HONOLULU, Hawai‘i - The Senate today recognized the Small Business Administration Awards Hawai‘i recipients for their excellence in small business. The winners are both entrepreneurs and advocates and have proven that they have the creativity and drive to turn adversity into opportunity. This year’s recipients are Dr. Patrick Gesik, Terry Mullen, Maria A.F. Etrata, Reginald Baker, and Sherry Bracken. Also recognized on the Senate floor is Jane Sawyer, the Hawai‘i District Director for the Small Business Administration. Dr. Patrick Gesik is the 2017 Small Business Administration Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Gesik Physical Therapy, established in 2013, provides orthopedic physical therapy through hands on manual therapy techniques. Dr. Gesik secured a Small Business Administration Express Loan in 2014 to expand the family business, and the business continues to grow through positive referrals from physicians and patient satisfaction. The recipient of the 2017 Family Owned Small Business of the Year for the State of Hawai‘i is John Mullen & Company, a third generation kama‘aina company that operates as an insurance adjusting firm. Founded in 1959 by John and Margaret Mullen, Terry Mullen has worked in the family business for over 40 years, and currently serves as the president and CEO. His daughter, Sara, also works in the company undertaking managerial duties. Maria A.F. Etrata is the winner of the 2017 Small Business Advocate for Minorities award. Etrata founded The Primary Care Providers of Hawai‘i in 1996 to create a network for the care home industry to provide information and education to its members, and to be a voice on legislation affecting care homes. Alongside her husband Renato, the couple established the philanthropic Renato and Maria A.F. Etrata Foundation to improve communities by supporting educational, cultural, and social programs for multiple cultures and faiths from around the world. Reginald Baker is this year’s Small Business Advocate for Financial Services recipient. Baker has served as a director with the Chamber of Commerce, a leader of the Small Business Council, and has spent over 25 years promoting and assisting Hawai‘i’s small business owners through consulting, training, and other support. Sherry Bracken is the 2017 Small Business Advocate for Journalism and Media for the State of Hawai‘i. Bracken writes, hosts, and produces a daily event program and a weekly interview program for two Hawai‘i Island stations. Bracken views her role in advocating for a healthy, robust economy by educating and informing the public to empower change. #smallbusinessadministration #Hawaiisenate #patrickgesik #terrymullen #mariaetrata #reginaldbaker #sherrybracken #janesawyer #glennwakai

SEN. INOUYE HOLDS INFO BRIEFING ON BIOFUELS WHO: Sen. Lorraine Inouye, Chair Senate Committee on Transportation and Energy Hawai‘i Energy Policy Forum WHAT: Informational briefing on status of biofuel production in Hawai‘i WHEN: Monday, April 3, 2017 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm WHERE: Conference Room 225 Hawai‘i State Capitol The practitioners, potential and current production of biofuels in the state of Hawai‘i are among the topics to be covered in an informational briefing to be held on Monday, April 3 in Conference Room 225. Among those presenting at the info briefing: David Anton, Cellana Shaun Moss and Fabio Soller, Oceanic Institute’s Hilo Feed Mill/Aquatic Feeds Department Jenna Long, Pacific Biodiesel Joe Boivin, Hawai‘i Gas Will Kusch, Terviva Dave Robinchaux, North Shore Consultants Steve Joseph, PVT Land To view the hearing notice and agenda: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2017/hearingnotices/HEARING_TRE_04-03-17_INFO_.HTM #davidanton #shaunmoss #fabiosoller #hilofeedmill #aquaticfeedsdepartment #jennalong #joeboivin #willkusch #davidrobinchaux #stevejosept #lorraineinouye #hawaiisenate

Sessions designed to deepen the understanding of nation’s most pressing energy, natural resource and climate change policy issues HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Dist. 14 - Kapalama, ‘Alewa, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, portions of Halawa and ‘Aiea) joined the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, the nation’s preeminent Latino leadership organization, and 45 other Latino elected officials from across the country for the National Policy Institute on Energy, Natural Resources and Climate Changefrom March 24-25, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The NALEO Educational Fund’s National Policy Institute on Energy, Natural Resources and Climate Change provided Sen. Kim and other Latino policymakers with the opportunity to discuss various policy approaches for the reliable and affordable development and use of energy while also addressing the responsible stewardship of natural resources and the future vitality of our communities. “Energy has such a significant impact on not just our daily lives, but our economy and the generations to come, particularly here in Hawai‘i where we’ve committed to a bold goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2045,” stated Sen. Kim. “My take away from this conference was a greater awareness of how we can help shape the discussion on energy policy and ensure that sound decisions are being made in areas such as natural resource management and energy development now and into the future.” The Policy Institute convened state legislators and local policymakers with leading national and state experts, private sector representatives and other key stakeholders for two days of professional development. During the training, Sen. Kim and other Latino officials had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the most pressing energy, natural resource and climate change issues, strengthen leadership and governance skills, and exchange legislative ideas and best practices with colleagues from across the country. This event was made possible through the generous support of Title Sponsors, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers and Environmental Defense Fund. A full schedule and agenda is available at http://www.naleo.org/2017_energy. # # # #NALEO #ClimateChange #Houston #donnamercadokim #HawaiiSenate

