HILO, HAWAIʻI – Senate Vice President Lorraine R. Inouye (Senate District 1 – Hilo, Pauka‘a, Papaikou, Pepe‘ekeo) announced the release of $5 million in Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funds for critical infrastructure improvements at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. The $5 million in general obligation bond funds will support plumbing repairs and HVAC improvements at the medical center’s Acute Facility, including upgrades to the operating room’s HVAC system. The improvement will address aging infrastructure, reduce the risk of service disruptions, and help ensure safe, reliable patient care. “Hilo Benioff Medical Center is a vital part of our Hawaiʻi Island community, and investments like this will help ensure it can continue meeting the healthcare needs of our community for years to come, said Senator Inouye. “I want to thank Governor Green for releasing these funds and for continuing to invest in healthcare on Hawaiʻi island. Our families deserve access to quality, reliable care close to home.”

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – The Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Judiciary held an informational briefing today with the Honorable Mark E. Recktenwald, retired Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court, to discuss the rule of law, judicial independence, and the role of the courts in maintaining the constitutional balance of government. The briefing occurred in the same week as Constitution Day, held on September 17, that commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Chief Justice Recktenwald presented “Defending the Rule of Law” and discussed the importance of an independent judiciary and the principles that underpin the rule of law. Following his presentation, members of the committee engaged in a question-and-answer session with the retired Chief Justice. The briefing comes amid ongoing national discussion regarding executive authority, the separation of powers, and the role of the judicial branch. The discussion provided an opportunity for legislators to examine these issues and consider the importance of maintaining public confidence in the institutions responsible for upholding the law. “An independent judiciary is essential to our system of checks and balances and to ensure that the rule of law applies equally to everyone,” said Senator Karl Rhoads, Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. “Today’s discussion was an important opportunity to step back from the immediate political moment and consider the principles that have allowed our democratic institutions to endure. We have a responsibility to understand, respect, and protect the role of an independent judiciary.” Chief Justice Recktenwald, who retired from the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court in 2025, is a member of the Alliance of Former Chief Justices, a project of the nonpartisan civic organization Keep Our Republic. The Alliance brings together retired chief justices from across the country to promote constitutional principles and protect individual rights and an impartial judiciary. “These are challenging times for our nation, especially as we near this fall’s elections. It is critical that people know they can trust in the courts to fairly and impartially resolve the disputes that may arise in the electoral process,” Recktenwald said. View the original Hearing Notice HERE Watch the video recording HERE View photos from the informational briefing HERE This informational briefing is part of a series of informational briefings on the rule of law in relation to actions of the Trump Administration and how its decisions are impacting Hawaiʻi. Information about other briefings can be accessed on the Senate Judiciary Committee webpage HERE. ### Click here for a PDF version of this news release.

WHO/WHAT: The Senate Committee on Judiciary (JDC) will convene an informational briefing to hear from the Honorable Mark E. Recktenwald, retired Chief Justice, Hawaiʻi Supreme Court, and a member of the Alliance of Former Chief Justices, on the rule of law and the role of an independent judiciary. WHEN/WHERE: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 10:00 a.m. Conference Room 229 & Videoconference Hawaiʻi State Capitol 415 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96813 PRESENTER: • The Honorable Mark E. Recktenwald (Retired), Chief Justice, Hawaiʻi Supreme Court PURPOSE: U.S. presidential executive orders and policies have challenged the powers of the judicial branch and tested the limits of the rule of law. The briefing will examine these issues and discuss the role of an independent judicial system in maintaining the rule of law. Following the presentation, committee members will have the opportunity to ask questions of the Retired Chief Justice. Questions will be limited to five minutes per member. As is customary for informational briefings, no public testimony will be accepted. Members of the public and the news media are encouraged to attend. The hearing notice, agenda, and additional meeting information, including the link to the live stream, are available here: HEARING NOTICE: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_JDC_09-15-26_INFO_.HTM This informational briefing is part of a series of informational briefings on the rule of law in relation to actions of the Trump Administration and how its decisions are impacting Hawaiʻi. Information about other briefings can be accessed on the Senate Judiciary Committee webpage HERE.

