A final version of the State Budget Bill (HB300 CD1) was approved last night by Senate and House conferees. The budget covers the next two fiscal years, 2024 (FY24) and 2025 (FY25), and provides appropriations of $11.3 billion and $10.4 billion in general funds, respectively. Additionally, the bill includes a CIP budget of $2.9 billion in FY24 and $1.3 billion in FY25. $40 million ($20 million in operating funds and $20 million in capital improvement funds) were appropriated for grant-in-aid requests. “This budget bill encompasses not only the priorities of the Senate, House, and the Governor, but it is also reflective of the concerns and issues that matter the most to the people of Hawaiʻi,” said Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (Senate District 17 – Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “In working collaboratively with the Governor and our colleagues in both chambers, we are confident that this bill will provide opportunities for Hawaiʻi residents not just to survive, but to thrive in Hawaiʻi.” “We have proposed an aggressive, yet cautious and optimistic approach to building this budget,” said Representative Kyle T. Yamashita (House District 12 – Upcountry Maui), chair of the House Committee on Finance. "Enormous federal funding that helped all of us survive the pandemic has created an unintended consequence for all states. Governments have a rare amount of resources that, if strategically well spent, can pay dividends into the future. This is a budget that focuses on healing and investing in the future. We are increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates by providing over $72 million to our health care industry to make it more resilient in providing critical health care services, especially to lower income families. We are providing over $100 million to agencies responsible for healing our natural resources by fixing our parks and beaches, rejuvenating our conservation and preservation lands, and supporting our aquatic resources. We are adding $38.8 million to the Preschool Open Doors program that will get matched by federal funds, allowing us to expand public and private preschool and early learning opportunities to three-year-olds. We are investing over $300 million to increase our inventory of affordable housing for the middle class. Those are just four of the many examples of how we are setting up the state for decades of success." HB300 CD1 now heads back to the floor of both chambers for a final vote before being transmitted to the Governor for consideration. Notable budget highlights include appropriations for the following agencies: Department of Agriculture Adding $2.5 million in FY24 for Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle control. Adding 2.00 permanent positions and $255,792 in FY24 and $228,004 in FY25 to continue Bovine Tuberculosis operations on Molokaʻi. Increasing the ceiling by $6 million for federal grants for agricultural development. Increasing the Revolving Fund ceiling by $600,000 in FY24 and $350,000 in FY25 for pesticide drift monitoring. Adding $5 million for Mitigation and Population Control of Feral Animals. Department of Accounting and General Services Adding 7.00 permanent positions and $907,190 in FY24 and $994,772 in FY25 for cloud-based financial systems. Adding $590,000 in FY24 for the Hawaiʻi Information Portal system. Adding 2.00 permanent positions and $185,000 for the Office of Information Practices. Adding $192,696 for Office of Information Practices salary differentials. Adding 2.00 permanent positions and $259,280 in FY24 and $319,592 in FY25 for the digitization of Government records (Act 178 2022). Transferring $3.3 million to the Department of Taxation for the Tax System Modernization Project. Adding $746,623 in FY24 and $1.5 million in FY25 for Microsoft licenses. Adding 13.00 permanent positions and over $1 million in FY24 and over $1 million in FY25 for the cloud-based financial systems in the Office of Enterprise Technology Services. Adding $5 million in FY24 for planning for relocation of the Kalanimōkū data center. Adding $17 million in FY24 for insurance policy premiums. Adding $2 million in FY24 for Capitol Building renovations. Adding $5 million for agricultural warehouses. Adding 2.00 permanent positions and $170,200 in FY24 and $160,244 in FY25 for procurement (Act 176 2022). Adding over $1 million in FY24 for proof of concept and master planning. Adding $500,000 in FY24 for the relocation of the Māpunapuna Baseyard. Adding 1.00 temporary position and $259,000 in FY24 and $251,250 in FY25 for the Small Business Assistance Initiative (Act 168 2022). Adding $13,500 for the procurement Past Performance Database (Act 188 2021). Adding 1.0 permanent position and $107,311 in FY24 and $115,581 in FY25 for neighbor island school R&M. Adding $3.7 million in FY24 for voter system contracts. Adding $700,000 in trust funds for public funding. Adding $1.9 million in special funds to update the Emergency Next Generation 911 Hardware and Software. Department of the Attorney General Adding $409,546 in FY24 and $426,484 in FY25 for full-year funding for 11.00 positions. Adding $470,000 to the Litigation Fund. Adding $365,000 in FY24 and $94,000 in FY25 for the Grants Management System. Adding 7.00 Special Agents and reducing 6.50 Investigators, and adding $396,782 in FY24 and $364,246 in FY25 for the Special Investigations and Prosecution Division. Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism Adding $2.5 million for programming of professional master classes for culinary. Adding $50,000 in FY24 for the Kamaʻāina Connect Pilot Program. Adding $5 million in FY24 for the Pacific Arts and Cultural Festival. Adding $500,000 in FY24 for international programs and art programming. Adding $64 million in FY24 for convention center’s roof repairs. Adding $30,000 in special funds for energy software. Adding $94,200 in general funds and $166,911 in federal funds for labor research. Adding $2,994,167 in FY24 and $3,382,618 in FY25 for tourism research. Adding 3.00 temporary positions and $360,000 for broadband. Adding $58,704 for the administrative services officer. Adding 1.00 permanent position and $90,000 for the Aerospace Development Coordinator. Adding $50 million for infrastructure improvements for regional economic development. Adding $500,000 for statewide coastal zone management. Adding $25,060 for Land Use Commission travel. Adding $800,000 in FY24 for Waikīkī adaptation and resilience plan phase II. Adding $400,000 in FY24 for standardized vulnerability assessment. Adding 1.00 temporary position and $72,901 in FY24 and $143,152 in FY25 for the Land Use Commission. Adding $2 million in FY24 for east Kapolei infrastructure implementation master plan. Adding $18.5 million in FY24 for Kakaʻako Street upgrades. Adding $47 million in FY24 for Kalaeloa electrical upgrades. Adding $12.1 million in FY24 for Saratoga Avenue electrical upgrades. Adding $86 million in FY24 for ʻIwilei-Kapālama infrastructure upgrades. Adding $35 million in FY24 for UH West Oʻahu infrastructure. Adding 3.00 temporary positions and $90,200 in FY24 and $186,877 in FY25 for the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Adding $336,684 in FY24 and $515,543 in FY25 for HHFDC salary differentials. Adding $100 million in FY24 and $180 million in FY25 for a cash infusion into the Rental Housing Revolving Fund. Adding $50 million for a cash infusion into the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund. Adding 1.00 permanent position and $90,000 for the Agribusiness Development Corporation (Act 219 SLH 2022). Adding $93.8 million in FY24 for water and irrigation system infrastructure and land acquisition. Adding $10 million in FY24 for planning for the Food and Product Innovation Network. Adding $832,876 in FY25 to adjust for 3-year USDOE State Energy program grant. Adding $1M for FY25 for the Hawaiʻi Defense Alliance Program. Adding $100M for the Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority. Department of Budget and Finance Adding $310,776 in FY24 and $331,872 in FY25 for full-year funding for 8.00 positions. Adding $200 million for deferred maintenance statewide. Adding $33 million in both fiscal years for Broadband Federal Matching. Adding $500 million to the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund in both FY24 and FY25. Adding $32.3 million in FY24 and $63.6 million in FY25 for Retirement Benefits. Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Increasing the ceiling by $75,000 in special funds for the central services assessment. Increasing the ceiling by $300,000 in special funds for the licensing database. Adding $7.5 million in special funds and $2.9 million in general funds for the historic King Kalākaua Building’s roof. Increasing the ceiling by $398,569 in FY24 and $142,821 in FY25 in special funds for fringe benefits. Increasing the ceiling by $750,000 in special funds for the electric vehicle charging rebate program. Increasing the ceiling by $750,000 in special funds for the hydrogen fueling rebate program. Department of Defense Adding $1 million for repairs and maintenance. Adding $166,750 in general funds and $500,250 in federal funds for student meals at the National Guard’s Youth Challenge Academy in Hilo and Kapolei. Adding $125,000 in FY24 to replace the ceiling at the Youth Challenge Academy in Hilo. Adding 1.00 permanent Military Real Property Program Manager, $62,682 in FY24, and $121,563 in FY25 in federal funds for the National Guard. Adding 1.00 permanent Program Analyst, $48,050 in FY24, and $92,299 in FY25 in federal funds for the National Guard. Adding $2.5 million in general funds for grant matching of $4.5 million in federal funds in FY24 for the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) to deal with hazards. Increasing the ceiling by $500,000 for HI-EMA’s Hazard Mitigation Special Fund (Act 249 2022). Adding $145,000 in general funds in FY24 for HI-EMA for a bucket truck to repair sirens on Oʻahu. Adding $12 million in general funds in FY24 for HI-EMA's new headquarters. Department of Education Adding $7 million for the Hawaiʻi Keiki: Healthy and Ready to Learn initiative. Adding $10 million in FY24 for Worker’s Compensation. Adding 20.00 permanent positions and $1,474,000 for distance learning. Adding 13.00 permanent positions and $643,504 for bilingual school-home assistants. Adding $200,000 in FY24 and $100,000 in FY25 for cyber security pathways. Adding $2.5 million in FY24 for Career and Technical Education teacher differentials. Adding $5 million in FY24 for Campbell High School athletic stadium improvements. Adding $3.6 million in FY24 for workforce development to assist special education students. Adding over $12 million in FY24 and $12 million in FY25 for contracted skilled nursing services. Adding 92.00 permanent positions for applied behavior analysis (Act 205 2018). Adding $898,560 for after-school care for students with disabilities. Adding 2.00 permanent positions and adding $1,000,600 in FY24 and FY25 for positions to help administer Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention protocol in complex areas and Charter Schools. Adding $350,000 for Title IX training (Act 242 2022). Adding 1.00 permanent position and $110,136 for school gardens (Act 258 2022). Adding 1.00 permanent position and $110,136 for summer learning (Act 259 2022). Adding $1.7 million for a health referral management system. Adding 4.00 permanent positions and $300,768 for the Hawaiʻi Teachers' Standards Board. Adding $4 million in FY24 for nighttime security. Adding $13 million in FY24 for electricity. Adding $207,000 in FY24 and $179,000 in FY25 for kindergarten entry assessments (Act 46 2020). Adding $170 million in FY24 for teacher housing (SB941). Adding $2 million in FY24 and $3,128,236 in FY25 to restore salaries for unfunded library positions. Adding $100,000 for digital literacy programs (Act 232 2022). Adding $11.5 million in revolving funds for after-school programs. Adding 3.00 permanent positions for the School Facilities Authority. Adding 5.00 permanent positions and $396,192 for teacher housing positions. Adding 60.00 permanent positions and $5.1 million in FY25 for Charter School early learning (Act 257 2022). Adding $30,000 in FY24 to support traditional native speakers of Hawaiian. Adding $1.5 million in FY25 for Hawaiʻi Keiki Program. Adding $660,000 for the Early Childhood Educator Stipend program (Act 210 2021). Adding $15M in FY24 and $10M in FY25 to supply ABA services to students with significant behavioral and/or social-communication deficits. Adding 36.00 permanent positions and $3.9 million in FY24 and 126.00 permanent positions and $7.6 million in FY25 for early learning classrooms (Act 257 2022). Adding $5M for FY24 and FY25 to offer mental health services for public school students. Adding $10,000,000 to replace aging equipment and address soil contamination at multiple schools. Office of the Governor Adding 6.00 permanent positions and $894,528 for the Office of Wellness and Resilience (Act 29 2022). Adding 1.00 permanent position and $130,000 for Chief Negotiator position. Adding $150,000 in general funds for FY24 and FY25 for Other Current Expenses to fund special projects. Department of Health Adding a total of $152.4 million in both fiscal years to Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation – Regions for operating subsidy. Adding $22 million in FY24 for Maui Health System’s operating subsidy. Adding a total of $43.5 million in both fiscal years to Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation – Oʻahu Regional Health Care System. Adding 121.00 permanent FTE positions and over $10 million for Psychiatric Technicians, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, and Security Guards at the Hawaiʻi State Hospital. Adding $15.7 million in FY24 and $20.4 million in FY25 for the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Service Waiver for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Funding $230,508 in FY24, and $239,412 in FY25 for 3.00 Food Safety Specialists and 1.00 Secretary in the Food and Drug Branch. Adding $47.6 million in FY24 and $43.6 in FY25 for Emergency Medical Services across the State. Adding $1.6 million in both fiscal years for emergency medical services on the island of Molokaʻi. Adding 2.00 permanent positions and $73,644 in FY24 and $153,156 in FY25 for 1.00 Environmental Management Program Manager, and 1.00 Secretary II for the Environmental Planning Office. Adding 4.00 permanent positions, $263,604 in FY24, and $273,804 in FY25 for 2.00 Public Health Supervisors, 1.00 Public Health Educator, and 1.00 Secretary in the Hawaiʻi District Health Office. Adding 4.00 permanent positions, $249,564 in FY24, and $259,086 in FY25 for 2.00 Public Health Supervisors, 1.00 Public Health Educator, and 1.00 Office Assistant in the Maui District Health Office. Adding 3.00 permanent positions, $181,008 in FY24, and $188,052 in FY25 for 1.00 Public Health Supervisor, 1.00 Public Health Educator, and 1.00 Office Assistant in the Kauaʻi District Health Office. Adding 4.00 permanent positions, $114,354 in FY24, and $237,456 in FY25 for 3.00 Epidemiological Specialists and 1.00 Statistics Clerk in the Hawaiʻi District Health