The Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs today voted to recommend that the Senate not advise and consent to the nomination of Ikaika Anderson for the position of Chairperson for the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. The hearing, which lasted five hours, included testimony from Governor Josh Green, former Governor Neil Abercrombie, several former lawmakers, and numerous community organizations and individuals. The vote was 4-1, with Senators Maile Shimabukuro, Kurt Fevella, Jarrett Keohokālole, and Les Ihara voting in favor of the recommendation to not advise and consent. Senator Tim Richards was the lone vote in opposition to the recommendation. “While Ikaika is a good person, his evasiveness and unpreparedness before the Senate Committee on Ways and Means were too much to overcome,” said Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, co-chair of the Legislature’s Native Hawaiian Caucus. “His misrepresentation of the commission’s viewpoints on the $600 million plan significantly influenced my decision.” Despite the committee’s recommendation, Anderson’s nomination will move forward for a vote and final consideration by the full 25-member Senate. ###

Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi and Niʻihau) and Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs Chair Maile Shimabukuro (District 22 - Honokai Hale, Ko ‘Olina, Nānākuli, Mā‘ili, Wai‘anae, Mākaha, Mākua) both issued statements today regarding Governor Josh Green’s decision to withdraw the nomination of Ikaika Anderson as Chairperson of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL). “I appreciate Ikaika’s willingness to serve and admire his fortitude throughout this process,” said Senate President Kouchi. “Best wishes and aloha to Ikaika in his future endeavors.” “I appreciate the many testifiers who came forward to share their mana'o regarding Ikaika's confirmation,” said Senator Shimabukuro. “He is clearly loved by a wide array of organizations and people, and has accomplished much for the betterment of our state.” ###

Today, the Hawai‘i State Senate voted to confirm Michelle L. Drewyer, Governor Josh Green’s selection to fill the vacancy in the Circuit Court for the Second Circuit of Maui County created by the retirement of Richard Bissen, Jr. who is now Maui Mayor. This is the Governor’s first judicial appointment. “Judge Drewyer was prepared and able to effectively communicate how her experience as a per diem judge and private practitioner will benefit her as a full time judge,” said Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13 - Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, ʻIwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “I am confident that she will be a strong addition to the Second Circuit.” Michelle L. Drewyer received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Michigan University in 1986 and her Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, in 1991. She started her legal career on Maui later that year as a deputy prosecuting attorney, subsequently became a deputy public defender, and then spent 20 years in private practice. She has experience across District, Family and Circuit courts in both criminal and civil law including as a per diem judge in the Family and District courts for the Second Circuit. With this confirmation, the Maui Circuit Court achieves full gender parity, with two female and two male judges. The number of state court judges and justices overall will also be equally split, with 40 sitting female judges and justices and 40 sitting male judges and justices. Should the Governor's recent appointment of Kimberly Tsumoto Guidry to the Intermediate Court of Appeals also be confirmed by the Senate, it would be the first time in Hawai‘i’s history that more than fifty percent of sitting judges and justices are female. ###

Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi issued a statement today regarding the appointment of Kauaʻi Councilman Luke Evslin to the vacant District 16 seat in the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives. Evslin replaces former State Representative James Tokioka, who was recently appointed as the deputy director for the airports division of the state Department of Transportation. “I would like to thank James Tokioka for his many years of admirably serving Kauaʻi in the House of Representatives and wish him well in his future endeavors,” noted Senate President Kouchi. “I welcome newly appointed Representative Luke Evslin to the Legislature and look forward to working with him on behalf of the people of Kauaʻi.” House District 16 includes the areas of Wailuā, Hanamā‘ulu, Kapaia, Līhu‘e, Puhi, portion of ‘Ōma‘o. ###