HILO, HAWAIʻI – Senate Vice President Lorraine R. Inouye (Senate District 1– Hilo, Pauka‘a, Papaikou, Pepe‘ekeo) announced the release of $250,000 in Capital Improvement Program (CIP) special funds to advance the Tropical AgTech Center at the Hilo Foreign-Trade Zone located at the old Hilo airport on Hawaiʻi Island. The funding will support the design and construction of the greenhouse nursery for tissue culture and help expand agricultural technology resources for Hawaiʻi Island farmers. The Tropical AgTech Center is being developed by the State of Hawaiʻi Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9 (FTZ9), a division of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Island Agricultural Partnership. The project is designed to strengthen small-farm profitability, increase food security and support the growth of high-wage agricultural technology jobs on Hawaiʻi Island. “I’m especially pleased to see this investment in the Hilo Foreign-Trade Zone. The Hilo site became part of Hawaiʻi’s Foreign-Trade Zone program during my time as Mayor of Hawaiʻi County, and to see how it has evolved many years later is especially rewarding. This investment will help provide our farmers with access to technology and resources that can strengthen their operations while supporting the future of agriculture on Hawaiʻi Island,” said Senator Inouye. “I want to thank Governor Green for releasing these funds. I would also like to thank my colleagues in the State Legislature, U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono and Congresswoman Jill Tokuda for their continued support of this project. Investments in agricultural technology can help strengthen our local farms, improve our food security and create new economic opportunities for Hawaiʻi Island.”

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – Hawaiʻi State Senator Lorraine R. Inouye, Majority Whip, Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation, and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts, is urging federal officials to reject a proposal that could open federal waters off shore American Samoa to commercial deep-sea mineral mining, citing significant scientific uncertainty, potential irreversible environmental damage and the importance of protecting the Pacific Ocean for future generations. In an August 4 letter to the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Senator Inouye expressed strong opposition to the agency’s Proposed Leasing Notice for commercial deep-sea mineral leasing offshore of American Samoa. In a statement, Senator Inouye said: “As someone with lifetime roots on Hawai‘i Island and a career dedicated to serving Hawai‘i’s rural communities in our island state, I understand that our relationship with the ocean is not just economic—it is cultural, ecological, and deeply personal. Our marine ecosystems sustain local fisheries, provide for the health and well-being of our families and communities, and define our island ways of life. The deep ocean is an essential part of that complex interconnected system, yet it remains one of the least understood environments on our planet. Scientists continue to warn that commercial deep-sea mining could cause irreversible damage by destroying deep-sea habitats, causing biodiversity loss, spreading sediment plumes, releasing heavy metal pollution into the marine environment, and contaminating fish, whales, sharks, and other marine life with toxic metals. Moving forward with commercial deep-sea mining before we fully understand its long-term impacts puts speculative and shortsighted profits ahead of the long-term health and survival of all our ocean-dependent communities. Hawai‘i has long been a leader in ocean stewardship because we recognize that the Pacific is both our home and our greatest shared responsibility. The priceless life-sustaining value of the deep ocean far outweighs the speculative benefits of commercial deep-sea mining. Given the significant scientific uncertainty and the risks of permanent environmental harm, Hawai‘i should stand firmly with other Pacific Island communities including American Samoa, in opposition to the commercialization of deep-sea mining and in support of lasting protections for our deep-ocean ecosystems. We can meet the growing demand for critical minerals through investments in recycling, innovation, and more responsible resource management and use, while safeguarding the ocean that has sustained Pacific Island communities for generations. Protecting the deep ocean reflects our responsibility to all the generations to come and upholds Hawai‘i’s enduring commitment to environmental stewardship, precautionary policymaking, and the conservation of our shared Pacific heritage.” In her letter, Senator Inouye urged BOEM to withdraw the Proposed Leasing Notice and refrain from issuing commercial leases unless the agency can demonstrate that deep-sea mining can proceed without causing lasting environmental, cultural or socioeconomic harm. The federal government announced a Proposed Leasing Notice on July 16, 2026, for a potential mineral lease sale in federal waters offshore American Samoa. The BOEM, an agency with the U.S. Department of the Interior, is proposing to hold the lease sale on November 19, 2026. Read Senator Inouye’s letter to BOEM here.

HONOLULU, HAWAI'I– The Hawaiʻi State Capitol will be closed on Monday, August 17, following the Hawaiʻi Joint Information Center’s announcement regarding the closure of state and county offices due to Hurricane Lala impacts. The Hawaiʻi State Senate and House of Representatives offices, Legislative Reference Bureau, including the Public Access Room and LRB Library, and other legislative services will be closed to the public. State legislators and their offices remain available to assist constituents by phone and email. Contact information for all legislators is available at capitol.hawaii.gov. “While the Capitol building will be closed, the work of the Legislature continues," said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi. "Many of our Senators are in their districts, boots on the ground, seeing the impacts firsthand and hearing directly from residents. They are also receiving updates from state and county agencies and working with them to help address the needs of their communities. Our focus is being there for our residents and helping move recovery efforts forward." “House members and legislators have remained actively engaged throughout the weekend, working closely with state and county officials and community organizations to help safely expedite resources to impacted areas, while also meeting with constituents and responding to emergency calls. It has been a busy weekend, and while our in-person offices will be closed, we want to assure the public that we remain accessible and available to assist you and your ʻohana by phone and email,” said Speaker Nadine K. Nakamura. Members of the public are encouraged to monitor official weather updates, stay prepared, and sign up for emergency alerts. 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/.

