October as Farm to School Month in Hawai‘i, bringing attention and coordinated awareness to farm to school programs across the state. This includes school gardens, efforts to purchase Hawai‘i-grown products, nutrition and health education, agricultural education in and out of the classroom, and other activities that connect keiki to the ‘āina. SB 882 will further align agricultural communities and state activities with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “National Farm to School Month.” Hawaiʻi’s farm to school movement is growing stronger every year! The Hawaiʻi Farm to School and School Garden Hui is a statewide group with members representing school garden networks from Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui/Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island. The Hui’s mission is to strengthen Hawai‘i’s statewide farm to school and school garden movement by supporting our island networks in the areas of capacity building, resource development and sharing, professional development, and policy development and advocacy. In 2016, the Hawaiʻi Lt. Governor’s office, with governmental and non-profit partners, spearheaded a Farm to School Initiative to address the supply and demand issues surrounding the purchasing of local food for our State school cafeterias. The Initiative also aims to systematically increase State purchasing of local food for our school menus as well as connect our keiki with the ʻāina through their food, using products from the local agricultural community. Now in its pilot phase in the Kohala Complex on Hawaiʻi Island, the project will move to a larger complex on Maui next, to ultimately scale successful farm to school strategies into HIDOE’s statewide operations. While sourcing local produce in school meals has been challenging, many schools have turned their attention to serving local produce in school snack programs, which can be more flexible. According to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health’s 2015-16 School Safety and Wellness Survey, 87 percent of K-12 public schools in Hawaiʻi have a school garden. More information on the National Farm to School Network: http://www.farmtoschool.org/our-network/Hawaii #KokuaHawaiiFoundation #NatalieMcKinney #russellruderman #lynndecoite #Nationalfarmtoschool #GovernorIge #Hawaiisenate

Funds support pesticide regulation, 911 upgrade, college tuition and homeless services Honolulu, Hawaii – House and Senate conferees met today to complete negotiations on a final version of HB100 HD1 SD1, the state budget bill. The committee agreed on funding for pesticide regulation and studies ($1.5 million) and three Department of Agriculture positions for pesticides compliance; special funds for an enhanced 911 dispatch software upgrade ($7.8 million); general funds for the Hawaii Promise Program ($3.6 million) to provide college tuition support; and general funds ($4.7 million) to support housing, outreach and legal services for homeless people. The House Finance and Senate Ways and Means conference committee met several times to iron out the differences between the two budget versions which need to be completed by April 28, the deadline for all fiscal bills to pass out of conference committee. The final conference draft will be voted upon by the Legislature and, if approved, sent to the Governor for his signature. Rep. Sylvia Luke (Dist. 25 - Makiki, Punchbowl, Nuuanu, Dowsett Highlands, Pacific Heights, Pauoa), said the conference committee was able to come up with a successful budget because of the hard choices made initially by both the Senate and the House. “When we first received the budget from Governor David Ige, we were looking at a very different financial picture,” said Luke, the House Finance Committee Chair. “As it became clear that the state would have less revenue, we needed cut about $500 million off the governor’s request. We were able to do that because of the hard work of the committee members.” “Our ability to reach agreement on the budget reflects a shared belief that as resources are constrained, we must focus on priority needs that can be sustained. Even as fixed costs and unfunded liabilities rise, our communities look to us to provide support for the most basic and essential programs and services from homeless and health care to protecting the environment and resources for our keiki and kupuna,” said Senator Jill Tokuda (Dist. 24 - Kaneohe, Kaneohe MCAB, Kailua, Heeia, Ahuimanu), chair of the Senate committee on Ways and Means. At today’s meeting, the committee highlighted many budget items upon which there was agreement in the House and Senate budget drafts. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE • Add $1,500,000 in general funds in FY18 for Agricultural Loan Revolving Fund (AGR101/GA). • Add (2) permanent positions and $226,134 in FY18 and (3) positions and $200,000 in FY19 in general funds for the Agricultural Food Safety Certification Program (AGR151/BB). • Add (1) position and $115,772 in general funds in each FY for the Industrial Hemp Pilot Program (AGR151/BB). • Add (3) permanent positions and $79,236 in FY18 and $158,472 in FY19 in general funds for pesticides compliance (AGR846/EE). • Add $750,000 in general funds in each FY, non-recurring, for pesticide regulation expenses and studies (AGR846/EE). DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES • Add (1) permanent position and $39,000 in FY18 and $77,000 in FY19 in general funds for contract audits (AGS104/BA). • Change means of financing for (5) permanent positions and $505,585 from trust funds to general funds in each FY for Campaign Spending Commission (AGS871/NA). • Add $7,800,000 in special funds in FY18 for Enhanced 911 Board Computer Aided Dispatch Software Upgrade (AGS891/PA). DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL • Add $5,000,000 in general funds in FY18 for Litigation Fund (ATG100/AA). • Add $70,000 in special funds in each FY for maintenance of internet based registration systems and charity registration databases (ATG100/AA). DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM • Add (1) permanent position and $25,386 in FY18 and $50,772 in FY19 in general funds for compliance with decisions and orders of Land Use Commission (BED103/DA). • Add $250,000 in general funds in FY18 for feasibility and benefits study for establishing a small satellite launch and processing facility in the State (BED128). • Add $200,000 in general funds in FY18 for a market assessment and feasibility study for the development of a basalt fiber manufacturing plant in Hawaii (BED128). • Add (1) permanent position and $28,584 in FY18 and $57,168 in FY19 in general funds for economic research (BED130/FA). • Add $1,000,000 in general funds in FY18 for Excelerator Program for High Technology Development Corporation (BED143). • Add $1,000,000 in general funds in FY18 for manufacturing grant program for High Technology Development Corporation (BED143). • Add $1,000,000 in general funds in FY18 for small business innovation research program (BED143). • Add (1) temporary position and $27,618 in FY18 and $55,236 in FY19 in general funds for Special Action Team on Affordable Rental Housing (BED144/PL). DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND FINANCE • Add $34,625,428 in FY18 and $70,673,178 in FY19 in general funds for additional retirement benefit payments funding for the State to reflect phase-in of employer contribution rate increases. • Add (1) permanent position and $28,116 in FY18 and $51,432 in FY19 in general funds for the Administrative and Research Office’s Information and Technology staff (BUF101/BA). • Add (1) permanent position and $55,671 in FY18 and $107,552 in FY19 in funds for Hawaii Domestic Relations Orders implementation (BUF141/FA). • Add $9,700,000 in each FY for statewide centralized vacation payout (BUF103/VP). • Add (1) permanent position and $148,930 in trust funds in FY19 for investment analysis (BUF143/EU). • Add (3) permanent positions and $445,768 in general funds in each FY for Community Court Outreach Program (BUF151). • Add $33,420,000 in general funds in FY18 for operations subsidy for Maui Health System (HTH214/LS). DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS • Add (1) permanent position and $51,000 in FY18 and $84,000 in FY19 in trust funds for condominium education (CCA105/GA). • Add $200,000 in special funds in FY18 for consultant services and training (CCA901/MA). DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE • Add $325,000 in general funds in FY18 for Diamond Head Sewer Lift Station Emergency Generator (DEF110/AA). • Add $768,000 in general funds in FY18 for tree trimming and removal at Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery (DEF112/VA). • Add (1) permanent positon and $27,556 in FY18 and $54,112 in FY19 in general funds for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning maintenance (DEF110/AA). DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION • Add $1,000,000 in general funds in each FY for Early College High School Initiative (EDN100/BX). • Add $2,027,645 in general funds in FY18 for Office of Hawaiian Education (EDN100/CJ). • Add $2,800,000 in general funds and $2,800,000 in federal funds in FY18 for Hawaii Keiki Healthy and Ready to Learn program (EDN100/BX). • Add (2) permanent positions and $183,818 in general funds in each FY for Hawaii Teachers Standards Board (EDN200). • Add (15) permanent positions and $703,980 in general funds in each FY for Homeless Concerns Liaisons (EDN200/GQ). • Add $1,100,000 in general funds in FY18 for Student Information System Enhancement and Expansion (EDN300/UA). • Add (6) permanent positions and $135,216 in FY18 and $270,432 in FY19 in general funds for Workers' Compensation Program (EDN300/KO). • Add $670,000 in general funds in FY18 for Alternative Teacher Route Programs (EDN300/KO). • Add $293,557 in general funds in FY18 for Community Engagement Office (EDN300/KD). • Add (15) permanent positions and $779,310 in FY18 and $1,434,885 in FY19 in general funds for Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance Capacity (EDN300/KH). • Add (4) permanent positions and $1,755,525 in FY18 and $3,711,835 in FY19 in general funds for student transportation services statewide (EDN400/YA). • Add $100,000 in general funds in FY18 for athletic travel to and from Molokai and Hana (EDN400/YA). • Add $800,000 in general funds in each FY for environmental health services (EDN400/OC). • Add $1,500,000 in general funds in each FY for utilities (EDN400/OE). • Add $283,403 in FY18 and $207,445 in FY19 in general funds for personal services and food provisions for School Food Service programs (EDN400/MD). PUBLIC LIBRARIES • Add (3) permanent positions and $50,592 in FY18 and $101,184 in FY19 in general funds for Nanakuli Public Library (EDN407/QD). • Add $500,000 in general funds in FY18 for repair and maintenance backlog (EDN407/QB). CHARTER SCHOOLS • Add $9,797,069 in FY18 and $10,668,406 in FY19 in general funds for Per Pupil Adjustment (EDN600/JA). EARLY LEARNING • Add $136,688 in FY18 and (10) permanent positions and $556,842 in FY19 in general funds for Pre-Kindergarten and Induction Program (EDN700/PK). OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR • Add $117,167 in general funds in each FY for membership fees for national and regional chief executive organizations (GOV100/AA). DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES • Add $3,000,000 in general funds in FY18 for Housing First Program (HMS224/HS). • Add $1,500,000 in general funds in FY18 for homeless outreach services (HMS224/HS). • Add $250,000 in general funds in FY18 for legal services for homeless persons (HMS224/HS). • Add (29) permanent positions and $1,828,585 in FY18 and $2,510,996 in FY19 in revolving funds for multi-skilled worker pilot program (HMS229/HA). • Add $1,553,559 in general funds and $2,309,090 in federal funds in each FY for nursing facility inflation factor (HMS401/PE). • Add $240,000 in general funds in FY18 for juvenile justice and delinquency prevention (JJDP) (HMS501/YA). DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT • Add $3,274,000 in FY18 and $3,524,000 in FY19 in general funds for worker's compensation claims (HRD102/SA). HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION • Add $36,486,000 in FY18 and $34,686,000 in FY19 in general funds for operations subsidy for the regions (HTH212/LS). • Add $3,000,000 in general funds in FY18 for working capital or region operating subsidy (HTH212). • Add $33,420,000 in general funds in FY18 for operations subsidy for Maui Health System (HTH214/LS). • Add $30,637,298 in general funds in FY18 for employee separation benefits related to the transfer of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation Maui Region. