Gov. David Ige has nominated Doreen Canto of Kula to fill the Maui seat on the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR). She will replace James “Jimmy” Gomes whose second, four-year-term on the board expired at the end of last month. “Doreen’s long history of community volunteerism and as a small business owner, along with her deep knowledge of and appreciation for Hawai‘i and our natural and cultural resources, made her an outstanding pick to serve on the BLNR,” Gov. Ige said. Canto is native Hawaiian, and for the past 20-years has served on many community organizations and government advisory boards, including as the Maui Commissioner for the Dept. of Hawaiian Homelands from 2014-2017. She was the chairperson of the Maui Police Commission for five years from 2005-2010. Canto is currently employed as a processing assistant for Maui Grown Therapies. She attended Maui Community College and earned her associate degree from the University of Phoenix. Canto is a Baldwin High School graduate. “As a people, we are blessed with the richness of a beautifully diverse culture. It will be a privilege to serve the people of Maui Nui, and the greater Hawai‘i nei and more importantly to be part of our legacy. It is an honor and I look forward to contributing to the DLNR as a state land board member. While I have much to learn, I fully embrace this opportunity, Canto said. The Board of Land and Natural Resources has seven members: one from each district and two at-large members. The board chairperson is also the executive head of the DLNR. The board meets twice each month to act on departmental submittals, including land leases and Conservation District Use Applications (CDUAs). Canto’s nomination is subject to Senate confirmation, though she will begin serving immediately.

The Hawaiʻi State Senate convened today for the sole purpose of acting upon bills vetoed by the Governor. During their floor session, the Senate voted to override the Governor’s veto on the following measures: SB263: Relating To Economic Development SB404: Relating To Electioneering Communications SB811: Relating To The Department of Education SB1387: Relating To Microchip Identification HB862: Relating To State Government The Senate will reconvene on Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 3:00pm to reconsider a potential veto override of HB53and vote on proposed floor amendments to meet the Governor’s objections in his veto message for HB54, HB1299 and SB589. “We hope to conclude this veto override session on Thursday by voting on the three proposed floor amendments and reconsidering an override of HB53,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi and Niʻihau).

The Hawaii Community Correctional Center (HCCC) received 44 inmate test results. Of that number, four were positive and 40 were negative. There were 16 HCCC staff results reported, one of which was positive and 15 were negative. There was also one HCCC staff recovery. The Waiawa Correctional Facility reports one positive inmate case. The male inmate was tested during an outside medical appointment and the rapid test showed positive for COVID. The facility enacted their pandemic protocol to place the inmate population in quarantine as a precaution. The Department of Health and the Hawaii National Guard administered testing at the facility. So far 178 negative inmate test results and three negative staff results were received. COVID-19 testing is continuously being conducted statewide at all facilities. The latest testing updates received for other facilities are as follows: Oahu Community Correctional Center – 58 negative inmate test results. Halawa Correctional Facility – 11 negative inmate test results. One staff recovery. HCF is clear of all active COVID-19 cases. Women’s Community Correctional Center – 1 negative inmate test result. The Department of Public Safety (PSD) continues to encourage all staff and inmates to voluntarily get tested and receive the COVID vaccination. For PSD’s Pandemic Plan and more information on PSD’s planning and response to COVID-19, inmate testing data, and information detailing the efforts made to safeguard the inmates, staff and public, visit the dedicated COVID-19 webpage at: http://dps.hawaii.gov/blog/2020/03/17/coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-resources/.

