MAHALO SENATOR ELEFANTE – SENATE PUBLIC SAFETY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HOLDS SERIES OF HEARINGS ON ILLEGAL FIREWORKS BILLS myPearlCity.com PC Community February 6, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU – The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM), chaired by Senator Brandon Elefante (Senate District 16 – ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City), completed a series of significant hearings today addressing legislation aimed at combatting illegal fireworks in communities across Hawai‘i. Three separate hearings held at the Hawai‘i State Capitol went over several key bills that focus on strengthening enforcement measures and penalties related to illegal fireworks use. A priority for the Senate, these bills aim to enhance public safety and respond to the increasing concerns about the dangerous and disruptive use of fireworks. The following bills were heard today: SB 999 : this bill would ban the use and sale of consumer fireworks, set fines for breaking the law, and create a fund to support safety education programs using money from the fines and seized property; the committees who heard the bill (PSM/CPN) deferred it to Monday, February 10 for decision-making. SB 1226 : this bill aims to create a program to inspect shipping containers, require the Department of Law Enforcement to report on the program’s effectiveness, and provide money to support the program. The TCA/PSM committees passed the bill with amendments. SB 302 : this piece of legislation would limit the use of consumer fireworks to only approved cultural events with a permit, ban selling them without a permit, and add a fee for those permits. The TCA/PSM committees passed the bill with amendments. SB 1324 : this bill would increase penalties for fireworks-related injuries or deaths, create new criminal offenses for illegal fireworks actions, and set up a system to handle fireworks violations. The PSM/TCA committees passed the bill with amendments. SB 227 would create a new division to enforce laws against illegal fireworks. It was passed unamended. SB 476 would raise the fines for certain fireworks violations, starting on July 1, 2025. The bill was deferred. SB 222 : this bill provides more funding for the illegal fireworks task force for the next few years until June 30, 2030. It was passed unamended. Senator Elefante emphasized the critical nature of these discussions, noting that illegal fireworks not only pose safety hazards but also disturb residents, pets, and local wildlife. “Today’s hearings represent a major step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities,” said Senator Elefante. “By strengthening enforcement and increasing penalties, we are sending a clear message that the unlawful use of fireworks will not be tolerated.” The bills are part of ongoing efforts to address the rising concerns over fireworks-related incidents, including fires, injuries, and public disturbances, especially in light of the tragedies that happened in the state at the beginning of this year. Senate Committee acronyms, for reference: PSM: Public Safety and Military Affairs CPN: Commerce and Consumer Protection TCA: Transportation and Culture and the Arts ABOUT THE HAWAIʻI STATE SENATE MAJORITY The Hawaiʻi State Senate consists of 25 members who serve staggered four-year terms. The Senate Majority consists of 22 Democrats for the 33rd Legislature, which convened on January 15, 2025. For the latest news and updates, follow the Senate Majority on Facebook, Instagram, or visit https://www.hawaiisenatemajority.com .

Tourism industry deepening ties to film industry Star Advertiser John Berger October 5, 2025 Original Article Hawaii tourism officials are looking to harness the power of film to put a spotlight on Hawaii as a visitor destination, while creating a more authentic understanding of the islands and providing employment for local residents. The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority are increasing support for the industry, which has been hard hit by the departure of major productions and the absence of new ones. CBS’s “Hawaii Five-0” shut down in 2020, and “NCIS: Hawai‘i” and the reboot of “Magnum P.I.” both aired their last episodes on the network in 2024, while “Rescue: HI-Surf” was canceled by Fox in May. Gov. Josh Green and DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka recently allocated $500,000 in HTA funding for the film industry and directed the new HTA advisory board to create a Film Production Tourism Standing Committee. The committee, made up of select HTA advisory board members, is expected to guide initiatives that promote Hawaii through film, television and integrated marketing while supporting economic development and authentic representation of the state. The state agencies’ recent focus on film also was a key part of the Hawai‘i Tourism Conference held Sept. 22-23 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center and drew more than 600 attendees, who represented a cross section of Hawaii’s visitor industry and community members, nonprofits and cultural practitioners. Hawaii film industry veteran Brian Keaulana, state Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D, East Maui-Upcountry Maui-Molokai-Lanai-Kahoolawe) and film industry professionals Kourtney Kang and Matt Kester provided insight during a well-attended panel on “Harnessing the Power of Film to Elevate the Destination.” Keaulana said during the panel discussion that the Aug. 1 world premiere of the Apple TV+ miniseries “Chief of War” was a missed opportunity for Hawaii to fully benefit from its cultural advantages and expertise. The nine-episode historical drama, about the battles leading to unification of the isles in the final years of the 18th century, was created, written and produced by Hawaiians. It starred Hawaiian actors Jason Momoa and Moses Goods, and featured several other Hawaiians in prominent supporting roles. Its total production cost of $340 million made “Chief of War” one of the most expensive series ever produced for Apple TV+; however, for financial reasons it filmed only one month in Hawaii and six months in New Zealand. “The Maoris and the people over there, the Indigenous people, all asked us, ‘Why are you coming here?’” Keaulana said. “We had to tell them, ‘The only reason is we can’t (afford to) finish the film (in Hawaii) and we need to finish the film to showcase what we can do.’” DeCoite was a leader this year in the push to enact Senate Bill 732, which proposed increasing the annual payout cap for film and TV production tax credits to $60 million. Other provisions later added to the bill included nixing the $17 million cap per production, waiving county permit fees for certain film activity, providing an extra 5% tax credit for qualified productions employing at least 80% local workers and phasing out production credits over five years. Different versions of SB 732 passed the full House and Senate but stalled April 25 in a conference committee of House and Senate members who could not agree on a compromise. The local film industry got a reprieve when Green vetoed House Bill 796, which would have imposed an automatic five-year sunset on every tax credit established or renewed after the end of this year, or phase out such credits over three years. Green’s veto protected the film tax incentive through Dec. 31, 2032. “Gov. Green has always been on board with the film industry,” DeCoite said. “He sees the value within the industry itself, the outreach of everything else. It’s educating the (legislative) body that basically still has the mindset that this is a rich industry. It’s not, and if this state does not invest, does not look at tax incentives, does not continue to have these conversations and educate themselves, we’re going to look at having it never to return.” Mericia Palma Elmore, executive director of industry union SAG-AFTRA Hawaii and