Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Ways and Means (WAM) released a report detailing its site visit to Hawaiʻi Island in November 2023. Every two years, WAM conducts site visits to each county to break barriers and facilitate collaboration between government and non-governmental organizations, highlighting the benefits of partnerships with Federal, County, non-profit service providers, and community stakeholders. From Tuesday, November 7, to Thursday, November 9, 2023, WAM visited Hawaiʻi Island to meet with various government agencies and community leaders to receive updates on critical projects and initiatives relating to workforce development, healthcare and housing, and regional economic development. During this trip, the Committee received feedback and information to guide decision-making on legislation and budget appropriations from stakeholders from across the county.
With a full-agenda over three days, WAM visited Hilo, Pāhoa, Keaʻau, Kamuela, Kapaʻau, Kealakekua, Holualoa and Kailua-Kona, and considered topics including geothermal and renewable energy; aerospace and engineering; invasive species and agriculture; creative media and the film industry; Native Hawaiian self-determination and economic success; workforce development for health care and early learning jobs; homelessness; and healthcare in rural areas.
"As a Committee, it is necessary that we go beyond the boundaries of our offices and Oʻahu, and immerse ourselves in the heartbeat of Neighbor Islands," said Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means. "By listening to the stories and witnessing the challenges facing Neighbor Islands firsthand, we are better able to grasp the nuanced needs of each community. These visits allow us to foster genuine understanding and craft solutions that resonate with the unique fabric of every corner of our State."
"The Ways and Means Committee has a statewide purview, and our neighbor island site visits provide opportunities for the members to understand the needs and resources across our State," Senator Dela Cruz continued. "The template of regional economic development can be applied statewide but be tailored to the individual strengths and features of our State with the right partnerships. We must invest in our State now or we risk losing future economic opportunities and prosperity for our keiki."