Hirono Proposes New Investments to Improve Opportunities for Women and Minorities to Pursue STEM Careers, Reintroduces Legislation to Promote and Support Diversity in STEM Pipeline Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced her plan to improve opportunities for women and minorities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. “Amid growing global economic competition, the United States cannot afford to ignore the barriers women and minorities face in pursuing STEM education and careers,” Senator Hirono said. “These two bills would make key investments to unlock new pathways for women and people of color to pursue STEM education and careers and harness America’s diversity to meet the economic challenges of the 21st century.” The legislation includes two bills: the STEM Opportunities Act (S. 2224) and the Women and Minorities in STEM Booster Act (S. 2217). STEM Opportunities Act: This bill would provide funding for guidance, research, data collection, and other activities to promote opportunities for women and minorities in STEM at colleges and universities and federal science agencies. It would also mandate more data collection to better understand who receives federal grants, clarify guidance for grant reviewers to minimize the effects of implicit bias, and create federal grants to promote research-based recruitment and retention practices for minority faculty and students at institutions of higher education. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) introduced the House companion, which passed the House earlier this year. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), The STEM Opportunities Act is endorsed by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), American Astronomical Society (AAS), American Chemical Society (ACS), American Geophysical Union (AGU), American Mathematical Society (AMS), American Physical Society (APS), American Physiological Society (APS), American Political Science Association (APSA), American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), American Society for Microbiology (ASM), American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET), AnitaB.org, Carnegie Mellon University Graduate Student Assembly, Computing Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (CAHSI), Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA), Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences (FABBS), Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), IEEE-USA, MIT Graduate Student Council, State University System of Florida, Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP), and Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Women and Minorities in STEM Booster Act: This bill would provide funding for professional development and training, mentoring, and outreach to promote the recruitment and retention of women and minorities in STEM. Under the bill, for example, a college or university could receive a competitive grant to provide graduate or undergraduate internships in STEM, or create programs designed to improve the recruitment or retention of underrepresented faculty in STEM. Similarly, a nonprofit organization could receive a competitive grant to conduct online workshops focused on STEM, or create programs that allow K-12 students to work alongside STEM professionals to gain practical experience in STEM. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) will lead the House companion. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada). The Women and Minorities in STEM Booster Act is endorsed by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), American Mathematical Society (AMS), Girls, Inc., Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM), and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. “The STEM workforce has expanded enormously in recent decades, and demand for professionals in these fields is projected to surge in the years ahead. Yet women of color, indeed women in general, remain vastly underrepresented in STEM careers. Without a robust and diverse STEM workforce, the U.S. will be unable to remain globally competitive. But we need to remove the barriers and biases that keep women out – or push them out once they get there,” Kim Churches, CEO of the American Association of University Women, said. “We applaud Representative Carolyn Maloney and Senator Mazie Hirono for introducing the Women and Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2021 to tackle these issues. By creating programs to open doors for underrepresented populations, this law will help to lay the groundwork for a more welcoming and inclusive STEM workforce in the years ahead.” “Girls and students of color face significant barriers to accessing meaningful STEM opportunities, which must be addressed at the policy level,” Stephanie J. Hull, Ph.D., Girls Inc. President and CEO said. “The Women and Minorities in STEM Booster Act would provide much-needed support to encourage young people's STEM interests and abilities, and inspire them to embrace these careers as viable options for the future. This legislation has the potential to advance equity in the workplace and reduce income inequality for women. We are proud to support the STEM Booster Act and applaud Representative Carolyn Maloney and Senator Mazie Hirono for their leadership.” “The opportunities and personal impact from K-12 mathematics is unacceptable to many, especially for women and underrepresented groups,” Dr. Trena Wilkerson, President of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, said. “Our collective and coordinated attention is needed to increase access and support and to assure that the actions and cultures of our mathematics and STEM programs, at all levels, are transformed to welcome, embrace, support and value women and marginalized individuals. The STEM Booster Act works across multiple levels from professional development, to leadership development, to increasing representation and role models in education. NCTM appreciates the attention to this critical work and supports the leadership and vision of Representative Maloney and Senator Hirono through the STEM Booster Act.”

