September 7, 2023 Līhuʻe, Hawaiʻi – Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8, Kauaʻi, Niʻihau) issued the following statement regarding the recent awarding of contracts to provide ground ambulance services for the counties of Maui and Kauaʻi: "Emergency medical service providers are vital members of our community. I was concerned when I first learned that AMR was not selected to continue to provide ambulance services after serving the people of Maui and Kauaʻi for over forty years. Because AMR has formally protested the awarding of the new contract, the award and execution to a new provider will remain on hold until the conclusion of the protest. I encourage the Department of Health to sincerely consider all points raised in the protest, and to continue to prioritize the health and safety of our neighbors in Maui and Kauaʻi."

September 6, 2023 Līhuʻe, Hawaiʻi – Governor Josh Green has released capital improvement project (CIP) funds to support necessary enhancements to Līhuʻe Airport in the amount of $2 million for financing an optimization plan. Improvements will contribute to the expansion and consolidation of ticketing areas, hold rooms, passenger security screening checkpoints, baggage claims, public parking, and other undersized and congested facilities. “Airports serve many important roles for our economy, from emergency response to supply chain management to tourism, and investing in the public airports helps build our local economy,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8, Kauaʻi, Niʻihau). “Improving, enhancing, and modernizing Līhuʻe Airport is necessary to improve the resident and visitor experience and to increase the safety of inbound and outbound flights. Mahalo to Governor Green for releasing the funding to finance this and other necessary improvements to Līhuʻe Airport.”

August 30, 2023 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi and Niʻihau) issued a statement today regarding Senator Gil Keith-Agaran's notice of resignation, effective October 31, 2023. "I have just received a letter dated August 30, 2023 from Senator Gil Keith-Agaran, informing me, Governor Josh Green, Hawaii Democratic Party Chair Dennis Jung, and Maui Democratic Party Chair Stephanie Ohigashi, that he will be resigning from his State Senate seat, effective October 31, 2023. Although not privy to the reasons for his decision, Senator Keith-Agaran's reasons must have been thoughtfully and carefully considered. Senator Keith-Agaran is a brilliant legislator whose integrity is beyond reproach and his leadership, experience, and calming influence, will be sorely missed in the Senate."

August 30, 2023 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran (District 5, Wailuku, Kahului, Waiheʻe, Waikapu Mauka, and Waiʻehu) issued the following statement announcing his retirement from the Hawaiʻi State Senate, effective October 31, 2023: "It has been an honor to represent my friends and family in my Central Maui communities in the State Senate and the State House of Representatives. And it has been an honor to serve with my Senate colleagues, both past and present, the Senate staff, and the people who have worked for me during the time I’ve been privileged to serve. I believe that this decision best serves the interests of the Maui people especially given what they have gone through over the last three weeks, and what they continue to experience. As we know, the Maui community — including members of my extended clan who lived and worked in West Maui — have suffered tremendous losses, including losing loved ones. Some, to this day, are still not identified or found. The choice for me has always been and will always be my family and community, and this decision is consistent with that overriding value." Senator Keith-Agaran grew up in Paia and Kahului, where he graduated from Maui High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Yale University and a Juris Doctor from the University of California Berkeley School of Law. Prior to serving in the Legislature, Senator Keith-Agaran served as the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations, the First Deputy Director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources and later the Chair of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and the Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. He also served as Public Works and Environmental Management Director for the County of Maui. In 2009, upon the passing of former Representative Bob Nakasone, Keith-Agaran was appointed to serve as the Representative for House District 9. He served the people of Maui in this position until 2013. In 2013, upon Shan Tsutsui becoming the Lieutenant Governor, Keith-Agaran was appointed to serve as the Senator for District 5 and has remained in the role ever since. He has been the Vice-Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee since 2018 and previously chaired the Judiciary committees of both the House and the Senate. In accordance with State law, Democratic Party officers will identify three names that will be transmitted to Governor Green for consideration. The Governor will have sixty days to fill the vacancy.