chair of HTA’s Film Production Tourism Standing Committee, also attended the conference panel discussion. She said Hawaii’s film and television industry is not just about entertainment, it’s also essential to driving the state’s economy, including tourism. “All the production that happens here, it creates jobs for our members, actors, stunt people, background performers, but it is also a global advertisement for Hawaii — and not just the beauty of Hawaii, but now, if you look at most recent offerings, the history and culture of Hawaii,” she said. Elmore cited a 2022 DBEDT report that found that film and TV productions contributed $1.2 billion to the state’s gross domestic product, paid over $543 million in wages and generated $121.6 million in state tax revenue. Additionally, she said the report noted that 4.5 million visitor days were directly tied to productions filmed in Hawaii. “Hawaii must remain competitive as best we can globally, and incentives are a part of it,” Elmore said. “I think that sometimes people can see it as a handout, but they should see it in terms of investment.” She added that Hawaii needs to invest in the film industry in the same way it invests in tourism. “The governor sees it — you can look at his record on this and just really his openness to our community and to the creative community in Hawaii,” Elmore said. “I am so glad that people are really starting to see it now.”

Keiki Fest Combines Education with Entertainment The Molokai Dispatch Jack Kiyonaga May 8, 2025 Original Article This year’s annual Keiki Fest was a successful mix of entertaining activities and critical information for Molokai families. Organized by the Molokai Community Action Team, the event focused on ‘ohana well-being, explained Titi Hernandez, lead organizer of Keiki Fest. “It’s for the keiki and their families,” said Hernandez. “We wanted to celebrate the keiki a little bit more as well as have a place for families to hang out.” With over 1,200 Molokai community members in attendance at the Molokai Community Health Center on April 26, Hernandez and the Molokai Community Action Team were busy ushering kids and families between information booths, games, prizes, music performances and more. The Molokai Community Action Team partners with Molokai Child Abuse Prevention Pathways to deliver critical messages and education to families at Keiki Fest. The informational booths with different Molokai services and resources serve as checkpoints for kids to earn prizes, explained Hernandez. “Nobody can get a prize until they get education,” she said. Senator Lynn DeCoite, fresh out of the senate’s final budget discussions, came out with her family to enjoy the day and present special recognitions on behalf of the senate. “This event says a lot about our community,” said DeCoite. “I think this gives us an opportunity to come out and share some of our mana’o on how we can do better for Molokai.” DeCoite presented the Molokai Community Action Team with an award from the senate for their community contributions. Additionally, Jodi Puaoi, branch manager at American Savings Bank, was recognized for her years of contributions to Keiki Fest. “This Keiki Fest wouldn’t be here without you,” said DeCoite to Puaoi as she presented her with the award. The day ended with the highlight to end all highlights – the fire trucks came and sprayed the kids with water hoses. As DeCoite put it, “the kids are happy, the parents are happy, everyone is happy.”

State calls for pause on interisland movement of birds due to avian flu Star Advertiser Nina Wu December 18, 2024 Original Article State agencies have called for a voluntary pause on the interisland movement of birds in Hawaii for 90 days following the discovery of the H5N1 bird flu in the state. The voluntary pause went into effect Friday, according to a news release from the state Department of Agriculture. State Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D, Lanai-Molokai-Hana) suggested the pause as a measure to stem the spread of H5N1, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza. DeCoite told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser she actually sought a mandatory, rather than voluntary, pause. “I thought we should be more proactive while putting out public service announcements,” said DeCoite. “I’m basically saying let’s suspend it until they can figure out what’s going on.” Prior to November, HPAI had not yet been detected in Hawaii, which was the last U.S. state to confirm the virus in wild birds. On Nov. 15 the state Health Department said HPAI had been confirmed in an outbreak among a backyard flock of birds, later identified as rescued ducks and geese from Susie’s Duck Sanctuary in Wahiawa. It was the first confirmed detection of the virus announced in Hawaii, days after the department said H5 had been detected in wastewater serving the area. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also confirmed HPAI in a wild duck at the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge on Oahu’s North Shore. The duck, which exhibited no symptoms, was swabbed Nov. 1, with the national lab confirming HPAI in the sample Nov. 25. More recently, health officials reported the detection of H5 avian influenza in a sample collected Dec. 2 from the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plan on Hawaii island. Based on the type of strain found in Hawaii’s detections, officials believe the virus was likely introduced by migrating birds from northern regions around Alaska. DeCoite said she was concerned for many constituents on Molokai, including farmers and small business owners who just started participating in egg-laying programs. She wants more prevention measures in place to protect poultry farms on other isles as well as Hawaii’s endangered native birds, with more urgency on the part of the state Department of Agriculture. At DeCoite’s request the agencies are also collecting data to “assess the feasibility and necessity of a formal quarantine while carefully considering the potential economic impacts of premature restrictions on local products.” State Sen. Tim Richards expressed his support for the precautionary measure as both a senator and a veterinarian. “In light of the ongoing avian flu threat, I fully support a voluntary 90-day stop movement of birds as a precautionary measure,” said Richards in the news release. “Similar actions have been successfully implemented before, such as the voluntary halt in Hawaii’s beef cattle industry approximately 15 years ago, which effectively mitigated risks to trichomoniasis and protected livelihoods until legislation could be brought forward. By taking proactive steps now, we can prevent greater harm to our poultry industry and ensure the health of our flocks and communities.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture said avian influenza spreads through direct, bird-to-bird contact but can also spread via contact with contaminated surfaces and materials such as manure, egg flats, crates, farming equipment — and people’s shoes, clothing or hands. Avian influenza can also be detected in wild bird populations, including birds that do not appear to be sick. Officials are urging poultry farmers and other bird owners to increase their biosecurity measures to reduce the likelihood of infections. HDOA said it is working with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and state Department of Health on a coordinated response. DOH says the public health risk to humans remains low as there has been no evidence of person-to-person spread. To date, 61 U.S. cases have been reported in humans, mostly among dairy workers. On the mainland, meanwhile, millions of commercial and backyard flocks of birds, and thousands of wild birds, have been affected by HPAI since 2022. In March, HPAI also broke out among U.S. dairy cows, and more than 800 dairy herds in the U.S. have since been infected in 16 states.

