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  • LEGISLATIVE BILLS TO PROVIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS SIGNED INTO LAW

    Measures expand HINET Program and continue successful Promise Program to help with tuition and basic needs Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – To offset the costs of a community college student's basic student needs such as food and transportation, and paying for tuition, state lawmakers passed two bills last session appropriating more than $2.3 million in state funds to help our young people achieve their dream of a college education. Governor David Ige today signed one of these bills, SB50 SD2 HD1 the Hawai'i Nutrition Employment and Training Program (HINET), into law during a ceremony at the State Capitol. This bill appropriates $910,000 ($455,000 for each of the next two fiscal years) to continue the HINET program and hire seven full-time instructional and student support positions. HINET helps students cover the cost of food, transportation, books, and necessary tools. HINET is a workforce and education training program offered to students who receive or are eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and are enrolled at least part-time at a University of Hawaiʻi community college in an approved program. HINET staff work with students one-on-one to address their needs and goals, and match them with training. Representative Justin H. Woodson, Chair of the House Lower & Higher Education Committee, said this bill helps students pay for their basic needs so they can focus on their education. "If a student cannot get to school, doesn't have the needed text book, or is so hungry they cannot focus on their lessons, if is very difficult to complete a program and earn a college degree," said Rep. Woodson (Kahului, Pu‘unēnē, Old Sand Hills, Maui Lani). "There are many hurdles that low-income students must overcome to get an education and make their lives better. Legislators want to do all we can to invest in our students and therefore invest in the future of Hawaiʻi." The second bill, SB316 SD2 HD2 – Hawaiʻi Community College Promise Program was signed by the Governor on June 7 and is now Act 61. . This bill provides $1.4 million ($700,000 for each of the next two fiscal years) to cover community college tuition for eligible students once all other federal aid and public and private scholarships are exhausted. The bill also requires the University of Hawaiʻi to collect data on how well the Promise Program directly increases the likelihood that a recipient attends college and completes a degree program. "Tuition support gives students a foot in the door," said Rep. Woodson. "With that help, they are moving closer to achieving their educational goals and dreams." #donnamercadokim #kalanienglish #HINET #PromiseProgram #DavidIge #SupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram #JustinWoodson #SenatorEnglish #SenatorKim #HawaiiCommunityCollegePromiseProgram #ACT61

