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

HONOLULU - Senator Angus McKelvey (District 6, West Maui, Mā‘alaea, Waikapū, South Maui) announced that approximately $250 million in capital improvement project (CIP) funding has been secured in the Senate draft of the state budget bill, HB 1800 HD1 SD1. The funds will support critical infrastructure, recovery, and community investment projects across South and West Maui. The funding package prioritizes rebuilding efforts in West Maui following the devastating 2023 wildfires, as well as addressing long-standing infrastructure needs in South Maui, including harbors and public facilities that residents have consistently identified as priorities. “I want to thank my colleagues, especially Senators Lynn DeCoite and Troy Hashimoto, for their support of these critical projects, which represent not only a continuation of our commitment to rebuilding West Maui, but also critical investments in our South Maui community,” McKelvey said. The CIP funding included in HB 1800 HD1 SD1 is structured through a mix of financing mechanisms commonly used by the State. According to the lawmaker, this includes both direct appropriations for projects that can begin immediately, as well as bond-funded investments, “similar to a long-term loan the State takes out to pay for large infrastructure projects over time,” McKelvey noted. “This allows the State to move forward on urgent needs now while spreading the cost responsibly across future budgets.” Harbor improvements are a central component of this package. The Senate budget includes $12.5 million for Lahaina Small Boat Harbor to support rebuilding efforts, $5.5 million for Māʻalaea Small Boat Harbor, $5 million for the Kīhei Small Boat Harbor, and $600,000 for the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) Boat House Expansion. “Together, this $23.6 million investment in our small boat harbors will help to restore functionality, improve safety, and expand access for local fishermen and ocean users,” McKelvey said. “Education and transportation projects form the backbone of the region’s recovery strategy,” McKelvey said. “The Senate draft of the budget allocates $146 million to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary School in Lahaina, restoring a critical community anchor for families impacted by the fires.” On the transportation side, the budget includes a significant investment in the Honoapiʻilani Highway corridor, with $76.7 million in state funding dedicated to coastal mitigation improvements between Ukumehame and Launiupoko—an area repeatedly flagged by residents for safety concerns, congestion, and evacuation vulnerability. Additional funding is also included for repairs to Lahaina’s state highway system as part of ongoing recovery efforts. In addition to these major projects, the funding package supports broader efforts to reduce congestion, improve infrastructure reliability, and strengthen long-term resilience against climate-driven disasters, all of which have been consistently raised as priorities by the community. The Senate draft of the budget also reflects broader policy priorities aimed at easing financial pressure on local families. “The fact that we were able to accomplish this while ensuring meaningful support for working families, by putting more money back in their pockets through extended tax relief for lower- and middle-income households, while targeting special-interest tax credits and preserving our safety net, speaks volumes,” McKelvey said. “While the figure reflects approximately $250 million in state CIP funding for South and West Maui, the full project list, including federal support, represents a significantly larger coordinated investment in the region’s recovery and long-term resilience,” McKelvey added. HB 1800 HD1 SD1 marks a significant step forward, but the process is not yet complete. The budget bill now goes to a conference committee with members from the Senate and the House before being approved by both chambers and sent to the Governor. ###

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI - The Hawaiʻi State Legislature will remain open on Friday, April 10, 2026, to meet legislative deadlines and perform essential functions. The Senate and House floor sessions in their respective chambers for Session Day #43 will convene as scheduled. April 10 marks the Second Decking Deadline. While the Legislature remains open, members of the public are encouraged to participate virtually by viewing floor sessions and committee hearings live at the following links: Hawaiʻi Senate YouTube Hawaiʻi House of Representatives YouTube Legislative leadership urges the public to stay safe and remain alert as weather conditions develop. State emergency preparedness officials encourage residents and visitors to monitor official sources for updates and instructions. The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) provides guidance on preparing for severe weather and disasters at ready.hawaii.gov . Under the state Department of Defense, HIEMA also offers links for residents to sign up for alerts from their respective county emergency management agencies at dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/get-ready/ .

