HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi State Legislature will be closed on Friday, March 13, following Governor Josh Green’s announcement regarding the closure of state offices due to potentially severe weather conditions.  All Senate and House committee hearings scheduled for March 13 will be postponed, and floor sessions in both chambers for Session Day #27 will not be convened.   Legislative leadership urges the public to stay safe and remain alert as weather conditions develop. State emergency preparedness officials encourage residents and visitors to monitor official sources for updates and instructions.  The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) provides guidance on preparing for severe weather and disasters at ready.hawaii.gov . Under the state Department of Defense, HIEMA also offers links for residents to sign up for alerts from their respective county emergency management agencies at dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/get-ready/ .  ###

HONOLULU- A Senate Certificate was presented to students from Kohala High School for defending their winning title in the third annual Kalo Challenge hosted by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education’s (HIDOE) Alternative Learning Programs Branch. Presented during Bishop Museum's 18th Annual Mālama Hāloa Kalo Festival & Symposium, the award marks the students’ third year in a row earning top honors in the Kalo Challenge. “Mahalo to the Bishop Museum for welcoming students participating in the Kalo Challenge to the Mālama Hāloa Kalo Festival & Symposium,” said Senator Donna Mercado Kim (District 14 – Kapālama, ‘Ālewa, Kalihi, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, Red Hill), Chair of the Senate Committee on Education. “Opportunities like this help students relate what they learn in the classroom to their community and identity.” The certificate was presented by Senator Kim and Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Senate District 17 – Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, to students from Kohala High School. L-R: Janet Bullard, Senator Kim, Clozieur Ke-a (student at Kohala), Cristy Nishimura and Senator Dela Cruz. In addition to their culinary creations, Kohala High's program also wrote the original song, “Generational Kalo” as part of their Kalo Challenge project. Clozieur performed the song following the presentation of the Senate certificate. Senators Donna Mercado Kim and Donovan M. Dela Cruz pose with Kohala High School students and their teacher, Aoloa Patao, after presenting a Senate Certificate honoring their win in the annual Kalo Challenge. The Kalo Challenge is the finale of a yearlong project where at-promise students from across the state learn about planting and cultivating kalo (taro) and then turn their harvest into an innovative culinary dish. Inspired by the Lahaina wildfires, Kohala High’s Naʻau ʻŌiwi students created “emergency kalo rations,” which included freeze dried instant poi, kalo paʻa, kūlolo and laulau. Kohala High Naʻau ʻŌiwi teacher Aoloa Patao emphasized the program’s impact on students in the Oceanic TV show Kalo Challenge, which aired in December 2025. “We use kalo as the centerpiece of our teaching, and it’s a great opportunity for them to find different ways to include kalo in their everyday lives,” Patao said. “I’m super proud of them.” “The Kalo Challenge encourages students to think about value-added products and entrepreneurship while working with one of Hawai’i’s most important crops,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz. “This project-based learning helps inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders and entrepreneurs.” The HIDOE Alternative Learning Programs, Services and Supports aims to provide at-promise students with innovative instructional strategies and learning environments to improve their academic competencies and enable them to meet HIDOE-adopted state standards and graduation requirements. ALPSS provides transitional support services as at-promise students move from school to alternative programs, re-enter school successfully, graduate from high school, and prepare for positive post-secondary outcomes. “The Kalo Challenge highlights the incredible potential of our students when they are given meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities,” said Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani (District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, “Programs like this help students discover their strengths while deepening their connection to the cultural traditions of our home.” “I am incredibly proud of the students from Kohala High School for once again rising to the challenge and representing our community so well,” said Senator Herbert M. “Tim” Richards, III (Senate District 4 –North Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona). “Their creativity, teamwork, and commitment to learning about kalo and our cultural traditions show the strength and promise of the next generation on Hawaiʻi Island” View additional photos here ###

HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi State Senate advanced SB 2471, SD2, Relating to the Powers of Artificial Persons, a measure that reaffirms the State’s authority to define and limit powers granted to corporations and other artificial entities created under state law. The bill is scheduled for third reading tomorrow. The measure clarifies that corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, nonprofit corporations, cooperative associations, and other artificial persons organized under Hawaiʻi law possess only those powers necessary or convenient to carry out lawful business, charitable, or organizational purposes. It specifies that those powers do not include election or ballot related activity. To prevent out-of-state corporations from having an advantage over Hawaiʻi-based corporations on election and ballot issue matters, the Judiciary Committee restored language to the bill so that it also applies to corporations and other entities formed in other states that are operating in Hawaiʻi. “SB 2471 reinforces a simple democratic principle: elections belong to the people, not corporations,” said Senator Karl Rhoads (Senate District 13 – Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “By clarifying that corporate powers are limited to lawful business and organizational purposes and do not include spending to influence elections, this measure protects the integrity of our democratic process and helps ensure that Hawaiʻi voters, not corporate dollars, shape our future.” ###

