As part of its ongoing efforts to improve the lives of women, children, and families in Hawaiʻi, members of the bipartisan Hawaiʻi Women’s Legislative Caucus led a panel discussion on Thursday, January 27 in partnership with the YWCA of Oʻahu to announce their 2022 legislative package. “As a co-convener of the Hawaiʻi Women’s Legislative Caucus, I am proud to support this package to improve the health and safety of women and children in Hawaiʻi. Throughout this pandemic, we have seen the importance of access to quality health care, including for new mothers and their babies,” said Senator Michelle Kidani. The package includes eight bills including measures to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage to 12 months following the end of pregnancy; require insurers to cover mammography services at least as favorably as coverage for other radiological examinations; update and clarify duties of educational programs under state version of Title IX; require a community-based work furlough program for all eligible women; require annual reports on commercial sexual exploitation of children; develop a risk assessment tool specifically for female offenders; appropriate funds to train incarcerated women to be peer tutors, and appropriate funds to integrate children of incarcerated women into treatment programs. “I look forward to engaging my colleagues on these measures, especially those to expand transparency and data collection on gender equity and commercial sexual exploitation of children. This information will give us a clearer picture of what is happening in our schools, colleges, and in the community,” said Representative Linda Ichiyama. The caucus is dedicating its 2022 efforts to the 50th anniversary of Title IX, or the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, and to the late Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink. Congresswoman Mink co-authored Title IX in 1972, to ensure that future generations of women would not have to face the same barriers that she overcame in her career. Congresswoman Mink was the first Japanese American woman admitted to practice law in Hawaii and the first woman of color in the United States Congress. “Congresswoman Mink was a trailblazer for women nationally, not just in Hawaiʻi," said Senator Rosalyn Baker. "She was also a tireless advocate for gender equity in education and access to quality childcare for all families." “The Women’s Legislative Caucus will continue to work hard and engage stakeholders on issues that are important to women,” said Representative Lauren Matsumoto. “Several of the bills in the package seek to address the challenges facing incarcerated women and how to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma.” The Hawaiʻi Women’s Legislative Caucus co-conveners for 2021-2022 are Senators Rosalyn Baker (D-6, South and West Maui) and Michelle Kidani (D-18, Mililani Town, portion of Waipi‘o Gentry, Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia) and Representatives Lauren Matsumoto (D-45, Schofield, Mokulē‘ia, Waialua, Kunia, Waipio Acres, and Mililani) and Linda Ichiyama (D-32, Moanalua Valley, Salt Lake, and Āliamanu). The Women's Legislative Caucus includes 10 women Senators 16 women Representatives in the House. See the entire 2022 Women’s Legislative Caucus package

A group of state and city lawmakers toured the Red Hill Fuel Underground Storage Facility on O'ahu on January 6, 2022, as the United States Navy granted the request of the lawmakers to see the facility for themselves. The Red Hill Fuel Underground Storage Facility has been a concern of military families and civilian constituents due to reports of fuel leakage from the facility adversely affecting the water supply service of surrounding areas. Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Senate District 13 – Kapalama, 'Alewa, Kalihi Valley, Fort Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, portions of Halawa and 'Aiea), State Representative Aaron Ling Johanson (House District 31 – Moanalua, Red Hill, Foster Village, 'Aiea, Fort Shafter, Moanalua Gardens, Aliamanu, Lower Pearlridge) and Honolulu City Councilmember Carol Fukunaga (Council District 6 – portions of Makiki, Downtown Honolulu, Punchbowl, Pauoa Valley, Nu'uanu, 'Alewa Heights, Papakolea, Fort Shafter, Moanalua, Halawa, 'Aiea, Kalihi Valley, and portions of Liliha and Kalihi), issued a joint statement after their visit. "We appreciated touring the facility to see what happened firsthand. However, we still have many concerns, particularly regarding the facility’s aging infrastructure and the Navy's ability to prevent future spills. As area legislators, we strongly support the decommissioning of the fuel tanks and urge the Navy to comply with the Department of Health’s emergency order to empty the Red Hill fuel tanks. The safety and well-being of our constituents are paramount, and we’ll continue to work closely with our Congressional delegation to hold the responsible parties accountable.” Also part of the January 6 tour group was U.S. Congressman Kaiali'i Kahele, State Senators Laura Acasio and Kurt Fevella, State Representatives Sonny Ganaden and Ryan I. Yamane, and Honolulu City Councilmember Radiant Cordero.

