The Hawai‘i State Senate is accepting job applications for the upcoming 2024 legislative session. Applicants interested in working for a dynamic organization, serving our community, and expanding their perspective of the legislative process should visit the Senate Jobs page at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sjobs.aspx for more details. Session jobs are temporary and require a 4-6-month commitment, depending on the position. Most will begin on January 2, 2024, and end on the last day of the legislative session. Full-time and part-time temporary positions are available, with medical, dental, and vision benefits available for most positions and on the job training provided. Legislative experience is not required. Individuals with a variety of skills, experiences, and unique and varied backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Senate is an equal opportunity employer.

The Hawaiʻi State Senate will convene its second special session of 2023 to consider the judicial appointments of Judge Lisa M. Ginoza and Vladimir P. Devens for Associate Justice of the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court. Currently, Lisa M. Ginoza is Chief Judge of the State of Hawaiʻi Intermediate Court of Appeals, and Vladimir P. Devens leads the Law Offices of Vladimir P. Devens, LLC. Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court Associate Justice Paula A. Nakayama retired in April, and Associate Justice Michael D. Wilson retired in March, shortly before they reached the mandatory retirement age of 70. The special session will consider the Governor’s appointments of Ginoza and Devens to fill the two vacancies. The confirmation process will begin with a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing chaired by Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13 - Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, ʻIwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown) on Friday, November 17, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. The Senate will convene in a floor session at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 20, 2023. This will be followed by a separate decision-making meeting of the Judiciary Committee at 11:30 a.m., on the same day, at which time the Committee will make a recommendation on each appointment. Final Senate votes on the appointments are expected on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. "Congratulations to both Chief Judge Ginoza and Mr. Devens on their appointments to the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court," said Senator Rhoads. "Being a State Supreme Court Justice is an incredible responsibility, and the Senate has the vital constitutional obligation to ensure that these appointees are qualified to sit on the highest court in our State. Between now and the special session in November, the Senate, the Judiciary Committee, and I will conduct a thorough review of the appointees." The special session will only address the two pending judicial appointments.

Senator Henry J.C. Aquino (District 19, Pearl City, Waipahū, West Loch Estates, Hono‘uli‘uli, Ho‘opili), Representative Cory M. Chun (House District 35, Portions of Pearl City and Waipahū, Crestview), and Representative Rachele F. Lamosao (House District 36, Waipahū) will be hosting a joint town hall meeting regarding emergency preparedness, disaster plans, and supply kits in the event of a natural disaster. The town hall will be held on October 17 at Waipahū Intermediate School Cafeteria. Joining the meeting as guest speakers will be Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and Allen Cardines Jr. from Nānāikapono Church and Nānākuli Neighborhood Security Watch. WHAT: Disaster Preparedness Community Town Hall WHEN: Tuesday, October 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. WHERE: Waipahū Intermediate School Cafeteria 94-455 Farrington Hwy, Waipahū, HI

October 10, 2023 Wahiawā, HI – Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (District 17, Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village) announced that the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) and Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) inspected and installed traps today to begin the containment of coconut rhinoceros beetles (CRB) in Wahiawā. The CRB was detected on Royal Palm Drive, which is home to historic palms beloved by the community and recognized in the City and County of Honolulu's Exceptional Tree Program. “The initial response from the HDOA Director lacked the urgency that I felt was necessary to save the historic palms," said Senator Dela Cruz. "I want to say Mahalo to HDOA Deputy Director Dexter Kishida and DLNR Deputy Director Laura Kaakua for their immediate attention on this matter and assisting with the eradication outreach today." HDOA plans to spray trees in the area in the coming weeks to treat the infected areas. Officials recommend green waste inspection and management as the most effective ways to stave off CRB outbreaks. Green waste management includes removal of compost, soil, dead trees, and plant waste from homes, businesses and public common areas that have potential breeding material. Adult CRB are active during late afternoon and evening hours. Residents who observe CRB are asked to immediately file a report with the CRB Response Team at (808) 679-5244 or email info@crbhawaii.org or call the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at (808) 643-PEST (7378). Reports should include your name, location, and time the CRB was observed. If you find beetles or larvae, place them into a sealed container or plastic bag and store them in a freezer. Wear protective materials when handling CRB such as gardening gloves, cloth, or paper towels. For more information, go to the CRB Response webpage: www.crbhawaii.org. Photos and b-roll from the installation of the traps can be accessed here: CBR Media.

