HONOLULU – The Hawaii Elementary and Middle School Administrators Association (HEMSAA) today named Principal Stacie Kunihisa from Kanoelani Elementary School as the 2019 Hawaii National Distinguished Principal (NDP). Kunihisa will join the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) awardees from the other 49 states in Washington D.C. in October. The other 2019 NDP honorees include: Lorelei Aiwohi, David Kalakaua Middle, Honolulu District Jamie Dela Cruz, Kaelepulu Elementary, Windward District Halle Maxwell, Kihei Elementary, Maui District Dennis O’Brien, Ernest Bowen De Silva Elementary, Hawaii District Garrett Yukumoto, Iliahi Elementary, Central District Paul Zina, Eleele Elementary, Kauai District Michael Sugano from Prince David Kawananakoa Middle School was honored as the 2019 Hawaii Outstanding Vice Principal. He will be traveling to Spokane for the NAESP conference in July where he will be honored with the other Outstanding Assistant Principals. “School leaders, both principals and vice principals, play a critical role in a student’s education experience, from making sure our campuses are safe to providing the tools that educators and staff need to nurture and teach their students,” said Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto. “Congratulations to Principal Kunihisa, Vice Principal Sugano and all of the well-deserving district honorees. Mahalo for your dedication to the Department and Hawaii’s public school students.” Complex Area Superintendent Keith Hui praised Kunihisa as an innovative and effective leader, adding, "Under Principal Kunihisa’s leadership, achievement in math, English language arts, and science has consistently improved year after year and surpasses goals for the complex and the state. Her work speaks volumes not only to her commitment to our community, but her work speaks to her effectiveness as a leader." Just last week, Kunihisa also received the $25,000 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award, which annually recognizes outstanding public school principals in Hawaii for their efforts to provide high-quality learning opportunities for their students. Kunihisa has been a principal with the Hawaii State Department of Education for 10 years, seven of which have been at Kanoelani Elementary. As principal at Kanoelani Elementary, Kunihisa has established a positive school culture of learning more, caring more, and being more. Her most significant accomplishments as school principal include nearly doubling teacher satisfaction, developing a Teachers Leading and Learning program to convert faculty meetings into teacher-led professional development sessions and building a Community Partnership Program that has brought in a significant amount of financial and human resources to increase the school’s extracurricular offerings. The 2019 NDP awards took place at the Hale Koa Hotel and was sponsored by HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union, iStation, Spectrum and the Educational Institute of Hawaii. HEMSAA is the local chapter of NAESP. The purpose of HEMSAA is to facilitate positive educational leadership and serve as a voice for elementary, middle-level principals and other members. For more information, visithttp://www.naesp.org/hawaii. ### #LoreleiAiwohi #JamieDelaCruz #HalleMaxwell #DennisObrien #GarrettYukumoto #PaulZina #EleeleElementary #IliahiElementary #ErnestBowenDeSilvaElementary #KaelepuluElementary #DavidKalakauaMiddle #MichaelSugano #StacieKunihisa #KanoelaniElementary #HawaiiNationalDistinguishedPrincipal #NDP #HEHSAA #NAESP #KeithHui #CHRISTINAKISHIMOTO #MasayukiTokioka

KAUAI — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will fund $4 million for a crucial generator upgrade project for Kauai’s Wilcox Medical Center. The Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant will ensure that Kauai’s primary medical facility, Kauai’s only Level III trauma center, is able to provide patients with life-saving power during and after disasters. “The application was prepared jointly by Wilcox Medical Center and HI-EMA and submitted to FEMA in January 2018,” said Thomas Travis, Administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA). “HI-EMA is the sponsor for the project because Wilcox Medical Center is not eligible to apply directly to FEMA and this generator upgrade was evaluated as a high priority by both the County of Kauai Emergency Management Agency and HI-EMA. This project is a concrete example that the State and Counties are pursuing projects to protect and secure critical facilities such as hospitals. These types of mitigation actions are all documented in the State of Hawaii Hazard Mitigation Plan and the County All Hazard Mitigation Plans as top priority projects.” The $12.3 million project will include $4 million from FEMA, with the balance paid by the Wilcox Medical Center. The project encompasses two 30-year old, 500-kilowatt generators that could not be upgraded, and will be replaced with two 1,000 kilowatt-diesel generators with new fuel tanks, automatic transfer switches, and switch gear sets. This will increase the medical center’s power capacity and provide cost-effective, uninterrupted power to support both critical and routine hospital operations in the event of a disaster. The 72-bed hospital offers preventive care and emergency services to more than 72,000 residents and thousands of tourists each year. #wilcoxmedicalcenter #HIEMA #FEMA #FederalEmergencyManagementAgency #PreDisasterMitigationGrant #Kauai

