HONOLULU  – On Monday, January 27, 2025, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memo requiring all federal agencies to review their financial assistance programs to see how they might be affected by President Trump’s orders. According to the memo, federal agencies must temporarily stop all activities related to giving out federal funds, including but not limited to assistance for foreign aid, nonprofits, diversity programs, gender policies, and environmental initiatives tied to the Green New Deal. The memo also directs a pause on the distribution of federal funds starting at 5:00 p.m. on January 28, 2025.    The Hawai‘i State Legislature’s leadership issued the following statements responding to the president’s recent order that jeopardizes vital federal financial assistance programs across the nation:    “This latest directive from the federal level comes at a time when many communities are already facing hardships, and it threatens to disrupt the distribution of critical resources to individuals, businesses, and organizations that rely on federal financial assistance,” said Senate President   Ronald D. Kouchi  (Senate District 8 – Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau). “These programs – spanning healthcare, education, infrastructure, housing, and more – are lifelines for our Hawai‘i residents as well as millions of Americans, and the temporary suspension of these funds will only exacerbate challenges that are already straining our communities.”    "We are closely monitoring the situation by the hour and appreciate Governor Josh Green, M.D., and Attorney General Anne Lopez's immediate action to challenge the federal administration’s decision. This freeze is deeply concerning as it could jeopardize critical services that Hawai‘i’s communities depend on, including education, healthcare, social services, wildfire recovery, and essential federally funded programs. Furthermore, it undermines the progress we have made in ensuring representation and support for our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. The Hawai‘i House of Representatives stands committed to working with our federal counterparts to evaluate the full impacts and ensure continued support for the people of Hawai‘i," said Speaker of the House Nadine Nakamura  (House District 15 – Hā‘ena, Wainiha, Hanalei, Princeville, Kīlauea, Anahola, Keālia, Kapa‘a, portion of Wailua, Kawaihau).

HONOLULU  – Today, Hawaiʻi state legislators were joined by community advocates to present the 2025 Keiki Caucus Bill Package and priorities for the upcoming legislative session, dedicated to improving the lives of Hawaiʻi's children and families.     Legislators identified five top priority issues impacting Hawaiʻi's youth and families, including tax credits for household and dependent care services, funding for community schools, paid family leave, e-cigarette regulations, and universal free school breakfast and lunches.    "During the interim, we collaborated with community advocates to develop proposals that address top-of-mind issues such as the rising cost of childcare, which significantly impacts the cost of living for Hawaiʻi's keiki and families," said Keiki Caucus Co-Convenor and Representative Lisa Marten . "We also identified ways to support our youth in schools, ensuring they receive a quality education while feeling empowered and supported to succeed."    The 2025 Keiki Caucus Bill Package consists of the following measures:    HB753  – Relating to the Household and Dependent Care Services Tax Credit   Increases a taxpayer's applicable percentage of employment-related expenses that is used to calculate the household and dependent care services tax credit. Extends the sunset date of the temporary increase in maximum employment-related expenses that are used to calculate the household and dependent care services tax credit, established by Act 163, SLH 2023, to 6/30/2030. Sunsets 6/30/2030.    HB754  / SB821  – Relating to Community Schools   Appropriates funds to the Department of Education for community schools and a program manager position.    HB755  / SB852  – Relating to Paid Family Leave   By 1/1/2028, requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to establish a family and medical leave insurance program and begin collecting payroll contributions to finance payment of benefits. By 1/1/2029, requires the Department to start receiving claims and paying benefits under the program. Specifies eligibility requirements and employee protections under the program.    HB756  / SB972  – Relating to Health (E-Liquids)   Prohibits the sale of flavored nicotine products and the mislabeling of e-liquids as nicotine-free. Establishes penalties for violations. Authorizes the Department of Health to appoint, commission, or contract for services of inspectors. Establishes two full-time equivalent program specialist positions and one full-time equivalent hearing officer position. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/1/2026.    HB757  – Relating to Education   Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, requires the Department of Education to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students enrolled in department schools. Appropriates funds.    Community advocates rallied their support for the bills outlined in today's press conference. In attendance were Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Ceeds of Peace, Hawaiʻi Afterschool Alliance, Hawaiʻi Appleseed, and Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks! (HCAN Speaks!).     The Keiki Caucus, established in 1994, is a collaboration between Hawaiʻi state legislators, community leaders, and youth-centered organizations who come together to propose, draft, support, and implement policy changes that will improve the lives of Hawaiʻi’s young people. The Keiki Caucus is co-convened by Sen. Joy A. San Buenaventura (D-2, Puna ), Rep. Lisa Marten (D-51, Waimānalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai, portion of Kailua ), and Rep. Ikaika Olds (D-23, Mō‘ili‘ili, McCully ).

