Children’s health, safety and education among the measures included in package of bills HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Expanding the eligibility age for children to attend the preschool open doors program, support for teacher training on social and emotional learning, and funding to establish an after-school program for public middle and intermediate schools are just some of the measures included in this year’s Keiki Caucus Legislative Package. “These bills and resolutions address a variety of issues that assure Hawai‘i’s children and their families are happy, healthy and ready to learn and to succeed,” said Sen. Karl Rhoads (S Dist. 13 - Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Palama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown). “The work we do together as a caucus is an investment in our future.” Sen. Rhoads and Rep. Matt LoPresti are this year’s co-conveners of the Keiki Caucus. Keiki Caucus is a bipartisan group of House and Senate members and is supported by dozens of community advocates. Since 1994, the Keiki Caucus has been working with the community to develop proposals and initiatives that address the health and well-being of Hawai‘i’s youth. “There is nothing more important in Hawaii than our keiki. As lawmakers, we need to do everything we can to protect and educate them,” said Rep. LoPresti (H Dist. 41 -‘Ewa, ‘Ewa Beach, ‘Ewa Gentry, ‘Ewa Villages, Hoakalei, Ocean Pointe). “This proposed legislation is thoughtful and proactive in reaching that goal. It's never too early for social and emotional learning and anti-bullying education for our keiki – especially when children may be confused by current online rhetoric. They need better role models and we in the legislature can provide support to provide anti-bullying education this legislative session. The Senate and House bills and resolutions submitted by the Keiki Caucus for the 2017 session include: SB497/HB578 RELATING TO PRESCHOOL OPEN DOORS PROGRAM Expands the qualifying age for the preschool open doors program to children four years old and younger. SB 498/HB580 RELATING TO EDUCATION Appropriates funds for the P4C Program of the University of Hawai‘i Uehiro Academy for Philosophy and Ethics in Education and for teachers of the Department of Education to train with the P4C Program. SB496/HB579 RELATING TO SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING Requires the Department of Education to provide training on social and emotional learning to all youth-serving educators, health care professionals and counselors, and agencies and programs, as well as parents of students enrolled in public schools or public charter schools. Appropriates funds to the Department of Education to conduct training on social and emotional learning. SB499/HB581 RELATING TO THE ZERO TO THREE COURT Appropriates funds for staff positions and various services to support the Hawai‘i zero to three court. SB500 RELATING TO AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS Establishes the R.E.A.C.H (resources for enrichment, athletics, culture, and health) program in the office of youth services to provide a standardized framework and funding for after-school programs in public middle and intermediate schools. Establishes that the R.E.A.C.H. program will be run by a program specialist to be appointed by the governor. Establishes a special fund to receive fees and other moneys to supplement the costs of administering and operating the R.E.A.C.H. program. Requires the office of youth services to report to the legislature. HB577 RELATING TO A NON-BINDING REFERENDUM ON STATEWIDE COMMUNITY WATER FLUORIDATION Proposes a non-binding, statewide referendum on whether the State should pursue policies and programs for community water fluoridation in order to improve the overall dental health of Hawaii's children and adults. SCR8/HCR11 ENCOURAGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES MED-QUEST DIVISION TO IMPLEMENT AN INCOME DISREGARD PROGRAM FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES The Med-QUEST Division of the Department of Human Services is encouraged to implement an income disregard program that will enable workers with disabilities to seek or maintain employment, while also retaining necessary Medicaid benefits and supports. SCR9/HCR9 URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CARRY ON ITS WORK TO BETTER ENGAGE COMMUNITY GROUPS IN THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN HAWAI‘I'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS The Department of Education is urged to carry on its work to better engage community groups in the education of children and youth in Hawai‘i's public schools. SCR10/HCR8 REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION EDUCATION TASK FORCE The Department of Education is requested to establish a Sexual Abuse Prevention Education Task Force. SCR11/HCR10 ENCOURAGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, AND JUDICIARY TO PERMANENTLY ESTABLISH AND ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN THE HAWAI‘I INTERAGENCY STATE YOUTH NETWORK OF CARE TO BETTER SERVE YOUTH AND FAMILIES WITH COMPLEX NEEDS IN THE STATE The Department of Education, Department of Health and Department of Human Services are encouraged to form the Hawai‘i Interagency State Youth Network of Care (HISYNC) to increase collaboration among state agencies and to develop a system of care for children, youth and families. SCR12/HCR7 URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO EXAMINE THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE PRESCHOOL OPEN DOORS PROGRAM TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL FAMILIES The Department of Human Services (DHS) is urged to examine the application process for the preschool open doors program to ensure accessibility for all families. DHS is also encouraged to consider a paperless or other, cost-free application process that is accessible for all families. Senator Karl Rhoades