Here's how the state is moving forward to stabilize the condo insurance crisis Hawaii Public Radio Ashley Mizuo July 3, 2025 Original Article The state has started to accept applications for hurricane insurance from condominium and townhouse associations that have been unable to secure full coverage on the regulated market. Last August, Gov. Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation to stabilize the insurance market after condominium buildings were unable to secure full insurance coverage from one of the three companies operating in Hawaiʻi. While the 2023 Maui fires and other global natural disasters are partly to blame — Chair of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee Jarrett Keohokalole cited a key reason: aging buildings. “When you take your car in for service, there are regular maintenance items. Most of the condominium buildings in the state, especially in Honolulu, are over 30 years old,” he said. “So there are basic maintenance items that in some cases haven't been covered.” These are things like replacing water pipes, which insurers have started paying closer attention to. The buildings that haven’t kept up with maintenance and are unable to secure full commercial and hurricane insurance find themselves “stuck in a downward spiral,” Keohokalole explained. “It's harder to secure loans to make the repairs. It's harder to transact title in the building,” he said. “It's harder to sell and buy. That affects values and it affects the assessments.” That’s because lenders don’t want to loan money to buildings without insurance, but without those loans, buildings are unable to fund the needed repairs. Those who lose traditional insurance coverage have had to turn to unregulated surplus lines that can be extremely costly– sometimes doubling the cost of insurance for buildings. That often means skyrocketing homeowner association fees for condo owners. About 1200 associations in Hawaiʻi are without full hurricane insurance coverage. The emergency proclamation allowed the Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund to issue hurricane insurance again, which it has not done since the early 2000s in the aftermath of Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Now, HHRF is up and running again. So far, it’s received 80 applications. Jerry Bump is the Insurance Commissioner for the Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division. Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Jerry Bump is the acting insurance commissioner for the Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division. “It is meant to stabilize the market, not replace the market,” Acting Hawaiʻi Insurance Commissioner Jerry Bump said. Associations applying for the state-administered hurricane policy will need to have a commercial insurance policy, which covers things like fire and other situations. It will also need to obtain at least $10 million in hurricane coverage as a base, but has been rejected by at least two of the local insurers for the rest of their building coverage. The state program will cover up to an additional $90 million of coverage. “We don't wanna be competing against those carriers that are still willing to do business,” Bump said. “If they're willing to write the full coverage, they should be able to still write that. Some of those admitted carriers have kind of artificial caps on how much they're willing to write. We've heard anywhere from $10 million to $25 million is where they're comfortable writing. There are some that will write the full, but not very many. HHRF is providing an additional layer of capacity. And ideally at a price point that is less than the surplus lines market.” The hope is that it will attract the traditional market back to the state as the program did in the 2000s. Bump explained that while conditions are similar to the aftermath of Hurricane Iniki, there are a few differences. One is that Hawaii’s property insurance market is tied to global climate risk. That means a fire in California or a hurricane in Florida can impact the insurability of Hawaii properties. “ Today’s challenges are kind of driven by global reinsurance conditions so not just the storm that occurred,” he said. “Reinsurers themselves have pulled back or raised prices along many coastal markets due to climate-related risk inflation.” Additionally, legislators passed a law this session that would get the Hawaii Property Insurance Association funding to start offering commercial insurance policies to those who have also had to turn to surplus lines. It currently is the insurer of last resort for homes in the lava-zone. Bump estimated that the program would come online around mid-fall of this year. That same measure also includes funding to provide loans to condominiums to do needed maintenance repairs so they can obtain regular insurance policies. Both the state-administered commercial and hurricane insurance programs heavily leverage “reinsurance”. That means that the state’s insurance will only keep a percentage of the actual risk on hand. The state’s program pays other insurers to insure the rest of the portfolio. Those reinsurance rates are largely what will drive the cost for buildings to obtain policies through the state-administered programs. Thatʻs why buildings should not expect the rates from the HHRF to be lower than what they can find on the traditional market. “ The state fund is not in the business of making a profit, so we're not intending to build in any kind of profit in our pricing,” Bump said. “Ideally, as the HHRF enters into the market, that will also provide price pressure on the surplus lines carriers to reduce their price point and be more competitive– they don't want all their business going away to the HHRF as well.” The measure is awaiting the governor’s signature, which is likely as it was not included on his intent to veto list.

