Bill to construct more ohana units passes Senate committee Star Advertiser Mia Anzalone March 12, 2025 Original Article The state Senate’s Housing Committee deferred a bill Tuesday that would have paid Hawaii homeowners and homebuyers to restrict occupants to locally employed residents, instead approving a bill to promote the construction of more accessory dwelling units, commonly known as ohana units, for workforce housing. House Bill 740 would establish the Accessory Dwelling Unit Financing and Deed Restriction Program to provide funding to the counties to distribute grants to eligible homeowners or homebuyers to construct ADUs with the condition that occupants of the property, including those living in primary or secondary units, must be employed, or use to be employed, at least 30 hours per week at a local business. The amended version of HB 740 defines ADUs as a “second dwelling unit that includes its own kitchen, bedroom and bathroom facilities, and is attached or detached from the primary dwelling unit.” The Senate’s approval of the measure ended the momentum for HB 739, which would have established the Kama‘aina Homes Program allowing counties to pay homeowners or homebuyers a sum of money under the condition that the home be occupied by at least one owner-occupant or tenant who works, or used to work, at a local business for at least 30 hours a week. Sen. Stanley Chang (D, Hawaii Kai-Kahala-Diamond Head), who chairs the Senate Housing Committee, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Tuesday that HB 740 will be the “vehicle” for advancing the goals of both bills to increase the inventory of affordable workplace housing. At Tuesday’s public hearing, Chang said he appreciates the efforts to encourage more ADUs in Hawaii and wants the state to focus on the construction of new units rather than converting existing ones. “We need to shift away from a model where the state gives away money and never gets it back,” Chang said at the hearing. “The state needs to act as an investor that realizes a gain, an appreciation on the investment of its funds, which are, after all, taxpayer funds.” While both bills worked to enable the creation of more housing for the local workforce, Chang told the Star-Advertiser that HB 740 is one potential solution to creating low-cost financing for ADU construction statewide. “If the state spends a lot of money and no new housing is built, then I don’t think we’re getting any closer to solving the housing shortage,” he said. Chang noted during the hearing that similar grant programs already exist, citing Maui County’s ‘Ohana Assistance Pilot Project, which launched in July and provides grants of up to $100,000 to homeowners to design and construct attached or detached ADUs with a 10-year deed restriction to provide workforce housing. HB 740 is supported by a number of organizations, including the Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice. In written testimony the center’s director of housing policy, Arjuna Heim, said the bill addresses financial barriers to constructing ADUs, which typically cost about $250 to $350 per square foot to build. The deed restriction, which was also a feature of the deferred HB 739, is a key aspect of HB 740, according to Heim. “The deed restriction requirements ensuring occupancy by local workers, maintaining employment within the county, demonstrate a thoughtful approach to preserving housing for Hawai‘i’s working families,” Heim said in written testimony. “This helps prevent the conversion of these units to vacation rentals or investment properties and help establish a locals-only market.” Joshua Wisch, president and executive director of the nonprofit Holomua Collaborative, which focuses on making Hawaii more affordable for working families, was a staunch supporter of HB 739 and said he was disappointed the bill was deferred. “We’ll have to see what was retained in the Senate draft before we can determine any future support,” Wisch said in a statement to the Star-Advertiser. “We still believe (the Kama‘aina Homes Program) can help create a dedicated and permanent housing supply for local working families, and are already exploring ways to lift the program up at a county level, come back to the Legislature next session or find other avenues to pursue it,” he said. A 2023 report by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization found that 20% of Hawaii residents had enough income to afford a single-family home costing $875,000. Another recent study by Holomua Collaborative, which surveyed 1,500 local workers with middle- to upper-middle incomes, found that 70% of respondents said they will or might relocate to a less expensive state in the coming years, with housing costs a major issue. Twenty-seven percent said they would move out of Hawaii within the next five years.

New Housing Unit Dedicated At Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center - Big Island Video News Big Island Video News Big Island Video News December 21, 2024 Original Article (BIVN) – The new Kaumana Housing Unit at the Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center in Hilo was dedicated this week. More than 50 people attended the blessing ceremony on Thursday, December 19th. The new building is located on the corner of Komohana Street and Waiānuenue Avenue in Hilo, where the old jail once stood. From a news release by the Hawaiʻi Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation: Plans for the 48-bed medium-security housing unit began in 2017. Construction started in January 2022. The project cost is $19.8 million.DAGS awarded the project to contractor Nan, Inc.The 10,550 square-foot building was designed with a rehabilitative environment that includes maximum use of daylight, viewing garden, an indoor/outdoor recreation yard and modern security systems.The facility aims to house inmates at the Kaumana Housing Unit in the coming months. DCR Director Tommy Johnson thanked Governor Josh Green, M.D. and legislators for their support as well as DAGS and contractors. “This project was critically needed to address severe overcrowding that has plagued HCCC for decades,” Director Johnson said during the ceremony. In addition to the new unit, HCCC recently completed renovations to its administration building to include an intake area, visitation room, records room and administrative offices. HCCC Warden Cramer Mahoe echoed Johnson’s sentiment concerning the new housing unit. “This is a long time coming,” Mahoe said as he addressed attendees. “We are grateful for having such a building like this to help with easing some of the overcrowding.” The total population is 304 inmates, as of Dec. 19, 2024. Currently, HCCC is approximately 135 percent over capacity. In addition to alleviating overcrowding, Mahoe said the new housing unit also has space for programs and training. Sen. Lorraine Inouye, one of the event guest speakers, said, “This is one of the best Christmas presents. We can say that we finally got something that has been done to make sure that we address the needs for the (corrections) system.” Like Inouye, Prosecutor (Kelden) Waltjen said the new Kaumana Housing Unit is “a large step in the right direction,” but more resources and services are still needed on the island such as a correctional facility in West Hawaiʻi. “It’s important to prioritize investments into our correctional facilities, rehabilitation and services here on our island,” Waltjen said at the ceremony.

