CHAIR OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS DONOVAN DELA CRUZ ISSUES STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR'S ANNOUNCED INTENT TO LINE-ITEM VETO AND LINE-ITEM REDUCE THE STATE BUDGET Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means Donovan Dela Cruz (District 17 - Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village) issued the following statement on Governor Green's announced intent to line-item veto and line-item reduce the State budget: "The challenge we face with crafting the State budget is that it’s built upon “point-in-time” revenue projections. From March to May, the Council on Revenues forecast dipped a total of $292M and $302M in FY24 and FY25 respectively. The reduction in expected revenues places the Governor in a difficult position, requiring him to make tough fiscal calls on what can stay in the budget and what will need to wait and be worked on next session. Regarding funding for the First Responders Technology Campus, I met with the Governor over the weekend to discuss the line-item vetoes. We look forward to working together during the interim to address the State's needs to relocate and modernize our First Responder's critical infrastructure next session. He assured me he is committed to finding alternatives to address the challenges. I look forward to developing a path forward with the Administration on determining if the land in the Mililani Technology Park should pivot and be used for in-door farming, ag-tech, and value-added food production."

Today, Senator Angus McKelvey (District 6 - West Maui, Mā’alaea, Waikapū, South Maui), announced the release of funding for a new multipurpose covered facility at Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School. According to the Maui lawmaker, the funding includes $600,000 for design and construction of a multipurpose covered facility. “I want to extend my gratitude to Governor Green for releasing the funds which were previously secured for this important project at the elementary school,” Senator McKelvey said. This funding was secured during the 2022 Legislative Session when he was serving as the State Representative for the area. “One of the things I have applied to my work in the Senate, which was learned from my many years in the House, is that you need to follow projects through their various steps in order to turn a legislative appropriation into an actual building,” the senator stated, adding that he would continue tracking this and other projects in the district to ensure they come to fruition. “I also want to thank the rest of the Maui delegation for this and other monies which have been earmarked for important Maui projects. Without their support, along with the Governor’s, it’s a lot harder to secure funds for projects like this.” ###

A bill introduced by State Senator Angus McKelvey (District 6 - West Maui, Mā’alaea, Waikapū, South Maui), aimed at extending college benefits to the disabled community, has been signed into law. The measure, Senate Bill 1151 SD2 HD1 CD1, will expand the provisions of the Promise Program, allowing more individuals to access educational opportunities at UH Maui College and other community colleges across the state. Senator Angus McKelvey expressed his gratitude to Governor Green for swiftly signing the bill into law, emphasizing the importance of providing young people with the time to benefit from the new provisions being made to the Promise Program. SB1151 SD2 HD1 CD1 eliminates the requirement for students enrolled in certificate programs to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA), enabling them to qualify for funding from the existing program. While the legislation will benefit all students in certificate programs, it is particularly significant for the disabled community, as it aims to advance their educational opportunities within the community college system. Senator McKelvey acknowledged the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and its members for raising awareness of the additional hardships faced by disabled students in completing the FASFA, despite it not being required by the federal government for them to receive scholarship support in certificate programs. Expanding the accessibility of the Promise Program to members of the disabled community aligns with the moral imperative of providing equal educational opportunities for all young individuals. Senator McKelvey, one of the co-authors who helped establish the original Promise Program, sees this new law as an extension and growth of the program, ensuring that its benefits reach as many eligible students as possible. In its testimony supporting the bill, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities stated, “We support a Self Advocacy Advisory Council with over 200 individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). By talking with them, we have learned, the ones who attended higher education, did it on a half-time basis. The majority enrolled in certificate programs. When we asked if they applied for the Promise Program, some stated they had not, because they had to first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which they thought they could not apply for it because they weren’t enrolled full-time at the Community College. While the other self-advocates expressed, the process to apply for the FAFSA was too hard.” Their input and advocacy played a pivotal role in highlighting the need for this legislation. The newly enacted law holds the promise of increased educational opportunities for the disabled community, aligning with the ongoing investment in education to further strengthen the success achieved through this mechanism.