Senate bill would prohibit sales of bundled foreclosed homes at public sale Maui Now Brian Perry March 5, 2025 Original Article A bill relating to the public sale of foreclosed homes in the wake of natural disasters or economic crises passed third reading 25-0 in the Senate and crossed over to the state House of Representatives on Tuesday. A companion bill, House Bill 467 House Draft 1 , was referred to the House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. David Tarnas of Hawaiʻi Island, but it has not moved on from there. Senate Bill 332 Senate Draft 1 would prohibit sellers of foreclosed homes from bundling properties at a public sale. Instead, each foreclosed home would be sold separately. The legislation specifies that the sale of a foreclosed property is not final until either 15 days after the public sale; or 45 days if an eligible bidder submits a subsequent bill or written notice of intent to submit a subsequent bid. “Natural disasters and other economic crises can often lead homeowners to default on their mortgage payments, resulting in a wave of foreclosures,” the bill’s legislative finding says. “Previous foreclosure crises have resulted in the replacement of owner-occupied homes with investor-owned rentals, prolonged vacancies and unmaintained residential properties. As climate-related crises become more intense and frequent, and as housing cost burdens increase for low- to moderate-income homeowners, the Legislature believes it is necessary to ensure that foreclosed homes are not lost to second homebuyers or residential investors.” A report submitted by Judiciary Committee Chairman Karl Rhoads says that “some investors exploit foreclosure crises to purchase foreclosed properties at the expense of local families. Accordingly, this measure prohibits the bulk sale of foreclosed properties, thereby providing residents with a better chance to submit more competitive offers to purchase a foreclosed property.” Lahaina Strong submitted public testimony in favor of the bill. The bill “addresses the urgent need to protect local residents from the devastating impacts of a looming foreclosure crisis on Maui,” Lahaina Strong wrote. “With the foreclosure moratorium ending, our community is facing another wave of grief as the economic impacts of the August 8th wildfire continue to unfold. Without intervention, disaster capitalism threatens to exploit this crisis, allowing outside investors to purchase foreclosed properties and profit at the expense of local families.” “By requiring individual property auctions, local residents have a fairer chance to submit competitive offers,” the organization said. “Bundled auctions only benefit investors, shutting out families who want to rebuild and remain in their community.” “When paired with the work of community land trusts, this measure can help create a pool of permanently affordable housing for local residents and generational families in Lahaina,” Lahaina Strong said. On Feb. 21, the Maui County Council approved providing up to $5 million to the Lahaina Community Land Trust . The money would come from the County’s Managed Retreat Revolving Fund to property acquisition by the trust, giving Lahaina landowners who need to sell an option to keep wildfire-impacted lands in resident ownership and resist offers from outside investors. Makana Hicks-Goo, organizer of LIMBY (Locals In My Backyard) Hawaiʻi, also supported the bill, saying it would provide owner-occupants and local nonprofits a sort of “right of refusal,” and substantially increase the prospects for local homeownership at lower prices. Members of the LIMBY group, a hui of concerned kamaʻāina and kānaka working to help develop solutions to our state’s housing crisis, “are concerned that NIMBYism has driven up costs and driven our friends and families out by opposing all development. We are equally concerned that the apparent answer to this, YIMBYism, insists that anything resembling true affordability is impossible so instead they promote building housing that gets bought by overseas investors. We know we won’t solve our housing woes without building more, but we won’t solve them by simply building more.” “The true solution is to create a housing market for locals: one that houses locals first, is tied to local wages, and is managed in trust,” the group said. “The future for kamaʻāina and kānaka will be LIMBY or Las Vegas.” Lahaina native and certified mortgage planning specialist Tera Paleka said she lost her mortgage brokerage business in the Lahaina wildfire and supports the bill as being “crucial in protecting local families from displacement as Maui faces an impending foreclosure crisis.” “Many (Maui residents) are struggling to pay rent while worrying about their future when the foreclosure moratorium lifts,” Paleka said. “Families are being separated because landlords cannot accommodate everyone in smaller condos and homes. This additional emotional and physical stress often leads to substance abuse, domestic violence, and, in some heartbreaking cases, suicide. Hawaiʻi has been grappling with high suicide rates, and the recent events have only exacerbated this crisis.” Even before the 2023 wildfires, local families were struggling to stay afloat, she said. Now, with the foreclosure moratorium ending, wildfire survivors are at risk of losing properties that have been in their families for generations. “The disaster has compounded their grief, financial ruin and collective trauma,” Paleka said. “As someone known as the ‘Local Lender,’ who has financed many of the fire victims’ homes, I am deeply immersed in their struggles. I receive numerous calls, emails and texts filled with questions, tears and frustration from families uncertain about their future. This bill is one of the most critical measures I implore you to enact promptly.” “Without intervention, disaster capitalism will exploit this crisis, pushing local families out while outside investors profit,” she said. The bill was introduced by Senate Housing Committee Chair Stanley Chang, who represents East Honolulu. Central Maui Sen. Troy Hashimoto is vice chair of that committee.

