Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate voted to confirm the Governor’s Circuit Court appointments of Rebecca A. Copeland, Brian A. Costa, Dyan M. Medeiros, and Steven R. Nichols to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit (island of Oʻahu). Earlier in the week, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on each appointment, and all testimony received for Copeland, Costa, Medeiros, and Nichols was in support of their appointments. Each of the new judges was deemed “Qualified” by the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association. “All four appointees demonstrated the experience, curiosity, and commitment required of a judge,” said Senator Karl Rhoads (Senate District 13, Dowsett Highlands, Puʻunui, Nuʻuanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown), Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. “After having met with Judge Copeland, Judge Costa, Judge Medeiros, and Judge Nichols, I am confident that each will serve our State with honor and integrity, and I extend my sincerest mahalo and congratulations to them all.” Rebecca A. Copeland has been confirmed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit as a Circuit Court Judge. Copeland will succeed Judge Gary Chang, who is retiring at the end of June 2024. Copeland served as a District Family Court Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit since 2020. Between 2016-2020, she served as a Per Diem District Court Judge. Copeland has experience in operating the Law Office of Rebecca A. Copeland, LLC, working for Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert, and as Adjunct Professor for the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, St. Mary’s University School of Law (in San Antonio), and Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Additionally, Copeland has served as Deputy Solicitor General, Appellate Division, for the State of Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General and was a law clerk for Hawaiʻi Intermediate Court of Appeals. Copeland received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southwest Texas State University and a Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Brian A. Costa has been confirmed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit as a Circuit Court Judge and will succeed Judge Jeffrey Crabtree, who retired in January 2024. Costa has served as a District Family Court Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit since 2017 and most recently as the Lead Judge of the Juvenile Division and Presiding Judge of Juvenile Drug Court. Between 2015-2017, he served as a Per Diem District Court Judge. Costa’s professional experience includes being an attorney, member, and manager of the law firm Costa & DeLacy, LLLC, serving as a Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, and working as an associate for Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel. Costa additionally was a law clerk for Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Associate Justice Simeon R. Acoba, Jr. Costa received an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences in Business Administration from Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY, a Bachelor of Science in Management from Hawaiʻi Pacific University, and a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law. Dyan M. Medeiros has been confirmed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit as a Circuit Court Judge. Medeiros will succeed Judge R. Mark Browning who retired in December 2023. Medeiros has served as a District Family Court Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit since 2015 and most recently as the Lead Judge of the Domestic Division and Presiding Judge of Girls Court. Prior to serving as a Judge, Medeiros was a partner with Kleintop, Luria & Medeiros, an associate attorney with Stirling & Kleintop, and an associate attorney with Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert. Medeiros received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and received a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law. Steven R. Nichols has been confirmed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit as a Circuit Court Judge. Nichols will succeed Judge Edward Kubo who retired in December 2019. Most recently, Nichols served as a Per Diem Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit and operates the Law Office of Steven R. Nichols. Nichols previously served as Deputy Public Defender for twenty years and was a law clerk for First Circuit Judge Dexter Del Rosario. Nichols received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law.

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Next week, the Hawaiʻi State Senate will convene a special session to review the judicial appointments of Rebecca A. Copeland, Brian A. Costa, Dyan M. Medeiros, and Steven R. Nichols to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit (island of Oʻahu). The Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Karl Rhoads (Senate District 13, Dowsett Highlands, Puʻunui, Nuʻunau, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown), will hold a public hearing on the appointees on Monday, June 24, 2024, starting at 10:30 a.m. The Senate will convene in floor session on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. This will be followed by a separate decision-making meeting of the Judiciary Committee at 11:45 a.m.  Final Senate votes on the appointments are expected on Thursday, June 27, 2024, during the floor session that is expected to start at 11:00 a.m. Rebecca A. Copeland has served as a District Family Court Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit since 2020. Between 2016-2020, she served as a Per Diem District Court Judge. Copeland has experience in operating the Law Office of Rebecca A. Copeland, LLC, working for Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert, and as Adjunct Professor for the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, St. Mary’s University School of Law (in San Antonio), and Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Additionally, Copeland has served as Deputy Solicitor General, Appellate Division, for the State of Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General. Copeland received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southwest Texas State University and a Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Brian A. Costa has served as a District Family Court Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit since 2017 and currently is the Lead Judge of the Juvenile Division and Presiding Judge of Juvenile Drug Court. Between 2015-2017, he served as a Per Diem District Court Judge. Costa’s professional experience includes being an attorney, member, and manager of the law firm Costa & DeLacy, LLLC, serving as a Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, and working as an associate for Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel. Costa additionally was a law clerk for Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Associate Justice Simeon R. Acoba, Jr. Costa received an Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences in Business Administration from Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY, a Bachelor of Science in Management from Hawaiʻi Pacific University, and a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Dyan M. Medeiros has served as a District Family Court Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit since 2015 and currently is the Lead Judge of the Domestic Division and Presiding Judge of Girls Court. Prior to serving as a Judge, Medeiros was a partner with Kleintop, Luria & Medeiros, an associate attorney with Stirling & Kleintop, and an associate attorney with Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert. Medeiros received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and received a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law. Steven R. Nichols currently serves as a Per Diem Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit and operates the Law Office of Steven R. Nichols. Nichols previously served as Deputy Public Defender for twenty years and was a law clerk for First Circuit Judge Dexter Del Rosario. Nichols received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law. The hearing notice can be viewed here and includes instructions on how to submit testimony. The public hearing and floor sessions will be broadcast on the Senate YouTube page.  More information about the special session is available at the 2024 Senate Special Session webpage on the Legislature's website, www.capitol.hawaii.gov.