Governor Josh Green recently released $15,000,000 in capital improvement project funds (CIP) to finance the cost of land acquisition for Hilo Harbor, Hawaiʻi. “I'd like to thank Governor Green for releasing funding to finance additional land acquisition for Hilo Harbor,” said Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo). “Hilo Harbor plays a crucial role in the Big Island economy. It's critical that the State continues to support Hilo Harbor." June 5, 2023

SENATE PRESIDENT KOUCHI AND KAUAʻI DELEGATION SECURES OVER $126 MILLION IN THE STATE BUDGET FOR THE GARDEN ISLE Today, Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 - Kauaʻi, Niʻihau) announced that over $144,967,000 in capital improvement projects had been secured in the state budget bill (HB300 CD1) for the Garden Isle. These projects include: • $56.452 million for land acquisition and construction for improvements to the terminals, systems, and facilities at Līhuʻe Airport. • $16 million for the construction of paved shoulders, installing guardrails, pavement markings, signs, and other improvements on Waimea Canyon Drive and Kokeʻe Road. • $15 million for the design and construction of PV rooftops/canopies, storage batteries, and other energy efficiency projects at Kauaʻi Community College. • $14.9 million for the design, construction, and equipment for a new psychiatric unit at the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. • $7.2 million for the construction of a covered walkway and electrical upgrades at Kapaʻa Elementary School. • $5 million for plans, land acquisition, design, and construction of various improvement projects at Nāwiliwili Harbor. • $4.4 million for the plan, design, and construction of a covered play court at Kekaha Elementary. • $3.25 million for the plan, design, and construction to repair retaining walls, replace fencing, and rehabilitate tennis courts at the Captain Cook Memorial Park. • $3 million for the plan, design, and construction of a new access road and parking lot to include new ADA accessible parking stalls at Kaumualiʻi Elementary School. • $3 million for design, construction, and equipment modernization related to the operating room renovations at the Kauaʻi Veterans Memorial Hospital. • $3 million for the design, construction, and development of the Emergency Department of Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. • $2.5 million for the plan and design of a new gym at Kapaʻa High School. • $2.1 million for moving accumulated sand/sediment at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor. • $2 million for mitigation and safety improvements at the Waimea Canyon Lookout. • $2 million for plans and design of 114 housing units, 36 replacement public housing units, and up to 78 additional housing units (mix of supportive housing, affordable housing, and workforce housing) at the Kapaʻa Public Housing Project. • $1.3 million for the plan and design for master planning related to infrastructure, water, and sewer at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. • $1.1 million for the design and construction of improvements to the upper and lower ʻAʻahoaka reservoirs. • $1 million for the design, construction, and clinic expansion at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. • $750,000 for plans and design of an environmental review document related to the Kauaʻi County Water Department’s Water Plan 2020 NO. PLH-35B Construct Kapaia Cane Haul Road 19-Inch Main Project. • $340,000 for a construction grant to Kawaikini Public Charter School for relocated portables, ramp renovation for ADA access and compliance, and a cultural performance and community gathering area. • $250,000 for plans related to a study for student forms and faculty/staff housing at Kauaʻi Community College. • $200,000 for electrical upgrades, gas pump, and roof repairs at the Pua Loke Baseyard. • $125,000 for construction improvements and signage at the Hanapēpē Chinese, Filipino, and Portuguese Cemetery. • $100,000 for construction for water system upgrade, dangerous metals removal, solar panel and battery installation, repair the water catchment system for staff and out-planting and installation of solar panels for Lehua Island Seabird Sanctuary. “Due to collaborative efforts with Representatives Morikawa, Nakamura, and Evslin, our island delegation successfully obtained significant funding in the state budget to tackle a range of critical infrastructure issues throughout Kauaʻi,” said Senate President Kouchi. “These capital improvement projects will make a considerable difference in enhancing the overall living standards for those who call the Garden Isle home.” In addition to the capital improvement project monies, the following Kauaʻi organizations received grant-in-aid funding from the state: • $350,000 for the Wilcox Health Foundation • $350,000 for the ʻOhana Pacific Foundation • $275,000 for Malama Huleʻia • $225,000 for Kauaʻi Habitat for Humanity, Inc. • $215,000 for The Kauaʻi Food Bank. Inc. ($165,000 for capital improvement projects and $50,000 for operating)