Hawaiʻi Shutdown Response: SNAP Recipients To Get $250 Apiece Civil Beat Jeremy Hay Kevin Dayton October 30, 2025 Original Article UPDATE: Two federal judges ruled Friday that the Trump administration must use contingency funds to continue to issue food stamps during the government shutdown. Government assistance programs launched by Hawaiʻi to support SNAP recipients and other residents impacted by the shutdown will continue regardless, officials said after the rulings. Hawaiʻi residents whose November food stamps have been halted by the federal shutdown are eligible to get $250 each from the state through an emergency program Gov. Josh Green announced Thursday. The $42.2 million initiative will fill a gap in food stamp benefits caused by the shutdown and the Trump administration’s decision to not use contingency funds to cover November costs for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The Hawaiʻi Food Assistance Program will give $250 to every current food stamp recipient in the state — automatically placing the funds on existing SNAP debit cards by Nov. 14. A family of four that has been getting SNAP would receive $1,000, Green said during a media briefing at his State Capitol office. “This will help people because we do not have any guarantees right now that the federal government is going to open again this week, next week, we just don’t know,” Green said. “And a lot of people are going to be hungry if they don’t get their SNAP benefits.” Hawaiʻi SNAP recipients received an average of $343 a month in September, according to the state Department of Human Services. About $58 million in SNAP benefits are delivered statewide to recipients’ automatic debit cards starting the first of each month. Almost 162,000 Hawaiʻi residents get monthly SNAP benefits, Green said. In a sign of how the shutdown is squeezing people, registration for a Hawaiʻi Foodbank emergency food distribution scheduled for Friday in Waipahu hit its limit in three hours after 400 households signed up. Other distributions are scheduled and the Foodbank plans to add more. ‘Kuleana Awakens The Mana’ The emergency measure — one of three special funds formed in Hawaiʻi to soften financial blows caused by the monthlong shutdown — will take effect even if the impasse in Washington, D.C., ends and SNAP benefits quickly resume, Green said. “Even if the federal government gets their act together and somehow resolves their differences, we’re going forward with this because people are really hurting and it’s been a tough couple months,” Green said. The assistance fund is financed by $28 million from the state’s general fund and $13 million in excess funds for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, the federally funded, state-managed cash aid program for low-income residents. The state has banked more than $400 million in unused TANF funds over the years. A separate $100 million Hawaiʻi Relief Fund announced Wednesday will help eligible residents with dependent children under 18 make housing and utility payments. That program is open to any eligible resident, including people whose paychecks have been interrupted by the shutdown, not only people who get SNAP. To qualify, a household has to also be below 300% of the federal poverty line; for a family of four, that’s an annual income of just under $111,000. The relief fund is entirely financed by TANF funds. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has also announced a $6.1 million emergency fund for Native Hawaiians affected by the shutdown, including people who get SNAP. About 47,000 Native Hawaiians receive SNAP benefits, according to OHA, and about 5,000 of the nearly 25,000 federal employees in the state are Native Hawaiian. OHA Board of Trustees Chair Kaialiʻi Kahele, who also spoke at Thursday’s press conference, evoked the memory of Twinkle Borge, a Hawaiian activist and homeless advocate who led a large community in Waiʻanae and died in 2024. “Our beloved Twinkle Borge, a fierce advocate for our houseless community, once shared, ‘Kuleana awakens the mana inside us,'” Kahele said. “That’s what we’re seeing today, people awakening their mana, answering the call here to serve.” Full details about that fund, including eligibility and application guidelines, will be announced soon, he said. Program Could Be Extended Green said the emergency food assistance money will benefit the entire state and suggested the program could be extended if necessary. “The monies are going to be spent in our local businesses, in grocery stores and small mom and pop shops almost immediately,” he said. “If we have to, we will come back. We’re not going to let anyone suffer.” The Green administration has also directed $2 million to the Hawaiʻi Foodbank to help support and boost its operations statewide. “I hope to God we’re not still in a shutdown come 2026, because that will change everything for us.” - Gov. Josh Green Green’s move to commit millions to provide emergency funding for SNAP recipients does not include an extra $200 million that state lawmakers set aside this year as a hedge against federal budget cuts. Green would need an appropriation by the Legislature to spend any of that money — which is less likely now because of lower than projected tax revenues — and he said he is not inclined to call the Legislature back to the Capitol for a special session this year. Instead, the relief money comes from state general funds that were appropriated to state departments for various uses but were withheld by the Green administration as a reserve in case it was needed later. “The amount of monies we needed was manageable within our budget,” Green told reporters. “We certainly have adequate monies across departments to carve out this $28,567,000. So, we didn’t need to have a special session, we were able to work it out just in collegial discussions.” Green also observed the Legislature will be back in regular session in about 10 weeks, and can take any further emergency actions that are necessary then. “We’re committed to getting people through the holidays with this resource,” he said, “and then we’ll have the Legislature back in full force, and that empowers us in all sorts of additional ways to bring large amounts of extra resources.” “I hope to God we’re not still in a shutdown come 2026, because that will change everything for us,” he said. Hawaii has joined about 24 states that have sued the Trump administration to force it to pay out November SNAP benefits. That lawsuit is still being heard in federal court. How To Apply For State Aid For more information about either the Hawaiʻi Food Assistance Program or the Hawaiʻi Relief Fund, call 211, a hotline run by Aloha United Way. Green said 250 people are staffing the line from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The human services department is partnering with Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi to manage the relief fund and application process on Oʻahu, the county of Hawaiʻi and Kauaʻi. The nonprofit partner for Maui County is Maui Economic Opportunity. Aid payments will go directly to utility companies and landlords or lenders, in the case of mortgages — and will not affect income eligibility for other benefit programs. Applicants will need to provide documents including government-issued identification, proof of income and lease or mortgage statements. For more information, Oʻahu, Big Island and Kauaʻi residents can also reach Hawaiʻi Relief Fund staff at 808-521-4357, extension 1, or hrp.mail@catholiccharitieshawaii.org . To apply online, go here. In Maui County, call 808-243-4357 for information, email Housing.utility@meoinc.org or go to this website. To apply online go here. Civil Beat’s reporting on economic inequality is supported by the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation as part of its work to build equity for all through the CHANGE Framework; and by the Cooke Foundation.