Today, the Senate Committees on Health and Human Services and Commerce and Consumer Protection voted to pass Senate Bill 375 (SB375) with amendments. The bill seeks to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis and other related products intended for responsible adult use. Additionally, it proposes the establishment of the Hawaiʻi Cannabis Authority (the authority) while also exempting sales of cannabis and its manufactured products for medical use from the general excise tax. The amendments incorporated in the bill encompass a few key points. Firstly, the authority will be required to implement rules on licensing, fees, operations, testing, and all issues concerning the dispensing, sale, and taxation of adult-use cannabis pursuant to Chapter 91. The authority must complete the adoption of these rules by December 1, 2024, and applications for licenses must begin by January 31, 2025. Licenses must be issued no later than March 30, 2025. The bill also transfers all jurisdictions relating to medical marijuana dispensary operations, licensing, testing, and administration previously under the Department of Health to the authority. In addition, it legalizes possession of cannabis by adults in amounts of four ounces or less and mandates that any convictions for adult possession of four ounces or less be expunged. Lastly, the bill includes appropriations for the Department of Health to implement these measures. “Enacting legislation to legalize adult-use marijuana in Hawaiʻi would bring about not just a triumph for individual liberties and reform of the criminal justice system, but it would also create prospects for fresh sources of income and economic advancement in the state,” said Senator Joy San Buenaventura, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. “By adopting a conscientious and closely monitored cannabis sector, Hawaiʻi has the potential to generate considerable tax revenue and employment opportunities while also providing support to local farmers and other small-scale enterprises.” In addition, Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, remarked that the bill requires the authority to enforce guidelines that relate to all issues concerning the distribution, sale, and taxation of adult-use cannabis. “This bill helps to ensure that the authority adheres to the procedures laid out in Chapter 91,” said Sen. Keohokalole. “These requirements ensure that the authority's procedure of formulating regulations is transparent and includes public participation.” SB375 now moves to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Judiciary Committee for further consideration. ###

Starting Wednesday, March 1, 2023, the Hawai‘i State Senate will post a report of each Senator’s 2023 legislative allowance expenditures online via the State Capitol website. To access these reports, visit the State Capitol website's homepage, click on the Hawaii State Legislature drop-down menu, select the Senate link, and then click on the Legislative Allowance Expenditure Reports link. The reports can also be found by visiting each Senator’s individual webpage, and will be updated monthly. ###

Senate Bill 669, a measure that would legalize adult-use cannabis in Hawaiʻi, passed the Senate Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means today. During the hearing, Senator Jarrett Keohokalole (District 24 – Kāneʻohe and Kailua), who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, proposed a number of amendments that were incorporated to tackle issues that had been raised in earlier hearings. These amendments include: · Adding language establishing civil penalties for unlicensed cannabis grow and distribution activities · Adding language that protects employers who seek to prohibit cannabis use among their employees · Prohibiting advertising within 1,000 feet of any youth-centered area · Proposing licensing of cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and retail facilities that ensure a properly regulated industry while also preventing future consolidation and monopoly control of cannabis dispensaries “Today marks a significant step forward in the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Hawaiʻi. These amendments are reflective of the Senate’s commitment to ensuring a fair and well-regulated cannabis market that provides safe access to both adult consumers and existing medical patients,” noted Senator Keohokalole. “If legalization of adult-use cannabis is something that is supported by the Governor, we hope his administration, which has thus far opposed every proposal to legalize adult-use cannabis, will work with us to bring this to fruition.” ###

