Governor participating in national U.S. Climate Action Week events Gov. David Ige today joined U.S. Climate Alliance governors for a virtual discussion on how the states and the Biden administration can expand economic opportunity through collaborative climate action. Gov. Ige joined California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, Maine Gov. Janet Mills and Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes for the U.S. Climate Action Week event, “Win the Future”: Creating economic opportunity, jobs, and new state-federal partnerships through bold climate action. Under Gov. Ige, Hawai‘i became the first state in the country to mandate 100% renewable energy by 2045. Since the mandate was first implemented in 2015, five states, including New York and California have adopted similar goals. “Addressing climate issues can and should play a significant part in our pandemic recovery efforts. Making the transition to renewable, indigenous resources for power generation allows us to keep at home at least $4 billion currently spent out of state for oil. We save on electricity bills and generate jobs, in turn improving our economy, environment and energy security,” said Gov. Ige. During the discussion, Gov. Ige recalled the Great Recession (2007-2009) during which renewable energy projects led the way to economic recovery in Hawai‘i, by saving thousands of construction jobs. According to State Economist Eugene Tian, solar construction increased from two percent to about 30 percent of total construction dollars from 2007 to 2012. Solar construction hired more than 8,000 workers when the industry was struggling. “This past year, when Hawai‘i’s economy was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, solar construction is again leading the way and helping us to build back better,” Ige said. In 2020, home PV systems – now with batteries – are being installed across the state, in homes of all backgrounds and income levels. Installations in 2020 are nearly 8% higher than in 2019, despite the pandemic, according to Tian. The solar industry continues to directly employ thousands of workers in diverse and well-paying jobs in construction, installers, salespeople, service technicians, business, professional services, contractors, designers, electricians, engineers, and financiers. “We have seen first-hand the dire impact the COVID-pandemic had on our travel industry. Our 100% renewable energy goal will not only provide clean, renewable power, but it will increase our economic diversification and economic opportunity, which will help us build more resilient, healthier communities,” said Gov. Ige. The governor is scheduled to speak tomorrow, at another U.S. Climate Action Week event -- Biden 100 Days: Can the U.S. take lead in averting climate catastrophe. ###

Today, in joining our country in celebrating the resiliency of military-connected children for their tremendous sacrifices at home and overseas, the Hawai'i State Senate recognized all military children by wearing purple for National Month of the Military Child. This annual observance allows all Americans to celebrate military kids. Purple references the joint environment of the military – encompassing all service branches, Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, and Veterans, and encourages everyone to wear purple. #HawaiiStateSenate #FutureHistoryMakers #MOMC #MonthoftheMilitaryChild

Senate and House conferees approved a final version of HB200 on April 19, the state budget bill, which includes operating and capital improvement monies for fiscal years 2021-2022 (FY22) and 2022-2023 (FY23). The committee unanimously approved the bill, which includes $14.926 billion in general funds, $1.352 billion in federal aid from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) and $31.17 billion through all methods of funding (MOF) for the fiscal biennium beginning July 1, 2021, and ending June 30, 2023. “I want to thank our committee members, subject matter chairs and our staff for their tireless effort and dedication in getting this budget passed,” said Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (Senate District 22 - Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawa, Whitmore Village and portion of Poamoho), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Our ability to reach agreement on this budget reflects the legislature’s commitment to providing critical resources to our communities during these unprecedented times.” Representative Sylvia Luke (House District 25 - Makiki, Punchbowl, Nuʻuanu, Dowsett Highlands, Pacific Heights and Pauoa), Chair of the House Committee on Finance also noted, “With the assistance of the federal government, we were able to restore devastating cuts to critical social service needs such as those addressing domestic violence and sex assault services, HIV, Hep-C, and TB support, and early intervention programs. We also retained funding for general assistance and homeless services while, at the same time, preserving our natural resources by funding rapid ʻōhiʻa death response and coral reef protection.” At the hearing, the committee highlighted many budget items upon which the Senate and House reached agreement. These highlights include: Department of Agriculture • $806,418 to transition the Agricultural Loan Division to general funds. • $3,619,378 to transition programs funded by the Agricultural Development and Food Security Special Fund to general funds. • $4,024,637 in general fund savings from converting (68) positions for the Plant Industry Division to special funds. • $491,278 to transition the Agribusiness Development Corporation personnel to general funds. • $96,979 in special funds to support the non-agricultural park program. • $25,000 for the Queen Bee program. • $100,000 in American Rescue Plan funds for fiscal year 2022 for floriculture and ornamental industries. Department of Accounting and General Services • Consolidates the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission with the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. • $626,000 in American Rescue Plan funds for Bishop