Yesterday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee hosted site visits to the Halawa Correctional Facility, O’ahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC), and the Laumaka Work Furlough Center. The purpose was to bring awareness to initiatives to modernize our public safety facilities, disrupt pathways to prison, and reduce recidivism. Luis Salaveria, Director of the Department of Budget and Finance, discussed options for financing the new OCCC. Tommy Johnson, Director of the Department of Public Safety, and Keith Regan, Comptroller for the Department of Accounting and General Services, presented their vision for the future of the new Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Finally, Mary Alice Evans, Director of the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and Harrison Rue, TOD Program Manager, discussed the potential of the current OCCC site for transit-oriented development. "We saw deplorable conditions in our jail and prison - everything from overcrowding and lack of lighting, to a leaking roof and damaged floors," says Senator Glenn Wakai, Chairman of the Committee on Public Safety and Intergovernmental Military Affairs, "Both facilities have glaring deficiencies, covered by decades of band aids. Ignoring the situation could lead to the Feds mandating upgrades and the costs to taxpayers will skyrocket." "We plan to refocus and shift from what some may see as a punitive incarceration model to a model focused on treatment, education, and successful re-entry via wrap-around services”, says Tommy Johnson, Director of the Department of Public Safety. "It is critical to establish diversions at the front of pipelines to prison to reduce the burden on our enforcement and correctional facilities." The Senate has supported various initiatives that disrupt pathways to prison and reduce recidivism, including the statewide expansion of Alternative Learning Programs within the Department of Education, the establishment of the Office of Wellness and Resilience, and the continuation of the Ohana Zones Program. "Our visit to OCCC, confirmed that the Senate’s $10 million allocation of funds in Fiscal Year 2025 for the relocation of the facility to a new site in Halawa Valley is a prudent one and will get this project moving," says Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means. "Overcrowding, aging facilities and outdated security infrastructure at OCCC are putting inmates and our public safety personnel at risk, and we need to move with urgency to get a new and modern facility built. We are encouraged to know that under Director Tommy Johnson’s leadership, he is working closely with the Governor, Budget and Finance, Department of Accounting and General Services and the Department of Agriculture to move quickly on putting out a Request for Qualifications so that we can determine financing options that the State can move forward with and get this project underway and built." For the new OCCC in Halawa, the Environmental Impact Statement was formally accepted in 2018, and the Planning and Review Use permit was approved by the Honolulu City Council in 2020. Next steps include issuing the Request for Qualifications, which is awaiting approval by Director Salaveria. This is a necessary step to inform future legislative requests and the issuance of the Request for Proposals.

Today, State officials and the education community gathered to celebrate funding for the Early Childhood Educator Stipend Program, an initiative to expand the State’s Early Childhood workforce. The Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) is receiving $660,000 in funding from the State Budget, signed by Governor Josh Green on June 30, 2023. Senator Michelle Kidani (District 18 - Mililani Town, Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia), Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, and Representative Justin Woodson (District 9 - Kahului, Pu‘unēnē, portion of Wailuku), Chair of the House Committee on Education, joined Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke in visiting UH Mānoa Children’s Center to congratulate recipients of the stipend. The program reflects the State’s continued commitment to develop preschool access statewide. Senator Kidani expressed the need for a focus on early education and her congratulations to the program beneficiaries of the UH Mānoa College of Education. “This program holds great significance as it aims to invest in our educators who play a fundamental role in shaping the lives of our young keiki during their crucial early years,” said Kidani. “By providing tuition stipends, we are not only supporting current and potential early childhood educators, but we are also demonstrating our commitment to their professional growth and development.” Senator Kidani and EOEL introduced the program in connection with the UH Mānoa College of Education in time for the 2023 UH summer school sessions. The program provides stipends to eligible UH students enrolled in a certificate, degree, or license program in early childhood education, including those in the Hawaiian language medium. Initial funding was generously donated by the Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation. The Early Childhood Educator Stipend Program will promote critical access to education for both educators and keiki during formative years.

Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 - Kaua'i, Ni'ihau) issued the following statement regarding Governor Josh Green's line-item veto of HB 300 and his intention to veto bills: "After receiving the Governor's line-item veto of HB 300 and the list of bills that he intends to veto, the Senate Majority Caucus met and, after discussion with House Speaker Scott Saiki, the Senate has determined that it will not reconvene to override any vetoes by Governor Green. Although there will be no override session, it is hoped that Governor Green will work expeditiously to administratively address matters contained in vetoed bills. For example, HB 1090 (relating to ocean recreation commercial permits), was passed to further manage Hawai'i's natural resources with an eye toward expanding regenerative tourism. The Legislature passed HB 1090 with the strong support of Governor Green's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) in active cooperation with the Ocean-Tourism Coalition, to craft a measure curbing unchecked and "rampant commercial marine activity taking place in the State near-shore waters." If HB 1090 is vetoed, it is incumbent upon DLNR to immediately develop and implement rules and regulations to properly manage our coastal waters that HB 1090 sought to achieve."

Senator Angus L.K. McKelvey (District 6 - West Maui, Mā‘alaea, Waikapū, South Maui) issued the following statement on the monster home being constructed at 5385 Lower Honoapiilani Road at Napili Bay, Maui: "I, alongside many neighbors, continue to be concerned with the construction of the monster home at 5385 Lower Honoapiilani Road. This "home" clashes with our community and should never have been approved. The developer found and took advantage of a loophole in State law regarding Special Management Area permits, and disrespected our community in the process. I am currently looking into the best ways to close the loophole during the next legislative session to prevent others from exploiting Maui and the State."