Vietnam Memorial replica, The Wall That Heals, coming to Oahu in Jan. 2026 KITV Kayli Pascal-Martinez October 6, 2025 Original Article KAPOLEI, Hawaii (Island News) – A special exhibit will be coming to Oahu in January and will offer residents an opportunity to honor Vietnam veterans and reflect on the legacy of the war. The Wall That Heals (TWTH) is a traveling three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., as well as a mobile Education Center. The exhibit will be displayed at the University of Hawaii West Oahu in Kapolei in mid-January 2026. It will be the first time that the exhibit will be on Oahu. It’ll be open to the public 24 hours a day, free of charge. “By bringing The Wall That Heals to Oahu, we hope to shine a spotlight on UH West Oahu and our entire West Oahu community, and to show our gratitude to those who served,” said Eddie Freeman, co-chair of the TWTH Oahu 2026 Committee. An opening ceremony will take place at the start of the display period and a closing ceremony at the end. Once exact dates are finalized, exhibit dates and ceremony times will be announced to the public. Admission will be free and open to all ages. TWTH arrived in Hilo back in January 2024 and traveled to Maui in February that year. The traveling exhibit honors more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, and it bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. Hawaii has 278 of its men and women memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C. “This exhibit will give our community, especially younger generations, a chance right here at home to honor the hundreds of Hawaii’s fallen heroes whose names are on The Wall and all those who served in the Vietnam War. It’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made of our country, and it will offer an opportunity for reflection, healing, and education for everyone in our community,” said State Senator Mike Gabbard.

Full-Time Criminal Investigative Unit Proposed To Tackle Illegal Fireworks Honolulu Civil Beat Chad Blair January 7, 2025 Original Article A report submitted to the Hawaiʻi Legislature Friday concludes that illegal fireworks are being smuggled into the state by sea and air on a year-round and possibly daily basis. It’s sustained by a flourishing and well-established black market that local law enforcement has found difficult to disrupt and dismantle. The report from the state’s Illegal Fireworks Task Force urges the Legislature to consider creating a full-time criminal investigation unit within the Department of Law Enforcement to confront the problem on a permanent basis. “Only a full-time approach can bring the necessary cultural changes to confront the fireworks problem at-large in Hawaii,” the report states. The Salt Lake area viewed after midnight from a Honolulu Airport parking structure showed only a small portion of the many aerial fireworks ignited this New Year’s Eve. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025) While specific funding, staffing and equipment for the unit are not suggested in the report, it also recommends a new firearms and explosives laboratory — estimated to cost $2 million — within the law enforcement agency. Hawaiʻi has only one forensic lab, housed in the Honolulu Police Department. Sen. Karl Rhoads, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, welcomed the recommendation for a new criminal unit. “I think it’s the only really viable idea because, as they point out, there’s a lot of similarities between narcotics and fireworks,” Rhoads said. “And they’ve been using the narcotics investigators to investigate fireworks cases. That’s great in the short term, but it’s not going to work in the long term.” An ‘Alluring Attraction’ To Make Money Illegally The task force’s work was ordered by lawmakers in 2023, long before the massive fireworks explosion on New Year’s Eve in a Salt Lake neighborhood on Oʻahu. As of Monday, four people have been reported dead and around two dozen injured from that explosion, while another person was killed in a separate fireworks-related incident on Oʻahu. Now, leaders including Hawaiʻi’s governor, Honolulu’s mayor and several state senators and representatives are stepping up their demands for action. In addition to the Department of Law Enforcement, agencies taking part in the task force include the Honolulu Police Department, the Department of the Attorney General, the Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Customs and Border Control. Their recommendations are likely to be considered by the Legislature, which convenes Jan. 15. The Illegal Fireworks Task Force, which will conclude its work in June unless the Legislature extends its mission, was required to submit a final report this month. It previously reported that 227,000 pounds of illegal fireworks have been seized . The Friday report says that two people have pleaded no contest to felony indictments and 20 others were issued misdemeanor citations. The report says there are ongoing criminal investigations, so public discussion of tactics, techniques and procedures “would frustrate legitimate government interests.” The report, though only eight pages long, offers several insights into why the illegal enterprise is so popular. It calls the marketplace “an alluring attraction” for those looking to make money illegally. Street sources, according to the report, say that the return on investment for those who smuggle illegal fireworks into Hawaii is at a rate of 5 to 1. That means that if a typical smuggling organization purchases a shipping container of fireworks for $200,000 at wholesale, that same container has a street value of about $1 million once it arrives in the islands. ‘Kingpins, Conspirators’ Run Illicit Networks During the 2023 holiday season the task force found that street prices for illegal fireworks were already “astronomically high.” The Department of Law Enforcement said prices had been expected to be higher during the 2024 holiday season because there was “heat” from law enforcement and risk of loss of investment due to bulk seizures. In short, the task force aims “to price offenders out of the marketplace,” leading to reduced demand. But it will take long-term, comprehensive investigations to not only seize prohibited explosive material but also to find and prosecute the people running the illicit networks — “kingpins, conspirators, and their associated criminal finances and assets.” To do that, a new crime unit is necessary because the task force is only part time. While claiming success from its work, the task force concept in the long term “is not sustainable” the report states. It does not call for increased penalties for possession of contraband. Nor does it accomplish two of its primary purposes: to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to stop illegal fireworks, and to ensure the safety and security of airports, harbors and other facilities from explosive discharges. The first goal requires more work, the report states, which will begin “in earnest” this year. And, while the task force says it has increased awareness and surveillance at Hawaii’s ports of entry and mail distribution systems, “a sustained full-time effort” is needed.

