LIHUE – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) informs the public of scheduled night closures of Kuhio Highway (Route 560) on the north shore of Kauai Monday, Dec. 16 through Thursday, Dec. 19. On these nights, there will be a full closure of the highway to and from Wainiha and Haena starting at 7:30 p.m. and ending at 5 a.m. the following morning. Additional night closures are expected the week of Jan. 5-8, 2020. A release with more information on the closures in January will come out closer to the scheduled date. These will be full closures of the highway between Waioli Bridge in the vicinity of Anae Road and Waikoko Bridge south of Lumahai Beach. No vehicles will be able to cross the bridge for the entire night work period. Shuttle service will be provided to Wainiha and Haena residents and authorized Transient Vacation Rental guests. Shuttles will go between the Waioli Park and Ride and Waioli Bridge, Waioli Bridge and Waipa Bridge, and Waipa Bridge to Waikoko Bridge on an as needed schedule (they will go back and forth whenever there are people waiting at a Park and Ride or Bridge). A shuttle between the Waikoko Park and Ride and the Wainiha General Store will operate on the following schedule: Those planning on using the shuttles are advised that shuttle service begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 7 a.m. The shuttles will not travel beyond the park and ride sites. Maps showing the locations of the park and rides are available at: Waioli Park and Ride Waipa Park and Ride Waikoko Park and Ride Those making use of the Park and Rides are advised that they were created to provide access to residents and authorized TVR guests during the full closure. All vehicles remaining at this site when the road reopens for the day should be removed. All work is weather permitting. First responders have been notified and have planned staging and procedures in the event of an emergency requiring them to access the work zones. Variable Message Signs will be placed along Kuhio Highway to further inform motorists of the scheduled closures. Should the scheduled work be canceled or modified, notice will go out via HDOT’s social media accounts and notification system. Those interested in receiving notice of scheduled lane closures and other public notices from HDOT can sign up at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/hidot/subscriber/new

HONOLULU – Hawaii Attorney General Clare E. Connors today joined in a bipartisan coalition of all 56 attorneys general in calling for Congress to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. In the letter, the Attorneys General urge Congress to pass S. 2701, the Federal Initiative to Guarantee Health by Targeting (FIGHT) Fentanyl Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Joe Manchin (D-WV). “Fentanyl-related compounds must remain a Schedule I drugs,” said Attorney General Connors. “The FIGHT Fentanyl Act is critical to addressing the opioid epidemic.” The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a temporary scheduling order in February 2018 to schedule fentanyl-related substances that has allowed federal law enforcement authorities to bring criminal actions against individuals who manufacture, distribute or handle fentanyl-related substances. This scheduling order is set to expire less than two months from now on Feb. 6, 2020. The FIGHT Fentanyl Act codifies DEA precedent to schedule fentanyl-related substances. The FIGHT Fentanyl Act will ensure law enforcement agencies and courts retain the tools needed to keep those who traffic in this deadly substance off the streets. In the most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 72,000 drug-related deaths in the United States in 2017. Of those deaths, roughly 40% involved fentanyl or a fentanyl-related compound. Attorneys general from every state, territory and the District of Columbia signed the letter. With the support of every Attorney General, the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) has chosen to endorse the legislation as one of its official policy positions. NAAG typically endorses around a dozen policies a year. #Hawaii #ClareConnors #Fentanyl #FentanylAct #DEA #CDC

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is seeking proposals for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, which could be solar-powered, statewide through a 10-year service contract. “Electrifying government fleet vehicles and reducing the consumption of fossil fuels used in transportation aligns with our clean energy goals and helps bring Hawaii closer to eliminating our dependence on imported fuels,” said Gov. David Ige. “We appreciate our state departments taking the lead on this and are eager to see the proposals.” The request for proposals is written to allow other government agencies to participate if they would also like to electrify their fleet vehicles. Proposals must be received by 2:30 p.m. HST Tuesday, January 14, 2020. The link to the solicitation can be found at: https://hiepro.ehawaii.gov/public-display-solicitation.html?rfid=20000911

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige is traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada this week to attend the Western Governors’ Association’s (WGA) Winter Meeting. The governor’s active participation in the WGA allows issues of importance to Hawai‘i to be discussed and elevated on the national level. The governor will take part in key sessions on cutting edge energy innovations with a preview of future technology that will help Hawai‘i achieve 100 percent renewable energy. He will also participate in a session on precision agriculture in which farmers and ranchers are using technology to support innovation and growth. Gov. Ige will travel to Nevada on Wednesday, Dec. 11 and return to Hawai‘i on Sunday, Dec. 15. Lt. Gov. Josh Green will serve as acting governor while Gov. Ige is out of state.