“In Hawaiʻi, Roe remains the law of the land.” Senator Jarrett Keohokalole made that definitive statement at a press conference held after the Hawai‘i State Senate passed a major bill in defense of reproductive rights. On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, the Senate passed SB1 SD1 by a 22-3 vote. It allows for licensed physician assistants to perform certain abortions, repealing the requirement that abortions be performed at certain locations, and clarifying that the state shall not deny or interfere with a pregnant person’s right to choose to (1) obtain an abortion or (2) if necessary to protect the life or health of the patient, terminate the pregnancy. Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran authored the bill, and Senators Keohokalole and Joy San Buenaventura took the lead in sponsoring the bill, with Senator Keohokalole as Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, and Senator San Buenaventura as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. At the press conference held at the Patsy T. Mink Monument at the Hawai‘i State Library (the late U.S. Congresswoman was herself a staunch supporter of abortion rights), Senator San Buenaventura pointed out that in 1970 – three years before the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade – Hawai‘i was the first state to show bipartisan support for a woman’s right to choose. Senator Keohokalole said the 2023 legislation was in direct response to the current Supreme Court overturning that decision. Those present at Tuesday’s press conference championed Hawai‘i’s and other states’ decision to protect reproductive rights. Besides other speakers at the news conference that thanked the Senate for their support – namely Kimi Ide-Foster of Hawai‘i Women Lawyers and Shandhini Raidoo of the Hawai‘i American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – those present included Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, Senate President Ron Kouchi, and Senators Lynn DeCoite, Lorraine Inouye, Dru Mamo Kanuha, Gilbert Keith-Agaran, Michelle Kidani, Chris Lee, Angus McKelvey, Karl Rhoads, and Tim Richards. Senate President Kouchi emphasized the importance of the bill and hopes that the House of Representatives, after conferring with advocates, will pass out the bill with equal speed, and then send it to Governor Josh Green’s desk for signing. The governor himself has previously promised to protect abortion rights in Hawai‘i. ###

Senate President Ronald Kouchi (D – District 8, Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau) thanks Governor Josh Green for releasing Capital Improvement Project funds that help the senator’s constituents on the Garden Isle. The Princeville Public Library will receive $2 million to finance design and construction to improve its roof, roof drains and site drainage, repave the parking lot, as well as other related improvements, and equipment. Kaua‘i High School will receive $1.5 million to start the next phase of improvements for the school’s new gymnasium. The funds will mainly finance the design and construction for LED lighting fixtures and an upgraded scoreboard system. “Mahalo for the governor’s help in releasing funds to help the infrastructure of two facilities that improve their usage by a grateful island community,” said Senator Kouchi. ###

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Today, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means voted to approve the State Budget Bill, also known as House Bill 300. The Senate's version of HB300 for the biennium budget covering fiscal years 2024 (FY24) and 2025 (FY25) includes appropriations of $11,651,629,910 and $9,975,019,156 in general funds, respectively. Additionally, the bill allocates $19,839,455,118 in FY24 and $9,975,019,156 in FY25 for all means of financing. On Opening Day, Governor Green announced a $1 billion commitment to combat Hawaiʻi's housing crisis. The Senate budget provides further details on the commitment, earmarking a billion dollars worth of projects to meet economic needs, including housing and transit-oriented development infrastructure, teacher workforce housing, rent supplement assistance, and support for vulnerable and homeless individuals. The budget also intends to further tackle Hawaiʻi's housing crisis while simultaneously enhancing early childhood education, mitigating climate