Office. Adding 3.00 permanent positions, $95,190 in FY24, and $197,208 in FY25 for 3.00 Epidemiological Specialists in the Maui District Health Office. Adding 3.00 permanent positions, $95,190 in FY24, and $197,208 in FY25 for 3.00 Epidemiological Specialists in the Kauaʻi District Health Office. Adding $10 million in FY24 and $20 million in FY25 for the Hawaiʻi State Loan Repayment Program for Healthcare Professionals. Department of Human Resources Development Adding $4.3 million in FY24 for Worker’s Compensation claims. Adding 1.00 position and $108,521 for Workforce Attraction, Selection, Classification, and Effectiveness. Adding $250,000 in FY24 for IT and computer equipment. Adding 2.00 positions and $3 million in FY24 for tech support & infrastructure. Department of Human Services Adding $6,000,000 in FY24 for the State Rent Supplement Program. Adding $1.5 million in both fiscal years for Family Assessment Centers. Adding $3.7 million in both fiscal years for the Housing First Program. Adding $3.7 million in both fiscal years for the Rapid Re-Housing Program. Adding $1.7 million in both fiscal years for Homeless Outreach Services. Adding $345,000 in FY24 and $250,000 in FY25 for the Homeless Services Database. Adding $500,000 in FY24 for IT modifications for an expanded Preschool Open Doors Program. Adding $38.8 million in FY25 for the expansion of Preschool Open Doors Programs to include 3-year-olds. Adding $5.6 million in general funds and $7.1 million in federal funds in both fiscal years for nursing facilities. Adding $3.3 million in FY24 and $4.5 million in FY25 for the Child Wellness Incentive Pilot Program (Act 127 2022). Adding $4,259,461 in FY24 and $2,450,000 in FY25 for an increase of Child Protective Service contracts. Adding $500,000 in both fiscal years for foster board payments. Adding $30 million in general funds in both fiscal years and $42,833,212 in federal funds in FY24 and $43.3 million in federal funds in FY25 for reimbursements to professional service providers. Adding $400,000 in both fiscal years for Sex Trafficking Victims Support. Adding 8.00 permanent positions and $1,000,000 in FY24 and $920,000 in FY25 for the Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions (Act 252 2022). Adding $15 million in FY24 for the ʻOhana Zones Pilot Program. Adding $15 million in FY24 and $33 million in FY25 for Kauhale Projects across the State. Adding $1.5 million in general funds and $9.5 million in federal funds in both fiscal years for the First-To-Work Housing Assistance. Adding $605,000 in both fiscal years for the Family Resource Center Network. Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Adding $364,226 in federal funds for Office of Community Services. Adding 1.00 permanent position and $1 million for the Immigrant Resource Center. Adding 3.00 temporary positions and $1.2 million in FY24 and $259,064 in FY25 for the new retirement savings board. Adding $36 million in FY24 for the unemployment insurance modernization project. $5M in FY24 to reimburse overpayments for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Department of Land and Natural Resources Adding $100,000 in general funds in FY24 for Kawehewehe Waikīkī Boardwalk. Adding $1.5 million in special funds for the Land Conservation Fund for land acquisition. Adding $750,000 in special funds for the conveyances and records digitization project. Adding $30,000 for DLNR's engineering division. Adding $200,000 in general funds in FY24 and FY25 for soil and water conservation districts. Adding $25 million in general funds in FY24 for Forestry Resource Management and Development for operating costs and renovations. Adding $14.7 million in general funds in FY24 for the Ecosystem Protection and Restoration resources. Adding $1.5 million for the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council. Adding 4.00 permanent positions and $117,210 in FY24 and $234,393 in FY25 for Navy’s Red Hill Contamination. Adding 2.00 permanent positions and $58,596 in FY24 and $117,192 in FY25 for water resources and permitting. Adding 4.00 permanent positions and $4.6 million in FY24 and 29.00 permanent positions and $4.3 million in FY25 for the enforcement of environmental conservation and protection. Adding $6.1 million in general funds in FY24 and FY25 for Maui Axis Deer Program. Adding $3.8 million in special funds for repairs and maintenance for the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation. Adding 1.00 permanent position and $28,856 in FY24 and $57,712 in FY25 for DOBOR administrative support. Adding $50 million in general funds in FY24 for Parks Administration and Operations for renovations and improvements. Adding $2 million for trail maintenance and restoration. Adding $10 million in FY24 and $8 million in FY25 in special funds for State parks repairs and maintenance. Adding $1 million for the carbon smart land management assistance pilot program (SB419). Adding 1.00 temporary position and $83,064 to coordinate merchandising strategies. Adding $400,000 for the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Adding 6.00 temporary