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige announced that Fitch Ratings upgraded the state’s general obligation (G.O.) bond rating (credit rating), from AA to AA+ -- based on the state’s resilient economy and continued strong performance. The upgrade, along with current ratings from Moody’s Investors Service (Aa1) and Standard & Poor (AA+) raises Hawai‘i’s G.O. bond credit ratings to the highest levels ever achieved in state history. The high ratings will help the state reduce its borrowing costs and increase savings for Hawai‘i taxpayers in future bond sales. Fitch is a private independent credit rating service that evaluates a bond issuer’s financial strength of its ability to pay back money owed. It cited Hawai‘i’s strong financial and operating performance, diversified economic base, and the state’s overall fiscal prudence – including its commitment to reducing its pension and retiree healthcare liabilities. Fitch also acknowledged that the state has made strides in growing its budgetary and emergency reserves, which is a key step in improving overall financial stability. “This is significant because we could potentially save millions in taxpayer dollars on interest payments. The state is also better positioned for the next recession, reducing the need to raise taxes or cut services,” said Gov. David Ige. “My administration has actively promoted budgetary and financial policies to live prudently within our means, address our long-term liabilities and grow financial reserves. I must thank Budget Director Neal Miyahira who has helped to implement our policies and guide us to this point.” “The bond rating upgrade reflects years of prudent financial management led by Governor Ige to improve the state’s overall financial position and address its long-term liabilities. It is important that we continue to implement similar financial initiatives to protect the financial health of the state,” said Neal Miyahira, director of the Department of Budget and Finance.” With the latest rating upgrade from Fitch, all three of the state’s G.O. bond ratings are one notch away from the highest rating possible. Fitch Ratings Report

(Honolulu) – It’s become an iconic New Year’s Day tradition in Hawai‘i and across the country.  State Parks in all 50 states are again offering free, guided, First Day Hikes, on Jan. 1, 2020. In the Aloha State, the hike to the Makapu‘u Lookout at the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline is actually self-guided; just follow the crowd up the one-mile-long, paved path for stunning views as the sun rises at 7:09 a.m. “Hawai‘i’s unique version of the New Year’s Day hike not only provides the means for individuals and families to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercising and connecting with nature, but we blend in multi-culturalism,” explained Curt Cottrell, Administrator of the DLNR Division of State Parks. As in year’s past, the crowd at the top will be treated to the traditional blowing of a pu (conch shell) to herald in the first sunrise of the year, followed by an oli and then a performance by the drummers of the Taiko Center of the Pacific. Cottrell continued, “Not only are the views stunning, with the possibility of seeing Humpback whales breaching in the ocean below, but the sounds and sights of the pu, the oli, and the taiko drummers give repeat and new visitors alike, chicken skin.” The Kaiwi First Day Hike, has often been the best-attended in the country, due largely to Hawai‘i’s mild winter weather, the ease of the hike, and the fact that it is very family friendly and designed for anyone, no matter their hiking ability. As many as 700 people have made the trek in past years. The gates to the park will open at 5 a.m. to give people plenty of time to get to the top before the sun rises.  Participants are encouraged to bring a light jacket, rain gear if needed, water, and leashes and poop bags for dogs.  There are no restroom facilities at Kaiwi. Please remember to pack out all rubbish. According to America’s State Parks, last year nearly 55,000 people rang in the New Year, collectively hiking over 133,000 miles throughout the country.  Numerous others hiked state park trails throughout the day. Hawai‘i’s and America’s state parks programs are committed to promoting outdoor recreation in hopes to help address obesity, especially in children. Furthermore, exercise and outdoor activities rejuvenate the mind and body, promoting overall mental and physical health and wellness. Many believe that time spent in nature enhances creativity and lifts our moods! Source: DLNR All images/video courtesy: DLNR) HD video – First Day Hike, 2018 https://vimeo.com/249321712 Photographs – First Day Hike, 2018 https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1wkoo9d5d38hhrm/AAAxmrBf5Gj5j1dSaJ0COimya?dl=0