Hawaii Senate Bill Would Create New Top Tax Bracket Law360 Jaqueline McCool January 28, 2025 Original Article Hawaii would create a new income tax bracket to impose a higher rate on joint income over $1.9 million beginning in 2030 under a bill that passed first reading in the...

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Seek Tougher Fireworks Enforcement, But No Statewide Ban Civil Beat Blaze Lovell February 11, 2025 Original Article State senators declined to move forward with a statewide ban on all fireworks on Monday, and instead are working to significantly strengthen law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute fireworks cases. Within the last week, measures to increase fireworks penalties, boost funding for investigations and allow for the random inspection of containers at the ports have all cleared their initial hurdles in the Senate. Together, the measures represent the most significant steps to crack down on illegal fireworks that legislators have taken in more than two decades. Over those years, a series of reports outlined steps that lawmakers, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors could take to curtail fireworks in Hawaiʻi , but those recommendations were rarely acted on. The moves this week in the Senate show how dramatically the politics of policing fireworks changed after an explosion at a neighborhood fireworks display on New Year’s Eve left six dead . Police have so far made 10 arrests . The incident gave lawmakers a new sense of urgency. “I feel like we should have done more in the past,” said Sen. Brandon Elefante, chairman of the committee primarily responsible for advancing fireworks bills this year. Aerial fireworks have been illegal in Hawaiʻi since 2000, and most consumer fireworks except for firecrackers have been outlawed on Oʻahu since 2011. Elefante said that he and other senators are focused this session on giving law enforcement officials the tools they need to pursue fireworks-related cases. Gov. Josh Green’s administration has also proposed rewriting fireworks laws to make it easier for prosecutors to bring criminal cases and enhancing penalties for offenders. The most significant part of the governor’s proposal under Senate Bill 1324 changes various fireworks-related definitions in the state’s laws. For example, the current definition of an “aerial device” is a firework with 130 milligrams or less of explosive material that, when ignited, produces an audible or visible effect. Law enforcement officials said that definition requires forensic testing and the testimony of expert witnesses to prove a crime occured. And that’s assuming there’s anything left of the device to test. It’s particularly a problem “if the firework has already gone up. There’s no evidence to collect,” Deputy Attorney General Tricia Nakamatsu told lawmakers. Under the proposed changes, an aerial device would be defined as anything that shoots at least 12 feet into the air and explodes or emits fireballs. The Attorney General’s Office said the bill creates “common sense” standards that most people would be able to testify about in court if called upon. The bill also increases penalties for some fireworks violations. Under the current law, throwing a firework out of a moving car is treated the same as igniting one outside of designated times. Both could only be punished with a fine of up to $5,000. SB 1324 would create higher penalties for more dangerous acts and raise penalties up to a class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. Sonny Ganaden, deputy public defender “We believe that’s frankly unconstitutional.” Honolulu City Councilmembers are also considering stricter penalties for people who have illegal aerials on Oʻahu. Their Bill 7 would make possession of 25 pounds or more of aerial devices a class C felony, punishably by up to five years in prison. It is scheduled for its first committee hearing on Thursday. The state measure under consideration would also allow prosecutors to pursue civil fines in addition to criminal charges. However, that provision drew opposition from the state Office of the Public Defender. Indigent defendants who can’t afford an attorney would be assigned a public defender in a criminal case, but would not get representation in a civil case. “We believe that’s frankly unconstitutional,” said Sonny Ganaden, a deputy public defender. The office instead supported lawmakers’ other efforts to fund initiatives aimed at cracking down on illegal aerials. Lawmakers appear keen to funnel more resources to state law enforcement to stem the flow of illegal fireworks into the state. Senate Bill 1226 , which also cleared its first round of committee hearings last week, would institute a container inspection program at harbors in Hawaiʻi. Under the current draft of the bill, the law enforcement department would have discretion over which containers to inspect. Once a container is selected, it would be sequestered from the rest of the port to avoid disrupting the normal flow of container goods carrying essential items to store shelves. Senators made that change in part because harbor users and shipping companies had objected to past container inspection proposals. The proposed new inspection program would utilize dogs who can smell fireworks within closed containers. In cases where the explosives are hidden at the back of a container, the dogs could detect the scent once the doors are opened. Senators have asked for $750,000 for the program, but the department said that may not be enough. Two more dogs alone could cost more than $600,000, and more costs are expected. Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert told lawmakers that the state currently spends at least $1 million every time it needs to ship a full container of confiscated fireworks to the mainland for disposal. He asked them to pass those costs on to the fireworks importers and intended in-state recipients. Lawmakers are proposing additional funding for the law enforcement department to create a new explosives unit and continue a task force that has already seized more than 220,000 pounds of illegal fireworks in the last two years. Mike Lambert, law enforcement director “As the issues switch throughout the state, we’d have the latitude to move between fireworks and firearms.” Lambert said that he eventually wants the task force and explosives unit to take up gun violence investigations and envisions its future as a state-level version of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “As the issues switch throughout the state, we’d have the latitude to move between fireworks and firearms,” Lambert said. Russell Fong, the department’s finance officer, said that the new unit would cost about $5 million in its first year of operation and $3.2 million in its second. The unit would be staffed with eight investigators and one clerk. Included in those first-year costs are $2.1 million for an explosives testing lab. On Monday, state Senators gave preliminary approval to a measure, Senate Bill 999 , that would increase fines for minor fireworks offenses and divert funds from fireworks penalties to the state’s general fund. However, language to outlaw the fountains, sparklers and firecrackers that are currently permitted on Hawaiian islands except for Oʻahu was struck from the bill. The Honolulu Police Department and the state Department of Law Enforcement supported the ban, saying it might deter fireworks users. But the bill was opposed by retailers who say the ban would impact small businesses that sell fireworks around the holiday season. James Fuller, who represents the pyrotechnic industry, said that fireworks producers and retailers support a crackdown on illegal aerials and measures to increase resources for law enforcement. But the original draft of SB 999 went too far. “We’ve go to get illegal fireworks off the streets,” Fuller told Civil Beat. “Banning all fireworks … does not represent a fix to that challenge.” Consumer fireworks give people an alternative to popping aerials, and don’t carry the same risks of fire or the noise that disturbs people and their pets on New Year’s, Fuller said. He encouraged Hawaiʻi officials to instead pursue educational campaigns that remind fireworks enthusiasts to keep sources of water nearby, to not light fireworks near flammable structures and to keep the audience at a safe distance. Elefante, chairman of the Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee, said he proposed changes to the bill after hearing concerns about the original draft from other senators. At the hearing Monday, the public safety committee voted to remove language from SB 999 regarding an outright ban on all fireworks. Senators also included provisions for a new community safety program, which would be run by county police departments.

