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 ###

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.” ###

HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green has signed Senate Bill 2061 into law as Act 121, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2026, marking a significant milestone in the State’s ongoing efforts to address Hawaiʻi’s housing affordability crisis and expand opportunities for local families to achieve homeownership. Act 121 strengthens and clarifies the statutory framework governing Hawaiʻi’s Ninety-Nine Year Leasehold Program, an innovative initiative designed to create affordable, owner-occupied condominium homes on state and county lands located in urban areas. The legislation builds upon Act 97 (2025), which established the pilot leasehold condominium program within the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (HCDA), and provides additional guidance needed to facilitate implementation of the program. The legislation supports the development of HCDA’s planned pilot project in Kakaʻako, located at the corner of Kapiʻolani Boulevard and Ward Avenue. The project is expected to demonstrate how publicly owned land can be leveraged to provide attainable homeownership opportunities for local residents while preserving long-term public stewardship of valuable urban land. Act 121 reinforces the Legislature’s commitment to ensuring that housing developed under the program primarily benefits Hawaiʻi residents. The law requires that at least sixty percent of residential units be affordable to households earning no more than 140 percent of the Area Median Income. These homes must be owner-occupied and sold to qualified local residents, helping to ensure that the benefits of the program remain focused on Hawaiʻi families. The legislation also establishes clear eligibility requirements, strengthens owner-occupancy protections, and provides safeguards to preserve long-term housing affordability. These provisions reflect the Legislature’s intent that the program create stable homeownership opportunities for working families. Act 121 embodies the public policy goals articulated by Senator Stanley Chang, Chair of the Senate Housing Committee, to increase housing supply, promote attainable homeownership, encourage walkable urban communities, and utilize public lands in a manner that maximizes public benefit. By reducing the cost of land through long-term leasehold ownership, the program seeks to make homeownership accessible to households that might otherwise be priced out of Hawaiʻi’s housing market. “Act 121 represents another important step toward restoring the dream of homeownership for local families,” said Senator Chang, sponsor of the ALOHA Homes initiative(Affordable Locally-Owned Homes for All). “By leveraging public land and creating a new pathway to affordable ownership, we can help ensure that future generations have the opportunity to live, work, and build their lives in Hawaiʻi.” ###

HONOLULU — Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi shared the following statement regarding Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani’s announcement of her retirement from the Hawaiʻi State Senate: “It has been an honor, a privilege, and a pleasure to serve with Michelle in the Senate. A fierce advocate for students, women, and the underrepresented, Michelle always sought to enhance their lives and to equalize their opportunities. To paraphrase James Freeman Clarke, the residents of Senate District 18 have not lost a politician, but an empathetic, intelligent, and wise stateswoman who never thought of her next election, but always thought of the next generation.” ###

HONOLULU — Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani announces her retirement from the Hawaiʻi State Senate, effective Tuesday, June 30, 2026. For the past 18 years, Senator Kidani (District 18- Mililani Town, Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia) has faithfully served her constituents and community with dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public service. “After much reflection, and in consultation with my physician, I have made the difficult decision to retire from the Hawaiʻi State Senate. Throughout my years in public service, my focus has always been centered on serving my constituents to the very best of my ability, and I have always believed that if the time came when I could no longer fully and faithfully meet the responsibilities of this office, it would be my responsibility to make that decision. I am deeply grateful to the people of Senate District 18 for the trust they have placed in me over the past 18 years. Serving the communities of Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portions of Waipahu, Village Park, and Royal Kunia has been the greatest honor of my professional life. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to my colleagues, my staff, community partners, educators, and the many individuals who have supported me throughout my career. While I am retiring from public office, my commitment to Hawaiʻi and to the people I have had the privilege to serve will remain unchanged.” Throughout her tenure in the Senate, Senator Kidani was a strong advocate for Hawaiʻi’s public education system, serving 10-years as Chair of the Senate Committee on Education and most recently Vice Chair. Her work reflected a deep commitment to strengthening Hawaiʻi’s public education system and expanding opportunities for students, educators and families across the state. Among Senator Kidaniʻs notable legislative accomplishments are measures that advanced student well-being, educational access, student safety, and support for Hawaiʻi’s communities: The Maʻi initiative or Menstrual Equality (Act 113 SLH2022) — Expanded access to free menstrual hygiene products in public schools statewide to ensure students can attend class with dignity and without barriers related to affordability. The Harm to Students Registry (SB 2475, Act 156, SLH 2024) — Established a statewide registry for public, private, and charter PreK–12 educational institutions to strengthen student protections and help prevent individuals with final findings of harm to students from moving between schools and continuing to work in positions with access to children. These measures reflect Senator Kidani’s longstanding commitment to education, equity, and the well-being and safety of Hawaiʻi’s keiki. Free School Meals (SB 1300/Act 139) — Expanded access to free school meals for Hawaiʻi public school students, beginning with students who previously qualified only for reduced-price lunches and broadening support for working families. The measure helped reduce barriers to learning and ensured more students have access to nutritious meals needed to succeed in the classroom. Veterans High School Diploma (SB 2614 of 2026) — Authorized the Department of Education to award diplomas to eligible individuals whose education was interrupted due to service during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, recognizing their sacrifice and ensuring they receive this long-awaited honor. ###