HB100 HD1 SD1 provides conservative approach emphasizing critical community needs and reducing fixed costs HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The Senate committee on Ways and Means today approved an amended state budget which proposes a financially prudent six-year plan to provide funding for core services and priority issues of the community while taking into account declining state revenues, rising fixed costs, and the uncertainty of the federal funding climate. HB100 HD1 SD1 proposes reducing the Governor’s budget request by $114 million in general funds over the biennium, which includes fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. However, the WAM committee was able to provide funding for recurring program needs and essential social services along with appropriating funding for addressing infrastructure and facilities needs in critical areas. WAM members were able to do this by reviewing the details of every budget request as well as each departments’ existing base budget to consider all possible ways to reduce costs without jeopardizing services or core functions of the State. “With the downgraded report from the Council of Revenues in March, it is daunting to be looking at a deficit of some $31 million for this fiscal year and some $220 million over the next three fiscal years,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (Dist. 8 - Kaua'i, Ni'ihau). “While there are programs and areas that we would like to have funded but are unable to because of fiscal constraints, the Senate budget is at least able to address the basic needs of our most vulnerable citizens.” “What we’re presenting is a balanced approach to ensure funding for priority community needs while appropriating funds for increasing costs in retirement benefits and other fixed costs. This is the result of digging deep into the base budgets of each state department and thoroughly examining how to make cuts without impacting the basic, essential needs of our community: keeping the lights on in our schools, provide housing, protecting our natural resources, and ensuring health care services are available to keiki and kupuna,” said Senate WAM Chair, Jill Tokuda (Dist. 24 - Kane‘ohe, Kane‘ohe MCAB, Kailua, He‘eia, ‘‘Āhuimanu). Many of the significant appropriations in education, environment, homelessness, and health care reflect the Senate’s commitment to the Legislative Program set forth at the start of the 2017 session. The Legislative Program are the priority issues which embrace Hawaiian values and aim to improve the quality of life for the residents of Hawai‘i. In the area of education, the Senate draft of the executive budget adjusts the Department of Education’s appropriation by adding $52.1 million in general funds in FY2017-18 and $57.2 million in general funds in FY 2018-19. Although $12 million less than the Administration’s request, $2.8 million in general funds and $2.8 million in federal funds for each fiscal year will continue and expand school-based health services in Hawai‘i’s public schools. $1 million in general funds was approved for each fiscal year for the Early College High School program to support the success of the initiative and encourage more opportunities for Hawai‘i’s public high school students to earn college credits before graduating high school. At the University of Hawai‘i, $3 million in general funds was appropriated for the Cancer Center clinical trials and operational support. $1.8 million in general funds was allocated for the Hawai‘i Promise Program that allows more students to afford community college. In terms of the homeless effort, $3 million in general funds was appropriated for each fiscal year for the Housing First Program, $2.1 million in general funds in each fiscal year for operation of State Family and Elderly Housing Facility. The committee also provided $500,000 for each fiscal year in general funds that will allow for the continuation of outreach and interim case management for homeless individuals with serious and persistent mental health challenges. In the area of environment, $750,000 in general funds for each fiscal year was allocated for Rapid ‘Ō‘hia Death Response, $400,000 in general funds for each fiscal year for Fire Protection Programs, and $250,000 in general funds for each fiscal year for protection of watershed forests. To ensure Hawai‘i’s seniors are able to continue leading healthy, independent, meaningful and dignified lives, $3.9 million in general funds for each fiscal year was allocated for Kupuna Care. $600,000 for fiscal year 2017-18 in general funds was provided to support family caregivers and $1.7 million in general funds for each fiscal year is appropriated for the Aging and Disability Resource Center. HB100 HD1 SD1 also includes funding for capital improvement projects (CIP) which reflects the Senate Legislative priorities and supports many of the initiatives the Administration has been pledging such as doubling food production, addressing jail overcrowding, attending to capacity issues and new schools for growing communities, and addressing affordable housing, particularly for seniors. $35 million was allocated to address the backlog of repairs and new units for senior housing. Currently, there are over 4,100 seniors on the waitlist for senior housing. OPERATING FUNDING HIGHLIGHTS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Add (2) positions and $226,134 in FY18 and (3) positions and $200,000 in FY19 in general funds for the Agricultural Food Safety Certification Program Add $750,000 in general funds in each FY for pesticide regulation expenses and studies Add (3) permanent positions and $79,236 in FY18 and $158,472 in FY19 in general funds for pesticides compliance DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES Add $2,185,567 in FY18 and $2,210,913 in FY19 in general funds for New Payroll System and Time and Attendance System Add $937,024 in FY18 and $922,326 in FY19 in general funds for integration of Human Resources System with Payroll and Time and Attendance System Add $3,175,000 in general funds in each FY for Carrier Circuit and Collocation Costs for the Office of Enterprise Technology Services Change means of financing for (5) permanent positions and $505,585 from trust funds to general funds in each FY for Campaign Spending Commission DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL Add $38,000 in general funds in each FY for Criminal Justice Division Rent, Family Law Division Rent, Tax and Charities Division Rent Add $110,000 in general funds in each FY for Criminal Justice Information Systems Hawai‘i software licenses/renewals for the State Criminal Justice Information and ID Program Add (1) position and $50,000 in general funds in each FY for Police Review Board 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 