HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – A bipartisan group of State Senators and House Representatives along with pilots and aviation enthusiasts today gathered at the State Capitol for the first meeting of the newly formed Hawai‘i Aviation Caucus. The Hawai‘i Aviation Caucus was established to foster and promote all forms of aviation, to support legislation that creates jobs, improves transportation between the islands and beyond, and bolsters the aviation business climate in Hawai‘i. “Aviation is vital to our state’s economy and welfare, so it’s only in our best interest that we work together to ensure that we have a thriving aviation industry here in Hawai‘i,” said Sen. Kai Kahele, who co-convenes the Caucus with Rep. Angus McKelvey. “This is just the start of a continuous working group that I hope will further engage those who support aviation and want to see it prosper.” Hawai‘i has a robust aviation history dating back to its first flight in 1910. Since then, Hawai‘i has played a vital role in the development of both commercial and military air travel. Today, with fifteen public use airports in Hawai‘i, the aviation industry produces over 4,100 jobs and $742 million in economic output. ### #Aviation #RonKouchi #KaiKahele #JKALANIENGLISH #StanleyChang

Hāna Highway will be getting much needed improvements that will increase safety and accessibility with $5.8 million in capital improvement project funding released this week by the Governor. The CIP funding for Hāna Highway was included in the 2015-2016 biennium state budget at the request of Senator J. Kalani English (Dist. 7 - Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Kaho‘olawe). The bulk of the funding will be used for rockfall mitigation and slope stabilization of the roadway, which is the only paved all-weather road to the Hāna and Keanae communities. This funding continues the second phase of the project to improve the 32-mile length of highway from Huelo to Hāna that included renovating existing drainage facilities to decrease maintenance costs and provide a safer roadway. “I’m pleased that the funds we worked hard to secure are being released to complete the work on this critically important roadway,” said Sen. English. “The recent storms that caused rockslides, hastened erosion and caused the highway to be closed numerous times highlights the importance of this project. We’ll continue to collaborate with the state Department of Transportation to ensure a permanent, safe fix to Hāna Highway.” # # # #JKALANIENGLISH #hana #maui #SenatorEnglish

The Hawai‘i State Senate today recognized two outstanding librarians for their service to Hawai‘i’s public libraries on the floor of the Senate Chamber. For the past 20 years, the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i has recognized librarians that provide exceptional service to Hawai‘i’s public libraries, while also embodying the qualities of dedication, enthusiasm and excellence in providing library services to the community. Vicky Bowie is the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i’s 2016 Librarian of the Year. Bowie began as a librarian at the McCully-Mō‘ili‘ili Public Library in 2005, before moving to the Ewa Beach Public and School Library. She later became the Children’s Librarian at the Pearl City Public Library and was promoted to branch Manager in 2011. Under her supervision, the Pearl City Public Library expanded its reach in the community by providing numerous programs serving Keiki to Kūpuna. Bowie also coordinated general updates and renovations to the interior and exterior of the library—which has encompassed everything from reroofing the facility, to renovating and reopening the library’s meeting room. Carleen Corpuz is the recipient of the 2016 Excellence in Service Award given by the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i. She began her career at the Hilo Public Library as a Library Assistant in 1980, before becoming the Branch Manager and Librarian at Mountain View Public and School Library. “Mountain View is one of the most economically challenged areas in our State. Services such as our Public Library are especially needed and appreciated,” said Senator Breene Harimoto, in his remarks honoring Corpuz. # # # #FriendsoftheLibrary #CarleenCorpuz #VickyBowie #SenateRecognitions #DonovanDelaCruz #ClarenceNishihara #MikeGabbard #MichelleKidani #MaileShimabukuro #GlennWakai #RussellRuderman #LesIhara #GilRiviere #WilliamEspero #KaiKahele #DonnaMercadoKim #KarlRhoads #RozBaker #StanleyChang #BreeneHarimoto #GilbertKeithAgaran #RonKouchi #LorraineInouye #JKALANIENGLISH #JoshGreen #BrianTaniguchi #BrickwoodGaluteria #LauraThielen #JillTokuda

