HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige extended the disaster emergency relief period for homelessness across the state today, by issuing a fourth supplementary proclamation. The emergency proclamation helps to accelerate the completion of housing projects for individuals and families who are transitioning out of homelessness, and it expands shelter capacity and access to services. Gov. Ige signed the initial emergency proclamation on Dec. 14, 2018, a supplementary proclamation on Feb. 12, 2019, a second supplementary proclamation on April 12, 2019 and a third on June 7, 2019. This fourth supplementary emergency proclamation extends the relief period until Oct. 5, 2019 unless it is terminated by a separate proclamation. #homelessness #emergencyproclamation #governorige #davidige #housing #supplementaryproclamation #disasteremergencyrelief

HONOLULU — The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wednesday, August 7, 2019. The test code used will be the National Periodic Test (NPT). Unlike last year’s test, there will be no Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) test accompanying the EAS test. This year’s test will also be different in that it will be performed from the National Government to Primary Entry Points (PEP) versus a direct feed from the internet. In Hawaii, the State Emergency Operations Center is the designated PEP due to our unique geographic nature. Across the rest of the country, a local radio station normally fulfills the task. The test is being conducted through FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). So far, there have been four successful Nationwide IPAWS Test conducted in the last eight years. The test will begin at 8:20 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time. A backup date has been planned for August 21, 2019 in the case of widespread severe weather or other significant events on the primary test date. All EAS participants are required to participate in this nationwide test. Members of the public and interested stakeholder organizations that are in a position to observe test results in their communities can provide useful feedback on the nationwide test, including any problems observed or any complications in the delivery of the EAS message during the nationwide test by reporting their observations to the Public Safety Support Center at https://www.fcc.gov/general/public-safety-support-center. #FCC #HIEMA #HawaiiEmergencyManagementAgencyHIEMA #EmergencyAlertSystem #NationalGovernmenttoPrimaryEntryPoints #PEP #StateemergencyOperationscenter #FEMA #IPAWS

HONOLULU – At the direction of the President of the United States, Gov. David Ige has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawai‘i state flag will be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard in the State of Hawai‘i beginning immediately until sunset on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019. This action is being taken as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible acts of violence perpetrated on August 3, 2019, in El Paso, Texas, and on August 4, 2019, in Dayton, Ohio. “We cannot become desensitized as we experience more of these horrible and senseless tragedies in communities across our country. Each death is a heartbreaking loss, and each person wounded will need our support,” said Gov. David Ige. #GovernorDavidIge #massshootings #ElPaso #Dayton #Ohio #Texas #HalfStaff #FlagOrder #StateofHawaii

At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. While pedestrian fatalities remain high, there was a 1.7% decrease in the number of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2017, totaling 5,977 deaths. NHTSA raises awareness of the dangers to pedestrians by providing safety tips, educational material and other resources. Find out how to protect yourself and your loved ones when walking, and learn how you can help us prevent pedestrian injuries and deaths. TRAFFIC SAFETY FACTS PEDESTRIANS, MARCH 2019 (PDF, 533.32 KB) Know the Basics—Pedestrian Safety 10 Walking Safety Tips Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible. Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road. Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen. Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment. 9 Driving Safety Tips Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the cross-walk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street. Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present. Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path. Finding and Creating Walkable Communities Resident's Guide for Creating Safe and Walkable Communities Want to improve the walkability of your neighborhood? Learn from the examples of other communities working to improve pedestrian safety. Walkability Checklist – English (PDF, 237.66 KB) | Spanish (PDF, 879.65 KB) | Asian Languages How walkable is your community? Take a walk with your child and find out for yourselves. Keeping Your Kids Safe While They Walk * Prevent Pedestrian Crashes: Parents and Caregivers of Elementary School Children (PDF, 165.61 KB) Elementary school children are very active and impulsive. Although they’re learning and growing, school-age children 10 and younger still need guidance and supervision when playing and walking near traffic. * Five Tips to Keep Your Children Safe on Their Way to and from School Strengthen your traffic safety knowledge: Teach and reinforce your children's pedestrian safety habits. * A Kid's Guide to Safe Walking (PDF, 3.04 MB) This colorful pamphlet will help you teach young children safety tips for crossing the street and things to remember when walking. ​ * Tips for Preteens & Teens: Prevent Pedestrian Crashes (PDF, 3.30 MB) Remind your preteens and teens that walking around traffic requires the same critical thinking skills as riding a bike or driving a car: Stop, look left-right-left, be safe and be seen. Walking Safely and Staying Fit as You Age Stepping Out as an Older Adult — Be Healthy, Walk Safely Share this resource with your aging parents to help them maintain their safety while walking for exercise or running errands. Safety Advocates If you're an advocate of pedestrian safety, or perhaps you work on a State or local pedestrian program, our curriculum and resources will equip you with the tools and information you need to effectively promote pedestrian safety. Accessible Pathways & Livable Communities Pocket Guide Pocket guide containing pathway accessibility and livability concepts for communities to consider (from Easter Seals). Checklist for Assessing the Accessibility of Transportation and Mobility Introduction and instructions on using a checklist to assess the accessibility of a transit route, including the path of travel (from Easter Seals). Child Pedestrian Safety Curriculum Lesson plans, assessment guides, and student response forms to teach and encourage pedestrian safety to children in kindergarten through 5th grade. ESL Teacher's Guide and Student Workbook: Walk and Bike Safely ESL guide and workbook to teach and encourage pedestrian and bike safety to adult immigrant students who are beginning English language learners. Neighborhood Wayfinding Assessment Pocket Guide Guide and checklist to help you find your way in your community (from Easter Seals). Pedestrian Safer Journey – Skills for Safe Walking for Ages 5 to 18 Interactive training package for children in elementary through high school to develop skills for safe walking. Pedestrian Safety Workshop: A Focus on Older Adults (PDF, 3.54 MB) and Instructor Guide (PDF, 3.54 MB) Presentation and guide for teaching older adults what they can do to increase their safety as pedestrians during this three-hour workshop. Tips for Preteens & Teens: Prevent Pedestrian Crashes (PDF, 3.30 MB) Walking around traffic requires the same critical thinking skills as riding your bike and driving a car. Apply the same walking skills you learned as a kid: stop, look left-right-left for traffic and be safe, be seen. Use these skills when you walk, and encourage others to do the same. Traffic Safety Facts – Children (PDF, 803.25 KB) Of the 5,987 pedestrian traffic fatalities, 245 (4%) were children in 2016. Traffic Safety Facts – Pedestrians (PDF, 573.55 KB) 5,987 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in 2016, a 9% increase from the number reported in 2015. Walkability Checklist – English (PDF, 237.66 KB) | Spanish (PDF, 879.65 KB) | Asian Languages Criteria to help you decide whether a neighborhood is a friendly place to walk. Visit FHWA's pedestrian web pages for additional information. MORE INFORMATION AT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S WEBSITE: https://www.nhtsa.gov

(Kailua-Kona) – Dramatic photographs of two oceanic whitetip sharks, lacking fins, along with photographs of a dead, three-and-a-half-foot long whitetip reef shark is raising concern among marine biologists on Hawai‘i Island. The two oceanic whitetip sharks, a species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, were observed alive off the coast of West Hawai‘i and were photographed and reported by dive tour operators. Stacia Marcoux, a Fish & Habitat Monitoring Technician with the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) commented, “Shark finning is not a new phenomenon, but the recent number of incidents is concerning. This is especially true for the threatened oceanic whitetip. We hope that once people see these photos they will join us in condemning and discouraging this kind of activity regardless of its legality.” In June, DAR colleague Megan Lamson found a whitetip reef shark, finned and dead, at Ka‘alu‘alu Bay. In addition to missing its dorsal fin it had been gutted. While the finning of the two oceanic whitetip sharks in West Hawai‘i was