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 Add (1) permanent positon and $29,868 in FY18 and $59,736 in FY19 in general funds for Transit-Oriented Development Projects and Interagency Transit-Oriented Development Council/Support Add (0.5) temporary position and $23,750 in FY18 and $47,500 in FY19 in special funds for Chief Operating Officer/Industry Specialist for Hi Technology Development Corporation Add (0.5) temporary position and $16,250 in FY18 and $32,500 in FY19 in special funds for Special Projects Coordinator for Hi Technology Development Corporation DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND FINANCE Add $30,637,298 in general funds in FY18 for severance pay and social security and Medicare payments for employees to be separated from state employment due to the upcoming transfer of the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation's (HHSC) Maui Region to Kaiser Permanente management Add $4,493,450 in general funds in each FY for Centralized Vacation Payout for various departments 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 $2,018,171 in FY18 and $107,552 in FY19 in other funds for Hawai‘i Domestic Relations Orders Implementation for the Employee Retirement System DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS Add (1) staff attorney and $68,145 in FY18 and $130,180 in FY19 in special funds for unfair and deceptive trade practices enforcement for Office of Consumer Protection Add $200,000 in special funds in FY18 for consultant services and training Add $303,949 in special funds in FY18 for other current expenditures for Public Utilities Commission equipment, renovation, and moving costs DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Add $90,000 in general funds in each FY for State Active Duty continuing operations Add $768,000 in FY18 and $464,000 in FY19 in general funds for tree trimming and removal at Hawai‘i State Veterans Cemetery Add (1) permanent position and $50,772 in each FY for Veteran Services Counselor DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Add $1,000,000 in general funds in each FY for Early College High School Initiative Add $2,800,000 in general funds and $2,800,000 in federal funds in each FY for Hawai‘i Keiki Program Add (2) permanent positions and $91,909 in FY18 and $183,818 in FY19 in general funds for School Based Behavioral Health Services for Maui and Hawai‘i Island Add (2) permanent positions and $183,818 in general funds in each FY for Hawai‘i Teachers Standards Board Add (15) permanent positions and $779,310 in FY18 and $1,434,885 in FY19 in general funds for Civil Rights Compliance Capacity Add $1,100,000 in general funds in each FY for Student Information System Enhancement and Expansion Add $670,000 in general funds in each FY for Alternative Teacher Route Programs Add $2,500,000 in FY18 and $4,000,000 in FY19 in general funds for School Service and Maintenance Add $1,500,000 in general funds in each FY for Utilities Add (4) permanent positions and $1,755,525 in FY18 and $3,711,835 in FY19 in general funds for Student Transportation Services Statewide PUBLIC LIBRARIES Add (6.5) permanent positions and $50,799 in FY18 and $203,196 in FY19 in general funds for Nanakuli Public Library Add (1) permanent position and $23,466 in FY18 and $46,932 in FY19 in general funds for Office of the State Librarian Add $250,000 in general funds in each FY for Repair and Maintenance Backlog CHARTER SCHOOLS Add $9,651,776 in FY18 and $9,944,866 in FY19 in general funds for Per Pupil Adjustment EARLY LEARNING Add (10) permanent positions and $136,688 in FY18 and $556,842 in FY19 in general funds for Pre-Kindergarten and Induction Program Add (2) permanent positions and $53,733 in FY18 and $82,317 in FY19 in general funds for Executive Office on Early Learning OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR Add $117,167 in general funds in each FY for membership fees for national and regional chief executive organizations DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS Add $6,865,887 in general funds in each FY for fringe benefits for general funded positions DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES Add $2,100,000 in general funds in each FY for operation of State Family and Elderly Housing Facility Add $3,000,000 in general funds in each FY for Housing First Program Add $1,500,000 in general funds in each FY for homeless outreach services Add $3,000,000 in general funds in FY18 for Rapid Re-Housing Program Add $300,000 in general funds and $100,000 in federal funds in each FY for services for child victims of sex trafficking Add $4,558,858 in general funds and $2,454,770 in federal funds in FY18 and $4,634,292 in general funds and $2,495,388 in federal funds in FY19 for settlement for foster care board rates Add $2,500,000 in general funds and $7,056,720 in federal funds in FY18 and $5,000,000 in general funds and $14,113,440 in federal funds in FY19 for adult dental benefits Add $1,886,205 in general funds and $2,309,090 in federal funds in FY18 and $4,052,472 in general funds and $4,961,033 in federal funds in FY19 for nursing facility inflation factor Add $2,947,556 in general funds and $2,691,040 in federal funds in each FY for Medicare Part B Premiums Transfer $500,000 in general funds in each FY from Office of Youth Services to School Community Services for Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture, and Health (REACH) Program. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT Add $2,396,000 in general funds in FY18 for worker's compensation claims DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Add (2) temporary positions and $144,054 in FY18 and $208,143 in FY19 in special funds for Medical Marijuana Registry Program Add (5) temporary positions and $890,000 in non-recurring special funds in each FY for medical marijuana dispensary licensing program Add $6,507,305 in general funds in each FY for base budget funding of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Administration, Primary Prevention, and Chronic Disease Management per funding in Act 118, SLH 2015. Add $500,000 in general funds in each FY for services for homeless individuals with serious and persistent mental health challenges Add $800,000 in general funds in each FY for outreach and counseling services for chronically homeless individuals and families with severe substance abuse disorders Add $300,000 in general funds in each FY for clean and sober housing for chronically homeless individuals