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Two Hawai‘i State Senators have been selected to serve in leadership roles for the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL), the nation’s oldest non-partisan organization addressing the needs of elected women at the city, county, and state levels of government. Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Dist. 14 - Kapalama, ‘Alewa, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, portions of Halawa and ‘Aiea) was recently appointed to serve on the 2017 Policy Committee for the NFWL. As a member of the Policy Committee, Sen. Kim will contribute to all committee business by developing education policy programs on policy issues, engaging with policy partners, and recommending which areas of policy the Foundation shall focus on. The Committee will focus on shared legislation by encouraging elected women to exchange legislative ideas. This is a new emphasis for NFWL and the Policy Committee will play an integral role in the launch and maintenance of shared legislation. “It’s an honor to be asked to serve on the Policy Committee,” said Sen. Kim, who has been a member of NFWL since 2015. “This year more than ever, there are timely, pressing issues facing our communities. Hawai‘i is not alone in many of these problem areas such as homelessness, the economy, and education. Being on this Committee allows me to collaborate with other women legislators across the country and find creative solutions.” Senator Lorraine Inouye (Dist. 4 - Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona) was recently appointed to serve as the 2017 State Director for the NFWL. “I’m proud to serve as the State Director for this distinguished organization,” said Sen. Inouye. “The greatest rising force in politics is not a political party, but women. I know that there is much that can be accomplished to help our state and our country by working together as elected women.” “We are so honored Senators Kim and Inouye have accepted leadership positions in our foundation,” shared Minnesota State Senator Carrie Ruud, NFWL’s 2017 Chair. “They will play a crucial role in the continued success of NFWL, as we embark on our most exciting year yet.” Sens. Kim and Inouye begin serving in their new positions immediately, and will hold this office through the end of 2017. About the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Inc. (NFWL) Through annual educational and networking events, the National Foundation for Women Legislators supports elected women from all levels of governance. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, NFWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but rather serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience. www.womenlegislators.org # # # #DonnaKim #LorraineInouye

SENATE COMMITTEE PASSES MEDICAL AID IN DYING BILL HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – In the hearing today by the Senate Committee on Commerce Consumer Protection (CPH), SB1129 SD1 was passed with amendments that would establish a medical aid in dying act under which a terminally ill adult resident may obtain a prescription for medication to end the patient’s life. SB1129 SD1 is modeled on the Oregon statute and includes safeguards to protect patients from misuse. These safeguards include confirmation by two providers (physicians and APRN’s) of the patient’s diagnosis, prognosis, mental competence, and voluntariness of the request; multiple requests by the patient: an oral request followed by a signed written request that is witnessed by two people, one of whom must be unrelated to the patient, and a subsequent oral restatement of the request; and two waiting periods between the requests and the writing of the prescription. At all times the patient retains the right to rescind the request and is under no obligation to fill the prescription or ingest the medication. Amendments include authorizing APRN as a consulting provider and allowing state identification cards as an acceptable document to prove residency in the State of Hawai‘i. More than 300 people had signed up to testify on the bill, many which were emotional and thought-provoking both in support and in opposition of the measure. “This measure is simply one that gives people a choice in end of life care,” said CPH Chair Sen. Rosalyn Baker (Dist. 6 - South and West Maui), “We have wonderful laws on the books with regards to palliative care and setting out their wishes for treatment, resuscitation and the like in an advance healthcare directive. But I think people want that ultimate choice if they have a debilitating, terminal illness and would like to have some control over their last days of life. This is what SB1129 allows them to do.” SB1129 SD1 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor (JDL). # # #

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – SB591 which would allow the issuance of general obligation bonds for the construction and infrastructure development for affordable housing units is scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 2:55 p.m. in conference room 225 with the joint Senate Committee on Transportation and Energy (TRE) and Housing (HOU). The bill proposes providing funding resources to state housing agencies and the developers and non-profits that they work with to address the shortage of affordable housing across the state. It also provides a financial mechanism to build affordable rental units as well as temporary transitional housing or homeless shelters. “We need housing for our working class families and our residents who are low income,” said HOU Chair, Sen. Will Espero (Dist. 19 - ‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of ‘Ewa Villages), who authored the bill. “We need to take care of their needs and this bill will allow them a chance to afford a place to live, sooner rather than later.” To view all bills in the 2017 Legislative Session and the hearing schedule, visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov. # # #