Museum. • Consolidates Office of Enterprise Technology Services programs for efficiency and resource alignment. • $836,550 in special funds and (5) positions for IT modernization efforts. • $4,400,000 in fiscal year 2022 and $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2023 in American Rescue Plan funds for Aloha Stadium operations and structural engineering assessment. • $548,412 to restore funding for (10) critical accounting division positions. • $153,967 to restore (1.5) positions and funding for the Office of Information Practices. • $500,000 for fiscal year 2022 in federal funds for a voting system contract. • $302,925 to restore funding for (8) Office of Elections positions. • $80,000 for fiscal year 2022 and $84,000 for fiscal year 2023 in American Rescue Plan funds for past performance database • $550,000 in American Rescue Plan funds to supplement the State Risk Management and Insurance program. • $720,000 in fiscal year 2022 and $240,000 in fiscal year 2023 in American Rescue Plan funds for ʻIolani Palace. Department of the Attorney General • $2,380,000 to restore sex assault treatment purchase of service contracts to continue 24/7 stabilization information and referral services, case management, counseling services, and late-night services. • $870,000 and (9) positions to establish the complex litigation, fraud, and compliance unit which will focus on civil and criminal cases and fraud and ethics violations within government. • $531,325 to change the means of financing for the Medicaid fraud control unit to investigate and prosecute Medicaid fraud and patient abuse or neglect in health care facilities, or board and care facilities. • $400,000 reduction for the Automated Fingerprint Information System yearly loan payments. Department of Budget and Finance • $313,680,042 for the repayment of a working capital loan. • $93,248,158 in fiscal year 2022 and $122,625,227 in fiscal year 2023 for debt service payments. Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism • Consolidates the Land Use Commission, the Office of Environmental Quality Control, and the Office of Planning to create the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development. • Consolidates personnel from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations' Research and Statistics Office and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority's Tourism Research Office into the Research and Economic Analysis Division to centralize state research functions. • $750,000 for the Film and Creative Industries Special Fund. • $50,000 in American Rescue Plan funds for Creative Lab programs. • $187,908 to restore the executive director and executive secretary for the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation. • $800,000 in revolving funds to restore funding for the executive director and (3) positions for the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority. • $50,000 for GIS Enhancement programs. • $4,000,000 in American Rescue Plan funds for Economic Planning and Research. Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs • $122,093 for a staff attorney to address increased consumer fraud cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic. • $700,000 for fiscal year 2022 and $1,050,000 for fiscal year 2023 for repairs to the King Kalākaua building. • $3,500,000 for fiscal year 2022 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2023 for upgrades to critical business registration systems. • $700,000 for fiscal year 2022 and $1,050,000 for fiscal year 2023 to increase the ceiling for the compliance resolution fund. Department of Defense • $130,500 and (3) general laborer positions for the veteran's cemetery. • $612,797 in general funds to retain the Hilo Youth Challenge Academy. • $143,896 in general funds to restore salaries to three positions at the veteran’s cemetery including the Cemetery Operations Manager and Veterans Services Counselor. • $194,050 in general funds for the veteran's cemetery for vault liners and travel funds for counseling services to veterans. • $250,000 in general funds for siren maintenance. • Creates new program ID's for the Hawaiʻi Army and Air National Guard and the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency. Department of Education • $2,594,198 for the Early College Program which offers over 400 classes for 43 High Schools statewide. • An additional $2,482,554 for the Hawaiʻi Keiki Program, promoting healthy keiki and reducing amount of absences statewide. • $1,026,797,623 in general funds for school-based budgeting funding for classrooms. • $401,006,367 in general funds for special education. • $7,073,037 in general funds for the Early Learning program. • $240,000 of general funds to be recurring for radio frequency technology equipment For Public Libraries. • Transfers (159) positions and $11,638,427 from the State Administration: Office of Information Technology Services to the School Support. • $325,241 for the Challenger Center. • $50,000 for the Career and Technical Education/Office Assistant Program. • $4,431,663 to restore defunded positions from Act 9 (2020) for Special Education. • $468,424 for Teacher Improvement Services. • $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 and $6,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 to expand Alternative Learning Programs. • $400,000 for Trauma-Informed Care Services. • $249,239 for (7) permanent positions for Early Learning teachers. • Transfer the Office of Information Technology Services to program for School Support. • Transfer the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance from general funds to ESSER funds. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands • $901,292 to restore (14) important Hawaiian Home Lands positions. Department of Human Resources Development • $307,775 in American Rescue Plan funds for fiscal year 2022 and $635,350 for fiscal year 2023 for workers' compensation claims. • $275,000 in American Rescue Plan funds for fiscal year 2022 for unemployment insurance payments. Department of Human Services • $500,000 for fiscal year 2022 in American Rescue Plan funds for additional funding for the Rent Supplement Program for low income families. • $5,400,000 in American Rescue Plan funds for fiscal year 2022 for additional funding for General Assistance payments for temporarily disabled individuals to maintain the current level of benefits. • $14,300,000 in American Rescue Plan funds for continued homeless services including the Housing First Program, the Rapid Re-housing Program, the Homeless Outreach Services and Civil Legal Services, and the Stored Property and Debris Removal Service. • $1,739,179 to restore (57) critical Child Protective Services positions. • $31,035,000 for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 in American Rescue Plan funds for cash support for childcare. Department of Health • $681,202 in American Rescue Plan funds for perinatal support services. • $1,702,729 for fiscal year 2022 and $702,729 in fiscal year 2023 in American Rescue Plan funds for perinatal support and family planning services. • $4,684,584 in general funds and $10,286,655 in federal funds for HIV prevention and care services. • $3,924,691 in general funds for the tuberculosis branch to maintain prevention services. • $4,305,833 million in general funds for staffing and $6,180,433 in American Rescue Plan funds for operating expenses for the new Forensic Building at the Hawaiʻi State Hospital. • $19,774,284 in general funds and $2,643,378 in federal funds for Early intervention services. • $469,262 in general funds for the Office of Language Access retaining the office as a stand-alone program within the Department of Health. • $475,769 in general funds for the State Health Planning & Development Agency retaining office as a stand-alone program within the Department of Health. • $4,305,833 for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 for Hawaiʻi State Hospitals Personal Services. • $3,200,000 for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 for Developmental Disabilities. • $1,500,000 in American Rescue Plan funds for fiscal year 2022 for the Office on Aging for purchase of services for Senior Centers. Department of Labor and Industrial Relations • $700,252,391 in fiscal year 2022 and $5,091,175 in fiscal year 2023 in American Rescue Plan funds to repay the loan principal and interest of the unemployment insurance program. • $2,082,490 in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 to restore the Office of Community Services. • $3,110,000 in American Rescue Plan funds for the Disability Compensation Division modernization. Department of Land and Natural Resources • $2,000,000 in boating special funds for harbor facilities repair and maintenance. • $1,459,440 for (30) new conservation and resource enforcement officers statewide. • $1,646,475 to restore the Youth Conservation Corps Program to provide youth with environmental stewardship opportunities. • $750,000 for the Bureau of Conveyances to digitize and preserve recorded land documents and maps. • $875,000 for fiscal year 2022 in American Rescue Plan funds for rapid ohia death research, outreach, and response. • $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 in American Rescue Plan funds for repairs to the sea urchin hatchery used to raise sea urchins to control invasive algae. • $866,315 for fiscal year 2022 and $2,866,315 for fiscal year 2023 ceiling increase for the Land Conservation Fund. • (8.5) permanent positions for engineers for the Water and Land Development. • $3,110,946 in general funds for FY22 for the Native Resources and Fire Protection Program. • $2,548,290 in in American Rescue Plan funds to Conservation and Resources Enforcement. • $2,000,000 ceiling increase for the Boating Special Fund for Ocean Based Recreation. Department of Public Safety • $500,000 retained for re-entry contract services, which supports individuals who are re-joining the community. • $1,376,000 for hepatitis C treatments. • $27,468,151 of general funds in the Healthcare Division. • $9,095,579 to restore funding for defunded positions. • $676,222 of general funds for the CVCC (Crime Victim Compensation Commission) The first time the state has assisted funds since 2003. Department of Taxation • $99,756 for the establishment of the new Quality Control Office for Supporting Services. • $3,033,832 in American Rescue Plan funds for the tax system modernization post warranty maintenance, professional services and document imaging. • $30,000 for Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Federal Grant. University of Hawaiʻi • $27,326,848 for fiscal year 2022 and $32,926,848 for fiscal year 2023 in general funds to restore reductions to the University of Hawaiʻi budget. • $1,000,000 in American Rescue Plan funds to offset lost revenue at the Waikīkī Aquarium. • $3,129,000 in American Rescue Plan funds and general funds in each fiscal year for the Hawaiʻi Promise Program. • $1,200,000 in American Rescue Plan funds for UHERO for economic analysis. • Create new program ID for the UH Cancer Center. • $3,098,055 for the UH Cancer Center. • $485,376 and (7) permanent positions for UH Systemwide Support to consolidate Human Resources offices. • $2,200,000 for UH Systemwide Support. • $164,394 and (2) permanent positions for computer science pathways at UH West O'ahu. HB200, HD1 SD1 CD1 will head to the Senate and House floors for a final vote before being transmitted to the Governor for consideration.

At the direction of the President of the United States, Gov. David Ige has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawai‘i state flag will be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard in the State of Hawai‘i immediately, until sunset on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. The action is to honor the victims involved in a mass shooting in Indianapolis that left eight people dead and several more wounded. “I’m saddened to hear the news of yet another mass shooting in the United States,” said Gov. David Ige. “Our hearts go out to the victims lost in this senseless tragedy, and their families who are left to grieve. The president’s proclamation can be found here.