HONOLULU — On May 29, Governor Josh Green signed Senate Bill 2239 into law as Act 67. Introduced by Senate Housing Committee Chair Stanley Chang, the measure establishes Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) statewide beginning January 1, 2027, marking a major step toward modernizing Hawaiʻi’s voter registration system and expanding access to the democratic process. Act 67 modernizes Hawaiʻi’s voter registration system by automatically registering eligible residents to vote when they apply for or renew a Hawaiʻi driver’s license or state identification card, unless they choose to opt out. Previously, residents were required to affirmatively check a box to register to vote. The law also streamlines the voter registration process by automatically updating voter registration records when residents update their address through driver’s license or state ID renewals. The new system is designed to improve the accuracy of voter rolls, reduce administrative costs, and make voter registration more accessible for Hawaiʻi residents. By integrating voter registration into existing government services, the law helps ensure that more eligible voters can participate in the democratic process. “Automatic Voter Registration is a major step toward making voting more accessible in Hawaiʻi and is now law,” said Senator Chang. “It may seem like a small change, but AVR will help modernize our election system, reduce administrative costs, improve the accuracy of voter rolls, and make it easier for residents to participate in the democratic process. When more people have access to voting, our democracy is stronger. Mahalo Governor Green for signing this bill and everyone else who helped make this important reform a reality.” ###

HONOLULU - In the aftermath of the severe March Kona low storms that brought heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds across Oʻahu, community leaders are hosting a summer meeting to help residents strengthen their neighborhood preparedness for hurricane season. The event will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Noelani Elementary School cafeteria. The community event is sponsored by Senator Carol Fukunaga (Senate District 11), Representative Andrew Takuya Garrett (House District 22) and Councilmember Scott Nishimoto (Council District 5). The meeting is designed to provide Mānoa residents with information to prepare for weather emergencies or other public safety threats, as well as highlighting ‘lessons learned’ from the recent spring flooding events. Featured presenters include representatives from the following organizations: Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Honolulu Department of Emergency Management Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance Hohonu Weather Monitoring Service Organizers said the forum can provide residents with tips on how preparedness at the neighborhood level can help protect family members, neighbors, and the broader community during emergencies. Residents interested in attending are encouraged to contact 808-586-8442 or emailing h.venegas@capitol.hawaii.gov for more information.

HONOLULU - The public is invited to participate in a virtual town hall on Friday, June 12, to discuss Hawaiʻi’s newly enacted Act 11 (SB 2471), a landmark campaign finance law that limits the political spending power of corporations and other artificial entities. The discussion will explore the legislation, its legal framework, implementation timeline, and its implications for elections and campaign finance in Hawaiʻi. “SB 2471 is a landmark change to our campaign finance system and is the first bill of its kind in the nation to directly challenge the notorious Citizens United ruling,” said Jarrett Keohokalole, Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee Chair. "We encourage everyone to join the discussion, ask questions, and engage in a thoughtful conversation about the future of campaign finance and elections in our state." "Our democracy works best when the public has confidence that elections are driven by the voices of people, not the financial power of artificial entities," said Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Karl Rhoads, who was the lead introducer of the bill. "Act 11 represents a significant step in addressing the influence of corporate money in politics, and this town hall will give residents an opportunity to better understand the law, its legal foundations, and its potential impact on the future of elections in Hawaiʻi. An informed public is essential to preserving a fair, transparent, and accountable democratic process." WHO: Tom Moore, Center for American Progress Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Chair of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee Senator Karl Rhoads, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee WHAT: Virtual Town Hall: Understanding Act 11 and Hawaiʻi’s New Approach to Corporate Political Spending WHEN: Friday, June 12, 2026 10:00-11:30 a.m. HST WHERE: Virtual Event. Registration is required. To register, click here. WHY: Act 11 reaffirms that corporations and other artificial entities possess only those powers granted by the State and specifies that those powers do not include spending money or contributing anything of value to influence elections or ballot measures. The town hall will provide an opportunity for community members to learn more about the law, hear from legislative leaders and policy experts, and ask questions about its potential impact on Hawaiʻi's democratic process and its role in addressing the outsized influence of corporate money in politics. ###

HILO, HAWAIʻI — Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) announced the release of $4 million in Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funding by Governor Josh Green for the design of T-Hangar and West Ramp improvements at Hilo International Airport. The funding will support planning and design work to improve airport infrastructure serving East Hawaiʻi, helping strengthen aviation operations and support future growth and modernization efforts at Hilo International Airport. “I’d like to mahalo Governor Green for recognizing the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports Hawaiʻi Island’s communities and economy,” said Senator Inouye. “Hilo International Airport serves as an important gateway for residents, visitors, local businesses, and our broader East Hawaiʻi community. These improvements will help modernize airport facilities and support future growth for our island.” The project provides funding for the design phase of planned improvements to the airport’s T-Hangars and West Ramp facilities at Hilo International Airport, which will help modernize airport infrastructure and support future operational needs at the airport. ###