HILO, HAWAIʻI - Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaʻikou, Pepeʻekeo) is proud to announce that $450,000 in Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Grant-in-Aid funds have been released by Governor Josh Green to support improvements at the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Youth Resource Center in Hilo.   The funding will support construction, improvements, and maintenance of the youth resource center, helping ensure a safe and supportive space for keiki and families in East Hawaiʻi.   “I thank Governor Green and his administration for releasing these funds to support our youth and strengthen an important community resource,” said Senator Inouye.   The project reflects the state’s continued commitment to investing in community infrastructure and building a stronger, more sustainable future for Hawaiʻi Island. ###

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – The Hawai’i Senate Majority today announced its 2026 legislative priorities in advance of the Hawai’i State Legislature’s Opening Day on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.   "As Hawai’i continues to face rising costs and economic uncertainty, the Hawai’i Senate Majority is advancing a legislative agenda centered on affordability, resilience, and equity,” said Senate Majority Leader Dru Mamo Kanuha (District 3 - Kona, Ka’u, and Volcano). “These priorities reflect our responsibility to protect essential services, support working families, and ensure a sustainable future for our State.”   The Hawai’i Senate Majority has identified the following priorities as areas of focus for this year:   Housing and Affordability Housing and affordability remain a key priority for the Senate. The Senate remains committed to addressing the state’s housing crisis by advancing proposals that expand the supply of affordable housing through streamlined development processes. These efforts include providing financial subsidies, tax credits, and general excise tax (GET) exemptions, as well as supporting workforce housing, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL), and homeownership programs.   The Senate will pursue measures to make homeownership assistance programs more accessible and attractive to prospective buyers, while strengthening the authority and resources of the Hawai’i Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) and the Hawai’i Public Housing Authority (HPHA), including support for staff recruitment and retention. These efforts will be complemented by initiatives to convert underutilized commercial properties into housing, modernize the landlord-tenant code, strengthen housing finance tools, and establish fast-revolving funds to accelerate housing production statewide.   Additionally, the Senate will focus on providing financial relief to residents from rising property insurance and maintenance costs affecting high-rise condominium owners.  The Senate will also work to establish intergovernmental state-county coordination of housing incentives and reports regarding available housing for Hawai’i’s local workforce.   Workforce Development and Economic Diversification The Senate will prioritize investments in workforce development initiatives that strengthen education-to-career pathways and align training with current and emerging workforce needs. These efforts include supporting education and industry partnerships, expanding career and technical education (CTE) pathways, and advancing teacher recruitment and retention programs to ensure a strong and sustainable talent pipeline across sectors.   The Senate will also consider policies that support economic diversification, including Enterprise Zone expansion, advanced manufacturing, and technology-driven industries. The Senate will also prioritize regional economic development initiatives and small business procurement programs to foster local entrepreneurship, expand economic opportunities, and create jobs statewide.     Health Care and Public Safety The Senate will examine policies to safeguard health care and public safety services, including mitigating the impacts of federal funding reductions to programs such as Med-QUEST and emergency management funding through Federal Emergency Management Agency and Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency. The Senate will prioritize supporting provider recruitment and retention efforts, exploring a medical residency program on Maui, and expanding telemedicine services in rural areas. The Senate will also support the development of a health care technology enterprise program to attract research funding and innovation.   In addition, the Senate will address shortages in law enforcement and first responder personnel through recruitment, retention, and streamlined hiring processes, invest in public safety infrastructure and emergency response capabilities, and consider measures to address serious firearm-related offenses.     Education and Higher Education The Senate remains committed to increased funding for K–12 and higher education to improve academic achievement and provide continued support for early learning opportunities. The Senate will support policies to provide optimal learning environments, ensure access to nutritious school meals through expansion of the Hawai’i Farm to School Initiative, and maintain school facilities to reduce deferred maintenance and improve campus safety and functionality. The Senate will also work to mitigate the impacts of federal funding reductions affecting early education, K–12, higher education, and special education programs.   To enhance student engagement and workforce readiness, the Senate will support curriculum and partnerships with local businesses and community organizations that connect education to real-world career opportunities. The Senate will also advance initiatives to strengthen teacher pathways beginning in middle and high school, and support teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development. In higher education, the Senate will consider policies related to name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities for University of Hawai’i (UH) student-athletes, explore ways to improve student housing, and evaluate potential reforms to the structure and governance of the UH system.     Food Security, Agriculture and Environment  The Senate will prioritize strengthening food security by supporting farm-to-table programs, maintaining access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and providing continued support for food banks statewide. The Senate will also advance measures to enhance biosecurity, improve agricultural infrastructure, and strengthen transportation systems that support local food production and distribution.   