August 22, 2023 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate confirmed the judicial appointments of Jordon J. Kimura to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit; and Erika E. Ireland, Robert J. Brown, and David M. Hayakawa to the District Court of the First Circuit, State of Hawaiʻi. The First Circuit is located on the island of O‘ahu. “The judicial appointees bring a diverse and extensive range of knowledge and skillsets to the table,” Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13 - Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, ʻIwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee remarked. “After meeting with each of them, I am confident that they will serve the Judiciary with intelligence and integrity.” Jordan J. Kimura has been confirmed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit, State of Hawaiʻi. He is currently a co-managing partner at McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon LLP where he focuses on civil litigation and estate planning. His public service involvement ranges from providing free legal counsel to the Sex Abuse Treatment Center of Kapiʻolani Medical Center for many years, to being a pro bono liaison for the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaiʻi to assist with the assignment of cases to attorneys to handle on a pro bono (uncompensated) basis, and being an Officer and Director of University Health Partners of Hawaiʻi. He is a graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law. Erika E. Ireland has been confirmed to the District Court of the First Circuit after serving as a Per Diem Judge to the same court for two years. Aside from her time presiding in District Court, Judge Ireland has been practicing law on O‘ahu for 25 years; her experience ranges from litigation attorney and mediator for several firms, including her own solo practice, to a deputy prosecuting attorney for the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney in the City and County of Honolulu. Judge Ireland is a graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law. Robert J. Brown has been confirmed to the District Court of the First Circuit. He has been employed as a civil litigation associate with Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher since 2018, and also serves as a Per Diem Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit. Previously, Judge Brown was employed as a deputy prosecuting attorney for the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney in the City and County of Honolulu. Beyond his legal experience, Judge Brown was also a journalist for Honolulu Civil Beat, covering issues from public housing to government transparency. He is a graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law. David M. Hayakawa has been confirmed to the District Court of the First Circuit. Since 2012, he has managed his own criminal defense law practice, the Law Office of David Hayakawa. Judge Hayakawa also has experience in family law and serving as a deputy public defender for the Office of the Public Defender for the State of Hawaiʻi. His 36 years of legal experience is also rooted in educating others, including being a Criminal Law Instructor for the Legal Education Department of Kapiʻolani Community College for 8 years, serving as a member of KCC’s Paralegal Program Advisory Committee, and as the Dean of the Hawaii State Bar Association’s (HSBA’s) Trial Academy. Judge Hayakawa was recognized for his outstanding service for legal education with the HSBA’s Ikena Award in 2018. He is a graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law. Photos taken from the confirmation hearing and floor sessions can be viewed here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hawaiisenatemajority/albums/72177720310665060

August 17, 2023 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The Hawaiʻi State Senate will convene a special session for the purpose of reviewing the judicial appointments of Erika E. Ireland, Robert J. Brown, and David M. Hayakawa to the District Court of the First Circuit; and Jordon J. Kimura to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit, State of Hawaiʻi. The First Circuit is comprised of the island of O‘ahu. The 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 Monday, August 21, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. The Senate will convene in a floor session at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, August 21, 2023. This will be followed by a separate decision-making meeting of the Judiciary Committee at 3:00 p.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, August 22, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. View the hearing notice at: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/splsession2023a/Hearing_JDC_08-21-23_.pdf; or the “2023 First Special Session” link in the Session Info section of the Legislature's website (www.capitol.hawaii.gov). Members of the public who wish to testify should use the Legislature's website (www.capitol.hawaii.gov) to submit written testimony at least 24 hours prior to the hearing. While submitting written testimony, testifiers will be prompted to indicate if they would also like to testify at the hearing in-person or remotely via videoconference. Additional information and details are on the Legislature's website. The special session will only address the four pending judicial appointments.

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Maui State Senators Gilbert Keith-Agaran (District 5 - Wailuku, Kahului, Waihe‘e, Waikapu Mauka, Wai‘ehu), Lynn DeCoite (District 7 - Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe and Molokini), and Angus McKelvey (District 6 - West Maui, Mā‘alaea, Waikapū, South Maui), issued the following statement thanking the work of those who have supported the Maui Fire Relief Donation Drive at the State Capitol: "Words cannot describe our absolute heartfelt aloha for the donations that were made to our suffering community in their time of need. The efforts at the Capitol have resulted in thousands of boxes and bags that have been prepared and are either on the way or are ready to be delivered to Maui. Already, over 10,000 pounds of food and other high need items, including diapers and baby formula, have been sent to Maui. Mahalo to everyone who donated to the drive, including the donations for Maui, and the donations of materials and food to support the volunteers. Mahalo to the over 1000 volunteers that helped collect, sort, package, and load the incredible volume of donated items. Seeing the people of O‘ahu join together in such a monumental way to support our Maui ‘ohana is inspirational, and a reminder of what Hawai‘i can do." Photos from the Maui Fire Relief Donation Drive can be accessed here.