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH • Add $500,000 in general funds in each FY for services for homeless individuals with serious and persistent mental health challenges (HTH420/HO). • Add $800,000 in general funds in FY18 for outreach and counseling services for chronically homeless individuals and families with severe substance abuse disorders (HTH440/HO). • Add $1,340,000 in FY18 and $1,613,000 in FY19 in general funds for purchase of service contracts for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (HTH460/HO). • Add (6) permanent positions and $422,540 in general funds in each FY for vector control (HTH610/FN). • Add $500,000 in general funds in each FY for Rat Lung-worm Disease (HTH610). • Add $799,833 in general funds in FY18 for statewide emergency ambulance services (HTH730/MQ). • Add (1) permanent position and $46,638 in FY18 and $93,276 in FY19 in general funds for investigation of suspected health clusters from environmental sources (HTH849/FD). • Add $4,145,695 in general funds in FY18 for Kupuna Care (HTH904/AJ). • Add $1,700,000 in general funds in FY18 for Aging and Disability Resource Center (HTH904/AJ). • Add (1) permanent position and $157,168 in general funds in each FY for long term care ombudsman program (HTH904/AJ). DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS • Add $750,000 in general funds in each FY for enrichment programs of the advisory boards for health care, agriculture, and STEM (LBR111). • Add $450,000 in general funds in each FY for transition to the federal workforce innovation and opportunity act (LBR135). • Add (1) permanent position and $24,966 in FY18 and $48,280 in FY19 in general funds for labor law enforcement (LBR152/CA). • Add (1) permanent position and $19,746 in FY18 and $39,492 in FY19 in general funds for legal support (LBR153/RA). • Add (1) permanent position and $60,530 in each FY for grants management (LBR903/NA). DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES • Add (3) temporary positions and $152,520 in general funds in each FY for ocean resources management plan support (LNR401/CA). • Add $4,000,000 in general funds in each FY for Hawaii Invasive Species Council (LNR402/DA). • Add $750,000 in general funds in each FY, non-recurring, for Rapid Ohia Death response (LNR402/DA). • Add $400,000 in general funds in each FY for fire protection program (LNR402/DA). • Add $350,000 in general funds in FY18 for second phase of new integrated information management system and digitization of reports, records, and files (LNR802/HP). • Add (15) temporary positions and $1,065,147 in FY18 and $1,097,047 in FY19 in general funds for personnel and operating funds for management and restoration of Kahoolawe Island Reserve (LNR906/AA). DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY • Add $165,000 in general funds in each FY for malpractice insurance (PSD421/HC). • Add $92,500 in general funds in FY18 for psychological testing for deputy sheriffs (PSD900/EA). • Add $1,500,000 in general funds in FY18 for lease rent for Department of Public Safety Administration building and moving costs (PSD900/EA). DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION • Add $93,860 in general funds in each FY for security for medical marijuana tax collections (TAX107/AA). DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION • Add (7) permanent positions and $157,939 in FY18 and $303,878 in FY19 for Airside Operations Section Security Unit Pass and Identification Office (TRN102/BC). • Add $300,000 in each FY for custodial and janitorial supplies for Custodial Services Unit (TRN102/BC). • Add (6) permanent positions and $162,752 in FY18 and $293,004 in FY19 for Federal Inspection Station (TRN114/BE). • Add $400,000 in each FY for Automated Passport Control Kiosk Maintenance Statewide (TRN195/BB). • Add $200,000 in each FY for underwater and superstructure pier inspections (TRN395/CB). • Add (2) permanent positions and $101,809 in FY18 and $203,618 in FY19 for H-3 Tunnel Management Center (TRN501/DC). • Add (10) permanent positions and $679,152 in special funds in FY18 and $1,243,998 in special funds and $216,000 in federal funds in FY19 for Intelligent Technology Systems Branch (TRN595/DB). • Add $800,000 in FY19 for trash reduction plan implementation (TRN501/DC). • Add $3,514,950 in FY18 and $1,242,000 in FY19 for information technology projects (TRN995). UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII • Add $350,000 in general funds in each FY for concussion awareness (UOH100/AA). • Add (2.64) permanent positions and $240,800 in general funds in each FY for Heeia Reserve (UOH100/AA). • Add $250,000 in general funds in each FY for Title IX Administrator and Investigator for UH Manoa (UOH100/AA). • Add (2) permanent position and $150,000 in general funds in each FY for Title IX Administrator and Educator/Advocate for UH Hilo (UOH210). • Add (1) permanent position and $70,000 in general funds in each FY for Title IX for UH West Oahu (UOH700). • Add $1,829,000 in general funds in each FY for Hawaii Promise Program (UOH800). • Add (4) permanent positions and $820,000 in general funds in each FY for Title IX Coordinators, Confidential Advocates, and Legal Support (UOH800). • Add (2) permanent positions and $375,000 in general funds in each FY for Title IX System-wide Legal Support (UOH900). Budget worksheets detailing the appropriations in the overall Executive, Judiciary and Office of Hawaiian Affairs budget bills are available on the Capitol website at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/budget/2017budget.aspx ### #hawaiibudget #jilltokuda #JKalaniEnglish #hawaiistatebudget