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI - The Hawai’i State Senate today voted to confirm Stephanie R.S. Char, Governor Josh Green’s selection to fill the vacancy in the Circuit Court of the Fifth Circuit (Kauaʻi), created by the retirement of Judge Kathleen N.A. Watanabe in August 2025. "Judge Char demonstrated a strong command of the law, sound judicial temperament, and a deep commitment to public service,” said Senate Judiciary Chair Karl Rhoads (District 13 – Dowsett Highlands, Puʻunui, Nuʻuanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown) “Her experience on the bench and longstanding service to the people of Kauaʻi make her well prepared to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.” Judge Char has served as a District Family Court Judge of the Fifth Circuit since 2020 and was temporarily assigned as a Circuit Court Judge to cover the vacancy in the Fifth Circuit, where she heard both civil and criminal cases. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to public service. Before joining the bench, she worked in the Office of the Public Defender for 17 years. A graduate of Kapaʻa High School, Judge Char earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in communications and philosophy and a Master of Arts degree in philosophy from the University of Denver. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law and has been licensed to practice law in Hawaiʻi since 2003. Judge Char has also been an active member of her community, serving on the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Board of Directors, the Kauaʻi Criminal Defense Bar, and the Kauaʻi Economic Opportunity Advisory Board for the Mediation Program. With this confirmation, Judge Char will serve a ten-year term on the Circuit Court of the Fifth Circuit.

HILO, HAWAIʻI -- Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaʻikou, Pepeʻekeo) announced that Governor Josh Green has released $290,000 in Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funding to finance the design of a northbound acceleration lane on Volcano Road in the vicinity of Mamaki Street on the island of Hawaiʻi. The project is intended to improve traffic flow and enhance roadway safety in a heavily traveled area serving East Hawaiʻi residents and commuters. “I would like to thank Governor Green for financing the design of this important infrastructure improvement,” said Senator Inouye. “This project will help address traffic concerns and support safer, more efficient travel for our community.” Investments in public infrastructure like this help meet the everyday needs of our communities, improving safety and mobility for kūpuna, keiki, and families across Hawaiʻi who rely on these roads each day. ###

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI -- Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Chair Jarrett Keohokalole (District 24 – Kāneʻohe, Kailua) announced today that Senate Bill 3000 passed out of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection following the postponement of Monday’s hearing. The measure addresses insurance market stability in the face of climate-related impacts and establishes consumer protections in Hawaiʻi. SB3000 addresses this growing instability of Hawaiʻi’s property and casualty insurance market driven by increasingly severe climate disasters like the 2023 Lahaina Wildfires. It recognizes the sharp rise in insurance nonrenewals and premiums statewide and aims to hold corporations that knowingly contributed to climate change accountable for the increasing costs to consumers. The bill authorizes the Attorney General, as well as certain state-backed and private insurers, to bring civil actions against responsible parties to recover costs and losses attributable to climate-related harm. The intent is to protect insurance market stability, preserve access to affordable coverage, and ensure that the financial burden of climate disasters is not borne solely by residents, policyholders, or taxpayers. “Without a doubt, the increasing incidence of really devastating natural disaster events is what’s driving the insurance crisis. Whose fault is that? We know.” Keohokalole said. “Residents shouldn’t have to pay for the risk mitigation of private entities, full stop. It’s time for a comeuppance.” Chair Keohokalole emphasized the importance of thoughtful policymaking in areas that directly affect consumers and the broader public interest, noting that the measure reflects the Legislature’s responsibility to respond to evolving industries while prioritizing the well-being of Hawaiʻi’s communities.

