More than one fourth of the graduates in the Class of 2018 statewide earned a Hawai‘i State Department of Education’s (HIDOE) Honors Recognition Certificate, completing a rigorous course of study to prepare them for college and career. To receive an Honors Recognition Certificate, students must meet all of the requirements for a Hawaii high school diploma with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and complete additional, rigorous requirements such as earning additional credits in math and science and meeting or exceeding performance-based assessments. The recently published College and Careers Readiness Indicators Report (CCRI) released by Hawai‘i P-20 Partnerships for Education shows a steady increase in the number of students who have earned the HIDOE’s Honors Recognition Certificate; 28 percent in the Class of 2018, up 10 percentage points from 18 percent in the Class of 2016. The Honors Certificate program was introduced in 2016, the same year that graduation requirements for all students were made more rigorous with the implementation of Board of Education Policy 102-15. Even with the enhanced graduation requirements, the on-time graduation rate for the Class of 2018 increased to 84 percent from 82 percent for the Class of 2013. The CCRI reports show that the collaboration between the University of Hawai‘i System (UH) and HIDOE to strengthen the education pipeline is yielding positive results. Eighteen percent of students in the Class of 2018 enrolled in college courses while in high school, an increase of 12 percentage points from the Class of 2013. In addition, more than half of these students earned at least six college credits, saving on future college costs. The Class of 2018 also included more students who took the Advanced Placement (AP) exam in high school; 35 percent for the Class of 2018 compared with 27 percent in the Class of 2013. High school completers who scored at least a 3 on an AP exam increased by five percentage points for the Class of 2018 from the Class of 2013. The AP exam is designed to measure students’ mastery of AP courses and can earn students college credits. “Given the opportunities and the right supports, our students are driving their success and attaining and demonstrating more rigorous learning in greater numbers,” said Superintendent Dr. Christina M. Kishimoto. “I want to especially congratulate them, as well as our educators, extended support staff, families and communities who support them. These results validate the work of our ongoing partnership with UH to ensure students are prepared for opportunities after high school.” For more than a decade, UH and HIDOE have collaborated to strengthen alignment between high school and college, so that more students make a successful transition to postsecondary education. The collaborative efforts have included reviewing and revising placement policies at UH campuses to allow students to be placed into college-level courses based on their achievements in high school. Taking dual-credit courses that allows high school students to earn both high school and college credits while in high school, and a number of other efforts designed to boost student achievement and success in higher education. “We are thrilled to see that Hawai‘i’s public high school graduates are more prepared for college than ever, and I encourage these high school graduates to consider which UH campus will help them meet their career goals. We had the largest ever first time freshmen enrollment at the University of Hawai‘i at Mânoa in history, and we hope that trend continues for all of the UH campuses,” said David Lassner, president, UH System. Several schools are spotlighted in the Class of 2018 CCRI for gains made in a number of areas of college and career readiness, including: Honoka‘a High and Intermediate School • Increased college enrollment to 44 percent for the Class of 2018 from 33 percent for the Class of 2013, an increase of 11 percentage points. • Increased enrollment in college-level English courses to 74 percent for the Class of 2018 from 38 percent with the Class of 2013. • Decreased enrollment in below college-level math and English courses to 4 percent for the Class of 2018, from 46 percent for the Class of 2013; down 42 percentage points in both math and English. Kaiser High School: • More than half of the Class of 2018 earned a HIDOE Honors Certificate, an increase of 10 percentage points from the Class of 2016. • 58 percent of students in the Class of 2018 took AP exams, an increase of 26 percentage points from the Class of 2013. • Increased four-year college enrollment to 58 percent for the Class of 2018 from 44 percent for the Class of 2013. Waiakea High School • Increased