Honolulu, Hawaii – As part of the state budget bill passed in conference committee yesterday, lawmakers included funding for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) statewide. Representative Sylvia Luke and Senator Jill Tokuda co-chaired the conference committee and Rep. Kyle Yamashita and Senator Donovan Dela Cruz managed the CIP funding. Capital Improvement Projects are renovations, repairs, and major maintenance to existing facilities, landscape improvements, new construction, land acquisition, and utility modifications. Capital Improvement Projects Biennium Budget Totals (not including CIP grants-in-aid): FY2018: $1,007.9 billion General Obligation Bond Funds FY2019: $49.4 million General Obligation Bond Funds FY2018: $2,269.7 billion All Means of Financing Funds FY2019: $695.1 million All Means of Financing Funds CIP HIGHLIGHTS Agriculture • $608 thousand for invasive species treatment units. • $1.2 million for improvements to the Waimanalo irrigation system. • $4 million for improvements to the Waiahole water system. Accounting and General Services • $10 million for master plans and an environmental impact study for Aloha Stadium. • $15 million for improvements and maintenance of existing public facilities and sites, statewide. Business, Economic Development, and Tourism • $3 million for an underground utility distribution system in Kalaeloa. • $25 million for the Rental Housing Revolving Fund and $25 million for the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund to finance additional affordable rental housing. • $1 million for transit-oriented development master plan of state-owned parcels near proposed rail stations. Defense • $6 million to retrofit buildings with hurricane protective measures to increase the number of emergency shelters, statewide. • $5 million for incremental addition, replacement, and upgrade of the state Civil Defense warning and communications equipment, statewide. Education • $90 million to address condition for school facilities statewide. • $32.9 million to address equity for school facilities statewide. • $32.9 million to address program support for school facilities statewide. • $27 million for a new classroom building at Campbell High School. • $77 million for the construction of the new East Kapolei Middle School. • $63 million for the construction of Kihei High School • $11.5 million for the construction of a fifteen classroom building at Mililani Middle School • $12.3 million for the construction of a new administration building at Waihee Elementary School. • $15 million for the construction of a performing arts center at Moanalua High School • $15 million for Phase I of a new classroom building at Waipahu High School. • $10 million for the new Pohukaina Elementary School. • $6.5 million for health, safety, accessibility, and other code requirements for public libraries, statewide. Hawaiian Home Lands • $19.4 million for the development of Hawaiian Home Lands' lots. • $7.6 million for repair and maintenance projects on Hawaiian Home Lands. Human Services • $20.1 million for site, dwelling, and security improvements at Hawaii Public Housing Authority facilities. Health • $1.6 million for improvements and renovations to the Kahuku Medical Center. • $19.9 million for improvements and renovations to the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, statewide. • $2.1 million to modernize elevators at Diamond Head, Lanakila, and Leeward Health Centers. • $4.5 million for re-roofing, interior and exterior improvements to the Hilo Counseling Center and Keawe Health Center. Land and Natural Resources • $2.2 million for assessments, maintenance, and remediation of dams under the jurisdiction of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. • $5 million for dredging and related improvements to the Ala Wai Canal. • $3 million for rockfall and flood mitigation at various locations, statewide. • $9.3 million for Kaanapali beach restoration and berm enhancement. • $100,000 for hazardous tree mitigation in forest reserves, game management areas, natural area reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. • $400,000 to provide statewide support for fire and natural disaster response. • $2.5 million for improvements at various boating facilities, statewide. • $3 million for flood damage reconstruction at the Iao Valley State Monument, Maui. • $20.3 million for construction and improvements at small boat harbors, statewide. Public Safety • $34.4 million for new additions, renovations, alterations, electrical and mechanical infrastructure improvements and rehabilitation of buildings, at Public Safety facilities, statewide. • $8 million for a new consolidated women's housing associated support office, and other improvements at the Women's Community Correctional Center, Oahu. Transportation • $31.6 million for renovations and new restroom facilities at various airports statewide. • $170 million for improvements to the overseas terminal ticket lobby at Honolulu International Airport, Oahu. • $30 million for improvements at gates 29 and 34 to accommodate A380 Aircraft at Honolulu International Airport, Oahu. • $8.7 million for a new United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Inspection Station at Kona International Airport, Hawaii. • $39.2 million for holdroom and gate improvements at Kahului Airport, Maui. • $10.5 million for inbound baggage handling system improvements, Kahului Airport, Maui. • $7.2 million for terminal improvements at Molokai Airport, Molokai. • $4.5 million for a new aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) garage, renovation of the terminal, and replacement of airfield lighting at Kalaupapa Airport, Maui • $17.8 million for ticket lobby and holdroom improvements at Lihue Airport, Kauai. • $7.5 million to address storm water run-off, erosion, passenger safety issues, ineffective drainage, and/or subsurface irregularities at Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai. • $190.6 million for the repair, rehabilitation, improvements, and/or replacement of bridges, statewide. • $56.8 million for improvements, installation, or upgrading of guardrails and shoulders on state highways, statewide. • $89 million for a new roadway and/or realignment, and extending the Daniel K. Inouye Highway from the Hilo Terminus to the Queen Kaahumanu Highway, Hawaii. • $50 million for shoreline protection, highway realignment, and beach fill/nourishment for state highways, statewide. University of Hawaii • $30 million for the Culinary Institute of the Pacific, Phase II at Kapiolani Community College, Oahu. • $5 million for renovations at Snyder Hall, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Oahu. • $83.2 million for the renewal, improvements, and modernization of facilities at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. • $10 million for capital renewal and deferred maintenance at University of Hawaii Community Colleges, Statewide. • $10 million for minor capital improvement projects at University of Hawaii Community Colleges, Statewide. ### #StateCapitalImprovement #CIP #HawaiiSenate #jilltokuda #DonovanDelaCruz