Keauhou Bay development clears another hurdle Hawaii Tribune Herald Daniel Farr September 28, 2025 Original Article Kamehameha Schools is advancing plans for a resort development on lands above Keauhou Bay, following the county Planning Department’s acceptance of the project’s final environmental impact statement. This approval marks a significant milestone as the proposal continues to move through the state’s regulatory process, amid mixed reactions from the community. The current proposal includes 43 two-story lodging structures spread across about eight acres of gently sloping land. Most would be four-plexes, with about 10% as duplex suites, totaling 150 guest units. The buildings would be designed with a low profile and native landscaping to preserve panoramic views of Keauhou Bay and reduce visual impact on neighboring properties. In addition to accommodations, a proposed resort is intended to function as a cultural hub. Plans call for a main reception building with a lobby, food and beverage venue, meeting rooms, a wellness pavilion and administrative offices. Native Hawaiian artists will be invited to exhibit their work, and guests can participate in cultural and educational programming. The design emphasizes indoor-outdoor flow and natural materials. Outdoor features include a 4,500-square-foot pool, a 3,000-square-foot deck and an event lawn surrounded by native gardens, designed to host cultural events, hula performances, family gatherings and arts and crafts workshops. As part of the broader site plan, Kamehameha Schools also is proposing a new retail area to the south of the bay near the entrance to the existing hotel on the property. This space would accommodate the relocation of existing commercial operators and provide space for ocean recreation businesses that currently lack formal retail, office or check-in areas. Retail and restaurant uses would be supported, along with infrastructure improvements such as parking for retail users and a potential bus drop-off area for educational programs. The county’s Planning Department accepted the final EIS, which outlines development on approximately 29 acres in Keauhou Bay. The plan aims to transform the region into a place where culture and education are emphasized alongside viable commercial activity. It includes relocating existing commercial operations and parking away from culturally sensitive areas and establishing a new place-based cultural and educational center. The plan also supports low-impact lodging on the resort-zoned plateau above the bay, focusing on cultural stewardship, improved bayfront access for kama‘aina and kupa‘aina, and promoting quality educational experiences. Kamehameha Schools believes the project will provide long-term economic benefits for the region. “We’re super proud of this project,” Marissa Harman, director of planning and development for Kamehameha Schools, told the Tribune-Herald. “We could be proposing 745 units — we’re proposing 150.” Harman emphasized that the project aligns with county goals. “The county is supportive of our project. They see it as improving conditions of the bay, providing more and better public access and parking,” she said. Harman also noted the resort remains a proposal at this stage. “If and when we choose to pursue it … we don’t even have a developer on board,” she said. “We’re just proposing to the county, ‘Hey, county, you know what, if anything, we might do in the next 20 years?’” Crystal Kua, Kamehameha Schools senior consultant for communications strategy, told the Tribune-Herald, “We have SMA permit and building permits to get, so it’ll be two to three years before we break ground on anything.” Supporters of the housing option say it could help address the county’s projected need for more than 10,000 new homes in the next decade. However, others have raised concerns about affordability, noting the site’s coastal location and development costs might put the units out of reach for local families. Some residents strongly oppose the resort proposal, saying it disregards the land’s original purpose and fails to meet the community’s needs. Hawaiian activist and musician Maka Gallinger expressed strong opposition to the project. “Keauhou Bay is historically invaluable to our moku and people,” she wrote to the Tribune-Herald. “It is the birthplace of our ali‘i and one of the last open spaces available for our ohana and community to gather and recreate freely. At a time when several of my peers, friends and family are currently houseless and displaced due to lack of housing, it’s hard to understand the insensitive nature of this plan to further develop our land for money. “The bay is already overdeveloped,” she continued. The waters are already polluted with run-off. The current impact of tourism is clearly evident today. Once KS met opposition to their development plan, they have since changed the name from ‘Bungalow Resort’ to ‘Low-Impact Lodging.’ Neither of which is planned to house displaced Hawaiians, but visitors instead. Low impact to whom? Certainly not to our ‘aina, our water, our community, our limited resources. “On several occasions, multiple representatives have stated that this development needs to move forward to make money and create much-needed revenue for Kamehameha Schools. Is this true? Does Kamehameha Schools really need more money? Or is this just another example of pockets getting lined while kanakas get left behind?” Rebecca Melendez, creator of BigIslandSupport.com/Savekbay, also criticized the project. “The profits of these lands were supposed to be used to educate the Hawaiian people for free. They (Kamehameha Schools) charge the Hawaiian people tuition. … They are operating illegally,” Melendez said. “I’m asking for legal help, because this is like David vs. Goliath.” Melendez launched a petition opposing the development that has gained more than 7,200 signatures. However, Kamehameha Schools questions the validity of those numbers. “It’s really one person driving that. That petition went global,” Harman said. “So, my question was, how many of those 7,200 signatures are people actually connected to the Big Island, let alone connected to Kona?” State Sen. Dru Kanuha, who represents Senate District 3, which includes the bay, told the Tribune-Herald: “My office will continue to closely monitor how the county proceeds with this project. I have strongly emphasized to Kamehameha Schools the importance of transparency and maintaining open lines of communication with our community throughout this process.”