change, and improving the health and wellness of the residents. "This Senate draft is intended to create a tipping point in addressing many of Hawaiʻi’s most pressing issues,” noted Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “In support of the Green Administration's priorities, we believe that we are putting forth a budget that will ensure that the people who call Hawaiʻi home will not just survive but thrive.” In the bill, the Senate is committing $354 million in FY24 and $338 million in FY25 in tax relief and exemptions as part of the Green Affordability Plan to help control the high cost of living, which includes increasing tax credits and deductions for low to medium-income taxpayers. The budget also sets aside millions in general funds to address mental and behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities, and healthcare workforce shortages. Other notable budget highlights include appropriations for the following agencies: 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 2.00 permanent positions and $185,000 for the Office of Information Practices Adding $192,696 for salary differentials for the Office of Information Practices Adding 2.00 permanent positions and $259,280 in FY24 and $319,592 in FY25 for the digitization of Government records (Act 178 2022) Transfer out $3,342,309 to the Department of Taxation for the Tax System Modernization project Adding $5,000,000 for the relocation of the Data Center Adding $746,623 in FY24 and $1,555,006 in FY25 for Microsoft licenses Adding 13.00 permanent positions and $1,044,400 in FY24 and $1,040,400 in FY25 for the cloud-based financial systems in the Office of Enterprise Technology Services Adding $17,000,000 in FY24 for insurance policy premiums Adding $2,000,000 in FY24 for Capitol Building renovations Adding $1 for OCCC plans, design, and lease buyback Adding $500,000 in FY24 and $5,000,000 in FY25 for Mapunapuna relocation of baseyard Adding 2.00 permanent positions and $170,200 in FY24 and $160,244 in FY25 for procurement (Act 176 2022) Adding 1.00 temporary positions 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) Transfer out 75.00 permanent positions and $5,755,493 to the Department of Education for neighbor island school repairs and maintenance Adding $3,718,308 in FY24 for voter system contracts Adding $2,000,000 for Iolani Palace Adding $1 for Bishop Museum Adding $1,987,142 in special funds to update the Emergency 911 hardware Department of Agriculture: Adding $7,000,000 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 Molokai Increase the federal funds ceiling by $6,000,000 for grants for agricultural development Adding $500,000 in FY24 to fund the Da Bux program Increase the Revolving Fund ceiling by $600,000 in FY24 and $350,000 in FY25 for pesticides drift monitoring Department of the Attorney General: Adding $409,636 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 eGrants Management System Adding 4.00 permanent positions and $406,288 for the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission Adding 7.00 Special Agents and reduce 6.50 investigators, 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 $50,000 in FY24 for the Kamaaina Connect Pilot Program Adding $5,000,000 in FY24 for the Pacific Arts and Cultural Festival Adding $2,500,000 in FY24 for programming of professional master classes for culinary Adding $500,000 in FY24 and $400,000 in FY25 for international and arts programs Adding $225,000 for full-year funding for State Energy Office positions 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 $34,462,555 in FY24 for Green Energy Money Saver “GEMS” loans Adding $57,306 in FY24 for the Small Business Regulatory Review Board Adding 1.00 permanent position and $90,000 for the Aerospace Development Coordinator Adding 1.00 permanent position and $90,000 for an asset manager for HTDC Adding $500,000 for statewide coastal zone management Adding $25,060 for Land Use Commission travel Adding $400,000 in FY24 for standardized vulnerability assessment Adding $400,000 for Phase II of the Waikiki Adaptation and Resilience Plan Adding $696,425,000 in FY24 for transit-orientated development infrastructure (SB1191) Adding 7.00 permanent positions and $1,205,000 in special funds for the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority Adding 1.00 permanent position and $90,000 for the Agribusiness Development Corporation (Act 219 SLH 2022) Adding $4,000,000 in FY24 for Waiahole Ditch debt service Adding $1 for the Aloha Stadium Special District Department of Budget and Finance: Adding $310,776 