New budget system allowed for closer scrutiny, more transparency Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – House and Senate conferees passed additional appropriations for the executive branch today, HB116 SD1 CD1. The new budget process the Legislature has been utilizing this session allowed lawmakers to pass the executive operating budget, HB2 HD1 SD1 CD1, nearly a month earlier than previous sessions and provided time for closer scrutiny and discussion about individual budget items. HB116 SD1 CD1 is an addendum to HB2. "By passing the governor's base operating budget early rather than in the dying moments of the session, we were able to engage in meaningful discussions on other critical funding requests," said Representative Sylvia Luke, chair of the House Committee on Finance. "HB116 is the result of these discussions and has led to a more efficient, transparent, and productive legislative session." HB2 HD1 SD1 CD1 that passed earlier this session allocated $16 billion in operating funds; conferees today approved an additional $10,757,811 for FY20 and $9,045,621 for FY21 in HB116 SD1 CD1. HB 116 SD1 CD1 Highlights: Department of Agriculture $79,998 to establish (1) full-time permanent business loan officer position to assist with agricultural loans and provide agricultural financial assistance. $350,000 for food safety grants in fiscal year 2020. $240,000 for agricultural development and marketing for Hawaiʻi specific agricultural surveys in fiscal year 2020. Department of Accounting and General Services $1,038,240 in fiscal year 2020 and $1,263,902 in fiscal year 2021 for cybersecurity capability enhancements by Office of Enterprise Technology Services. Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism $750,000 for the 2020 Census Outreach. $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2020 for the Festival of the Pacific Arts to be held in Honolulu. $180,294 from the Hawaiʻi Community Development Revolving fund in fiscal year 2021 for the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority for operating expenses. Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (5) full-time permanent positions and $584,000 from the public utilities commission special fund for consumer advocate for communication, utilities, and transportation services. $200,240 in fiscal year 2020 and $195,840 in fiscal year 2021 from the public utilities commission special fund to add (2) full-time permanent enforcement officer positions and operating expenses. Department of Defense $52,952 to establish (1) full-time permanent Human Resource Specialist IV. Office of the Governor $100,000 to establish (1) full-time temporary State Disaster Recovery Coordinator. $150,000 for fiscal year 2020 for protocol expenses related to events at Washington Place. Department of Human Services $20,000 in fiscal year 2020 to establish a joint outreach center in Kāneʻohe. $509,448 in fiscal year 2020 and $59,448 in fiscal year 2021 to fund (1) full-time permanent corrections program specialist II and existing juvenile justice reform programs for the In-Community Youth Programs. Department of Health $750,000 in fiscal year 2020 for family planning. Department of Land and Natural Resources $500,000 for the Hawaiʻi Association of Conservation Districts. $480,000 for lifeguard services at Kua Bay on Hawaiʻi Island. $153,000 to add (1) full-time temporary cultural resource project coordinator and operating expenses for the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. $100,000 to add (1) full-time permanent Aha Moku Advisory Council Executive Director position and operating expenses. Department of Public Safety $69,540 to establish (1) full-time permanent corrections supervisor I for Kulani Correctional Facility. $1,897,827 to add 23 full-time permanent positions and operating expenses in fiscal year 2021 for the Hoʻokipa Cottage at the Women's Community Correctional Center. $2,690,450 for Medicaid fiscal agent and pharmacy costs. $160,995 to establish (1) full-time permanent investigator V and funding for (2) permanent criminalist I positions for narcotics enforcement. Department of Transportation $147,321 in fiscal year 2020 for equipment for Kauaʻi highways. HB116 SD1 CD1 now heads for a final vote in both the Senate and House chambers. #HawaiiSenate #HawaiiHouse #Budget #HawaiiLegislature #HawaiiBudget #SylviaLuke #DonovanDelaCruz #GilbertKeithAgaran