State leaders prepare for SNAP benefit loss KHON2 Nathan Shinagawa October 28, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (KHON2) — With the federal government shutdown seemingly entering its second month, more than 160,000 Hawaii residents who depend on SNAP benefits will soon see that suspended. What to know about SNAP benefits during the government shutdown “If SNAP households have a balance from October or a prior month, they can still access that balance of SNAP benefits on their card and still use it,” said Scott Morishige of the Department of Human Services Benefit and Employment Services. “It’s just that the ongoing November SNAP benefit that would normally come on the third and fifth of the month will not be paid out, as long as the federal government shutdown continues.” “We are looking at a longer shutdown than expected,” said Senator Joy San Buenaventura. “Hopefully, we are aware that more people are going hungry.” As families approach the first month without the funds, state leaders are actively looking to help ease the suffering as much as possible. “The plan is to scrape together whatever available funds we have in state government to try and feed people,” said Senator Jarrett Keohokalole on what the plan was to help those who depend on SNAP. “The number of people who are not going to have access to their monthly food budget is about six times the size of our local food bank’s capacity, so it’s very disturbing.” “We’re providing $2 million to the Hawaii Food Bank to allow them to address increasing demand,” said Morishige. “In addition, we also have identified federal funds to start up the Hawaii Relief Program, which Governor Green will share more about tomorrow.” Hawaii is one of over two dozen states that are suing the USDA on its decision to withhold contingency money on SNAP benefits, arguing that the federal government has a legal obligation to maintain funding for food stamps. “The whole thing is very frustrating, when there’s $5 billion in contingency money at the federal level that the Trump administration is basically just holding hostage,” said Senator Keohokalole. “I am disappointed that the federal administration isn’t far more proactive,” said Senator Buenaventura. “Like our governor mediates between the Senate and the House in order to push budgetary items that is necessary for the public good, the president also has the power as a mediator to ensure that the shutdown ends by mediating any conflicts. And that does not look like it’s happening.” With no end in sight for the federal government shutdown, state senate members are encouraging that the information about some of these impacts needs to be shared with the public before it’s too late. Hawaiʻi among coalition of 26 states defending SNAP benefits in lawsuit “People consume information in lots of different ways, so it’s important for us to get the message out to as many people as possible in as many languages as possible on as many platforms as possible,” said Senator Keohokalole. “When you can’t eat, then there’s nothing else more important or critical. When your kids can’t eat, you’re in an emergency situation, you’re in a crisis, and so we should be treating it that way,” he added. Resources on Food Information SNAP Outreach Providers Different providers contracted with the DHS statewide to conduct outreach to households eligible for SNAP benefits, and providing assistance with referrals to community food resources. Aloha United Way 2-1-1 SNAP outreach provider which maintains a database to provide referrals to community food resources. Hawai’i Foodbank Service to O’ahu and Kauai’i O’ahu: 808-836-3600 Kauai’i: 808-482-2224 Hawaii Island Food Basket Food bank resource for Hawaii Island 808-933-6030 Maui Food Bank Food bank resource for Maui 808-243-9500 Additional information and updates can be found here on the DHS website.

