HONOLULU – The Senate Committee on Ways and Means (WAM) today passed House Bill 300 Senate Draft 1 , which outlines the Executive Branch state budget for the upcoming fiscal years. The bill includes funding for both the State's operating and capital improvement budgets for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.  Following the latest downward forecast from the Council on Revenues and amidst ongoing economic uncertainty, the WAM committee has adopted a budget that maintains essential services for the state’s most vulnerable populations and proactively expands the economy through strategic investments in emerging sectors. With potential cuts in federal funding and policy changes that could result in broader economic challenges, the Senate remains committed to fostering economic resilience and advancing meaningful solutions that Hawaiʻi’s communities need to thrive.  A summary of totals included in the approved budget are as follows: Operating Budget:   For Fiscal Year 2025-2026 , the operating budget totals almost $10.44 billion  in general funds and about $19.93 billion  across all financing sources.  For Fiscal Year 2026-2027 , the operating budget totals around $10.42 billion  in general funds and almost $19.74 billion  across all financing sources.  Capital Improvement Budget:   For Fiscal Year 2025-2026 , the capital improvement budget includes about $1.56 billion  in general obligation bond funds and around $3.72 billion  from all financing sources.  For Fiscal Year 2026-2027 , the capital improvement budget includes over $339.5 million  in general obligation bond funds and about $2.05 billion  from all financing sources.  “The Senate continues to prioritize investments that foster systems within our island home to sustain essential services, including access to food, healthcare, and housing,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Senate District 17 –  portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), WAM chair. “This budget makes strategic appropriations to invest into our local regional economies to drive economic growth statewide. This wholistic approach will help to diversify our economy, create high-paying local jobs, and reverse the brain drain. Together, we can make Hawaiʻi a place where locals can live, learn, work, and play.” “In these times of uncertainty, we focused on the essentials: health and safety, compliance, infrastructure, and maintaining and modernizing state assets,” stated Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki (Senate District 12 – Waikīkī, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, McCully), vice-chair of WAM. “We’ve also focused on our Senate priorities of affordable housing, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and economic development and diversification including agricultural innovations.”  REVISED : CLICK HERE FOR HIGHLIGHTS FROM HOUSE BILL 300 SENATE DRAFT 1.

HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi State Senate today confirmed Major General Stephen Logan as the Adjutant General for the State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense and Major Mike Lambert as the Director of the State of Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement.    Senator Brandon Elefante (Senate District 16 - ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City), chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM) praised the confirmations.    “I am pleased to support the confirmation of Major General Logan and Major Lambert, two highly skilled leaders who bring years of dedicated service to our state,” said Senator Elefante. “Major General Logan’s military expertise and Major Lambert’s long-standing dedication to law enforcement will be critical in advancing the safety and security of Hawaiʻi.”    Major General Logan brings over 40 years of military experience, including leadership positions such as Commander of the 103rd Troop Command and Assistant Adjutant General. His expertise in disaster management and logistics was key in his unanimous confirmation as Adjutant General.    “I am honored by the Senate’s confirmation,” stated Major General Logan. “As Adjutant General, my commitment is to serve Hawai‘i with integrity, dedication, and a focus on enhancing our state’s defense capabilities. I look forward to working alongside our military and community partners to ensure the safety and security of our state and its residents.”    Major Lambert has spent over 20 years in law enforcement and most recently served as a major with the Honolulu Police Department (HPD). His leadership and dedication to public safety have earned him widespread support from the community.    “I am deeply humbled by this confirmation and excited to take on the responsibility of leading the Department of Law Enforcement,” said Major Lambert. “My focus will be on fostering strong relationships within our communities, ensuring the safety of all residents, and upholding the highest standards of integrity and service in our law enforcement efforts.”    During Friday’s Floor Session, the Senate voted unanimously in favor of confirming both leaders to their new positions.   Major General Stephen Logan and his supporters join Senate members for a photo after his confirmation as Adjutant General on the Senate Floor today. Major Mike Lambert and his friends and family join Senate members for a photo after his confirmation as DLE Director on the Senate Floor today

HONOLULU – Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13 – Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown) today applauded the recent passage of Senate Bill 1648,  aimed at providing fair and timely compensation to customers affected by power outages. SB 1648 SD1 addresses the challenges faced by businesses and individuals after significant power interruptions, like those experienced by communities in downtown Honolulu and Chinatown in June 2024. During those outages, local businesses suffered extensive losses, including spoiled inventory, equipment damage, and revenue loss.     In response, the bill proposes a new framework to compensate customers for actual damages caused by power outages. The bill requires that when more than 1,000 customers experience a power interruption lasting four or more hours, the utility must compensate customers for their actual damages. It also allows utilities to seek a waiver from the PUC if the interruption was caused by uncontrollable factors, such as severe weather, customer tampering, or external disruptions.    Senator Rhoads, chair of the Judiciary Committee and the primary introducer of the bill, emphasized that the bill aims to create a balanced system for determining who bears the cost of power outage damages – whether it's independent business operators or utility shareholders. “The goal of this bill is to determine who should pay the losses for a power outage when no one is at fault or fault cannot be determined. I don’t believe this burden should default to the shoulders of small business owners,” said Rhoads.    SB 1648 SD1 will now be considered by the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives.