In response to the ongoing wildfire disasters on Maui, the three State Senators representing Maui, Senator Angus McKelvey (District 6, West Maui, Māʻalaea, Waikapū, and South Maui), Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran (District 5, Wailuku, Kahului, Waiheʻe, Waikapu Mauka, and Waiʻehu), and Senator Lynn DeCoite (District 7, Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, and Molokini), have organized a donation drive on Oʻahu at the State Capitol to benefit our neighbors harmed by the wildfires. If you live on Oʻahu and would like to help, please drop-off goods to the State Capitol on Thursday or Friday of this week, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The Donation Drive is accepting toiletries, diapers, formula, toys, clothing, bedding, household goods, and non-perishable food. At this time, bottled water donations are discouraged. WHAT: Maui Fire Relief Donation Drop-Off WHEN: Thur., Aug. 10, 2023, and Fri., Aug. 11, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. WHERE: Hawaii State Capitol 415 S. Beretania, Honolulu, HI 98613 Two drop-off locations: (1) In front of the Capitol on Beretania (near Father Damien Statue); & (2) Capitol Parking Lot (off Miller Street).

The three State Senators representing Maui, Senator Angus McKelvey (District 6, West Maui, Māʻalaea, Waikapū, and South Maui), Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran (District 5, Wailuku, Kahului, Waiheʻe, Waikapu Mauka, and Waiʻehu), and Senator Lynn DeCoite (District 7, Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, and Molokini) issued the following statement in response to the wildfire emergencies affecting Maui County: “Today, we offer our condolences and aloha to the ʻohana of those who have lost their lives, and those who have lost their homes and livelihoods to the wildfires on Maui. We share our aloha with our neighbors on Maui as we face devastation in Lāhainā and around the island. Our brave firefighters and other first responders continue to battle the flames in Lāhainā, Pūlehu, and Upcountry that were fueled by strong winds from Hurricane Dora as it passed well south of the Hawaiian Islands, and continue to help those impacted by the emergency. We hope that members of our community continue to take care of themselves and one another. We can already see the way we are working together selflessly as a community in providing food, water, clothing, and other needs, which reflects why Maui no ka ʻoi. We urge patience and understanding so that resources and needs can be distributed and addressed safely and efficiently. We have been in contact with Senate President Ronald Kouchi, Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, Adjutant General Kenneth Hara, and Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, Jr., and have been briefed on coordinating responses from government, local businesses, non-profits, and others in the community to best help our neighbors, residents, and any visitors who are in great need. We appreciate their leadership and support. If you would like to help those in need, the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku is open today and Thursday as a drop-off center for donations for emergency housing fire evacuees. Non-perishable food, bottled water, hygiene items, and blankets are being accepted. Those wishing to donate should enter the complex through Kanaloa Avenue and drop off donations at the field on the left. The drop-off center will be open through 6:00 a.m. today and from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday. Binhi At Ani Community Center in Kahului will also be serving as a drop-off center until 9:00 p.m. today and on Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Fire stations are unable to accept donations for shelters. As the danger from the emergency persists, our emergency responders are focused on preserving life and property. We understand that many people still have unanswered questions, and we anticipate these questions will be answered as the details and severity of this catastrophe become clearer over the next few weeks. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to continue to share aloha.”