No more pen hunting for Hawaii Agriculture forms on planes, state welcomes digital age KITV Kimber Collins February 24, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (Island News) -- The physical State of Hawaii Agriculture Declaration forms are being grounded, and now boarding is Akamai Arrival . The new web-based system launched by the state on Monday is aimed to ease the process for incoming travelers. “Came back on a flight yesterday, received the obligatory form and waited until the personnel on the plane said the usual, 'The state of Hawaii makes you fill out this form, but they do not give us pencils, so it’s on you,'" said Hawaii Governor Josh Green. "And everyone looks around and they see me sitting there saying 'where’s my pencil? Why do I have to fill out this form?'” "Yeah we had to fill them out but no one seemed to have a pen so it was a scramble," said Philip Caparso, Visiting from New Hampshire. The online form is the same process as the physical, where you select any produce or animals you have with you, or select none of the above. But now it can be filled out days in advance. “The best time to let a passenger know what not to bring into the state is before they get on the plane," said Senator Glenn Wakai, (D) Kalihi-Salt Lake-Foster Village . "Not when they are scurrying through their bags looking for a pencil and then ‘Oops I have a ferret. Oops I brought in live plants.’” The Department of Agriculture said about 60% of inbound travelers are filling out the physical form. For the sake of Hawaii's diverse ecosystem, state leaders say we need to do better. “Biosecurity is critical to the bedrock of sustainability," said Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa, (D) Kona, Kailua to Hōnaunau. "Our farmers have experienced devastation for nearly 20 years especially on Hawaii island. We really need to address biosecurity threats.” If you are worried about the digital age taking jobs, the state says that will not happen. Instead, having flight info come in before the wheels touch down will be a game changer for the agriculture staff. “You’re doing it as the flight comes out so you are kind of racing the passengers to an extent," said Jonathan Ho, HDOA PQB Chief. "Now you're building time, you can plan and better utilize the limited staff that we have.” The program starts Saturday, March 1 for only 40 select flights each day. The state will review the progress after May 31 and decide to let the program take-off full time, or depart in a new direction. The flights on the pilot program will only ask for agriculture products, no tourism information will be taken which is different from the physical forms. However, the state plans to add that section after the trial time.

Kauaʻi health office releases report on 2025 public health, emergency prep survey Kauai Now July 12, 2025 Original Article Kauaʻi District Health Office — a branch of Hawaiʻi Department of Health — recently released its report on the 2025 Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response, or CASPER, survey. 📷Survey team staff assembling educational materials for participating and non-participating households. (Photo Courtesy: Kauaʻi 2025 CASPER Report/Kauaʻi District Health Office) Teams conducted door-to-door surveys from June 23-27 at randomly selected households around Kaua’i, completing a total of 186 interviews throughout the course of the 5 days and collecting valuable data about residents’ health, well-being and emergency preparedness. “This annual survey helps [Kauaʻi District Health Office] and our partners do a better job of serving our community,” said Kauaʻi District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman in a release about the survey’s findings and report. “It informs our program planning, our outreach and education and our priorities.” The CASPER survey is a validated, needs assessment developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to rapidly obtain population-based estimates about the health and resource needs of a community pre- and post-disaster. This is the eighth CASPER survey conducted since 2017 on Kauaʻi. The 2025 survey asked Kauaʻi residents about their basic household demographics, emergency supplies, concerns about climate change impacts, infectious disease awareness and concerns as well as general health and well-being. A few key findings include: 81% of Kauaʻi households are aware of the recommendation to maintain a 14-day supply of non-perishable food and water, but only 17% have the recommended 14-day supply on hand. 17% of Kauaʻi households have at least one member with electricity-dependent health needs. Of those households, only 45% have a backup power supply available in the event of a power outage. 67% of Kauaʻi households are very or somewhat concerned about the impacts of climate change in Hawaiʻi. Almost half of households (42%) discuss climate change at least once a month, with 5% discussing it daily, 17% weekly and 19% monthly. While most households expressed some level of concern and regular discussion about climate change, the majority (87%) have not experienced mental health impacts related to climate change. Most Kauaʻi households (71%) are very or somewhat concerned about federal cuts to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, including safe drinking water, clean air and environmental justice. Similarly, most Kauaʻi households (76%) are very or somewhat concerned about federal cuts to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Medicaid. More than a third (35%) of Kauaʻi households are very concerned or somewhat concerned about their ability to pay the next month’s rent or mortgage. A statistically signficant 15% increase was observed from 2024 to 2025, which aligns with data collected during the 2020 CASPER survey a few months into the COVID-19 pandemic. Among Kauaʻi homeowners, 5% reported loss of homeowners insurance coverage or inability to pay because of rising costs during the past year. While the majority of Kauaʻi households (57%) continue to think it is very important to stay up to date on recommended vaccines, a statistically significant 16% decline was observed from 2019 to 2025. “The Kaua‘i CASPER survey report provides us with detailed point-in-time data of the circumstances facing Kaua‘i residents,” said Hawai‘i Senate President Ronald Kouchi, who represents Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, in the release. Hawai‘i House Speaker Nadine Nakamura — who represents Hā‘ena, Wainiha, Hanalei, Princeville, Kīlauea, Anahola, Keālia, Kapa‘a, Kawaihau and a portion of Wailua — said it’s important work to ensure that public policy is grounded in the real experiences of Kaua‘i and all Hawai‘i residents. “As a lifelong Kaua‘i resident, I know how important it is to ensure that our communities are resilient and prepared,” Nakamura said in the release. “Understanding the challenges our residents face is the first step to solving those challenges, whether that be access to emergency supplies or concerns about climate change and housing costs.” Annual CASPER surveys have served as capacity building exercises for Kauaʻi District Health Office and partner agencies, as well as increased community awareness about agencies and services available around Kauaʻi. Previous CASPER reports are available on the Kaua‘i District Health Office website .