  • Governor Ige signs 18 bills in Tuesday’s signing ceremonies

    HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige signed a series of bills into law today, ranging from kupuna care, homelessness and mental health, traffic safety, elections and health. The bills are as follows: Kupuna Care Package: Link to Kupuna Care bill signing video here ACT 123 -- HB465 Relating to Aging ACT 124 -- HB468 Relating to the Health Aging Partnership Program ACT 125 -- HB471 Relating to Aging ACT 126 -- SB1025 Relating to the Kupuna Caregivers Program ACT 127 -- SB366 Relating to Health Homelessness & Mental Health: Link to Homelessness – Mental Health bill signing video here ACT 128 -- HB257 Relating to Homelessness ACT 129 -- SB1124 Relating to Mental Health ACT 130 -- SB567 Relating to Mental Health Treatment Traffic Safety: Link to Traffic Safety bill signing video here ACT 131 -- SB663 Relating to Highway Safety ACT 132 -- SB98 Relating to Crosswalk Safety ACT 133 -- SB693 Relating to Statewide Traffic Code ACT 134 -- HB757 Relating to Transportation Elections: Link to Elections bill signing video here ACT 135 -- SB216 Relating to Elections ACT 136 -- HB1248 Relating to Elections ACT 137 -- HB168 Relating to the Electronic Transmission of Ballots Health: Link to Health bill signing video here ACT 138 -- SB549 Relating to Healthy Beverages for Children ACT 139 -- SB1246 Relating to Telehealth ACT 140 -- HB1453 Relating to Emergency Medical Services In addition, Gov. Ige signed the following bills last Thursday and Friday: Signed June 20, 2019: ACT 101 – HB1157 Relating to Post-Secondary Education Student Immunizations Signed June 21, 2019: ACT 102 – HB349 Relating to International Yoga Day ACT 103 – SB754 Relating to Agriculture ACT 104 – HB463 Relating to Food Safety ACT 105 – SB1342 Relating to the Probate Code ACT 106 – HB297 Relating to Mosquito Vector Control ACT 107 – SB197 Relating to Campaign Finance ACT 108 – SB852 Relating to Restitution for Victims of Crime ACT 109 – SB144 Relating to lobbyists ACT 110 – HB1307 Relating to an Office of Administrative Hearings ACT 111 – HB1268 Relating to Statutory Revision: Amending or repealing various provisions of the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes and the Session Laws of Hawai‘i for the purpose of correcting errors and references, clarifying language, and deleting obsolete or unnecessary provisions ACT 112 – HB903 Relating to the Judiciary ACT 113 – HB116 Relating to the State Budget ACT 114 – HB807 Relating to Offenses Against Public Administration ACT 115 – HB546 Relating to Intoxicating Liquor ACT 116 – HB1070 Relating to Education ACT 117 – HB507 Relating to Search Warrants ACT 118 – HB356 Relating to Claims Against the State ACT 119 – HB170 Relating to Ethics ACT 120 – HB169 Relating to the state Ethics Code ACT 121 – SB1417 Relating to Filipino Veterans Burial Assistance ACT 122 – HB852 Relating to the Hawai‘i State Energy Office ### #KUPUNACARE #homelessness #mentalhealth #billsigning #elections #children #Telehealth #emergencymedicalservices #davidige #postsecondaryeducationstudentimmunizations #yogaday #agriculture #foodsafety #probatecode #msquitovectorcontrol #campaignfinance #restitutionforvictimsofcrime #lobbyists #officeofadministrativehearings #statebudget #judiciary #education #searchwarrants #ethics #filipinoveteransburialassistance #hawaiistateenergyoffice #hawaiisenate #HawaiiSenateMajority #rozbaker #kaikahele #stanleychang #kurtfevella #jarrettkeohokalole #sharonmoriwaki

  • LEEWARD LAWMAKERS TO HONOR STATE BASEBALL DIVISION CHAMPS NANAKULI HAWKS

    Honolulu – State Senator Maile Shimabukuro, and State Representatives Stacelyn Eli and Cedric Asuega Gates will join the coaches and players of the Nanakuli Hawks 12U (12 year-olds and younger) Baseball Team to celebrate the team’s victory in the 2019 Hawaii 12/70 Division Baseball Championship. The lawmakers will present coaches and players with Congratulatory Certificates following the team’s practice at 6:30 p.m. this Wednesday, June 26, 2019, Nānākuli Public Library, Heleakalā Conference Room 89-070 Farrington Highway next to Nānāikapono Elementary School The team, consisting of 13 boys from seven different Leeward O'ahu schools, overcame over 40 other teams to claim division honors at the Cal Ripken State Tournament on June 9th, 2019. The team is now raising funds to travel to Rohnert Park, CA to represent Hawaii in the 2019 Pacific Southwest Regional Tournament in July. #nanakulihawks #baseball #hawaiibaseballchampions #CalRipkenStateTournament #pacificsouthwestregionaltournament #maileshimabukuro #stacelyneli #cedricgates