Community to celebrate life of Ka'ū Calendar editor Julia Neal Big Island Now Tiffany DeMasters February 7, 2025 Original Article Julia Neal, founder of the monthly publication the Ka‘ū Calendar and owner of the Pāhala Plantation Cottages, has been described as compassionate, generous, a community advocate and a dedicated journalist. On Jan. 24, the Pāhala resident for about 30 years passed away in her home on Jan. 24. She was 75. “Everybody knew who she was and what she did,” said Iopa Maunakea, founder of the nonprofit Men of Pa‘a. “That lady impacted the community just by her paper alone. She had a lot of integrity.” Neal kept people from Miloli‘i to Pāhala informed of the goings-on in Hawai‘i Island’s sprawling rural district. From county elections to the controversial proposed resort development in Punalu‘u, Neal reported on the community truthfully. On Saturday, the community is invited to celebrate Neal’s life at 9 a.m. at the Plantation House at 96-3209 Maile St. in Pāhala. With Neal now gone, the Ka‘ū Calendar will cease operations, with its final publication to run later this month. The community is invited to submit letters, prayers, poems and art in honor of Neal to contribute to the final issue. Send submissions to tibarra2000@gmail.com by Feb. 14. Neal also ran a bed and breakfast and vacation rental business called the Pāhala Plantation Cottages, where she hosted weddings, science camps, music festivals and a variety of community events and gatherings. “Her love for Ka‘ū’s unique community and culture and realization that the rural region lacked organized print media inspired her to start the Ka‘ū Calendar,” said Neal’s nephew, William Neal. “She also firmly believed that bringing the voices of those who call Ka‘ū home to the forefront on the region’s most consequential issues was imperative.” William Neal said his aunt was the hardest-working person he ever knew. “Few have had the passion and drive that she had,” he said. “Every day, she would wake up to report on the happenings of the community and national stories of consequence for Hawai‘i at large without missing a day.” Neal covered community events, including the Ka‘ū Coffee Festival, high school graduations and the Pāhala Christmas Parade. She also hosted countless concerts at her property. One Facebook user said they can’t imagine Pāhala without Neal, who always was wearing a hat and smiling. William Neal said his aunt largely ran the paper alone. “She did have some help with graphic design putting the paper together and from time to time throughout the years she had some folks help her take photos for stories or seek advertisers,” he said. “But largely the day-to-day reporting was all done by Julia.” Neal was born in Missouri to a military family that was always on the move. She grew up in several places around the U.S. and Europe, including Kentucky, New York, Germany and France. In the 1980s, Neal worked as a photographer for The Garden Island newspaper on Kaua‘i, working her way up to editor of the publication. Senate Speaker Ron Kouchi was elected as a Kaua‘i County Council member when he met Neal, who at the time was a reporter at The Garden Island. “It was a time when reporters would sit through the entire county council meetings,” Kouchi said. “They were firey journalists and did a lot of homework and research.” Kouchi said Neal covered the development controversy of Nukoli‘i. According to a 2016 Honolulu Civil Beat article by the now Kaua‘i State Rep. Luke Evslin, the fight over Nukoli‘i was “Kaua‘i’s worst political crisis since statehood.” Developers were trying to build a resort on Kaua‘i’s east shore. Although the vacant land at Nukoli‘i was upzoned to urban by the State Land Use Commission in 1974, no building could occur until the county changed the zoning to resort. According to the Civil Beat article, the Planning Department, through the Līhu‘e Development Plan, recommended resort zoning in 1978, which sparked a wave of protests. While they were on opposite sides of the issue, Kouchi supporting development and Neal opposing it, the senator said she wrote the story with all the facts, allowing readers to make their own choices. “She was a professional,” Kouchi said. “She held you to the fire and asked the hard questions.” After turning 40, Neal moved to the Big Island to start a new life in Pāhala. Men of Paʻa’s Maunakea said Neal was involved in everything from housing to education. “She was fearless about reporting things in Punalu‘u,” Maunakea said. Maunakea met Neal four years ago. She opened up her cottages to the nonprofit when the members would stay overnight while in Ka‘ū to do service projects. He said Neal always made it a point to spend time with the group during their stays. “She opened doors for us to engage our community service with the Ka‘ū region,” Maunakea said. Neal is survived by her partner Michael C. Worthington, brother Forest Neal II, and three nephews; Forest Neal III, Michael Neal and William Neal.