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers At Work Year Round? That's Becoming A Real Possibility Honolulu Civil Beat Richard Wiens February 2, 2025 Original Article It was a typical scene at the Capitol: two Kauaʻi legislators getting together to discuss common interests and how they could support each other and the folks back home. The sort of thing that happens at the start of every session. But this was also a high-level meeting between longtime Senate President Ron Kouchi and brand-new House Speaker Nadine Nakamura, and the latter had a special request. “She innocently in her folder slid over a bill,” Kouchi recollected with a smile the next day. It was a proposal that could significantly change how the Legislature operates, and Nakamura wanted Kouchi to join the cause by introducing the same measure in the Senate. “I don’t know if you’d sign it,” Kouchi recalled her asking, “but I said, ‘For you Speaker, I’d be happy to sign it on our side and we’ll see what happens.’” And just like that, the often-proposed but seldom seriously considered concept of converting the Legislature to a year-round enterprise took on new life. “I’m glad you signed that bill,” Nakamura said to Kouchi as the top two legislative leaders headlined Civil Beat’s Civil Cafe at the Capitol on Jan. 22. Then she made her pitch. “All of the county councils in the state are year-round,” Nakamura said. “They have a fraction of the state’s budget and they meet year-round because the work of the counties — and here at the state — is year-round. Emergencies happen year-round.” “We currently have a 60-day session from the middle of January to the first week of May and we have these self-imposed deadlines that require us to not hear a lot of bills,” she said. “It requires us to write very complex bills in a very short period of time. We do not get the time to really work it as we would on the council side.” She noted that she and Kouchi are both former Kaua‘i County Council members. “I really appreciate that process and I think we should move toward that.” Why It Could Actually Happen Nakamura’s House Bill 1425 calls for the creation of a task force to study the logistics and ramifications of a 12-month Legislature. Don’t roll your eyes. This would not likely be one of those longstanding committees that eventually issues a report to be put up on a shelf and forgotten. In addition to the speaker’s sincere interest in the issue, the panel would be required to submit its findings to the Legislature at least 20 days before the start of the 2026 session. More importantly, something occurred just five days after the Civil Cafe that likely removes a big obstacle to a year-round session: State Salary Commission members revealed they were considering bumping up legislators’ pay by 40%. If that happened, there would be no further debate about whether the job is full-time. And If legislators are full-time, why should the session be so short? “It would be good to pay legislators more so we don’t have to have that second job,” Nakamura said at the Civil Cafe. Better pay and no outside employment would reduce conflicts of interest and could also lead to a more diverse group of legislative candidates, the speaker said. “We are excluding caregivers, women especially, who want to come out and do this type of work, from entering state legislative offices,” she said. Lawmaker salaries aside, there would certainly be other costs associated with the move to a 12-month Legislature, such as additional staff resources and travel. “I know it is a big change,” Nakamura said. “The study group would really take a look at what are the different issues, what are the costs.” The current 60 days for floor sessions might still be sufficient — they would simply be spread out over 12 months, she said. Meanwhile, bill-writing and committee hearings could proceed at a less frenzied pace. Nakamura’s bill gets its first hearing Wednesday at 2 p.m. before the Legislative Management Committee. In addition to her bill and Kouchi’s companion measure, Senate Bill 1514 , there are two other bills this session proposing the conversion to a 12-month Legislature. The companion measures would put the question directly to voters via a proposed constitutional amendment. One of them, Senate Bill 733 , was heard Friday by the Senate Judiciary Committee. It was deferred, meaning it probably won’t proceed this session. The other, House Bill 770 , does not yet have a committee hearing scheduled. The Legislature is also waiting on a more modest study of the 12-month option that’s being put together by the Legislative Reference Bureau as the result of a Joint House Resolution approved last session. The LRB was asked to study the pros and cons of a continuous legislative session, what the calendar might look, and the salary needs for full-time legislators and staff. What’s Really On The Table Here Legislative leaders conduct much of the people’s business behind closed doors and wield near-dictatorial powers in open committee meetings and especially during the private negotiations that dominate each session’s final days. They often point to the current tight deadlines (one sponsor of SB 733 has called it “four months of chaos”) to justify secrecy for the sake of expediency. Each election season, legislative candidates are asked in their Civil Beat Q&As if they would support applying the Sunshine Law to the Legislature to stop most of those secret meetings at the Capitol. Many say they would — if the sessions weren’t so darned short. Perhaps the time really has come to take more time. Legislators long ago exempted themselves from the open meeting laws that apply to other government bodies. But a year-round Legislature could not only better oversee the work of 20 state departments and agencies and a $20 billion budget, it could do so in the light of day. If the speaker of the House and the president of the Senate are open to operating more like the county councils on a 12-month schedule, shouldn’t they be willing to conduct their business out in the open just as the councils are required to do? Senate Judiciary Chair Karl Rhoads said as much when he