The State of Hawaii’s Office of Planning and Sustainable Development is pleased to announce the launch and update of the “Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan: Charting a Course for the Decade of Action” to serve as the State’s climate and sustainability strategic action plan for the 2021-2030 decade. “The people of the State of Hawaii have long understood the challenges of our finite resources and the importance of co-existing with our āina,” said Gov. David Ige. “We are witnessing rising sea level, temperature rise and a decrease in precipitation. These climate change hazards require long-term sustainability planning and coordination to guide strategic implementation.” To ensure that the plan reflects a sustainable and achievable vision, the State of Hawaii Office of Planning and Sustainable Development is renewing the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan for the decade ahead. The revised plan will guide the coordination and implementation of Hawaii’s sustainability and climate adaptation goals, principles, and policies (per Hawaii Revised Statutes §226-65). It will also provide recommendations for a sustainable and resilient economic recovery for Hawaii. “Through the Statewide Sustainability Program’s community outreach, the updated Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan integrates the vision of the State’s communities and provides comprehensive focus areas, strategies, and recommended actions to guide the Hawaii’s sustainable economic recovery,” said Mike McCartney, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. “The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we live and work, and Hawaii’s economic recovery must reflect these changes while incorporating our sustainability goals for a resilient future.” The update of the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan included several virtual statewide information sharing sessions, public surveys, and stakeholder engagement that provided opportunities for participants to share their perspectives on Hawaii’s ongoing sustainability and climate change initiatives, both within their community and statewide. These extensive outreach sessions collected statewide feedback regarding ongoing sustainability and climate change initiatives, gaps in existing policies and efforts, and recommended actions that the government, organizations, communities, and individuals can take to achieve the plan’s goals over this decade. “The State of Hawaii has a strong record in the planning, coordination, and implementation of our many sustainability goals. We have strong political will and a shared vision to prepare for, adapt to, and protect our homes, communities, and way of life from the many climate change challenges facing our islands,” said Danielle Bass, state sustainability coordinator. “This revised Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan will align Hawaii’s strong momentum and provide recommendations and a vision to achieve a sustainable and climate resilient future for our islands during this Decade of Action.” The Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan: Charting a Course for the Decade of Action (2020-2030) is available online at https://hawaii2050.hawaii.gov and on the State of Hawaii’s Office of Planning and Sustainable Development’s website.

Nā Wai ʻEhā encompasses the “four great waters” of west Maui: Waihe’e, Waiehu, Wailuku, and Waikapū. The Hawai‘i Commission on Water Resources Management (CWRM) announces, after more than two decades of conflict, the most comprehensive application of the Hawai‘i Water Code to water use and protection in history. 20-plus years of legal proceedings are now settled in a formal and lengthy Decision and Order (D&O), which for the first time recognizes appurtenant rights to west Maui waters, including setting aside sufficient supply for traditional taro farming and other traditional and customary practices. The D&O is a result of a lengthy and complicated Contested Case Hearing that synthesizes voluminous evidence in what was a multi-faceted proceeding. “This order works to establish a new paradigm for water resource management and collaboration in Nā Wai ʻEhā.We affirmed that kalo cultivation is a traditional and customary right in this region, recognized appurtenant rights to wai (water), and ensured connectivity of streams to enhance biota and ecosystem services. We also provided water for sustainable agriculture in Maui and required updated real-time metering of large-scale water diversions to enhance management and collaboration,” said water commissioner Dr. Kamanamaikalani Beamer. The decision is a key shift from plantation water management to balanced water management. CWRM Deputy Kaleo Manuel commented, “The wai of Nā Wai ʻEhā have been a source of conflict since plantation diversions emptied streams decades ago. It has taken two decades to fully settle these complex matters which often strained relationships between instream users like kuleana tenants and mahi ‘ai kalo and offstream users and stream diverters. CWRM staff and the commission are extremely appreciative of all the stakeholders and their dedication, passion and patience.” Manuel describes the commission’s deliberations as lengthy and comprehensive. The D&O documents the legal record, analysis, and more than 1,000 determinations that resulted in 116 recognized appurtenant rights and 176 permits. “The D&O establishes Interim Instream Flow Standards (IIFS) and Surface Water Use Permit Applications (SWUPA) allocations that balance the commission’s public trust responsibilities,” he added. Aggregate water allocations for Nā Wai ʻEhā include: More than one-half of available stream flows allocated to protect instream habitat and related benefits. Approximately 14% of the water for kalo production. About 1/3 of the water for beneficial offstream uses, such as municipal water supply and diversified agriculture In addition to retaining over half of stream flows for habitat, the commission is permitting over 23-million-gallons a day for other uses. Water Commission Chair Suzanne Case said, “Our goal was three-pronged: The commission strove to 1) honor past mediated settlements and Supreme Court rulings; 2) establish stream flows required to offer a higher degree of habitat protection; and 3) provide sufficient divertible flow to meet public trust and other reasonable and beneficial uses.” “We recognize that the intended outcomes, implementation, and enforcement will rely on a high level of continued collaboration among competing interests. For example, in times of drought, all water users will need to share equally and equitably what are likely to be lower stream flows, resulting in less available water.” The Nā Wai ʻEhā Contested Case Executive Summary is attached, along with the graphics above and a map of Nā Wai ʻEhā.