  • Airbnb among 20 bills on Governor Ige’s Intent to Veto List

    HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige notified legislative leaders and key lawmakers of his Intent to Veto the following 20 measures. The Hawai‘i State Constitution requires the governor to notify the Legislature of the bills he intends to veto no later than the 35th day after adjournment, which is June 24. The governor must either sign or veto bills by July 9. If no action is taken on a bill it becomes law without his signature. INTENT TO VETO LIST HB290 RELATING TO THE UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT. This measure authorizes qualifying patients or out-of-state patients to transport medical cannabis between islands for their personal medical use. Rationale: Marijuana, including medical cannabis, remains illegal under federal law. Both the airspace and certain areas of water fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government. This bill may lead travelers, acting in reliance on this provision, to erroneously believe they are immune from federal prosecution. Additionally, there are a number of operational concerns for both the State Department of Transportation and the State Department of Public Safety. HB323 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION. This bill would classify certain former military vehicles as special interest vehicles and enable owners to apply for registration of these motor vehicles. The change would allow specific pre-1995 vehicles including Humvees, Pinzgauers, Kaiser Jeep M715s, and DUKWs (“Ducks”) to operate on the public roadways. Rationale: The original intent of the special interest vehicle legislation was to address the needs of collector enthusiasts who invest in acquiring, restoring and maintaining pre-1968 vehicles by allowing them to be showcased. Classifying these military vehicles as “special interest vehicles” will result in the violation of Federal Motor Safety Standards and allow vehicles that do not pass emission testing standards on our roadways. HB407 RELATING TO EDUCATION. This bill requires that Board of Education approval be obtained prior to the termination of a Department of Education complex area superintendent. Rationale: The Board of Education already has the authority to establish a policy allowing the Board to approve the termination of a complex area superintendent. Moreover, this bill may impact the Board’s role as an appellate body as well as the appeal rights of complex area superintendents. HB629 RELATING TO MEDICAL RELEASE. This bill creates a formal medical release program within the Hawai‘i Paroling Authority (HPA) to allow inmates with terminal or debilitating diseases or illnesses to be released from custody before the expiration of their sentence. The Director of Public Safety, an inmate or an inmate’s representative may submit a written request for medical release. The bill also sets forth specific requirements for both HPA and the Public Safety Department (PSD) to follow when establishing and implementing the medical release program. Rationale: A Medical Release Program has been in existence in PSD and HPA policies since December 2014. This bill mandates that PSD and HPA complete certain tasks within short periods of time, but does not provide more funding for more staff. There are also concerns that this bill opens the referral process for medical release to an inmate or an inmate representative, who may or may not be medically trained. The PSD Health Care Division would be required to provide a detailed, comprehensive medical assessment within 20 days of receipt of each referral. HB655 RELATING TO HEALTH. This measure designates the month of September as “Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month” to increase public awareness of suicide prevention education, resources, and support available in Hawaii. Rationale: HB655 HD1 SD1 should be vetoed because it was erroneously transmitted to the Governor. The Governor firmly believes in the merits of the bill and will designate September of this year as “Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month” by executive order. Additionally, he will work with the legislature to make the necessary legislative fixes so September will be properly designated next session. HB702 RELATING TO SATELLITE NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGY. This measure prohibits the sale or offering for sale of location data that is recorded or collected by a satellite navigation technology-equipped device without the explicit consent of the individual who is the primary user of the device. Rationale: This measure attempts to regulate a complex national industry without sufficient and appropriate wording to ensure consistent compliance and enforcement. There are concerns about unintended consequences if this measure becomes law. HB748 RELATING TO PROPERTY FORFEITURE. This bill would prohibit civil asset forfeiture unless there is a felony conviction of the owner of the property. The bill also would also change the distribution of forfeiture proceeds from the state and local law enforcement agencies to the state general fund. Rationale: Civil asset forfeiture is an effective and critical law enforcement tool that prevents the economic benefits of committing a crime from outweighing consequential criminal penalties and punishment. This measure would also abolish civil asset forfeiture related to serious misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor crimes that negatively impact our society, natural resources, and environment. Furthermore, safeguards presently exist in Hawaii’s asset forfeiture statutes that prevent the abuses cited in the bill. HB1032 RELATING TO STATE BOATING FACILITIES. This measure would establish a state boating facility lease pilot program within the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to be implemented and managed by the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR). DLNR