To support Hawai’i’s agricultural sector and increase local food production, the Senate will promote workforce recruitment initiatives for young farmers and support policies that strengthen agricultural viability and sustainability. The Senate will also support policies that advance circular economy practices and promote healthy soil initiatives.   In addition, the Senate will explore measures to promote climate resilience and adaptation, including sea-level rise mitigation and nature-based coastal solutions. It will also consider reforms to the functions and structure of the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) and will incentivize increased redemption of the HI-5 program to strengthen recycling efforts and reduce waste.     Infrastructure, Transportation, and Community Support The Senate remains committed to improving the state’s transportation systems, including highways, airports, and airline connectivity, to support economic activity, mobility, and public safety. It will also prioritize increasing transportation support for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households to improve access to jobs, education, and essential services.  In addition, the Senate will support transit-oriented development initiatives aimed at reducing transportation costs and improving traffic safety.   The Senate will also continue to prioritize social services and community support by expanding outreach and housing assistance for vulnerable populations, including houseless individuals, kūpuna, and those living with mental illness.  These efforts will leverage federal resources, such as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) surplus, and foster collaborative partnerships among government agencies, nonprofits, foundations, and ʻohana groups to develop neighborhood-level support systems for houseless residents, those near financial breakpoint, at risk from severe weather, or with limited mobility.   Government Reform and Operations The Senate will continue exploring ways to improve transparency and efficiency in government operations, including insurance regulation, state hiring, energy governance, and oversight of agricultural and aquaculture programs.  It will also review the roles and responsibilities of agencies involved in Mauna Kea stewardship and resource enforcement, seeking clarity and coordination in management.    Additionally, the Senate will consider policies related to naming rights for state facilities, evaluating approaches that balance public benefit, operational needs, and potential partnerships with private or nonprofit entities.   "The Hawai’i Senate Majority’s legislative priorities for 2026 reflect a collective vision grounded in affordability, opportunity, shared responsibility, and trust in our democratic process,” said Senate Majority Leader Kanuha. “We encourage people across Hawai’i to take part in the legislative process and help guide the work ahead.”

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI - Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi, Niʻihau) today issued the following statement regarding the petition relating to the alleged $35,000 campaign funds: “Based upon the January 7, 2026 press release issued by Attorney General Anne Lopez, who stated that the State of Hawaiʻi will not initiate any investigation regarding the alleged $35,000 campaign contribution while the matter is still within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Justice and that “any parallel state investigation into this matter conducted by any state governmental entity does not serve the interests of justice until the federal investigation has concluded,” the Hawaiʻi State Senate will await notice from the Department of the Attorney General with regard to its review of the federal investigation and its pending course of action. Additionally, all current sitting Senators have been asked as to whether they received the alleged funds and/or if they know any legislator who received the alleged funds. All majority Senate members have stated that they did not receive the alleged funds and do not know any legislator who received the alleged funds. None of the minority members responded to my inquiry.” ###

HONOLULU  – The Hawaiʻi State Legislature today announced that the Grant-In-Aid (GIA) process for the 2026 Legislative Session is now open, and eligible organizations are asked to submit their applications to the Legislature.   "Local nonprofits provide critical safety net programs in our communities and the grants-in-aid process provides an opportunity to help meet the needs of our vulnerable populations," 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 Grant-In-Aid process reflects the Legislature’s commitment to supporting our community partners who lead publicly funded programs for public benefit. These organizations provide services that Hawaiʻi’s families and residents rely on, and this critical funding helps them sustain and expand their impact," said House Committee on Finance Chair Chris Todd  (House District 3, Portion of Hilo, Keaukaha, Orchidlands Estate, ʻ Āinaloa, Hawaiian Acres, Fern Acres, portions of Kurtistown and Kea‘au).   The Legislature will continue to accept GIA applications until Friday, January 23, 2026, 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, HAWAI‘I  – The Senate Committee on Ways and Means (WAM) released its budget informational briefings schedule for the upcoming 2026 legislative session.    The purpose of these briefings is to ensure that public dollars are being spent responsibly and on priorities that meet the needs of Hawaii’s residents prior to the start of the 2026 legislative session.     “These budget briefings are about making sure that legislators, and the public, understand the state's financial outlook,” said  Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz  (Senate District 17 – Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Families feel the economic uncertainty, and the State has to be just as careful with its finances. These discussions will help us better utilize resources, protect the services people rely on, and explore revenue generating opportunities to build a more resilient Hawaii.”    A full schedule of the informational briefings can be viewed here:  https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAM_2026_SUMMARY_INFO_.HTM      For more information or questions regarding the schedule, please contact the WAM Committee at 808-586-6800.