amended a year-round Legislature proposal two years ago to apply the Sunshine Law to state lawmakers. At the time, he noted that Hawaii had almost twice the population it had back in 1968 when the current legislative procedures were enshrined in Article III of the State Constitution . Getting legislators to abide by the Sunshine Law won’t be an easy sell. But if they convert to a 12-month session, they would have plenty of time to do the right thing and allow the public to observe their deliberations, not just their committee hearings. Some will say the Capitol just wouldn’t be the same without the old-fashioned horse-trading that goes on in private. Not the same, but perhaps better. What about the idea that what happens at party caucus meetings stays at party caucus meetings? Again, it wouldn’t be the same if their constituents were watching, but it might be better. Longer Sessions Already Possible Even now, legislative leaders aren’t quite as rushed as they often say they are. The State Constitution spells out when each session begins — the third Wednesday in January — but not when it ends. Those 60 days of floor sessions could already be spread out over a lot more of the calendar instead of ending in early May. And committee hearings could continue in the intervals. If they feel like they have unfinished business — and every session ends with that feeling — legislators can also extend a regular session for an additional 15 days or call themselves into special session for up to 30 days. Either of those options requires the approval of two-thirds of the House and Senate. Still, a cleaner way to convert to a 12-month session would be through voter approval of a constitutional amendment. That’s because the constitution’s current timing requirements for the governor to sign or veto bills is tied to when the Legislature adjourns its regular session. This session’s bills for a full-time Legislature, for instance, would give the governor 90 days to sign or veto measures, with no reference to the date of adjournment. It’s becoming plausible to imagine a future in which better-paid legislators hold no outside employment and are unconstricted by artificial deadlines. However it unfolds, a longer session holds promise for a more effective Legislature Change is coming. Newer lawmakers are raising more questions about the top-down nature of things at the Capitol. The recent hour-long discussion on the House floor of its rules of operation was refreshing evidence of the shift, because those rules traditionally are imposed with no dialogue at the start of each session (as they still are in the Senate). It’s becoming plausible to imagine a near-term future in which better-paid legislators hold no outside employment and are unconstricted by artificial deadlines. Their only jobs would be addressing the many challenges facing Hawaii, which should be full-time work indeed.

State legislators to meet to discuss location of new Oʻahu landfill Yahoo News; KHON2 Cameron Macedonio January 3, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (KHON2) — On Jan. 7, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature will hold a joint informational briefing between the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment to discuss the proposed Oʻahu landfill and its potential impacts. The Honolulu Department of Environmental Services and the Honolulu Board of Water Supply will provide presentations to the joint committees. “Protecting Hawaiʻi’s precious water supply is essential for sustaining life and preserving our environment,” said Rep. Nicole E. Lowen, chair of the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection. “We aim to fully understand the implications and potential impacts of the proposed location for the new landfill.” Controversy looms over potential sites for Oahu landfill Senator Mike Gabbard, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment, echoed the need to protect the environment. “Choosing the site of Oʻahu’s next landfill affects everyone island-wide, not only now, but for generations to come,” he said. “It’s important that we gather all the facts from the City and County, the Board of Water Supply and other experts before we make a final decision.” The meeting can be streamed live starting at 9 a.m. on Jan. 7 on YouTube .

Hawaii lawmakers urged to act after federal clean energy cuts The Garden Island Andrew Gomes (Star Advertiser) November 19, 2025 Original Article Hawaii’s Legislature may want to consider offering new state tax-credit funding for renewable energy expansion to at least partially offset federal withdrawals. That was a suggestion made to a pair of state Senate committee chairs during a briefing last week about negative impacts on Hawaii climate change mitigation initiatives due to recent federal policy changes and funding pullbacks. Leah Laramee, coordinator of the Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, told Sens. Karl Rhoads and Mike Gabbard at the Nov. 3 briefing that it would be incredibly helpful if more local tax credits were made available for renewable energy and climate change impact mitigation projects in the face of federal cutbacks driven by the administration of President Donald Trump. Laramee told the senators that about $651 million in Hawaii renewable energy projects are at risk due to federal policy and funding changes. “It’s a significant investment that is threatened in the state,” she said. “The loss of these projects is going to have pretty significant impacts on our ability to produce affordable energy locally and impact our energy security.” In recent weeks, the administration of Gov. Josh Green has rolled out state emergency funding programs to help low-income households in Hawaii pay for rent, utilities and food to counteract federal program cuts due to the government shutdown. Most recently, the state Department of Transportation offered to pay federal air traffic and security workers to avoid curtailing flights at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu by 10%. Though the loss of federal financial support for renewable energy isn’t on par with shutdown-related emergency