with severe substance use disorders 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 Add $2,754,980 in FY18 and $7,118,914 in FY19 in general funds for rebased provider payment rates for Development Disabilities Add $3,000,000 in general funds in each FY for maintenance of effort for Healthy Start Add $799,833 in FY18 and $742,034 in FY19 in general funds for statewide emergency ambulance services Add (1) permanent position and $60,629 in FY18 and $121,259 in FY19 in general funds for investigation of suspected health clusters from environmental sources Add $3,976,435 in general funds in each FY for Kupuna Care Add $1,700,000 in general funds in each FY for Aging and Disability Resource Center Add $600,000 in general funds in FY18 for Kupuna Caregiver Program Add $150,000 in general funds in each FY for purchase of services contract for statewide telehealth pilot project Transfer $942,000 in general funds in each FY as subsidy to Wahiawa General Hospital to Subsidies HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION Add $300,000 in general funds in each FY for operations subsidy for Kahuku Hospital Add $36,486,000 in FY18 and $34,686,000 in FY19 in general funds for operations subsidy for the regions Add $5,000,000 in general funds in FY18 for Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation – Regions or Maui Health System, a Kaiser Foundation Hospital LLC. Add $33,420,000 in general funds in each FY for operations subsidy for Maui Health System DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Add (1) permanent position and $19,746 in FY18 and $39,492 in FY19 in general funds for Legal Support Add (1) permanent position and $515,386 in FY18 and $2,810,772 in FY19 in general funds for Disability Compensation Division Modernization DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES Add $14,047,588 in general funds in each FY for various programs’ base budgets per funding in Act 84, SLH 2015. Add $2,228,250 in special funds in FY18 for re-appropriation of lapsed Land Conservation funds Add $1,700,000 in special funds in each FY for increased Conveyance Tax revenues for Land Conservation Fund Add $4,000,000 in general funds in FY18 for Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council Add $750,000 in general funds in each FY for Rapid ‘Ō‘hia Death Response Add $400,000 in general funds in each FY for Fire Protection Program Add $250,000 in general funds in each FY for protection of watershed forests Add (15) permanent 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 Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Add $165,000 in general funds in each FY for Malpractice Insurance. Add $3,334,801 in general funds in FY18 for Housing Inmates in Non-State Facility during Renovation of Halawa Correctional Facility Add $1,500,000 in general funds in FY18 for Lease Rent for Department of Public Safety Administration Building and Moving Costs DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION Add $59,000 in general funds in each FY for Medical Marijuana Tax Collections 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 Reduce $123,787 in FY19 for contracted employees in the Pass and Identification Office. Similar adjustments were made for other airports' Pass and ID Offices. Add (6) permanent positions and $162,752 in FY18 and $293,004 in FY19 for Federal Inspection Station 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 Reduce (32) positions and $1,461,444 in special funds in both FY for long-standing and lower priority vacancies on O‘ahu in various Highways programs. Add $3,514,950 in FY18 and $1,242,000 in FY19 in special funds for information technology projects. UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I Add (4) permanent positions and $3,000,000 in general funds in each FY for Cancer Center clinical trials and operational support Add $350,000 in general funds in each FY for Concussion Awareness Add $1,829,000 in general funds in each FY for Hawai‘i Promise Program Add (4) permanent positions and $820,000 in general funds in each FY for Title IX program for the Community Colleges Add (3) permanent positions and $470,000 in general funds in each FY for Title IX program for UH System-wide Support CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) HIGHLIGHTS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE $20,000,000 to purchase over 500 acres of agricultural land to lease to local farmers, decreasing dependence on imported agriculture products $25,000,000 in upgrades and improvements to critical water infrastructure systems and agricultural facilities, statewide DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES $20,000,000 for the maintenance of existing statewide facilities for the Public Works Division DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM $25,000,000 for an infusion to the Rental Housing Revolving Fund, and $25,000,000 for an infusion to the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund to address infrastructure, construction and development needs of affordable housing across the State DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE $16,000,00 for upgrades and improvements to National Guard readiness centers and facilities, statewide $6,000,00 to retrofit public buildings with hurricane protective measures DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION $168,000,000 for growing student populations on both O‘ahu and Maui for new school and classroom projects $437,965,000 in total to the Department of Education; 44% of the entire general obligation bond amount awarded statewide DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOMELANDS $15,000,000 for various improvements to existing infrastructure on Hawaiian home lands, statewide $30,000,000 for NAHASDA development projects statewide DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES $51,500,000 to Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority for the renovations of their public housing facilities, statewide $35,000,000 for a senior housing project on O‘ahu that will provide an additional 200 to 250 units for senior living public housing facilities to accommodate an underserved elderly population DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH $20,000,000 for improvements and renovations to existing facilities within the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation $10,000,000 for an infusion to the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Fund. $15,000,000 for an infusion to the Wastewater