Flickr Photo Sharing Link 1 - https://flic.kr/s/aHskTWrHFW Flickr Photo Sharing Link 2 - https://flic.kr/s/aHsmD4GJTL Flickr Photo Sharing Link 3 - https://flic.kr/s/aHsmbK7NYc HONOLULU – In an unprecedented show of unity and purpose, Hawaiʻi and other island leaders gathered today to significantly raise the profile on climate change. With scientists voicing growing alarm about rapidly changing world temperatures, sea level rise and potential displacement of populations, islands are demonstrating their leadership in finding solutions and implementing action to achieve an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable futur In addition to signing a Declaration of Commitment to Sustainability for Hawaiʻi, leaders and the public celebrated the five-year anniversary of the Aloha+ Challenge, which, along with the state's commitment to achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2045 and signing on to the Paris Agreement, led to the United Nation's recognition of the Hawaiʻi Green Growth Local2030 Islands Hub. ** Declaration of Commitment Document As a United Nations Hub, Hawaiʻi, in collaboration with the Global Island Partnership, will advance concrete initiatives and open-data platforms, scale successful models and build educational pathways for next generation’s leaders. Hawaiʻi leaders from all branches and levels of government, along with United Nations and island representatives from the UN Global Compact Forum, Grenada, Aruba, and New Zealand, and public, private and civil society leaders – also signed the Malama Mandate, renewing their commitment to sustainability and climate priorities through island values and actions. On the eve of Earth Day and the conclusion of the Mahalo, Hawai‘i Sail by Hokule‘a, the final leg of the Worldwide Voyage, island leadership made the following observations: David Y. Ige, Governor, State of Hawaiʻi “This gathering of leaders shows our collective commitment to fighting global climate change. Our fight started long before today and will continue well into the future. Hawaiʻi is committed to working with island leaders from around the world to implement and track progress made. By partnering, we can scale models that advance the global sustainability model.” Scott K. Saiki, State of Hawaiʻi, Speaker of the House of Representatives: "The Legislature supports the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development designed to put the world on a path toward a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future," said House Speaker Scott K. Saiki (McCully, Kāheka, Kakaʻako, Downtown). "Over the past five years, we have worked together to pass legislation supporting sustainable solutions, including modernizing the energy grid, setting the goal of 100 percent renewable electricity by 2045, and enacting ratepayer protections. The Legislature remains committed to achieving our objectives in the areas of conservation, sustainability, and economic development." Ronald Kouchi, State of Hawaiʻi, President of the Senate “This marks the 5th year anniversary of the State of Hawaiʻi endorsing and supporting the Aloha+ Challenge through Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 69, that set ambitious goals of sustainability for the state by the year 2030. I am proud to say that on Kauai, the Kauai Island Utility Co-op currently uses 53% renewable energy to provide the island with electricity and hopes to be using 63% by the end of the year – well beyond the proposed 40% renewable energy use targeted by SCR69. With regard to food sustainability, Kauai’s two state run hospitals are serving Kauai produced locally sourced meals, with an eye toward expanding this program to all fifteen public schools on Kauai. Although we have made tremendous strides toward sustainability, there remains much to accomplish if we are to remain on the path to self-sufficiency.” J. Kalani English, Senate Majority Leader of the State of Hawaiʻi “Through the enactment of bold legislative measures, Hawaiʻi continues to be a global leader in addressing sustainability and climate change challenges,” said Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English (Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe). “Our support for the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Hawaiʻi Green Growth Local 2030 Islands Hub further builds on a history of systems-thinking and traditional knowledge. It also reinforces our commitment to the protection and sustainability of our people, communities, natural resources and economic prosperity.” Brian Schatz, U.S. Senator, Hawai‘i “The Aloha Challenge started as an idea to take our state’s values and our accomplishments and turn them into action. Today, that notion is no longer an aspiration. It’s no longer theoretical. It’s happening. And the rest of the world is paying attention, because we are setting the standard for how things should be done,” said Senator Schatz. Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. Representative, Hawai‘i: “Hawai‘i is leading the change we need to make to protect our environment for future generations, and doing so through our collective commitment to the Aloha+ Challenge. The progress we are making towards making global impact is due to local action, leading with aloha for each other, our ʻāina and the world we all share. Mahalo to the Hawaiʻi Green Growth partnership, our UN Local2030 Hub, for your dedication to securing a more sustainable future for our Island Earth.” Harry Kim, Mayor, County of Hawaiʻi “Hawaiʻi, the most precious and beautiful of place and people. We are committed to join hands with partners around the world through the United Nations Local 2030 to make us a better people and stewards of this world for nā keiki.” Kirk Caldwell, Mayor, City and County of Honolulu: “Climate change is the most pressing issue of our time, but government cannot tackle it alone. We need to develop global