Today, Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani (District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, Portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia), Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, issued the following statement thanking Governor Josh Green for releasing $550,000 to finance design and construction for classroom expansion and restroom facilities for special education students at Kanoelani Elementary School in Waipahu: “I’d like to thank Governor Green for releasing funding for classroom expansion and restroom facilities for special education students at Kanoelani Elementary School,” said Senate Vice President Kidani. “It is essential that we provide resources for our special education teachers and students to foster an inclusive environment where every keiki can reach their full potential.” ###

Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, (District 24, Kāne‘ohe, Kailua), Senate Co-Chair of the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus issued the following statement offering his thanks to FestPAC organizers for featuring heritage dance performances by groups from different countries at Windward Mall in Kāne‘ohe: "It is an honor for Hawai‘i to host FestPAC this year, and I am grateful that its organizers have chosen to spread the program across communities on O‘ahu," said Senator Keohokalole. "Windward Mall is a central gathering place for many of our Windward residents, and I appreciate that we have the opportunity to experience and celebrate our guests from across the Pacific. I look forward to joining many of our neighbors and ‘ohana from across the Ko‘olau coast in the audience." From 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. today (Friday, June 7) and tomorrow (Saturday, June 8) Windward Mall will host a satellite stage for FestPAC’s heritage dance performances by groups from various countries.  For additional information on FestPAC Hawai‘i, visit festpachawaii.org.

Today, Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo), issued the following statement thanking Governor Josh Green for releasing $230,000 in capital improvement project funds for furniture and equipment in the new medium security housing unit at the Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center (HCCC). “I am thrilled to share the news of these important investments for the Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center,” Senator Inouye said. “This equipment funding injection will support the essential work HCCC does. HCCC has been in need of the new medium security housing unit for a long time, and it is important that it is adequately furnished with the right equipment in its new facility.” “I am grateful to Governor Green for recognizing the importance of investing in HCCC. HCCC has grown considerably over the last several years, and it is critical that the State continues to support HCCC's needs.”

With the retirement of Senator Maile S.L. Shimabukuro (Senate District 22, KoʻOlina, Nānākuli, Māʻili, Waiʻanae, Mākaha, Mākua) from the Hawaiʻi State Senate effective today, Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (Senate District 8, Kauaʻi, Niʻihau) announced changes to the composition of Senate Standing Committees. Effective June 1, 2024, Senator Herbert M. “Tim” Richards III (Senate District 4, North Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona) will be the interim Chair of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs. Senator Brandon J.C. Elefante (Senate District 16, ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City) will remain as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee through a special session to confirm judicial nominees in late June. After the special session to confirm judicial nominees ends, Senator Elefante will move from being a member of the Senate Committee on Judiciary Committee to a member of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Recent investigations and reports of sexual abuse, physical assault, and other forms of harassment committed against students at public and private preschools and K-12 campuses throughout the State have exposed a loophole allowing keiki to be harmed. Predatory school personnel involved in these offenses have been reported as switching schools to harm new children by taking advantage of the inability of educational institutions to share information with one another. This year, to close this loophole and prevent these individuals from serving in any capacity that requires interaction with or close proximity to students, the Hawaiʻi Legislature unanimously passed Senate Bill 2475 CD1. SB2475 CD1 creates the Harm to Students registry for all preschools and K-12 educational institutions within the State. With the goal of preventing predatory individuals from subsequently gaining employment in any other public or private preschools and K-12 institutions in Hawaiʻi, this registry will contain information on school employees, contractors, or volunteers for whom, as a result of an investigation, a final finding has been issued that the individual has inflicted harm on a student. “The most important role of the Legislature is protecting our keiki. Our students have a right to pursue their education in safe, secure, and healthy learning environments statewide, and closing this loophole helps ensure that right,” said Senator Michelle N. Kidani, who serves as the Senate Vice President and Chair of Senate Committee on Education (District 18, Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia). “Thanks to collaboration and support from our Department of Education and other educators and associations, SB2475 CD1 will make our schools a safer place.” During the legislative session, drafts of SB2475 received support from a wide cross section of education professionals, including the Department of Education, the State Public Charter School Commission, the Hawaiʻi Teachers Standards Board, the Early Learning Board, the Executive Office on Early Learning, Kamehameha Schools, Punahou School, the Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools, and Hawaiʻi Council of Private Schools. "The registry created under SB2475 would be an invaluable tool for both public and private schools, allowing us to share critical information and make informed employment decisions that prioritize the safety and protection of our children," said Superintendent Keith Hayashi. “We are very appreciative to the Education Committees and the Legislature for supporting this bill, as it would significantly enhance our ability to maintain healthy and secure learning environments." SB2475 CD1 is currently being considered by Governor Green to be signed into law. If approved by the Governor, SB2475 CD1 would go into effect on July 1, 2024. ###