Treatment Revolving Fund DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES $9,000,000 for Kaanapali Beach restoration and berm enhancement $15,000,000 for watershed protection, management and administration $10,000,000 for State parks infrastructure and facility improvements, statewide DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY $60,000,000 to end the search and debate of a prospective jail site by solidifying a Halawa location and allowing the Department of Public Safety to begin the process to design a new jail. $6,000,000 to begin the process of adding beds to the current Halawa prison site to bring home prisoners from the mainland SUBSIDIES $13,000,000 for the design and construction of pedestrian walkways for the City and County of Honolulu $2,500,000 for site improvements to the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex on Kauai County. DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION $500,000 for infrastructure and equipment for the safety and security of Department of Taxation facilities, statewide DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION $150,000,000 for ticket lobby improvements to the Honolulu International Airport, O‘ahu. $50,000,000 for the construction of a new federal inspection station at the Kona International Airport at Keahole, Hawai‘i $75,000,000 for an extension of the Lahaina Bypass Road on Maui $22,000,000 for various programs and projects to facilitate highway planning, statewide $47,000,000 for shoreline protection improvements of existing state highway facilities UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I $6,000,000 for site improvements and repairs to Hawai‘i Hall on the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa campus $6,000,000 for site and infrastructure improvements to research stations, statewide # # # #hawaiisenate #hawaiistatebudget #departmentofeducation #Jilltokuda #DonovanDelaCruz #HB100HD1SD1 #HawaiiDepartmentofAgriculture

HONOLULU, Hawai’i - As part of day focused on industrial hemp, the Senate honored Dr. Harry Ako and his team for their extensive work in hemp research and propagation. Dr. Ako was the lead investigator in the Industrial Hemp Research Project, a two-year study authorized by SB 2175, Act 56, which directed the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) at the University of Hawai‘i, Mānoa, to analyze the potential of industrial hemp production in Hawai‘i’s agriculture industry. Recognized on the Senate floor along with Dr. Ako were associates Melody Heidel, Alan Yoshimoto, and Shauna McHugh. Prior to leading the hemp study, Dr. Ako was a professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering departments at UH Mānoa from 1976-2015. The first seeds were planted on April 10, 2015 at the test plot in Waimānalo. After a successful harvest, the findings were reported to the Legislature in December 2015. It was concluded in the study that “Hemp seed production may be a lucrative activity for farmers. There is significant potential for a successful hemp agricultural industry in Hawai‘i based on the preliminary findings of the 2015 Industrial Hemp Research Project.” Products made from hemp include food, clothing, medicine, cosmetics, biofuel, animal feed, and many other items. As the Chair of the Senate committee on Agriculture and Environment, Senator Mike Gabbard foresees Hawai‘i as the hemp seed capital of the world. “My vision is to see farmers growing hemp in Hawai‘i as a cottage industry and the unique branding that comes with that,” said Sen. Gabbard. “We are indebted to Dr. Ako for sharing a lifetime of expertise and mana‘o and mahalo nui loa for confirming that industrial hemp is viable and valuable for a sustainable Hawai‘i.” Following the floor presentation recognition, an informational briefing was held on the status of industrial hemp production in Hawai‘i. #hawaiisenate #harryako #makegabbard #hemp #DrHarryako #sb2175

The Senate honored the founders of the inaugural Honolulu Biennial Festival for supporting Hawaii’s art industry and helping to promote creativity and innovation globally. Precursor to the Honolulu Biennial Festival, the Honolulu Biennial Foundation was founded in 2014 to bring contemporary art to the forefront. This festival demonstrates the State’s growing reputation as an international crossroads for culture, entertainment, and the arts. The central exhibition area is located at The Hub at Ward Village, with additional sites situated throughout downtown Honolulu. This community-based, non-commercial eight-week exhibition offers complimentary public programs so that the vast work on show by both local and international artists can be widely appreciated. Present for the floor recognition was co-founder Katherine Anne Leilani Tuider, co-founder Isabella Hughes, vice president of the board Gloria Lau, board member Taiji Terasaki, curator Ngahiraka Mason, and board member Li Lundin. In recognizing the founders, Senator Will Espero said that “entwined in art is a reflection of the world around us, capturing both its beauty and despair” and the festival “seeks to link the hearts and minds of the Pacific with presentations and exhibitions of contemporary art. It also highlights both cultural diversity and commonality that emboldens the human spirit.” # # # #HonoluluBiennial #KatherineAnneLeilaniTuider #IsabellaHughes #gloriaLau #TaijiTerasaki #NgahirakaMason #LiLundin #WillEspero #HawaiiSenate

WHO: Senator Mike Gabbard WHAT: State Senate Floor Presentation for Dr. Harry Ako, Principal Investigator of the Industrial Hemp Research Project Joint Informational Briefing on the state Industrial Hemp Pilot Program WHEN: Wednesday, March 29, 2017 11:30 a.m. (Floor Presentation) 1:15 p.m. (Informational Briefing) WHERE: State Senate Chambers and Conference Room 224 Hawai‘i State Capitol State Senator Mike Gabbard (Dist. 20 - Kapolei, Makakilo, and portions of ‘Ewa, Kalaeloa, and Waipahu), Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment, will lead a day focused on the production and uses of industrial hemp at the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 29th. "Hemp is an incredible crop that has big potential in our islands", said Senator Gabbard. "This is an opportunity to bring some attention to what kind of exciting opportunities are just around the corner as our state Industrial Hemp Pilot Program is rolled out. I'm confident hemp will be a niche crop for our farmers that will make good use of the Hawai‘i brand." The day begins with a floor presentation in