HONOLULU - Today, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means advanced the State Budget Bill, HB1800 HD1 SD1. As the Senate strives to preserve future income tax cuts for working families, the budget reflects a multi-pronged approach that captures underutilized funds to prioritize resources for essential public services. Federal funding cuts shifted administrative costs to the State for essential services like SNAP and Medicaid. Federal policies have also created economic uncertainty, resulting in lower general fund tax revenues. While addressing these shortfalls, the Senate Draft of HB1800 also directs funding toward critical areas including housing affordability, workforce development and economic diversification, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship as identified in the Senate Majority Priority package. “This budget is a part of a larger package of revenue-generating strategies, long-term investments, and cost-saving measures to increase the resilience of the State, while also delivering on the meaningful tax reform that was promised to our working- and middle-income taxpayer,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (District 17 – Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Protecting the tax cuts to working families is a shared responsibility, and we must all do our part.” The budget thus includes cost-saving strategies by reducing unspent funds by state agencies as averaged over the previous five years, reducing positions that have been vacant for more than five years, and reducing positions that are not in active recruitment. “In these times of economic uncertainty, we focused on the essentials: improving safety and security for our residents by fortifying critical infrastructure and maintaining and modernizing state assets,” said Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki (District 12 – Waikīkī, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, McCully), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “We’ve also focused on our Senate priorities of housing, climate and hazard resilience, economic diversification including agricultural innovations, and education." The Senate Committee on Ways and Means today also passed the Judiciary Budget Bill, HB2095 HD2 SD2. Both budget bills will proceed to the Senate floor for third reading. ▶ Click here for highlights of the Senate Budget Bill

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI - On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the Hawaiʻi State Senate voted to confirm three judicial nominees to serve in the District Courts of the First and Third Circuits, following their appointments by Acting Chief Justice Sabrina S. McKenna. The nominations were reviewed and advanced by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, chaired by Senator Karl Rhoads. The confirmations include two appointments to the District Court of the First Circuit (Oʻahu) and one appointment to the District Court of the Third Circuit (Hawaiʻi Island). Each appointee will serve a term of six years. District Court of the First Circuit (Oʻahu) Kirsha Kaulukane Milianani Durante serves as Litigation Director at the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, where she leads and manages the organization’s litigation work. She previously served as a Deputy Public Defender for more than 15 years, gaining extensive trial and appellate experience, including arguments before the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court and Intermediate Court of Appeals. Ms. Durante earned her Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University and her Juris Doctor from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She has been licensed to practice law in Hawaiʻi since 2004. She is also deeply engaged in public service and community. Ms. Durante is a founding member of the Kalana Ola Compassionate Release Coalition and currently serves on the State’s Defender Council as a gubernatorial appointee. She is also active with the Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Mālama Honua Public Charter School Foundation, and the Judicial Administration Committee. Testimony submitted to the Committee highlighted her sound judgment, integrity, and deep compassion for the communities she serves. Simeona Lynn Liliuokalani Ahuna Mariano has built a career in public service focused on the legal needs and well-being of families across Hawaiʻi. She currently serves as a Deputy Attorney General in the Family Law Division, where she handles family court matters statewide, including child welfare, juvenile law, truancy, and guardianship cases, as well as involuntary hospitalization proceedings. She has also served as lead counsel in child welfare proceedings and presented appeals before the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Ms. Mariano earned a Bachelor of Science from Seattle University and her Juris Doctor from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She has been licensed to practice law in Hawaiʻi since 2004. Her career also includes prosecuting felony and fraud cases in the Department of the Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Division and serving as a Special Prosecuting Attorney in Kauaʻi. Ms. Mariano also serves as the Oʻahu Director for the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association’s Board of Directors and is a member of several organizations, including the Judicial Administration Committee, Government Lawyers Section, Hawaiʻi Access to Justice, Hawaiʻi Filipino Lawyers Association, and Hawaiʻi Women Lawyers. Testimony submitted in support of Ms. Mariano highlights her courtesy and civility, even in difficult or adversarial situations, as well as her strong legal knowledge and deep commitment to public service. District Court of the Third Circuit (Hawaiʻi Island) Andrew Michael Kennedy is a partner at Schlueter, Kwiat & Kennedy LLLP, where he maintains an active trial practice with experience in both civil and criminal litigation. He has practiced law for over twenty years across multiple jurisdictions and has argued before the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court, including in notable appellate cases. Mr. Kennedy earned his Bachelor of Arts from Villanova University and his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University School of Law. He has been licensed to practice law in Hawaiʻi since 2012 and is also admitted in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York. In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Kennedy is active in public service and the legal community, including leadership roles with the West Hawaiʻi Bar Association and service on the State’s Defender Council. Testimony submitted in support of his nomination notes his integrity, professionalism, and calm, fair-minded approach. “These nominees reflect the depth of legal talent and dedication to public service we have in Hawaiʻi,” said Senate Judiciary Chair Karl Rhoads. “Ms. Durante’s extensive trial experience and commitment to justice, Ms. Mariano’s years of service in protecting families and communities, and Mr. Kennedy’s leadership and breadth of legal practice across jurisdictions each bring valuable perspective to the bench. The Committee on Judiciary carefully reviewed their qualifications and is proud to advance these nominations for consideration by the full Senate.” The nominations were submitted to the Acting Chief Justice by the Judicial Selection Commission on February 11, 2026. With these confirmations, Judges Durante, Mariano, and Kennedy will each serve a six-year term for the State of Hawaiʻi. ###