KANOELANI ELEMENTARY TEACHER RECEIVES 2021 TEACHER OF PROMISE AWARD FROM THE MILKEN EDUCATORS OF HAWAI'I From left, Pearl City-Waipahu Complex Area Superintendent Keith Hui, Kanoelani Elementary Principal Stacie Kunihisa, 2021 Teacher of Promise Awardee Jenna Oskey and Deputy Superintendent Phyllis Unebasami. Photo Credit: Department of Education Kanoelani Elementary special education teacher Jenna Oskey was honored today as the state winner of the prestigious Teacher of Promise Award from the Milken Educators of Hawaii, an organization made up of 70 educators and administrators who have been recognized by the Milken Family Foundation. The Teacher of Promise award annually recognizes Hawaii’s outstanding and up-and-coming classroom teachers who demonstrate strong potential during their first six semesters in the classroom. “Jenna’s tenacity to improve her classroom while supporting her colleagues is unparalleled and unmatched,” said Kanoelani Elementary Principal Stacie Kunihisa. “She has demonstrated a desire to navigate her veteran colleagues through this pandemic and model what any great leader should.” Area lawmakers in attendance included Senator Kidani (pictured), Representative Yamane and Dion Mesta on behalf of Councilman Brandon Elefante. Photo Credit: Department of Education The Kanoelani teacher was commended for her passion and dedication to her students and colleagues, along with her ability to effectively adapt and thrive in new or challenging situations. Though only in her second year of teaching, Jenna has served as an integral part of the school’s summer learning and reopening initiatives, helping to cultivate innovative strategies for student learning in the new pandemic-era environment. She has been credited with establishing health screening strategies for the school, developing virtual student binders to keep track of online learning and data collection, and initiating weekly virtual parent surveys for collaboration throughout the pandemic. When it comes to working with students individually, Jenna was recognized for her unique ability to dive deep into student interests and designing lessons and motivational tools to help them advance. She frequently shares best practices in collaboration with other special education teachers through the University of Hawaii’s College of Education and HIDOE’s joint SPEDucator program, which aims to recognize and empower high-quality special education teachers across the state. Jenna has also contributed and participated in HIDOE’s peer-to-peer professional development sessions and has also led many sessions at the school-level to help to foster a collective system of support and learning. “I’ve heard how much support you are providing to colleagues, looking into solving problems rather than just being aware that the problems are there,” said Board of Education Chairperson Catherine Payne, who is a member of the Milken Educators of Hawaii. “We are so grateful that you are here and contributing to the most vulnerable students and to the educators who work with them.” Jenna shared her recognition with her fellow staff members. “I’ve been so lucky to work with everyone here at this school with so much support,” she said. “Everything that we’ve done, it’s all been as a team. This definitely isn’t just for me.” Established in 2007, the Teacher of Promise award alternates annually between elementary and secondary teachers with the state winner selected from a group of HIDOE complex area honorees.

Today, the City and County of Honolulu through an agreement with the National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i Consortium has expanded free COVID-19 testing to O‘ahu hotel industry workers. Those eligible can take advantage of test kits being made available at the City’s Mobile Lab at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and at the Hawaiian Monarch Hotel in Waikīkī. The PCR mid-turbinate test, an industry “gold-standard,” will be processed and results provided to participants within six hours. Testing is open to all O‘ahu hotel industry workers. Those who register will be required to bring a valid Government Issued ID and a recent two week pay stub as proof to the testing site. Eligible employees can register by visiting oahucitypass.lumisight.com. “With the influx of travelers to O‘ahu and as we enter the typically busy summer months, we want to do all we can to ensure our hotel workers are protected,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “These are our neighbors who live and work in our communities and who regularly interact with visitors to our island. Continuing to test, identify infection and prevent the spread of this virus is one of the best ways to get more residents back to work and our local economy back on its feet again.” “As travel to O‘ahu continues to ramp up, we are grateful for the City & County of Honolulu’s initiative to provide free COVID-19 testing to local hospitality workers,” said Mufi Hannemann, Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism President & CEO. “Having easy access to testing is very appealing and will give the thousands of men and women who comprise the tourism industry peace of mind as they go about their activities in the workplace.” Testing Sites: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Diamond Head Tour Group Area (just past baggage claim 31) Hours: 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. Hawaiian Monarch Hotel 444 Niu Street, Upper Lobby Honolulu, HI 96815 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on this testing program, please call (833) 560-0997 or email covidresponse@kidneyhi.org. Additional details can also be found at kidneyhi.org/covid-19-testing-screening.