October 10, 2023 Lahaina, Hawaiʻi– As the people of Maui continue to grapple with the many challenges in the aftermath of the August wildfires, a common concern is the inability of mortgage holders to make mortgage payments. On Wednesday, October 4, Senator Angus McKelvey (District 6, West Maui, Māʻalaea, Waikapū, South Maui) sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting that the President instruct the Department of the Treasury to lead a conversation with national banks and their servicing entities to institute a back-end mortgage forbearance program, with the interest being waived, for the entire duration of the rebuilding process. A mortgage abatement, similar to those issued during COVID-19, would delay eminent home foreclosures and ensure Lahaina residents would be able to remain in their community. McKelvey urged President Biden to maintain his initial promise made to the Lahaina wildfire victims during his visit on August 21. “The dreams and heritage of generations of Lahaina residents are at stake, and only your intervention can help us,” McKelvey wrote. “I humbly ask you uphold the promise you made to us that day on Maui that Lahaina was not for sale.” Senator McKelvey acknowledged the challenges the administration is currently facing and reiterated the President’s pledge to assist in the critical nature of protecting Lahaina and its people.

September 29th, 2023 Lahaina, Hawaiʻi – Today, Senator Angus McKelvey (Senate District 6, West Maui, Mā‘alaea, Waikapū, South Maui) and Representative Elle Cochran (House District 14, Kahakuloa, Waihe‘e, portions of Wai‘ehu and Mā‘alaea, Olowalu, Lahaina, Lahainaluna, Kā‘anapali, Māhinahina Camp, Kahana, Honokahua) sent a letter to Governor Josh Green urging him to abandon the hard date of October 8th for the reopening of tourism to West Maui. The letter states that the consensus amongst the two legislators and their constituents is that the planned reopening of West Maui for tourism is "too much, too soon." The letter also implores Governor Green to listen to the Lahaina community in regard to the reopening strategy, as the Governor has repeatedly stated that he will listen to the community when it comes to rebuilding. “Reopening to West Maui visitors should not be done by setting hard dates and opening up the floodgates at one time. Rather, it should be a measured process that moves in phases," said Senator McKelvey. "By assessing the phases of the reopening as they occur, we can move with the flexibility and sensitivity our community desperately needs. While we understand that the economy of our district has been tourism driven, many of us are still trying to process the damage the wildfire has caused. We must recognize the volatility of the situation here on the West Side. For the health and wellbeing of our friends and families, we must delay reopening to tourists. Let's fully get our people into stable housing before opening our doors en masse to others." “I stand in support of a phased approach for the return of tourism," said Representative Cochran. "I foresee a new kind of Tourism that is based on a voluntourism concept. I will push for an Aloha Aina, eco-culturally supportive diversified economy moving forward into our future.” In addition to urging the Governor to delay the reopening date, the legislators also used the letter to urge Governor Green to: use the $200 million of general funds provided by the Legislature to extend direct unemployment assistance to workers and grants for affected small businesses; advocate for a three-year moratorium on foreclosures in Lahaina; and expand the eviction moratorium to small businesses by including commercial properties. A copy of the letter from McKelvey and Cochran is attached.

September 21st, 2023 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – To address and mitigate ongoing controversy and confusion that has arisen surrounding the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM), the Chair of the Senate Committee on Water and Land Senator Lorraine Inouye (Senate District 1, Hilo, Pauka‘a, Papaikou, Pepe‘ekeo) co-authored a letter sent this afternoon to the Chair of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, Dawn Chang, and the CWRM Commissioners calling for the issue of Mr. Kaleo Manuel's employment status, including his reinstatement as CWRM First Deputy, to be addressed by CWRM as an agenda item at the next meeting on October 17, 2023. "I am perturbed that the removal of Kaleo Manuel happened without the members of the Commission on Water Resource Management even being consulted beforehand. The decision to remove Kaleo Manuel should have first been communicated to all the Commissioners," said Senator Inouye. "Furthermore, Chair Chang does not have the power to unilaterally remove the CWRM First Deputy and to do so required a majority vote from the Commission. I would like clarity as to whose decision it was exactly to remove Kaleo Manuel from his position. Kaleo Manuel had an outstanding track record as the CWRM First Deputy, and he was always fair and balanced in his approach to making water conservation decisions. He always kept the ‘Āina, and the water rights of the people of Hawai‘i front of mind when doing his job. Someone of Kaleo Manuel's character deserved a better outcome than to be dismissed in the way that he was." A copy of today's letter to Chair Chang and the CWRM Commissioners, and a copy of a recent letter from Chair Chang to Senator Inouye and the letter's co-authors are attached.