HONOLULU, HAWAI'I -- Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Chair Jarrett Keohokalole (District 24 – Kāneʻohe, Kailua) announced today that Senate Bill 2471 and Senate Bill 2829 have passed out of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. The measures clarify the scope of powers granted to corporations and other artificial entities under state law, particularly with respect to political spending in elections and ballot measures. SB 2471 reaffirms that political power in Hawaiʻi belongs to the people, not to corporations or other artificial entities created by the state. While individuals retain full constitutional rights to free speech, association, and political participation, corporations exist solely by authority granted by the state. As such, the Legislature retains the authority to define and limit the powers conferred upon these entities. “Corporations are not people, and do not enjoy the inherent right to influence our elections” said Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Chair of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. “This measure draws a clear line between the constitutional rights of individuals and the privileges granted to corporations.” Current state law broadly authorizes corporations to exercise “the same powers as an individual to do all things necessary or convenient to carry out its business and affairs.” SB 2471 clarifies that these grants of authority were never intended to include the power to spend money or contribute anything of value to influence elections or ballot measures. The bill explicitly limits corporate powers to conducting lawful business and organizational activities, while preserving the full political rights of natural persons. “While corporations are a useful way to limit investor risk and drive the economy, the State is under no legal obligation to allow for their creation,” said Senate Judiciary Chair Karl Rhoads. “We have every right to limit the vast amounts of corporate money that pour into our political system. “ Senate Bill 2829 builds upon these principles by further reaffirming that corporations and other artificial entities possess only those powers necessary or convenient to carry out lawful business, charitable, or organizational purposes under state law. The measure clarifies that political spending authority was never intended to be among those powers and reinforces the Legislature’s ability to redefine and limit corporate authority in the interest of public welfare. Together, SB 2471 and SB 2829 reinforce the distinction between the constitutional rights of individuals and the privileges granted to state-created entities, ensuring that Hawaiʻi’s democratic processes remain centered on the voices of its people. “Ensuring public confidence in our elections requires clear distinctions between the rights of individuals and the powers granted to state-created entities, and these measures reinforce those boundaries in state law,” Keohokalole added. The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee held public hearings on both measures on Tuesday, February 10. The bills passed with amendments and now advance to the Senate Judiciary Committee. ###

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI -- Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs Chair Glenn Wakai (District 15 – Kalihi, Māpunapuna, Airport, Salt Lake, Āliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, and portions of ‘Aiea and Pearl City) announced the Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 3326 , legislation establishing a state policy framework to restructure Hawaiʻi’s electric industry by separating electric generation from transmission and distribution (T&D). The measure advances amid continued power outages, increasing wildfire risk, aging infrastructure, and Hawaiʻi’s persistently high electricity costs — the highest in the nation. The Legislature identified the affordability of electric service as a paramount public interest concern. Volatile and elevated energy costs continue to burden households, small businesses, hospitals, schools, and critical services, contributing to cost-of-living pressures and economic strain statewide. SB3326 sets a structural policy direction requiring electric generation to be separately owned and controlled from transmission and distribution services. Transmission and distribution would remain regulated monopoly services under Hawaiian Electric and subject to oversight by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), while generation would operate under independent ownership and open competition. “We pay more than two times the national average for electricity in Hawaii. That is hampering business growth and pushing people to leave our state,” said Chair Wakai. “Affordability of electric service is a paramount public interest. This bill creates clarity and focus — allowing the utility to concentrate on keeping the grid safe, reliable, and resilient, while competition drives efficiency and innovation in electricity generation. Doing nothing is not an option.” Legislative findings conclude that constraints in transmission and distribution capacity — along with procurement delays — have slowed renewable deployment, limited rooftop solar and storage interconnections, and contributed to outages and public safety concerns. Hawaiʻi also continues to rely on aging generation facilities, increasing long-term cost pressures on ratepayers. Under SB3326: Transmission and distribution remain fully regulated to ensure reliability, consumer protection, and reasonable rates. The Public Utilities Commission is directed to oversee an orderly, transparent rulemaking process to implement the transition. Generation must be separately owned and operated, opening the sector to transparent competition. Existing power purchase agreements and financing protections are preserved. Workforce continuity, ratepayer protections, wildfire mitigation, and system reliability must be addressed through implementation. Electric cooperatives, including Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC), are excluded. The bill does not immediately restructure the utility. Instead, it directs the PUC to conduct a comprehensive public rulemaking to design an orderly, phased transition that maintains reliability and financial stability. “We are modernizing aging infrastructure, addressing wildfire risk, and integrating more renewable energy — all while customers are paying too much,” Wakai added. “Public safety and reliability live on the grid, and that is where this bill puts the focus. By separating generation from transmission and distribution, we can strengthen oversight, improve accountability, accelerate clean energy, and modernize Hawaiʻi’s electric system for the long term.” SB3326 passed second reading and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. ###