Media Advisory: WHO/WHAT: Co-Hosted by: Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment (AEN); Senator Chris Lee, Chair of the Senate Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts (WLA); Representative Cory Chun, Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems (AGR); and Representative Nicole E. Lowen, Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection (EEP). This joint briefing will provide an overview of the impacts of the March 2026 Kona Low storms on Hawaiʻi’s farming communities. Presenters will share statewide damage assessments, urgent needs identified by farmers and ranchers, and updates on federal and state response efforts. The session will also highlight gaps in recovery support and outline potential policy and funding actions to support agricultural recovery and long-term resilience. The Hearing Notice can be found here . WHEN/WHERE: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Hawaiʻi State Capitol, Conference Room 325 415 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96813 Click here for the live stream of this meeting via YouTube. AGENDA : 9:30 a.m. - 9:35 a.m. Moderator: Dr. Amanda Shaw, Statewide Food Systems Coordinator Introduction and background 9:35 a.m. - 9:40 a.m. Brian Miyamoto, Executive Director, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau (HFB) Federal and state response efforts and needs 9:40 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Hunter Heavilin, Advocacy Director, Hawaiʻi Farmers Union (HFU) Disaster reporting tool, HFU outreach efforts, and farmers’ needs 9:45 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. Sharon Hurd, Chairperson, Board of Agriculture & Biosecurity (BAB) Statewide recovery assistance funding 9:50 a.m. - 9:55 a.m. Suzanne Shriner, Administrator, Synergistic Hawaiʻi Agriculture Council (SHAC) Farmer impacts and disaster guide 9:55 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Nicole Galase, Managing Director, Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council, Inc. (HCC) Livestock needs 10:00 a.m. - 10:05 a.m. Amy Miller, President and Executive Officer, Hawaiʻi Foodbank Or Elia Herman, Director of Advocacy, Hawaiʻi Foodbank Food access needs and assistance 10:05 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. All / Moderator Q&A / Discussion ###