the number of students taking dual credit courses to 31 percent for the Class of 2018, from 8 percent for the Class of 2013. • Leads the state with the highest increase in high school completers earning six or more dual credits; 26 percent for the Class of 2018, up from 3 percent for the Class of 2013. • Increased enrollment in college-level math at UH by 25 percentage points, from 34 percent for the Class of 2013 to 59 percent for the Class of 2018. McKinley High School • Increased college enrollment to 71 percent for the Class of 2018 from 60 percent in the Class of 2013. • Increased the number of students taking AP exams to 45 percent for the Class of 2018 from 33 percent for the Class of 2013. Hawai‘i’s CCRI reports are continuously recognized by national organizations, including the Data Quality Campaign, Achieve, and the National Governors Association, as a leading example of collaboration between K-12 and higher education and for providing useful information on college readiness. The full reports can be found here and here. Reports can also be viewed on Hawai‘i DXP’s interactive dashboard here. ### Hawai‘i P-20 Partnerships for Education, a statewide partnership led by the Executive Office on Early Learning, the Hawai‘i State Department of Education, and the University of Hawai‘i System, works to strengthen the education pipeline from early childhood through higher education so that all students achieve college and career success. Hawai‘i P-20’s partners share a sense of urgency about the need to improve Hawai‘i’s educational outcomes in an increasingly global economy, and have established a goal of 55 percent of Hawai‘i’s working age adults having a two- or four-year college degree by 2025. For more information, visit http://www.p20hawaii.org. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education is among the largest U.S. school districts and the only statewide educational system in the country. It is comprised of 256 schools and 36 charter schools, and serves more than 180,000 students. King Kamehameha III established Hawai‘i's public school system in 1840. HIDOE is in the midst of a range of historic efforts to transform its public education system to ensure graduates succeed in college or careers. #HawaiiDepartmentofEducationHIDOE #CollegeandCareersReadiness #CCRI #HIDOE #APExam #ChristinaKishimoto #DavidLassner #UniversityofHawaii #honokaahighschool #hookaaintermediateschool #kaiserhighschool #waiakeahighschool #mckinleyhighschool #HawaiiP20PartnershipsforEducation #ExecutiveOfficeonLearning

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) is encouraging the public to take tsunami preparedness into their own hands this April during Tsunami Awareness Month. Over seventy years ago, on April 1, 1946, one of the deadliest tsunamis to ever hit Hawaii caused widespread devastation on all islands. Generated by an earthquake in the Aleutian Islands, the massive tsunami took 159 lives and caused more than $26 million in damage. April was chosen as Tsunami Awareness Month to honor and remember the lives lost in all tsunamis that hit the state. Due to Hawaii’s location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, we are extremely vulnerable to the threat of tsunamis. Distantly generated tsunamis can reach Hawaii within several hours and are triggered by earthquakes that take place along the Ring of Fire, which circles the Pacific Rim. Locally generated tsunamis are caused by earthquakes or volcanic activity that occur in or near the Hawaiian Islands and can make landfall in a matter of minutes. “We cannot stress how important it is that residents be prepared for a possible tsunami that can strike at any time,” said Tom Travis, Administrator of Emergency Management. “Being aware of potential hazards and knowing how to be notified of an impending catastrophe is key to surviving a disaster. Just as imperative are emergency preparedness kits to be used in the aftermath period as well as the information on knowing how to evacuate and find shelter during a catastrophic event. A tsunami cannot be outrun.” For distantly generated tsunamis, outdoor warning sirens will sound statewide. For locally generated tsunamis, however, there may not be enough time to sound sirens. If you are near the ocean when an earthquake takes place, immediately move to higher ground. Upon hearing any warning sirens, the public should tune immediately to a radio or television for updates and the latest information. Additionally, everyone should be able to recognize the natural warning signs that a tsunami may be imminent. Signs include: rapidly rising or receding water from the ocean, the sound of a locomotive or jet plane coming from the ocean, and empty beaches. People