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Between July 26-28, 2023, members of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means visited multiple venues on Maui and Molokaʻi, where they were met by State officials and community members who delivered presentations on their plans for a range of both Governor's and Senate priorities, including economic and workforce development, investments in infrastructure, the coalescing of a food innovation network, and the future of Kahoʻolawe and Kalaupapa. "The Ways and Means Committee takes seriously our commitment to ensuring that funds appropriated each session are being spent expeditiously and producing the intended results for people of Hawaiʻi. On these site visits, we take the opportunity to learn, inquire, discuss, and determine how best to push forward vital initiatives that will need our legislative support and State resources," said Ways and Means Chair Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (District 17, portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Laulani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village).. The three-day schedule filled with vigorous discussions gave Senators an opportunity to convene Cabinet members and private sector leaders to learn more about the status of critical and urgent statewide and regional initiatives. Senator Lynn DeCoite (District 7, Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Molokini) shared her thoughts on the importance of participating in the Ways and Means site visits, “I am grateful to Chair Dela Cruz and Members of the Hawaiʻi Senate Ways and Means Committee for taking the time to come to Maui, topside Moloka’i, and Kalaupapa peninsula to look and learn about State programs and projects. Getting to see the projects in person and having active conversations help us better understand the needs of our communities, especially those on the neighbor islands and in rural areas. I am especially thankful for the members who came to Moloka’i, experiencing our only airline transportation option firsthand, while also seeing the beauty and culture of the friendly isle.” Creating an Ecosystem for Food Innovation Representatives from Maui Nui Venison, the Department of Education, the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Food Innovation Center, and the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism provided the Committee with insights and plans for how each of their programs, businesses and agencies are attempting to cultivate components of a new statewide food and product innovation network led by the Agribusiness Development Corporation. With resources and support from the Legislature, various stakeholders will contribute to the build-out of a food and value-added product ecosystem to increase Made-in-Hawaiʻi exports and food security, while decreasing food imports by providing the infrastructure, facilities, and support services to process and consume locally grown agricultural goods. These efforts compliment the vision of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Chair, Kali Watson, who plans to provide subsistence agricultural homestead lots. The Senate wants to ensure that an ecosystem approach is being implemented by the executive departments so that the benefit of collective efforts can be realized and will move the State closer to achieving its goal of doubling food production. Future needs identified by stakeholders to grow the value-added product industry include a metabolic lab for nutrition testing, establishing career pathways for food science, and aggregating produce from local farmers to generate economies of scale. Workforce Housing and Preschools Being Developed Across Maui County Preschool expansion and housing plans were shared by Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, representatives from the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation , the Department of Accounting and General Services, and the Transit-Oriented Development Council. Ways and Means members and department heads discussed timelines, deliverables, and the urgency in which to execute proposed plans for the Kahului Civic Center Mixed-Use Complex as well as the purchase of the Haggai Institute property by the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation. The members expressed great concern that the Kahului Civic Center Plan timeline is moving slower than anticipated and that hurdles around historic preservation were not being addressed in a timely fashion. This past session, the Legislature appropriated $45 million to the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation, which intends to purchase and lease the Haggai Institute to Maui County to provide early learning classrooms and workforce housing. A discussion on the intended use of the facility became a point of contention as Ways and Means members questioned the proposed program and service uses that were not legislatively approved. The Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation will meet with County officials to revisit the Session Law and statutory mandates to update the plan accordingly. The Committee reinforced the need for Maui County to articulate a plan to execute the proposed programs and services prior to the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation's acquisition of the facility. The Committee also urged stakeholders to utilize the Governor's July 17, 2023, Emergency Proclamation Relating to Housing and to work with the Governor to amend the Proclamation to help overcome hurdles in both housing projects. "The opportunity to leverage the Haggai Institute is a big win for Maui. This acquisition increases our ability to provide essential and affordable workforce housing to the region while assisting the State to meet our goal of increasing pre-k classrooms. There is a lot of work to do in a short amount of time to close out this purchase and we're depending on our County partners to help us get this done," shared Senator Angus McKelvey, (District 6, West Maui, Mā‘alaea, Waikapū, South Maui). Creating a Foundation for Hawaiian Self-Determination Hawaiian community priorities were also a focus of the Maui County site visits, taking the members from Maui to Molokaʻi and ending in Kalaupapa. Chair Watson provided a progress report on the historic $600 million appropriation in 2022, with the encumbrance of the $200 million in Fiscal Year 2023 and the remaining $400 million expected by the end of Fiscal Year 2024 for homestead and infrastructure development statewide. Chair Watson accompanied the members to Kalaupapa, where in-depth discussions regarding the future transition of Kalaupapa were had between the Ways and Means Committee, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, the Department of Health, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the U.S. National Park Service. The Kalaupapa Transition Interagency Working Group will convene on August 11 to discuss issues identified, including the preservation and maintenance of the over two hundred structures and the current and future governance for the County of Kalawao. While on Maui, Chair Hulu Lindsey from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs provided an update on the working group responsible for determining the Public Land Trust Inventory and the current focus of the office. Michael Nahoʻopiʻi, Executive Director for the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission , provided a comprehensive overview and request for funding for a proposed Kahoʻolawe education and operations center. He also presented a sovereignty transfer action plan for the island of Kahoʻolawe upon the federal recognition as a Hawaiian sovereign entity. Committee members shared with Office of Hawaiian Affairs leaders their thoughts on the gravity and sense of urgency for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to lead efforts in addressing self-determination and negotiating not just the current twenty percent Public Land Trust proceeds but to also include any future claims against the State as well. "This is an exciting and important time for the Hawaiian community as the State engages with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Department of Hawaiian Homelands on determining the return and compensation of highly valued and sacred lands, waters, and other cultural natural resource assets. These resource negotiations, transition discussions, and planning efforts are setting the path for a prosperous and thriving future for a Hawaiian nation when one becomes formalized," said Senator Dela Cruz. The State's Energy Future Must Have a Firm Plan of Action Mark Glick, Chief Energy Officer of the Hawaiʻi State Office of Energy, and Leo Asuncion, Chair of the Public Utilities Commission, presented a plan to meet the State’s 2045 one-hundred percent Renewable Portfolio Standards mandate. The plan faced scrutiny by the Committee, as it was primarily derived by Hawaiian Electric rather than driven by the State Energy Office. At the request of the Ways and Means Committee, there will be a follow up presentation and discussion at the Ways and Means Hawaiʻi Island site visit at the end of August to allow more time for the State Energy Office to craft a plan inclusive of State priorities, such as the diversification of our energy portfolio and commitment to firm energy to ensure energy resilience, and developing a clean energy workforce to help reverse the out-migration of Hawaiʻi's residents. Unclogging Hawai'i's Ever-Growing Brain Drain A major underpinning for many of the site visits was the increased need for Hawaiʻi P-20, the State Department of Education, and the University of Hawaiʻi Community College's to work more closely with the State executive departments to address the continuously growing "brain drain" from Hawaiʻi. With over $63 million in State general funds earmarked for career and technical education, Ways and Means committee members called for a more urgent and focused effort to develop and implement comprehensive and aligned career technical education pathway programs, certification and licensure training, upskilling and internships for essential industries in Hawaiʻi, including law enforcement, healthcare, transportation, education, construction, agriculture, and food service. These discussions to address the state's workforce needs will continue during the Committee's site visit to Hawaiʻi Island. "It is always a good thing for our O‘ahu and neighbor island colleagues to see in person how state funding is being used on our county's islands – Maui, Moloka‘i, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe – including how projects like our CNA and LPN programs at UH Maui College can really make a difference for our health providers and workforce, not just locally, but statewide" said Ways and Means Vice-Chair Senator Gil Keith-Agaran (District 5, Wailuku, Kahului, Waiheʻe, Waikapu, Mauka, Waiʻehu). " Senator DeCoite, Senator McKelvey, and I will need their support as we advocate to expand some of these projects, so showing the success of how our state workers are collaborating with local businesses and communities, and the potential for even broader improvements in people's lives, is key." Site visits across Oʻahu have been conducted throughout the legislative interim. The Committee will visit Hawai‘i island in August and Kaua‘i in September in preparation for the 2024 legislative session. A visit to Maui Nui Venison to see its value-add production and workforce housing facilities. Senator Lynn DeCoite discussing the challenges of addressing the axis deer crisis in Maui County. Samplings of value-added products created through the UH Maui College Food Innovation Program. Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke and Legislators celebrating with keiki on the opening of a Pre-K classroom at Wailuku Elementary School. Hawaiʻi Housing Finance Development Corporation meets with Ways and Mean members to discuss the impending purchase of the Haggai Institute for workforce housing and early learning classrooms. Michael Naho'opi'i sharing about the various Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission programs and a vision for a new visitor and operations center. Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chair Hulu Lindsey shares her thoughts about OHA's role in the Kaho'olawe Island transfer. Chair Kali Watson breaks down the various DHHL projects and housing product mix being deployed statewide. A National Park Service Officer explains to Senator DeCoite and Senator Dela Cruz the difficulty of maintaining the over two hundred structures in Kalaupapa. A National Park Service Ranger explains to Senator Moriwaki and Senator Shimabukuro the various conservation efforts at Kalaupapa. Senator Michelle Kidani, Director of Health Dr. Kenneth Fink, Chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Kali Watson, and Deputy Director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources Laura Ka'akua discussing the site selection for a Kalaupapa Memorial