networks that feature local leaders, and the HGG United Nations Local2030 Islands Hub is a significant platform to take action and build resilient communities. The City and County of Honolulu is committed to advancing our goals of sustainability through the Aloha+ Challenge and by working with other cities and partners, we can make significant strides on our climate agenda.” Derek S.K. Kawakami, Mayor, County of Kaua‘i: “Kaua‘i like other islands around the world is feeling the impacts of climate change. Our island is already ahead of our renewable energy commitments, and the United Nations recognition through the Hawai‘i Green Growth Local2030 Island Hub is a significant step in the right direction. We are committed to advancing the Aloha+ Challenge as our local contribution to meet global sustainability and climate goals, which is why we launched the Kaua‘i Aloha+ Challenge as a way for our communities and students to get involved. We encourage everyone to sign up and participate to make Kaua‘i better than how we found it.” Michael P. Victorino, Mayor, County of Maui: “The County of Maui is committed to achieving balanced economic, community, and environmental priorities through statewide intergovernmental collaborations with public-private partners on the Aloha+ Challenge. Our island values and the health of our communities are of utmost importance, and the new partnership with the United Nations as a Local2030 sustainability hub recognizes what Hawai‘i has to offer the world.” Celeste Connors, Executive Director, Hawai‘i Green Growth Local2030 Islands Hub: “The Aloha+ Challenge five-year anniversary is a tribute to statewide collaboration across government, business, and civil society to build a more resilient and prosperous future for Hawai‘i, and local action to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As a United Nations Local2030 Islands Hub, we can attract new resources to Hawai‘i to support our success and scale island models that can have a major impact regionally and globally.” Patricia Purcell, UN Global Compact’s Cities Programme “The United Nations is pleased to partner with the Hawai‘i Green Growth Local2030 Islands Hub to promote island-led solutions to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Hawai‘iʻs Aloha+ Challenge demonstrates the significance of local leadership, and serves as a model for the regions around the world with the Global Island Partnership. Through the UN-wide Local2030 initiative and Global Compact Forum, islands economies can share solutions with a vast global network of cities, companies, and partners to accelerate local action on the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.” H.E. Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau: “The launch of the Hawai‘i Green Growth Local2030 Islands Hub is a recognition of Hawai‘i’s local SDG action through the Aloha+ Challenge and collective island leadership together with the Global Island Partnership. We will work to launch new island sustainability hubs and scale successful models Local2030 Initiative. Change an island, and you can change the world.” #GlobalGoals #LocalActionDay #UnitedNations #DeclarationofCommitmenttoSustainability #UNGlobalCompactForum #Grenada #Aruba #NewZealand #EarthDay #GovernorIge #ScottSaiki #RonaldKouchi #JKalaniEnglish #BrianSchatz #TulsiGabbard #HarryKim #KirkCaldwell #DerekKawakami #MichaelVictorino #CelesteConnors #PatriciaPurcell #HETommyRemengesau #Jr #TommyRemengesau #Palau #GreenGrowth #glennwakai #kaialiikahele #lesiharajr #donnamercadokim

A display of historical documents commemorating the 1860 visit by 77 Japanese diplomats to the Kingdom of Hawaii—the first ever visit by a Japanese delegation to the Kingdom—will be on display on the 4th floor of the Hawaii State Capitol beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2019. WHAT: Display of documents commemorating first visit by a Japanese delegation to the Kingdom of Hawaii WHEN: Thursday, April 18, 2019 10:00 a.m. WHERE: 4th Floor Hawaii State Capitol The display will be part of a day-long commemoration that will include a visit to the Senate and House chambers by thirty descendants of the first Japanese diplomats to Hawai‘i, and recognition by Governor David Ige at 1:30 p.m. in the Governor’s Ceremonial Room. The meeting in March, 1860, made necessary when bad weather forced the ship carrying the delegation to stop in Honolulu for repairs and supplies, resulted in the Treaty of Amity between Japan and the Kingdom. #japanesedelegation #1860HawaiiStateCapitol #kingdomofhawaii #TreatyofAmity #HawaiiHistory #JapaneseHistory