located within a tsunami evacuation zone should quickly move to higher ground, or inland until they are at least 100 feet above sea level, while avoiding steep cliffs and watching for falling rocks. To find out if you live, work or play within a tsunami evacuation zone, enter your address into the Tsunami Evacuation Zone Map Viewer on HI-EMA’s website at www.ready.hawaii.gov or turn to the disaster preparedness pages in your local telephone book. On Saturday, April 6, the Pacific Tsunami Museum (PTM) in Hilo will host a Keiki Day Open House event with free admission to the public. During the event, guests can learn how to best prepare for tsunamis. The following Saturday, April 13, PTM has invited tsunami subject matter experts. Guests can speak with scientists, natural hazard planners, and others. On Saturday, April 20, PTM will host “Survivor Stories from April 1, 1946.” PTM is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting tsunami awareness and education through a combination of science, history, and personal accounts. For more information about the open house, call 808-935-0926. # # # #tsunamimonth #HIEMA #HawaiiEmergencyManagementAgency #MajorLogan #PacificTsunamiMuseum #AleutianIslands

The Nominating Committee for the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) is accepting applications for one vacant Commissioner’s position. The new term for the Commissioner will begin July 1, 2019 and run for four (4) years, expiring on June 30, 2023. The Nominating Committee will review applications and send the Governor the names of at least three (3) people deemed qualified according to Hawai‘i Revised Statutes. The appointment is subject to confirmation of the Senate. CWRM has exclusive jurisdiction and final authority over matters relating to the implementation and administration of the State Water Code. The Governor appoints five (5) of the seven (7) members to the Commission. The two remaining commissioners are ex-officio voting members: the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Director of the Department of Health. State law requires that each member selected by the Nominating Committee have “substantial experience or expertise in the area of water resource management”. Commission members serve a four-year term without pay, although expenses are reimbursed. Applications and resumes should be postmarked no later than Thursday, April 18, 2019: Nominating Committee Commission on Water Resource Management 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 227 Honolulu, HI 96813 To apply online: http://boards.hawaii.gov/apply/apply-for-a-board/ For more information: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/cwrm/aboutus/commission/ #DEPARTMENTOFLANDANDNATURALRESOURCES #waterresourcemanagement #CWRM

STATEWIDE – The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) announces its 2019 graduation dates for 64 schools statewide including public charter schools. The majority of ceremonies run throughout the month of May with approximately 10,000 students anticipated to be walking in this year’s ceremonies. Aiea High graduates receiving their diplomas at their graduation ceremony at Aloha Stadium. Photo Credit: Department of Education Aiea Thursday, May 23 6 p.m. Aloha Stadium Anuenue Saturday, May 25 10 a.m. School Campus Baldwin Friday, May 17 6 p.m. War Memorial Stadium Campbell Friday, May 17 5 p.m. Aloha Stadium Castle Saturday, May 25 5:30 p.m. School Stadium Connections Saturday, May 25 4 p.m. Hilo Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium Farrington Saturday, May 25 4 p.m. School Gymnasium Hakipu’u Learning Center Saturday, June 1 5:30 p.m., Doors open at 5 p.m. Windward Community College: Paliku Theatre Halau Ku Mana Saturday, May 25 9 a.m. School Campus Hana Saturday, May 25 3:30 p.m. School Campus Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science Friday, May 24 4 p.m. Pahoa Regional Recreation Center, Covered Courts Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind Thursday, May 30 5:30 p.m. Campus Center Field Hawaii Technology Academy Wednesday, May 22 6 p.m. Hawaii Convention Center Hilo Friday, May 24 6 p.m. Edith Kanakaole Stadium Honoka’a Saturday, May 25 10 a.m. Honoka’a Sports Complex Kahuku Thursday, May 23 6 p.m. BYU Canyon Activity Center Kailua Saturday, May 25 6 p.m. Kailua High Football Field Kaimuki Saturday, May 25 5 p.m. Waikiki Shell Kaiser Friday, May 24 6 p.m. School Stadium Kalaheo Tuesday, May 28 6:30 p.m. Blaisdell Concert Hall Kalani Tuesday, May 21 6:30 p.m. Stan Sheriff Center, UH Manoa Kamaile Academy Thursday, May 23 5 p.m. School Campus Kanu o ka ‘Aina Friday, May 31 10 a.m. School Campus Kapa’a Friday, May 24 6:30 p.m. Bryan Baptiste Sports Complex