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani ( District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia ) announced that Governor Josh Green has released $1,500,000 in Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funding to support preliminary engineering and environmental studies for the modernization and expansion of the Interstate RouteH-1 Kunia Interchange on Oʻahu. The funding will support efforts to evaluate potential improvements to the Kunia Interchange, a key corridor serving Central Oʻahu. The project will help identify long-term solutions to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and better accommodate the needs of residents and commuters across the area. The Kunia Interchange has long been recognized as a critical access point for surrounding communities, including Mililani, Waipiʻo, Waikele, and Royal Kunia. Planned upgrades are expected to address ongoing congestion concerns and support future growth.“Mahalo to Governor Josh Green for releasing these funds. This is an important step forward in addressing long-needed improvements for our community, and I look forward to working together to advance this effort and deliver meaningful improvements for our residents.” Governor Green noted that investments in infrastructure projects like this are essential to strengthening communities, improving safety, and supporting a more sustainable future for Hawaiʻi. The release of these funds reflects continued collaboration between state leaders to address critical infrastructure needs and build a more resilient Hawaiʻi for future generations.

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – The Hawaiʻi State Senate today voted to confirm Daniel M. Gluck as an Associate Judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals (ICA), for a term to expire in 10 years. Mr. Gluck was appointed by Governor Josh Green to fill the vacancy created by the elevation of former Associate Judge Karen T. Nakasone to Chief Judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals in July 2025. “Daniel Gluck is an accomplished attorney whose career reflects a deep commitment to justice, public service, and the rule of law,” said Senate Judiciary Chair Karl Rhoads. “His extensive experience in constitutional law, government ethics, and civil rights, combined with his integrity and thoughtful approach, make him exceptionally well qualified to serve on the Intermediate Court of Appeals.” Mr. Gluck has served as a Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City and County of Honolulu since 2022, where he has represented and advised city agencies and officials in a wide range of litigation and non-litigation matters, with a focus on constitutional and administrative law. In 2025, he was recognized as the City’s “Outstanding Deputy Corporation Counsel.” Prior to his current role, Mr. Gluck served as Executive Director and General Counsel of the Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission from 2016 to 2021, where he oversaw agency operations, advised public officials, and worked to strengthen the State’s ethics laws. He also previously served as Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi and as a Senior Staff Attorney, advocating for civil rights and working closely with underserved communities. Mr. Gluck began his legal career as a law clerk to Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Associate Justice James E. Duffy Jr. (ret.) and United States District Court Judge J. Michael Seabright. A graduate of Cornell University and Harvard Law School, he has been licensed to practice law in the State of Hawaiʻi since 2003. Throughout his career, Mr. Gluck has remained actively engaged in the community, including pro bono legal work with Volunteer Legal Services Hawaiʻi and volunteer service supporting local organizations and families. Testimony submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee highlighted Mr. Gluck’s intelligence, compassion, diligence, and unwavering commitment to fairness and justice. “Based on his qualifications, experience, and the strong support reflected in testimony, the Committee is confident that Mr. Gluck possesses the legal expertise, temperament, and integrity necessary to serve with distinction on the Intermediate Court of Appeals,” added Senator Rhoads. With this confirmation, Judge Gluck will serve a ten-year term on the Intermediate Court of Appeals for the State of Hawaiʻi. ###

HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi State Senate will recognize outstanding students, educators, and school leaders during Senate Education Week 2026 , hosted by Senate Education Committee Chair Senator Donna Mercado Kim (District 14 – Kapālama, Kalihi Valley, Fort Shafter) and Vice Chair Senator Michelle N. Kidani (District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia).  The weeklong celebration will take place March 16 through March 20, 2026, at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, where honorees from across the state will be recognized during Senate floor sessions for their exceptional contributions to education and their commitment to student success.  “Senate Education Week provides an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of students and educators across our state,” said Senator Kim. “The students and educators honored this week are achieving at the highest levels while setting new standards for excellence in our schools. Their work strengthens our communities, uplifts their peers, and inspires confidence in Hawaiʻi’s future. As Education Chair, I proudly celebrate the accomplishments in schools across our state this week.”   Throughout the week, the Senate will highlight individuals and school communities whose leadership, innovation, and dedication are strengthening Hawaiʻi’s public education system and inspiring the next generation of learners.  “The 2026 Senate Education Week celebrates our students, educators, and school communities who exemplify excellence across Hawaiʻi,” said Senator Kidani. “This week shines a well-deserved spotlight on award recipients—students and professionals whose dedication, creativity, and leadership are transforming our schools. Across our islands, our teachers, administrators, staff, and keiki work together to spark curiosity, expand opportunities, and inspire achievement. Their commitment reminds us that the strength of Hawaiʻi’s future is built every day in our classrooms.”   AWARD PRESENTATIONS DURING SENATE FLOOR SESSIONS  Awardees will be recognized daily during the Senate Floor Session at 11:30 a.m. in the Senate Chamber at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. The following individuals and schools will be honored during Senate Education Week 2026.   Monday, March 16:   2025 Hawaiʻi National Distinguished Principal – National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)  2025 National Outstanding Assistant Principal – NAESP  2025 Assistant Principal of the Year – Hawaiʻi Association of Secondary School Administrators (HASSA)  2025 National Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year – NASSP  2025 Milken Teacher of Promise  2025 Hawaiʻi Association of Secondary School Administrators (HASSA) High School Assistant Principal of the Year, 2025 NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year finalist  Complex Area Teachers of the Year  2025 Hawaiʻi Association of School Librarians (HASL) Outstanding Library Service Award  2025 John Philip Sousa Foundation Bandworld Legion of Honor Award  Tuesday, March 17:   Hawaiʻi Public Charter Schools Teacher of the Year  2026 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year  2026 United States Senate Youth Program Delegates  2025 Hawaiʻi Association of School Librarians Golden Key Award  Wednesday, March 18:   2025 Hawaiʻi State Principal of the Year (High School) – Hawaiʻi Association of Secondary School Administrators  2025 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award  Daniel K. Inouye JVEF Outstanding Military Contributor Award  Mark Takai JVEF Outstanding Civilian Contributor Award  Complex Area Teachers of the Year  Thursday, March 19:   2025 Hawaiʻi School Counselor Association Counselors of the Year  2025 U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon Schools  Complex Area Teachers of the Year  2025 U.S. Presidential Scholar  Friday, March 20:   2026 Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts State Competition Winners (1st–4th Place)  Complex Area Teachers of the Year  2025 Milken Teacher of Promise  2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar  2025 Hawaiʻi Library Association Library Employee of the Year  2024 Hawaiʻi Association of School Librarians (HASL) Golden Key Award    EDUCATION WEEK EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT THE CAPITOL   Several events open to the public will also take place during Senate Education Week at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol:  Friends of the Library Book Fair  Monday, March 16 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Conference Room 224 Books available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi and programs benefiting the state’s 51 public libraries.   Hawaiʻi Public Education Student Showcase  Thursday, March 19 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Rotunda Featuring student exhibits and projects from both Hawaiʻi public and charter schools across the state.  ###

HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi State Legislature will be closed on Friday, March 13, following Governor Josh Green’s announcement regarding the closure of state offices due to potentially severe weather conditions.  All Senate and House committee hearings scheduled for March 13 will be postponed, and floor sessions in both chambers for Session Day #27 will not be convened.   Legislative leadership urges the public to stay safe and remain alert as weather conditions develop. State emergency preparedness officials encourage residents and visitors to monitor official sources for updates and instructions.  The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) provides guidance on preparing for severe weather and disasters at ready.hawaii.gov . Under the state Department of Defense, HIEMA also offers links for residents to sign up for alerts from their respective county emergency management agencies at dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/get-ready/ .  ###