the State Senate Chambers at 11:30 a.m. as Senator Gabbard honors Dr. Harry Ako, Principal Investigator of the Industrial Hemp Research Project, and his team for their efforts in proving industrial hemp can grow well in Hawai‘i. In December 2015, the University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources released a report on a successful, two-year industrial hemp remediation and biofuel crop research project that was conducted in Waimanalo in compliance with Act 56 (2014): https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eaur/govrel/reports/2016/act56-slh2014_2016_industrial-hemp_report.pdf The Senate floor presentation will be followed by a joint Informational Briefing at 1:15 p.m. in Conference Room 224 to provide an update about industrial hemp research, the current status of the state Industrial Hemp Pilot Program, and the future of hemp development in Hawai‘i. The informational briefing will include presentations by the following: · Dr. Harry Ako, Principal Investigator of Industrial Hemp Research Project · Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture · Maui Hemp Institute for Research & Innovation The hearing notice can be accessed at this link: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2017/hearingnotices/HEARING_AEN-AGR_03-29-17_INFO_.HTM For questions about the informational briefing, contact the office of Senator Mike Gabbard at 586-6830. # # # #hemp #mikegabbard #HempResearchProject #HarryAko #HawaiiDepartmentofAgriculture #MauiHempInstituteforResearchandInnovation #hawaiisenate

Public can view art in lawmakers’ offices, view new documentary video on artist Marianna Pineda on making the Queen Lili‘uokalani Statue WHO: Hawai‘i State Senators and Representatives, Offices of the Governor and Lt. Governor WHAT: 9th Annual Art at the Capitol WHEN: First Friday, April 7, 2017 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. WHERE: Hawai‘i State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street HONOLULU, Hawai‘i - The public is invited to the State Capitol on Friday, April 7 for the 9th annual Art at the Capitol event. This free event has legislators opening their doors to the public to view the diverse collection of artwork from local artists that adorn their offices. This year's theme, “Onipa‘a – The Spirit of Lili‘uokalani,” reflects on the saga and controversy surrounding the Queen Lili‘uokalani Statue and its sculptor, Marianna Pineda. A documentary video to debut that evening tells the story behind the statue. “This is one of my favorite events at the State Capitol every year. People have a great time walking floor to floor, viewing the fantastic art, visiting with lawmakers in a casual environment, and enjoying listening to live music echoing through the halls of this beautiful building,” said Sen. Brian Taniguchi. “This year, visitors can also see a new documentary and learn about the making of the statue of Queen Lili‘oukalani, which stands majestically between the State Capitol and ‘Iolani Palace.” New this year will be an exhibit featuring landscape artwork created by state legislators. The artwork will be judged by artists with the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and the public will be choosing their favorite landscape for a “People’s Choice” award. “Art at the Capitol is a community building event bringing together artists, lawmakers, and the public to view and enjoy inspirational works of art from Hawai‘i artists in our Capitol offices,” said Representative Della Au Belatti. “Art celebrates life, inspires creativity, and provokes thinking. It is important for all of us – young and old – to be able to see and contemplate the contemporary works of art displayed here. Please join us for this fun, stimulating, and free event!” Art at the Capitol begins with an opening program at 4:30 p.m. in room 325 that includes an introduction of artists and special guests. Self-guided tours start at 5 p.m. The Senate and House galleries will be open to view the new video, plus “Father Damien -- Marks of Accomplishment” (2016) and other short documentaries produced for the past Art at the Capitol events. Music will be performed during the event by members of the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony and the OHA Serenaders. The program ends at 7 p.m., then the public is invited to continue the celebration of local art and music across Richards Street at the Hawai‘i State Art Museum (HiSAM), which will be open until 9 p.m. Art at the Capitol is sponsored by the Hawai‘i State Legislature and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. www.facebook.com/artatthecapitolhawaii http://www.youtube.com/ArtAtTheCapitolHI # # # #briantaniguchi #susanmiyao #ronkouchi #JKalaniEnglish #lorraineinouye #willespero #joshgreen #rozbaker #DonovanDelaCruz #WilliamEspero #mikegabbard #BrickwoodGaluteria #BreeneHarimoto #LesIharaJr #LorraineInouye #KaiKahele #GilKeithAgaran #michellekidani #donnamercadokim #clarencenishihara #karlrhoads #gilriviere #maileshimabukuro #ruder #educationweek2017 #laurathielen #JillTokuda #waikai #hawaiisenate #artatthecapitol #HISAM #HawaiiStateArtMuseum #HawaiiStateArtMuseum

Administrators who provide leadership on their campuses whom also serve to inspire were honored today by the State Senate as part of Education Week at the Capitol. Those recognized on the Senate floor are public school principals who are committed to teacher-teams and to staff who provide a safe and secure learning environment for the students placed in their care each day. Mahina Anguay is the Principal of Waimea High School and the recipient of the 2016 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award. This award recognizes a public school principal who exemplifies vision, community service and entrepreneurship. In her role as Principal at Waimea School, Ms. Anguay implemented the Science, Technology, Resources, Engineering, Art, Humanities and Math (STREAM) program into the classroom. Michael Harano is the Principal at Washington Middle School and is selected as Hawai‘i’s Principal of the Year and the 2017 National Distinguished Principal. In 2010, Principal Harano won the Hawai‘i Elementary and Middle School Administrators Association (HEMSAA) National Distinguished Principal award. His approach ensures that the needs of his students are met while also providing additional support and activities to the staff. Bruce Naguwa was named the 2016 National Distinguished Principal by HEMSAA. As Principal at Kapolei Middle School since 2012, the