HONOLULU –   For the 2025 Legislative Session, the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection (CPN) will continue implementing its enhanced hearing procedures that were first introduced as a pilot in 2024.    "We undertook this pilot last year as an experiment to determine whether more notice would allow for better public engagement in hearings, and whether hearings could be conducted within the tight time constraints of the Legislature,” said Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, chair of the committee. “After much feedback from the 2024 session, we are continuing the pilot for a second year to work out the details."    The following revised hearing procedures will continue to be implemented this year:   CPN hearing notices will be publicly posted 96 hours (4 days) before each scheduled hearing,  Written testimony submitted up to 48 hours before the scheduled hearing start time will be considered timely, and  All timely submitted testimony will be posted on the Legislature's website prior to the hearing.    Please note that this is a pilot and these procedures may be altered subject to the rules and the committee chair's discretion.     As a reminder, the committee observes the legislative rules of decorum, and the expectation is that members of the Senate and the public abide by those established rules. [ 2024-2025 Rules of the Senate ]     For inquiries, please contact the office of the CPN Chair, Senator Keohokalole, at 808.587.7215.

HONOLULU  – The Hawaiʻi Senate Majority today announced their legislative priorities in advance of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature's Opening Day on Wednesday, January 15.  “As we prepare for the 2025 Legislative Session, the Senate Majority is committed in its mission to collaborate with our Senate Minority and House of Representatives colleagues to forge a stronger, more resilient future for Hawaiʻi,” said Senate Majority Leader Dru Mamo Kanuha (District 3 - Kona, Kaʻū, and Volcano). “Our unwavering focus is on delivering impactful policies that uplift our communities, fortify our economy, and protect Hawaiʻi's rich agricultural innovations and unparalleled natural resources. This session is a call to action and we are committed to shaping a brighter, more prosperous future for every resident of our state.”  The Senate Majority has identified the following priorities as areas of focus for this year:  Education and Workforce Development  The Senate remains committed to expanding education and employment opportunities. The upcoming session will address issues such as improving public school infrastructure; advancing technology integration across campuses; aligning curriculum to workforce needs; supporting career and technical education (CTE); and boosting student test performance. The Senate will also focus on the agriculture, construction, and healthcare industries, with proposals to consider establishing a regional kitchen program; promoting apprenticeships through preferential consideration in public project development; and increasing funding for nursing programs and certifications. The Senate will also consider proposals to improve teacher and staff retention, focusing on creating pathways for academic and professional development; incentivizing the development of workforce housing—particularly for teachers and agricultural workers; reforming the state hiring process to fill critical job vacancies and enhance workforce capacity; and addressing longtime challenges at the University of Hawaiʻi, including student housing shortages, the need for revenue-generating programs, and improvements to the athletics department.  Housing, Homelessness, and Stabilizing Hawaiʻi's Property Insurance Market The Senate will continue to address the state's housing crisis by considering proposals that streamline housing approvals and provide funding for housing infrastructure across the islands; focusing on advancing affordable housing initiatives, including dedicated housing for kupuna, while addressing community concerns related to housing development projects; and improving state infrastructure through public-private partnerships and fast-tracking community-based projects. Efforts to address homelessness will focus on increasing support for mental health services; expanding the work of the "End Homelessness Group" (EHG); advancing key initiatives such as establishing a permanent Community Outreach Court; expanding access to detox programs; and securing continued funding for the "Return-to-Home" program to assist homeless individuals in returning to their home states.  A key focus of the Senate in 2025 is stabilizing Hawaiʻi’s property insurance market by providing homeowners with better access to hurricane and property insurance, and assisting condominium owners in exploring ways to address deferred maintenance and increasing costs of property insurance.  General Governance and Constitutional Rights The Senate remains committed to improving government processes by enhancing legislative efficiency, including revisiting laws governing legislative vacancies to streamline and strengthen the election process; encouraging coordination among nonprofits for grant distribution; addressing business losses due to theft; reforming state biosecurity programs to better protect Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems and agricultural industries from invasive species and pests; improving disaster preparedness—especially for wildfires; and enhancing planning efforts for vulnerable areas to increase resilience.  Additionally, the Senate remains committed to safeguarding reproductive rights and legal immigration rights for all residents of Hawaiʻi.  Environmental Sustainability and Infrastructure The Senate will continue to prioritize improving environmental sustainability through the increased use of recycled water and improvements in water infrastructure; improving the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) for greater efficiency; addressing cesspool conversion and implementing transportation changes following legal settlements; supporting climate resilient projects; and promoting renewable energy transmission. Additionally, the Senate plans to continue evaluating measures that address the issue of illegal fireworks, focusing on enhanced enforcement and preventive strategies to safeguard public safety.  Agricultural Innovation and other Revenue Streams The Senate will continue to work on strengthening processes focused on agricultural innovation, along with exploring alternative revenue streams for the state. This includes the consideration of enhanced protections against theft and trespass on agricultural lands; improving the transportation of products (e.g., ports, cold storage, livestock facilities); streamlining aquaculture species permitting; promoting regenerative farming practices; increasing local food security; supporting value-added production; and boosting local products in local markets through streamlined facilities such as food hubs, co-operatives, and commercial kitchens. The Senate will also consider measures that aim to purchase agricultural land for development; and increase support for food innovation centers to enhance production capabilities. Furthermore, the Senate supports the responsible legalization of recreational marijuana, with a focus on addressing any impacts on Hawaiʻi’s communities.  Finally, the Senate remains committed to exploring innovative approaches to identify new revenue streams that will ensure the continuity and sustainability of essential state services. This proactive effort reflects the Senate’s dedication to meeting the needs of our communities while maintaining fiscal responsibility.  “The Senate Majority's legislative priorities for 2025 reflect the collective vision and concerns shared by the 22 members of our Majority Caucus during our convening in mid-November,” said Senate Majority Leader Kanuha. “Guided by these discussions, we are committed to addressing the critical challenges facing our state. Together, we aim to advance meaningful solutions and continue providing the support our communities need to thrive.”