Today, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (WAM) and Health and Human Services (HHS) hosted site visits to the Pūlama Ola Medical Respite Kauhale and the ʻImi Ola Piha Homeless Triage Center at the Institute for Human Services (IHS). The visits solidify the Senate’s initiatives to disrupt pathways to homelessness, including efforts to address drug abuse, mental health, and the cost of living in Hawaiʻi. The Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness James Koshiba, along with Executive Director for IHS Connie Mitchell, presented on these efforts. Pūlama Ola is a medical respite village consisting of 10 tiny homes located on the mauka side of the DOH’s parking lot. This innovative kauhale community will serve as the state’s first tiny home kauhale for unhoused individuals leaving hospitals and in need of additional support on their path to healing and recovery. The 10-unit village managed by Project Vision Hawai‘i (PVH), a non-profit organization that provides health and human services, targeting communities with access to care issues such as lack of insurance, geographic challenges, cultural barriers, and limited or no income. PVH provides around-the-clock staffing at the kauhale for intake, supervision, and care coordination, along with registered nurses who make daily rounds and a mobile hygiene unit for clients to take hot showers. Act 164, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2023, included $15 million in fiscal year 2023-2024 and $33 million in fiscal year 2024-2025. “The patients at Pūlama Ola Kauhale are not just chronically homeless but are also suffering from major mental and physical illnesses, requiring long term care that Hawaiʻi’s Emergency rooms and hospitals are unable to provide,” said WAM Chair Senator Donovan Dela Cruz. “The medical kauhale is filling a continuum of care void that traditional homeless shelters like IHS’s ʻImi Ola Piha Homeless Triage Center aren’t equipped for.” IHS is a private non-profit agency focused on ending and preventing homelessness in Hawaiʻi. The IHS site visit included a tour of the ʻImi Ola Piha Homeless Triage Center, which is the first community-based medically monitored detox facility on Oʻahu. Act 248, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2022, included $1.6 million as a Grant-in-Aid for IHS. “The Pūlama Ola Kauhale and ʻImi Ola Piha Homeless Triage Center is a demonstration of two of the many ways the State is trying to address the extreme mental and healthcare needs of Hawaiʻi’s homeless,” said Senator Dela Cruz.