would be able to lease Manele Small Boat Harbor in its entirety, to include fast lands and submerged lands within it, for the private development, management, and operation of its facilities. Rationale: Although DLNR had sought general authorization for public-private partnerships of small boat harbors, this measure designates Manele Small Boat Harbor as a pilot program without public input. HB1133 RELATING TO MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS. This measure would limit the number of commercial use permits for the Molokini Shoal marine life conservation district (MLCD) to no more than 40 and prohibit the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) from issuing new permits. It would also limit access at any given time to 50 percent of the current number of permit holders. Rationale: This measure is unnecessary as DLNR already limits the number of Molokini Shoal MLCD commercial use permits to 40. The language that limits access to 50 percent of the current number of permits at any given time is actually counter-productive to DLNR’s efforts to address overcrowding. DLNR is in the process of working with the commercial use permit holders to adjust the operating schedules to coordinate access to better manage the impact of commercial activity on this precious natural resource. HB1276 RELATING TO EDUCATION. This bill would establish a working group to develop best practices for collaborative teacher preparation time and expanded learning time for students in public schools. Some of the items to be considered are the establishment of collaborative teacher preparation time, the placement of classroom desks to facilitate group learning, and the rotation of principals among the public schools. The working group would submit a report of findings to the legislature, superintendent of education and all complex area superintendents. Rationale: While this bill is well-intentioned, it would encourage the development of a “one-size-fits-all” approach to schools. Issues involving planning and expanding learning time are best left to the specific schools to address, as these matters must consider the distinct needs of a particular school as well as the unique needs of our students. Furthermore, planning and learning time are matters better left to the Board of Education, as they fit squarely within its statutory and constitutional authority. SB33 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. This measure would increase the annual rolling cap for the motion picture, digital media and film production income tax credit from $35 million to $50 million. It would further require the University of Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) to execute a memorandum of understanding for a no-cost lease agreement that would include a provision requiring the title be transferred to HTDC within six years. Rationale: The administration supports the growth of Hawaiʻi’s thriving film industry. Unfortunately, this bill infringes on the University of Hawaiʻi’s constitutional autonomy. Article X, section 6 of the Hawaiʻi Constitution gives the University Board of Regents “exclusive jurisdiction over the internal structure, management, and operation of the university.” SB92 RELATING TO POLICE REPORTS. This bill would allow surviving immediate family members of murder or manslaughter victims to receive a copy of the closing police report at the conclusion of all related criminal and civil proceedings for the offenses of murder and manslaughter. Rationale: Immediate family members of victims of all crimes already have the right to receive closing police reports, which makes this bill unnecessary. Furthermore, restricting this right to immediate family members of only murder or manslaughter victims may lead to a narrow interpretation of the law, leaving family members of victims of other crimes without access to closing police reports. Under current law, members of the general public can obtain copies of any police report after the conclusion of criminal and civil proceedings, provided certain conditions are met in accordance with the Uniform Information Practices Act. SB301 RELATING TO TAXATION OF REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS. This measure would not allow “dividends paid deductions” for real estate investment trusts (REITs). Rationale: This measure could discourage the business community from investing in Hawai‘i. Disallowing dividends paid deduction for REITs could potentially stifle economic development and scare away investment capital to address our aging infrastructure. From an economic development perspective, REITs provide stable economic growth and long-term benefits - including job creation - that will extend the supply chain into rental and commercial properties. The benefits of continuing with this federally established legislation are clear and quantifiable. REITs are an important investment vehicle for all types of investments in Hawai‘i. If the state corporate income tax is imposed on a REIT, there may be negative impacts to the state’s economic health and business climate, such as the reduction of general excise, property and state income taxes. Overall, the unintended consequences of imposing a corporate tax on REITs, are not worth the potential benefits. Hawai‘i needs to be a place that is able to attract investment capital in order to create jobs and a sustainable economy. SB551 RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS. This measure clarifies the right of condominium associations to conduct non-judicial foreclosures, even if the governing documents do not have an explicit power of sale provision. The bill also requires the foreclosing association to offer mediation with any notice of default and intention to foreclose and the prescribed procedure when mediation is chosen by the consumer. Rationale: This legislation includes a retroactive application that may present constitutional concerns. SB1292 RELATING TO TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS. This bill would require hosting platforms that collect fees for booking services, to register as tax collection agents and collect general excise and transient accommodation taxes for transient accommodation bookings from operators and plan managers. Rationale: The state's taxation of transient accommodations through hosting platforms should complement the counties' regulation of transient accommodations. While the taxation of illegal transient accommodation uses would not legalize these operations, there is concern that the collection of taxes on illegal transient accommodations could be viewed as legitimizing these operations. Additionally, the recent passage of Bill 89 (2018) by the Honolulu City Council, which is pending signature by Mayor Kirk Caldwell, is an example of a county that has enacted specific enforcement provisions governing transient accommodations and hosting platforms. These measures, and other such county measures, raise significant issues for the Department of Taxation that were not fully contemplated by the Legislature when it passed SB 1292. Both the federal Internal Revenue Service and the State Tax Department are obligated to collect taxes on business activity, whether legal or illegal, as affirmed by the U.S. Constitution (16thAmendment) and a hundred years of court decisions. While SB 1292 may make tax collection more efficient, the recent passage of Bill 89 (2018) by the Honolulu City Council could affect certain logistics in the collection of those taxes. Further review is required to ensure there are no adverse unintended consequences that were not fully contemplated by the Legislature or DOTAX when the bill was debated during the Legislative Session. SB1353 RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL HEMP. This measure establishes an industrial hemp licensing program requiring the Department of Agriculture to create an industrial hemp plan to be approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The bill also makes various statutory changes, including removing from criminal regulation the cultivation, possession or sale of either licensed or unlicensed industrial hemp. Rationale: There are concerns that this bill creates a licensing structure that cannot be enforced, will not meet USDA requirements for an approved industrial hemp program, and creates practical problems in the enforcement of existing medical cannabis. SB1405 RELATING TO ELECTRONIC SMOKING PRODUCTS. This bill requires public school teachers or educators to confiscate e-cigarettes or electronic smoking devices (ESDs) from students; requires the Department of Health to create a safe harbor program for disposing ESDs; and increases the fines from $10 to $100 for any person under the age of 21 who violates laws relating to electronic smoking devices. Rationale: There are considerable implementation concerns and unknown costs relating to certain provisions in this bill. This measure does not include a definition for an “electronic cigarette”. A definition is necessary to provide teachers, educators and students with an understanding of what items are subject to confiscation. Furthermore, confiscating and destroying evidence of a crime may hinder prosecution of those individuals responsible for selling or furnishing electronic cigarettes to persons under the age of 21. It should be noted that the costs to plan for and to create a safe harbor program, store and destroy ESDs, including the hazardous nicotine waste contained in these devices, are unknown and unfunded. SB1423 RELATING TO PAYMENT OF BAIL. This bill allows defendants for whom a monetary amount of bail has been set, to pay the bail amount seven-days-a-week on a twenty-four-hour basis and be released from custody upon posting or payment of bail. Rationale: This bill is redundant to bail reform provisions within HB1552 Relating to Public Safety and is unnecessary. It requires the Department of Public Safety to establish a process to collect bail funds on a 24/7 basis without additional funding to staff and support this new mandate. SB1459 RELATING TO THE STATE SURFING COMMISSION. This bill establishes a temporary State Commission on Surfing within the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to promote surfing internationally and within the state. Rationale: While the Administration supports the promotion of surfing, the purpose of the commission is clearly outside of DAG’s mission of delivering quality support services in the areas of physical, financial and technical infrastructure support for state departments and agencies. Additionally, no funds were appropriated for this bill, making it extremely difficult for the commission to operate. Legislation can be introduced next session to establish the commission in a more appropriate department and provide the necessary funding to successfully operate the commission. SB1530 RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. This measure would convert the means of financing for the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (HCDA) staff from the Hawaiʻi Community Development revolving fund to the general fund. This is contingent upon HCDA developing a plan to transfer control of the Kakaʻako Community Development District to the City and County of Honolulu. Rationale: The tight timeline to complete the required work to meet the conversion requirements could potentially threaten funding for 13 HCDA positions in the third quarter of the upcoming fiscal year. This could cause instability over the biennium and force a temporary reduction in force. HCDA is committed to developing a comprehensive transition plan to transfer control of the Kakaʻako Community Development District to the City and County of Honolulu and propose legislation for next year’s legislative session. #VetoList #Davidige #Governorige #HawaiiStateconstitution #HawaiiSenate #HawaiiHouseofRepresentatives #HawaiiSenateMajority