A bill to increase penalties for crimes against senior citizens was signed into law by Governor David Ige today during a ceremony at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. This measure was developed through a collaborative effort between the legislature’s Kūpuna Caucus and the various county prosecutors. “We have seen way too many crimes against our kupuna who are vulnerable to assault, theft and financial abuse,” said Senator Sharon Moriwaki (Senate District 12 - Waikīkī, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, McCully, Mō‘ili‘ili), co-convener of the Senate Kūpuna Caucus. “This bill will protect them by enhancing penalties for these crimes against our elders.” HB 490 will enhance safeguards for kūpuna by proposing an increase in penalties for intentional crimes against seniors 60 years of age and above, including intentional bodily injury, unauthorized entry into a dwelling, theft, or forgery. “Our kūpuna deserve to feel safe in our local community and we must have these additional protections in place as a deterrent for any bad actors,” said Representative Troy Hashimoto (House District 8- Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Waiehu), co-convener of the House Kūpuna Caucus. “If anyone decides to hurt or take advantage of our seniors, they will face harsher punishment.” The Kūpuna caucus consists of 53 Senate and House members, various state and county government agencies, community senior service providers and advocacy groups such as the Kokua Council and AARP.

Gov. David Ige today signed a third proclamation extending the emergency disaster relief period for the Counties of Maui and Kaua‘i, and the City and County of Honolulu, following heavy rains that caused flooding, landslides and fear of dam failure in March. The storm saturated ground conditions and increased water levels in reservoirs, increasing the risk of erosion, seepage, and fear of dam failure. In Maui County, heavy rain washed out the Peahi Bridge and displaced the Kaupakalua Bridge, making roads impassable. This proclamation gives the governor the authority to spend state funds as appropriated to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents and visitors in the State of Hawai‘i. The declaration supports the state’s efforts to provide quick and efficient relief of suffering, damage, and losses caused by the flooding and other effects of the heavy rains. The disaster emergency relief period continues through August 30, 2021.

The Hawai'i Community Correctional Center (HCCC) reports 23 negative inmate test results. There were 28 more inmate recoveries bringing the total active positive inmate cases, associated with HCCC’s outbreak, down to three in custody. The recoveries noted include the 9 previously reported positive inmates at Hālawa Correctional Facility who PSD’s Health Care Division identified as recent transfers from HCCC. There were also two more HCCC staff recoveries reported so the number of active positive HCCC staff drops to one remaining case. COVID-19 testing is continuously being conducted statewide at all facilities. The latest inmate testing results received at other facilities are as follows: Hālawa Correctional Facility – 33 negative inmate test results O'ahu Community Correctional Center – 19 negative inmate test results Women’s Community Correctional Center – 4 negative inmate test result The Department of Public Safety (PSD) continues to encourage all staff and inmates to voluntarily get tested and receive the COVID vaccination. For PSD’s Pandemic Plan and more information on PSD’s planning and response to COVID-19, inmate testing data, and information detailing the efforts made to safeguard the inmates, staff and public, visit our webpage at: http://dps.hawaii.gov/blog/2020/03/17/coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-resources/.