reported to the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) it’s difficult to investigate without knowing when it happened and who may be responsible. Marcoux received photos provided by Big Island Divers and Aquatic Life Divers of the fin-less oceanic whitetips. She said, “It’s heartbreaking to see these terrible wounds on these individuals. Sharks deserve our respect and we’re encouraged that most tour operators are educating their clients about this issue. No one wants to see an injured shark swimming by.” Marcoux and Lamson indicate, “Sharks are apex predators and vital contributors to a healthy marine ecosystem. Many shark species are long-lived, they reproduce slowly, and anything that happens to threaten them can lead to sudden populations declines.” They added that pono fishing practices include shark protection because they help sustain healthy fish communities and a balanced marine ecosystem. Additionally, certain shark species are culturally and spiritually important. People can help sharks remain a keystone species in Hawaiian waters by discouraging shark feeding, fishing, finning or harassing activities. You can also reduce impacts to the coastal environment by packing out your own trash, collect any discarded fishing line or gear and cigarette butts. Brian Neilson, DAR Administrator, explained, “We can debunk the ‘Jaws’ myth that sharks are maneaters and we encourage people to learn more about sharks and respect the role they play in our Ocean.” Currently state law prohibits the take, killing, possession, sale, or offer for sale of whitetip reef shark and other shark species in West Hawaii. Take means to fish for, catch, or harvest or attempt to fish for, catch or harvest aquatic life. It is illegal to intentionally catch a whitetip reef shark to remove a fin within the West Hawaii Regional Fishery Management Area (HAR 13-60.4-4). Additionally it is illegal to possess, sell, offer for sale, trade or distribute shark fins anywhere in Hawai‘i (HAR 188-40.7). Anyone who sees any of these activities is asked to call the DLNR hotline at 643-DLNR (643-3567) or to report it via the free DLNRTip app available for both iPhones and android devices. #TheHawaiiDepartmentofLandandNaturalResour #shark #sharkfinning #oceanicwhitetipshark #endangeredspecies #stciamarcoux #fishhabittmonitoring #DLNR #DivisionAquaticResources #DAR #KaalualuBay #MeganLamson #bigIslanddivers #WestRegionalFisheryManagementArea

HONOLULU - Senator Lorraine R. Inouye is pleased to announce that Governor David Ige has released $135,000 for renovations and improvements at the Hamakua Youth Center, in Honoka‘a. “I want to thank Governor Ige for supporting the youth who benefit from these programs with the Hamakua Youth Foundation,” Senator Inouye said. “Keeping our keiki actively engaged in enriching activities and cultural exploration will pay great dividends in the future. This is a tremendous investment in our state and the Hamakua/Honoka‘a community.” Hamakua Youth Foundation is a grassroots community organization dedicated to creating nurturing, stimulating and enjoyable youth-centered, after-school, occasional weekend, and summer programs for youth of the Hamakua District. Guided by Hawaiian traditions and values, the Hamakua Youth Center engages local youth in leadership training, environmental stewardship, music, visual arts, recreational activities, and exploration of the many cultures represented in our area. #LorraineInouye #GovernorIge #HamakuaYouthFoundation #Hamakua #Honokaa #Hilo #HawaiiSenate #HawaiiSenateMajority

Today, I am asking Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim to coordinate both county and state efforts to peacefully attempt to reach common ground with the protectors of Maunakea and the broader community. Mayor Kim is closest to the situation and the impacts are greatest on the island he leads. We both share the goal of achieving a resolution that is peaceful and satisfactory to as many as possible in the community. I support the vision he has widely articulated for Maunakea as a beacon of hope and discovery for the world that brings us together rather than divides us. And we both understand that the issues underlying what is taking place today are far deeper than TMT or Maunakea. They are about righting the wrongs done to the Hawaiian people going back more than a century. While Mayor Kim will be taking the lead, hard decisions will need to be jointly supported by the state and county and we will be working together to determine next steps that are in the best interests of all the people of Hawaiʻi. #GovernorDavidIge #Maunakea #MaunaKea #DavidIge #MayorKim #HarryKim #TMT #thirtyMeterTelescope