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The Hawai‘i State Senate today voted to confirm Laurel Johnston to serve as deputy director of the Department of Budget and Finance. Johnston was appointed by Governor David Ige to fill the position when Rod Becker was appointed in November 2016 to serve as the state comptroller. Over the last 30 years, Johnston has served in a diverse array of public service positions including as a public administrator, researcher, and policy writer. She most recently served as Governor Ige’s deputy Chief of Staff. Prior to joining the Governor’s staff, she was the director of the University of Hawai‘i System Budget Office. Johnston has a Master of Science degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology, both from Florida State University. # # # #jkalanienglish #laureljohnston #rozbaker #kaikahele #hawaiisenate

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Members of the Hawai‘i State Senate today voted to confirm Damien Elefante as the Deputy Director of the Department of Taxation (DoTax). Elefante was appointed by Governor David Ige to fill the position following the departure of Joe Kim, who moved to the private sector in July. Elefante most recently served as the compliance coordinator in DoTax. Prior to that, he was the deputy Attorney General representing the state’s interest in contested tax-related cases. Before joining the state, Elefante worked at Hisaka Stone Goto Yoshida Cosgrove & Ching, and served as a law clerk for Chief Judge James S. Burns at the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Elefante is a graduate of Kailua High School and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He received his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law. Photo above: DoTax Deputy Director, Damien Elefante and members of the Senate of Filipino ancestry, (L-R) Sen. Brickwood Galuteria (Dist. 12), Sen. Gilbert Keith-Agaran (Dist. 5), Sen. Donna Mercado Kim (Dist. 14), Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz (Dist. 22), Sen. Will Espero (Dist. 19), Sen. Lorraine Inouye (Dist. 4). Photo courtesy: Senate Communications # # # #BrickwoodGaluteria #GilbertKeithAgaran #DonovanDelaCruz #WillEspero #LorraineInouye #DonnaMercadoKim #DamienElefante #taxation #hawaiisenate

Early agreements include funds for Medicaid increases, telehealth, housing House and Senate conferees began negotiations today on a final version of HB100 HD1 SD1, the state budget bill. Early agreement on a number of budget items included $48 million for Medicaid capitation payment increases, $300,000 for a statewide telehealth pilot project, and $600,000 for clean and sober housing for chronically homeless people over the fiscal biennium. Legislators also recognized the importance and effectiveness of the rapid re-housing program and increased Gov. David Ige’s request of $2.5 million by half a million dollars for a total of $3 million for fiscal year 2018. Earlier in the session, the House Finance Committee and the Senate Ways and Means Committee crafted their respective versions of the budget. Lawmakers will continue to meet to iron out differences between the two versions through April 28, the deadline for all fiscal bills to pass out of conference committee. A final conference draft will then be voted upon by the Legislature and if approved, will be sent to the Governor for his signature. With current economic predictions showing state income to be sluggish, lawmakers are being very careful with taxpayer money, said Rep. Sylvia Luke (Dist. 25 - Makiki, Punchbowl, Nuuanu, Dowsett Highlands, Pacific Heights, Pauoa), House Finance Committee Chair. “We are looking to provide a budget that takes care of the basic programs we have in place, but does not spend more than necessary,” Luke said. “That is why we require all state departments and programs to be accountable for exactly what they spend and the services they provide.” In December, the Ige Administration proposed a $14.2 billion budget for fiscal year 2018 and $14.3 billion for fiscal year 2019. The administration has made some changes since then. “We are continuing to take a fiscally responsible approach to provide the priority needs for our community while ensuring the financial stability of our state’s resources and long term obligations,” said Senator Jill Tokuda (Dist. 24 - Kaneohe, Kaneohe MCAB, Kailua, Heeia, Ahuimanu), chair of the Senate committee on Ways and Means. “This means doing more with less and targeting funding towards those things that are both critically important and will sustain and grow our economy.” Among the budget items agreed upon to date were: $6.5 million in each fiscal year for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Administration, Primary Prevention and Chronic Disease Management $2.1 million in each fiscal year to support state family and elderly housing facilities in both years $3 million in FY18 for the rapid re-housing program $9.1 million in FY18 and $39.3 in FY19 for Medicaid capitation payment increases $3.3 million in FY18 for housing inmates in a non-state facility during renovation of the Halawa Correctional Facility $2.9 million in both years for Medicare part B premium payments $300,000 in each fiscal year for clean and sober housing for chronically homeless individuals with severe substance abuse disorders $2.7 million in FY18 to rebase provider rates for home and community based services $150,000 in each fiscal year for a statewide telehealth pilot project $3 million in each fiscal year for maintenance of effort for maternal infant early childhood home visiting grant Budget worksheets detailing agreements and disagreements in the state, judiciary, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs budget bills are available on the Capitol website at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/budget/2017budget.aspx The conference committee will reconvene on Thursday, April 20, at 2 p.m. in room 309. ### #jilltokuda #DonovanDelaCruz #jkalanienglish #BrickwoodGaluteria #lorraineinouye #maileshimabukuro #glennwakai #gilriviere #hawaiisenate #waysandmeans