Kapolei Friday, May 24 6 p.m. Alvin Nagasako Sports Complex Ka‘u Friday, May 24 5 p.m. Ka’u District Gym Kauai Friday, May 24 5:30 p.m. Vidinha Stadium Kauai Community School for Adults Monday, June 17 5 p.m. School Campus Kawaikini Friday, May 24 10 a.m. School Campus Ke Ana La’ahana Sunday, May 26 10 a.m. Kawananakoa Hall Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino Friday, May 24 12 noon Minoru Inaba Baseball Field Ke Kula o Samuel M. Kamakau Saturday, May 25 12 p.m. School Campus Kea’au Friday, May 24 4:30 p.m. School Stadium Kealakehe Saturday, June 1 6 p.m. Kealakehe High Football Field Kihei Charter School Friday, May 31 5 p.m. School Campus King Kekaulike Thursday, May 23 6 p.m. School Stadium Kohala Saturday, May 25 2 p.m. Hisaoka Gymnasium Konawaena Saturday, May 25 9 a.m. Julian Yates Field Kua O Ka La Friday, May 24 9 a.m. Makuʻu Farmers Market Kula Aupuni Niihau A Kahelelani Aloha Friday, May 17 10 a.m. School Campus Lahainaluna Sunday, May 26 6:30 p.m. Sue D. Cooley Stadium Lanai Saturday, May 25 2 p.m. School Gymnasium Laupahoehoe Friday, May 24 6 p.m. School Campus Leilehua Friday, May 24 6 p.m. Hugh Yoshida Stadium Maui Saturday, May 18 4:30 p.m. War Memorial Stadium Maui Community School for Adults Thursday, June 6 5 p.m. Baldwin High Auditorium McKinley Sunday, May 26 5 p.m. School Campus: A Building Oval & Front Lawn Mililani Sunday, May 19 5 p.m. Aloha Stadium Moanalua Friday, May 24 5 p.m. School Stadium Molokai Friday, May 24 5 p.m. School Gymnasium Myron B. Thompson Academy Friday, May 24 5:30 p.m. Hawaii Convention Center Nanakuli Saturday, May 25 5 p.m. School Stadium Pahoa Sunday, May 26 5:30 p.m. Hilo Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium Pearl City Saturday, May 18 5 p.m. Aloha Stadium Radford Friday, May 24 6 p.m. Aloha Stadium Roosevelt Thursday, May 23 6 p.m. Stan Sheriff Center, UH Manoa University Lab School Friday, May 17 5:30 p.m. Andrews Amphitheater at UH-Manoa Waiakea Saturday, May 25 6 p.m. Edith Kanakaole Stadium Waialua Saturday, May 18 5:30 p.m. Waialua High Football Field Wai‘anae Friday, May 24 6 p.m. Raymond Torii Field Waimea Friday, May 24 6:30 p.m. School Campus Waipahu Thursday, May 23 6 p.m. Neal Blaisdell Arena Waipahu Community School for Adults Saturday, June 29 10 a.m. Pearl City Cultural Center West Hawaii Explorations Academy Friday, May 24 6 p.m. School Campus #HawaiiStateDepartmentofEducationHIDOE #HIDOE #graduation #mililanihighschool #charterschools

April 1, 2019 is the start of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in Hawaii. The Department of the Attorney General, Department of Health, and the Hawaii Coalition Against Sexual Assault are partnering to raise public awareness about sexual violence and support initiatives that work to prevent sexual violence in our communities. Hawaii’s effort is part of a nationwide campaign. This year’s SAAM theme, “I Ask, encourages and empowers everyone, no matter the scenario, to ask for consent, listen, and accept answers without pressuring or coercing another.” On April 12, 2019, Governor Ige officially will proclaim April 2019 “Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Hawaii” and recognize 14 community members and organizations who are making a difference in Hawaii by encouraging healthy relationships, teaching youth about consent, and how power dynamics impact consent. These include: Barbie-Lei Burgess, Waiʻanae Neighborhood Place; Jan Fukada and Keʻalapualoke Fukuda, Hawaiʻi State Department of Education; Lorrie Kanno and Officer Anson “Kaipo” Paiva, Weed and Seed Program Hawaiʻi; Gina Kaulukukui, Kauaʻi Police Department; Cathy Kapua, Kuaʻana Project; Cyril Lopez, Jr. and Jennifer Makuakane, Kaʻu Middle and High School; David Matlin and Nick Rolovich, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa, Athletics; Captain Romuel “Roy” Nafarrete, U.S. Navy, PACFLT SAPRO; Gregg T. Waki, Waiakea High School; and the Maui Sexual Assault First Responders. “Sexual violence has no place in our communities,” said Attorney General Clare E. Connors. “I commend every effort to raise awareness of the problem and I am encouraged that so many are promoting the value and importance of healthy human relationships.” According to the 2015 and 2017 Hawaiʻi Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 1 in 12 high school students (8.5%) who dated or went out with someone in the previous 12 months experienced sexual dating violence. Anyone can experience sexual violence, including children, teens, adults, and seniors. We encourage everyone to stand against all forms of sexual violence by attending a local SAAM proclamation during the month of April: Kauai Mayor’s SAAM Proclamation/Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month Monday, April 1, 2019, 1:00 p.m. Kauai County Office Building Rotunda Maui Mayor’s SAAM Proclamation Monday, April 8, 2019, 10:00 a.m. University of Hawaii Maui College Honolulu Mayor SAAM Proclamation and City Council Certificate Ceremony Tuesday, April 16, 2019, 1:00 p.m. Honolulu Hale, City Council Chamber (3rd Floor) #sexualassaultawaremess #pmtj #SAAM #HawaiiCoalitionAgainstSexualAssault #GovernorIge #DerekKawakami #MikeVictorino #KirkCaldwell