September 20, 2023 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Today, the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection announced that it will hold a field briefing in Lahaina to address questions and take testimony pertaining to wildfire-related insurance claims. The briefing will take place from 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m., on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at the Lahaina Civic Center. Representatives from the Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs will also be in attendance to help address questions. Please see the attached briefing notice for information about registering to testify. "Our committee has heard from various neighbors on Maui that they continue to face challenges relating to processing wildfire insurance claims, including home, business, vehicle, and vessel policies," said Senator Jarett Keohokalole (District 24, Kāneʻohe, Kailua) Chair of the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection. "With so many on Maui lacking access to lodging, transportation, and internet, it was clear that the Committee needs to go to them to hear their concerns and answer their questions. The priority for our Committee is to ensure that wildfire-impacted residents and businesses have access to factual information and that we support their recovery." "I want to thank Senator Keohokalole for accepting my invitation to come to the community to begin an honest dialogue to address consumer protection issues, starting with insurance," said Senator Angus McKelvey (Senate District 6, West Maui, Mā‘alaea, Waikapū, South Maui). This is the second time in fifteen years that a Senate Committee has held a field briefing on a neighbor island. In 2019, the Senate Committees on Ways and Means and Public Safety held a briefing on Maui in response to the Maui Community Correctional Center riot. Prior to that, statewide Senate hearings were held in 2007 related to Superferry legislation. WHEN: Thursday, September 28, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. WHERE: Lahaina Civic Center 1840 HI-30 Lahaina, HI 96761