  • Governor Releases Funding for Big Island Renewable Energy System Upgrades

    HONOLULU - Senator Lorraine R. Inouye is pleased to announce that Governor David Ige has released $1.85 million in construction funds for improvements and upgrades to the sea water system renewable energy equipment at the National Energy Research Laboratory of Hawaii Authority Research Campus pump station in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island. “I want to thank Governor Ige for releasing these funds and demonstrating our ongoing commitment to renewable energy in Hawaii,” Senator Inouye said. “It is investments like this that will allow our State to establish our strength and vision as a leader in sustainability and the effective stewardship of our natural resources.” In a letter announcing the release of the funds, the Governor also expressed his gratitude. “Mahalo for your work on behalf of the residents of your district to secure these funds. Projects such as these are critical components of the public infrastructure and contribute to building a better home for our kupuna, keiki, and all the residents of Hawai‘i.” #LorraineInouye #hawaiiisland #Hilo #renewableenergy #RenewableEnergySystemUpgrades #bigIsland #NationalEnergyResearchLaboratoryofHawaii #NELHA #HawaiiAuthorityresearchCampus #HawaiiSenate #HawaiiSenateMajority

  • WEST HAWAI‘I LAWMAKERS TO HOST LEGISLATIVE UPDATE, TALK STORY SESSION WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2019

    WEST HAWAI‘I LAWMAKERS TO HOST LEGISLATIVE UPDATE, TALK STORY SESSION WHO: Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha Representative Nicole Lowen County Councilwoman Karen Eoff County Councilwoman Maile David County Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas WHAT: Community Forum/Talk Story Session WHEN: Wednesday, July 3, 2019 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. WHERE: West Hawai‘i Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i Island – A group of West Hawaii lawmakers is inviting the public to a Legislative Update and Talk Story at the West Hawaii Civic Center, Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2019.. Doors open at 5:00 and light refreshments will be served. Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha, Representative Nicole Lowen, and County Councilmembers Karen Eoff, Maile David, and Rebecca Villegas are hoping for a strong turnout and lively discussion. Lawmakers will provide updates on state and county legislation, discuss progress on projects that will be moving forward to benefit West Hawai‘i, and hear community concerns. For more information, contact the office of Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha at 808-586-9385. #DruMamoKanuha #WestHawaiiCivicCenter #nicolelowen #kareneoff #mailedavid #rebeccavillegas #talkstorysession #legislativeupdate #hawaiisenate #hawaiisenatemajority #Kona #KailuaKona

  • New 'Aina Pono food delivery truck serving free meals to children on summer break from Waianae t

    WAIANAE - The Hawaii State Department of Education has an innovative new way to ensure that school-aged children on the Waianae Coast continue to receive regular, nutritious meals during the summer break. Staffed by volunteers from the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, the new ʻAina Pono food delivery truck is serving free meals as part of the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) program. “With the help of our ʻAina Pono food truck, we’re able to expand our school food services beyond the cafeteria this summer,” said Albert Scales, School Food Program Administrator. “We are looking at ways to bring healthy and nutritious meals to our keiki in the community, especially in at-risk areas where there is a significant need for these services.” Children ages 18 and younger can receive a free meal at 71 Hawaii public schools that are participating in this year’s SSO program, which runs throughout July, and from the ‘Aina Pono food truck at these locations and times on weekdays (except on the July 4 Independence Day holiday). 10-10:15 a.m.: Hale Wai Vista near Waianae Mall's City Mill 10:45-11:15 a.m.: Pokai Bay 11-11:15 a.m.: Ohana Ola near Kahumana Organic Farm 11:30-12:05 p.m.: Ulu Wehi near Kamaile Academy 12:30-1 p.m.: Makaha Beach "We found that many of our students with no transportation options during the day just wouldn't make the walk to school for summer meals, so the meal deliveries fill a definite need," said Principal Ray Pikelny, Waianae Elementary. "The delivery route includes locations from Waianae to Makaha that are frequented by many school-aged children, so they'll still be able to get nutritious meals during the summer break. We want to thank the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and all of our program partners for their support." The delivered meals are cooked and prepared at Waianae High School and are the same as those being served in school cafeterias. Parents are encouraged to call their child’s school directly for specific for meal service times. ### About the Hawaii State Department of Education
 The Hawaii State Department of Education is the ninth-largest U.S. school district and the only statewide educational system in the country. It is comprised of 256 schools and 36 charter schools, and serves about 180,000 students. King Kamehameha III established Hawaii’s public school system in 1840. To learn more, visit HawaiiPublicSchools.org. #Ainapono #waianae #makaha #Foodtruckdelivery #Feedthechildren #albertscales #schoolfoodprogram #Waianaecoastcomprehensivehealthcenter #seamlesssummeroptionprogram #SSO