WHO: Sen. Mike Gabbard, Rep. Chris Lee, Sen. Karl Rhoads, Rep. Ryan Yamane, Sen. Lorraine Inouye, and Rep. Richard Creagan WHAT: Informational briefing on the Sustainable Hawai‘i Initiative, its components in the proposed state budget, and related 2017 legislative proposals WHEN: Thursday, January 26, 2017 10:00 a.m. WHERE: State Capitol, Conference Room 325 HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – State Senator Mike Gabbard (Agriculture and Environment Committee Chair) and Rep. Chris Lee (Energy & Environmental Protection Committee Chair) will be leading an informational briefing on the Sustainable Hawai‘i Initiative on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the State Capitol, Conference Room 325. The meeting is open to the public. Governor David Ige announced the Sustainable Hawai‘i Initiative during his remarks at the Opening Ceremony at the World Conservation Conference in Honolulu on September 1, 2016. The Sustainable Hawai‘i Initiative has these important goals: 100% increase in local agricultural production by 2020; stronger invasive species policy, infrastructure, and capacity by 2027; 30% of priority watersheds protected by 2030; 30% of nearshore marine areas effectively managed by 2030; and complete transfer to clean, renewable energy by 2045. “This informational briefing will give us a good opportunity to hear from the Governor’s Administration on his plans to help us reach the goals laid out in his Sustainable Hawai‘i Initiative plan,” said Senator Gabbard. “The timing is perfect because as we kick off the 2017 legislative session, I want to make sure that sustainability is a key priority.” The informational briefing will include presentations from the following speakers: · Scott Glenn – Director, Office of Environmental Quality Control · Suzanne Case – Chairperson, Board of Land and Natural Resources · Scott Enright – Chairman, Board of Agriculture · Luis Salaveria – Director, Department of Business Economic Development, and Tourism The hearing notice can be accessed at this link: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2017/hearingnotices/HEARING_AEN-EEP-WTL-WAL-TRE-AGR_01-26-17_INFO_.HTM For questions about the informational briefing, contact the office of Senator Mike Gabbard at 586-6830. # # #

KEIKI CAUCUS UNVEILS 2017 LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE WHO: Sen. Karl Rhoads, Rep. Matt LoPresti and members of the Keiki Caucus WHAT: News conference to share the legislative package of priority measures addressing the health and welfare of Hawai‘i’s children WHEN: Tuesday, January 24, 2017 10:00 a.m. WHERE: Capitol Rotunda Hawai‘i State Capitol Sen. Karl Rhoads and Rep. Matt LoPresti, this year’s co-conveners of the Keiki Caucus, together will present and discuss the legislative package of bills being introduced in the 2017 legislative session that addresses a wide variety of issues relating to children. The Keiki Caucus is a bipartisan group of House and Senate members joined by more than 100 community advocates from various non-profits, educators, businesses and parent groups. Established in 1994, the Keiki Caucus has been actively working to develop proposals and initiatives that improve the well-being of Hawai‘i’s youth. # # # #rhoads #HawaiiLegislature #HawaiiSenate #KeikiCaucus #HawaiiYouth

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Members of the Hawai‘i State Senate convened the 29th Biennium Legislative Session reaffirming their commitment to work collaboratively in addressing the state’s most pressing problems and ready the state to be sustainable and prepared for the future. Today’s opening session commenced with an oli by kumu hula Leina‘ala Pavao and included an invocation by Kahu Curt Kekuna, Pastor of Kawaiahao Church. The National Anthem was performed by Ms. Nalani Brun and Hawai‘i Pono‘i by Mr. Nick Castillo. The Kahaluu Ukulele Band and Na Hoku Hanohano nominee Shar Carillo and Kaua‘i artists Loke Sasil and Shay Marcello also provided entertainment during today’s program. Among the honored guests in the Senate Chamber were government officials from the Fukuoka Prefecture, Consul General Yasushi Misawa of Japan, Commander Ulysses Mullins, United States Coast Guard, Hawai‘i State Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald, Governor David Ige, Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui, and former Governors George Ariyoshi, John Waihe‘e, Ben Cayetano, and Neil Abercrombie, and mayors from the neighbor islands. In his remarks, Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi pressed his Senate colleagues to