As a mark of respect for the late Hawai‘i State Representative Jackie Young, Gov. David Ige has ordered that the flags of the United States and State of Hawai‘i shall be flown at half-staff on the day of Young’s memorial service – Sunday, March 31. The flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard. “Jackie will forever be remembered as a trailblazer and champion for equality and civil rights. She was a true public servant who will always remain a role model for the women of Hawai‘i. Jackie is leaving behind a legacy that will benefit generations to come,” said Gov. David Ige. Young was the first woman elected vice speaker of the state House of Representatives, where she served from 1990-1994. She also worked at the state Department of Education, addressing gender equality as the Title IX administrator. In addition, she worked to advance women’s issues as the chair of the Hawai‘i Women’s Caucus and was instrumental in establishing a domestic violence shelter in Windward O‘ahu. #jackieyoung #staterepresentative #titleix #genderequality #HawaiiWomensCaucus #WindwardDomesticViolenceShelter

HONOLULU – Senator Donna Mercado Kim today announced that she has completed a review of 121 positions at the University of Hawaii that had been considered for elimination and, based on new information provided by the University, has determined that widespread cuts will not be necessary. “Our initial review focused on positions that had neither teaching responsibilities nor grant support,” Kim said. “Given that the university’s own policy states that instruction is the university’s highest priority, that was a natural place to start. “However, we subsequently learned that 99 percent of the positions that UH initially gave us were positions that included retirements, terminations, leaves without pay, and sabbaticals. In one case, the individual had died. Fifty percent were temporary positions that were 100 percent federal/grant funded. Thus, all these positions were restored. “It goes without saying that we would have preferred if the university had provided this critical information at the outset. But in the end, this has been a very productive exercise. “Getting the university administration to sit down and look closely at each position, considering grants, funding sources and instructional workload for 121 positions, showed UH administrators and legislators how problematic interpreting teaching workloads and justifications or criteria for substitution of other activities for classroom teaching. This review showed us how instructional teaching workloads and the teaching policies of the university have been compromised. “It is clear that we have many challenges ahead of us as we work with the Regents and the UH administration to explore single classifications, more global criteria of substituting other activities for classroom teaching, and system-wide standards to determine teaching equivalencies, nine-month faculty, eleven-month faculty, and researchers. “Finally, the Senate is working on a resolution to urge the Regents to continue the work in this area that was done by previous Regents.” #donnamercadokim #UniversityofHawaii #Budget #highereducation #Hawaiiregents

HAWAI'I ISLAND - After completing a soil study at 23 schools on the east side of Hawai‘i Island, the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE), with the support of the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH), is implementing tailored environmental hazard management plans (EHMPs) at 18 schools where results from the study indicated contamination present in the soil. The review was initiated in 2017 primarily to evaluate the presence of arsenic in soil due to historic use of arsenic-based herbicides when the land was utilized for sugar cane cultivation prior to schools being built. Assessment of lead and organochlorine pesticides, such as chlordane, were included in the study due to known historic uses of both lead paint and termite treatments. “The issue of lead, arsenic and organochlorine pesticide contamination is not unique to schools and could persist around any older home or building,” said Health Director Bruce Anderson. “We need to be vigilant and understand how to protect ourselves and our children