  • STATE AND U.S. DOL SIGN AGREEMENT TO ENHANCE ENFORCEMENT OF WAGE LAWS

    Agreement Focused on Outreach & Education, Investigations and Training The Hawaii State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States Department of Labor’s (U.S. DOL) Wage and Hour Division. Recognizing the value of collaborative relationships to promote compliance with wage and hour laws, the MOU facilitates more effective and efficient communication and cooperation in areas of common interest, including sharing training materials, conducting joint investigations and outreach, and information sharing. “This partnership agreement allows us to expand and improve the protection of Hawaii’s workforce and enforcement of wage laws,” said Scott Murakami, DLIR Director. “The agreement also strengthens the enforcement of a level playing field for employers while maximizing taxpayer resources.” (left to right) Labor Partners to serve the State of Hawaii: DLIR – Wage Standards Division Compliance Branch Chief Wesley Lum, WHD – Assistant District Director Min Kirk, WHD – District Director Terence Trotter, WHD Western Regional Deputy Administrator Richard Longo, DLIR Director Scott Murakami, WHD – Western Regional Administrator Ruben Rosalez, DLIR Deputy Director Leonard Hoshijo, WHD – Community Outreach Specialist Herbert Lee, and DLIR – Wage Standards Division Administrator Pamela Martin. The agreement provides for the following: Outreach and Investigation The agencies agree to conduct joint outreach presentations, prepare and distribute publications, and jointly disseminate outreach materials to the regulated community. Enforcement The agencies may coordinate enforcement activities, conduct joint investigations, and make referrals of potential violations of State and Federal law. Information The agencies will establish a methodology for exchanging investigative leads, complaints and referrals of possible violations as well as exchanging statistical data on violations in specific industries and geographic areas. Training The agencies agree to cross train investigators and other staff to educate staff members about the laws and regulations enforced by both, exchange information related to policy and regulatory changes, and to maintain dialogue about issues of mutual concern The U.S. DOL enforces the Federal minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The DLIR enforces related Hawaii laws covering minimum wage and overtime, unpaid and timely payment of wages, child labor, and Hawaii Family Leave laws, among others. #hawaiidepartmentoflabor #USDOL #ScottMurakami #DLIR #Outreach #Education #Investigations #Training #Wagelaws #Hourlaws #MOU #hawaiistate #fairlaborstandardsact

  • Governor Ige’s statement on NTSB investigation of plane crash

    The people of Hawai'i join me in extending our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the 11 lives lost on Friday evening. I want to assure you that the state will do whatever it can to assist with the federal investigation. We will miss the energy, vitality and spirit of those lost in this terrible crash. -- Governor David Y. Ige Source: https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/latest-news/governors-office-governor-iges-statement-on-ntsb-investigation-of-plane-crash/ #dillinghamfield #davidige #governorige #ntsb #stateofhawaii #helicoptercrash