work towards building our economy and creating educational opportunities for the younger generation in Hawai‘i. Senator Kouchi recognized Chenoa Farnsworth, managing partner of Blue Startups, a Honolulu-based startup support program, for her efforts in supporting entrepreneurship and creating jobs to build the economy in Hawai‘i. Farnsworth also manages the Hawai‘i Angels investment network, which has invested over $40 million in startup companies. She also co-founded Kolohala Ventures, a Hawai‘i-based venture capital firm that invested $50 million into Hawai‘i-based technology start-ups. In highlighting the successes of Hawaii’s education system, Senator Kouchi mentioned Waimea High School principal and Masayuki Tokioka Award winner, Mahina Anguay. The Senate President said Anguay represents the best of Hawai‘i’s school administrators and under her leadership, a record number of students at Waimea High School are now the first in their family to attend college. Senate President Kouchi also introduced Sarah Kern, who is currently a teacher at Wai‘anae High School. Kern was Valedictorian at Kaiser High School and graduated with a degree in Biology from Tufts University where she made the Dean’s List throughout her four years. The Senate President said Kern was a shining example of Hawai‘i’s young people who come home to pursue noble, but not necessarily high-paying careers, such as teaching. “We need to create the economy to support all of our citizens,” said Senator Kouchi. “We need to support principals like Mahina and just as importantly we need to support teachers like Sarah who are on the frontline, so that we can create the educational opportunities for our young people.” Senator Kouchi went on to say, “the only equalization that we can offer our children is a quality education to ensure that they get the tools and the skills to compete in the global market that they are going to enter.” The Senate President introduced Mr. Kevin Johnson, the former Mayor of Sacramento and professional basketball player, whom he lauded for his work in establishing award-winning after school programs, reading programs and programs for the homeless. Senate President Kouchi said he has been meeting with Johnson and hopes to work with him to address many of the concerns in Hawai‘i that mirror those of the Mayor’s hometown. “Our problems are not unique to the rest of the world. Where we have others who have found success why not find those who can help us solve our problems,” said Senator Kouchi. The Senate President also referenced the Senate Majority Legislative Program which outlines the main themes for the State Senate. “The Senate Majority Legislative Program serves as a guide as to where we will focus our work over the next sixty days and continue to build upon the work from the previous session,” said Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English. Photos of today’s opening session can be viewed on the Hawaii Senate Majority website www.hawaiisenatemajority.com and on Flickr www.flickr.com/hawaiisenatemajority. The public can access more information on hearings and session activities on the Hawai‘i State Legislature’s website at www.capitol.hawaii.gov # # #

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Our communities, environment, sustainability and public safety are areas of which the Hawai‘i State Senate will focus in the 29th Legislative Biennium. The areas are incorporated under four over-arching themes that embrace Hawaiian values and collectively form the Legislative Program the Hawai‘i State Senate will use as a guide throughout the Regular Session of 2017. “On many of these issues, we’re continuing the work that had begun in the previous legislative sessions,” said Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English. “We recognize the importance to be self-reliant and take care of our island home. There’s also a responsibility to be prepared for the future, ensuring that the next generation is not saddled with problems we can do our best to address right now.” The 2017 Legislative Program for the Hawai‘i State Senate is as follows: Ola Lehulehu – People and Communities • Education – We will collaborate with educational leaders and interested stakeholders to identify and focus on priority educational needs and opportunities. We will strive to produce workforce-ready graduates to provide opportunities to cultivate and diversify the workforce and economy of Hawai‘i. • Affordability – We acknowledge Hawai‘i's extremely high cost of living and the financial stress this places on many individuals and families. We will therefore explore options to increase affordability for residents, including avenues to better support low-income wage earners in Hawai‘i. • Social Services – We will support the State's core functions, including strengthening our social safety net to ensure our keiki, kūpuna, families, and individuals are protected. We will also continue to support the creative coordination of social service and educational strategies that address the multi-faceted nature of homelessness. • Health Care – We will support collaborative efforts to ensure that funding for Native Hawaiian health care continues. We will further support Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders by focusing on