SEVEN SENATE BILLS ADDRESSING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, CHILD WELFARE, AND TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE SIGNED INTO LAW Hawaiʻi solidified its commitment to helping victims of domestic violence, children, and people who have experienced trauma, as Governor Green signed seven Senate bills into law today addressing these topics. These bills represent a significant commitment to those in our community who need assistance. "With the passage of these bills and the resources provided in the 2023 state budget, we hope that there will no longer be any more preventable deaths due to domestic violence and child abuse,” said Sen. Joy San Buenaventura, (Senate District 2, Puna), Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and introducer of Senate Bills 406, 894, and 1527. “With the Governor’s signing of today’s child welfare bills, we hope to address the failures that led to the abuse of children whom the state is supposed to protect.” “I share the concerns of our community to urgently address the tragedies and shortcomings of Hawaiʻi's child welfare system, therefore, I was moved to action and introduced Malama Ohana - SB295. This bill aims to reform the Child Welfare System by requiring the Department of Human Services to work with the community and various stakeholders to determine and address core structural and process failures within our system," said Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, (Senate District 17, Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village) and introducer of Senate Bill 295. “I'm encouraged and hopeful that because Malama Ohana will be comprised of skilled and committed community-based organizations, representatives of the child welfare services branch, institutions serving Native Hawaiians, contracted service providers, birth parents, and youth with lived experience in the State's child welfare system, that they will put forth immediate and actionable recommendations for reform that will produce pos itive outcomes for all keiki and ohana in the State's child welfare system. I also believe that Malama Ohana will contribute to developing more effective community support while allowing the community to be heard and take more responsibility for the well-being and welfare of our keiki.” "Trauma is often the root cause of criminal behavior. Past performance has shown Government adding to that problem. That needs to come to an end," said Sen. Glenn Wakai, (Senate District 15, Kalihi, Māpunapuna, Airport, Salt Lake, Āliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, and portions of ‘Aiea and Pearl City) introducer of Senate Bill 712. "Formerly establishing a Trauma-Informed Certification program will allow our prison guards to display empathy and encouragement to a very vulnerable population. The healing begins with education." "SB 933 is necessary to require judges to allow petitioners seeking temporary restraining orders in domestic violence situations to attend court remotely," said Sen. Karl Rhoads, (Senate District 13, Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown) introducer of Senate Bill 933. "Encounters between abusers and victims in court often result in additional trauma to victims." "I'm grateful that Governor Josh Green signed SB1267 into law. Hawai’i will continue to support and prioritize survivor safety and this crucially important bill will further protect survivors regardless of their address," said Sen. Lorraine Inouye, (Senate District 1, Hilo, Pauka‘a, Papaikou, Pepe‘ekeo) introducer of Senate Bill 1267. "Access to justice shouldn't depend on one's zip code, and survivors everywhere deserve access to protection." The Senate Bills signed by the Governor are: SB295 SD2 HD2 CD1, Relating To Child Welfare Services Establishes within the Office of Wellness and Resilience the Malama ʻOhana Working Group to seek, design, and recommend transformative changes to the State's existing child welfare system. Allows the Office to contract with an administrative facilitator to provide necessary support for the working group. Requires the Malama ʻOhana Working group to report to the Legislature. SB406 SD1 HD1,Relating To Child Visitation Allows the court to award reasonable visitation rights to a petitioning grandparent of a minor child when the child's parent is unable to exercise parental visitation due to death or incarceration and denial of reasonable grandparent visitation rights would cause significant harm to the child. Requires the court to follow best interest of the child procedures, considerations, and standards when granting grandparent visitation rights. Specifies that any person who violates the terms and conditions of a court order granting reasonable grandparent visitation rights are subject to sanctions. SB712 SD2 HD1 CD1, Relating To Corrections Establishes a trauma-informed certification program at the Windward Community College campus of the University of Hawaiʻi for adult corrections officers. Requires the curriculum to include a level I trauma-informed care course designed for adult corrections officers. SB894 SD2 HD2 CD1,, Relating To The Office Of Wellness And Resilience Transfers the Office of Wellness and Resilience from the Office of the Governor to the Department of Human Services on 7/1/2025. Extends the Trauma-Informed Care Task Force dissolution date to 6/30/2025 and establishes the Task Force as an advisory board to the Office of Wellness and Resilience until its dissolution. Reconstitutes the membership of the Trauma-Informed Care Task Force into a permanent advisory board to the Office of Wellness and Resilience to be called the Wellness and Resilience Advisory Board. Effective 1/1/2024. SB933 SD1 HD1 CD1, Relating To Temporary Restraining Orders Authorizes the family courts to allow petitioners to attend TRO hearings remotely upon request. Requires the courts to consider certain factors. Requires the courts to allow petitioners who allege domestic abuse to attend TRO hearings remotely. SB1267 SD1 HD1,Relating To Protective Orders Expands the jurisdiction for where petitions for domestic abuse protective orders and temporary restraining orders may be filed. SB1527 SD2 HD1 CD1, Relating To Address Confidentiality Changes the governmental entity responsible for the administration of the Address Confidentiality Program from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to the Department of Law Enforcement. Allows the Department of Law Enforcement to contract with a third party for the mail forwarding and acceptance of service of legal process aspects of the program. Appropriates funds for full-time equivalent positions, operating costs, and equipment to support the Department of Law Enforcement in administering the Address Confidentiality Program.