HONOLULU  – Senator Jarrett Keohokalole (District 24 – Kāne‘ohe, Kailua) today commended Hawaiian Electric Industries’ (HEI) sale of American Savings Bank (ASB). On Tuesday morning, HEI announced an agreement to sell 90.1% of the company’s shares in ASB to independent investors. HEI is the parent company of Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), which serves Oʻahu.     "The sale of ASB is a significant step by HEI to show that the company and their shareholders are taking responsibility for their financial situation in the wake of the Maui wildfires. This, combined with their stock sale in September 2024, demonstrates that HEI is taking the concerns of the Legislature and rate payers seriously," said Senator Keohokalole, who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.   Last year, state senators cited concerns about Hawaiian Electric asking for a surcharge on customers’ electricity bills and receiving liability protections to help protect the company. In the wake of the wildfires, HEI’s credit rating dropped to junk bond status, meaning it was seen as a risky investment. The senators were concerned that these actions could unfairly burden customers while helping a company that was struggling financially.   “Our concern last session was adding to the cost of ratepayers' electrical bills without assurances that Hawaiian Electric’s stockholders were doing their part to absorb the costs. Today's announcement appears to validate those concerns,” stated Keohokalole. "It is especially encouraging to hear that the sale is structured to keep local jobs and operations of a local bank in local hands."

HONOLULU – Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi, Niʻihau) today issued a statement on the death of former President Jimmy Carter: "President Carter was a man whose humility, integrity, and dedication to service shaped the course of our nation's history. His leadership was defined by his unwavering commitment to peace, human rights, and the betterment of the world,” said Senate President Kouchi. “During his presidency and decades after his term, he represented what it means to serve with compassion and purpose. My thoughts are with his family, and I join the nation in honoring his remarkable life."

HONOLULU  – The Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Ways and Means today released its schedule of informational briefings, to be held between January 6 through January 28, 2025.    The briefings aim to provide state departments the opportunity to present budget requests to the Committee for the upcoming biennium.   “Info briefings are essential in ensuring that legislators are equipped with knowledge and insights necessary to make informed decisions that impact our communities,” said WAM Chair Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Senate District 17, portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village). “It is important that we share information with each other, especially as we rely on the expertise of those who are at the forefront of critical issues.”    A full schedule of the informational briefings can be viewed here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAM_2025_SUMMARY_INFO_.HTM   All informational briefings can be viewed live on YouTube at  https://www.youtube.com/@HawaiiSenate .   For more information, please contact the WAM Committee Clerk at (808) 586-6800.   No public testimony will be accepted at the briefings.