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i - Dave Shoji, alongside his wife Mary, was honored on the Senate floor for his years of dedication and devotion to the State of Hawai‘i and to Wahine Volleyball at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. The Senate presented Shoji with a koa paddle along with a certificate expressing gratitude to him for being a true example of good sportsmanship and strong leadership. “On this day, we gather to recognize, to show our appreciation for and ultimately say mahalo nui loa to a coach, a friend, a role model, a mentor, a champion, who has given so much to Hawai‘i, to the sport of volleyball and to thousands of keiki across this great state,” said Senator Kai Kahele, chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education. Dave Shoji began his volleyball career as a player at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned All-American honors in 1968 and 1969. He started his coaching career as a varsity basketball coach at Iolani in 1972, and as an assistant coach at Punahou School. He is also credited with starting the men’s volleyball program, where he was the coach from 1978-85. Under his leadership as head coach, the Rainbow Wahine won four national titles in 1979, 1982, 1983, and 1987. Dave received many honors during his forty-two year coaching tenure, including 13-time conference and nine-time region Coach of the Year, and National Coach of the Year in 1982 and 2009. Shoji was recognized as a USA Volleyball All-Time Great Volleyball Coach in 2002, he was coach of the NCAA 25th Anniversary team, and he was named the winningest coach in NCAA history in 2013. Dave Shoji is inducted into both the American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Hawai‘i Sports Hall of Fame. Earlier in the Governor’s ceremonial room, April 13, 2017 was declared “Dave Shoji Day” at the Hawai‘i State Capitol by Governor David Ige. # # # #hawaiisenate #DaveShoji

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The Hawai‘i State Senate today gave their consent on Brian A. Costa, Darolyn H. Lendio Heim, and Trish K. Morikawa as judges to District Court of the First Circuit (Island of O‘ahu). Brian A. Costa is originally from New York state, but has developed strong roots in Hawai‘i over the last 20 years, beginning at Hawai‘i Pacific University and later the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, from which he graduated magna cum laude in 2001. After a brief stint as a prosecuting attorney, he then served as a law clerk to former Justice Simeon Acoba at the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. Since 2003, he has managed his own small practice specializing in traffic and criminal defense matters in district court, where he has represented hundreds of clients. He is also experienced in proceedings before the Administrative Driver's License Revocation Office. Costa also serves as a per diem judge of the District Family Court of the First Circuit. “Combined with his recent experience as a per diem judge, Mr. Costa is clearly well qualified to serve as a district court judge in the First Circuit in a variety of proceedings,” said Sen. Gil Keith-Agaran (Dist. 5- Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului), chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor. “Testimony indicates that he has already achieved the respect of his full-time judicial peers and that he will hit the ground running in good form.” Darolyn H. Lendio Heim graduated from Waialua High School and attended the University of Southern California where she received degrees in Journalism and Political Science. Working at the Wall Street Journal sparked her life-long interest in the law. She earned her law degree from the University of California at Berkeley, Boalt School of Law and was admitted to the Hawai‘i State Bar in 1984. Lendio Heim was most recently a partner at the law firm of McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon LLP. She previously served as Vice President of Legal Affairs at the University of Hawai‘i and was the Director of the Department of Corporation Counsel for the City and County of Honolulu. “Her years of private litigation practice and public service give her an unusually broad perspective of legal issues that affect the people of Hawai‘i and she is eager to continue her public service at the ‘people's court,’” said Sen. Keith-Agaran. “As attested by her colleagues, Ms. Heim is very qualified for this position.” Trish K. Morikawa is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, the University of Pennsylvania, and the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Although for the last several years she has been in private practice, Morikawa has extensive public service experience and has served as a per diem judge of the District Family Court of the First Circuit since 2015. For a total of nearly 13 years she was a deputy prosecuting attorney for the City & County of Honolulu. She also spent 3 years as a deputy attorney general for the state. At one time she was also the County Housing Coordinator for the City & County of Honolulu, and has also served as a volunteer commissioner for the Department of Hawaiian Homelands from 2003 until 2011. “Testimony indicated that throughout her career, Trish Morikawa has exhibited enthusiasm, compassion and common sense in approaching complicated legal issues that affect the lives of real people,” said Sen. Keith-Agaran. “Your Committee on Judiciary and Labor recognizes that those traits, along with her demeanor and work ethic, will make her an excellent full-time addition to the district court of the First Circuit.” Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald appointed the District Court judges from a list of not less than six nominees submitted by the Judicial Selection Commission. Costa, Heim, and Morikawa fill the vacancies created by the retirements of Judges Gerald H. Kibe, David W. Lo, and Barbara P. Richardson. They each serve a term of six years. Photos courtesy: Senate Communications # # # #BrianCosta #DarolynLendioHeim #TrishKMorikawa #HawaiiSenate #JudgesConfirmed