State extends Thirty Meter Telescope permit - Gov. Ige rescinds emergency proclamation HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today announced that the state has granted an extension of a key permit to the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). The governor has rescinded the emergency proclamation that was issued on July 17, 2019 at this time, because there are no immediate plans to move heavy construction equipment. This morning, at the request of TMT, the University of Hawaiʻi asked for a two-year extension of the Conservation District Use permit deadline for the initiation of construction. The Department of Land and Natural Resources granted this extension until Sept. 26, 2021. “Because TMT construction is not imminent, I am withdrawing the emergency proclamation effective immediately. I remain committed to moving forward with this project in a peaceful way and will continue efforts to engage the community,” said Gov. Ige. The governor noted that law enforcement officers will remain at the site for safety reasons. “The presence of large numbers of people on the mountain creates significant hazards, especially in light of the potential bad weather,” said Gov. Ige. Link to photos here Documents: CDUP Deadline DLNR Withdrawal #ThirtyMeterTelescope #TMT #MaunaKea #UniversityofHawaii #GovernorIge #DavidIge #CDUP #DLNR #DepartmentofLandandNaturalResources

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today signed new rules for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. The new rules will take effect on Aug. 9, 2019. Photo credit: Governor's Office The Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) and State Environmental Council (Council) submitted its final rules to the governor at the beginning of April 2019, after completing a nearly two-year effort to modernize the existing rules. The governor set the signing date back in May to give stakeholders sufficient time to prepare for the adoption of the new rules. The OEQC publication date for The Environmental Notice on August 8, 2019 will be the last issue under the current rules. The August 23, 2019 issue will be the first one under the new rules. In developing the new rules, the Council prepared four working drafts and held about 30 public meetings, including nine public hearings with at least one on each island. “These rules strike the right balance to ensure public involvement in government decision making and the disclosure of activities that might affect our environment. The work done by the volunteers on the Environmental Council and the OEQC staff to build consensus has been impressive,” said Gov. David Ige. “On behalf of the Council, I’d like to thank each member for their hard work over the past few years to complete the updated rules. Mahalo to Gov. Ige for his continued support throughout this process and for appointing such wonderful colleagues, whose diverse expertise and experiences contributed to a successful rulemaking process. The OEQC went above and beyond to support the Council in this effort,” said Council Chair Puananionaona Thoene. The new rules repeal the existing Hawaii Administrative Rule (HAR) Chapter 11-200 and adopt a new chapter called HAR Chapter 11-200.1. The Council repealed and replaced rather than revise the existing rules because the new rules reorganize the structure and make numerous revisions and additions. The new rules incorporate changes in the statute by the Legislature and rulings by the Hawaii Supreme Court, clarify roles and responsibilities in the process, require agencies to publicly list their exemptions on a monthly basis, allow for exemptions for building urban affordable housing in certain circumstances, make considering sea level rise and greenhouse gas emissions explicit, and require public scoping meetings at the beginning of EISs, among other changes. For more information, the OEQC maintains a webpage with links to all of the rules documents and a timeline of the effort: http://health.hawaii.gov/oeqc/rules-update/. Link to photos here #Environment #governorige #OEQC #EnvironmentalQualityControl #StateEnvironmentalCounciil #EIS #davidige

Link to photos and bios here HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today announced the appointment of three new members of the Hawai‘i Paroling Authority board. Clayton Hee, Cheryl Inouye and Max Otani have been appointed to the Hawai‘i Paroling Authority, effective immediately. The interim appointments are subject to state Senate confirmation. Their terms will expire June 30, 2023. Clayton Hee was elected to the State House of Representatives in 1982 while residing on the island of Moloka'i where he worked as a public school teacher. He was first elected to the State Senate in 1984 and later served twelve years as a member of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs where he was chairman for six years. Hee was re-elected to the State Senate in 2004 and served there until 2014. He was a longtime chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor and is the author of more than 100 laws, many of which relate to the