in FY24 and $331,872 in FY25 for full-year funding for 8.00 positions Adding $33,000,000 in both fiscal years for Broadband Federal Matching Adding $500,000,000 to the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund Adding 1.00 position and $71,106 for the Office of the Public Defender Adding $257,446,927 for Debt Service funding Adding $61,938,702 for Retirement Benefits Reduce $9,343,547 for Health Premium Payments Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: Increase the ceiling by $75,000 for the central services assessment Increase the ceiling by $300,000 for the licensing database Increase the ceiling by $10,500,000 for the King Kalakaua Building’s roof Increase the ceiling by $398,569 in FY24 and $142,821 in FY25 for fringe benefits Increase the ceiling by $750,000 for the electric vehicle charging rebate program Increase the ceiling by $750,000 for the hydrogen fueling rebate program Department of Defense: Adding $1,000,000 for deferred maintenance Adding $166,750 in general funds and $500,250 in federal funds for student meals at the National Guard’s Youth Challenge Academy (YCA) in Hilo and Kapolei Adding $125,000 in FY24 to replace the roof at YCA in Hilo for health and safety 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 $3,000,000 for the Major Disaster Fund-Post Disasters at Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) Adding $2,522,860 in general funds in FY24 for grant matching of $4,500,000 in federal funds in FY24 for HI-EMA for hazards Adding $500,000 for the Resilient Hawaiʻi Revolving Loan Fund (Act 284 2022) Increase the ceiling of $500,000 for HI-EMA’s Hazard Mitigation Special Fund (Act 249 2022) Adding $145,000 in FY24 for HI-EMA for a bucket truck to repair sirens on Oahu Adding $12,000,000 in FY24 for HI-EMA's headquarters building Department of Education: Adding $7,000,000 for the Hawaiʻi Keiki: Healthy and Ready to Learn initiative Adding $10,000,000 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 $3,600,000 in FY24 and $7,200,000 in FY25 for workforce development for special education students Adding $12,010,000 in FY24 for contracted skilled nursing services Adding 76.00 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 $1,000,600 for youth suicide awareness (Act 270 2019) 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 $1,700,000 for a health referral management system Adding 4.00 permanent positions and $300,768 for the Hawaiʻi Teachers' Standards Board Adding $13,000,000 in FY24 for electricity Adding $207,000 in FY24 and $179,000 in FY25 for kindergarten entry assessments (Act 46 2020) Adding $300,000 in FY24 for active threat response training Transfer-in 75.00 permanent positions and $5,755,493 from the Department of Accounting and General Services for neighbor island school repairs and maintenance Adding $50,000,000 in FY24 for deferred maintenance Adding $185,000,000 in FY24 for teacher housing (SB941) Adding $1 for power purchase agreements Adding $46,000,000 for land acquisition and renovation Adding $2,000,000 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 $11,500,000 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 the School Facilities Authority Adding $10,945,798 in FY24 and $12,919,936 in FY25 for Charter School per pupil adjustment Adding 60.00 permanent positions and $5,130,000 for Charter School early learning (Act 257 2022) Adding $30,000 in FY24 to support traditional native speakers of Hawaiian Adding $660,000 for the Early Childhood Educator Stipend program (Act 210 2021) Adding 36.00 permanent positions and $3,949,425 in FY24and 126.00 permanent positions and $7,641,383 in FY25 for early learning classrooms (Act 257 2022) Office of the Governor Adding 6.00 permanent positions and $894,528 for the Office of Wellness and Resilience (Act 291 2022) Transfer-in 5.00 positions from the Department of Transportation for the Office of Wellness and Resilience 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 $32,315,400 in general funds in both fiscal years for the Hawaiʻi Health System Corporation (HHSC) Regions' operating subsidy Adding $16,320,700 in both fiscal years for HHSC Oahu's operating subsidy Adding $1 in FY24 for Maui Health System’s operating subsidy Adding $16,320,700 in both fiscal years for HHSC Oahu's operating subsidy Transfer-in 17.50 permanent positions, 23.50 temporary positions, $3,697,802 in general funds, and $137,363 in other federal funds for both fiscal years for the Performance, Information, Evaluation, and Research (PIER) branch under the Adult Mental Health Division Transfer-in 