positions and $14 million for the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (Act 255 2022). Department of Law Enforcement Adding 1.00 Program Specialist and 10.00 Deputy Sheriffs (including 4.00 for Executive Protection), $1.2 million in FY24, and $1.1 million in FY25. Adding 4.00 Deputy Sheriffs and $176,748 in FY24, and $289,584 in FY25. Adding $152,420 for drug monitoring for narcotics enforcement. Adding $312,120 in FY24 and $270,000 in FY25 for body-worn cameras. Adding $36,000 for the live scan system for identification. Adding $37,500 for ballistic protective vests. Adding 8.00 training positions and $435,001 in FY24, and $733,435 in FY25. Adding $45,000,000 in FY24 for the IT software project. Adding over $2 million in FY24 for full-year funding of 50.00 positions. Adding 5.00 Investigators and $304,722 in FY24, and $500,678 in FY25 for the Office of Homeland Security. Adding 1.00 Cybersecurity, Economic, Education, and Infrastructure Security Coordinator and $78,993 in FY24, and $157,986 in FY25 for the Office of Homeland Security. Adding $5 million in FY24 for a new training center. Adding $5.6 million in FY24 and $4.8 million in FY25 in inter-departmental transfers for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. Office of the Lieutenant Governor Adding 3.00 permanent positions and $520,000 for policy areas. Adding 2.00 permanent positions and $187,608 to support the office’s statutory responsibilities. Adding $528,505 in FY24 and $540,505 in FY25 for other current expenses. Department of Public Safety Adding $1.3 million for full-year funding to support new housing at the Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center. Adding $1.1 million in FY25 for 6-month funding to support new housing at the Maui Community Correctional Center. Adding $4.5 million in FY25 for full-year funding to support new housing at the Women’s Community Correctional Center. Trading off $450,432 to restore 8.00 Substance Abuse Specialists. Adding $450,000 in FY24 and $500,000 in FY25 to purchase more local agricultural products for food (Act 144 2022). Adding $970,176 for 24-hour health care at facilities on neighbor islands and Oʻahu. Adding 4.00 nurses and $286,645 in FY24, and $525,969 in FY25 for the new Infection Prevention and Control Unit. Adding 1.00 Dentist Manager and $144,415 in FY24, and $276,999 in FY25. Adding 8.00 permanent positions, $381,826 in FY24, and $669,012 in FY25 for Internal Affairs, and Training and Staff Development Offices. Adding $2 million to expand the community work furlough program from Oʻahu to statewide. Adding $521,899 in FY24 for utility shortfalls at the Hālawa Correctional Facility, Waiawa Correctional Facility, and Oʻahu Community Correctional Center. Adding $3 million in FY24 and $2 million in FY25 to relocate the Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center due to climate change. Department of Taxation Adding 2.00 permanent positions and $160,368 in FY24 and $166,128 in FY25 to fund newly established positions in the Oʻahu Field Audit Branch. Adding over $8 million in FY24 and over $3.8 million in FY25 to fund the Tax System Modernization Project. Adding 5.00 permanent positions and $544,028 in FY24 and $567,171 in FY25 to fund newly established positions for the Taxation Board of Review. Department of Transportation Adding $56.7 million in FY24 and $61.7 million in FY25 for Airports Special Maintenance Statewide. Adding $21.2 million in FY24 and $22.2 in FY25 to increase CONRAC tram and shuttle service management and operational expenses. Adding $22.8 million in FY24 & FY25 for Engineering and Architectural Services $1.1 million in FY24 and $1.6 million in FY25 to increase funding for routine maintenance and repairs. Adding $30.6 million in FY24 and $33.6 million in FY25 for Harbors Administration. Adding $2.7 million for Highway's traffic control on Oʻahu. Adding $50 million in FY24 and $40 million in FY25 for Highways Special Maintenance Program. Adding $1.3 million for the Highways Google Safety Analytics Program. University of Hawaiʻi Adding $17,526,848 in FY24 to restore reductions from COVID. Adding $3.2 million in FY24 for UH Mānoa athletics. Adding $85,000 for the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology. Adding 7.00 permanent positions and $228,500 in FY24 and $457,000 in FY25 for the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health. Adding 10.00 permanent positions and $1.9 million for Space Science and Engineering. Adding $205,000 in special funds for the Physician Workforce Assessment Special Fund (Act 151 2021). Adding $400,000 in FY24 for UH Hilo athletics. Adding 3.00 permanent positions and $98,500 in FY24 and $200,250 in FY25 for Maui College’s health center. Adding $3.7 million in FY24 to continue the Promise Program for Community Colleges. Adding 31.00 permanent positions and $693,780 in FY24 and $1.4 million in FY25 for Community College Security Officers. Adding $578,240 for non-credit workforce development. Adding 2.00 permanent positions and $84,167 in FY24 and $174,750 in FY25 for the early college program.