September 15, 2023 Līhuʻe, Hawaiʻi – Yesterday, the Senate Ways and Means (WAM) Committee began the first of a two-day visit to Kauaʻi to receive progress updates from Department heads on statewide initiatives, utilizing information from community stakeholders and government officials to guide collective decision-making on legislation and budget appropriations to bolster regional and statewide planning and implementation efforts. The Committee participated in discussions on pressing issues in energy sustainability, transit-oriented development, the impact of climate change on state facilities, healthcare, and housing. A Strategic Direction for Energy The first visit was held at Līhuʻe Airport, where Mark Glick, Chief Energy Officer of the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office (HSEO), presented the State’s strategy to achieve the 2045 one-hundred percent Renewable Portfolio Standards mandate. Glick highlighted how achieving this mandate presents opportunities for workforce and economic development, while strengthening the State’s resiliency against climate change and unforeseen disasters. Two specific areas that Glick and the Committee discussed were the current levels of firm renewable energy production and community-based renewable energy projects. The Senate urged incorporating more firm renewables into the energy portfolio, encouraging Glick to replicate Kauaʻi’s successful efforts to supplant intermittent with firm energy on other islands. Community-based renewable energy projects are renewable projects in which multiple subscribers can invest in and receive benefit from large scale projects. Recognizing the role that community-based renewable energy projects can play in closing energy and economic disparities across the state, the Senators requested more information from Glick, who will present this information at a future WAM site visit. The Committee also explored tools to allow the Public Utilities Commission to play a more proactive role in the State’s energy arena rather than retroactively through rulings on energy dockets. “The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office needs to better articulate the phased execution of the State’s plan to transition to renewable energies, including developing a scaled workforce,” said Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (Senate District 17, Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), Chair of the Ways and Means Committee. “This positions the Legislature to establish tax incentives, education pathways, and infrastructure to achieve our energy goals while developing a green economy.” “In areas that are building solar farms and pursuing community-based renewable energy projects, I know that there can be a challenge for those on a small island like Molokaʻi,” said Senator Lynn DeCoite (Senate District 7, Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe and Molokini), Chair of Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism Committee. “Those who will have the opportunity to be community-based renewable energy project subscribers would pay a higher cost. My concern is how do you go about making sure that those on the program will not impact those who remain on the utility to pay a higher rate. We are going to look at this more in depth.” Transit-Oriented Development The second stop of the day was the Līhuʻe Civic Center, where Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) James Tokioka, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Council Co-Chair Mary Alice Evans, and Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) Public Works Administrator Chris Kinimaka, presented plans for transit-oriented development on Kauaʻi and other neighbor islands. They used developments of the Līhuʻe Civic Center Historic District and Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital to showcase the positive effects that transit-oriented development can bring to communities across our State. Also in attendance was Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami, who applauded the collaboration between the State and County of Kauaʻi in maximizing transit-oriented development. Mayor Kawakami attributed much of the success of Kauaʻi’s transit-oriented development to the County’s subscription to and investment in multimodal transportation options. WAM members were impressed with the results of transit-oriented development efforts on Kauaʻi and encouraged the TOD Council to similarly engage the other counties to replicate the success of Kauaʻi County. The Committee also stressed the importance of leveraging transit-oriented develop to generate synergies between neighboring facilities and their programs and services, such as co-locating teacher housing near education facilities and childcare facilities near job hubs. "I wanted to be here to tell our Senators and Ways and Means Committee mahalo nui loa for all of your support, " said Mayor Kawakami. "Being that I used to be in the Legislature, I know that they get pulled in a million and one directions and it is hard to fulfill all of the wants and needs that our community desires. For us here in Kauaʻi County, being the smallest county, we have always been able to count on the Legislature, the Senate, and the Ways and Means Committee to always support us, especially during times of need and times of disaster.” “When we think about transit-oriented development here in Hawaiʻi, we usually think about building around rail lines and creating density in places that are walkable, where people can live, work, and play,” said Senator Chris Lee (Senate District 25, Kailua, Waimānalo, Hawai‘i Kai), Chair of the Transportation and Culture and the Arts Committee. “On neighbor islands and here on Kauaʻi, where we have much more rural areas and a sense of place unique to