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Senate on Tuesday passed Senate Bill 350 , which proposes an amendment to the state’s Constitution that protects individuals' rights to access contraceptives and make decisions about their reproductive health. The bill secures that no law or state action can interfere with their ability to obtain birth control, including methods like IUDs and emergency contraceptives.    “The right to contraception is essential for the well-being of our communities, and is crucial for maintaining public health in Hawai‘i,” said Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13 – Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown), chair of the Judiciary Committee and the primary introducer of the bill. “This constitutional amendment would reinforce that our state remains a leader in protecting reproductive rights and access to contraception.”    Written testimony in strong support of the bill from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) of Hawai‘i noted the importance of this amendment in light of recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings. AAUW pointed out that while the right to contraception was upheld in Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) and Eisenstadt v. Baird (1972), the decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization  (2022) raises concerns that this right could be challenged. AAUW’s testimony also emphasized support from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who stated that access to contraception is a medical necessity that is vital for the health and economic security of individuals.     SB 350 SD1 with the proposed constitutional amendment now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

HONOLULU – The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM) chaired by Senator Brandon Elefante (Senate District 16 - ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City) has been pushing forward key bills to tackle the ongoing issue of illegal fireworks in Hawai‘i. Through these legislative efforts, lawmakers aim to reduce the dangers posed by illegal fireworks and hold accountable those responsible for illegal activity.     SB 222 SD1 - RELATING TO FIREWORKS  provides funding for the current Illegal Fireworks Task Force and extends its operation period which was scheduled to end on June 30, 2025, for another five years through June 30, 2030. It passed through the Senate last week and is now with the House.     SB 227 SD1 - RELATING TO FIREWORKS establishes and provides funding for the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement, which would work in tandem with the existing Illegal Fireworks Task Force. It passed Third Reading on the Senate Floor today.      SB 1324 SD2 - RELATING TO FIREWORKS , a bill that is part of the Governor’s package with strong support from the Department of the Attorney General, aims to strengthen fireworks safety laws. It includes tougher penalties for fireworks offenses, especially if someone is injured or killed as a result. The bill introduces new criminal offenses related to illegal fireworks use, including sending or receiving fireworks by air, distributing them to people without permits, and other safety violations. It also establishes a system to handle fireworks-related infractions and allocates funding for enforcement. This bill also passed Third Reading today.    “These measures are vital steps in enhancing the safety and security of our communities,” stated Senator Elefante. “By strengthening enforcement and increasing penalties for illegal fireworks, we are taking proactive action to prevent harm and protect our residents. The extension of the Illegal Fireworks Task Force and the proposed Enforcement Division will ensure that our laws are being upheld, and that those who break them face the consequences they deserve. We must continue to prioritize the safety of our people, and these bills are a key part of that commitment.”    “These bills will ensure that the State and County law enforcement agencies have the resources and laws necessary to tackle this very important issue,” said Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) Director Mike Lambert. “Fireworks enforcement is critical in ensuring community safety.”

HONOLULU – The Senate Committee on Ways and Means (WAM) chaired by Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (District 17 - Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village) voted today to move forward Senate Bill 933 , a short form bill that would set aside one-time, non-recurring grants within the state budget to support essential services across the nonprofit sector. This bill was created to address potential negative impacts of the federal funding freeze imposed by the United States Office of Management and Budget on Hawai‘i’s federally qualified health centers, along with programs offering childcare, social services, subsidized housing, and homelessness assistance.    “We understand the vital role that nonprofits play in providing essential services to our residents, and we cannot afford to allow those who depend on these services to fall through the cracks,” said Senator Dela Cruz. "SB 933 provides an option to make sure that these fundamental programs continue to operate without disruption."    “This important legislation comes at a time when Hawai‘i’s nonprofits face an unprecedented financial crisis from the threat of federal funding freezes on crucial programs that support our communities and neighbors,” said Melissa Miyashiro, President & CEO of Hawai‘i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations (HANO). “This bill helps ensure that these organizations can remain operational in this turbulent moment and continue to deliver critical services that safeguard the health, well-being, and stability of Hawai‘i residents.”    “The ongoing federal funding uncertainty is placing enormous pressure on our nonprofits, threatening their ability to deliver essential services that countless individuals and families depend on,” stated Aloha United Way’s President & CEO Michelle Bartell. “This bill is a lifeline – providing critical funding for health, housing and human services, to ensure nonprofits can continue serving our most vulnerable populations while we work toward long-term solutions.”    The one-time non-recurring grants proposed in SB 933 are designed to provide assistance to those organizations that may otherwise struggle to maintain their services in the face of federal funding challenges. The bill aims to allocate resources to support organizations that provide essential services for Hawai‘i’s people.