  • FOUR BOTTOMFISH RESTRICTED FISHING AREAS WILL RE-OPEN JULY 1

    Four of the 12 Bottomfish Restricted Fishing Areas (BRFAs) around the state are scheduled to re-open to Deep-7 bottomfish fishing on July 1, 2019. They include BRFA C (Makahū‘ena, Kaua‘i), BRFA F (Penguin Banks), BRFA J (Mokumana-Umalei Pt, Maui), and BRFA L (Leleiwi Pt, Hawai‘i Island). Non-commercial fishers are still limited to taking or possessing a combined total of five “Deep 7” bottomfish per day. The “Deep 7” are: a) ‘ula‘ula koa‘eor onaga (Etelis coruscans); b) ‘ula‘ulaor ehu ( carbunculus); c) kalekale(Pristipomoides sieboldii); d) ‘ōpakapaka( filamentosus); e) ‘ūkīkikior gindai ( zonatus); f) hāpu‘u(Epinephelus quernus); and g) lehi(Aphareus rutilans). Photo credit: Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources Non-commercial bottom fishers are also subject to federal permit and reporting requirements if fishing in federal waters. Commercial bottom fishers who fish the re-opened BRFAs will have new, refined reporting requirements. They will need to provide the commercial catch reporting area number followed by the BRFA letter from which each fish was taken. Maps displaying the updated BRFA reporting requirements and more detailed instructions have been sent to licensed commercial bottom fishers and will be available on the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) website after July 1. The new BRFA reporting requirement is based on a condition placed on DAR by the Board of Land of Natural Resources’ (BLNR) during a Public Meeting held in January 2019. DAR must monitor catch in the re-opened BRFAs, including pounds of fish taken and Catch Per Unit Effort, relative to other commercial catch reporting areas. DAR will use that data to prepare a report for the BLNR, due in January 2022. Please contact your nearest DAR office with any questions about the new reporting requirements. #bottomfish #hawaii #restrictedfishing #Deep7 #DepartmentofLandandNaturalResources #DLNR #BRFA #DAR #DivisionofAquaticResources #BLNR

  • State to host Career Fair at the State Capitol

    The State of Hawai‘i Career Fair is returning to the Hawai‘i State Capitol on Saturday, June 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Representatives from all executive branch agencies will be available to explain departmental operations and provide information on job vacancies and career opportunities. Human resource managers will screen candidates and conduct interviews for entry level and high-managerial positions. The following departments are scheduled to participate: Accounting and General Services Agriculture Attorney General Budget and Finance Business, Economic Development and Tourism Commerce and Consumer Affairs Defense Hawaiian Home Lands Health Human Resources Development Human Services Labor and Industrial Relations Land and Natural Resources Public Library System Public Safety Taxation Transportation University of Hawaii – civil service positions only The state encourages prospective job seekers to bring several copies of their resumes. Recent college graduates should also bring copies of their diploma and transcripts. Interviews may be conducted on the spot, so applicants are encouraged to come prepared and dressed appropriately. A limited number of parking stalls will be available in the State Capitol basement (metered stalls) which is accessible from Miller Street, and at the Department of Health lot at Kinau Hale, which is accessible from Punchbowl Street. Parking may also be available in metered stalls surrounding the Capitol. Those who need auxiliary aids and/or services (sign language, interpreters, etc.) are asked to contact DHRD at (808) 587-0999 as soon as possible. ### #StateofHawaiiCareerFair #HawaiiStateCapitol #Jobs #Careers

  • Governor Ige extends emergency relief period for Pali Highway

    HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige issued a third supplementary emergency proclamation for the Pali Highway today, extending the disaster emergency relief period until August. Heavy rains caused extensive damage to the slopes and areas adjacent to the Pali Highway in February. The conditions on the Pali and surrounding areas require the emergency declaration to continue. The proclamation authorizes the expenditure of state monies as appropriated for the quick and efficient relief of extensive damage to the slopes along the Pali Highway. The initial emergency proclamation for flood damage along the Pali was issued on Feb. 21, 2019. A supplementary proclamation was signed on Feb. 25, extending the Feb. 21 proclamation to include flood damage along Honoapiʻilani Highway on Maui. The second supplementary emergency proclamation signed on April 23 does not include Honoapiʻilani Highway. This third supplementary proclamation extends the disaster emergency relief period for the Pali Highway until Aug. 20, 2019. #DavidIge #PaliHighway #emergencyproclamation #disasteremergencyrelief #HonoapiʻilaniHighway

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