21.00 permanent positions, 14.00 temporary positions, and $2,169,028 in general funds for both fiscal years for the Performance, Information, Evaluation, and Research (PIER) branch under the Adult Mental Health Division Adding 74.00 permanent positions and $4,279,068 in general funds in FY24, 148.00 permanent positions and $8,558,136 in general funds in FY25 for 141.00 Psychiatric Technicians, 4.00 Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, and 3.00 Security Guards at the Hawaiʻi State Hospital Adding $12,900,000 in general funds in FY24 and $14,100,000 in general funds in FY25 for the Medicaid Home and Community Based Service Waiver for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities Adding $26,000,000 in general funds in both fiscal years for service provider contract adjustments to account for inflation Adding 4.00 permanent positions, $230,508 in general funds in FY24, and $239,412 in general funds for FY25 to fully fund salaries for 3.00 Food Safety Specialists and 1.00 Secretary in the Food and Drug Branch Adding $47,630,145 in general funds in FY24 and $43,629,646 in general funds in FY25 for Emergency Medical Services across the State Adding $1,600,000 in general funds in both fiscal years for an ambulance on the island of Molokai Adding $400,000 in revolving funds in both fiscal years to raise the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Revolving Fund ceiling Adding 2.00 permanent positions, $73,644 in general funds in FY24, and $153,156 in general funds 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 general funds in FY24, and $273,804 in general funds 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 general funds in FY24, and $259,086 in general funds 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 general funds in FY24, and $188,052 in general funds in FY25 for 1.00 Public Health Supervisor, 1.00 Public Health Educator, and 1.00 Office Assistant in the Kauai District Health Office Adding 4.00 permanent positions, $114,354 in general funds in FY24, and $237,456 in general funds 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 general funds in FY24, and $197,208 in general funds in FY25 for 3.00 Epidemiological Specialists in the Maui District Health Office Adding 3.00 permanent positions, $95,190 in general funds in FY24, and $197,208 in general funds in FY25 for 3.00 Epidemiological Specialists in the Kauai District Health Office Adding $10,000,000 in general funds in FY24 and $20,000,000 in general funds in FY25 for the Hawaiʻi State Loan Repayment Program for Healthcare Professionals Adding $1 for Plan and Design costs for Kinau Hale Remodeling Department of Human Resource Development: Adding $4,305,000 in FY24 for Worker’s Compensation claims Adding 1.00 position $108,521 for Workforce Attraction, Selection, Classification, and Effectiveness Adding $250,000 in FY24 for IT and computer equipment Adding 2.00 positions and $3,000,000 in FY24 for tech support & infrastructure Adding 1.00 position and $3,000,000 for a Telework pilot project Department of Human Services: Adding $60,000,000 in general funds in both fiscal years for the State Rent Supplement Program Adding $1,550,000 in general funds in both fiscal years for Family Assessment Centers Adding $3,750,000 in general funds in both fiscal years for the Housing First Program Adding $3,750,000 in general funds in both fiscal years for the Rapid Re-Housing Program Adding $1,750,000 in general funds in both fiscal years for Homeless Outreach Services Adding $345,000 in general funds in FY24 and $120,000 in general funds in FY25 for the Homeless Services Database Adding $22,000,000 in general funds in both fiscal years for service provider contract adjustments to account for inflation Adding $50,000,000 in general funds in FY24 for Deferred Maintenance for the Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority Increase special fund ceiling by $5,000,000 for the Spouse and Child Abuse Special Fund Adding $1,036,000 in general funds in FY24 and $536,000 in general funds in FY25 for IT modifications for an expanded Preschool Open Doors Program Adding $38,800,000 in general funds in both fiscal years for the expansion of Preschool Open Doors Programs to include 3-year-olds Adding $37,872,172 in general funds in FY24 and $36,854,272 in general funds in FY25 for Early Learning Expansion Adding $5,636,953 in general funds and $7,191,798 in federal funds in both fiscal years for nursing facilities Adding $3,387,000 in general funds in FY24 and $4,516,000 in general funds in FY25 for the Child Wellness Incentive