The Hawai 'i State Senate is honored to formally recognize Lieutenant General (Retired) Daniel P. Leaf for his service as the Director of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS). Director Leaf is also distinguished for his contributions to enhance security cooperation among government and non-government professionals during a critical period of national rebalance to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. During his tenure as the Director, he brilliantly led the DKI APCSS through an unprecedented expansion in the influence of the Center in Indo-Asia-Pacific security. Acting in support of the Office of Secretary of Defense and United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) strategic objectives, he elevated DKI APCSS to become the premier institution for development of new ideas and relationships affecting regional security. Under his direction, DKI APCSS became the forum of choice for focused strategic communications via unique education, capacity building workshops, and policy relevant research. His tremendous leadership, innovation and unbridled energy has been responsible for the Center's position in the forefront of responsive regional engagement. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Leaf became the Director for DKI APCSS in January 2012. Prior to APCSS, he worked in the defense industry as vice president of full spectrum initiatives at Northrop Grumman Information Systems. Formerly the Deputy Commander of U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), he retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2008 after more than 33 years of service. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Leaf was a command pilot with more than 3,600 flight hours, including F-15 and F-16 combat missions Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Leaf holds a master's degree in military art and science from the Command and General Staff College. He also earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison The Senate of the Twenty-Ninth Legislature of the State of Hawai 'i hereby recognizes Lieutenant General (Retired) Daniel P. Leaf for his dedication to furthering positive relationships between nations and expresses its appreciation and aloha for his service to the people of the State of Hawai 'i. #DanielLeaf #HawaiiSenate

WHO: Sen. Stanley Chang, other state and city government officials WHAT: Community Town Hall Meeting WHEN: Monday, February 6, 2017 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. WHERE: John H. Wilson Elementary School 4945 Kilauea Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816 After hearing from multiple constituents concerning the 24-inch water main break along Kalanianaole Highway on January 21, 2017, Senator Stanley Chang (Dist. 9- Hawai‘i Kai, Kuli‘ou‘ou, Niu, ‘Aina Haina, Wai‘alae-Kahala, Diamond Head) will be holding a community town hall meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 6, 2017 at Wilson Elementary School to discuss the severity of the water main break, the resulting traffic congestion, and possible solutions to mitigate traffic through interdepartmental coordination in preparation for future emergencies. Representatives from the following agencies will provide presentations: Honolulu Board of Water Supply Honolulu Police Department City Department of Transportation Services State Department of Transportation City Department of Facility Maintenance # # #

Members of the Hawaii State Senate today honored Mele Spencer of Hilo on the floor of the Senate chamber. Spencer was recently elected to a two-year term as Governor of Zonta International, presiding over District 9, which covers the states of Hawai‘i, California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Spencer is only the second District 9 Governor from Hawai‘i in Zonta’s history. Spencer currently owns and operates J&M Farms with her husband and is involved in a number of community organizations including the Hawai‘i County Committee on the Status of Women, the American Heart Association, the Hawai‘i Island Adult Care Group, the Hui Mana Group, and the Keaukaha-Panaewa Farmers Association. Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. The first Zonta Club in Hawai‘i was chartered in 1924, followed shortly by the Zonta Club of Hilo. District 9 represents approximately 500 members of 25 clubs within the district. Photo (L-R): Tonya Ozone, Pres. Zonta Club of Hilo, Nani Mahoe, sister of Mele Spencer, Lynn Masumoto, Leilehua Club member, Maile Lu‘uwai, Hilo Zonta member, Mele Spencer, Linda Weiland, current Area 1 Dir., Dee Sawyer, Pres. of the Leilehua Club, Barbara Hastings, former Zonta Pres. and former Area 1 Dir. #MeleSpencer #Hilo #ZontaInternational #LorraineInouye #HawaiiSenate

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The Hawai‘i State Senate this week will begin posting the hearing notices for two standing committees in both the English and Hawaiian language as part of the Senate’s continuing initiative recognizing the state’s official languages. The Senate Committee on Water and Land (WTL), chaired by Senator Karl Rhoads (Dist.13 - Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Palama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown) and the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs (HWN), chaired by Senator Maile Shimabukuro (Dist. 21 - Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, Ko ‘Olina, Nanakuli, Ma‘ili, Wai‘anae, Makaha, Makua) are the piloting the initiative to have the hearing notices posted in both languages. “Through our legislative materials, this project reflects the responsibility and role of the Senate in showing respect for our host culture,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi. “It makes sense these two important committees would be the first to expand on our Hawaiian language initiative.” The Senate Order of the Day has been posted in dual languages along with the usage of Hawaiian diacritical markings in its public records since the Senate initiative on Hawaiian language was instituted in 2015. “Government operations were conducted in the Hawaiian language up to the 1920’s so we have an entire lexicon that is the basis for all of our laws today,” said Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English. “This initiative proudly reflects the language revitalization in Hawai‘i.” To view all current committee hearing notices in the 2017 Legislative Session , visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov # # # #HawaiianLanguage #RonKouchi #KarlRhoads #MaileShimabukuro #JKALANIENGLISH #HawaiiSenate

CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND SAFETY, ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN FOCUS OF WOMEN’S LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS IN 2017 Women’s marches in Hawaii and around the world show solidarity for women’s rights Honolulu, Hawaii — The health and safety of children, access to healthcare, and protecting women from violence is the focus of a House-Senate joint package of bills submitted this session by the Women’s Legislative Caucus. The caucus consists of women members from the state Senate and House and county councils. Members of the Women’s Legislative Caucus seek to promote sound legislation that represent the diverse interests of women across the state and improve the well-being of women, children and families. “I want all women in Hawaii to know that they have rights and that those rights will be protected under the law,” said Representative Della Au Belatti (Makiki, Tantalus, Papakolea, McCully, Pawaa, Manoa). “I was proud to take part in the Women’s March in Honolulu to show that we stand together and will be heard.” “By coming together as the Women’s Legislative Caucus, we’re able to focus on measures that make positive changes in our communities,” said Senator Rosalyn Baker (South and West Maui). “When we create equal access to healthcare and opportunities for the women and children of Hawaii, we create healthier and safer communities for everyone.” “This package of bills covers two main areas that continue to be important to all women in the State of Hawaii including access to health care and decreasing violence against women,” said Representative Lauren Matsumoto (Schofield, Mokuleia, Waialua, Kunia, Waipio Acres, Mililani). “We continue to propose legislation that will protect and make life better for women.” Many of the issues addressed within the caucus package reflect the concerns of women nationwide. Several state legislators joined in the Women’s March held in cities across Hawaii, the nation and around the world, in support of gender equality and civil. “It was empowering and gratifying to be a part of the historic Women’s March in Washington D.C.,” said Senator Laura Thielen (Waimanalo, Hawaii Kai). “The work we do at the state level to ensure that women’s rights are not diminished will be an important step in taking action on the message of unity and solidarity demonstrated over the weekend.” A full list of official measures in the Women’s Legislative Caucus’s package for the current biennium is available on the Capitol website at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/advreports/advreport.aspx?report=package&pkey=12&year=2017&name=Women%27s%20Legislative%20Caucus . The House and Senate bills submitted by the Women’s Legislative Caucus for the 2017 session include: ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE HB663/SB501 Relating to Limited Service Pregnancy Centers Requires all limited service pregnancy centers to disclose the availability of and enrollment information for reproductive health services. Establishes privacy and disclosure requirements for individual records and information. Authorizes civil penalties and civil actions for enforcement and remedy. HB664/SB502 Relating to In Vitro Fertilization Insurance Coverage Removes discriminatory requirements for mandatory insurance coverage of in vitro fertilization procedures to create parity of coverage for same-sex couples, unmarried women, and male-female couples for whom male infertility is the relevant factor. HB665/SB503 Relating to Health Insurance for Victims of Sexual Violence Requires health insurance coverage for case management services by licensed mental health providers for victims of sexual violence. HB666/SB504 Relating to Controlled Substances Limits initial prescriptions for opioids and benzodiazepines to a maximum of seven consecutive days. HB667/SB505 Relating to Opioid Therapy Informed Consent Process Requires an opioid therapy informed consent process agreement to be executed between a patient and any prescriber of opioids within the State under certain conditions. Requires the administrator of the narcotics enforcement division to develop and make available a template of an opioid therapy informed consent process agreement for use in the State. Specifies the contents of the template. Limits initial prescriptions for opioids and benzodiazepines to a maximum of seven consecutive days. ADDRESSING AND REDUCING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN HB668/SB506 Relating to Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits Requires annual reporting to the legislature by the AG of statistical data pertaining to the testing of sexual assault evidence collection kits. Provides certain rights to sexual assault survivors. Institutes mandatory testing requirements in accordance with AG guidelines. Requires AG to report to 2018 legislature on the progress of implementing AG guidelines. HB669/SB507 Relating to Domestic Abuse Removes redundant investigating and reporting requirements of the Department of Human Services and the family courts in cases where temporary restraining orders are sought for alleged domestic abuse involving a family or household member who is a minor or incapacitated person. HB670/SB508 Relating to Tax Credit Creates the Hawaii Working Family Tax Credit, a refundable credit capped at 10 percent of the federal earned income tax credit. HB671/SB509 Relating to Equal Pay Prohibits enforced