Hawai‘i Penal Code. Previously, Hee was a lecturer at the University of Hawai‘i and taught at Windward Community College and the Windward School for Adults. In addition, he was an instructor of Hawaiian history and culture at various public schools on O‘ahu and all five public schools on Moloka‘i. Hee is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools. He earned one undergraduate degree and two graduate degrees from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Chery Inouye began her criminal justice career in probation with the Judiciary in 1981, first in District Court and in Circuit Court on O‘ahu, until her retirement in 2017. She served in a variety of probation officer positions and was also section administrator – overseeing three units of probation officers. Inouye also specialized in managing sex offenders and high-risk substance abusers during her tenure. Inouye was instrumental in developing the first sex offender unit in the State of Hawai‘i, creating and piloting an innovative domestic violence intervention strategy for felony domestic offenders, developing a specialized unit to manage high risk substance abusers, and co-developing an effective strategy for managing probation violations (later named Hawai‘i’s Opportunity Probation with Enforcement – HOPE). Inouye was born and raised on Kaua‘i. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and master’s in social work from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Max Otani worked at the Judiciary as a Family Court Officer and Circuit Court Probation Officer. He was later employed at the Hawai‘i Paroling Authority where he served for more than two decades in various positions, ranging from parole officer to division administrator. Otani was also the Intake Service Center Division Administrator and Deputy Director for Corrections with the Department of Public Safety (PSD). During his career in corrections, Otani initiated evidence-based practices with the parole and pretrial populations in efforts to reduce recidivism. He retired from PSD in 2016. Otani was born and raised in Hilo, Hawai‘i. He is a graduate of Hilo High School and the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. Otani also attended the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa where he earned a master’s in social work. The five-member Hawai‘i Paroling Authority is an independent quasi-judicial body, which is attached to the Department of Public Safety for administrative purposes only. The three new members with Tommy Johnson, Hawaii Paroling Authority Administrator and Nolan Espinda, Director Department of Public Safety. #parolingauthority #DepartmentofPublicSafety #nolandespinda #tommyjohnson #cherylinouye #claytonhee #maxotani #governorige #davidige

HONOLULU — With the National Weather Service closely monitoring what appears to be a weakening Hurricane Erick but a strengthening Tropical Storm Flossie, now is the time for preparation to avoid long lines at gas stations, grocery stores, and ATMs across Hawai'i. “Hurricane season brings the very real threat of high winds, rain, storm surge and potential flooding to the Hawaiian Islands. There could be significant impacts even if a hurricane doesn’t hit us directly. I urge Hawai'i’s residents and businesses to prepare now. Make an emergency plan, talk about it with your families and employees, and gather supplies to ensure that our communities are resilient,” said Governor David Ige. The Hawai'i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to prepare an “emergency kit” of a minimum of 14 days of food, water, and other supplies. “We advocate for a 14-day recommendation because of Hawai'i’s location in the Pacific during a disaster,” said Thomas Travis, Administrator of HI-EMA. “Everyone who plans ahead and prepares an emergency kit helps not only themselves, but they also help their entire community deal with a disaster.” For homeowners, now is also the time to think about insuring one’s property. “Know what to do pre- and post-event to protect yourself and your family, and minimize significant financial impacts,” advises Insurance Commissioner Colin Hayashida. “With the potential of a more active hurricane season, residents can be more prepared ahead of time by reading their insurance policies and taking an inventory of their home and valuables.” Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Last year’s season brought on the storm named Lane, which, had it maintained its course towards the islands, would have resulted in devastating potential damage to residents and their property. It most likely would also have resulted in catastrophic destruction to our economy due to the isolated location of Hawai'i. With the shutdown of ports, goods and services would have been weeks or even months away. HI-EMA suggests keeping your family’s supplies fresh for the entire season by rotating, consuming, and replenishing them over time. HI-EMA also recommends that residents and visitors take the following actions in preparation for a possible hurricane or tropical cyclone. HONOLULU — With the National Weather Service closely monitoring what appears to be a weakening Hurricane Erick but a strengthening Tropical Storm Flossie, now is the time for preparation to avoid long lines at gas stations, grocery stores, and ATMs across Hawai'i. “Hurricane season brings the very real threat of high winds, rain, storm surge and potential flooding to the Hawaiian Islands. There could be significant impacts even if a hurricane doesn’t hit us directly. I urge Hawai'i’s residents and businesses to prepare now. Make an emergency plan, talk about it with your families and employees, and gather supplies to ensure that our communities are resilient,” said Governor David Ige. The Hawai'i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to prepare an “emergency kit” of a minimum of 14 days of food, water, and other supplies. “We advocate for a 14-day recommendation because of Hawai'i’s location in the Pacific during a disaster,” said Thomas Travis, Administrator of HI-EMA. “Everyone who plans ahead and prepares an emergency kit helps not only themselves, but they also help their entire community deal with a disaster.” For homeowners, now is also the time to think about insuring one’s property. “Know what to do pre- and post-event to protect yourself and your family, and minimize significant financial impacts,” advises Insurance Commissioner Colin Hayashida. “With the potential of a more active hurricane season, residents can be more prepared ahead of time by reading their insurance policies and taking an inventory of their home and valuables.” Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Last year’s season brought on the storm named Lane, which, had it maintained its course towards the islands, would have resulted in devastating potential damage to residents and their property. It most likely would also have resulted in catastrophic destruction to our economy due to the isolated location of Hawai'i. With the shutdown of ports, goods and services would have been weeks or even months away. HI-EMA suggests keeping your family’s supplies fresh for the entire season by rotating, consuming, and replenishing them over time. HI-EMA also recommends that residents and visitors take the following actions in preparation for a possible hurricane or tropical cyclone. • Talk with family members and develop a clear understanding of what you will do if a hurricane or tropical storm threatens. Prepare an action plan that includes details such as whether your family intends to shelter in place or evacuate. • Know if your home is in an inundation zone, flood zone, or susceptible to high winds and other hazards. Know if your home is retrofitted with hurricane resistant clips or straps. • Stay tuned to local media and their websites and/or apps regarding weather updates. • Sign up for local notification systems (i.e., HNL.Info). • Sign up for a community emergency response team. • Get to know your neighbors and community so you can help each other. • Walk your property and check for potential flood threats. Clear your gutters and other drainage systems. Remove and secure loose items. Keep your car’s gas tank filled. • Prepare your pets by checking or purchasing a carrier and other preparedness items. A pet carrier is necessary for your pet’s safety if you plan to evacuate to a pet-friendly shelter. Don't forget 14 days of food and water for your furry family members. • Set aside an emergency supply of any needed medication and keep a copy of your prescriptions in case you run out of medication after a disaster. • Secure your important documents in protective containers including copies of your insurance policies, a home inventory of valuables, and your agent’s or insurer’s contact information. • Visitors should download the GoHawaii App and read the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Travel Safety Brochure at http://www.travelsmarthawaii.com. • Build an emergency kit – now. #HIEMA #HurricaneSeason #NationalWeatherService #TropicalStormFlossie #tropicalstorm #floodzone #BePrepared #TravelSmartHawaii #Safety #HawaiiEmergencyManagementAgency