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The Senate today passed 134 House bills on third reading that seek to address many issues including affordable housing, economic development, and protection from invasive species. An additional 74 House bills previously passed third reading in the Senate, for a total of 208 bills, ahead of the Second Crossover deadline of April 13. The bills passed on third reading will be transmitted to the House and many will be referred to a committee on conference where House and Senate members will meet jointly to remedy differences in House and Senate positions. To follow the actions of conference, visit the “Reports and Lists” page of the legislature’s website capitol.hawaii.gov. “These bills reflect the Senate’s focus on the priorities set forth in the Legislative Program which aim to support our communities, our environment, good governance and sustainability,” said Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English (Dist. 7 - Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Kaho‘olawe). “The challenge will be to provide funding for all these measures and the proposed GIA in light of diminishing revenues and requirements to pay for increasing fixed costs such as pension payments.” “The passage of these measures illustrate the continued effort of the Senate to improve the lives of the people of Hawai‘i,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (Dist. 8 - Kaua'i, Ni'ihau). “However, as we head into conference, the onus continues to be on the legislature to find funding sources for measures, ensure that we meet our current financial obligations while exercising fiscal responsibility.” A few of the key measures passed today by the Senate which reflect the Senate Legislative Program: Ola Lehulehu – People and Communities Education HB957 HD1 SD2 Authorizes the Department of Education to borrow moneys interest-free from the Hawai‘i green infrastructure loan program for heat abatement measures at public schools. Requires the Department of Education to make payments on the loan from revenues saved by energy efficiency measures. HB480 HD1 SD1 Makes an appropriation to the Hawai‘i community college for the Hawai‘i community college and University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and the Agribusiness Development Corporation, to study agriculture and agricultural learning opportunities on the island of Hawai‘i. Requires the Hawai‘i community college to submit a report to the legislature. Homelessness HB527 HD1 SD2 appropriates funds to purchase, staff, and operate two mobile clinics to serve the homeless population. HB1195 HD1 SD1 appropriates funds to the Department of Health and Department of Human Services, including the Office of Youth Services, to provide homeless outreach services and rental subsidies to reduce and prevent homelessness. HB530 HD2 SD2 updates the Downpayment Loan Program under the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Social Services HB615 HD1 SD1 appropriates funds for the Healthy Aging Partnership Program to further the program’s important role in improving the health and well-being of Hawai‘i’s kupuna. HB607 HD1 SD2 requires the Executive Office on Aging to establish the Kupuna Caregivers Program to assist community members in obtaining care for elders while remaining in the workforce. Clarifies the kupuna service and support options provided by area agencies on aging within the program. Makes establishment of the kupuna care program mandatory rather than discretionary. HB674 HD2 SD2 requires all child care providers subject to regulation by the Department of Human Services to obtain and maintain liability insurance as a condition of licensure, temporary permission, or registration and disclose insurance-related information to certain parents or guardians. Requires the Department of Human Services to submit a report to the legislature prior to the 2018 regular session. HB4 HD1 SD1 requires certain employers to provide a minimum amount of paid sick leave to employees to be used to care for themselves or a family member who is ill or needs medical care. Health Care HB672 HD2 SD2 formally establishes the Hawai‘i Keiki: Healthy and Ready to Learn Program within the Department of Education. Establishes a dedicated special fund and positions within the Departments of Education, Health, and Human Services to support the program. HB552 HD1 SD2 ensures that benefits of the Affordable Care Act are preserved under state law in the case of repeal of the ACA by Congress. Preserves the individual mandate, minimum essential benefit requirements, extended dependent coverage, and prohibitions on preexisting condition exclusions and gender discrimination in premiums and costs. Establishes a trust fund and procedures to reimburse insurers for unrecouped costs of providing minimum essential insurance benefits. HB1272 HD1 SD1 specifies that coverage for telehealth under the State's medicaid managed care and fee-for-service programs includes psychiatric services delivered via telehealth through a behavioral health care manager who is present in a primary health care provider's office. Food Security HB1475 HD2 SD2 Permits farmers' markets and food hubs on lands in an agricultural district. Requires that value-added products displayed and sold by agricultural-based commercial operations in agricultural districts contain an unspecified per cent of Hawai‘i-grown content. Aloha Kaiāulu Ho‘oulu – Preparedness Government Services HB1401 HD1 SD1 enacts voting by mail uniformly across all counties for all elections commencing in 2020, and allows any election to be conducted by mail prior to the 2020 primary election, in whole or in part, as determined by the chief election officer or county clerk, as appropriate. HB206 HD2 SD2 establishes a prepaid wireless E911 surcharge of 1.5 per cent of prepaid wireless service purchased at the point of