Hawai‘i Island will be home to a new aquaculture accelerator that aims to attract startups that focus on sustainable solutions for the aquaculture industry. Solutions include innovative feed solutions, breakthrough technology in animal health, and farm and water management. The new accelerator and its associated investment fund were established by the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i Authority (NELHA), the Hawai‘i Strategic Development Corporation (HSDC) and the University of Hawai‘i’s UH Ventures, LLC (UHV). After a highly competitive application process, HATCH was selected as the best candidate to operate the Hawai‘i accelerator and run the investment fund. HATCH is the world’s first sustainable aquaculture accelerator, with operations in Norway and Singapore. . The accelerator will initially be fully funded for three years and is expected to nurture three cohorts of 10 to 12 globally relevant aquaculture technology startups per year. “This effort is very much in line with our administration’s ongoing focus to build an innovation-based economy, advance the state’s commitment to sustainability and add tie-in to initiatives,” said Gov. David Ige. According to HSDC Director Karl Fooks, the global aquaculture industry is poised for a sustained period of growth and expansion. “Hawai‘i is home to both pioneering industry research efforts and commercial activities that have made significant contributions to the global industry. Through this accelerator and fund, the state will further raise its global visibility in marine technology and capitalize on the commercial opportunity in the global aquaculture industry,” Fooks said. The accelerator will be based at NELHA’s Hawai‘i Ocean Science and Technology Park (HOST Park) in Kailua-Kona on Hawai‘i ‘i Island and is expected to start its first cohort in the fall of 2019. “HOST Park is the perfect playground for innovative minds that are seeking to make a major difference in the field of aquaculture. The world class facilities at NELHA offer perfect conditions for fast prototyping and iterative innovative ideas,” said HATCH Chief Executive Officer Carsten Krome. “The accelerator is in alignment with many of our existing research and training programs at the University of Hawai‘i,” said UH Vice President for Research and Innovation Vassilis L. Syrmos. “We look forward to playing a significant role in creating a bright future in sustainable aquaculture for the state by helping to develop a skilled, knowledge-based workforce to make it flourish.” The concept for the accelerator originated as a direct result of recommendations produced by more than 100 participants at the 2017 Hawai‘i Aquaculture Industry Summit. The establishment of the joint accelerator project was made possible through initial funding provided by the Hawai‘i State Legislature and the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and the Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation provided additional guidance. “Many people have come together to make this initiative a reality,” said NELHA Executive Director Gregory Barbour. “We are thrilled by the positive feedback this initiative has generated and look forward to growing the aquaculture tech industry in Hawai‘i.” Interested startups are encouraged to apply at: www.hatch.blue/apply #NELHA #NaturalEnergyLaboratoryofHawaiiAuthority #HawaiiStrategicDevelopmentCorporation #HSDC #UniversityofHawaii #aQUACULTURE #AquacultureAccelerator #HawaiiIsland #CarstenKrome #HawaiiOceanScienceandTechnologyPark #GregoryBarbour

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige signed HB1180 Act 009 that appropriates funding for Hawai‘i County’s disaster relief, recovery, mitigation, and remediation activities in the wake of the Kīlauea volcanic eruption. Last year’s eruption had an enormous impact on Hawai‘i County, with the cost of public and private economic disruption estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars. More than 700 structures were destroyed, more than 3,000 residents displaced. Under the new law, $20 million in general funds will be appropriated for fiscal year 2018-2019, as a subsidy to Hawai‘i County to be used for disaster relief activities. The county will be required to report monthly expenditures to the state Department of Budget and Finance. An additional $40 million in general funds will be appropriated for fiscal year 2018-2019 as a loan to the county, to enable Hawai‘i County to obtain non-state funds such as federal funds for disaster relief. The loan terms will be negotiated by the state Director of Finance. “This was an unprecedented four-month disaster. We know the recovery will take years, but the effort is supported by the state Legislature and my administration, which will help with local cost share and economic revitalization. At the same time, Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation is pursuing additional federal resources to support the recovery,” said Gov. Ige. In addition, federal partners will cover approximately 75 percent of the costs to replace lost infrastructure. Act 009 takes effect immediately. #Governorige #RonaldDKouchi #JKalaniEnglish #RussellRuderman #Lorraineinouye #DruMamoKanuha #kaialiikahele #KilaueaVolcano #disasterRelief #Act009 #HB1180