In December 2018, the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) informed the Hawaii State Department of Education that its methodology to identify schools’ student subgroups for additional targeted support and improvement (A-TSI) as described in its approved Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated State Plan, did not meet federal requirements. As a result, Hawaii will submit an amendment. Overview In December 2018, the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) informed the Hawaii State Department of Education that its methodology to identify schools’ student subgroups for additional targeted support and improvement (A-TSI) as described in its approved Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated State Plan did not meet federal requirements. As a result, Hawaii will submit an amendment to its ESSA Consolidated State Plan to comply with the applicable federal requirements. Common questions What is an ESSA Consolidated State Plan? The ESSA was signed by President Obama on December 2015. The purpose of the ESSA Consolidated State Plan is to provide parents with quality, transparent information about ESSA as implemented in their State. Hawaii’s ESSA Consolidated State Plan was approved by the Board of Education on September 5, 2017 and signed by Governor Ige and Superintendent Kishimoto. The plan was subsequently approved by the USDOE on January 19, 2018. Why does Hawaii need to amend its ESSA Consolidated State Plan? The USDOE periodically conducts Progress Checks to monitor states’ implementation of the ESSA. During Hawaii’s Progress Check in December 2018, the USDOE indicated that Hawaii’s methodology to identify schools’ subgroups for A-TSI did not meet federal requirements. As a result, Hawaii will amend its ESSA Consolidated State Plan to meet federal requirements. What is the process for amending an ESSA Consolidated State Plan? According to the November 14, 2018 Dear Colleague Letter, any revision to an ESSA Consolidated State Plan must be submitted to the USDOE for review and approval. Prior to submitting an amendment to USDOE, a State must consult with the Governor on the amendment, afford a reasonable opportunity for public comment on the amendment, and consider such comments. What will Hawaii’s proposed ESSA amendment address? The purpose of this amendment is to ensure Hawaii’s ESSA Consolidated State Plan meets all federal requirements. USDOE is requiring HIDOE to change its methodology for identifying A-TSI. As a result of changing the A-TSI methodology, HIDOE proposes to also change the methodology for identifying consistently underperforming subgroups (TSI-CU). HIDOE’s proposal identifies A-TSI from the pool of TSI-CU schools’ subgroups. The proposed A-TSI methodology may be seen as an escalation of support for schools. What are the ESSA federal requirements regarding a State’s methodology to identify schools’ subgroups for A-TSI? ESSA requires that Hawaii provide A-TSI to any subgroup of students that, on its own, would be identified in the lowest-performing five (5) percent of Title I schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement (CSI). How does Hawaii propose to change its methodology to meet ESSA federal requirements? Hawaii’s approved ESSA Consolidated State Plan uses the lowest unit score of the lowest-performing five (5) percent of Title I schools identified for CSI as the threshold for the identification of schools’ subgroups for A-TSI. Hawaii will revise its methodology as follows: Hawaii will annually identify schools with “consistently underperforming” subgroups, defined as subgroups with the lowest performing unit score, in the bottom 10 percent of all schools for two consecutive years (TSI-CU). Once every three years, Hawaii will identify, for A-TSI, the TSI-CU schools whose consistently underperforming subgroups’ unit score is equal to or lower than the highest unit score of Title I schools identified for CSI. To see Hawaii’s approved ESSA Consolidated State Plan, click here. For a redlined version of the approved ESSA Consolidated State Plan that reflects the proposed revisions, click here. What is the anticipated impact of the proposed amendment? The proposed methodology is anticipated to impact the following: The Hawaii Department of Education estimates between 10-30 schools could have subgroup(s) identified for A-TSI in Fall 2020. Schools identified as A-TSI in Fall 2017 will be eligible to be identified as a new CSI school in Fall 2020 if a school is identified in the lowest-performing five (5) percent of Title I schools or if a school’s graduation rate falls below 67 percent. Schools identified as A-TSI in Fall 2017 will be eligible to be re-identified as A-TSI in Fall 2020 if they meet the identification criteria (see proposed methodology above). How do I submit comments on the proposed amendment? To submit comments on Hawaii’s proposed amendment to its ESSA Consolidated State Plan regarding the methodology for identifying schools’ subgroups for A-TSI, click here, or you may call the Accountability Section Office at (808) 733-4008. The deadline for comments is Friday, August 16, 2019. ​ Submit comments The public survey on Hawaiiʻs proposed amendment to its ESSA Consolidated State Plan relating to its identification of school subgroups for A-TSI will be open through August 16, 2019. #HawaiiStateDepartmentofEducation #ESSA #ESSAConsolidatedStatePlan #USDOE #davidige #governorige #CHRISTINAKISHIMOTO #AccountabilitySection #Hawaiistate #DOE