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.

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Senate Education Committee chair, Senator Michele Kidani, along with Senators Breene Harimoto, Will Espero and Clarence Nishihara joined members of the House Committee on Education for an informational briefing today by the State Department of Education on the GEAR UP Hawai‘i program. GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. The briefing, held on the campus of UH West O‘ahu, coincided with National GEAR UP Week and brought public school students, DOE administrators and GEAR UP project directors together to provide an update on the statewide effort to build college aspirations for economically disadvantaged students. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education whose mission is to significantly increase the number of low-income middle and high school students who are prepared to enter and succeed in secondary education. There are three GEAR UP Programs in Hawai‘i: the Statewide GEAR UP Hawai‘i; Holomua GEAR UP, a partnership between UH West O‘ahu and Nanakuli-Wai‘anae Intermediate and High Schools; and GEAR UP Waipahu, a partnership between UH Mānoa and Waipahu Intermediate and High School. Photo courtesy of Hawai’i P-20 Partnerships for Education

WHO: University of Arkansas Community Design Center and the University of Hawai’i Architecture HIDESIGN Studio WHAT: Presentation on the role and impact of Community Design Centers WHEN: Friday, September 16, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. WHERE: Hawai‘i State Capitol, Auditorium HONOLULU, Hawai‘i– Stephen Luoni, Director of the University of Arkansas Community Design Center and Cathi Ho Schar, inaugural Director of HIDESIGN Studio, University of Hawai‘i School of Architecture community outreach program, will be hosting a special presentation on Friday, September 16th at 9:00 a.m. in the Hawai‘i State Capitol Auditorium. The theme “Placemaking, Planning, Visioning, and Design,” focuses on the role of Community Design Centers (CDCs) and how they can help us create a better Hawai‘i. “Community Design Centers collaborate with government, non-government and private sector partners and encourage out-of-the-box ideas,” said State Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Dist. 22 – Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawa, Whitmore Village, portion of Poamoho) who is coordinating the presentation. “We have a vital asset at the School of Architecture to open new doors in statewide projects through creative, sustainable and responsible design.” Schools of Architecture across the country have established CDCs to provide architectural and engineering services that encourage community development efforts. Combining interdisciplinary academic initiatives, CDCs engage project stakeholders, including the impacted community, and collaboratively create a product that will be used towards the architectural design of a project. “Focused on public-interest design, UACDC has developed eight place-making models to address core challenges in our built environment,” said Stephen Luoni, Director of the University of Arkansas Community Design Center. “These models in community development include, among others, transit-oriented development, low impact development, context-sensitive street design, agricultural urbanism, and smart growth urbanism. UACDC has helped to reshape development and planning policy at the state, regional, and municipal levels.” Architecture majors are also engaged during this process so students can take part in the design of a project. The professional experience to which students are exposed helps build their resourcefulness and gives them work in a real world setting. These connections with working professionals in and out of their field will also be useful to them post-graduation, especially to retain local talent here in Hawai‘i. “HIDESIGN STUDIO is a University of Hawai’i at Manoa School of Architecture community design center and outreach initiative that builds on four decades of community service to Hawai’i and the Asia Pacific Region,” said Cathi Ho Schar, Director of HIDESIGN Studio. “As a hybrid program of education and practice, HIDESIGN provides a new platform for cross disciplinary research and design inquiry focused on serving communities throughout our state and region.” CDCs advance creative development through design, research, and education solutions. Planners, architects, designers, community organizers, government officials, non-profit organizations, and members of the private sector interested in the presentation are encouraged to attend and learn more about the concept of a community design center and what they are actively doing to better their communities. #UniversityofHawaii