On Friday, July 21, Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani (District 18, Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia), Senator Herbert M. "Tim" Richards III (District 4, North Hilo, Hāmakuā, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona), and Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (District 17, portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Laulani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village) attended the Student Empowerment and Leadership Conference hosted by the Hawaiʻi Department of Education's Alternative Learning Programs, Supports, and Services (ALPSS). ALPSS provides supportive environments that help students rise above adversity to thrive. The event was the culmination of a week-long conference where student leaders stayed at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa dormitories and embarked on an educational experience led by teachers and professionals regarding various career paths; from Video Production, OSHA-15, to Student Empowerment and Leadership. Chosen leaders from each participating school shared their experiences as change agents in their communities to the audience and presented their policy proposals to the Senators. "As Senate Vice President and Chair of the Education Committee, I am truly honored to participate in the ALPSS Summer Student Summit at UH Mānoa,” said Senator Kidani. “Alternative learning programs in public schools offer invaluable benefits by providing diverse and flexible educational approaches that cater to individual learning styles which foster a supportive environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and personalized growth." “What we witnessed today reaffirms our commitment to the Alternative Learning Program,” said Senator Dela Cruz. “This Student Showcase was a reminder that it is never about where you start but how you finish. The Alternative Learning Programs help change the trajectories of our most vulnerable students and provide environments for them to grow through their adversities.” "I firmly believe in the power of quality education for all,” said Senator Richards. “The ALPSS program exemplifies our commitment to ensuring every student has a fair chance to obtain that education -- every student's success is our priority. This program can be transformative especially for some of our rural and underserved students." Senator Tim Richards “The Senate is proud to support a program that saves lives and helps establish Hawaii as a global leader for positive change,” said Senator Dela Cruz, “I commend Director Nishimura and her staff on their commitment to disrupt pathways to prison, prostitution, and poverty.”