Hawaiian Electric warns customers to watch for scams Thieves tricking some into paying “overdue” bills with prepaid cards Using scare tactics and trickery, scammers are pretending to be Hawaiian Electric and threatening to disconnect customers’ electric service unless “overdue” bills are cleared with prepaid debit cards. Don’t be scammed! In one recent incident, a business paid thousands of dollars to a scammer using MoneyPak cards. On another call, the scammer pretended to be Hawaiian Electric’s president and CEO as he attempted to get a customer to pay. Don’t fall victim to these schemes. Customers are reminded that the moratorium on disconnections for nonpayment has been extended through May 31, 2021. Calls or other communications threatening immediate disconnection are scams and can be reported to Hawaiian Electric via an online form. (See infographic on next page that outlines legitimate company collections activities.) While the volume of scam reports has not spiked, Hawaiian Electric wants to raise awareness of recent cases in which customers were tricked into paying large sums of money. In one call, the scammer advised a customer to purchase MoneyPak cards at a local convenience store. The scammer warned against telling the cashier that the card was being purchased to pay a utility bill, advising the customer to instead to cite “personal reasons.” The scammer wanted to skirt steps in place meant to combat fraud. Clerks are trained to intervene if the customer is purchasing cards to pay a utility bill. As part of the scheme, the scammer warned the customer that he would have to pay a $50 fee if he told the clerk it would be used to pay a utility bill, much more than the usual $5.95 fee. As a reminder, Hawaiian Electric does not accept the following types of payment: • Cash App • Bitcoin • gift cards • prepaid debit cards Visit the company website to check the acceptable forms of payment. Customers should note that while the moratorium ends May 31, it won’t trigger immediate disconnections. Those customers having difficulty paying their bill are urged to submit a payment arrangement request to ensure uninterrupted service. Go to hawaiianelectric.com/payment arrangement to submit a request.

Gov. David Ige announced today that starting Saturday, April 17, 2021 travelers from Taiwan and Southern California’s Ontario International Airport may bypass the State of Hawaiʻi’s mandatory 10-day quarantine if they take a COVID-19 test from a trusted testing partner. In all cases, the test must be taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to departure and the negative test result submitted prior to departure for Hawaiʻi. Taiwan Trusted Testing Partners The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) has approved the use of the COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) for Taiwan’s pre-travel test, conducted by a laboratory authorized by the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare. The following trusted testing partners at these locations in Taiwan have been approved as of today: Cathay General Hospital, https://www.cgh.org.tw/ Sijhih Cathay General Hospital, https://sijhih.cgh.org.tw/ Hsinchu Cathay General Hospital, https://hsinchu.cgh.org.tw/ Chang Gung Memorial Hospital – Taipei, https://www1.cgmh.org.tw/branch/tpe/index.htm Chang Gung Memorial Hospital – Linkou, https://www1.cgmh.org.tw/branch/lnk/2016 Chang Gung Memorial Hospital – Kaohsiung, https://cghdpt.cgmh.org.tw/branch/jia Mackay Memorial Hospital, https://www.mmh.org.tw/home.php?area=tp Mackay Memorial Hospital – Tamsui, https://www.mmh.org.tw/home.php?area=ts Hsinchu Mackay Memorial Hospital, http://www.hc.mmh.org.tw/webhc/index.html# Mackay Memorial Hospital – Taitung, http://ttw3.mmh.org.tw/# “Historically, the traveler from Taiwan to Hawaiʻi has been mindful of our local ways and cultural traditions. In 2019, prior to the pandemic, visitors from Taiwan spent approximately $251 per person per day while in Hawai‘i. At a time when we seek to rebuild our economy while keeping our residents safe, the expansion of the pre-travel testing program to Taiwan is welcomed news,” said John De Fries, president and CEO of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. "It’s delightful to see Taiwan becoming a trusted testing and travel partner with Hawaii, as the pre travel testing program is moving one step forward. Such effort will definitely encourage more travelers via Taipei - Honolulu flights, and help to promote economic activities with a safe path,” said Jessica Pan, GM of China Airlines Honolulu Branch Office, the sole airlines serving direct flights on this route. While there are no direct flights from Taiwan to Hawaiʻi at this time, the service will be useful for passengers arriving in the state via other international or U.S. mainland cities. Taiwanese nationals traveling abroad are still subject to a 14-day quarantine upon their return to the country. Travel restrictions on U.S. travel to Taiwan remain in place. In addition to the state’s program, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving from a foreign country to the United States. The CDC requirement has been in effect since Jan. 26, 2021. For international travelers coming to the State of Hawaiʻi, tests from Trusted Testing Partners only will be accepted for purposes of by-passing the state’s 10-day traveler quarantine. Southern California’s Ontario International Airport Trusted Testing Partner Ontario International Airport is the 2nd airport certified by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health as a trusted testing partner. Together with Ontario International Airport Authority’s (OIAA) testing partner Covid Clinic, Inc., OIAA will offer several COVID-19 testing options, including for those traveling to Hawaiʻi under the Safe Travels Hawaiʻi pre-travel testing program. Passengers may choose one of two testing options for travel to Hawaiʻi – an expedited PCR test that provides results the next day or a rapid molecular NAAT test that provides results within 60 minutes. Travelers may utilize these testing options either on a “walk-up” basis or by appointment, 6:30am – 10:30pm every day, at the airport testing location in Parking Lot 3. Full details and appointments are available at www.covidclinic.org/ont. “We’re honored to be a Trusted Testing Partner with the State of Hawaiʻi. At Ontario Airport, we’re committed to the safety and well-being of our passengers, and throughout the pandemic, we’ve implemented industry-leading health protocols, including our on-site testing clinic. Hawaiian Airlines’ new service to Honolulu has been very popular with ONT passengers, and we look forward to creating even more travel opportunities to the great State of Hawaiʻi,” said Alan D. Wapner, President of the OIAA Board of Commissioners and Mayor pro tem for the City of Ontario. Updates about travel through Ontario International Airport during the COVID-19 pandemic, current departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details about on-airport parking, shopping, dining and more, can be found at https://www.flyontario.com/covid19. For more information visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/.