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate announced its new leadership and committee assignments ahead of the Thirty-Third Legislature that opens on January 21, 2026.    In releasing the Senate Leadership and Committee Assignments for the upcoming 2026 Legislative Session, Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 - Kaua'i, Ni'ihau)  stated, “Due to Senator Aquino’s retirement, the Senate has realigned chairs and committee assignments for Senate members for the upcoming 2026 Legislative Session.  Additionally, with current and impending federal budgetary cuts to the Department of Education and the University of Hawaii, the Senate has returned to combining the higher education and education committees to allow the Senate to address educational shortfalls across the educational spectrum, in the same manner that the Senate has done with its health and human services committees.”   Leadership and committee assignments of the 15 standing committees are as follows:   Leadership: President:                                                      Ronald D. Kouchi Vice President:                                              Michelle N. Kidani Majority Leader:                                            Dru Mamo Kanuha Majority Floor Leader:                                   Glenn Wakai Majority Assistant Leader:                             Lynn DeCoite Majority Policy Leader:                                  Les Ihara, Jr. Majority Whip:                                                Lorraine R. Inouye Assistant Majority Whip:                                Troy N. Hashimoto Assistant Majority Whip:                                Jarrett Keohokalole Assistant Majority Whip:                                Chris Lee Assistant Majority Whip:                                Herbert M. “Tim” Richards, III Minority Leader:                                             Brenton Awa Minority Floor Leader:                                    Samantha DeCorte Assistant Minority Floor Leader:                    Kurt Fevella   Committee Assignments: Agriculture and Environment (AEN) Gabbard, Mike (Chair) Richards, III, Herbert M. “Tim” (Vice Chair) DeCoite, Lynn Rhoads, Karl Awa, Brenton   Commerce and Consumer Protection (CPN) Keohokalole, Jarrett (Chair) Fukunaga, Carol (Vice Chair) Lamosao, Rachele McKelvey, Angus L.K. Awa, Brenton   Economic Development and Tourism (EDT) DeCoite, Lynn (Chair) Wakai, Glenn (Vice Chair) Fukunaga, Carol Kim, Donna Mercado Fevella, Kurt   Education (EDU) Kim, Donna Mercado (Chair) Kidani, Michelle N. (Vice Chair) Fukunaga, Carol Hashimoto, Troy N. DeCorte, Samantha   Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs (EIG) Wakai, Glenn (Chair) Chang, Stanley (Vice Chair) DeCoite, Lynn Richards, III, Herbert M. “Tim” Fevella, Kurt   Government Operations (GVO) McKelvey, Angus L.K. (Chair) Gabbard, Mike (Vice Chair) Hashimoto, Troy N. Moriwaki, Sharon Y. Awa, Brenton   Hawaiian Affairs (HWN) Richards, III, Herbert M. “Tim” (Chair) Lamosao, Rachele (Vice Chair) Ihara, Jr., Les Keohokalole, Jarrett DeCorte, Samantha   Health and Human Services (HHS) San Buenaventura, Joy A. (Chair) Keohokalole, Jarrett (Vice Chair) Kanuha, Dru Mamo Lamosao, Rachele Fevella, Kurt   Housing (HOU) Chang, Stanley (Chair) Hashimoto, Troy N. (Vice Chair) Elefante, Brandon J.C. Rhoads, Karl Fevella, Kurt   Judiciary (JDC) Rhoads, Karl (Chair) Gabbard, Mike (Vice Chair) Chang, Stanley San Buenaventura, Joy A. Awa, Brenton   Labor and Technology (LBT) Elefante, Brandon J.C. (Chair) Lamosao, Rachele (Vice Chair) Ihara, Jr., Les Moriwaki, Sharon Y. Fevella, Kurt   Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM) Fukunaga, Carol (Chair) Lee, Chris (Vice Chair) Hashimoto, Troy N. Inouye, Lorraine R. DeCorte, Samantha   Transportation (TRS) Inouye, Lorraine R. (Chair) Elefante, Brandon J.C. (Vice Chair) Kanuha, Dru Mamo Lee, Chris DeCorte, Samantha   Water, Land, Culture and the Arts (WLA) Lee, Chris (Chair) Inouye, Lorraine R. (Vice Chair) Chang, Stanley McKelvey, Angus L.K. DeCorte, Samantha   Ways and Means (WAM) Dela Cruz, Donovan M. (Chair) Moriwaki, Sharon Y. (Vice Chair) DeCoite, Lynn Elefante, Brandon J.C. Hashimoto, Troy N. Inouye, Lorraine R. Kanuha, Dru Mamo Kidani, Michelle N. Kim, Donna Mercado Lee, Chris Richards, III, Herbert M. “Tim” Wakai, Glenn Fevella, Kurt