school’s Strive HI index score has climbed 254 points, moving them from the bottom of the middle school level for the state to placing them in the upper 25 percent. Naguwa is the first Principal to win the NDP award twice by HEMSAA. Geri Martin is the Vice Principal of Ewa Makai Middle School and the 2017 Hawai‘i Assistant Principal of the Year. The National Association of Secondary School Principals recognizes her achievements in personal excellence, collaborative leadership, curriculum, and personalization. Ms. Martin is now in the running for the National Assistant Principal of the Year award. Greg Nakasone, Vice Principal at Mililani Middle School, was named the 2017 Hawai‘i Outstanding Vice Principal by the National Outstanding Assistant Vice Principal of the Year. Nakasone extends the duties of the Vice Principal from a disciplinarian and school operations role to one who is leading a collaborative effort to promote the Character Counts Program into the school community resulting in increased student achievement scores, a 97% attendance rate for the past five years, truancy below .1% and no drop-outs also for the past five years. Ramona Kahawai‘i was awarded the 2017 Counselor of the Year by the Hawai‘i School Counselor Association. Kahawai‘i has been a counselor at Kapunahala Elementary for the last 12 years, prior to that she was a counselor at King Intermediate and Kapolei High schools. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Family Resources degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and a Masters of Science in Psychology and Counseling from Chaminade University of Honolulu. Kristin Silva is selected as Secondary School Counselor of the Year by the Hawai‘i School Counselor Association. She has been a counselor at Washington Middle School for 16 years. Ms. Silva is involved with the Hawai‘i School Counselor Association, the American School Counselor Association, and the Hawai‘i State Teacher Association. # # # #kristinsilva #WashingtonMiddleSchool #ramonakahawaii #kapunahaleelementary #gregnakasone #mililanimiddleschool #NationalOutstandingAssistantVicePrincipal #GeriMartin #EwaMakaiMiddleSchool #HEMSAA #BruceNaguwa #kapoleiimiddleschool #MichaelHarano #MahinaAnguay #WaimeaHighSchool #hawaiisenate

Lynn Cabato was recognized by the Senate for her 40 plus years of working with Hawai‘i’s keiki and enriching the lives of thousands of youngsters and their families. In 1976, Lynn was hired as a Social Service Aide by the Honolulu Community Action Program—Head Start. She went on to become the Head Start program manager and Assistant Director, where she gained experience in program development and fiscal management. Lynn then became the Head Start Director in 2005 and she worked to fulfill their mission of Enriching the Lives of Children; Engaging families; Strengthening Communities. After a remarkable and selfless career, Lynn now looks forward to a well-earned retirement. # # # #hawaiisenate #lynncabato #headstart

The Aloha United Way (AUW) and the Institute for Human Services (IHS) were recognized by the Hawai‘i State Senate for their important work to combat homelessness statewide, and specifically for their collaboration with the Coordinated Statewide Homeless Initiative (CSHI). In 2014, the CSHI program served 1,500 households, 4,600 individuals, and court evictions dropped by 25 percent on O’ahu alone. In the State of Hawai‘I, 47 percent of those homeless households were families with children, 64 percent were at risk of becoming homeless, and many of Hawai‘i’s citizens are just two or three months away from becoming homeless. AUW and IHS work vigilantly to aid individuals and families in need of a multitude of services. Recognized for AUW was Cindy Adams, President; Jay King, Program Manager; and Norm Baker, COO. From the words of one recipient, this program “Has given me a release of the burden of trying to maintain housing I couldn’t have afforded alone. It has provided me with a clean, affordable home for myself and my daughter, along with renewed hope in myself and strength to go on trying to move forward in life—it has given me all of that.” Connie Mitchell, Executive Director, and Kimo Carvalho, Director of Community Relations were present for the Institute for Human Services. IHS is the oldest, largest and most comprehensive human services agency in Hawai‘i, founded exclusively on preventing and ending homelessness. In FY 2016, IHS housed 1,654 homeless individuals and delivered homeless services to over 5,000 people. Both organizations were honored for their continued compassion and spirit of innovation to all members of our community. #BrickwoodGaluteria #michellekidani #Glennwakai #willespero #russellruderman #BreeneHarimoto #DonovanDelaCruz #karlrhoads #DonnaKim #mikegabbard #JillTokuda #rozbaker #gilriviere #KaiKahele #joshgreen #clarencenishihara #JKalaniEnglish #BrianTaniguchi #ronkouchi #laurathielen #maileshimabukuro #stanleychang #GilKeithAgaran #cindyadams #jayking #normbaker #conniemitchell #kimocarvalho #InstituteforHumanServices #IHS

As part of Education Week at the Capitol, the state’s outstanding public school teachers and schools were recognized, along with Hawai‘i students who are making a difference in our community. The three Hawai‘i teachers selected this year as Milken Family Foundation Educators represent the best and brightest of our public school instructors, are awarded grants and become a part of an exclusive group of Milken Educator alumni. The Milken Award is one of the most prestigious awards an educator can earn. It has been described as the “Oscars of education.” This year’s winners are: Kelly Sutcliffe, Jefferson Elementary School Kelly Sutcliffe is a fourth grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary and has used inventive and original means to teach Jefferson Elementary fourth graders to solve real-world problems. Ms. Sutcliffe adapts her dynamic teaching style to meet students’ personal interests to boost engagement using a variety of visuals, empirical learning tasks, group discussions and physical activity to make each lesson resonate. She is a hands on teacher working side by side with each student to monitor their progress and works with parents as partners in each student’s education, making them key factors that can enable even greater success. Additionally, Sutcliffe is a mentor to future teachers studying at the university level to help them prepare for their careers. Masaru Uchino, Momilani Elementary School “Mr. Uchino is truly outstanding