I fully support any action to suspend pay raises for myself, my cabinet, judges, and legislators that were set to go into effect on July 1. I informed my cabinet months ago that I would not be taking the salary increase recommended by the Commission on Salaries, and I asked my cabinet to do the same. As public servants, it is our duty to do our part to help the state rebuild the economy, while keeping the health and safety of our community our top priority. --Governor David Ige

The Hawaiʻi State Senate issued the following statement regarding the Governor’s failure to transmit all of the Board of Education’s (Board) nominees: “The Senate takes its constitutional responsibility for advise and consent proceedings with the utmost sincerity and seriousness. Many of these boards and commissions are charged with the oversight, policy-setting, and effectuation of laws passed by the Legislature. In some cases, these boards are also tasked with the hiring of the chief executive officer for their respective departments.” In relation to the Board of Education, Senate Vice President Michelle Kidani (District 18 - Mililani Town, portion of Waipi‘o Gentry, Waikele, Village Park and Royal Kunia) adds, "It is extremely concerning that Governor Ige chose not to send down names for all three Board of Education seats whose terms are ending. In doing so, the Governor leaves the public out of the opportunity to weigh-in with their concerns over who should serve on the Board. This is especially concerning given that the Board is currently engaged in the search process for a new Superintendent." “As an appointed Board, the advise and consent process is the only opportunity for the general public to weigh-in and be heard by potential Board members on the qualities that the next Superintendent should have, and what issues within the Department of Education need to be addressed. By choosing not to submit a name for the third Board seat, the Governor provides himself with the opportunity to name an interim Board member of his choosing. This action, outside of any public input, presents the opportunity for potential interference in the selection of the next Superintendent. While this level of intrusion on the process should be seen as an unprecedented action by the Governor, it is not the first time this has occurred. In March of 2017, then-BOE member Darrel Galera, who was an interim appointment to the Board of Education in November 2016 by Governor Ige, resigned from the BOE announcing his intention to run for the position of Superintendent. This sparked concerns from the public that he had an unfair advantage over other candidates due to his relationship with the Governor and for his role as a Board Member where he volunteered and chaired the investigative committee charged with organizing the next Superintendent search.” Senator Kidani further adds, “The Senate firmly believes that the advise and consent process was setup so that the public could provide input on appointed positions. Purposefully skirting this process when the Board is proceeding with the selection of the next Superintendent leaves the public without an opportunity to weigh in on the decision-makers who will determine the leader in charge of our keiki's education for years to come.”

Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami has signed Bill No. 2804, amending the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to encourage and allow a multitude of agriculture and agriculture-related activities in the Agriculture Zoning District. The bill was passed by the Kaua‘i County Council on March 24. A virtual bill-signing ceremony was held Friday, where Mayor Kawakami was accompanied by Council Chair Arryl Kaneshiro and Council Vice Chair Mason Chock, along with County Planning Director Ka‘āina Hull. The signed ordinance amends the uses in the Agriculture Zoning District, allowing farmers to sell their produce and ag products on their agriculture properties without obtaining a use permit from the county Planning Department. “In general, this bill supports agriculture,” said Mayor Kawakami. “By having a robust ag industry on Kaua‘i we’ve always known the importance of being able to grow our own food, but it’s more than just being sustainable and self-sufficient. This new ordinance preserves our rural character. We want to create an economic atmosphere where farmers can farm and be successful, so that our children can look at agriculture as a way to make a living and take care of their family while also maintaining our unique sense of place. Bill No. 2804 definitely does that.” Prior to Bill No. 2804, the zoning laws have allowed farmers to sell their produce on their site, but they would have to go through a use permit process, explained Planning Director Hull. “This bill actually makes it much easier for legitimate bona fide farmers to sell their produce on property, while also making sure that non-agricultural retail operations don’t occur,” said Hull. “It also clarifies definitions such as what type of food services can occur on agricultural lands.” Council Chair Kaneshiro who introduced the bill in January, explained that its intent was to allow farmers to get their produce to consumers faster, especially while facing ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. “With the pandemic and the shutdown of hotels and restaurants, many farmers were stuck with a lot of produce they couldn’t sell,” said Council Chair Kaneshiro. “One way for them to be able to get their produce to consumers was through an ag retail stand. Ultimately, those retail stands would have needed a use permit but this bill makes it easier. I think farmers should be able to sell their own produce from their own property from an ag retail stand without needing to go through a use permit. This bill provides an opportunity for farmers to survive.” Council Vice Chair Chock, who serves as the Council’s Planning Committee Chair, expressed his gratitude to all involved. “Thank you to Mayor Kawakami, the Planning Department, Planning Commission, and our Planning Committee for seeing this effort through and supporting our agriculture community,” said Vice Chair Chock. “One of the silver linings of any crisis is there are opportunities for us to pivot and support what we want and can see for our future. This is a long time coming to help our small farmers, and I am happy to stand behind this important initiative.” The ordinance took effect upon Mayor Kawakami’s approval and signature on April 9, 2021. To view Ordinance No. 1092 (Bill No. 2814), visit https://tinyurl.com/r6z24hay.