Gov. David Ige has signed an emergency proclamation for the Jan. 4 landslide in Waimea, Kauaʻi that blocked Menehune Road and isolated at least 24 families who live in the area. The landslide cut off critical communications infrastructure and damaged the historic Swinging Bridge. “The blocked roadway, hazardous conditions, and the lack of communications infrastructure threaten the safety and welfare of a significant number of residents in the area. This emergency proclamation serves to provide relief from disaster damages and losses, and protect our residents and visitors,” said Gov. Ige. Meanwhile, the hillside above Menehune Road remains unstable and has forced the delay of road repair work because of hazardous conditions caused by falling rocks and other debris. The emergency proclamation gives the governor authority to spend state funds as appropriated to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors on Kauaʻi. The declaration supports state and county efforts to provide quick and efficient relief of suffering, damage, and losses caused by the landslide. The disaster emergency relief period continues through March 7, 2022, unless terminated or superseded by a separate proclamation.

The Hawaiʻi State Senate has scheduled twenty informational briefings that the Senate Ways and Means (WAM) committee will be conducting between January 4 –18, 2022. The purpose of these briefings is to provide various State and County agencies with the opportunity to present their budget requests to members of the WAM committee prior to the start of the 2022 Legislative Session. “These informational briefings provide our Senate members with the opportunity to engage with the departments and the counties on the budget proposals that they will be submitting to the Legislature for consideration,” said Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (District 22 – Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawa, Whitmore Village, a portion of Poamoho). “This is also an opportune time for the committees to gain an understanding of what the state’s budgetary needs are and how we might be able to address them during the upcoming legislative session.” A full schedule of information briefings can be found here: https://bit.ly/3JslTTG. For more information, please contact the WAM Committee Clerk at (808) 586-6800.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, it will be illegal to knowingly capture, entangle, or kill any species of shark in State marine waters. Act 51 (House Bill 533) passed in the last legislative session. Brian Neilson, Administrator of the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) said, “We are well aware of how important sharks are to maintain healthy marine ecosystems. We also recognize their importance in native Hawaiian cultural practices and beliefs.” The new law does not apply to: • people with special activity permits issued by DLNR • shark fishing for public safety purposes as authorized or conducted by DLNR • sharks taken outside of state marine waters, with required documentation • sharks captured, entangled, or killed for self-defense or the defense of another • sharks captured or killed according to a permit issued by DLNR Neilson pointed out, “While the shark fishing ban goes into effect New Year’s Day, we still have work to do before it’s fully implemented.” According to the statute, DLNR may adopt administrative rules to implement the new law, including but not limited to: • ensuring that the incidental capture and release of sharks while targeting other species is not a violation • preventing the wanton waste of sharks • limiting gear, such as gill nets, in areas identified as shark nursery habitats According to Act 51, the conditions of non-commercial permits for the take of sharks “shall include native Hawaiian cultural protocol, size and species restrictions, and a prohibition on species listed as endangered or threatened.” It is recommended that people avoid fishing in areas known to be frequented by sharks, especially pupping areas, and use barbless circle hooks. If a shark is caught accidentally from a boat, avoid bringing it onto the vessel whenever possible. To release it, cut the line as safely as possible close to the shark’s mouth. Violation of the new law will be a misdemeanor, but carries significant penalties: • $500 for a first offense • $2,000 for a second offense • $10,000 for a third or subsequent offenses • a civil fine not exceeding $10,000 per offense • an administrative fine of no more than $10,000 for each shark captured or entangled, whether alive or dead • seizure and forfeiture of any captured sharks or any part or product, commercial marine license, vessel, and fishing equipment • assessment of administrative fees and costs, and attorney’s fees and costs For information about sharks in Hawaiian waters, visit the DLNR shark website at hawaiisharks.org.