from these chemicals. We are sharing this information out of an abundance of caution and want to reassure the public that exposure to lead, arsenic and organochlorine pesticides is preventable.” The 18 impacted Hawaii Island schools are: ● DeSilva Elementary (arsenic and lead) ● Haaheo Elementary (lead) ● Hilo High (lead) ● Hilo Intermediate (lead) ● Hilo Union Elementary (chlordane and lead) ● Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate (lead) ● Kapiolani Elementary (arsenic, chlordane and lead) ● Kau High & Pahala Elementary (chlordane and lead) ● Kaumana Elementary (lead) ● Keaau Middle (arsenic and lead) ● Keaukaha Elementary (lead) ● Laupahoehoe High & Elementary (lead) ● Mountain View Elementary (lead) ● Naalehu Elementary & Intermediate (lead) ● Pahoa Elementary (chlordane and lead) ● Pahoa High & Intermediate (arsenic, chlordane and lead) ● Waiakea Intermediate (arsenic) ● Waiakeawaena Elementary (chlordane and lead) HIDOE worked with DOH to create school-specific plans to minimize lead exposure to students and staff. Areas found to have the highest soil contamination were immediately addressed with containment measures, and mitigation efforts are continuing at some campuses. Containment measures have included the removal and proper disposal of impacted soil; planting of clean soil, ground cover or pavers; and restricted access to affected areas. “The safety and well-being of our students and staff is a high priority and work is already underway to minimize potential health risks,” said Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto. "With many of our communities sited on former sugar or other agricultural lands, the potential for soil issues can be fairly high, and we continue to work diligently with the Health Department to implement mitigation measures at each of our impacted schools." Exposure to lead, chlordane and arsenic is preventable. Helpful tips include: ● Children should avoid playing in the soil right next to buildings. ● Good hand-washing, especially prior to meals, will decrease the risk of unintentional ingestion and exposure. ● Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under clean, running water. ● Keep homes free of dirt and dust by leaving shoes outside and keeping areas clean. Parents concerned about exposures may contact the 24-7 Hawai‘i Poison Center Hotline at (800) 222-1222 or consult with their child’s doctor. The Poison Center is staffed with trained pharmacists, nurses, and medical toxicologists to answer questions. More information and resources are also available on DOH’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program website at http://lead.hawaii.gov and DOH’s Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office website at http://hawaii.gov/doh.heer. For more information, click here for a DOH fact sheet that goes over what you need to know about lead, arsenic and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soils at schools in Hawaii. #organochlorinepesticide #hawaiiisland #herbicides #contamination #bruceanderson #DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH #hidoe #Poisoncontrol

HONOLULU – Members of the Hawai‘i State Senate Ways and Means (MAW) Committee will be on Hawaii Island to meet with groups who have applied for state Grant-in-Aid at 1:30 p.m. this Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Tutu’s House in Kamuela. Big Island Senator Lorraine Inouye will host the GIA interviews, joined by Senators Donovan Dela Cruz, Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, WAM Vice-Chair Gilbert Keith-Agaran, and Senate Vice President Michelle Kidani. Also invited to participate are Hawaii Island Senators Kai Kahele, Dru Mamo Kanuha, and Russell Ruderman. The Senators will interview organizations who have sought state funding for non-profit programs and projects. “I’m looking forward to speaking with those who have applied for GIAs to get a clear picture of what their needs and goals are,” said Sen. Inouye. “I want to thank Senators Dela Cruz, Keith-Agaran, and Kidani for coming to Hawai‘i Island to hear from our community.” State Grant-in-Aid offers funding to non-profits for capital improvement projects or operational expenses. #grantinaid #HawaiiSenate #Lorraineinouye #Kamuela #DonovanDelaCruz #GilbertkeithAgaran #KAIKAHELE #RussellRuderman