essential social and cultural determinants that improve health outcomes amongst our indigenous population. We will also encourage options to improve health care for our keiki and our residents in rural areas and will support collaborative efforts to provide better dental care for keiki and adults throughout our communities. • Food Security – We will further explore opportunities and policies that support our local farmers, encourage good agricultural practices, and increase our local food production. Efforts that support food self-sufficiency will have positive effects on our local job market and economy. Aloha Kaiāulu Ho‘oulu - Preparedness • Community Development – We will work diligently to understand and promote smart community development, in particular transit-oriented development. We recognize transit-oriented development as a unique opportunity to address many socio-economic challenges. Because land along public transportation corridors presents an opportunity for the State to maximize land development, we support collaboration with interested stakeholders, including private businesses and non-profit organizations. We are also committed to supporting affordable housing and necessary infrastructure to strengthen our community. • Government Services – We will focus on improving the efficiency and modernization of government services, including election participation. We will continue to encourage the enhancement of the State's information technology systems and incentivize the use of technology. We will also support efforts to advance innovation-oriented projects that improve living standards in Hawai‘i, while streamlining resources to most efficiently and effectively promote innovation and economic growth. • Financial Analysis – The Hawai‘i State Senate is committed to analyzing tax credit cost information provided by state agencies; assessing the viability of existing tax credits, exemptions, and exclusions; and determining whether each tax credit, exemption, or exclusion continues to be useful and beneficial to the State. Aloha Honua - Climate Change and Energy • Environment – We will protect and preserve Hawai‘i's natural resources by exploring ways to improve agricultural practices and mitigate climate change impacts. We are committed to supporting the preservation of Hawai‘i's unique geographical features, including coastlines and watersheds. In addition to supporting existing conservation and enforcement efforts, we will encourage the use of innovative technologies to combat invasive species, address biosecurity risks, conserve the State's water resources, address changing sea levels, and protect the State's fragile marine ecosystem. • Sustainability – We will continue our commitment to renewable energy alternatives that are practical and economical for the State and take into account Hawai‘i's natural environment and terrain. With recent progress and clean energy goals in mind, we will further encourage the availability of renewable energy and advance projects to improve energy efficiencies. Pono Kaulike - Transforming Justice • Rehabilitation – We will explore alternatives to incarceration and options to reduce the recidivism rate amongst our incarcerated population, through means such as strengthening community ties. We will support efforts that enable incarcerated individuals to develop useable skills that will help in their transition back into their communities. • Public Safety – In an effort to promote continued public safety, we will encourage effectiveness, transparency, and interagency collaboration, and insist on higher standards of conduct and appropriate training. It is the Hawai‘i State Senate's sincere hope that we can work collaboratively with the House of Representatives, the Governor, and the Judiciary to achieve all the goals outlined in this Program. # # #

HOUSING AND HOMELESS TASK FORCE COVENES UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Senators Sen. Will Espero and Josh Green opened their first meeting as co-chairs of the Housing and Homeless Task Force today at the State Capitol. Tackling the complex problem of homelessness in Hawai‘i will be one of the important issues they will address in the upcoming legislative session. Sen. Espero (Dist. 19 - ‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of ‘Ewa Villages) is the Chair of the Senate Housing Committee and Sen. Green (Dist. 3 - Kona, Ka‘u) is the chair of the Committee on Human Services. During the meeting, agencies from the city and State provided updates on the various ways homelessness is being combated as Hawaii struggles with the highest number of homeless people per capita in the country. “It’s a problem that is solvable and hopefully with your two new chairs, we’re going to make some significant progress because that’s what we’re all here for and we’re not here to let anybody down,” said Sen. Espero. “We think we can make a dent in the problem, with your help of course.” Sen. Green told the packed room that he was appreciative that people came out to offer their different perspectives on the issue. Green said homelessness is a priority issue for him this year and plans to propose doubling the state’s $38 million budget for addressing mental illness and drug addiction, which he says often accompany homelessness.