responses, Hawaii residents and businesses pay the highest electricity rates in the nation. The threat of rising sea levels on the local economy also makes climate change impact mitigation a high priority for state leaders. Some of the $651 million in threatened Hawaii renewable energy projects cannot be offset by state funding, such as a planned offshore wind farm where federal officials have ceased regulatory approval action. But state funding could counter canceled federal support for other things including electric vehicles, rooftop solar systems and “carbon smart” food production. Laramee told Rhoads and Gabbard, who respectively chair the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Committee on Agriculture and Environment, that one of the biggest federal grant losses for Hawaii was $249 million from a $3 billion nationwide U.S. Department of Agriculture program called Carbon Smart Commodities. The program supported climate-friendly agricultural projects including development of food forests, invasive species management and soil health improvement. “This is really about food security within the state, and that’s been rescinded,” Laramee said. Another move earlier this year rescinded a $62.5 million federal grant used to make low-cost loans for low- and moderate-income households to pay for rooftop solar systems. This Solar for All program was being operated by the Hawai‘i Green Infrastructure Authority, but was terminated in August by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Hawaii along with nearly two dozen other states filed lawsuits in October challenging EPA’s rescission of grant funding approved by Congress. Laramee said she was optimistic that the state will prevail, and encouraged the Legislature to keep up support for the state Office of the Attorney General, which is involved in numerous lawsuits over federal policy and funding changes. Laramee also suggested that loan repayment revenue received by the Green Infrastructure Authority be recycled to fund more loans instead of being deposited into the state’s general fund. The briefing held by Rhoads and Gabbard also covered ongoing efforts to invest in plans and projects that make Hawaii more resilient to rising sea level and temperatures — efforts that include pending litigation by the City and County of Honolulu against major oil companies that the Trump Administration has tried to upend. Retired Hawaii Supreme Court justice Michael Wilson urged state leaders to develop a climate protection plan for the islands. Such a plan, he told Rhoads and Gabbard, could start with guarding against the loss of Waikiki Beach, which Wilson said stands to be submerged in 40 or 50 years based on the present rate of global warming impacts and would sap $2 billion of annual visitor spending. After the briefing, Rhoads (D, Nuuanu-Downtown-Iwilei) said in a statement that the presentations by Laramee and Wilson were a sobering reminder that climate change isn’t a distant or abstract issue, and that it directly impacts the health, safety, and economic future of Hawaii residents. “Our responsibility as lawmakers is to take proactive measures to protect our communities and uphold the rights of future generations to a safe and sustainable environment,” Rhoads said. Gabbard (D, Kapolei-Makakilo-Kalaeloa) said in a statement that now is the time to “double down” on the commitment by Hawaii leaders to renewable energy, local food security and climate adaptation to safeguard our islands. “The loss of federal funding for clean energy projects threatens much needed years of progress toward a more sustainable future,” he said. The next session of the Legislature is scheduled to convene Jan. 21.

Senate Ways and Means Committee visits Lānaʻi for updates on local sustainability Maui Now September 9, 2025 Original Article The Senate Ways and Means Committee arrived on Lānaʻi to receive updates on economic development and sustainability efforts from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and the Agribusiness Development Corporation. Committee members were first guided through the work of Pūlama Lānaʻi, an organization creating solutions for a sustainable future through cultural preservation and building economic opportunities for Lānaʻi. “Today’s visit to Lānaʻi shows our deep commitment to supporting sustainable growth in our rural communities,” said Senator Lynn DeCoite (D 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lānaʻi, Kaho‘olawe and Molokini), Chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism. “The presentations from DBEDT, ADC, and Pūlama Lānaʻi highlight the incredible work being done to preserve Lānaʻi’s heritage while creating economic opportunities for the future.” “As a State, we must ensure that we are able to keep up with the changing needs of our communities,” said Senator Troy N. Hashimoto (D 5 – Wailuku, Kahului, Waihe‘e, Waikapu Mauka, Wai‘ehu), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Housing. “Developing sustainable housing solutions must include building communities with access to economic opportunities and critical services to ensure that residents, on Lānaʻi and across our islands, can stay and live with greater security in the place we call home.” “As we continue shaping policy and budgets, it’s critical we prioritize initiatives that create lasting opportunities for regional economic development,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (D 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. “Today’s visit demonstrates that food, housing, and workforce are the cornerstones of sustainability and economic opportunity,” said ADC Board Chairperson Jayson Watts. “As ADC explores statewide expansion, we are committed to building the infrastructure and innovation needed for rural communities and families to succeed.” “The work on Lānaʻi highlights how rural communities can thrive when economic opportunities and affordable housing are integrated rather than separated. DBEDT holds critical levers that can be used to support rural communities by connecting food, housing, tourism and workforce opportunities,” said DBEDT Deputy Director Dane Wicker.