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature, led by Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi and Niʻihau), hosted the Council of State Government’s (CSG) National Convention in Waikīkī from December 7 – 10, 2022. The annual event attracted a record number of participants, with over 1,200 attending the four-day convention. This was the first time since 1997 that Hawaiʻi was selected as the host site for the national convention, which attracts state leaders from across the country and from all levels of government. The convention began with opening protocols, hula, and oli conducted by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA). “CSG delegates received a rare opportunity at opening day breakfast by experiencing authentic hula kahiko and chanting with powerful visuals of the Maunaloa eruption,” said John DeFries, CEO and president of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. “We’d like to sincerely thank Senate President Kouchi and CSG organizers for enabling us to set the tone with our opening protocol and messages of aloha and mālama.” Several Hawaiʻi legislators also served as panelists for the various breakout sessions that took place during the convention. These legislators include: • State Senator Lynn DeCoite • State Representative Greggor Ilagan • State Representative Justin Woodson • State Representative Linda Ichiyama • State Representative Troy Hashimoto In addition, State Representatives Greggor Ilagan and Troy Hashimoto received recognition for their leadership, achievements, and participation in CSG programs. Representative Ilagan received the CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award. This award recognizes the outstanding work of 20 up-and-coming elected and appointed officials from across the country who exemplify strong leadership skills and have demonstrated a genuine commitment to serving the citizens of their state/territory. Representative Troy Hashimoto was recognized as a Henry Toll Fellowship graduate. This highly selective, premier annual leadership development program for elected and appointed officials from across the country showcases the best and brightest of state government officials. Hawaiʻi’s newly-elected Governor, Dr. Josh Green, and Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke also attended the convention and provided keynote addresses. "The 2022 CSG National Conference in Hawaiʻi was one of the most successful events in the ninety-year history of our organization,” noted David Adkins, executive director and CEO of The Council of State Governments. “Because of its diversity and uniqueness, Hawaiʻi was the perfect place for state officials to come together to learn from each other and to leave empowered and inspired to put those lessons learned into practice in their states.” “I am very proud of our host committee and the work we accomplished in putting our best foot forward to welcome our CSG colleagues to Hawaiʻi,” said Senate President Kouchi. “We strived to provide CSG with an authentic visitor experience rooted in language, culture, and, most importantly, aloha and mālama.” Founded in 1933, The Council of State Governments is the nation’s largest nonpartisan organization serving all three branches of state elected and appointed officials. For more information, visit https://www.csg.org/. ###

Today, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (WAM) released its 2023 informational briefings schedule regarding the state budget for the upcoming year. Over 20 briefings will be held between January 10-January 24, 2023. The purpose of these briefings is to provide the space for state and county agencies to present their budget requests to the WAM committee prior to the start of the 2023 legislative session. “The budget briefings are critical for the Senate and the public to get details and information about each department’s budget requests. We expect to hear the administration’s plans and proposals for many issues such as housing, healthcare, homelessness, and education,” said Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (Senate District 17 – Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawa, and Whitmore Village), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “It’s important for the directors to communicate and explain exactly what the needs of their departments are so we can address them appropriately in the forthcoming session. We hope to see synergy, collaboration, and a macro thought process instead of the typical siloed approach to solving problems.” For more information or questions regarding the schedule, please contact WAM Committee Clerk Chung Chang at c.chang@capitol.hawaii.gov. ###

Governor David Ige released $4,500,000.00 in capital improvement project funding (CIP) to finance construction for track and field improvements at Hilo High School. “As a Hilo High School alumnus, I’m very pleased that Governor Ige is following up with the funding so that the students and community can reap the benefits of an updated and modern track and field,” said Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 4 – Hilo, Pauka‘a, Papaikou, Pepe‘ekeo). “An upgraded track and field will not only provide a top-notch sports facility, but also a place where the school community can stage various events.” # # #

Governor David Ige released $5,000,000.00 in capital improvement project funding (CIP) to finance design and construction for a girls’ athletic locker room at Waiākea High School. “I’m thrilled that Governor Ige has committed to funding design and construction plans for a girls’ athletic locker room at Waiākea High School,” said Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 4 – Hilo, Pauka‘a, Papaikou, Pepe‘ekeo). “It's imperative that Hawaiʻi's student athletes have adequate facilities to enable their extracurricular growth.” # # #

Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani (District 18 - Mililani Town, Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia) issued a statement today on the passing of legendary musician and entertainer, Danny Kaleikini: “I am saddened and completely loss for words at the passing of Danny Kaleikini. Not only was he my good friend, but he was an amazing ambassador of Hawaiʻi who truly embodied the aloha spirit. From attending many of his performances at the old Kahala Hilton to watching him serenade the Senate chamber on opening day in 2015, Danny’s memory and legacy will forever live on through the thousands of people that he met over the course of his legendary career. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kaleikini ʻohana during this difficult time. Hawaiʻi has lost a favorite son.” ###