each community, the strategies of transit-oriented development that create better, easier options for people to get around, in communities where it’s easier to live, work and play are still happening, but in a different way, led by the people in each community.” The Future of Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center The Committee then visited Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center (KCCC) and heard from Tommy Johnson, Director of Public Safety, and Luis Salaveria, Director of Budget and Finance, about the pressing need to revamp the Department of Public Safety and relocate KCCC because of climate change. Johnson shared his vision for the future of the Department as it transitions into the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, placing a greater focus on reduced recidivism and re-entry into society. Johnson and the KCCC staff also presented the Committee members with evidence for the risk of flooding in the facility and the difficulties of evacuating the facility in the event of an emergency, highlighting the urgency for which the facility needs to be re-located. Realizing that this relocation would cost the state hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars, the Committee asked Director Salaveria to share innovative options to finance large scale State infrastructure projects through alternative financing mechanisms that would not be funded through the typical capital improvement project funding process and would have minimal impacts on union workers. The Committee members were excited about Salaveria’s innovative proposals. Although Salaveria agreed to meet with the members in the future to further discuss how the proposals can help finance other large State projects, he acknowledged that the State does not currently have the legal expertise to execute the contractual agreements necessary to realize the full benefits of alternative financing mechanisms. As the State looks to transfer risk and liabilities while minimizing our debt service, alternative financing mechanisms will help sustain essential programs and services. “Upon listening to some of the new models for financing, I think it is prudent we explore these models,” said Senator Henry Aquino (Senate District 19, Pearl City, Waipahu, West Loch Estates, Hono‘uli‘uli, Ho‘opili), Vice-Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. “There is strong interest in not just funding improvement projects for our correctional facilities, but also for schools and other needs that the State has at this point in time.” Stability of Healthcare Systems Committee members then paid a visit to Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, where Dr. Kenneth Fink, Department of Health (DOH) Director, and Edward Chu, President and CEO of Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) presented on issues the State is facing in healthcare and discussed methods for financial stability and the future of the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. Fink noted that the current organization of DOH is convoluted, and that some responsibilities and services overlap across divisions and branches. Considering the intersection of public health, human services, and healthcare, Fink offered five proposals to restructure the State’s existing health and behavioral health services to offer the State more streamlined, cost-effective, and modern health system organizational plans. Chair Dela Cruz urged the members of the Committee to review Fink’s plans in anticipation of DOH’s proposed legislation and budget requests in the upcoming legislative session, and to prepare to review proposals from the administration to restructure how Hawaiʻi manages healthcare. “The Senate is committed to strengthening career pathways to shore up our needs in the healthcare section – both within our public and private systems,” said Senator Aquino. “We have made tremendous strides and look forward to continuing the work ahead.” Statewide Strategy for Housing – Ka Lei Momi HPHA Redevelopment The final stop of the day ended in Kapaʻa, and highlighted a statewide vision for housing and specifically, public housing. Hakim Ouansafi, Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority (HPHA) offered presentations on the status of the Ka Lei Momi redevelopment project and public housing development across the State. The Committee held rigorous discussion on current housing issues, and also received updates from Ouansafi regarding the recent issuance of a master development contract for nine public housing sites statewide. Ouansafi then introduced Moe Mohanna, President of Highridge Costa Development Company, who was awarded the contract for the pipeline of public housing projects under the Ka Lei Momi initiative. Mohanna provided a brief introduction to Highridge Costa Development and laid out the initial plans for the Ka Lei Momi initiative, highlighting Hawaiʻi's critical need for affordable housing units while also explaining that the ongoing issue of a lack of affordable housing is something that can, and must be addressed. “Investing in public housing is a crucial component of our State’s efforts to address our housing crisis,” said Senator Dru Kanuha (Senate District 3, Kona, Ka‘ū, Volcano,) Vice-Chair of the Housing Committee. “Ka Lei Momi is an enormous and innovative project that will renovate our aging public housing infrastructure in a modern manner and is projected to bring in over 10,000 additional new housing units over multiple phases throughout our State. I look forward to working with the Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority and Ka Lei Momi's developer to ensure that the project is completed on time, on budget, and with integrity.” The Ways and Means Committee will make more visits on Kauaʻi today.