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  – Legislators shared statements following the December 3, 2025, announcement of a public-private partnership to expand healthcare access on Hawai‘i Island. The initiative, unveiled by Governor Josh Green, The Queen’s Health Systems, and the West Hawaiʻi Region of the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, is expected to strengthen services and improve care for communities across the island.   “This partnership is a long-awaited step forward for West Hawaiʻi, and one that I and so many others in the community have worked towards for years. These investments will expand access to essential services, support healthier families, and create new jobs,” said Representative Nicole E. Lowen  (House District 7 - Kailua-Kona, Honokōhau, Kalaoa, Pu‘uanahulu, Puakō, portion of Waikoloa).   “This partnership between The Queen’s Health Systems and our public hospital system is a great first step toward delivering the accessible health care that our growing West Hawaiʻi community desperately needs. Mahalo to all those who have brought this effort to this point. We look forward to a healthy discussion of the funding needs in the next Legislative session,” said Senate Majority Leader Dru Mamo Kanuha  (Senate District 3 - Kona, Ka‘ū, Volcano).   “The caring legacy of Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV has endured for generations through the Queen’s Health Systems. This partnership will extend that legacy to Kona, where expanding access to health care is an all-hands effort. In the coming Legislative session, we will be advocating for the resources needed to get these facilities open and serving our community,” said House Majority Caucus Leader Kirstin Kahaloa  (House District 6 - Hōnaunau, Nāpo‘opo‘o Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Hōlualoa, Kailua-Kona).

KĀNEʻOHE, OʻAHU – In a significant step forward for Hawaiʻi’s land conservation, Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR-DOFAW) announced the transfer of over 900 acres of land from private ownership to the State of Hawaii DLNR-DOFAW for permanent protection and management of Kāneʻohe Pali. With the support of community members and Native Hawaiian nonprofits we are able to preserve the well-being, ecological integrity, and cultural heritage of the Kāneʻohe Pali. The Kāneʻohe Pali serves as a vital habitat for 31 native plants and animals and holds profound cultural significance through hundreds of cultural sites and landmarks. It is home to one of Oʻahu’s most important watersheds that provides 60 percent of the islands drinking water and supplies 1.05 million gallons every day to the Honolulu Board of Water Supply. The Pali also houses abundant springs and 11 streams that sustain the diverse ecosystem. "This is a huge win for the people of the windward side,” exclaimed Chair of the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee Senator Jarrett Keohokalole  (Senate District 24 - Kāne‘ohe, Kailua). “Every Ko'olau resident has traversed these precious mauka lands, and our community is now assured that they will be protected for our grandchildren and beyond." “This is a big win for preserving the critical areas that make our community the special place it is, protecting natural habitat and species, and will be forever held in the public trust for the benefit of future generations,” said Chair of the Transportation and Culture of the Arts Committee Senator Chris Lee (Senate District 25 - Kailua, Waimānalo, Hawai‘i Kai). The acquisition was achieved in partnership between TPL, the state of Hawai‘i, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Funding for the acquisition included the State of Hawaii Legacy Land Conservation Program, from the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program, and the USDA Forest Legacy Program. The property will be owned by DLNR-DOFAW and managed alongside local nonprofits and the Kāneʻohe community to continue restoration and long-term stewardship of the area. About State of Hawaii’s Legacy Land Conservation Program   The State of Hawai‘i dedicates a portion of its annual revenue from real estate conveyance taxes to the Land Conservation Fund. Each year the State Legislature provides the Legacy Land Conservation Program with some of the money held in the Fund. Then the Legacy Land Conservation Program distributes grants to community organizations and government agencies that strive to purchase and protect land that shelters exceptional, unique, threatened, and endangered resources. To learn more, visit dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/llcp/ . About Trust for Public Land   A national nonprofit that works with communities to create parks and protect land. Established in 1972, they have protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,504 parks and outdoor places, and raised $111 billion in funding for parks and public lands. To learn more, visit tpl.org .   About USDA Forest Legacy Program   A conservation program administered by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with State agencies to encourage the protection of privately owned forest lands through conservation easements or land purchases. To learn more, visit fs.usda.gov/managing-land/private-land/forest-legacy .   About DOD Readiness Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI)   This program, established in 2002, preserves military missions by supporting cost-sharing agreements between the Military Services, other agencies, state and local governments, and private organizations to avoid land use conflicts near military installations, address environmental restrictions that limit military activites, and increase military installation resilience. To learn more, visit repi.mil .