Pilot Program (Act 127 2022) Adding $30,000,000 in general funds in both fiscal years and $42,833,212 in federal funds in FY24 and $43,393,822 in federal funds in FY25 for reimbursements to professional service providers Adding $400,000 in general funds in both fiscal years for Sex Trafficking Victims Support Adding 5.00 permanent positions and $500,000 in general funds in FY24 and $460,000 in general funds in FY25 for the Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions (Act 252 2022) Adding $15,000,000 in general funds in FY24 for the Ohana Zones Pilot Program Adding $1,552,000 in general funds and $9,532,000 in federal funds in both fiscal years for the First-To-Work Housing Assistance Adding $605,000 in general funds in both fiscal years for the Family Resource Center Network Adding $15,000,000 in FY24 and $33,000,000 in FY25 for Kauhale Projects across the State Department of Law Enforcement: Adding 1.00 Program Specialist and 10.00 Deputy Sheriffs (including 4.00 for Executive Protection), $1,190,694 in FY24, and $1,136,610 in FY25 Adding 4.00 Deputy Sheriffs, $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 live scan system for identification Adding $37,500 for ballistic protective vests Adding 8.00 training positions, $435,001 in FY24, and $733,435 in FY25 Adding $45,000,000 in FY24 for the IT software project Adding $2,015,383 in FY24 for full-year funding of 50.00 positions Adding $5,000,000 in FY24 for plans and design of a headquarters Adding 5.00 Investigators, $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, $78,993 in FY24, and $157,986 in FY25 for the Office of Homeland Security Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: Reducing $1,125,000 in federal funds for Occupational Safety & Health Reducing $5,138,180 in federal funds for the Workforce Development program Reducing $6,710,272 in federal funds for the Unemployment Insurance program Adding $364,226 in federal funds for Office of Community Services Adding 1.00 permanent position and $1,000,000 for the Immigrant Resource Center Adding 3.00 temporary positions and $1,248,772 in FY24 and $259,064 in FY25 for the new retirement savings board Adding $36,000,000 in FY24 for the unemployment insurance modernization project Department of Land and Natural Resources: Adding $1,500,000 in special funds for the Land Conservation Fund for land acquisition Adding $500,000 in FY24 for Banyan Drive planning Adding $750,000 in special funds for the conveyances and records digitization project Adding $1,500,000 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 allocation permits Adding 4.00 permanent positions and $4,684,997 in FY24 and 29.00 permanent positions and $4,372,099 in FY25 for the enforcement of environmental conservation and protection Adding $3,100,000 in FY24 for watershed protection Adding $3,849,034 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 the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation Adding $67,150,000 in FY24 and $20,650,000 in FY 25 for DOBOR climate change initiatives Adding $2,000,000 for trail maintenance and restoration Adding $10,000,000 in FY24 and $8,000,000 in FY25 in special funds for State parks repairs and maintenance Adding 1.00 permanent position and $83,064 to coordinate merchandising strategies Adding $400,000 for the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission Adding 6.00 temporary positions and $14,000,000 for the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (Act 255 2022) Office of the Lieutenant Governor: Adding 3.00 temporary positions and $520,000 for policy areas Adding 2.00 temporary positions and $187,608 to support the office’s statutory responsibilities Adding 3.00 permanent positions and $360,000 for broadband digital equity Adding $528,505 in FY24 and $540,505 in FY25 for other current expenses Department of Public Safety: Adding $1,302,141 for full-year funding to support new housing at Hawaiʻi CCC Adding $1,103,018 in FY25 for 6-month funding to support new housing at Maui CCC Adding $4,513,782 in FY25 for full-year funding to support new housing at Women’s CCC Trade-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 food products (Act 144 2022) Adding $970,176 for 24-hour health care at facilities on neighbor islands and Oahu Adding 4.00 permanent nurses, $286,645 in FY24, and $525,969 in FY25 for the new Infection Prevention and Control Unit Adding 1.00 Dentist Manager, $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 $2,000,000 to expand the community work furlough program from Oahu to statewide Adding $521,899 in FY24 