HILO, HAWAIʻI - State Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) today announced that Governor Josh Green has released $500,000 in general obligation bond funds for a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Grant-in-Aid (GIA) project supporting improvements to Goodwill Industries of Hawaiʻi’s Hilo campus. The funding will support construction and refurbishment efforts for Goodwill’s newly acquired Hilo campus to bring the facility up to code and expand its operational capacity to better serve the East Hawaiʻi community. Mahalo Governor Green for recognizing the importance of investing in organizations that directly support Hawaiʻi’s families and workforce,” said Senator Inouye. “Goodwill Industries of Hawaiʻi provides valuable job training, educational opportunities, and community services that help empower individuals across East Hawaiʻi. These improvements will strengthen their ability to expand programs and continue making a positive impact in our community.” The project qualifies as a grant pursuant to Chapter 42F, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, and reflects the state’s continued commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations that provide meaningful community services and resources throughout Hawaiʻi. ###

HILO, HAWAIʻI - Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) announced the release of $200,000 in general obligation bond funds from Governor Josh Green for a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Grant-in-Aid (GIA) project supporting the restoration of the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center. The funding will support plans and construction for restoration improvements to the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center, a longstanding community space dedicated to arts, culture, education, and public programming in Hilo. “I want to thank Governor Green and his administration for recognizing the importance of investing in community and cultural spaces that serve East Hawaiʻi,” said Senator Inouye. “The East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center has played a meaningful role in supporting local artists, preserving culture, and bringing our community together for generations. These funds will help ensure the center can continue serving residents and visitors for years to come.” The project qualifies as a grant pursuant to Chapter 42F, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, and reflects the state’s continued investment in preserving community resources and strengthening Hawaiʻi’s cultural infrastructure.

HONOLULU - Governor Josh Green today signed Senate Bill 2471 SD2 HD2 CD2 now Act 011 into law, establishing new restrictions on political spending activities by corporations and other “artificial persons” organized under Hawai’i law by redefining and limiting the powers granted to those entities. Act 011 clarifies that artificial entities created under state law possess only those powers necessary or convenient to carry out their lawful business or organizational purposes. The law specifies that those powers do not include spending money or contributing anything of value to influence elections or ballot measures. “The foundation of our democracy is that political power belongs to the people,” said Senator Jarrett Keohokalole (District 24 – Kāneʻohe, Kailua), Chair of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. “Corporations and other artificial entities exist because the State grants them legal privileges, including limited liability and lucrative tax benefits that individuals cannot claim. Act 011 clarifies that those privileges do not include the power to spend corporate money to influence our elections.” Political action committees will remain governed by existing campaign finance laws within the state, but they will not be able to spend any money received from corporations as a result of this Act. This new law is intended to strengthen transparency, reduce the influence of corporate money in elections, and help restore public trust in Hawaiʻi’s democratic process. Act 011 applies to a range of entities organized or authorized to do business under Hawaiʻi law, including corporations, nonprofit corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, and certain associations. It also authorizes the Attorney General and the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to impose penalties or bring enforcement actions for violations. “This bill does not regulate the rights of natural persons to speak, petition, or associate,” Keohokalole added. “It simply defines the powers that the State grants to artificial entities and makes clear that participation in election activity and ballot-issue activity is not among them.” Act 011 takes effect July 1, 2027. ###

HONOLULU, HAWAI'I - The Hawaiʻi State Senate today passed Senate Bill 2471, CD2, a measure that clarifies the powers granted to corporations and other artificial legal entities under state law, particularly with respect to political spending in elections and ballot measures. SB2471 CD2 reaffirms that artificial persons created under state law possess only those powers necessary or convenient to carry out their lawful business or organizational purposes. The measure makes clear that those powers do not include the ability to spend money or contribute anything of value to influence elections or ballot measures. “The foundation of our democracy is that political power belongs to the people,” said Senator Jarrett Keohokalole (District 24 – Kāneʻohe, Kailua), Chair of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. “Corporations and other artificial entities exist because the State grants them legal privileges, including limited liability and lucrative tax benefits that individuals cannot claim. SB2471 clarifies that those privileges do not include the power to spend corporate money to influence our elections.” The measure applies to a range of entities organized or authorized to do business under Hawaiʻi law, including corporations, nonprofit corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, and certain associations. It also authorizes the Attorney General and the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to impose penalties or bring enforcement actions for violations. “This bill does not regulate the rights of natural persons to speak, petition, or associate,” Keohokalole added. “It simply defines the powers that the State grants to artificial entities and makes clear that participation in election activity and ballot-issue activity is not among them.” SB2471 CD2 will now be transmitted to the Governor for consideration.