With the Thirty-Second Legislature set to open on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, the Hawaiʻi Senate Majority is focused on addressing an array of issues in the upcoming legislative session. On November 16, 2022, Senate Majority Leader Dru Mamo Kanuha (District 3 - Kona, Kaʻū,and Volcano) convened a Majority Caucus to identify and discuss legislative priorities that aim to improve the quality of life for all residents in Hawai‘i. The following priorities will be the main areas of focus for the Senate Majority for the 2023 Legislative Session: Housing The Senate is committed to addressing the statewide shortage of housing by supporting planned housing projects to provide residents with affordable rent or purchase options; increasing transit-oriented development around major infrastructure projects across the state; developing workforce housing solutions to support residents employed in high demand sectors; seeking opportunities for residents in middle-income brackets to purchase homes; supporting legislation that makes affordable housing remain affordable in perpetuity; and collaborating with the counties to reform the permitting process for affordable housing development. Education The Senate is committed to improving Hawai‘i's education system by addressing teacher shortages and retention through programs such as dedicated affordable housing and educational pathways in partnership with local high schools and the University of Hawai‘i system; supporting early childhood education initiatives, including universal Pre-Kindergarten programs; coordinating with various state agencies to establish educational and vocational tracks in K-12 schools for emerging industries; and pursuing school-level accountability. The Senate's education priorities also include higher education, with an emphasis on the development of nursing curriculum and other healthcare specialist programs in schools across the state; educator retention through competitive salaries with industry standards; and prioritizing the diversification of key workforce development pathways in partnership with the University of Hawai‘i system. Health The Senate remains committed to improving the health of the state's residents by addressing gaps in the health continuum of care and expanding healthcare workforce training and education on the neighbor islands—specifically, in rural and underserved communities. The Senate's health priority also includes improving the mental health of the state's residents by establishing annual mental health checkups as a mandatory covered health insurance benefit. Agriculture The Senate is committed to promoting and supporting the state's agriculture and aquaculture resources by increasing personnel assigned to the Department of Agriculture's Division of Aquaculture, thus, ensuring the timely transfer of land from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the Department of Agriculture pursuant to Act 90, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2003. The Senate’s priority also includes reimagining the management of the state’s agricultural industry by focusing efforts on the impacts of climate change and invasive species/pests; developing necessary infrastructure to empower local farmers to produce value-added products to market, including the farm-to-school initiative; and examining the state’s medical marijuana industry and other potential agricultural revenue streams that will promote diversity within Hawai‘i’s economy. Economic Development and Infrastructure The Senate is committed to expanding economic opportunities in Hawai‘i by partnering with the counties, state agencies, and the private sector to identify key industries and economic drivers that can be properly aligned with education and workforce development in each specific county; developing microgrid technology to provide reasonable, reliable energy to rural communities; improving infrastructure across the state through Department of Transportation projects at airports and state roads; and developing further economic opportunities in aquaculture through research. Environment and Natural Resource Management The Senate is committed to restoring and preserving a safe climate for residents of the state by exploring carbon offsets, carbon capture technology, and a carbon tax while also addressing existing and future problems due to rising sea levels and other climate change impacts. The Senate is also committed to protecting the state's natural resources by improving water resource infrastructure and wastewater management throughout the state, which includes considering the recommendations of the Cesspool Conversion Working Group established pursuant to Act 132, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2018. “These legislative priority areas reflect the issues and concerns that were brought forth by all 23 members of our caucus during our convening in November,” said Senate Majority Leader Kanuha. “Our hope is that by working collaboratively with the Senate Minority and the House of Representatives, we will make substantive progress on these important issues.” ###

Senator Lynn DeCoite (District 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Molokini and Kahoʻolawe) issued a statement today regarding the single-engine plane that crashed near Molokai Airport this morning: “My thoughts and prayers are with the two individuals injured in this morning's devastating incident. Upon hearing the news, I immediately drove to the crash site to assess the situation, which was located roughly one mile away from the airport. I want to commend the Molokaʻi emergency personnel who swiftly responded to the incident. Kamaka Air is a lifeline for our Molokaʻi community, and I will work closely with them and other relevant agencies to evaluate this situation with hopes that we can prevent another incident like this from happening again.” ###

Senator Lynn DeCoite (District 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, and Molokini) issued a statement regarding the 700-gallon diesel fuel spill at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex atop Haleakalā “This 700-gallon fuel spill atop Haleakalā is completely unacceptable and very concerning for those who live and work near the summit. Haleakalā plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of Maui Island, and any contamination of our water sources and natural resources could have devastating effects. I will be monitoring this situation very closely and will be reaching out to the Department of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific to ensure transparency throughout their entire investigation and to hold them accountable in keeping the community up-to-date on any major findings.” ###