and amazing teacher who has, year after year, gone beyond just teaching students in the classroom,” said Sen. Breene Harimoto. Mr. Uchino created the Momilani Drama program in which he writes, produces, choreographs, and directs a new original curriculum-based play each year. He also developed and leads the Momilani Fit Club that incorporates a nutrition and exercise program for students in grades 3-6. Kaitlyn Huff, Kaala Elementary School “Teachers of Promise” Kaitlyn Huff was honored state winner of this prestigious award in only her third semester of teaching. Miss Huff strives to broaden her students’ experiences with fun, hands on learning activities that extend into the community and connect with community members. Her students’ growth rate in English Language Arts/Literacy and Math subjects are the highest in the school and among the highest in the 42 schools in the Central Oahu District. She is also recipient of the District Teacher of Promise Award. Blue Ribbon Schools of Achievement in Hawai‘i The US Department of Education recognizes elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making improvements in closing the achievement gap between high needs students and their peers. Noelani Elementary School Located in Mānoa Valley and led by Principal Rochelle Mahoe, Ph.D., Noelani students are encouraged to think independently and creatively; to participate, challenge, and persevere in the classroom and community; and develop into life-long learners who will contribute to our society. This is the second time Noelani has been so honored – in 2001, the school was also selected and recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Helemano Elementary School Helemano Elementary School in Whitmore Village is categorized as a “recognition” school, the highest category on the Dept. of Education’s school accountability system known as Strive HI which recognizes schools for various achievements including standardized test scores and reducing chronic absenteeism. Helemano, under the leadership of Principal Ernest Muh, provides opportunities for students beyond traditional core subjects, including fine arts, physical education, music and social emotional learning. Prudential Spirit of Community Award The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program is the nation’s largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. The 2017 award winners are: Emma Tandara, ‘Ewa Makai Middle School Emma Tandara’s efforts to promote recycling at her school is motivated by her grandmother, whom she would volunteer with until her grandmother’s passing. When Emma joined her school’s leadership team, she spearheaded a music video explaining the school’s new green initiatives. The video would later be shown to over 300 educators statewide. In total, Emma led a recycling sorting game at three elementary schools, helped coordinate two community recycling drives, and demonstrated how to turn old t-shirts into bags at an emergency preparedness fair. Lisa Kam, Maryknoll School Lisa Kam is a senior at Maryknoll School. Lisa was selected as the 2017 Prudential Spirit of Community Distinguished Finalist for creating the "Family Oriented Cultural Understanding Study" also known as FOCUS, which drew teens and their parents to a series of genealogy workshops to help trace their Chinese roots. Lisa created the initiative as part of her volunteer work with Projects Inspired by Teens Changing Hawai‘i. She worked with the Hawai‘i Chinese History Center to secure a speaker. Lisa also contacted schools and Chinese clubs to recruit participants and obtained an in-kind grant for materials and supplies. Evan Liu, Punahou School Evan Liu is currently a junior at Punahou School, and is an active volunteer, whose service activities have included keeping patients company at Kuakini Hospital, serving as a teacher's assistant, and as translator at the International Hospitality Center. One of Evan's projects include working with friends to raise $1,000 for cleft lip surgeries through Smile Train. Evan is currently exploring a career in dentistry, and has collected 1,000 toothbrushes for people in need in Guatemala. With all the projects he is involved with, he still finds time volunteering as an assistant at a dental office. Cierra Nakamura, ‘Iolani School Cierra Nakamura is a senior at Iolani School and created her philanthropic organization “Smiles Across Miles” after learning about the plight of families in Nepal who suffer economically and are unable to afford proper dental care. She collected thousands of toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste to send to Nepal and also created a demonstration video for Nepali students. Her next effort was to collect not only dental supplies, but also school supplies for an orphanage in Vietnam. Her Smiles Across Miles program continues to serve: just last month she sent 1,400 toothbrushes and toothpaste with the Aloha Medical Mission to the Philippines. Cierra wants to be a doctor and plans to pursue a career in public health. Student of Excellence The Student of Excellence Award honors the student who manages to maintain exemplary grades while balancing participation in school programs and extra-curricular activities. This year’s winner is: Kacie Kajihara, Kalani High School Kacie Kajihara is currently a Senior at Kalani High School and has a GPA of 4.125 and has a perfect 36/36 ACT score. She is the President of the school's Leo Club, an athlete on the school's varsity soft tennis team, and a member of the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony and Kalani High School Band playing the oboe and English horn. In 2016, she placed second in the FFA National Argiscience Fair in Plant Science, she is the first top three finalist for Hawai‘i in over 50 years. Even with her academic achievements and extracurricular activities she still manages to hold a part time job at the Diamond Head Aquatics as an accounting assistant. # # # #Glennwakai #michellekidani #clarencenishihara #BrickwoodGaluteria #mikegabbard #stanleychang #DonnaKim #BreeneHarimoto #rozbaker #rhoades #JKalaniEnglish #gilriviere #lorraineinouye #ronkouchi #RonKouchi #willespero #russellruderman #GilbertKeithAgaran #JillTokuda #BrianTaniguchi #laurathielen #joshgreen #maileshimabukuro #DonovanDelaCruz #KaiKahele #KacifKajihara #kalanihighschool #StudentofExcellence #CierraNakamura #IolaniSchool #EvanLiu #PunahouSchool #LisaLam #MaryknollSchool #emmaTandara #EwaMakaiMiddleSchool #prudentialspiritofcommunityaward #HelemanoElementary