ARCHAIC AND COMPROMISED INFRASTRUCTURE AT ETS AND HI-EMA HIGHLIGHT URGENT NEED FOR EMERGENCY TECHNOLOGY MODERNIZATION The Office of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) and the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) opened their doors on Friday, June 9, to provide guided tours of the State Data Center and the HI-EMA headquarters to members of the State Senate and members of the media. These site visits provided a unique opportunity for attendees to witness the deteriorating conditions of these facilities, which house critical data operations and emergency response infrastructure for the State. Additionally, the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority (HCDA) gave a presentation explaining why it feels that a First Responder Technology Campus is a necessary investment to ensure Hawai‘i's ability to respond to an emergency. The site visits featured informative presentations and probing Q&A sessions that underscored the immediate need for infrastructure upgrades. ETS, HI-EMA, and HCDA emphasized the critical role in enhancing the State's emergency response capabilities, streamlining operations, and safeguarding vital data and communication systems. During the 2023 legislative session, the Senate considered a variety of approaches to address the needs of the State's emergency response and technology workers. One such consideration was Senate Bill 284, which in part would have decommissioned and relocated the Data Center that was toured today. This bill was approved 24-0 by the Senate, passed the House Committee on Labor and Government Operations 5-0, and the House Committee on Higher Education and Technology 9-0, before dying by inaction from the House Committee on Finance. House Bill 300, aimed at addressing these infrastructure challenges, recently passed the Legislature with a unanimous 25-0 final floor vote in the Senate. Specifically, the bill allocates: $50 million to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for infrastructure upgrades for a First Responder Technology Campus; $12 million to the Department of Defense for new headquarters; $5 million to the Department of Law Enforcement for new headquarters; and $5 million to the Department of Accounting and General Services for the relocation of the data center. The bill now awaits Governor Green's consideration and approval. "The First Responder Technology Campus offers a great opportunity for HI-EMA to quickly achieve its goals for a new State Emergency Operations Center, including a site suitable for a modern facility away from coastal flood zones that we can use to coordinate disaster response across the whole state," said Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency Administrator James Barros. "We look forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature to provide the best service possible to the people of Hawai‘i." “The State of Hawai‘i Executive Branch Departments need a consolidated secure data center that meets all of the requirements of a modern technology facility that better protects state information from data loss and cyber attacks. The aging facilities in the Kalanimōkū building and other state buildings no longer meets those requirements,” said State Chief Information Officer Doug Murdock. “We depend on our computer systems to provide essential services to the people of Hawai‘i and investment is needed to ensure resilience and continuity of services. The First Responders Technology Campus will address each of these needs.” “The State has a responsibility to its citizens to prepare for disasters, respond to crises, and appropriately spend taxpayers dollars. The current facilities and infrastructure at the State Data Center and HI-EMA State Emergency Operations Center are inadequate for modern threats,” said Hawai‘i Community Development Authority Executive Director Craig Nakamoto. “The cost to build phase A1 of the First Responders Technology Campus is cheaper for the State than the status quo of commercial market rents and temporary repairs to our outdated infrastructure.” "The safety of our community is under siege every day. Threats from natural disaster, rogue nations, global viruses, or cybersecurity are real," says Sen. Glenn Wakai, Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Military. "We need an efficient and modern facility to meet these twenty-first century challenges. Failing to invest in our weaknesses makes Hawai‘i a target for disaster." "The site visits showed the deteriorating conditions of our major communications infrastructure at the State Data Center and the HI-EMA headquarters. The State must address the critical need to upgrade these emergency response capabilities, ensuring seamless operations, and protecting our essential data and communication systems," said Sen. Sharon Moriwaki, Chair of the Committee on Labor and Technology. "The passage of House Bill 300 is of utmost importance to effectively address the pressing requirements to safeguard the immediate and long-term resilience and durability of our state's infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of our state." Photos of today’s site visits are available at the link below. Please credit Senate Communications. Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hawaiisenatemajority/albums/72177720308938856 The video shown by HCDA can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IObW52MZEzg

Today, on National Gun Violence Awareness Day, Governor Josh Green signed two momentous pieces of legislation to reduce gun violence in Hawaiʻi: (1) Senate Bill No. 1230 CD1, which clarifies, revises, and updates Hawaiʻi's firearms laws to mitigate the serious hazards to public health, safety, and welfare associated with firearms and gun violence, while respecting and protecting the lawful exercise of individual rights; and (2) House Bill No. 1329 CD1, which requires the Hawaiʻi Department of Education to work with certain organizations to develop and implement an active shooter training program in all public and charter schools, and allows students to decline to participate in any active shooter training program. “On National Gun Violence Awareness Day, we honor the survivors and those we have lost to gun violence, and we trust that common-sense gun violence prevention measures like House Bill No. 1329 CD1 will help keep Hawaiʻi safe for our neighbors and prevent future tragedies," said Senator Michelle Kidani, Vice President of the Senate. "With the signing of these bills into law, Hawaiʻi remains a national leader in gun violence prevention.” "These new laws ensure that Hawaiʻi continues to be one of the safest states in America," said Senator Glenn Wakai, Chair of the Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee. "Gun advocates threaten to sue the State, but I am confident that lawmakers have crafted bills that are legally 'bullet proof.'"