HONOLULU  – The Hawaiʻi State Legislature today announced that the Grant-In-Aid (GIA) process for the 2025 Legislative Session is now open, and interested parties are asked to submit their applications to the Legislature.   "Community organizations and non-profits provide invaluable services and support to our communities across the State. We look forward to assessing the needs of our State in a comprehensive manner and finding the best ways to use State resources," said Senate Committee on Ways and Means Chair Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Senate District 17 – portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village).   "Every year, the GIA process highlights the Legislature's commitment to aiding eligible organizations and non-profits that are leading publicly funded programs, making a positive impact and doing exceptional work in our communities," said House Committee on Finance Chair Kyle T. Yamashita (House District 12, Upcountry Maui).   The Legislature will continue to accept GIA applications until Friday, January 17, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., and final determinations will be made as Council on Revenue forecasts in January and March are published.   The Legislature makes appropriations for GIA in accordance with Chapter 42F of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS). The Eligibility Verification stage requires the submission of documentation to verify that the Grantee meets the standards for a grant award under HRS §42F-103. For additional details on the GIA application process, visit https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/GIA.aspx

HONOLULU – Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Ways and Means Chair Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Senate District 17 – portions of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village) applauded the release of the 2024 Hawaiʻi  Quality of Life and Well-Being Dashboard. On Tuesday, the University of Hawaiʻi  at Mānoa and the Office of Wellness and Resilience under the Office of the Governor launched the dashboard, which features in-depth findings on social, economic, and health issues affecting the state’s residents. The Office of Wellness and Resilience was made possible through legislation (Act 291) that the senator championed in 2022. “The state has taken meaningful strides to make Hawaiʻi  a trauma-informed state, and I am proud to have continued these efforts by advocating for legislation (Act 106, SLH 2024) that resulted in the largest statewide survey on health in Hawaiʻi ever, as well as the largest dataset using CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Worker Well-Being Questionnaire (NIOSH WellBQ) ,” stated Senator Dela Cruz. “The data in this dashboard shows that we must continue to increase the economic opportunities for our residents so they can remain in Hawaiʻi . Diversifying our economy in the areas of creative industries, agriculture, and technology must be paired with investments in workforce development so our residents can fill the good-paying jobs here in Hawaiʻi.” Key findings from the report that populates the dashboard identify main economic stressors, health disparities, community strength and workplace support, within Hawaiʻi ’s communities. It also provides recommendations for actions advancing health equity, economic stability, disaster preparedness and workplace innovation.  The dashboard’s launch will allow people to access data as a resource for crafting strategies and improving lives. For more details on the interactive dashboard, visit health-study.com .

HONOLULU  – Hawaiʻi State Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi, Niʻihau) will undergo two outpatient medical procedures this week: cataract removal and a tendon sheath adjustment in his hand.   It is anticipated that Senate President Kouchi will fully recover in one to two days from each routine outpatient procedure.   ###