Construction on Mililani Middle School’s New Classroom Building project was launched today in a groundbreaking ceremony with students, parents, staff and community members. The new three-story structure will house 15 classrooms to serve Mililani Middle’s nearly 1,900 students. When complete, the new facility will provide the expanded classroom capacity needed to allow the school to adopt a single-track school year to replace its current multi-track calendar. “The new classrooms will be a significant expansion and allow Mililani Middle to accommodate its entire student body,” said Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto. “They will provide our students enhanced learning opportunities and resources to prepare them for the local and global challenges of the 21st century.” Mililani Middle School currently serves 1,866 students in grades 6 through 8 who come from five elementary feeder schools in the Mililani Complex. Since its opening in 1998, the middle school has operated on a year-round, multi-track calendar to allow the large number of students equitable access to classrooms, teachers and facilities. Students are divided into four groups called tracks that allow instructional time and breaks periods at regular intervals to be distributed among the tracks independently throughout the year. These different instructional schedules currently allow three-fourths of the student body to be in school at any given time. “The new classroom facilities will expand students’ academic opportunities here at the state’s largest middle school and help them to achieve their potentials,” said Senator Michelle Kidani. “The single-track calendar will also assist parents by keeping children on the same timetable, making it much easier to plan daily schedules, extra-curricular activities and family trips.” “Additional classrooms will enable the transition to a single track calendar and provide Mililani families with a better quality of life,” said Senator Donovan Dela Cruz. “We appreciate the Department of Education and City and County of Honolulu for prioritizing this project for the community.” The new three-story building will provide 15 classrooms (five per floor) and over 34,000 square feet of space, along with a new parking area and utilities. It will be built over approximately one acre of land, previously owned by the City & County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation, that was formerly part of the adjacent Mililani Mauka Community Park. The new building is anticipated to be ready for use by the spring of 2021 at an approximate construction cost of $14 million. “Now in our twenty-first year, the multi-track calendar has served us well and has allowed us to stay a step ahead of population growth in the Mililani community,” said Principal Elynne Chung. “When our new building is completed, moving to a single-track calendar will help us to ease the transition between the elementary, middle and high school levels by keeping our students on a regular schedule throughout their academic development.” Mililani Middle is currently the state’s largest middle school and has the eighth largest enrollment among public schools statewide, following seven high schools. Two other public schools, Kapolei Middle and Holomua Elementary, are also on multi-track calendars. #mililani #mililanimiddleschool #michellekidani #Governorige #DawnamanoIge #DonovanDelaCruz #RyanYamane

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) today recognized four students whose Hawaiian language science projects qualified for this year’s state science fair, which is being held this week at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center. OHA officials and Sen. J. Kalani English presented the students with certificates of recognition at today’s awards ceremony for the 62nd annual Hawaiʻi State Science and Engineering Fair. OHA also presented the students each with a $100 award and a pōhaku kuʻi ʻai (stone poi pounder). “These haumāna (students) are an inspiration for our lāhui,” said Kamanaʻopono Crabbe, OHA CEO/Ka Pouhana. “Like their kūpuna before them, these students are making scientific discoveries in their native tongue and grounded in our cultural traditions.” CEO Crabbe added: “The Hawaiian language revitalization movement is making huge strides, as evidenced not only with these four immersion students participating in the state science fair but also with ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi students participating for the first time ever in the 2019 Hawaiʻi State History Day fair this weekend. Hawaiian language is now occupying spaces historically reserved only for English. The broader community is beginning to recognize what Native Hawaiians have always known: that ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is viable in school, government and business, as well aseverything else in between. ”Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English said: The four haumāna are living testaments to the dedication and hard work of the Hawaiian language community to establish and normalize a system for ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi medium education. I am proud of these students for competing at the highest level using our native language and I wish them much success in their endeavors. Hoʻomaikaʻi iā ʻoukou e nā haumāna! The following four students qualified for this year’s state science fair: • Clu Mālamalono Hokama-Paris, Grade 12 School: Kula Kaiapuni ʻO Ānuenue Project Title: Ua ʻĀ ka Mea Kanu • Kaʻawaloa Kauaula, Grade 12 School: Kula Kaiapuni ʻO Ānuenue Project Title: Ka ʻAila Pale Lā Naupaka • Kūlia Miyamoto School: Kula Kaiapuni ʻO Ānuenue, Grade 8 Project Title: Title: Ka Papahana ʻImi Noiʻi ʻO Ke Kānana Wai • Kilinahe Naluai School: Pūʻōhala Elementary, Grade 7 Project Title: Kahe ke Kokoleka In recent years, a growing number of science projects produced in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi have been submitted to various district science fairs across the state. Since 2015, at least one Hawaiian language science project has advanced to the Hawaiʻi State Science and Engineering Fair. While once spoken throughout Hawaiʻi by Native Hawaiians and foreigners alike, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi was considered to be nearly extinct by the 1980s, when fewer than 50 fluent speakers under the age of 18 were left. A major reason for the deterioration in the use of Hawaiian language was an 1896 law that required English instruction in Hawaiʻi schools. In practice, this law functioned to ban students from speaking ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. Efforts to preserve the language over the years have included ʻAha Pūnana Leo’s Hawaiian language immersion preschools and the Hawaiian language programs of the University of Hawaiʻi system. In 1978, the Hawai‘i State Legislature recognized Hawaiian as a co-official language of Hawai‘i, thereby making Hawai‘i the first state in the union to designate an indigenous language an official state language. Also among these ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi revitalization initiatives was the Department of Education’s Hawaiian Language Immersion Program (HLIP), also known as Ka Papahana Kaiapuni. HLIP was started in 1986 to revitalize the Hawaiian language by establishing the next generation of native speakers through the public school system. Today, HLIP is offered at 23 schools and educates more than 2,000 students in kindergarten through the twelfth grade. The four students recognized today attend Ānuenue and Pūʻōhala, two HLIP schools. OHA also extends a warm mahalo to the following Hawaiian language judges and translators who helped at this year’s science fair: Mehana Hind, Sabrina Gramberg, Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, ‘Ulu Victor and Alyssa Anderson. #OHA #officeofhawaiianaffairs #Kilinahenaluai #kulakaiapunioanuenue #olelo #kapapahanakaiapuni #HLIP #MehanaHind #SabrinaGramberg #InaleimoanaWong #UluVictor #AlyssaAnderson #CluMalamalonohokamaparis #KaawaloaKauaula #kuliamiyamoto #senatorenglish #jkalanienglish

Ka ‘Aha Kenekoa THE SENATE Ka ‘Aha ‘Ōlelo Kanakolu THE THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE ‘Aha Kau Kānāwai 2019 REGULAR SESSION OF 2019 Ke Kōmike Ho‘okolokolo COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY Kenekoa/Senator Karl Rhoads, Luna Ho‘omalu/Chair Kenekoa/Senator Glenn Wakai, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair ‘Ōlelo Ho‘olaha No Ka ‘Aha Ho‘olohe NOTICE OF HEARING Lā / DATE: Pōʻakolu, ʻApelila 10, 2019 / Wednesday, April 10, 2019 Hola / TIME: 9:30am Wahi / PLACE: Lumi ‘Aha Kūkā 016 / Conference Room 016 Ke Kapikala Moku‘āina / State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street Papa Kumuhana A G E N D A GM 598 Status & Testimony Submitting for consideration and confirmation as the Attorney General of the Department of the Attorney General, Gubernatorial Nominee, CLARE E. CONNORS, for a term to expire at noon on 12-05-2022. JDC Inā lawa ka manawa, e ho‘oholo mana‘o ma hope pono. Decision Making to follow, if time permits. E waiho mai i kāu ‘ōlelo hō‘ike no ke Kōmike Ho‘okolokolo ma o ke kaomi ‘ana ma ‘ane‘i. Click here to submit testimony to the Senate Committee on Judiciary. Hiki ke waiho mai i ka ‘ōlelo hō‘ike a hiki i 24 hola ma mua o ka ho‘omaka ‘ana o ka ‘aha ho‘olohe. Testimony may be submitted up to 24 hours prior to the start of the hearing. Inā makemake e waiho i ‘ōlelo hō‘ike ha‘i waha, he ‘elua minuke wale nō ka lō‘ihi loa. Those wishing to provide oral testimony will be limited to two minutes. No Nā Papa ‘Ōlelo Ho‘olaha I Ho‘ololi ‘Ia: Kahawaena ‘ia nā pila i kāpae ‘ia a kahalalo ‘ia nā pila i pāku‘i ‘ia. Kahawaena ‘ia me ke kahalalo pū ‘ia nā pila i kāpae ‘ia mai ka papa kumumana‘o. FOR AMENDED NOTICES: Measures that have been deleted are stricken through and measures that have been added are underscored. If a measure is both underscored and stricken through, that measure has been deleted from the agenda. No nā mea pono kōkua unuhi, a i ‘ole kekahi mau mea lawelawe ‘ē a‘e no ke komo ‘ana i nā hanana ma ka ‘aha ho‘olohe, e kāhea aku i ke kākau ‘ōlelo kōmike he 24 hola ma ka li‘ili‘i loa ma mua o ka ‘aha ho‘olohe i mea e hiki ai ke ho‘omākaukau pono. If you require auxiliary aids or services to participate in the public hearing process (i.e. ASL or foreign language interpreter, or wheelchair accessibility), please contact the committee clerk at least 24 hours prior to the hearing so that arrangements can be made. No Ka ‘Ike ‘Ē A‘e, E Kelepona Aku I Ke Kākau ‘Ōlelo Kōmike Ma (808) 586-6130. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE COMMITTEE CLERK AT (808) 586-6130. Capitol Website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2019/hearingnotices/HEARING_JDC_04-10-19_.HTM #CLAREECONNORS #DepartmentoftheAttorneyGeneral #GovernorsMessage #911 #GM598 #HawaiiSenate #DavidIge