To address the issues raised in the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court opinion in State v. Obrero, the Hawai‘i State Senate passed Senate Bill (S.B.) 36 on third reading today. The September 8, 2022, decision by the State Supreme Court held that despite 40 years of established law charging felony cases via complaint and preliminary hearing was no longer allowed. The court’s decision was based on a single statute, Section 801-1 of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS) , that remained unchanged since 1905 and was inadvertently not amended. In 1982, amendments to Article I, Section 10 of the Hawaiʻi State Constitution were proposed by the Legislature and approved by voters to expressly allow charging via complaint and preliminary hearings. In subsequent years, multiple state laws were amended to comport with charging felonies via complaint/preliminary hearings. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court, in 1983, established its own court rules setting out the requirements for charing felonies via complaint and preliminary hearings. To resolve these issues, the Senate, led by Judiciary Chair Karl Rhoads (District 13 - Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, ʻIwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown), worked with the four county prosecutors, the State Attorney General’s Office, and the State Public Defenders’ Office during the interim to draft S.B. 36. The bill specifies that a person may be tried and sentenced for certain alleged felony offenses through the complaint and preliminary hearing process, indictment by a grand jury, or by written information. It also specifies that multiple attempts to initiate a felony prosecution for the same offense, either through the same initial charging method, or an alternative method, or in different forums, shall not be permitted except in certain circumstances. “Leading up to this legislative session, the Senate worked diligently with the relevant stakeholders to find a solution to the concerns expressed in the State v. Obrero decision,” noted Senator Rhoads. “We believe S.B. 36 adequately addresses the issues raised by county prosecutors, and we look forward to advancing this bill to the State House for further consideration and approval.” S.B. 36 now moves to the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives for consideration. ###

Senator Angus McKelvey (District 6 – West Maui, Māʻalaea, Waikapū, and South Maui ) issued a statement today regarding the delayed opening of Kūlanihākoʻi High School: “I am extremely disappointed and frustrated with the Department of Education (DOE) for their failure to meet the requirements set forth by the Maui Land Use Commission (LUC) to construct a grade-separated crossing for Kūlanihākoʻi High. Instead of pursuing plans to meet this requirement and open the school, the DOE gave the Department of Transportation (DOT) $16 million to finish construction on a new roundabout on Piʻilani Highway. Echoing the sentiments of LUC Commissioner Lee Ohigashi, I, too, believe that the Department of Education must be held responsible for fulfilling the requirements needed to open the school. As the newly elected Senator for this district, I’ve had numerous conversations with the DOE regarding Kūlanihākoʻi High School. At no point in these meetings did they convey any information about this transaction. Their egregious actions must be dealt with accordingly. In response, I will introduce a resolution calling for a financial audit of the DOE to help determine how the $16 million was transferred to DOT for the roundabout construction when it could have been used for the construction of the grade-separated crossing and where this money came from. The fact that they would ask for funding to cover the plan and design for the grade-separated crossing instead of funding the entire project will set us back another five years. This is unconscionable, considering this school has been in the works for the past ten years. It is a travesty that this money was taken from our children and used to fund a DOT project when they have their own budget. With this additional delay, students of Kūlanihākoʻi will continue to be deprived of the ability to utilize their new state-of-the-art facilities. Thus, being forced to remain in classrooms based out of the cafeteria and portable units at Lokelani Intermediate School. The Department of Education has a responsibility to the keiki and communities of South Maui, and I will be working tirelessly to ensure that they are held accountable for their actions, especially when they say they will come to the legislature to request more funding after wasting what they had in hand. If the DOE wants to make this right, they will go for a design-build and request a traffic emergency zone proclamation from the Governor to move forward with this project immediately.” ###

State Senators Michelle Kidani (District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia), Donovan Dela Cruz (District 17 – Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), and Donna Mercado Kim (Distict 14 – Kapālama, ‘Ālewa, Kalihi, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, Red Hill) issued a joint statement today responding to a Honolulu Star-Advertiser article that mischaracterized their concerns regarding University of Hawaiʻi (UH) President David Lassner: "The recent article in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser portrayed our stance on the University of Hawaiʻi and its administration in a distorted manner. We did not call for the resignation of President David Lassner outright. Our criticism stems from our interactions with him and feedback that we have received from students, faculty, parents, former regents, and members of the university community who feel that a change in leadership may be necessary. As legislators, it is our responsibility to convey the concerns of our constituents and ensure accountability of all government agencies, including the University of Hawaiʻi, and their leaders. Despite our position on President Lassner’s performance, we firmly believe that the final decision on the leadership and future direction of the university system continues to rest with the Board of Regents." ###