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  – On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Senate Committee on Ways and Means Chair Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Senate District 17, Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), Senate Committee on Education Chair Senator Michelle N. Kidani (Senate District 18, Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia), and House Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems Chair Representative Kirstin Kahaloa (House District 6, Hōnaunau, Nāpōʻopoʻo, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Hōlualoa, Kailua-Kona) attended Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation’s event Eat, Think, Drink 27:   Regional Kitchens - Transforming Ag Through Strategic Investments.     Senator Dela Cruz and Representative Kahaloa were included on a panel of State and industry leaders in local food production to discuss the significance of the role of regional kitchens in sustainably feeding Hawaiʻi and its students.   As keynote speaker, Senator Dela Cruz presented on the State’s initiative, Nourishing Hawaiʻi’s Future, to increase local food production and create locally sourced meals for students through regional kitchens.   “The answer to both reducing our dependence on imported food and feeding our students locally is the concept of a regional kitchen,” said Senator Dela Cruz. “Building a future based on resources already in place and using them to create a tangible system of local agriculture, regional kitchens, and Department of Education (HIDOE) schools is a feasible solution that will create food security and contribute to economic development.”   Regional kitchens are facilities used to produce meals or individual ingredients before they are sent to different locations to serve to consumers. This model has been successfully adopted through school districts in Washington and California and has already been implemented similarly by Zippy’s Restaurants’ centralized kitchen in Waipiʻo.   Strategic investments in regional kitchens have shown to help local farmers to scale production by increasing market access and leveraging the power of public procurement.   “Regional kitchens are facilities that utilize local farm products to prepare meals for our public schools. This model moves locally grown and raised products from our farms, to processing facilities, to the regional kitchens, and lastly to our public schools, that incorporate these ʻono grinds on our keikis’ plates. Students will be nourished when they can eat food grown from their communities,” said Representative Kirstin Kahaloa.   A highlight of the event included a menu created by four HIDOE alumni, now chefs, and current students using locally sourced ingredients.   “Including HIDOE in the process provides nutritious school meals for our keiki while securing local food production,” said Senator Kidani. “It was wonderful to see alumni now as skilled chefs contributing their creations and showcasing locally grown ingredients alongside our current culinary students. Working with alumni to serve healthy, local meals will fuel our students’ success in the classroom and have a lasting impact.”    According to the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, an estimated eighty-five to ninety percent of Hawaiʻi’s food is grown, processed, and imported from the continent, which is then delivered to school kitchens. This current food service model provides food that is more costly, less fresh, and far less sustainable.   HIDOE’s meals program currently serves over 100,000 students a day – or about 18 million meals per school year.   “The Department of Education continues to work toward our goal of incorporating at least thirty percent locally sourced foods in school meals by 2030 and fifty percent by 2050,” said HIDOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi. “We are very grateful for the opportunities this event provides our students to learn from alumni and professionals in the food and agriculture industry.”   A link to Senator Dela Cruz’s presentation can be accessed here .   ###

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  –   Three Hawaiʻ i State Legislators and a member of the Honolulu City Council are in Washington D.C. today sharing their insights about matters facing Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders at the White House. Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha, Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Representative Darius K. Kila, and Honolulu City Council Vice Chair Esther Kiaʻāina have been invited to the White House to attend the inaugural White House Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander (NHPI) Convening. This event brings together NHPI community advocates, private sector leaders, elected officials, federal appointees and staff, and artists, to celebrate NHPI cultures and achievements, while highlighting the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to address key issues impacting these communities. “We recognize the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to address key issues affecting Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders,” said Representative Darius K. Kila  (D-44 Honokai Hale, Nānākuli, Mā‘ili), who spearheaded the Legislature’s Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group. “But beyond acknowledgments, this meeting offers a crucial opportunity to tackle pressing issues head-on—protecting indigenous intellectual property and preserving our cultural identity. I’ve also raised concerns with the White House about the rising gun violence on the Leeward Coast and the urgent need for a coordinated all-of-government response to ensure our residents’ safety.” “As a proud Native Hawaiian, it’s a deep honor to represent our community at the White House, and to bring the voices of our people into this important national dialogue,” said Senate Majority Leader Dru Mamo Kanuha (D-3 Kona, Kaʻū, Volcano). “This convening is a vital opportunity to address the unique challenges our people face while celebrating our cultural legacy. I am grateful for the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to NHPI representation, and look forward to collaborating with national leaders to ensure a stronger, more resilient future for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.” "It is a privilege to speak at the White House on issues facing Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders," said Senator Jarrett Keohokalole  (D-24 Kāne‘ohe, Kailua), Co-Chair of the Legislature's Native Hawaiian Caucus. “Our communities deserve a voice, and our issues require creative and collaborative solutions. Mahalo to the Biden-Harris Administration for the invitation, and for continuing to commit to improving the lives of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.” “I’m heartened and proud of the breadth of the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community and political leaders who are engaging at the federal level on issues that are important to our communities,” said Honolulu City Council Vice Chair Esther Kia‘āina,  who served in Washington, D.C., for over twenty years for the Hawai‘i and Guam Congressional delegations, as well as the U.S. Department of the Interior under the Obama Administration, and will be participating on a panel entitled Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Trailblazers. In today’s convening, the legislators will participate in discussions with community leaders, federal agencies, and panels focused on addressing key issues facing NHPI communities. The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) , established by President Joe Biden through Executive Order 14031, is charged with coordinating a whole-of-government agenda to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities. Learn more at hhs.gov/whiaanhpi .