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – In what is likely the last session of the Twenty-Eighth Legislature, members of the Senate recognized and expressed their appreciation for Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland’s 26 years in the Legislature, the last 20 with the Senate. Before recessing the Third Special Session, Sen. Chun Oakland was presented with a Senate certificate that recognized and commended the senator from Liliha for her tireless work advocating for those in housing, health care and education. The numbers are astounding: Since being elected in 1990, Sen. Chun Oakland has presided over 22 committees, task forces, boards and other legislative entities, including the Elder Abuse and Neglect Task Force, Child Protection Roundtable, Deaf and Blind Task Force, Mental Health Task Force, and Keiki Caucus; she has served as a member of 62 others, plus another 84 community organizations; over 26 years, she has earned 119 awards from many organizations. Sen. Chun Oakland is the longest-serving chair of the Senate Human Services Committee (18 years). In presenting her the certificate, Sen. Les Ihara called Chun Oakland the “Mother Theresa of the Senate.” “Her heart is so big, she doesn’t flinch in making what some feel are huge, significant request for support, because she feels the real needs of others,” said Sen. Ihara. “I don’t think the Legislature has changed Susie’s caring nature; instead, she has made us all more aware and more caring legislators.” Sen. Chun Oakland announced her retirement from legislative office in May. Her term ends on Nov. 8, 2016. ______________________________________ #ChunOakland #SuzanneChunOakland #SusieChunOakland #RonKouchi #LesIhara #LauraThielen #HawaiiSenate #HawaiiLegislature #KaiKahele #MaileShimabukuro #RussellRuderman #BreeneHarimoto #JKALANIENGLISH #ClarenceNishihara #GilRiviere #LorraineInouye #JoshGreen #JillTokuda #MichelleKidani #BrickwoodGaluteria #GilKeithAgaran #RozBaker #WilliamEspero #WillEspero #GlennWakai #Glennator #SamSlom #MikeGabbard

SENATE CONFIRMS DISTRICT COURT JUDGES September 14, 2016 HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The Hawai‘i State Senate today unanimously confirmed Dakota K.M. Frenz to the District Family Court of the Third Circuit – Island of Hawai‘i and Michael K. Soong to the District Court of the Fifth Circuit – Island of Kaua‘i. Dakota K.M. Frenz was most recently a sole proprietor of her own private law practice in Hilo specializing in criminal law, family law, and civil litigation/collections. Prior to opening her own law practice, Frenz was a partner at Laubach & Frenz, AAL, LLC, where she focused her legal practice in the same areas of law. Prior to entering private practice, Frenz served as deputy prosecuting attorney in the County of Hawai‘i where she handled cases in the District, Family, and Circuit Courts. In addition to her legal experience, she serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center, a member of the Board of Directors of the Hawai‘i County Bar Association, an arbitrator with the Court Annexed Arbitration Program, a member of the County of Hawai‘i Bench Bar Committee and Hawai‘i State Bench Bar Committee. She also volunteers with the Friends of Drug Court and the Self-Help Center in East Hawai‘i. Frenz is a graduate of Whittier Law School and was admitted to the Hawai‘i State Bar in 2006. Frenz fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Lloyd X. Van De Car. “Ms. Frenz bring to the bench a reputation as an intelligent, hard-working and prepared advocate with substantial trial experience as a former county prosecutor and more recently as a private attorney,” said Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran, Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor. “Her background and what people say about her makes it likely that she will be a very good addition to the District Family Court, one of the most challenging assignments for a Hawai‘i jurist.” Michael K. Soong has nearly 30 years of trial experience and has been in private practice since 2009 focusing on criminal law, personal injury and plaintiff litigation. His work in the public sector includes being elected to two-consecutive terms as Prosecuting Attorney for the County of Kaua‘i. Prior to his tenure as the Prosecuting Attorney, he served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the County of Kaua‘i, a Deputy Public Defender, and Deputy Corporation Counsel. Soong serves as a Board member of the Friends of the Kaua‘i Drug Court, and is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He also currently serves on the Royal Order of Kamehameha, Kaumuali‘i Chapter, Hokule‘a-Kaua‘i Crew member of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and member of Na Kalai Wa‘a ‘O Kaua‘i. Soong is a graduate of Southwestern University School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 1986. Soong will the vacancy due to the retirement of Judge Trudy K.T. Senda in December. #WilliamEspero #WillEspero #MichelleKidani #ClarenceNishihara #GlennWakai #JoshGreen #LauraThielen #LorraineInouye #JKALANIENGLISH #DakotaFrenz #MichaelSoong #BreeneHarimoto #SuzanneChunOakland #RozBaker