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The Hawai‘i State Senate today confirmed the Senate Standing Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs for the 29th Legislature. “These committee assignments reflect the best use of the broad experience and expertise our Senators bring to this legislative body,” said Senate President, Ronald D. Kouchi. “We’re looking forward to a synergetic and productive session.” Senate Leaders, Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs are as follows: Senate Leadership President: Sen. Ronald D. Kouchi Vice President: Sen. Michelle N. Kidani Majority Leader: Sen. J. Kalani English Majority Caucus Leader: Sen. Brickwood Galuteria Majority Floor Leader: Sen. Will Espero Majority Whip: Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz Assistant Majority Whip: Sen. Brian T. Taniguchi Agriculture and Environment (AEN) Chair: Sen. Mike Gabbard Vice Chair: Sen. Gil Riviere Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health (CPH) Chair: Sen. Rosalyn H. Baker Vice Chair: Sen. Clarence K. Nishihara Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology (ETT) Chair: Sen. Glenn Wakai Vice Chair: Sen. Brian T. Taniguchi Education (EDU) Chair: Sen. Michelle N. Kidani Vice Chair: Sen. Kaiali‘i Kahele Government Operations (GVO) Chair: Sen. Donna Mercado Kim Vice Chair: Sen. Russell E. Ruderman Hawaiian Affairs (HWN) Chair: Sen. Maile S.L. Shimabukuro Vice Chair: Sen. Brickwood Galuteria Higher Education (HRE) Chair: Sen. Kaiali‘i Kahele Vice Chair: Sen. Michelle N. Kidani Housing (HOU) Chair: Sen. Will Espero Vice Chair: Sen. Breene Harimoto Human Services (HMS) Chair: Sen. Josh Green Vice Chair: Sen. Stanley Chang International Affairs and the Arts (IAA) Chair: Sen. Brian T. Taniguchi Vice Chair: Sen. J. Kalani English Judiciary and Labor (JDL) Chair: Sen. Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran Vice Chair: Sen. Karl Rhoads Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs (PSM) Chair: Sen. Clarence K. Nishihara Vice Chair: Sen. Glenn Wakai Transportation and Energy (TRE) Chair: Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye Vice Chair: Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz Water and Land (WTL) Chair: Sen. Karl Rhoads Vice Chair: Sen. Mike Gabbard Ways and Means (WAM) Chair: Sen. Jill N. Tokuda Vice Chair: Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (Dist. 4 - Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona) has completed the Legislative Energy Horizon Institute’s (LEHI) course in energy policy. The institute is a 60-hour energy immersion executive course with the University of Idaho. The course is designed to increase the knowledge of the energy infrastructure and delivery system to equip legislators with the latest research and data as they make future energy policy decisions. With the 2016 class, over 200 policymakers have completed the LEHI program. Those who complete the 60-hour executive course receive a certificate from the University of Idaho in Energy Policy Planning. Sen. Inouye is the first Hawai‘i state Senator to complete the LEHI course. “It was an intense course, but definitely time well spent learning in-depth about our complex energy system. It’s even clearer to me now how we are all connected in ensuring our energy resources are used efficiently. It is also important that our decisions on energy are well thought out, not only for us today, but for generations to come,” said Sen. Inouye. “It is critical that citizen legislators get this basic knowledge of how our energy systems operate. I am impressed that Sen. Inouye took over a week of her personal time this year to better equip herself to make energy policy decisions,” said Rep. Jeff Morris of Washington State, Institute Director. The Pacific North West Economic Region (PNWER) partnered with the University of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Energy to found the Institute in 2009. In 2012, the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) and the federal government of Canada joined the effort to make the program nationwide and also include Canadian legislators. Photo courtesy: Sen. Lorraine Inouye (Marc Chopin, Dean and Professor of Economics, University of Idaho and Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye)

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i - Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Dist. 14-Kapalama, ‘Alewa, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, portions of Halawa and ‘Aiea) was selected to serve on the Board of Directors of the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL), a non-profit, non-partisan organization that supports elected women from all levels of governance. Sen. Kim was attending the annual NFWL conference in Orlando, Florida last week when she was tapped to serve on the board. Sen. Kim is currently the only female state legislator from Hawai‘i to be a member of the NFWL and most recently served as an NFWL State Director. “I’m honored and proud to be nominated and elected by the membership to serve on the Board of Directors. This organization is