The public is invited to the State Capitol on Friday, April 5 for the 11th annual Art at the Capitol event. As part of this free public event, the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators will open their doors to share the diverse collection of public artwork that adorn their offices. This year's theme, “The Capitol is Art,” celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Capitol building and the unique architectural aspects reflected in its design and construction. “This is a highlight of the year for many of us at the State Capitol,” said Senator Brian Taniguchi (Senate District 11, Makiki, Manoa, Punchbowl, Papakolea), one of the event’s originators. “Our Capitol is unique in that it never closes, but on this night, the public gets a chance to see areas they can’t always visit, and experience the great artworks throughout the building. And this year, as they wander from floor to floor, I hope people will also take a moment to appreciate the great architecture and details that make this building very special.” Again this year, an exhibit in Room 329 will feature artwork created by state legislators. Their collages will be assessed by the public, who will vote for their favorite work for a “People’s Choice” award. "Art reminds us all to stop and think about the beauty and joys, struggles and tragedies that swirl around us each day,” said Representative Della Au Belatti (House District 24, Makiki, Tantalus, Papakolea, McCully, Pawaa, Manoa). “Hawaii artists are doing great things to tell the stories of our times, and hundreds of their art works are on display in the offices of the historic State Capitol. Please join us at the Capitol to see these thought-provoking pieces and meet your Representatives and their staff during this uplifting and free event." Art at the Capitol begins with an opening program at 4:30 p.m. in room 329 that includes an introduction of artists and special guests. Self-guided tours start at 5 p.m., along with a 50th Anniversary Commemoration documentary in the Senate Chamber, and an Art at the Capitol documentary in the House Chamber. Music will be performed during the event by members of the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony. The program ends at 7 p.m., when the public is invited to continue the celebration of local art and music across Richards Street at the Hawai‘i State Art Museum (HiSAM), which will be open until 9 p.m. Art at the Capitol is sponsored by the Hawai‘i State Legislature and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. www.facebook.com/artatthecapitolhawaii WHO: Hawai‘i State Senators and Representatives, Offices of the Governor and Lt. Governor WHAT: 11th Annual Art at the Capitol WHEN: Friday, April 5, 2019 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. WHERE: Hawai‘i State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813 #artatthecapitol #briantaniguchi #artinpublicplaces #thecapitolisart #50thAnniversary #dellaaubelatti #HawaiiYouthSymphony #HISAM #Hawaiistatelegislature #StateFoundationofCultureandtheArts #Governorige #davidige #joshuagreen #LtGovernorGreen

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Office of the Securities Commissioner will host the 13th Annual Financial Literacy Fair on Friday, April 5, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tamarind Park, Bishop Square in Downtown, Honolulu. As part of Financial Literacy Month in April, the Office of the Securities Commissioner is hosting an informational fair to provide free financial literacy information to the general public. The event will feature various government agencies and nonprofit organizations who will provide materials on saving and investing, insurance, home ownership preparation, dealing with credit, planning for retirement, tips on preventing financial fraud and more. “We look forward to hosting this event every year,” said Securities Commissioner Ty Nohara. “Our exhibitors will have great information and resources available for whatever stage you may be in – whether you’re just getting started, or preparing for retirement.” In addition to the Office of the Securities Commissioner’s Investor Education Program, other exhibitors include: AARP Hawaii Better Business Bureau Northwest + Pacific Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Business Action Center Division of Consumer Advocacy Consumer Education Program Division of Financial Institutions Insurance Division Office of Consumer Protection Real Estate Branch Department of the Attorney General – Crime Prevention & Justice Assistance Division Department of Health, Senior Medicare Patrol Program Department of Taxation Hawaii Credit Union League Hawaii Pacific University Hawaii State Public Library System Honolulu Police Department – District 1 Internal Revenue Service & Taxpayer Advocate Service Social Security Administration United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) District of Hawaii United States Postal Service #DCCA #DepartmentofCommerceandConsumerAffairs #AnnualFinancialLiteracyFair #TamarindPark #FinancialLiteracyMonth #AARP #BetterBusinessBureau #BusinessActionCenter #DivisionofConsumerAdvocacy #ConsumerEducationProgram #DivisionofFinancialInstitutions #InsuranceDivision #OfficeofConsumerProtectin #RealEstateBranch #DepartmentoftheAttorneyGeneral #DepartmentofHealth #DepartmentofTaxation #HawaiiCreditUnionLeague #HawaiiPacificUniversity #HawaiiStatePublicLibrarySystem #HonoluluPoliceDepartment #HPD #InternalRevenueService #SocialSecurityAdministration #UnitedStatesAttorneysOffice #UnitedStatesPostalService