NOTICE OF MEETING 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 DATE: Friday, December 13, 2019 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. Source: 📷https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2019/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAM-HRE_12-13-19_INFO_.HTM #HawaiiSenate #WaysAndMeans #UH #UniversityOfHawaii #Budget

The Hawaii State Board of Education (BOE) today approved the Department’s proposal to provide extra compensation for classroom teachers in three high-need areas: special education, hard-to-staff geographical locations, and Hawaiian language immersion programs. The Board voted 7-2 in favor of implementing the pay differentials, which are scheduled to take effect Jan. 7. “I’m humbled by the turnout today of students, teachers and community stakeholders who took the time to voice their support and concerns over the proposal. On behalf of the Board, we heard you and we took action based on what we believe to be in the best interest of our haumana, especially those in high-need areas,” said BOE Chairwoman Catherine Payne. “This momentous decision was about trying something new and looking for bold strategies that will address teacher staffing issues that not only plague Hawaii, but districts across the nation as well. We have an opportunity to be innovative and set the bar high.” Following the Board’s approval, the Department will send a request to Gov. David Ige to include the necessary funding in his executive budget request to the Legislature. The governor earlier this week supported the proposal at a press conference alongside the Hawaii State Teachers Association. Implementation of this initiative is timed around recruitment deadlines for the 2020-21 school year along with ongoing retention efforts. “I am thrilled with our collective decision to move forward boldly to address a long-standing challenge. We have tremendous teachers in the Department who deserve to receive competitive pay, acknowledgement and support. We are the promise to our haumana,” added Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto. For more information, click here to view the BOE agenda item.

HONOLULU –  Gov. David Ige has appointed Craig Hirai as the director of the Department of Budget and Finance, effective Dec. 16, 2019. Hirai has served as executive director of the Hawai‘i Housing Finance & Development Corporation (HHFDC), State of Hawai‘i since 2013. He is also the sole member of Craig K. Hirai, CPA, LLC. Previously, Hirai was a consultant (shareholder/director) at Bowen Hunsaker Hirai Consulting, Inc. and Bowen Hunsaker Hirai, Certified Public Accountants. In addition, Hirai has worked as a tax attorney in private practice. Hirai is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) where he earned an M.S. in accounting and an M.B.A. He went on to earn his J.D. at Hastings College of Law at the University of California San Francisco, and his LL.M – a Master of Laws (in taxation), a post-graduate law degree from New York University. “Craig’s extensive experience and knowledge, along with his administrative skill set will serve our state well. I am elated that Craig has agreed to come onboard as a member of my cabinet,” said Gov. Ige. “I would also like to thank Neal Miyahira for agreeing to temporarily serve as Budget and Finance director and for doing a fine job while we searched for a permanent candidate.” Miyahira returns to his position as budget division administrator at the Department of Budget and Finance. Hirai’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is advising travelers to be on alert for measles as international outbreaks around the Pacific and elsewhere continue to increase. This year, there were four reported cases of travel-related measles in Hawai‘i including three visitors and one resident. In 2018, there were no reported cases of measles in the state. An advisory was sent to physicians in November, and healthcare providers are reminded to be vigilant. Measles is very contagious and can be serious. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Persons most at risk for catching measles are those who are not vaccinated. Possible serious complications include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), and death. The risk of complications is highest in children who are less than a year old, pregnant women, and persons who have a weakened immune system. “Measles is still common in many parts of the world, and current outbreaks in areas around the Pacific and on the mainland are a concern because Hawai‘i is a cornerstone for travel and many of our residents are frequent travelers,” said Health Director Bruce Anderson. “Infectious diseases are just a plane ride away, and vaccination is the best defense against these life-threatening diseases.” The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. DOH encourages everyone to check their records and contact their healthcare provider if they need to be immunized. Before any international travel, infants ages 6 through 11 months should receive one dose of MMR vaccine. Children ages 12 months and older, as well as teenagers and adults without evidence of immunity, should receive two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days. The symptoms of measles usually start around 14 days after exposure (range 7–21 days) and may include: High fever Cough; runny nose; and red, watery eyes Rash People who suspect that they have measles should call their healthcare provider right away and isolate themselves from others to help contain the spread of illness. For a list of vaccinating pharmacies, visit http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/vaccines-immunizations/vaccine-locators/. For more information about measles, visit http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/measles/. PDF: DOH advises travelers to be on alert for measles