HONOLULU  – This upcoming Monday afternoon, December 8, the Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Judiciary, chaired by Senator Karl Rhoads (Senate District 13 – Dowsett Highlands, Puʻunui, Nuʻuanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown) will hold an informational briefing to hear about the impact and legality of new federal immigration enforcements efforts as they relate to Hawaiʻi.  This will be the final briefing in a six-part series of informational briefings on the rule of law in relation to the recent actions of the Trump Administration and how its decisions are impacting Hawaiʻi.    Among other issues, the briefing will explore enforcement actions that are occurring in the State, the disregard of due process requirements and standard court or legal practices, the questioning and detention of individuals who are U.S. citizens or whose legal immigration status is clear, the suppression of free speech and the media, and pressure on state and local law enforcement to collaborate with federal immigration actions.   View the Hearing Notice HERE   “We’ve seen a rise in the use of troubling tactics by federal immigration officials.  Everyone supports deporting criminals who have committed violent crimes.  What is concerning is the harassment of American citizens, legal immigrants and those who have lived in the United States for decades holding legitimate jobs, often doing critical work like harvesting farm products,” said Senator Karl Rhoads. “The Judiciary Committee seeks to gather information on whether these new tactics are consistent with constitutional protections and long-standing legal norms. Our goal is to ensure the rights of Hawaiʻi residents are respected and that none of us have to worry about being abducted by unidentified masked men while going about our daily business.”   AGENDA   1.      Welcome and Introductions (5 minutes)   2.      Overview from Dr. Amy Agbayani , Emeritus Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Diversity at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Co-Chair of Hawai'i Friends of Civil Rights (5 minutes)   3.      Presentations (15 minutes each)   a.   Bettina Mok , Executive Director, The Legal Clinic (TLC)   b.   Pilar Kam and Stephanie Haro Sevilla , Postgraduate Fellows and Immigrant Advocates, Refugee & Immigration Law Clinic (RILC) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law   c.    Liza Ryan Gill , Co-Coordinator, Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights (HICIR)   4.    Closing Remarks  from Dr. Amy Agbayani (10 minutes)   5.    Questions  from the Committee (5 minutes per Member)   WHEN/WHERE   2:00 PM, Monday, December 8, 2025   Conference Room 016 & Videoconference     Hawaiʻi State Capitol   415 South Beretania Street   Honolulu, HI 96813   ACCESSIBILITY: For accommodations, please contact the committee clerk at (808) 587-7211 or email JDCCommittee@capitol.hawaii.gov .  Requests made as early as possible have a greater likelihood of being fulfilled.   Photo ID is required for entry into the State Capitol building. Limited paid public parking is available at the Capitol; entrance is via Miller Street off Punchbowl. Additional public parking is available in Lot V (Vineyard Garage on Punchbowl); Lot G (Kalanimoku Building on Beretania & Punchbowl); and Lot L (Kinau Hale Building on Punchbowl).     This informational briefing is the sixth in a series of informational briefings on the rule of law in relation to the recent actions of the Trump Administration and how its decisions are impacting Hawaiʻi.   Information about past and upcoming briefings can be accessed on the Senate Judiciary Committee webpage HERE

HAWAII ISLAND – The Senate Ways and Means (WAM) Committee visited Hawaii Island from Wednesday, November 5 to Friday, November 7, 2025, to meet with various government agencies and community leaders to discuss and receive updates on Hawaii’s film industry, renewable energy, economic and workforce development pathways, historic preservation programs, biosecurity efforts, and housing.  “During our visit to Hawaiʻi Island, the committee observed firsthand how local agencies and community partners are addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the state,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (District 17 - Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village) , Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Whether it involved strengthening biosecurity measures, advancing environmental protection efforts, or expanding housing and workforce opportunities, the projects we visited demonstrated real progress and a strong commitment to collaboration. These on-the-ground perspectives are invaluable as we continue to shape policies and investments that support the long-term well-being of our communities.”     “Representing Hawaiʻi Island’s rural and agricultural communities, I know how important it is that the state continues investing in the places that sustain our islands,” said Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo), Chair of the Senate Committee on Water and Land. “Our site visits showed how collaboration between agencies, local leaders, and community partners is advancing work in areas like biosecurity, environmental resilience, and infrastructure. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to protecting our resources and strengthening the long-term well-being of Hawaiʻi Island.”    “Communities across Hawaiʻi Island face unique challenges, and it is essential that state investments are both equitable and responsive,” said Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura (District 2 – Puna), Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. “The visits provided valuable insight into the progress being made in housing, environmental protection, and workforce development, as well as where additional support is needed. These on-the-ground perspectives will help inform policies that better serve our families and communities.”  November 2025 Hawaii Island Post-Trip Report    WAM holds neighbor island site visits every two years to utilize information from community stakeholders and government officials to guide collective decision-making on legislation and budget appropriations to bolster regional/statewide planning and implementation efforts.

LĪHUʻE, HAWAI‘I  – A joint House-Senate Certificate was presented to the County of Kaua'i recipient of the inaugural Ka Liko Lawelawe Award, which recognizes an emerging professional from each county who exemplified exceptional promise and professionalism during their public sector internship. “This program creates an inspiring opportunity to see students from the Kauaʻi community step forward with dedication and professionalism,” said Senator Ronald D. Kouchi  (Senate District 8 – Kaua'i, Ni'ihau), Senate President. “Juliet represents the talent and heart found throughout the island, and her commitment to public service strengthens the essential work our departments perform every day. We look forward to seeing how Hele Imua uplifts the best and brightest in Kaua‘i and our state.” The certificate was presented b y Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi and Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Senate District 17 –  Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, to Juliet Madrid. Awarding of the House-Senate Certificate   (L:R DLIR Director Jade T. Butay, Senator Ronald D. Kouchi, Juliet Madrid, Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, DOH Director Kenneth Fink, DOH Deputy Director Kathleen Ho, Dr. Janet Berreman) “I’m honored to receive this recognition and extremely grateful for the mentors who guided me throughout my internship,” said Juliet Madrid . “Serving my community through state government has been a meaningful experience, and I’m excited to continue building my career here on Kaua‘i, helping support the work that keeps our island healthy and thriving.” Under the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Hele Imua internship program, Juliet Madrid successfully completed an internship with the Disability Compensation Division in the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations under the supervision of Aric Fujii and is currently employed as an Office Assistant III at the Kaua‘i District Health Office in the Department of Health under the supervision of Jackie Teves. “We are incredibly proud of Juliet’s growth and the professionalism she brings to the Kaua‘i District Health Office,” said Dr. Janet Berreman , M.D., the Kauaʻi District Health Officer, Director of the Department of Health. “Developing homegrown talent is essential to strengthening public health across our islands, and her journey reflects the impact that high-quality mentorship and hands-on experience can have. We look forward to her continued service to the people of Kaua‘i.” “Juliet’s journey through the Hele Imua internship program is a powerful example of how investing in local talent strengthens our communities and our government,” said Jade T. Butay , Director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. “Her dedication and growth reflect the very mission of Hele Imua—to empower emerging professionals with the tools and mentorship they need to thrive in public service.” View additional photo and video linked here.

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  – Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi and House Speaker Nadine K. Nakamura today released the 2026 Legislative Session calendar, which will convene on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. ###