KAILUA-KONA — Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha (SD3 - Kona, Kaʻū, and Volcano) and Representative Nicole E. Lowen (HD6 - Kailua-Kona, Honokōhau, Kalaoa, Pu‘uanahulu, Puakō, portion of Waikoloa) are inviting West Hawaiʻi residents, families, and community members to attend the Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group Community Open House on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Kailua Pier. Established by House Concurrent Resolution 191 (2025) and organized by the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), the Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group brings together community members, cultural practitioners, recreational and commercial ocean users, government agencies, and other stakeholders to help shape a shared vision for the future stewardship of Kailua Bay and the Kailua Pier area. The Community Open House offers an opportunity for residents to learn about ongoing planning efforts, connect with members of the working group, and provide valuable feedback on the future of one of West Hawaiʻi’s most treasured coastal resources. The afternoon will feature: • ʻOhana-friendly water activities • ʻIke kūpuna and fishing talks • Updates on Kailua Pier and Kailua Bay improvement plans • Interactive opportunities for community input and discussion “Kailua Bay is a place where culture, recreation, tourism, and our local way of life all come together,” said Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha. “The future of this wahi pana should be guided by the people who know and care for it. I encourage everyone to attend, share their manaʻo, and help shape a stewardship plan that honors our community, our culture, and future generations.” “Our community has a deep connection to Kailua Bay, and this Community Open House is an important response to the many community members who have reached out to our offices over the years with concerns and ideas about the Bay’s future,” said Representative Nicole E. Lowen. “Whether you fish, paddle, swim, welcome visitors, or simply enjoy spending time at the Pier with your family, your voice matters. I hope residents of all ages will join us.” The legislators expressed their appreciation to DLNR and the members of the Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group for their continued collaboration and commitment to community-driven stewardship. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend. For more information, please visit: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/kailua-pier-open-house/. Event Details: Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group Community Open House Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026 Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Location: Kailua Pier, Kailua-Kona ###

WHO/WHAT: Community Resource Fair. Hosted by: Senator Rachele Lamosao (Senate District 19 — Pearl City, Waipahu, West Loch Estates, Hono‘uli‘uli, Ho‘opili) Senator Brandon Elefante (Senate District 16 — ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City) Representative Gregg Takayama (House District 34 — Pearl City, Waiau, Pacific Palisades) Representative Cory M. Chun (House District 35 — Portions of Pearl City and Waipahu, Crestview) WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, July 18, 2026 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon Mānana Elementary School 1147 Kumano Street, Pearl City, HI 96782 PRESENTER: State Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen EXHIBITORS: Board of Water Supply Honolulu Police Department Honolulu Fire Department Mānana Security Watch Pearl City Neighborhood Board AARP Honolulu Real Property Tax Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Hawaiian Electric Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau And more! PURPOSE: The Community Resource Fair is designed to keep the community informed and connected. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation will provide updates on current and upcoming transportation projects in the area, including road work and other improvements that may affect residents and traffic patterns. The event will also connect community members with government agencies, neighborhood organizations, and local service providers offering programs, resources, and information on public safety, emergency preparedness, agriculture, and other initiatives that support the well-being of our communities. ###

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI — Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi, Niʻihau) was honored by the Legislative Assembly and the Regional Government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in recognition of his distinguished public service and his heritage as a descendant of Azorean immigrants. The tribute was presented during the Celebrations of the Day of the Autonomous Region of the Azores 2026 on May 25, 2026—Azores Day—in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island. Senate President Kouchi was recognized in the official ceremonies after being nominated for recognition as a descendant of Azoreans who have made significant contributions to public life in Hawaiʻi. The annual Day of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, commonly known as Azores Day, is the region’s highest civic observance, celebrating the history, culture, and accomplishments of the Azorean people. The official ceremonies recognize individuals whose achievements exemplify the enduring contributions of the Azorean diaspora around the world. Senate President Kouchi was one of six recipients to receive the Autonomous Insignia of Recognition, an honor bestowed upon individuals for their merits, civic achievements and service. “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the people of the Azores, the homeland of my great-grandmother and so many others who left in search of opportunity and a better life,” said Senate President Kouchi. “Their courage and commitment to family and community helped shape Hawaiʻi into the vibrant, diverse place we know today. I am deeply humbled to accept this recognition on behalf of my family and the many descendants of Portuguese immigrants who continue to strengthen our communities.” Raised on Kauaʻi, Senate President Kouchi is the great-grandson of Maria Victoria Sousa, an immigrant from São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, who arrived in Hawaiʻi aboard the steamship Bell Rock on November 2, 1883. Senate President Kouchi’s recognition highlights the longstanding historical and cultural ties between Hawaiʻi and the Azores. Beginning in the late nineteenth century, thousands of Azorean immigrants settled throughout the Hawaiian Islands, where they made lasting contributions to agriculture, commerce, public service, and civic life. Their descendants continue to enrich the diverse cultural fabric of Hawaiʻi and play important roles in communities across the state. ### Photos from the event in the Azores are available here.