Annual Event Brings Together Dozens of Organizations for National Consumer Protection Week The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) will commemorate National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) by hosting a free Consumer Education Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 6 in the courtyard of the King Kalakaua Building at 335 Merchant St. The building is the location of the downtown Honolulu Post Office and metered parking is available for the public. “The purpose of NCPW is to promote consumer education by providing free information that will help protect people’s privacy, manage their money and debt, and avoid identity theft, frauds and scams,” said DCCA Director Catherine Awakuni Colón. “We encourage residents to attend the free fair as a one-stop-shop for consumer resources. We will have representatives from over two dozen government and nonprofit agencies available to answer questions.” Consumers can pick up their free copy of the Consumer Guide to Healthcare Providers and Military Consumer Fraud Guide. These booklets focus on issues relating to consumer rights regarding healthcare issues, basic consumer issues, and what to do if consumers need to file complaints. Agencies participating in the March 6, Consumer Education Fair include: AARP Hawaii Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter Department of the Attorney General, Crime Prevention & Justice Assistance Division Hawaii Department of Taxation-Taxpayer Advocacy Office Hawaii Homeownership Center Hawaii SHIP, Executive Office on Aging Hawaii State Public Library System Hawaiian Electric Company Internal Revenue Service IRS – Taxpayer Advocate Service Legal Aid Society of Hawaii SMP Hawaii – Senior Medical Patrol Social Security Administration U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development U.S. Department of Justice – FBI U.S. Postal Inspection Service U.S. Postal Service The State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Cable Television Consumer Education Program Division of Consumer Advocacy Division of Financial Institutions Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program Insurance Division Office of Consumer Protection Office of the Securities Commissioner Public Utilities Commission Real Estate Commission Regulated Industries Complaints Office – Consumer Resource Center State Certified Arbitration Program Consumer Fair photos and B-Roll is available at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xaffmc17plqwdld/AACeVg-4MIkgM9TUMXMhyJGHa?dl=0 #DepartmentofCommerceandConsumerAffairs #dcca #NationalConsumerProtectionWeek #NCPW #Consumerguidetohealthcareproviders #militaryconsumerfraudguide #AARP #AlzheimersAssociation

On behalf of Gov. David Ige, Lt. Gov. Josh Green issued a supplemental emergency proclamation declaring not only the Pali Highway a disaster area, but also part of Maui County. Honoapi‘ilani Highway, Route 30 in Maui suffered extensive damage because of recent heavy rains. The Pali Highway suffered several landslides and was declared a disaster area on Feb. 22. The supplemental emergency proclamation authorizes the expenditure of state monies as appropriated for the quick and efficient relief of extensive damage to the Pali Highway and to a portion of Honoapi‘ilani Highway. It also gives the governor certain powers that allow him to expedite emergency management functions which include protecting the health, safety and welfare of Hawai‘i’s residents and visitors. The disaster relief period expires on April 22, 2019. Gov. Ige is traveling back to Honolulu on Tuesday, after attending the National Governors Association Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. Lt. Gov. Josh Green is serving as acting governor. The Supplemental Emergency Proclamation may be found here: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Supplemental-Proclamation.pdf #maui #mauicounty #supplementaryproclamation #honoapiilanihighway #joshgreen #davidige #disasterarea

Members of the Hawaii Senate’s Ways and Means (WAM) Committee will travel to Waimea on the Big Island to meet with groups who have applied for state Grants-in-Aid at 1:30 p.m. on March 9, 2019 at Tutu’s House in Kamuela. WAM chair Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz and vice-chair Sen. Gilbert Keith-Agaran will be joined by Big Island Senator Lorraine Inouye in interviewing those who have sought state funding for non-profit programs and projects. Senators Kai Kahele, Dru Mamo Kanuha, and Russell Ruderman have also been invited to attend. “We thought it was important that we hear directly from those who have applied for GIAs,” said Sen. Inouye, “so we have a clear picture of what their needs are. I want to thank Sen. Dela Cruz and Sen. Keith Agaran for scheduling these meetings in the communities that could ultimately be affected by our decisions.” State Grants-in-Aid offer funding to non-profits for capital improvement projects or operational expenses. #SENATEWAYSANDMEANS #Waimea #RussellRuderman #DruMamoKanuha #KaiKahele #DonovanDelaCruz #GilKeithAgaran #capitalimprovements #BigIsland #WAM #grantinaid