wage secrecy and retaliation or discrimination against employees who disclose, discuss, or inquire about their own or co-workers' wages. CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND SAFETY HB672/SB510 Relating to Hawaii Keiki: Healthy and Ready to Learn Program Formally establishes the Hawaii keiki: healthy and ready to learn program within the department of education. Establishes a special fund and appropriates $4,000,000 to expand and sustain the program. HB673/SB511 Relating to Child Care Facilities Requires DHS to publish reports of child care facility inspections and complaint investigations on DHS's website. Creates an oversight committee for implementation of and compliance with publication requirements. Requires annual reporting to the Legislature. Makes an appropriation. HB674/SB512 Relating to Child Care Providers Requires all child care providers subject to regulation by the Department of Human Services to obtain and maintain liability insurance as a condition of licensure, temporary permission, or registration. OTHER HB675/SB513 Relating to Contraceptive Supplies Authorizes pharmacists to prescribe and dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptive supplies to patients, regardless of a previous prescription from an authorized prescriber. Specifies requirements pharmacists must meet prior to prescribing and dispensing contraceptive supplies. HB676/SB514 Relating to Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Authorizes pharmacists to prescribe and administer the human papillomavirus vaccine to persons between eleven and seventeen years of age. Specifies requirements pharmacists must meet prior to administering the human papillomavirus vaccine. HB677/SB515 Relating to In Vitro Fertilization Procedure Coverage Amends insurance coverage requirements for in vitro fertilization to allow for expanded applicability. HB678/SB516 Relating to Family Leave and Domestic Violence Allows an employee to take family leave in addition to victim leave when the leave is related to domestic or sexual violence against the employee or the employee's minor child. Requires an employee to submit certification related to domestic or sexual violence of the employee or the employee's minor child. Requires employer confidentiality of information related to domestic or sexual violence against the employee or the employee's minor child. HB679/SB517 Relating to Domestic Violence Training for State and County Employees Requires any state or county agency to provide domestic abuse intervention training to their personnel whose job duties require or may require intervention in a domestic abuse situation. HB680/SB518 Relating to Intimate Partner Violence Requires licensees under the board of barbering and cosmetology to complete a one-time, one-hour training program on intimate partner violence awareness and education. HB681/SB519 Relating to Officer-involved Domestic Violence Specifies that citizen complaints against a police officer that involve allegations of domestic abuse against a family or household member on the part of the police officer shall not be required to be in writing or sworn to by the complainant. HB682/SB520 Relating to Police Commissions Amends the composition of the county police commissions to require that three commissioners on each police commission have backgrounds, including equality for women, civil rights, and law enforcement, for the benefit of the public. HB683/SB521 Relating to Paid Leave Establishes a 6-week paid maternity and paternity leave policy for government employees to ensure that Hawaii's working families are adequately supported during times of needing to provide care to a newborn or bond with a new child. HB684/SB522 Relating to Safe Sleep Policy Strengthens the safe sleep policy for child care facilities for children less than one year of age, including requiring placement of children on their backs for sleeping and establishing notice and annual training requirements; requires such facilities to report death of such a child to DHS. HB685/SB523 Relating to Civil Actions for Sexual Offenses Against Minors Allows a civil action for recovery of damages to be brought by persons subjected to sexual offenses as a minor against the person who committed the act at any time by repealing the statute of limitations. Repeals the period during which a victim of child sexual abuse may bring an otherwise time-barred civil action against the victim's abuser or an entity with a duty of care, including the State and counties. ### #RozBaker #JillTokuda #LauraThielen

Senator Rosalyn Baker, D-6th District (South and West Maui) invites the public to attend a Talk Story on Saturday, February 4, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Kīhei Charter School campus in Lipoa Center. “At Saturday’s 'Talk Story', I look forward to sharing information about the bills currently under consideration at the Capitol with the residents of the South Maui community as well as answer questions and hear ideas and concerns,” said Senator Baker. “I know people are interested in the progress of the new high school as well as the Maui Memorial Medical Center transition,” noted Senator Baker. “I am especially interested to share information about our women’s package and healthcare initiatives in light of changes at the federal level. For further information, contact Senator Baker’s office toll free from Maui at 984-2400 extension 66070 or email, senbaker@capitol.hawaii.gov, #RozBaker #Maui