HONOLULU. HAWAI'I -- Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Chair Jarrett Keohokalole (District 24 – Kāneʻohe, Kailua) announced today that Senate Bill 3001 passed out of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection and Labor and Technology Joint Committee. The measure addresses safety standards for conversational artificial intelligence services operating in Hawaiʻi. SB3001, relating to artificial intelligence, was heard by the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection and Labor and Technology (CPN/LBT) Joint Committee on Tuesday at 9:28 a.m. Known as the Artificial Intelligence Disclosure and Safety Act, the measure establishes consumer protections and safety standards for conversational artificial intelligence services operating in Hawaiʻi. The bill requires that sites provide clear disclosure when users are interacting with artificial intelligence rather than humans, with heightened safeguards for minors. SB3001 also mandates protocols addressing suicidal ideation and self-harm, prohibits deceptive representations of AI as human or as a provider of professional mental or behavioral health care, and requires annual reporting to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Enforcement authority is granted to the Attorney General while clarifying liability boundaries to support responsible innovation. “Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, and our laws must keep pace. SB3001 establishes clear expectations for transparency, safety, and accountability—especially when interacting with minors or addressing sensitive mental health issues,” Keohokalole explained. “People deserve to know when they are interacting with artificial intelligence, particularly our keiki. This bill puts basic guardrails in place to protect users, promote transparency, and ensure these technologies are used responsibly as they become more common in everyday life.” ###

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI -- The Hawaiʻi State Legislature will reopen on Tuesday, February 10, following the closure of state offices on Monday due to forecasted weather conditions.    Regular operations will resume in both the Hawaiʻi Senate and the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives for Session Day #12, with committee hearings and floor sessions proceeding as scheduled.    For information on updated committee hearing notices, please visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov .    Senate and House leadership thank the public for their patience and encourage residents and visitors to stay informed by monitoring weather updates through official sources, including the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency ( HIEMA ), and to sign up for alerts from their respective county emergency management agencies .

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI -- –  The Hawaiʻi State Legislature will be closed on Monday, February 9, following Governor Josh Green’s announcement regarding the closure of state offices due to potentially severe weather conditions. All Senate and House committee hearings scheduled for February 9 will be postponed, and floor sessions in both chambers for Session Day #12 will not be convened. Legislative leadership urges the public to stay safe and remain alert as weather conditions develop. State emergency preparedness officials encourage residents and visitors to monitor official sources for updates and instructions. The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) provides guidance on preparing for severe weather and disasters at ready.hawaii.gov . Under the state Department of Defense, HIEMA also offers links for residents to sign up for alerts from their respective county emergency management agencies at dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/get-ready/ .

HONOLULU, HAWAI'I -- Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Karl Rhoads (District 13 -- Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown) announced today that Senate Bill 2055 passed out of the Judiciary Committee. The measure will establish a statewide civil rights helpline to accept reports of hate crimes and civil rights violations including harms related to federal, state, or local immigration enforcement operations in the State of Hawaiʻi. SB 2055 requires the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission to create and maintain a 24-hour, toll-free helpline to assist individuals who have been harmed, whose immediate or extended family members have been harmed, or who have witnessed harm related to hate crimes and civil rights violations. The helpline will provide referrals to state and county assistance programs, legal and social services, crisis intervention resources, and student support services, while also allowing callers to submit anonymous reports of misconduct or harm. The Civil Rights Commission will investigate reports that fall under its jurisdiction. Recent national incidents have heightened public concern following fatal encounters and allegations of misconduct involving federal immigration enforcement and other federal law enforcement agents across the country. These incidents have prompted renewed calls for transparency, accountability, and reliable data on the impacts of federal deployments on local communities. “SB 2055 creates a clear and accessible pathway for people in Hawaiʻi to report civil rights concerns,” said Senator Karl Rhoads, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “This measure strengthens accountability and transparency, while ensuring individuals and families know where to turn for help and resources.” Under the bill, the helpline will include voicemail and online reporting capabilities, translation services, and disability access. All personally identifiable information will remain confidential, as required by law. The measure also requires the Civil Rights Commission to compile an annual public report using aggregated data from the helpline and to hold at least one public hearing each year to present findings. The report will identify patterns or trends, including misconduct, excessive use of force, or racial profiling, and provide recommendations for policy and training improvements. Senator Jarrett Keohokalole (D-24 Kāne‘ohe, Kailua), the lead introducer of the bill, added, “The helpline will allow individuals, families, and the community to ensure that their experiences are being documented and their rights protected.” The Senate Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on SB 2055 on Friday, January 30. The bill passed from the committee with amendments and now heads to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. Reinforcing this effort, Senate Bill 2203 passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee today, February 5. The measure will help to strengthen transparency and accountability in law enforcement, by prohibiting the use of facial coverings by law enforcement officers when interacting with the public, except under limited circumstances such as undercover assignments or safety-related conditions. Together, SB 2055 and SB 2203 reflect the Legislature’s broader commitment to addressing civil rights concerns and ensuring public trust in law enforcement activities in Hawaiʻi. ###