HONOLULU – The Senate Committee on Ways and Means (WAM) chaired by Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (District 17 - Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village) passed several bills this week aimed at addressing housing shortages, supporting local businesses, and promoting sustainability.    “We’re continuing to take proactive steps in addressing some of Hawai ‘i’s most urgent needs during this legislative session,” said Senator Dela Cruz. “Through these measures, we are investing in Hawai‘i’s future by building a more resilient, self-sustaining economy and a higher quality of life for our residents.”    The following bills were passed out of the WAM committee this week:     SB 65 SD2: RELATING TO HOUSING  – This bill addresses the repair and maintenance needs for Hawai‘i’s public housing units used by some of the state’s most vulnerable populations. As the Senate continues to prioritize the availability of housing, bringing existing housing inventory back online is critical to addressing the housing shortage.    SB 125 SD1: RELATING TO STATE ENTERPRISE ZONES  – Enterprise zones create tax incentives that can be used to provide local small businesses with incentives to develop and scale their operations. This bill helps local farmers and businesses that process local farm products stay competitive in both local and global markets.    SB 448 SD1: RELATING TO AGRICULTURE  – Maintaining O‘ahu’s agricultural lands in production is vital for food resilience and security, especially in Central O‘ahu’s remaining agricultural heartland. This measure enables the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to preserve these lands by ensuring they remain productive through a negotiated conservation easement.    SB 1269 SD1: GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES  – This bill allocates funds to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to explore geothermal energy in counties with less than 300,000 residents. The goal is to use this clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy source to help the state reach net-zero carbon emissions, while still providing affordable power for homes and businesses.

HILO, HI  – Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) is very pleased to announce that Governor Josh Green has released $10 million in funding to the School Facilities Authority (SFA) for preschool expansion. Four classrooms will be created at the ʻImiloa Campus at the University of Hawaiʻi in Hilo to build out pre-kindergarten programs.    “I want to thank Governor Green and his administration for recognizing how important it is to help working families and individuals continue and advance their education with access to childcare," said Senator Inouye.    This funding is a significant step forward in expanding educational opportunities for young children in Hawaiʻi. It will support families in the community by providing vital early education resources to prepare future generations for success.

KAPOLEI, HI  – Senator Mike Gabbard (District 21 – Kapolei, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, portions of Fernandez Village, and ʻEwa) announced today that Governor Josh Green has released over $430,000 to the School Facilities Authority (SFA) for preschool expansion at Barbers Point Elementary School.    “I extend my heartfelt thanks to Governor Green for his continued commitment to our keiki and their education,” said Senator Gabbard. “This funding will provide much needed early learning opportunities and make sure that our children have the foundation they need to succeed. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts this expansion will have on our families in Kapolei, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, and beyond.”     These funds reflect a strong investment in early childhood education, expanding access to childcare and educational opportunities during the critical formative years of a child’s development.

KĀʻANAPALI, MAUI, HI  – Senator Angus L.K. McKelvey (District 6 – West Maui,   Mā‘alaea, Waikapū, South Maui) issued the following statement today in light of an explosion that happened at The Whaler on Kāʻanapali Beach yesterday evening:     "First and foremost, my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the individuals who were injured and their families during this difficult time. It is important that we allow officials to conduct a thorough and careful investigation before drawing any conclusions or speculating on the causes.      It is in times of disaster that community is so important. I want to thank not only the first responders but members of the general public as well, who rushed to the aid of the injured immediately after the incident.”

HILO, HI  – Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) is proud to announce that Governor Josh Green has released $1 million for the Hilo International Airport in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. This funding will be dedicated to the design of T-Hangars and West Ramp improvements.  “I thank Governor Green and his administration for supporting this project, which will benefit both infrastructure and the economy,” said Senator Inouye. “These improvements will enhance operational efficiency and pave the way for future growth at the airport.”  This funding marks an important step in strengthening Hilo International Airport, ensuring its continued role as a key transportation hub for Hawaiʻi Island and supporting local aviation and economic development.

HILO, HI  – Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) is proud to announce that Governor Josh Green has released $593,500 to finance the replacement of cesspools with individual wastewater systems at Hilo International Airport.  “I want to thank Governor Green and his administration for recognizing the importance of this infrastructure to help protect our fragile ecosystem,” said Senator Inouye. “This project will help prevent water contamination and reduce environmental pollution.”  The funding will go toward replacing outdated cesspools, improving wastewater management, and supporting the long-term sustainability of Hilo’s infrastructure. Senator Inouye remains committed to working with local and state agencies to ensure continued investment in environmentally responsible projects that benefit the community and preserve Hawaiʻi’s natural resources for future generations.