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced that there will be a third round of Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program (P-EBT) benefits allocated to children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, or attend a Community Eligibility Provision school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since Round 1 of P-EBT, DHS provided more than 97,000 eligible students with $61 million in food assistance support. There have been a number of changes to the P-EBT program since Round 2 so we ask families to thoroughly review the information below as well as the letter they will be receiving starting this week. IMPORTANT INFORMATION… What is P-EBT? The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program is food assistance approved by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, and authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (P.L. 116-127) as amended by the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (P.L. 116-159) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260). Who is it for? • Students who are either enrolled for free or reduced-price school meals at a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) OR… • Students who are enrolled in a school that provides free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or another provision. See the link below for CEP school listing: http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/TeachingAndLearning/HealthAndNutrition/StudentHealthResources/Pages/CEP.aspx Important information from Hawaii Department of Human Services: There is no application for P-EBT benefits. Students that either enrolled for free or reduced-price school meals at a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), or Students who are enrolled in a school that provides free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or another provision, are automatically eligible and enrolled for P-EBT through verification provided by the DOE and NSLP-participating Charter and Private schools. Important Information from the Hawaiʻi Department of Education that will help families receive P-EBT benefits: • If your child is in need and is NOT enrolled in the Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program, (and you would like for them to receive P-EBT benefits) please enroll via EZMealApp.com. Note-Children under 6 years of age who are receiving SNAP benefits may also be eligible for P-EBT. The Department will provide further information on this population after the April issuance of P-EBT benefits for the school-aged children. How Does this Work? Eligible students will have their benefits issued to their own Hawaii P-EBT account that is accessible through, a Hawaii P-EBT card (white card with black lettering) or a Kokua EBT card. For students that had received P-EBT benefits for August and September of the current 2020-21 school year, benefits continuing from October 2020 through the balance of the school year will be issued their P-EBT benefits to their existing P-EBT account and can be redeemed with their existing Hawaii P-EBT card or Kokua EBT card. For students on SNAP that had received P-EBT benefits on their family’s SNAP Kokua EBT account and card, a Hawaii P-EBT card will be mailed so that you can access benefits continuing from October 2020 through the balance of the school year. For newly eligible students that have not received P-EBT for the 2020-21 school year, they will be mailed a Hawaiʻi P-EBT card. IMPORTANT NOTE: Families new to the program that are mailed a Hawaiʻi P-EBT card will receive a card in the name of each eligible student. The SNAP and Hawaiʻi P-EBT cards can also be used in the Da Bux program. IMPORTANT NOTE: If a replacement card is needed (Kokua EBT or Hawaiʻi P-EBT) please call the Fidelity Information Service (FIS) customer service at 1- 888-328-4292. How Much Will Students Receive? Students that had already received P-EBT benefits for the months of August and/or September are eligible to receive a retroactive payment for the increase to the daily meal rate that was authorized by President Biden in January 2021. Depending on the official start date of the school, the retroactive increase for the month of August can vary. The following is the retroactive payment amounts for the months of August and September 2020: August: $1 – $24 September: $25 For the months of October through the balance of the current 2020-21 school year, the amount an eligible student may be able to receive is dependent on the predominant learning model of the student’s school as reported by the Department of Education and NSLP-participating Charter and Private schools. Each month, a school will report the predominant learning model (100% in-person, blended or hybrid, or 100% distance learning). Depending on the learning model of the student’s school, a student will either not be eligible to receive P-EBT benefits, received half a month’s benefit amount, or receive a full month’s benefit amount. The monthly benefit amount per learning models are the following: 100% in-person learning = $0, not eligible for PEBT Blended or Hybrid learning = $72 100% distance learning = $143 When will benefits be issued? The Hawaiʻi P-EBT benefits will be loaded to the Hawaiʻi P-EBT accounts beginning April 20, 2021. This first issuance will cover the retroactive increase payments for August and September, and for the benefit months of October – December. Beginning April 27, 2021 payments for the benefit months of January – March will be loaded. Payments for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year will be issued monthly, following this schedule: Benefit Month Benefit Availability April 2021 May 17, 2021 May 2021 June 15, 2021 Where can I check on my child’s P-EBT benefit status? Go to www.humanservices.hawaii.gov and click on to the P-EBT status banner. Where can I call if I have more questions (such as