Hawai‘i has changed dramatically. What will our natural landscapes look like in the next 50 years and what needs to happen to restore those that have been damaged or destroyed?  Students who enter the contest are asked to interview someone over 50 years-old with whom they share a wahi pana; a cherished landscape. Together, the student and elder are creating a written record for future generations. Jeff Bagshaw, a DOFAW Outreach and Communications Specialist, based on Maui, is the Wahi Pana Essay Contest Coordinator. He explained, “Ask an elder what native Hawaiian species they recall from their first experience in a place. Visit the place again today and see what’s changed over the decades. What will the next 50 years bring and what personal steps can the student take to change the future of their chosen wahi pana?” Students are asked to write a 1,500-word (maximum of 3 pages) essay focusing on one of four ecosystem-categories: Marine/coastal, Stream/marsh, Dry/leeward forests, or Wet/windward forests. One first and one second-place essay for each ecosystem, and for each of the four island counties (16 first-place and 16 second-place winners statewide) will be selected by judges who are professional writers or conservationists working on public and/or private lands. The rewards are priceless and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The four first-place winners from each island will accompany conservationists for a day into remote areas or get behind the scenes tours where conservation work is being done. These places are usually inaccessible and could include: Kaua‘i – fly into the Ku‘ia or Hono o na pali Natural Area Reserves O‘ahu – journey into the Ka‘ala Natural Area Reserve in the Wai‘anae mountains Maui Nui – fly into Hanawi or Nakula Natural Areas Reserves Hawai‘i Island – fly into Pu‘u o umi Natural Area Reserve Additionally, first and second place winners, as well as their families, are invited to a special hike and luncheon on each island. They may be asked to read a select passage from their essay on camera for a video production. Essays will also be published on DLNR/DOFAW websites as well as in print journals. Winners will be announced on International Earth Day next year.  The first-place excursion awards for each island will be scheduled to match students and special guests’ availability, as will the awards luncheon/hike. Bagshaw added, “We believe Hawai‘i students and their kupuna have unique stories to share with the world, to help us all prepare for the future.” Online applications and essays are due no later than February 14, 2020. For more information go to: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wahi-pana-essay-contest/ Or to directly download essay application and instructions: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ev1t9jic4fzpmj1/Wahi%20Pana%20Essay%20Application%20and%20Instructions.pdf?dl=0 #DLNR #WahiPana #EcoSystem #EarthDay #HawaiiState #Conservation #DOFAW

Budget supports progress in education, homelessness, sustainability Link to Budget Message and Budget in Brief Link to Governor’s Budget Message Link to Facebook Live – Budget News Conference Link to News Conference Power Point HONOLULU –  Gov. David Ige unveiled his Executive Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Biennium 2019-21 on Monday, requesting that the Hawai‘i State Legislature continue to support crucial programs that aim to ease the state’s biggest challenges. “This proposal helps us to build on momentum already achieved in our high-priority areas such as public education, affordable housing and homelessness, and sustainability,” said Gov. Ige. “This budget includes funding for programs that we know are making a real difference in our communities.” SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET OVERVIEW: OPERATING: Total operating supplemental adjustments are $62.5 million (FY 20) and  $429.0 million (FY21) (all means of financing). This represents increases of 0.4% (FY 20) and 2.7% (FY 21). The new totals are: $15.695 billion (FY20) and $16.197 billion (FY 21). GENERAL FUNDS: The request is $62.5 million (FY 20) and $214.1 million (FY21) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS: There are no proposed changes for FY 20. The total for FY 20 is unchanged at $2.331 billion. Total capital adjustments for FY 21 only -- $1.468 billion (all means of financing). The total for FY 21 is increased to $2.624 billion. “The state’s recently improved general obligation bond rating and lower interest rates make it a favorable time to invest in the state’s infrastructure. Ultimately, the higher bond ratings free up funds that can be used for education, housing, homelessness and sustainability,” said Gov. Ige. “Capital projects also have a broad and positive economic impact on our communities, supporting jobs – particularly in the construction industry.” BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS EDUCATION: Adds $14.5 million (FY 20) and $26.7 million (FY 21) for extra compensation for classroom teacher shortage differentials in our public schools. Adds $1.4 million (FY 20) and $1.9 million (FY 21) for extra compensation for classroom teacher shortage differentials in our Charter Schools. The pay differentials aim to attract and retain teachers in hard to fill special education positions, districts, and in Hawaiian language immersion programs and in special education. Adds $13.2 million for the Department of Education’s Weighted Student Formula. Adds $19 million for the expansion of the Hawai‘i Promise “last dollar” Scholarship Program to include all University of Hawai‘i campuses. Adds $220.0 million in capital improvement projects to improve public school facilities. (Increases FY 21 total to $425.2 million). Adds $86.8 million total CIP for the University of Hawai‘i. (Increases FY 21 total to $180.1 million). “I’ve always believed the teachers in the classroom have the greatest impact on our children. A few years ago, we completed a Blueprint for Hawai‘i’s public schools. Now, the DOE is preparing the 2030 Promise Plan, which will guide Hawai‘i’s public-school system from 2020-2030, focusing on creative ideas and solutions aimed at creating a thriving and sustainable state,” said Gov. Ige. HOUSING: Adds $20 million in CIP for public housing statewide Adds $2.5 million to the Hawai‘i Public Housing authority for predevelopment costs related to the School Street project. Adds $20 million for Department of Hawaiian Home Lands development projects Adds $5 million for repairs and maintenance within DHHL subdivisions. “Housing is our greatest community need and an important part of our effort to address homelessness. We have collaborated with the Legislature for more funding and are getting results. We will meet our goal of creating 10,000 new units by the end of 2020. Since 2015, 8,700 new units have been built. Another 3,200 more are in production,” said Gov. Ige. HOMELESSNESS: Adds $5 million for stores property and debris removal services on state land. “Prior to 2017, only 4,000 homeless individuals per year were placed in permanent housing. In 2018, more than 7,000 homeless people were placed in permanent housing. This year, we’re on track to exceed 7,000 placements,” said Gov. Ige. SUSTAINABLE HAWAI‘I: Adds $20 million for infrastructure construction for Royal Kunia Agricultural Park, for 24 farm lots on state’s best agricultural land. Adds $375,800 for 5 positions in Industrial Hemp Program. Adds $700,000 for Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death response. Adds $6.9 million in special funds for conservation and forest carbon sequestration activities. Adds $2 million in operating funds for state parks operations and maintenance and $6 million for state parks improvements. “My administration has been working toward doubling local food production by 2020. Hawai‘i’s agriculture industry is looking at developing plantation lands for diversified agriculture and exploring what can be grown for local consumption,” said Gov. Ige. TRANSPORTATION: Last year’s biennium budget included: $70 million (all MOF) for the Lahaina Bypass. $40 million (all MOF) for the Highway 130 work on Hawai‘i Island. This year’s budget includes funding proposals for other highway projects: $92 million (all MOF) for Kuhio Highway improvements from Hanamaulu to Kapaa, Kaua‘i. $200 million in revenue bonds for the widening of the H-1 Freeway, eastbound, from Waikele to Halawa. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS: Adds $1.6 million for three positions for the Title X Family Planning Program Adds $30 million for the Veterans Administration Long-Term Care Facility project on O‘ahu. Adds $560,000 for 15 positions at Maui Community Correction Center to increase security Adds $2.1 million for increase county contract cost for lifeguard services at state beaches. Adds $1.5 million for Kupuna Caregivers Program.