To view the video please click on the photo or view at this link: https://vimeo.com/612943940 A monk seal, known as L11, died of an intentional gunshot wound to the head on Moloka‘i on Sept. 19th. A postmortem analysis determined that the young female suffered severe, lethal trauma from a bullet fragment. Further testing by NOAA to determine whether the seal had any diseases is underway but is not expected to change the conclusion of the postmortem examination. This is the third intentional killing of a federally and state-protected seal on Moloka‘i in 2021. NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) and the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) investigated several other seal deaths on Moloka‘i this year but their exact causes of death were inconclusive due to decomposition and other circumstances. DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “It is past time for anyone who has information on the killing of this seal and the others to step forward. Earlier this year many people were outraged when a visitor slapped a seal on the back, and we trust the level of indignation we saw associated with that incident will be exceeded by the despicable shooting of seal L11 and the others taken by human hands.” In a web posting today, NOAA expressed its gratitude to the quick response mounted by Hawai‘i Marine Animal Response (HMAR), DLNR, and others. “These individuals ensured that L11’s carcass was collected promptly and preserved in fresh condition, which enhanced the quality of the postmortem analyses,” the blog noted. OLE and DOCARE are urging anyone with information about deaths of Hawaiian Monk Seals to contact the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement hotline at 800-853-1964 or the DOCARE hotline at 808-643-DLNR (3567) or via the DLNRTip app. The intentional killing of a monk seal is both a state and federal crime. OLE may issue rewards to individuals who provide information leading to an arrest and conviction.

City and County of Honolulu offices will be closed on Friday, Dec. 24 to observe the Christmas holiday. The observed holiday schedule for the City and County of Honolulu operations is as follows: • Emergency medical services, fire, lifeguard, medical examiner, and police services will be available on Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25. • TheBus will operate on a Sunday schedule on Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25. Visit thebus.org for route and schedule information as well as rider guidelines. • Refuse will be collected and transfer stations, convenience centers, H-POWER, and the Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill are open on Friday, Dec. 24, but closed on Saturday, Dec. 25. Visit honolulu.gov/opala for information. • Parks and botanical gardens are open on Friday, Dec. 24, but botanical gardens are closed on Saturday, Dec. 25. Visit honolulu.gov/parks for park use guidelines. • Municipal golf courses are open on Friday, Dec. 24, but here is the schedule for Saturday, Dec. 25: o The Pali and West Loch Golf Courses will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. for 18-hole play; and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for nine-hole play. o Kahuku Golf Course will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. o Ala Wai, ‘Ewa Villages and Ted Makalena Golf Courses will be closed.  Visit honolulu.gov/des/golf for revised play information. • The Honolulu Zoo will be open on Friday, Dec. 24, but closed on Saturday, Dec. 25. Visit honolulu.gov/zoo for information. • The Neal S. Blaisdell Center box office will be closed on Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25. Visit blaisdellcenter.com for information. • People’s Open Markets will not be held neither on Friday, Dec. 24, nor Saturday, Dec. 25. • All satellite city halls and driver licensing centers will be closed on Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25. The following traffic and parking regulations will be in effect: • Motorists are cautioned that parking will be restricted in Lanikai over the three-day holiday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • On-street parking will be free, except for the meters on Kalākaua Avenue along Queen Kapi‘olani Park, metered parking lots, and meters on specific Waikīkī streets. View the list of Waikīkī streets here. • Traffic lanes will not be coned for contraflow.

The Governor recently released $500,000.00 in capital improvement project funding (CIP) for plans and design for parking, restroom and trailhead restoration at Pololū Trailhead, Hawaiʻi. Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 4 – Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikōloa, Kona) expressed her gratitude for the funding of this project. “I'd like to thank Governor Ige for releasing allocated funds to finance the design and planning costs for parking, restroom and trailhead restoration at Pololū. Pololū is one of the most iconic locations on Hawaiʻi Island, including the trailhead and lookout. Creating accessible parking and restrooms at the trail is crucial to ensure that people can safely enjoy this destination. I am also pleased with the restoration work that will be completed at the trailhead. Pololū Valley has rich cultural and historical significance while also being a visitor attraction. It is imperative that the State continues to improve and maintain places like the Pololū Trailhead as the visitor industry pivots to community-based tourism.”