HONOLULU- A Senate Certificate was presented to students from Kohala High School for defending their winning title in the third annual Kalo Challenge hosted by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education’s (HIDOE) Alternative Learning Programs Branch. Presented during Bishop Museum's 18th Annual Mālama Hāloa Kalo Festival & Symposium, the award marks the students’ third year in a row earning top honors in the Kalo Challenge. “Mahalo to the Bishop Museum for welcoming students participating in the Kalo Challenge to the Mālama Hāloa Kalo Festival & Symposium,” said Senator Donna Mercado Kim (District 14 – Kapālama, ‘Ālewa, Kalihi, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, Red Hill), Chair of the Senate Committee on Education. “Opportunities like this help students relate what they learn in the classroom to their community and identity.” The certificate was presented by Senator Kim and Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Senate District 17 – Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, to students from Kohala High School. L-R: Janet Bullard, Senator Kim, Clozieur Ke-a (student at Kohala), Cristy Nishimura and Senator Dela Cruz. In addition to their culinary creations, Kohala High's program also wrote the original song, “Generational Kalo” as part of their Kalo Challenge project. Clozieur performed the song following the presentation of the Senate certificate. Senators Donna Mercado Kim and Donovan M. Dela Cruz pose with Kohala High School students and their teacher, Aoloa Patao, after presenting a Senate Certificate honoring their win in the annual Kalo Challenge. The Kalo Challenge is the finale of a yearlong project where at-promise students from across the state learn about planting and cultivating kalo (taro) and then turn their harvest into an innovative culinary dish. Inspired by the Lahaina wildfires, Kohala High’s Naʻau ʻŌiwi students created “emergency kalo rations,” which included freeze dried instant poi, kalo paʻa, kūlolo and laulau. Kohala High Naʻau ʻŌiwi teacher Aoloa Patao emphasized the program’s impact on students in the Oceanic TV show Kalo Challenge, which aired in December 2025. “We use kalo as the centerpiece of our teaching, and it’s a great opportunity for them to find different ways to include kalo in their everyday lives,” Patao said. “I’m super proud of them.” “The Kalo Challenge encourages students to think about value-added products and entrepreneurship while working with one of Hawai’i’s most important crops,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz. “This project-based learning helps inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders and entrepreneurs.” The HIDOE Alternative Learning Programs, Services and Supports aims to provide at-promise students with innovative instructional strategies and learning environments to improve their academic competencies and enable them to meet HIDOE-adopted state standards and graduation requirements. ALPSS provides transitional support services as at-promise students move from school to alternative programs, re-enter school successfully, graduate from high school, and prepare for positive post-secondary outcomes. “The Kalo Challenge highlights the incredible potential of our students when they are given meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities,” said Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani (District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, “Programs like this help students discover their strengths while deepening their connection to the cultural traditions of our home.” “I am incredibly proud of the students from Kohala High School for once again rising to the challenge and representing our community so well,” said Senator Herbert M. “Tim” Richards, III (Senate District 4 –North Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona). “Their creativity, teamwork, and commitment to learning about kalo and our cultural traditions show the strength and promise of the next generation on Hawaiʻi Island” View additional photos here ###

HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi State Senate advanced SB 2471, SD2, Relating to the Powers of Artificial Persons, a measure that reaffirms the State’s authority to define and limit powers granted to corporations and other artificial entities created under state law. The bill is scheduled for third reading tomorrow. The measure clarifies that corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, nonprofit corporations, cooperative associations, and other artificial persons organized under Hawaiʻi law possess only those powers necessary or convenient to carry out lawful business, charitable, or organizational purposes. It specifies that those powers do not include election or ballot related activity. To prevent out-of-state corporations from having an advantage over Hawaiʻi-based corporations on election and ballot issue matters, the Judiciary Committee restored language to the bill so that it also applies to corporations and other entities formed in other states that are operating in Hawaiʻi. “SB 2471 reinforces a simple democratic principle: elections belong to the people, not corporations,” said Senator Karl Rhoads (Senate District 13 – Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “By clarifying that corporate powers are limited to lawful business and organizational purposes and do not include spending to influence elections, this measure protects the integrity of our democratic process and helps ensure that Hawaiʻi voters, not corporate dollars, shape our future.” ###