September 19, 2023 Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi – Senator Jarett Keohokalole (District 24, Kāneʻohe, Kailua), Senator Brenton Awa (District 23, Kāneʻohe, Kahaluʻu through Lāʻie, Kahuku to Mokulēʻia, Schofield Barracks, Kunia Camp), Representative Lisa Kitagawa (House District 48, Kāneʻohe, ʻAhuimanu, Kahaluʻu, Waiahole, Kaʻaʻawa), Representative Scot Z. Matayoshi (House District 49, Kāneʻohe, Maunawili), and Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina (Council District 3, ʻAhuimanu, Heʻeia, Haʻikū, Kāneʻohe, Maunawili, Kailua, Olomana, Enchanted Lake, Waimānalo) will be hosting a joint town hall meeting on September 20, 2023, at Ben Parker Elementary School to address the multiple infestations of Little Fire Ants in and around Kāneʻohe. Guest speakers will include representatives from the Department of Agriculture, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, and a testimonial from community member Kapua Kawelo. Community members and members of the media are invited to join this informational discussion on the infestation concerns of Little Fire Ants. WHEN: Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. WHERE: Ben Parker Elementary School 45-259 Waikalua Rd. Kāneʻohe, HI 96744 Prior to attending, please register using the QR code on the flyer below.

September 18, 2023 Līhuʻe, Hawaiʻi – On Friday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee (WAM) continued visiting several sites on Kauaʻi to receive progress updates from Department heads on statewide initiatives. The purpose of the visits was to utilize information from community stakeholders and government officials to guide collective decisions on legislation and budget appropriations to bolster statewide implementation efforts. Friday’s visits covered the topics of local agriculture, wastewater management, language access, and alternative learning. Strategic Direction for Agriculture Friday’s first presentation came from Sharon Hurd, Chair of the Board of Agriculture. The presentation included broad ideas about current efforts at the Department of Agriculture. Ways and Means Committee Chair Donovan Dela Cruz (Senate District 17, Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village) responded to the presentation during the meeting and expressed serious concern that the topics presented did not include updates on increasing local food production and exports, and other categories specifically requested by the Committee. Furthermore, the information presented did not give the Committee any indication about what the Department’s legislative priorities or needs would be, or how the Committee could assist the Department in the upcoming legislative session. Chair Dela Cruz asked Hurd to consider offering proposals to restructure the Department if it is incapable of meeting its current statutory obligations. The Senate has requested the Department of Agriculture provide a follow-up presentation during the Committee's Hawaii Island site visits. Wastewater Management - Cesspool Conversion The second visit of the day was to the West Kauaʻi Enterprise Center, where Dr. Kenneth Fink, Director of Health, and Katie Ducatt, Deputy to the Chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission, led a discussion about efforts to convert all cesspools in the state by 2050. Fink detailed the history of cesspool conversion efforts in the state, and notably pointed out that the $5M worth of grants offered to help convert cesspools previously funded by the Legislature ran out in just three days. Fink also explained that the State's priority to convert cesspools is based on the likelihood that the cesspool will contaminate local groundwater. Ducatt shared DHHL’s efforts to convert the cesspools on DHHL land in particular. The discussion also included questions on how infrastructure for rural lands owned by DHHL will be installed without restricting homestead development. The Department of Hawaiian Homelands is planning for nearly five hundred lots statewide under their Kuleana Homestead Program, which does not include a centralized wastewater service. A focal point of the discussion revolved around alternatives to cesspool conversion, as conversion is cost-prohibitive for many landowners, especially for those living on DHHL property. The presenters highlighted the importance of Senate Bill No. 285 (2023), which would have addressed some shortcomings of the Cesspool Conversion Working Group and provided funding for a demonstration pilot program at UH to develop alternative wastewater technology systems that are affordable. Language Access to Government Services Next, the Committee met at Ke Kula Niʻihau o Kekaha Public Charter School to address a recent audit of the Office of Language Access (OLA) which found that the State has not ensured that limited English proficient individuals have meaningful access to services pursuant to chapter 321C, Hawaii Revised Statutes. OLA presented the Senators with the challenges it faces and its strategic vision to meet its statutory obligations. The Committee then heard from the Department of Education, which emphasized an appropriation to increase the number of Bilingual/Bicultural School-Home Assistants. WAM members said that they understood the needs for more Bilingual/Bicultural School-Home Assistants, but that the Department of Education has needs for funding a plethora of positions other than teachers, including nurses and behavioral health specialists. The Committee asked the Department of Education to identify which positions are the highest priority for the Department. The final component of the conversation surrounded on-going efforts to address access to core government services by community members whose primary language is ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, including Niʻihau dialect speakers. Committee members heard from the Poʻo Kumu at Kula Aupuni Niihau a Kahelelani Aloha Public Charter School, and Ke Kula Niʻihau o Kekaha Public Charter School, who shared the history and vision for the future of their schools. The Director of Ke Kula Niʻihau o Kekaha, Tia Koerte, shared books written in ʻŌlelo Niʻihau by the school’s students which are generated annually as a part of their required curriculum. Alternative Learning Programs For its final stop, Committee members visited Kaulu I Ka Pono Academy, the only residential treatment and educational facility for youth suffering from substance abuse on Kauaʻi. The Committee received a tour of the premises, which included the history of the space, an explanation of the current efforts of the Academy, and a vision of the future of its recently completed residential quarters. At this site, the Committee also heard from Kristy Nishimura, the Director of the Alternative Learning Programs at the Department of Education, who communicated the DOE’s plans to expand alternative learning programs for students across the state. Nishimura thanked the Senate for advocating for the on-going funding for Alternative Learning Programs Services and Supports (ALPSS) for the past three years. The Committee also invited an ALPSS student leader to share her story and experiences in the program. The student captivated the Senators with her story of coming from a background in which incarceration was prevalent, and how she was exposed to dangerous and illegal situations at an early age. With the support of teachers and the ALPSS program, the student leader has been able to find new direction in school and has made efforts to turn her life around.

September 11, 2023 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki (D-12, Waikīkī, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, McCully) and Representative Adrian K. Tam (D-24, Waikīkī) issued the following joint statement today: "Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of the two Waikīkī residents who passed away in the devastating fire that occurred yesterday. Our thoughts are also with the neighbors and residents in the building who were affected and have been displaced. We express our sincere gratitude to Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) for their unwavering commitment to extinguishing yesterday's blaze. As the HFD investigates the fire's cause, we are aware that many residential buildings in our communities are aging and may lack the structural integrity of newer buildings. We remain dedicated to analyzing fire safety measures to ensure that our buildings without sprinkler systems are adequately equipped to protect their occupants. The issue of fire safety remains a priority for us. Residents impacted by this fire are encouraged to reach out to American Red Cross for immediate assistance at (808) 734-2101."