for utility shortfalls at Halawa CF, Waiawa CF, and Oahu CCC Adding $25,000,000 in FY24 for deferred maintenance County Subsidies: Adding $10,000,000 in FY24 for Housing Funding for the City & County of Honolulu 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 Oahu Field Audit Branch Adding $8,017,617 in FY24 and $3,855,721 in FY25 to fund the Tax System Modernization Project Adding 5.00 permanent positions $533,859 in FY24 and $546,579 in FY25 to fund newly established positions for the Taxation Board of Review Department of Transportation: Adding $56,726,547 in FY24 and $61,722,000 in FY25 for Airports Special Maintenance Statewide Adding $30,625,000 in FY24 and $33,625,000 in FY25 for Harbors Administration Adding $2,737,000 for Highways traffic control on Oahu Adding $50,000,000 in FY24 and $40,000,000 in FY25 for Highways Special Maintenance Program Adding $1,375,000 for the Highways Google Safety Analytics Program University of Hawaiʻi: Adding $17,526,848 in FY24 to restore reductions from COVID Adding $3,200,000 in FY24 for UH Manoa 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 $3,000,000 in FY24 for Waikiki aquarium seawall repairs Adding $3,025,468 in FY24 for a wastewater system demonstration pilot program (SB285) Adding $205,000 in special funds for the Physician Workforce Assessment Special Fund (Act 151 2021) Adding 4.00 permanent positions and $2,000,000 in FY24 for neighbor island medical residencies and training (Act 262 2022) 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 $3,700,000 in FY24 to continue the Promise Program for Community Colleges Adding 31.00 permanent positions and $693,780 in FY24 and $1,456,938 in FY25 for Community College Security Officers Adding $35,000,000 in FY24 for Community College deferred maintenance Adding $578,240 for non-credit workforce development Adding 14.00 permanent positions and $577,500 in FY24 and $1,212,750 in FY25 for the early college program ###

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – In an effort to inform his constituents and the general public of legislative updates from the State Capitol, Senator Angus McKelvey (District 6 - West Maui, Mā ‘alaea, Waikapū, South Maui) hosts a live radio show, “Capitol Connection”, Wednesday mornings at 7:05 a.m., on KAOI 1110 AM and 96.7 FM. Senator McKelvey provides listeners with detailed reports from the Legislature, explanations of the legislative process, as well as conversations with featured guests. In the hot seat this week is Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke. Previous shows included fellow Senators Lynn DeCoite (District 7 - Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe and Molokini), Joy San Buenaventura (District 2 - Puna), and Chris Lee (District 25 - Kailua, Waimānalo, Hawaiʻi Kai). Other Capitol Connection guests were Deputy Director of Department of Land and Natural Resources Laura Ka‘akua, Director of Hui for Excellence in Education (HEʻE) Coalition Cheri Nakamura, Director of Budget and Finance Luis Salaveria, and Maui Educator Hillary Watt. For more information about Senator McKelvey’s weekly radio show, please call his office at 808-586-6070. Questions from the public are encouraged and can be submitted through his Facebook and Instagram pages, @Senator_McKelvey. ###

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate deliberated on the committee recommendations for Governor Josh Green’s key cabinet nominees, namely Kali Watson (who was nominated as Chairperson for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands), Keith Regan (who was nominated as Comptroller for the Department of Accounting and General Services), Chris Sadayasu (who was nominated as Director for the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism), and Scott Glenn (who was nominated as Director of the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development). The Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, the Senate Committee on Government Operations, and the Senate Water & Land Committee previously voted to recommend advise and consent for Kali Watson, Keith Regan and Scott Glenn, respectively. Regan received a unanimous vote for his confirmation from the Senate, and Watson was confirmed by a vote of 21-2. Glenn, however, was not confirmed by a vote of 12-12. The Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism recommended to not advise and consent to the nomination of Chris Sadayasu. He subsequently was not confirmed by the assembled Senate by the vote of 8-15. The Senate will reconvene on Tuesday, March 28 at 11:30 a.m. ###