HONOLULU – Attorney General Clare E. Connors today joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general led by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro in opposing a proposal by the U.S. Department of Labor to change the method employers use to calculate overtime, which would force employees to work longer shifts while reducing their weekly earnings. In a letter issued today, the coalition urged the Department of Labor (DOL) to withdraw its proposed rule amending the DOL’s regulation on the fluctuating workweek method of computing overtime. The coalition argues that the DOL’s proposal to arbitrarily expand the application of the fluctuating workweek method compromises worker safety, reduces workers’ compensation for overtime work, and makes it more difficult for employers to comply with fair labor laws. “The proposal goes against precedent on when a fluctuating workweek rule should be used,” said Attorney General Connors. “And it creates the wrong incentives – to overwork employees and reduce their earnings.” Under the fluctuating workweek rule, employers can agree to pay a limited class of employees whose hours fluctuate from week to week a fixed salary for all hours worked. Those employees’ regular rate of pay is calculated by dividing the employee’s fixed salary by their total hours worked. Employers must then pay those employees an additional half of their regular rate for each overtime hour worked. The rule has long been held as being incompatible in instances in which employees receive additional pay like bonuses and shift differentials linked to the hours they work. The fluctuating workweek rule is the only rule under which workers’ hourly and overtime rates of pay actually decrease as the amount of hours they work per week increase. For that reason, states such as Illinois and Pennsylvania use a modified fluctuating workweek method or apply it only in the narrow set of circumstances allowed under current law. The DOL’s proposal would expand the application of the fluctuating workweek to employees who receive any kind of additional pay, including pay incentives linked to employees’ hours worked, despite decades of legal precedent. In their letter, the coalition argues that expanding the use of the fluctuating workweek rule decreases an employee’s regular and overtime rate of pay the more the employee works. The coalition also argues that while the DOL claims the proposed rule will boost job creation, it actually creates incentives for employers to overwork employees instead of hiring additional staff. As employers reduce fixed salaries in lieu of paying employees premiums for working specific shifts, employees unable to work shifts offering premium pay will receive greatly reduced wages. Additionally, the attorneys general point out that the DOL’s proposed rule undermines the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which was enacted in 1938 and ensures that employees are fairly compensated for working more than 40 hours per week. Instead of protecting workers from long hours and unfair compensation, the proposed rule threatens to expand the use of the only method for calculating overtime where the more the employee works, the less the employee is paid for each hour of overtime. The proposed rule also runs counter to past court and department precedent. For decades, courts have held that employers may only use the fluctuating workweek rule when employees earn a fixed salary for all hours of work. In 2011, the DOL rejected a similar proposed rule because it would have the unintended consequence of allowing employers to pay a lower fixed salary and shift employees’ compensation into bonuses, resulting in wide pay disparities depending on the hours employees worked. Raoul and the attorneys general argue that, in light of this precedent, the DOL offers no evidence to necessitate its policy change. Joining Attorney General Connors in submitting the letter led by Attorney General Raoul and Attorney General Shapiro are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. The letter can be found here.