where can I report a change of address)? Contact the P-EBT call center at 1-888-975-PEBT(7328), or send an email message to hi.pebt@dhs.hawaii.gov Round 3 P-EBT FAQs are listed on humanservices.hawaii.gov. What is P-EBT? The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program is food assistance approved by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, and authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (P.L. 116-127) as amended by the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (P.L. 116-159) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260). Who is it for? • Students who are either enrolled for free or reduced-price school meals at a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) OR… • Students who are enrolled in a school that provides free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or another provision. See the link below for CEP school listing: http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/TeachingAndLearning/HealthAndNutrition/StudentHealthResources/Pages/CEP.aspx Important information from Hawaii Department of Human Services: There is no application for P-EBT benefits. Eligible students are automatically enrolled for P-EBT through verification provided by the Department of Education (DOE) and NSLP-participating Charter and Private schools. Eligible students are either enrolled for free or reduced-price school meals at a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program, or students who are enrolled in a school that provides free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision or another provision. Important Information from the Hawaiʻi Department of Education that will help families receive P-EBT benefits: • If your child is in need and is NOT enrolled in the free and reduced-price school lunch program, (and you would like for them to receive P-EBT benefits) please enroll via EZMealApp.com. How Does this Work? Eligible students will have their benefits issued to their own Hawaiʻi P-EBT account that is accessible through a Hawaiʻi P-EBT card (white card with black lettering) or a Kokua EBT card. For newly eligible students that have not received P-EBT for the 2020-21 school year, they will be mailed a Hawaiʻi P-EBT card. For students that had received P-EBT benefits on a Hawaiʻi P-EBT card issued to only a single student for August and September of the current 2020-21 school year, P-EBT benefits continuing from October 2020 through the balance of the school year will be issued to their existing P-EBT account and can be redeemed with their existing Hawaiʻi P-EBT card or Kokua EBT card (for students who were issued this card instead of a Hawaii P-EBT card). For students on SNAP that had received P-EBT benefits on their family’s SNAP Kokua EBT account and card, or that were combined with other students under a shared Hawaiʻi P-EBT card and account, new individual Hawaii P-EBT cards will be mailed so that each student can access their own P-EBT benefits continuing from October 2020 through the balance of the school year. IMPORTANT NOTE: Families new to the program that are mailed a Hawaiʻi P-EBT card will receive a card in the name of each eligible student. Hawaiʻi P-EBT cards can also be used in the Da Bux program. IMPORTANT NOTE: If a replacement card is needed (Kokua EBT or Hawaiʻi P-EBT) please call the Fidelity Information Service (FIS) customer service at 1- 888-328-4292 and mention you are requesting a replacement card for a PEBT account. How Much Will Students Receive? Students that had already received P-EBT benefits for the months of August and/or September are eligible to receive a retroactive payment for the increase to the daily meal rate that was authorized by President Biden in January 2021. Depending on the official start date of the school, the retroactive increase for the month of August can vary. The following is the retroactive payment amounts for the months of August and September 2020: August: $1 – $24 September: $25 For the months of October through the balance of the current 2020-21 school year, the amount an eligible student may be able to receive is dependent on the predominant learning model of the student’s school as reported by the Department of Education and NSLP-participating Charter and Private schools. Each month, a school will report the predominant learning model (100% in-person, blended or hybrid, or 100% virtual learning). Depending on the learning model of the student’s school, a student will either not be eligible to receive P-EBT benefits, receive half a month’s benefit amount, or receive a full month’s benefit amount. The monthly benefit amount per learning model is: 100% in-person learning = $0, not eligible for PEBT Blended or Hybrid learning = $72 100% virtual learning = $143 A letter separate from the Hawaiʻi P-EBT card mailer will be mailed starting from April 12, 2021 to inform you how much your student will be receiving for the October to March period. A monthly letter will be sent out thereafter. When will benefits be issued? The Hawaiʻi P-EBT benefits will be loaded to the Hawaiʻi P-EBT accounts beginning April 20, 2021. This first issuance will cover the retroactive increase payments for August and September, and for the benefit months of October to December. Beginning April 27, 2021, payments for the benefit months of January to March will be loaded. Payments for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year will be issued monthly, and will follow this schedule: Benefit Month Benefit Availability April 2021 May 17, 2021 May 2021 June 15, 2021 Do I or my child have to be a U.S. citizen to receive P-EBT benefits? No. These benefits are for all children who are either enrolled for free or reduced-price school meals or enrolled at a school that provides free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or another provision. Using P-EBT benefits will NOT affect a parent or child’s immigration status. Where can I check on my child’s P-EBT benefit status? Go to humanservices.hawaii.gov and click on to the P-EBT status banner. Where can I call if I have more questions (such as where can I report a change of address)? Contact the P-EBT call center at 1-888-975-PEBT(7328), or send an email message to hi.pebt@dhs.hawaii.gov.