WHO/WHAT: The Senate Committee on Judiciary (JDC) and the House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) will convene a joint informational briefing to provide legislators and the public with an overview of Hawaiʻi’s voting process. WHEN/WHERE: Wednesday, July 8, 2026 10:30 a.m. Conference Room 225 & Videoconference Hawaiʻi State Capitol 415 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96813 PRESENTER: Scott Nago, Chief Election Officer PURPOSE: The purpose of the informational briefing is for State of Hawaiʻi Chief Election Officer Scott Nago to provide the Committees with information and updates regarding Hawaiʻi's election process in advance of the 2026 Primary and General Elections. The briefing will cover a range of election-related topics, including: Key dates for the 2026 Primary and General Elections; Voter eligibility requirements and how to register to vote; An overview of Hawaiʻi's vote-by-mail system and alternative methods of voting; How voters can track the status of their mail ballot; The process and timeline for tabulating ballots; Recent updates to Hawaiʻi's election laws; and A review of the Voter Guide and other voter resources available through the Office of Elections’ website, www.elections.hawaii.gov. Following the presentation, committee members will have the opportunity to ask questions of the Chief Election Officer. Questions will be limited to five minutes per member. As is customary for informational briefings, no public testimony will be accepted. Members of the public and the news media are encouraged to attend. The hearing notice, agenda, and additional meeting information, including the link to the live stream, are available here: HEARING NOTICE: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_JDC-JHA_07-08-26_INFO_.HTM ###

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI — State Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) was honored on Friday, June 26, with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi’s Impact Gala: Advocacy Awards and Highlights, recognizing her decades of dedicated public service and lasting contributions to Hawaiʻi’s communities, economy, and quality of life. The annual event brought together business, community, and legislative leaders to reflect on the outcomes of the 2026 legislative session and recognize policymakers whose leadership has made a meaningful impact on Hawaiʻi’s business climate and economic future. Senator Inouye’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a distinguished career marked by steadfast leadership and a commitment to serving the people of Hawaiʻi. Throughout her tenure in public office, she has championed initiatives supporting economic development, infrastructure improvements, healthcare, agriculture, public safety, and the well-being of communities across the state. “I am truly honored to receive this recognition from the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi,” said Senator Inouye. “Public service has always been about listening, working together, and finding thoughtful solutions that improve the lives of the people we serve. I share this recognition with the many colleagues, community partners, and constituents who have supported me throughout my journey, and I remain committed to continuing this work for Hawaiʻi.” In recognition of Senator Inouye's decades of service to Hawaiʻi Island and the state, Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda also proclaimed Friday, June 26, 2026, as "Senator Lorraine Inouye Day" throughout Hawaiʻi County. The proclamation recognizes Senator Inouye's decades of dedicated public service, visionary leadership, and lasting impact on the people of Hawaiʻi Island. The gala began with a Leadership Forum featuring remarks from Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi and other state and county leaders, who reflected on key accomplishments of the 2026 legislative session and discussed priorities for Hawaiʻi’s future. The program concluded with the presentation of advocacy awards recognizing legislators whose leadership has helped strengthen the state’s economic environment. Senator Inouye was recognized alongside fellow Senator Troy N. Hashimoto, who received a Chamber Champion of the Year Award. Additional honorees included House Majority Leader Sean Quinlan, who received the Small Business Advocate of the Year Award; House Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama, honored as Woman Leader of the Year; Representative Darius Kila, named Blueprint Champion of the Year; and Representative Adrian Tam, who also received a Chamber Champion of the Year Award. Link to photos of the event provided by Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi.

HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green transmitted his proclamation giving notice of his intent-to-veto four bills. Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi issued a statement regarding the convening of a special session for 2026: “Governor Josh Green released his intent-to-veto list today and in reviewing the four bills contained therein, the Senate does not intend to convene a special override session at this time.” ###