Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism (EET) today voted to recommend that the Senate not advise and consent to the nomination of Chris Sadayasu for the position of Director for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. The hearing included testimony from Governor Josh Green, Chief Housing Officer Nani Medeiros, and numerous state agencies. The vote was 4-1, with Senators Lynn DeCoite, Glenn Wakai, Donna Mercado Kim, and Kurt Fevella voting in favor of the recommendation to not advise and consent. Senator Carol Fukunaga was the lone vote in opposition of the recommendation. “Although I believe Chris is a decent person, his performances during several Senate committee hearings have left me with doubts about his ability to effectively lead this department,” said Senator Lynn DeCoite, chair of the EET committee. “Due to the lack of confidence I felt in his potential to effectively manage and collaborate with the agencies that would fall under his direction, I could not support or recommend that we move forward with this nomination.” Despite the committee’s recommendation, Sadayasu’s nomination will move forward for a vote and final consideration by the full 25-member Senate. ###

Today, Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) honored Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Chair Suzanne Case during her last meeting as chair of the State Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR). As Chair of the land board, Case is limited to two consecutive terms. Senator Inouye, who chairs the Senate Committee on Water and Land, presented Chair Case with a certificate from the Hawaiʻi State Senate, highlighting her leadership and proven track record of moving the DLNR forward. Case served in the position for nearly eight years. Senator Inouye issued the following statement: “It was important to me that we officially recognize the service and leadership of Chair Case and the impact she’s had as head of the DLNR. Over the years, she led the department with integrity and transparency, and helped to implement initiatives such as watershed protection, marine management, bio-security, food security and renewable energy. The important work that she did as a protector of our precious island resources will be felt for years to come.” ###

The Hawaiʻi State Senate is saddened by the passing of District Judge Darolyn Lendio Heim. Since being confirmed by the Senate in 2017 to serve in the District Court of the First Circuit (Island of O‘ahu), Judge Lendio Heim served as the lead judge in the court’s civil division and also played a key role in implementing a mediation program that helped tenants on Oʻahu who were facing eviction during the pandemic. Judge Lendrio 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. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she was a partner at the law firm of McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon LLP. She also 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. Members of the Hawaiʻi State Senate issued the following statements: “I am heartbroken and saddened by the passing of Judge Darolyn Lendio Heim. She was an amazing person who truly had a heart for public service. Her strong connections to our community and deep knowledge of, and respect for the law was what made her a well-respected jurist and beloved member of our community. I extend my aloha and sympathy to Judge Lendio Heim’s husband, Ron, her two sons – Cade and Alex, and the rest of her ʻohana.” – Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi and Niʻihau) “Darolyn was more than a friend, she was a mentor and an inspiration. She was a fearless leader that never forgot her Waialua roots and was comitted to public servince and making Hawaiʻi a better place for future generations. She broke glass ceilings and I will greatly miss her.” – Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (District 17 - Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village) “As a fellow UC-Berkeley Law School graduate, Judge Lendio Heim was a mentor to many of us who attended law school in California. Not only was she a dedicated public servant with over three decAdes of service to the people of Hawaiʻi, but she was a trail blazer and a role model for many women and those in the Filipino community. Judge Lendio Heim will be remembered for her dedication to law, high degree of integrity, and willingness to share her wisdom and knowledge with other. And on a personal note, Darolyn was just a good fun person who loved her family, her friends and USC Trojans football.” – Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran (District 5 – Central Maui) ###

Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi and Niʻihau) issued the following statement following the inauguration of Governor Josh Green and Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke: “I want to extend a sincere mahalo to Governor Ige for his eight years of service. He led our state through unprecedented times, and I wish him and Dawn the best in this next chapter of their lives. As we look forward to this period of Huliau or new beginnings, I look forward to working with Governor Josh Green, Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, and their new administration. With many challenges facing the state, it is my hope that our three branches of government can work collaboratively towards a common goal of improving the quality of life for the people of Hawaiʻi.” ###

Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate announced its finalized leadership and committee assignments ahead of the 32nd Legislature that opens on January 18, 2023. Leadership and committee assignments of the 15 standing committees are as follows: Leadership: President: Senator Ronald D. Kouchi Vice President: Senator Michelle N. Kidani Majority Leader: Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha Majority Floor Leader: Senator Glenn Wakai Assistant Majority Floor Leader: Senator Lynn DeCoite Majority Policy Leader: Senator Les Ihara, Jr. Majority Whip: Senator Lorraine R. Inouye Assistant Majority Whip: Senator Henry J.C. Aquino Assistant Majority Whip: Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran Assistant Majority Whip: Senator Jarrett Keohokalole Assistant Majority Whip: Senator Chris Lee Assistant Majority Whip: Senator Herbert M. “Tim” Richards, III Minority Leader: Senator Kurt Fevella Minority Floor Leader: Senator Brenton Awa Committee Assignments: Agriculture and Environment (AEN) Gabbard, Mike (Chair) Richards, III, Herbert M. "Tim" (Vice Chair) DeCoite, Lynn Rhoads, Karl Awa, Brenton Commerce and Consumer Protection (CPN) Keohokalole, Jarrett (Chair) Fukunaga, Carol (Vice Chair) McKelvey, Angus L.K. Richards, III, Herbert M. "Tim" Awa, Brenton Education (EDU) Kidani, Michelle N. (Chair) Kim, Donna Mercado (Vice Chair) Kanuha, Dru Mamo Richards, III, Herbert M. "Tim" Fevella, Kurt Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism (EET) DeCoite, Lynn (Chair) Wakai, Glenn (Vice Chair) Fukunaga, Carol Kim, Donna Mercado Fevella, Kurt Government Operations (GVO) McKelvey, Angus L.K. (Chair) Gabbard, Mike (Vice Chair) San Buenaventura, Joy A. Wakai, Glenn Awa, Brenton Hawaiian Affairs (HWN) Shimabukuro, Maile S.L. (Chair) Fevella, Kurt (Vice Chair) Ihara, Jr., Les Keohokalole, Jarrett Richards, III, Herbert M. "Tim" Health and Human Services (HHS) San Buenaventura, Joy A. (Chair) Aquino, Henry J.C. (Vice Chair) Moriwaki, Sharon Y. Shimabukuro, Maile S.L. Awa, Brenton Higher Education (HRE) Kim, Donna Mercado (Chair) Kidani, Michelle N. (Vice Chair) Fukunaga, Carol Keith-Agaran, Gilbert S.C. Fevella, Kurt Housing (HOU) Chang, Stanley (Chair) Kanuha, Dru Mamo (Vice Chair) Aquino, Henry J.C. Rhoads, Karl Awa, Brenton Judiciary (JDC) Rhoads, Karl (Chair) Gabbard, Mike (Vice Chair) Elefante, Brandon J.C. San Buenaventura, Joy A. Awa, Brenton Labor and Technology (LBT) Moriwaki, Sharon Y. (Chair) Lee, Chris (Vice Chair) Ihara, Jr., Les Keith-Agaran, Gilbert S.C. Fevella, Kurt Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs (PSM) Wakai, Glenn (Chair) Elefante, Brandon J.C. (Vice Chair) Fukunaga, Carol McKelvey, Angus L.K. Awa, Brenton Transportation and Culture & Arts (TCA) Lee, Chris (Chair) Inouye, Lorraine R. (Vice Chair) Elefante, Brandon J.C. Keohokalole, Jarrett Awa, Brenton Water and Land (WTL) Inouye, Lorraine R. (Chair) Elefante, Brandon J.C. (Vice Chair) Chang, Stanley McKelvey, Angus L.K. Fevella, Kurt Ways and Means (WAM) Dela Cruz, Donovan M. (Chair) Keith-Agaran, Gilbert S.C. (Vice Chair) Aquino, Henry J.C. DeCoite, Lynn Inouye, Lorraine R. Kanuha, Dru Mamo Kidani, Michelle N. Kim, Donna Mercado Lee, Chris Moriwaki, Sharon Y. Shimabukuro, Maile S.L. Wakai, Glenn Fevella, Kur

Governor David Ige recently announced that $27,000,000 in capital improvement project funds were released for Senate District 8 to finance design and construction for a new gymnasium and athletic facilities at Waimea High School. This announcement comes as Waimea High School’s football team won their first Division II state title on Saturday, November 26. Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (Senate District 8 - Kauaʻi, Niʻihau) released the following statement: “First off, I want to send my heartfelt congratulations to the Waimea High School football team, who left their hearts on the field and brought home the first football state title in school history. I also want to sincerely thank Governor David Ige for releasing these CIP funds to make much-needed improvements to the facilities at the school. The opportunity to participate in sports is an important part of the high school experience, and I am glad that these funds will provide a new gymnasium and athletic facilities for students at Waimea High School.” # # #

Governor David Ige recently released $6,900,000 in capital improvement project funds for major repairs and demolition to existing structures at the Waiākea Research Station on Hawaiʻi Island. Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) issued the following statement: “I am beyond thrilled that Governor Ige has released funds to finance major repairs and demolition to existing structures at the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Waiākea Research Station. The Waiākea Research Station serves as an important site for conducting research on agricultural and floriculture production in Hawaiʻi. However, most of the buildings were built in the mid-1960's and mid-1970's, and the station infrastructure is in serious need of renovation to restore its functionality. This project aims to restore the functionality and safety of the station. Research is a vital component of promoting our local food and floral industries and keeping the State on track to meet its food sustainability goals." # # #