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) informs the traveling public of special events permitted on state roadways through the month of December. Events during the Holiday season include the Honolulu Marathon and Jingle Rock Run as well as Christmas parades in Wahiawa, Kaneohe, Haleiwa, Waimanalo, Waipahu and Ewa Beach. Event details, traffic changes and route information are as follows. Wahiawa Town Santa Parade (Friday, Dec. 6, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kamehameha Highway and turning lanes will be closed in both directions at California Avenue. Police officers will allow traffic to move on Kamehameha Highway in gaps of the parade for 3 minutes at a time. County owned streets that will be closed during the event include California Avenue and Cane Street. No parking/tow away signs will be in place from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Kaneohe Christmas Parade (Saturday Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) The Christmas Parade will start at Windward Mall on Haiku Road, then move towards the county owned portion of Kamehameha Highway and travel southbound occupying all lanes in both directions. The parade will then move to the mauka side of Kamehameha Highway just past Paleka Road, then will shift to the makai side of Kamehameha Highway at Hoene Place, then make a left turn onto Kaneohe Bay Drive occupying all lanes, where the parade will end at Castle High School. Parking will be prohibited and cross streets along the route will be closed until the parade passes. Honolulu Marathon (Sunday, Dec. 8, beginning at 12:30 a.m.) Closures on state roadways will begin at 12:30 a.m. on Ala Moana Boulevard from Atkinson Drive to Ward Avenue. At approximately 2:30 a.m. Nimitz Highway will be closed from Ala Moana Boulevard to Nuuanu Avenue. At approximately 4:55 a.m. participants will make a left turn from Piikoi Street onto Ala Moana Boulevard and will be diverted at Atkinson Drive to the makai side of Ala Moana Boulevard where they will continue onto Kalakaua Avenue. At approximately 4:30 a.m. the eastbound lanes of Kalanianaole Highway will be closed from Ainakoa Avenue to Keahole Street and traffic will be contraflowed in the westbound lanes. The eastbound lanes on Waialae Avenue will be closed as well from Kilauea Avenue to Kalanianaole Highway. As runners reach Waialae Avenue, motorists on the eastbound H-1 Freeway will be detoured to the Waialae Avenue offramp (Exit 26B). State roadways being used for the Honolulu Marathon include Ala Moana Boulevard, Nimitz Highway, Waialae Avenue and Kalanianaole Highway. Routes will be opened as the last participants can be safely ushered onto the sidewalk or the volume of participants no longer interfere with vehicles or cause a hazard. For more information on closures and detours of the full length of the course, please view the Honolulu Marathon website at https://www.honolulumarathon.org/. Haleiwa Town Christmas Parade (Friday, Dec. 13, from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.) Staging for the parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. at Weed Circle. The parade will start at 6 p.m. and travel in the northbound lanes on the county owned portion of Kamehameha Highway and end at Haleiwa Beach Park. Buses will only be allowed to access Weed Circle with assistance by HPD and all cross streets will be closed during the event. Waimanalo Christmas Parade (Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.) The parade will begin at the Humuniki Street and Kumuhau Street intersection, then move west on Humuniki Street and make a right turn onto Kalanianaole Highway where they will end at Waimanalo Beach Park. During parade hours, Kalanianaole Highway will be closed between Kumuhau Street and Waimanalo Beach Park. Waipahu Christmas Parade (Saturday, Dec. 14, from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.) The parade will begin at Waipahu District Park at Paiwa Street, then make a right onto Farrington Highway, a right onto Pupukahi Street, a left onto Waipahu Street, a left onto Leoku Street, a right onto Leolua Street and finish behind Waipahu Town Center. A rolling closure will be in place with assistance by HPD. Farrington Highway (state owned roadway) will be closed between Paiwa Street and Pupukahi Street. Jingle Rock Run (Sunday, Dec. 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) The race will begin at Richards Street fronting the State Capitol. Turning lanes will be closed from Nimitz Highway to Alakea Street, Halekauwila Street and South Street. Closures on City and County owned streets include Bishop Street, King Street, Punchbowl Street, Kawaiahao Street, Auahi Street, Keawe Street, Halekauwila Street, Richards Street, Beretania Street and South Street. Ewa Beach Christmas Parade (Saturday, Dec. 21, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) Two lanes will be closed on Fort Weaver Road in the northbound direction from North Road to Kuhina Street and traffic will be contraflowed in the southbound lanes. The parade will start at Ilima Intermediate School Parking Lot and travel northbound onto Fort Weaver Road, then turn right onto Kuhina Street, turn right onto Hanakahi Street, turn right onto North Road and turn right onto Fort Weaver Road where they will end at Ilima Intermediate School. HDOT advises motorists to allow for extra travel time and to follow all traffic controls, no parking restrictions, and safety procedures. All cross streets along the event routes will be closed progressively until all units of the parade have cleared the area. Portable electronic signs will be posted at key points throughout the area to alert drivers of the temporary lane closures and detours. Special duty police officers will be on site to assist with event operations and traffic control.