incredible for its networking and educational components that helps women legislators like myself to be even more effective in our work in public service. Another aspect that I love is the strong community service piece that the NFWL sponsors,” said Sen. Kim. “I’m hoping to be able to recruit more of my female colleagues in the legislature to join this excellent organization.” As part of the conference, Sen. Kim participated in a Fire Power seminar, “Building Bikes, Empowering Children” that had NFWL members team up to build bicycles. The team members were encouraged to reach beyond party affiliations and government titles to work collaboratively to construct the bikes. When completed, the bikes were then “inspected” by underprivileged students from nearby Orlando schools. As a surprise to these students, they were gifted the bicycles, which for most of them was their first bicycle to call their own. Over the summer, as a member of the NFWL, Sen. Kim was selected to receive a donation of school supplies as part of an NFWL partnership with the Office Depot Foundation. Sen. Kim chose to assist students at Kaewai Elementary and Linapuni Elementary. The two Kalihi schools are among the O‘ahu campuses with the highest number of students who come from low-income families and have a large percentage of students receiving free or reduced-cost school lunches. For more information on the NFWL, visit www.womenlegislators.org Photos courtesy: Sen. Donna Mercado Kim #DonnaMercadoKim #DonnaKim

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i - This past session, the Legislature appropriated $31.5 million to the Agribusiness Development Corporation for the purchase of 895 acres of agricultural land in Central Oahu. Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Dist. 22 - Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawa, Whitmore Village, portion of Poamoho), Vice Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, was instrumental in building support for the funds to be included in the state budget. Governor David Ige recently signed the release of the $31.5 million. When the acquisition is completed, these lands along with other parcels pending transaction, will increase the farmable acreage in the Whitmore Project from the initial 1,200 acres to over 2,800 acres. Since Dole Food Company Inc. in 2012 announced its plans to sell nearly 18,000 acres of land in Central Oahu and on the North Shore, Sen. Dela Cruz has aggressively worked to ensure that the state acquires additional lands near the 1,200 acres. Neighboring state properties also include facilities in Wahiawa town and former Dole warehouses in Whitmore Village that will be retrofitted for processing and packaging. "Under ADC's management, these lands will be protected in perpetuity for farming," said Sen. Dela Cruz. "Access to good farmland is needed to help farmers scale up their crop production which decreases our reliance on imported foods." The Governor recently announced his plans to double local food production. According to the Increased Food Security and Food Self-Sufficiency Strategy report, replacing just 10% of the food Hawai‘i currently imports would amount to approximately $313 million remaining in the state. The report further states that more public land is needed for commercial agricultural purposes. Land acquisitions such as this 895-acre purchase are in line with industry recommendations. A recent summer harvest by Sugarland Farms, a tenant of the Whitmore Project, produced an estimated 2.7 million pounds of watermelon and 750,000 pounds of bell pepper. Crops were sold for local consumption, helping to replace imported products. The harvest of two different crops on adjacent parcels are examples of diversified agriculture in the Central Oahu region. Other components of the Whitmore Project that have either been completed or are currently being worked on include an ag-foreign trade zone to defer duties on imported materials, tax incentives through the re-designation and expansion of Enterprise Zone No.1, creation of an agribusiness technology park to consolidate processing and packaging facilities, construction of workforce housing for farm employees, establishment of K-12 workforce training, and reclaiming wastewater for irrigation from the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant. As the report indicates, Hawai‘i's farmers need more land. Acquiring the 895 acres to expand the agricultural footprint of the Whitmore Project not only preserves farmlands, but ensures farmers have access to public leases. The state's participation to support the agriculture industry is critical towards food self-sufficiency. # # # The Whitmore Project is a detailed plan to revitalize our local agriculture industry by bringing farmers and the state together to increase local food production, create jobs, engage in partnerships, and provide workforce housing. For more information on the Whitmore Project, please visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov and click on The Whitmore Project under the Documents and Links section on Senator Donovan Dela Cruz's member page.