HIDOE and Marc and Lynne Benioff donate a combined $3 million to teachers’ classroom requests on DonorsChoose The initiative has so far supported DonorsChoose projects created by 2,000 Hawai‘i teachers across 265 schools, with additional funding coming later this school year. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) and Salesforce Chair & Co-CEO Marc Benioff and his wife Lynne are partnering to fund $3 million in teachers’ requests for classroom resources created on the education crowdfunding nonprofit DonorsChoose. This summer $1.6 million of this funding was applied to teachers’ projects, and the remaining funds will support requests later this academic year. To date, 2,004 Hawai‘i teachers have received up to $1,000 toward their classroom requests, and for 57% of those teachers, it was their first time having a DonorsChoose project funded. The Benioffs, who have strong ties to the islands, have given $1.5 million to match the funding from the HIDOE. The Benioffs are one of the Department’s largest independent funders, having made in total more than $2.5 million in donations through DonorsChoose, benefiting 265 Hawai‘i public schools. So far, the Benioffs’ donations have supported 3,000 teachers and fulfilled 4,800 teacher requests. “As we’ve returned to full in-person learning, we want to continue encouraging our students to achieve their aspirations. With DonorsChoose and the generous support of the Benioffs, we’re reaching these students through our innovative teachers,” interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “We hope this initiative empowers teachers as they continue the new school year and as they and their students readjust after more than a year of disruption.” "Teachers are the key to the most innovative and effective solutions for student learning. Especially at this time upon our return to classrooms, we appreciate the Benioffs’ investment in our educators and the future of Hawai‘i,” Gov. David Ige said. Since 2007 over 3,000 public and charter school teachers in Hawai‘i have used DonorsChoose, raising $8.8 million for their classroom projects. In early 2021, the HIDOE joined over 300 other school districts across the country when it joined the crowdfunding platform’s district partnership program. “Our collaboration with the Hawai‘i State Department of Education and the Benioffs is helping teachers who go above and beyond in the classroom and who want to see their project ideas come to life,” Charles Best, founder of DonorsChoose, said. “This initiative and our ongoing partnership with HIDOE show Hawai‘i’s commitment to uplifting its teachers. This joint effort is a testament to how a state and DonorsChoose can work together to augment the student learning experience." For both HIDOE and the Benioffs, this collaboration is an investment in the front-line expertise of teachers who develop innovation and problem-solving skills in their students. HIDOE’s collaboration with DonorsChoose is among various initiatives that celebrate and support Hawai‘i teachers and schools. Launched in 2015, the department’s Future Ready Learning program encourages teachers to engage their students in more blended learning environments, assists schools and families with access to high-speed internet, powers teachers with professional development, and increases student access to quality devices and blended learning opportunities. To donate to DonorsChoose projects created by Hawai‘i teachers, click here. Hawai'i State Department of Education Press Release