Editorial: Many budget needs, but push for Hawaii housing Star Advertiser Star Advertiser December 22, 2024 Original Article Gov. Josh Green has officially released his proposed state budget, laying out would-be plans and priorities for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The document now goes to the Legislature — which must work with Green to fulfill ambitious objectives, including adding housing, building up the state’s health care workforce and funding climate-related necessities. The governor’s plan is reasonable — and should be palatable to taxpayers, in that income taxes were reduced by notable proportions last year. Hawaii households are projected to have more money in their pockets over the next two years, while Green hopes that adding more housing will hold rental and purchase costs down. He also promised “a big push on homelessness and health care.” As he consistently has done, the governor framed his proposals as oriented toward working families and “vulnerable Hawaii residents” — two very large segments of this state’s population. It’s a warranted and urgent orientation, given that the Aloha United Way’s 2024 ALICE report shows nearly half of Hawaii’s residents are struggling: 33% identified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and 11% living under the federal poverty line. To build support for the budget asks, Green said he’s engaged with Senate Ways and Means Chair Donovan Dela Cruz and House Finance Chair Kyle Yamashita in advance of the legislative session. The goal: setting up a “collaborative process.” Success or failure of the strategy is a test of Green’s persuasive pull, and will reveal itself over the next few months. If this results in a smoother session, with a measured legislative work flow and few end-of-session pile-ups, the approach would be a model for future sessions. Should logjams and intractable disagreements erupt, however, Green will share responsibility with legislators. A focus on housing is clear, with roughly a third of the spending in each budget year steered toward building affordable housing and infrastructure, and sheltering those most vulnerable to homelessness. Notably, as early indications show some legislative enthusiasm for funding workforce housing — affordable to households earning above the low-income threshold typically favored for government subsidies — the proposed budget allocates $75 million in each fiscal year for a “Tier II” Rental Housing Revolving Fund, supporting development of housing for those earning 60% to 100% of area median income (AMI). Another $50 million is directed to the Rental Housing Revolving Fund, to support housing for those earning less than 60% of AMI. Additionally, $20 million is requested in each fiscal year for the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund, supporting infrastructure investment. The largest portion of housing funding, nearly $150 million, is requested for projects to transform portions of urban Honolulu: $56 million to redevelop the 70-year-old, 364-unit Mayor Wright public housing into a 2,448-unit, mixed-use complex that includes housing for low- and middle-income families; $30 million for the newly funded, much-debated Aloha Homes Program, which will develop workforce-housing towers built on state lands with 99-year leasehold units; and $62 million for University Village, a transit-oriented development near the rail line and University of Hawaii-West Oahu. Another $60.8 million is directed to homelessness programs: $50 million each fiscal year to continue expanding kauhale development, along with contracting for services statewide; and $10.8 million each fiscal year for Housing First and the Rapid Re-Housing programs, homelessness outreach and civil legal services. The state has become a more active partner with counties in teaming up to provide kauhale — self-contained “villages” for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness — with 16 active statewide. Student housing at the UH also gets a nod, with $25 million proposed each fiscal year “to ensure the existing dorm inventory remains active.” Watch for debate on this line item: In January, Green rejected a request for $80 million to renovate a neglected UH dorm that has been vacant since 2018. Commitment to shore up residents’ access to health care is seen in an additional $15 million proposed in each fiscal year for the Health Care Education Loan Repayment Program (HELP), touted as a cost-efficient strategy to build up and stabilize Hawaii’s health care workforce. So far, the program is pulling its weight: In its first year, HELP provided debt relief to more than 900 primary care and mental health care providers who have committed to practice in areas here with a documented shortage of health professionals. Much uncertainty remains over Green’s efforts to find revenue for climate resiliency projects and to protect natural resources; over the extent of funding ultimately needed to settle Lahaina fire litigation; and shortfalls that may develop because of changing federal priorities. It’s now up to the 2025 Legislature to demonstrate collaborative leadership and commitment to resolving this array of looming issues.

Hawaii Senate tweaks committees, chairs ahead of 2025 session Star Advertiser Dan Nakaso December 7, 2024 Original Article Unlike the state House, leadership at the state Senate will remain relatively familiar for the upcoming legislative session, with some tweaks to Senate committees and chairs. Three of the Senate’s 17 committees have been refocused: >> The former Energy, Economic Development and Tourism Committee now becomes the Economic Development and Tourism Committee with Sen. Lynn DeCoite as its chair. >> Responsibility for energy now falls under a new Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee chaired by Sen. Glenn Wakai. Wakai previously chaired the Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee. >> It now becomes the Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee chaired by Sen. Brandon Elefante. The new chair of the Hawaiian Affairs Committee will be Sen. Tim Richards III, after former Chair Maile Shimabukuro left the Senate at the end of the last legislative session. Otherwise, leadership of the Senate continues under Senate President Ron Kouchi. Continuing in their Senate leadership roles are Michelle Kidani (vice president), Dru Mamo Kanuha (majority leader), Wakai (majority floor leader), DeCoite (assistant majority floor leader), Les Ihara (majority policy leader) and Lorraine Inouye (majority whip). Sens. Henry J.C. Aquino, Troy Hashimoto, Jarrett Keohokalole, Chris Lee and Richards all will serve as assistant majority whips. In the three-member, minority Republican Senate caucus, the election of Sen. Samantha DeCorte enabled a tie-breaking vote that settled a leadership standoff over the past two legislative sessions between Sens. Kurt Fevella and Brenton Awa. Awa now becomes minority leader, DeCorte is the new minority floor leader and Fevella will serve as assistant minority floor leader. The changes in the Senate were far less dramatic compared with the House because of several factors. Only 13 of the 25 Senate seats were up for election this year. But all 51 House seats were up, resulting in new faces and a leadership change when Speaker Scott Saiki lost his primary election. New House Speaker Nadine Nakamura then reshuffled House leadership. Other factors in the House included resignations, retirements, other election losses, the death of Rep. Mark Nakashima and several other chairs moving up into House leadership, which prevents them from chairing committees, although some will serve as vice chairs. Nakamura also renamed several of the 18 House committees, and 12 of them will have new chairs. Six newly elected House freshmen also will serve as vice chairs.