HONOLULU, HAWAI'I - The Hawaiʻi State Legislature today gave final approval to Senate Bill 3001, CD1, the Artificial Intelligence Disclosure and Safety Act, landmark legislation establishing some of the nation’s first consumer protections and transparency requirements for conversational artificial intelligence services, particularly for minors and individuals seeking mental health or crisis support. SB3001 CD1 requires operators of conversational artificial intelligence platforms to clearly disclose when users are interacting with artificial intelligence rather than a human. Additional safeguards are established for minors, including protections against manipulative engagement techniques and sexually explicit content. Operators must also provide tools for parents and guardians to manage screen time and account settings. The bill also requires operators to implement protocols that respond appropriately to users expressing suicidal ideation or self-harm by directing them toward crisis intervention resources such as suicide hotlines and crisis text lines. “This legislation is about ensuring that as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into everyday life, basic protections remain in place for the people using these systems—especially our young people,” said Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection. “AI technology is evolving rapidly, and Hawaiʻi has an opportunity to lead with thoughtful, balanced policy that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and public safety while still allowing innovation to move forward.” “What sets Hawaiʻi’s bill apart is that, unlike laws passed in some other states, it does not create broad carveouts for certain AI products or platforms. In many cases, some of the AI tools most widely used by children are exempted from oversight before protections even begin,” said Representative Trish La Chica, Vice Chair of the House Committee on Education. “This bill represents an important first step toward applying meaningful safeguards to AI systems designed to build ongoing relationships with users. Hawaiʻi is joining a growing national movement that sends a clear message: innovation should not come at the expense of the safety and well-being of our children.” Beginning January 1, 2028, operators will also be required to submit annual reports to the Department of Health outlining crisis intervention referral activity and protocols used to address suicidal ideation and harmful interactions. Violations of the measure will be treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under state law and may be enforced by the Department of the Attorney General and the Office of Consumer Protection. SB3001 CD1 now advances to the Governor for consideration.

HONOLULU - State lawmakers today reached agreement in conference committee on Senate Bill 2580, SD2, HD1, CD1, relating to the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit, a measure championed by Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee Chair Lynn DeCoite. The measure strengthens and modernizes Hawaiʻi’s film tax credit program to support local jobs, attract major productions, and ensure the state remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global entertainment industry. “Film and television production today is not just a creative industry—it’s a globally competitive, mobile economic sector,” said Senator DeCoite (Senate District 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe and Molokini). “With over 90 countries and many states offering aggressive incentives, we are in an incentives and infrastructure arms race, and Hawaiʻi cannot afford to fall behind. This measure is a necessary recalibration to that reality.” The conference agreement includes a 5-percent incentive boost for productions that hire at least 80-percent local workers, increasing the credit to 27-percent on Oʻahu and 32-percent in neighbor island counties. The change is intended to drive local hiring, increase paychecks for Hawaiʻi residents, and strengthen the state’s workforce. The bill also introduces new accountability measures by requiring taxpayers claiming the credit to submit an independent third-party certification verifying qualified production costs, local hires, and other reporting requirements to the Hawaiʻi State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Additionally, the measure: Raises the per-production cap from $17 million to $20 million and increases the overall annual cap to $60 million, encouraging large-scale productions while maintaining fiscal responsibility; Provides a GET exemption for payroll through loan-out companies, making it easier to employ local crews; Expands eligibility to include certain streaming platform productions, reflecting modern industry trends; and Extends the sunset date of the tax credit program to January 1, 2038, providing long-term certainty for the industry. “This is a jobs bill for our local people,” Senator DeCoite added. “Incentives are the entry point—once productions choose Hawaiʻi, our infrastructure, workforce, and small businesses can grow alongside them.” During conference committee, Senator DeCoite expressed her appreciation to Governor Josh Green, House and Senate leadership, the conference committee members, the respective money committee chairs, House Majority Leader Rep. Sean Quinlan, and Director James Tokioka and the team at the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism for their collaboration and hard work in advancing the measure. Senate Bill 2580, SD2, HD1, CD1, now advances to final readings in both chambers before being sent to the Governor for his signature. ###

HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi State Senate and House of Representatives today approved House Bill No. 1800 CD1, the state’s supplemental budget bill for fiscal biennium 2025-2027. The measure was finalized in a joint conference committee after both chambers initially passed different versions. The bill will now be up for final reading in both chambers before heading to the Governor's desk for his signature. The appropriations are as follows: General Fund Fiscal Year 2026: $10.42 billion Fiscal Year 2027: $10.63 billion All Means of Financing Fiscal Year 2026: $19.77 billion Fiscal Year 2027: $20.31 billion “We are proud to pass a budget that puts Hawaiʻi’s working families front and center,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (Senate District 17 - Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village). “This budget uses cost-saving measures to help keep our promise to address the high cost of living and deliver meaningful tax reform to Hawaii's citizens, especially our working- and middle-class families. At the same time, we are strengthening the State's resilience through responsible long-term investments that promote regional economic development and environmental stewardship. Mahalo to my legislative colleagues, Governor Green and his administration for working together to protect these tax cuts and ensure every community can move forward.” “The CIP budget reflects our commitment to protecting health and safety, preserving and modernizing state facilities, and investing in the critical infrastructure and public assets our communities rely on. These investments also support affordable housing, strengthen education, and advance economic development that will help sustain thriving communities across Hawai‘i,” stated Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (Senate District 12 - Waikīkī, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, McCully). “This budget reflects the House’s continued collaboration with the Administration and the Senate to take a balanced, responsible approach to preserving core government services and strengthening our safety net for Hawaiʻi’s residents—especially those who rely on these services as a lifeline,” said Representative Chris Todd, Chair of the House Committee on Finance (House District 3 – portions of Hilo, Keaukaha, Orchidlands Estate, Ainaloa, Hawaiian Acres, Fern Acres, and parts of Kurtistown and Kea‘au). “It prioritizes critical needs across housing, agriculture, natural resources, transportation, public safety, and economic development, setting a strong foundation as we respond to federal funding cuts that have impacted Hawaiʻi and required the state to urgently step up to support our residents.” Representative Lisa Kitagawa, Capital Improvements Projects Manager of the House Committee on Finance (House District 48 - Kāne‘ohe, ‘Āhuimanu, Kahalu‘u, Waiāhole, Ka‘a‘awa) stated, “The Legislature made significant investments in projects across the state, advancing priorities such as affordable housing, public safety, and education. By strengthening school facilities and funding education for preschool through college, we are supporting the next generation and ensuring Hawaiʻi is better prepared to withstand future challenges.” Click Here for HB 1800 CD1 Operating and CIP Highlights Click here to view photos from the Budget Conference Committee A PDF version of the news release can be found here.

HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi State Senate today confirmed the appointment of Vladimir P. Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court for a term to expire in ten years. Justice Devens, who has served as an Associate Justice on the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court since January 12, 2024, brings more than three decades of legal experience to the role. Prior to his appointment to the high court, he spent over 30 years in private practice, focusing on civil litigation across a wide range of legal areas. The Senate Committee on Judiciary reviewed Justice Devens’ qualifications, experience, and testimony submitted in support and opposition to his nomination. The Committee received broad support from government agencies, labor organizations, legal associations, and community members. The Hawaiʻi State Bar Association also found Justice Devens to be qualified based on established criteria, including integrity, legal ability, and professional experience. In its report, the Committee noted Justice Devens’ extensive legal background, commitment to public service, and active involvement in judiciary-related initiatives, including access to justice efforts and emerging issues such as artificial intelligence in the courts. “Justice Devens has demonstrated the legal expertise, dedication, and temperament necessary to serve as Chief Justice,” said Senate Judiciary Vice-Chair Mike Gabbard. “His experience on the bench and throughout his legal career will help guide Hawaiʻi’s judiciary with fairness, stability and a commitment to the rule of law.” During his tenure as Associate Justice, Devens has contributed to numerous court opinions and has served on several key committees, including as Co-Chair of the Committee on Artificial Intelligence and the Courts. His prior service also includes leadership roles within the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association and extensive community involvement, including mentoring youth. Justice Devens’ appointment ensures continuity in leadership for the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary as the court continues its work serving the people of Hawaiʻi.

HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi State Legislature reached an agreement on Senate Bill 3125, SD1, HD1, on Wednesday evening, April 28, 2026, ensuring that previously enacted income tax relief will remain in place for working families across the state. The final version of SB3125 SD1, HD1, CD 1 maintains the income tax cuts passed in 2024 for joint filers earning under $350,000, heads of household under $262,500, and single filers under $175,000, preserving critical financial relief for our working and middle-income households. The agreement also does not include the proposed additional 1% increase on the top three income tax brackets, helping protect many local small business owners who file as individuals and supporting Hawaiʻi’s broader economy. Federal funding cuts have created economic uncertainty, resulting in lower general fund tax revenues for the state. Lawmakers worked through conference committee negotiations to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the measure. Throughout the process, the Senate remained committed to preserving income tax relief for 90% of our local families. From day one, Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Donovan M. Dela Cruz emphasized the importance of preserving the full tax relief package. “Affordability for local families remains a top priority for the Senate. Despite federal funding cuts affecting our budget, we are standing by our commitment to the people by preserving and continuing the promised tax relief,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (Senate District – 17, portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village). “Preserving this tax relief means keeping our promise to Hawaiʻi’s working families. At a time when the cost of living continues to challenge so many households, maintaining these income tax cuts will help families keep more of what they earn and provide greater financial stability. I appreciate the collaboration that made this agreement possible while protecting essential services for our communities,” said Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (Senate District – 12, Waikīkī, Ala Moana, Kakaʻako, McCully). “Families in my district and across Hawaiʻi are feeling the pressure of higher everyday costs, from groceries to housing. Preserving this tax relief is the right decision because it puts money back into the pockets of local residents who need it most. This agreement reflects our commitment to supporting working families while maintaining a responsible path forward for the State,” said Senator Kurt Fevella (Senate District – 20, ʻEwa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ʻEwa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of ʻEwa Villages). The agreement reached late this evening reflects a shared commitment to protecting local families from rising costs and ensuring the tax relief package delivers its original intent. The agreement provides the State with a strong financial base. HB1800, the State budget bill, will still need to be discussed to ensure that the State has the funding necessary to provide core services to our residents. ###

HONOLULU - The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, chaired by Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, today advanced the Governor’s appointment of Jon S. Itomura to serve as Chair of the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission (PUC). “Jon brings decades of experience in utility regulation and consumer advocacy, and a deep understanding of how decisions at the Commission impact working families across Hawaiʻi,” said Senator Keohokalole. “At a time when affordability, reliability, and our clean energy transition are critical priorities, his leadership will be essential to ensuring balanced, transparent, and forward-looking decision-making.” During today’s hearing, Itomura outlined his vision for the Commission, emphasizing a proactive approach focused on advancing the state’s clean energy goals while maintaining affordability and reliability. “I’ll prioritize state energy goals on a path to 100% clean energy in 2045, in addition to processing all utility PUC dockets in a timely manner with an emphasis on affordability.” Itomura brings more than 25 years of public service experience, including roles as Supervising Attorney for the State Division of Consumer Advocacy, General Counsel for the State Campaign Spending Commission, and Deputy Attorney General, along with nonprofit leadership as Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi United Okinawa Association. Testimony submitted to the committee highlighted Itomura’s professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the public interest, as well as his ability to thoughtfully balance complex issues affecting residents, businesses, and communities statewide. The Public Utilities Commission plays a critical role in regulating essential services that impact every resident of Hawaiʻi, including energy, telecommunications, private water and wastewater, water carriers and motor carriers. A graduate of St. Louis High School, Itomura earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Puget Sound School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado. The committee’s decision advances the nomination for consideration by the full Senate.

HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi State Senate will honor the life and service of former Congresswoman and Senate President Colleen Wakako Hanabusa on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Senate Chamber at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. Born on May 4, 1951, Hanabusa dedicated decades of service to the people of Hawaiʻi. She represented Hawaiʻi’s First Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives for three terms and served 12 years in the Hawaiʻi State Senate representing her hometown of Waiʻanae on Oʻahu’s westside. In 2007, she became the first woman to serve as Senate President and the first woman to lead either chamber of Hawaiʻi’s Legislature. Hanabusa passed away on March 6, 2026. A graduate of St. Andrew’s Priory School, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and the William S. Richardson School of Law, she is survived by her husband John Souza and her two beloved Australian Shepards Frannie and Pupper. The public is invited to attend this remembrance at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, Senate Chamber. Doors will open at 9:45 a.m., with the program beginning at 10:00 a.m. Public seating will be available in the Senate Chamber gallery. WHAT: Remembrance for former Congresswoman and Senate President Colleen Hanabusa WHEN: Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM WHERE: Hawaiʻi State Capitol, Senate Chamber 415 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96813 Please be advised that all attendees will be required to pass through security screening prior to accessing the Senate Chamber. This includes passing through a metal detector and security screening of any bags. Please bring a valid picture ID. Due to very limited public parking at the Capitol, utilizing taxi, rideshare services or being dropped off on Beretania Street, fronting the Saint Damien statue is strongly encouraged. There are several public parking options available at nearby municipal parking structures, which include the Honolulu Civic Center, Iolani Palace, Aliʻi Place, Chinatown Gateway, or Smith-Beretania lots. ###

HONOLULU -The Hawaiʻi State Senate confirmed the appointments of Judge Michael K. Soong to the Circuit Court of the Fifth Circuit (Island of Kauaʻi) and Judge Annalisa M. Bernard Lee to the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit (Island of Maui) on Friday, April 24, 2026, following the recommendations of the Senate Committee Judiciary Chair Karl Rhoads. “After full consideration of their backgrounds, experience, and qualifications, the Committee found both appointees to be qualified to serve,” said Senator Karl Rhoads, Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. “They each possess the legal expertise, integrity, and dedication necessary to fully and faithfully discharge the duties of judicial office.” Judge Michael K. Soong currently serves as a District Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit and Deputy Chief Judge. He has also served as a temporary Circuit Court judge since October 2025. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Soong practiced law privately, focusing on criminal law and personal injury litigation, and dedicated years to public service as Kauaʻi’s elected Prosecuting Attorney, as well as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and Deputy Public Defender. “Testimony highlighted Judge Soong’s leadership, strong work ethic, and keen understanding of the law,” Rhoads added. “He has demonstrated the ability to relate to people from all walks of life and a commitment to reaching fair outcomes in every case.” Judge Annalisa M. Bernard Lee currently serves as a District Court Judge for the Second Circuit on Maui. Her legal career has been rooted in public service, including her work as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Maui County and a Deputy Public Defender on both Oʻahu and Maui. She is also actively engaged in efforts to improve the judicial system through her service on various committees and commissions. “Judge Bernard Lee is widely recognized for her fairness, professionalism, and dedication to the pursuit of justice,” said Rhoads. “She brings a thoughtful, compassionate approach to the bench and has consistently demonstrated the preparedness and integrity required of a Circuit Court judge.” Both appointees met the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association’s standards for judicial service, demonstrating the integrity, legal ability, experience, and temperament essential to the bench. Their confirmation reflects the Senate’s commitment to ensuring a strong, impartial judiciary that serves the people of Hawaiʻi with integrity and confidence. ###