Today’s cases are all residents. Of the 13 new cases, five are children, and eight are adults. One of the cases is related to international travel. The remaining 12 cases are considered community-acquired. Nine of the community-acquired infections are close contacts of a previously announced case or are tied to an active cluster. The remaining three cases have no known source of infection. Today’s cases bring the number of active cases to 81, with seven hospitalized, and 3,335 cumulative cases. Kaua‘i’s cumulative case count includes 3,271 confirmed locally, eight probable, and 56 positive cases diagnosed elsewhere, as they received their pre-travel test results after arriving on island. DOH contact tracing and more info: Daily case counts remain elevated. The Department of Health case investigators and contact tracers call all new cases, generally within a day or two of a positive test. If you test positive, there is no need to wait to hear from the Department of Health before taking action: isolate yourself at home, and let those you’ve been in contact with know that they’ve been exposed. Your close contacts should quarantine and plan to be tested. Your prompt action makes a difference. If you have symptoms or are feeling sick, you should isolate yourself immediately, stay away from household members, and not go out – including to work or school – unless you are seeking testing or getting health care. Those who have been vaccinated should still be tested if they believe they may have been exposed or if they feel sick. Most reported cases are in residents who were infected in the community. Everyone, vaccinated or not, must follow Hawai‘i’s indoor mask requirements and gathering size limits. In addition, if you plan to travel, please be vaccinated before you go, and get tested three to five days after you return to Kaua‘i. If you plan a trip, please be vaccinated before you go. And whether or not you are vaccinated, follow Hawai‘i’s prudent rules and wear a mask in crowded indoor settings. Links to home-isolation/quarantine guidelines from DOH: https://hawaiicovid19.com/testing-isolation-quarantine/ https://hawaiicovid19.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Summary-Guidance-for-COVID-19-Cases-and-Contacts.pdf https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/files/2021/08/What-To-Do-If-You-Have-Been-Tested-For-COVID-19.pdf Vaccine info: Vaccination remains the most important action each of us can take to slow and prevent the spread of disease in our community. Vaccinations are available to anyone 5 years of age or older and are free, safe, and effective. Many vaccination sites accept walk-ins. Residents aged 18 and older are eligible for any vaccine available at pharmacy, hospital, and clinic locations. The Pfizer vaccine has been authorized for use in those 5 years of age and older and is currently available at Wilcox Medical Center, Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital (KVMH), and Kaiser Permanente Līhu‘e Clinic. The vaccine van can be requested to your business, event, or home by filling out the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CBQCWY7 or calling the Kaua‘i District Health Office at 241-3495. The pop-up clinic and hospital van are open to everyone 12 and older. For details on the vaccination sites, visit www.kauai.gov/vaccine. Testing info: If you traveled off-island, get tested three to five days after you return home. The Kaua‘i War Memorial Conventional Hall testing center has resumed normal operations and free testing is available weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If there is a wait, you will receive a ticket with a time to return for your test. Arrive anytime the clinic is open to receive a timed ticket; no need to arrive early. Additionally, a free mobile testing van is normally available for walk-ins from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center on Wednesdays, Kīlauea Neighborhood Center on Thursdays, Kalāheo Neighborhood Center on Fridays, Hanalei Neighborhood Center on Saturdays, and the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex in Kapa‘a on Sundays. Testing performed at the Convention Hall and through the mobile testing van is rapid PCR. Same-day results are sent via email. Free drive-thru testing is also available daily at Līhu‘e Pharmacy Group, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are now required. For an appointment, register online at PreventCOVIDHI.com or call (808) 635-4968. Testing is also available through your primary care physician, a hospital, or an urgent care clinic. Please contact those providers directly for more information. For more details, visit https://www.kauai.gov/covidtest. For more information on the county’s COVID-19 response, visit www.kauai.gov/COVID-19.

SENATE PRESIDENT KOUCHI APPLAUDS THE RELAUNCHING OF THE WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVE ON ASIAN AMERICANS, NATIVE HAWAIIANS, AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi and Niʻihau) issued a statement today following the White House’s announcement officially relaunching the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI): “Mahalo nui to President Biden and his administration for relaunching the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI). This whole-of-government approach to support AANHPI communities across the country will ensure we have a collective voice at the federal level. The appointment of Hawaiʻi natives, Krystal Kaʻai and Erika Moritsugu to key White House positions and the administration’s decision to change the name of the Initiative to explicitly include Native Hawaiians is a testament to President Biden’s promise to elevate the voices of our most underrepresented communities. The Hawaiʻi State Senate looks forward to collaborating with WHIAANHPI and its federal partners to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for our AA and NHPI communities.” WHIAANHPI will be led by Executive Director Krystal Kaʻai and co-chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and United States Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai. For more information, visit https://www.hhs.gov/about/whiaanhpi.