The annual plum harvest begins Saturday, July 3 at Kōke‘e State Park on Kaua‘i. Harvesting permits are free and available at the park’s headquarters. These permits must be completed and returned to the headquarters’ drop-box after harvesting. Plum picking is permitted daily between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. in designated areas. While plum season is a cultural staple on Kaua‘i, the stone fruits are not native to the island. The Hawaiian Journal of History notes plums were brought to Kaua‘i in the 1930s and planted on lands that later became Kōke‘e State Park. Each person can take up to five pounds of plums each day for personal consumption. Other conditions are specified on the plum harvesting permit. A short pole with a net will make harvesting easier. For years, the crop has been on the decline due to weather, over-harvesting, and damage to trees. Optimum harvesting hasn’t happened since the 1950s and in 2014, DLNR Division of State Parks personnel reported that Kaua‘i hadn’t seen a good crop in more than five years. Plum pickers are reminded to help prevent wildfires by picking up their litter.

The City and County of Honolulu offices will be closed on Monday, July 5 to observe the Independence Day holiday. The 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. TheBus will operate on a Saturday schedule. 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. Visit opala.org for information. Parks and botanical gardens are open. Visit honolulu.gov/parks for park use guidelines. Municipal golf courses are open. Visit honolulu.gov/des/golf for revised play information. The Honolulu Zoo will be open. Visit honolulu.gov/zoo for information. The Neal S. Blaisdell Center box office will be closed. Visit blaisdellcenter.com/ for information. People’s Open Markets will not be held. All satellite city halls and driver licensing centers will be closed. 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.

Hawaii’s Reformed Sex Trafficking Laws Aim to Combat Commercial Sexual Exploitation by Providing Important Tools in the Fight Against Sex Trafficking Today, Governor David Y. Ige signed into law a comprehensive reform of Hawaii’s criminal sex trafficking laws. The new provisions address the challenges and complexities of sex trafficking, and implement concrete measures to enhance the State’s ability to investigate and prosecute traffickers, while improving outcomes for victims and survivors as they move through the justice system. With the new law, Hawaii moves away from punishing prostituted persons and instead, focuses on sex buyers by classifying sex trafficking as “commercial sexual exploitation.” At its core, sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation are financially motivated crimes where bad actors profit by exploiting vulnerable members of our community, including children, the LGBTQ+ community, native Hawaiians and people of color, and people with disabilities. Historically, sex trafficking victims have been arrested and punished while sex buyers, who fuel the industry and abuse victims, have avoided accountability. “The changes signed into law today send a clear message that Hawaii does not tolerate any form of commercial sexual exploitation and is committed to ensuring victims are identified and supported,” Attorney General Clare E. Connors said. “In collaboration with our local, state, and federal partners, we will use these important tools to seek justice for victims of these heinous crimes.” The Department of the Attorney General has made combatting sex trafficking a priority. Attorney General Connors has taken a leadership role both locally and nationally in the fight, serving as the Co-Chair of the National Association of Attorneys General’s (NAAG) Human Trafficking Committee. In May 2020, the Department established a statewide human trafficking coordinator position and through a multidisciplinary approach, is working to improve Hawaii’s anti-trafficking response by collaborating with law enforcement partners, increasing the number of prosecutions, developing training programs and pursuing public messaging and outreach strategies. “Our goal is to change the paradigm that has normalized the buying and selling of people for sex. Sex buying exploits vulnerable people and hurts our communities. Focusing on the buyers who drive the commercial sex market, and traffickers who profit from the exploitation, is the best way to prevent victimization and support survivors,” said Deputy Attorney General and State Human Trafficking Coordinator Farshad M. Talebi. “These laws are the result of support and input from our partners in law enforcement, policy makers, community service providers, non-governmental organizations, and most importantly, those with lived experience.” Other significant changes in the law include increasing the level of offense for the commercial sexual exploitation of children from a Class C to a Class B felony; allowing victims and survivors of sex trafficking to come forward at any time by eliminating the statute of limitation; criminalizing the exchange of “anything of value” (drugs, housing, etc.) as a means of compensation in exchange for sexual services; making traffickers strictly liable as to the knowledge of the age of a minor victim; and closing other gaps in the current laws that have allowed offenders to escape criminal culpability.