Governor David Ige recently released $500,000.00 in capital improvement project (CIP) funds to finance development to access deep layer aquifers to supply freshwater in West Hawaiʻi and $1,500,000 to update the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Hawaiʻi Ocean and Science Technology Park. Both projects will be administered by the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaiʻi (NELHA). Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) issued the following statement: “I am pleased that Governor Ige has released funds to finance both NELHA projects including development to access deep layer aquifers for West Hawaiʻi and the EIS for the Hawaiʻi Ocean and Science Technology Park. NELHA provides critical services for West Hawaiʻi as well as incredible research opportunities for the State. It's reassuring to know we have stakeholders in West Hawaiʻi, such as NELHA, who are willing to provide water to the community, especially given the droughts the area has dealt with recently. It's also reassuring to know that the State is continuing to support one of its best research facilities by funding NELHA's Ocean and Science Technology Park." ###

Governor David Ige recently released $500,000 in capital improvement project (CIP) funds to the additional construction costs for south ramp taxiway and ramp improvements at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, Hawaiʻi. “I'd like to thank Governor Ige for following through on funding projects for Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport,” said Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo). "Financing improvements for the south ramp taxiway and ramp improvements is critical to ensure that the Kona Airport's airplane ground traffic is well maintained. The Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is a vital economic hub for the Kona side of Hawai‘i Island.” # ##

Governor David Ige recently released $5,000,000 in capital improvement project funds (CIP) to finance water well improvements for agricultural use in North Kohala, Hawai‘i. Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) issued the following statement: “I am beyond thrilled that Governor Ige has released funds to finance water well improvements for the ʻUpolu Well Development Project for agricultural use in North Kohala, Hawai‘i. Improving the ʻUpolu Well to meet agricultural production standards is critical to ensure that the North Kohala region has a viable agricultural water source since the Kohala Ditch collapsed over a year ago and left the region without a viable water source. Because of the loss of the ditch water, many agricultural users had to switch their water source to domestic water from the county's water system, which is much more expensive and cost prohibitive for their continued operation. Creating a new, more affordable agricultural water source is the spark of hope the North Kohala agriculture community needs to reinvigorate the Big Island's agricultural industry." # # #

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) plans to release $1,000,000 in special funds to finance the plans and designs for the demolition of the Uncle Billy’s Building. Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 4 – Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikōloa, Kona) released the following statement: “The Uncle Billy’s property is a significant liability for the State as it currently poses a health and safety risk to the Hilo community. Many homeless and drug users and dealers loiter on the property while DLNR has had to pay more than $9,000 a month for security services. On March 4th, 2022, a fire broke out on the building’s premises that law enforcement believes was started by squatters. I'd like to thank Governor Ige, as well as the Department of Land and Natural Resources, for recognizing the urgency of this matter and releasing $1,000,000 to begin the planning and design process for this demolition project next year." # # #

SENATOR FEVELLA STATES CONCERN OVER HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION PENDING ACTION TO GRANT LEASE EXTENSION TO PRINCE KUHIO PLAZA, LLC Today, in a letter addressed to Chairperson William J. Aila, Jr. and Hawaiian Homes Commission members, Senate Minority Leader Kurt Fevella (District 19 - ‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of ‘Ewa Villages) stated his concern over the Commission’s pending action to grant a 40-year lease extension to Prince Kuhio Plaza, LLC on Hawai‘i Island. He called for the Commission to defer any action until a resolution between the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) and the State Department of Attorney General on the legal authority for the Commission to take this action is determined. In 2021, Act 236 was passed, which authorizes the extension of certain commercial, industrial, resort, mixed-use or government leases. Senator Fevella restated his opposition to this act and added, “it is timely that the DOI question the authority of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) to extend this lease. Any decision regarding an extension of DHHL land leases should go through a fair and competitive public bidding process to maximum revenue potential rather than through private negotiations occurring behind closed doors in executive session.” Senator Fevella called DHHL’s choice to extend its commercial leases without the opportunity for the public to bid for these lands as a “dereliction of its duties to its beneficiaries.” He pointed out that, through a competitive bidding process, DHHL could maximize revenue potential and better leverage its commercial land holdings. He concluded, “I agree with the DOI's position that any action by the DHHL to grant extensions of commercial leases of Hawaiian home lands pursuant to Act 236 violates Federal law and constitutes a breach of trust by the State. I also believe this Commission has an opportunity to prevent squandering opportunities for Native Hawaiians to prosper by allowing the general public an opportunity to competitively lease these important lands.” ###