sale. Allows sellers to deduct and retain 3 per cent of the surcharges collected to offset administrative expenses, but requires sellers to remit the balance of surcharges collected to the Enhanced 911 fund on a specified periodic basis. Community Development HB1327 HD1 SD1 Appropriates funds for the Manufacturing Development Program. Aloha Honua – Climate Change and Energy Environment HB1339 HD1 SD2 restructures the Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council as the Hawai‘i Invasive Species Authority to coordinate implementation of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan and related duties. HB904 HD1 SD1 establishes the invasive species rapid response special fund within DLNR. Establishes procedures for emergency declarations and expenditures. Pono Kaulike – Transforming Justice HB930 SD2 creates and appropriates funds for Erin's Law Task Force to review policies, programs, and curricula for educating public school students about sexual abuse and sex trafficking prevention, and report recommendations for the establishment of a program to educate public school children on sexual abuse prevention through age appropriate curricula. # # # #Hawaiisenate #SenateBills #jkalanienglish #RonKouchi

JOINT STATEMENT ON HTA AUDIT SR27 AND SCR72 After reviewing testimony submitted on SR 27 and SCR 72, it is clear to both Senator Glenn Wakai (S Dist. 15 - Kalihi, Mapunapuna, Airport, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, Pearl Harbor), Chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology and Representative Richard Onishi (H Dist 3 - Hilo, Keaau, Kurtistown, Volcano), Chair of the House Committee on Tourism, that there is overwhelming support for an audit of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), with the duplicative nature of the proposed audit and the additional cost to perform the audit being the only points of contention. By law, the Office of the Auditor is required to audit HTA “at least every five years.” The Office of the Auditor last audited HTA in 2013. “It was never my intention nor that of Chair Onishi to subject HTA to unnecessary scrutiny or to incur unreasonable costs. The resolutions were introduced to maintain public trust in HTA management and fiscal responsibility of our largest economic driver,” said Sen. Wakai. “We have asked State Auditor Les Kondo to consider reporting his audit findings and recommendations to HTA and the legislature in early 2018. The Auditor will provide an independent, objective, and nonpartisan review of HTA's performance, including its management and expenditures of state funds. Given the importance of tourism to our state, the audit will provide accountability to the legislature and the public that HTA is using its resources, including state funds, effectively, efficiently, and ethically to achieve its mission. We are confident that the Auditor’s review will address the objectives set out in SR 27 and SCR 72, making it unnecessary to pass these resolutions,” said Rep. Onishi. # # # #glennwakai #hawaiisenate #sr27 #scr72 #HTA #HawaiiTourismAutority #richardonishi #leskondo

Dr. Amy Agbayani was recognized on the Senate floor for her academic contributions and long-time service to the people of Hawai‘i. Dr. Agbayani is recently retired as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Diversity and Director of the Office of Student Equity, Excellence, and Diversity (SEED) at the University of Hawai‘i, Mānoa. Besides administrative work, Dr. Agbayani conducted research and wrote papers and books about Filipinos in Hawai‘i, and cofounded Operation Manong, a program to tutor Filipino and other immigrant students in public schools. In recognition of her life’s work, Dr. Agbayani has received numerous honors for her achievements, including recognition from the YWCA, Filipino Community Center, and Honpa Hongwanji Mission as a Living Treasure. retirement, Dr. Agbayani’s work will continue through her endowed scholarship for civil rights, which will enable young people to continue to build a more equitable and inclusive society. ### More photos on our Hawai'i Senate Majority Flickr site: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hawaiisenatemajority/albums/72157678770738654 More photos on our Hawai'i Senate Majority Flickr site: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hawaiisenatemajority/albums/72157678770738654

MEDIA ADVISORY – For immediate release COACH DAVE SHOJI TO BE HONORED AT THE CAPITOL WHO: Members of State Senate and House Retired UH Wahine Volleyball Coach Dave Shoji WHAT: Floor presentations for Dave Shoji WHEN: Thursday, April 13, 2017 11:30 a.m. Senate Session 12 noon House Session WHERE: Senate and House chambers Hawai‘i State Capitol HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – In recognition of his years of dedication and devotion to the State of Hawai‘i and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Wahine Volleyball program, the Senate and House will celebrate “Dave Shoji Day” at the State Capitol on Thursday, April 13. "It is an honor to recognize Coach Shoji in the Senate,” said Sen. Kaiali`i Kahele, Chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education and a former UH men’s volleyball player. “His legacy and remarkable career is undeniable. As a member of the UH Menʻs Volleyball team from 1994-1997, I will always remember how kind he treated me as well as the advice and mentorship he gave me as a student athlete. I am honored to know him and wish him the very best in retirement. My appreciation for Coach Shoji is also extended to his wife Mary and children Cobey, Kawika and Erik for sharing Coach Dave with all of Hawaiʻi." “Coach Dave Shoji not only made Hawai‘i proud of the outstanding accomplishments of the University of Hawai‘i Wahine Volleyball team, he taught his players valuable life lessons in leadership, camaraderie and honor,” said Rep. Angus McKelvey, Chair of the House Higher Education Committee. “He brought the UH into the national spotlight as a program to be reckoned with, and gave us all tremendous pride in the talent of the young athletes he mentored.” The floor presentation recognitions will be held at the beginning of the Senate and House regular sessions. # # # #daveshoji #kaikahele