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Senator Will Espero expressed his support for the aerospace industry during his welcoming remarks at the 2016 Hawaii Aerospace Summit being held at the State Capitol. Sen. Espero (Dist. 19 - ‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of ‘Ewa Villages) has long been an advocate for growing the aerospace industry in Hawai‘i and has introduced legislation to support programs throughout the state. While notable advancements have been made in this sector of the economy, Sen. Espero called on the private sector to collaborate with government to help Hawai‘i become a major international player in the aerospace industry. Espero said he envisions a number of areas where Hawai‘i could enhance its aerospace industry: space tourism, robotics and unmanned aerial systems, also known as drones. “There are so many applications for UAS. There’s mapping, traffic control, the agricultural industry, fisheries, film, fire-fighting, even crime-fighting. We can also be at the forefront of manufacturing,” said Sen. Espero. “This is an area in which we need to invest and must not let this opportunity go by.” The Hawai‘i Aerospace Summit is held during Aerospace in Hawai‘i Week – part of World Space Week being celebrated in over seventy countries during the first week of October. The Summit brings together representatives from Hawai‘i’s government, education and business sectors, along with delegates from aerospace agencies and corporations nationwide to help expand and diversify Hawai‘i’s economy and enhance the State’s leadership role in the global aerospace industry. # # #

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Twenty-eight very excited first graders gathered in the classroom of Linapuni Elementary School this morning to receive a special gift from State Senator Donna Mercado Kim. Although they’ve been back in the classroom for over a month, the colorful sackpacks filled with school supplies the students received today from Sen. Kim will help them learn throughout the year. “It’s such a joy to see their smiles and get their hugs. They were so happy to receive these basic school tools,” said Sen. Kim (Dist. 14 – Kapalama, ‘Alewa, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, portions of Halawa and ‘Aiea). “It seems like such a small gesture, but it means so much to them and gives them something to be proud of. It warms my heart to be able to do something to help them succeed.” Linapuni Elementary School provides early childhood education from Pre-K to Grade 1. It has a current enrollment of 200 students and serves the residents of Kuhio Homes and the Towers of Kuhio. Every student at Linapuni receives free and reduced lunch assistance making it the school with the highest number of students in the state enrolled in the federal assisted meal program. “At Linapuni, we want to build a foundation where the kids love school, so these sackpacks just reinforces our message to them that school is important and they are important. Senator Kim’s visit today shows our kids the community believes they are important, too,” said Principal Cindy Sunahara. As a member of the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL), Sen. Kim was selected to receive the donation of school supplies as part of an NFWL partnership with the Office Depot Foundation. In addition to Linapuni Elementary, Sen. Kim chose to assist students at Ka‘ewai Elementary and Kalihi Waena Elementary. All of these schools are among the O‘ahu campuses with the highest number of students who come from low-income families and have a large percentage of students receiving free or reduced-cost school lunches. This is the 11th year of the partnership with the NFWL and the 16th year of the National Backpack Program. This year, the Office Depot Foundation will provide the National Foundation for Women Legislators with sackpacks for distribution by women elected officials in approximately 25 states.