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Senator Jarrett Keohokalole (District 24, Kāne‘ohe, Kailua), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, issued the following statement regarding the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA)’s initial surveys of Little Fire Ants at Pua Lani Landscape Design: “It is encouraging to hear that the HDOA and Pua Lani are finally working together,” Senator Keohokalole said. “It should not have taken four months and a Senate investigation to get here.”

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –  Today, Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Senate District 17, portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village) was honored as the Carl Perkins Community Service awardee for the state. “Mahalo to the Association for Career and Technical Education for this award, which is an example of the paradigm shift supported by Senate Education Committee Chair Kidani and Superintendent Hayashi,” said Senator Dela Cruz, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I am proud to work with our educators to ensure that our keiki are prepared for high paying jobs.” This award recognizes individuals who have used Career and Technical Education to make a significant impact on their community and demonstrated leadership in programs and activities that promote student involvement in community service. The award was granted by the Hawaiʻi branch of the Association for Career and Technical Education, the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to empowering educators to deliver high-quality career and technical education programs that position students for career success. “Hawaiʻi ACTE is thrilled to recognize the vision and leadership of Senator Donovan Dela Cruz as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the community and the transformative impact Career and Technical Education can have on students,” said Ron Umehira, Executive Director, Hawaiʻi ACTE. “I know that education is a critical piece for Hawaii’s future. Without good paying jobs, we will continue to lose our current and future workforce to better job markets. Without certified teachers in our classroom, we will not have a workforce prepared for economic development,” said Senator Michelle N. Kidani, who serves as the Senate Vice President and Chair of Senate Committee on Education (District 18, Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia). “It has been my great pleasure partnering with the Ways and Means Chair to ensure that we have good paying jobs for today and tomorrow, fully certified and qualified teachers in our classrooms, and creating a sustainable future for all keiki across the State.”

Hilo, Hawaiʻi – Today, Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo), issued the following statement thanking Governor Josh Green for releasing $5,005,000 in capital improvement project funds to finance multiple projects at Hilo International Airport. “I am thrilled to share the news of these important investments for the Hilo Airport,” Senator Inouye said. “This funding injection will support enhancements aimed at bolstering infrastructure and operational efficiency. Additionally, these funds will facilitate essential design work for terminal infrastructure improvements, furthering the airport's capacity to accommodate growing passenger needs.” “I am grateful to Governor Green for recognizing the importance of investing in Hilo International Airport. Hilo International Airport is a vital economic hub for the city of Hilo and the outlying areas of Hamakua, Puna and Kaʻu. It is critical that the State continues to support Hilo International Airport.”

In an historic response to increased awareness and concern about the invasive species crisis in our state, and the need to eradicate the widespread damage they cause statewide, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature voted unanimously to pass House Bill 2619 HD1 SD1 CD1 in a final reading in both the Senate and House last Wednesday. The bill explicitly requires the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) to lead and coordinate the State's invasive pest control and biosecurity efforts. It also requires the HDOA to post on its website real-time updates on pest infestations, including date, location, actions performed, and names of staff and organizations involved, so that the public knows exactly who to contact at the HDOA, if the problem isn’t being addressed. The bill also provides funding to each county as a grant-in-aid, subject to a county match, for the implementation of feral chicken control programs. The bill commits nearly $20 million to the HDOA to assist in the administration and implementation of their Biosecurity Program, including forty-four new positions. The bill also adds twenty-two new Plant Quarantine Branch inspectors to oversee plant materials, which is critical in order to mitigate the transportation of these invasive pests. In his eighth year as the Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee Chair, Senator Mike Gabbard, who introduced the companion bill (SB2419) in the Senate, said, “I’m excited to see this biosecurity bill on its way to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. I applaud WAM Chair, Senator Dela Cruz and his staff, and his counterpart, House FIN Chair Yamashita, the Legislature, HDOA, and all the farming/ranching/agriculture stakeholders who collaborated to craft this comprehensive Biosecurity package that reflects the extreme urgency of this critical issue. After many years of demanding our state do more to support agriculture and help the people of Hawai‘i regarding invasive species, we’re finally putting our money where our mouth is. In my humble opinion, this bill is a masterpiece… indeed, it’s been a long time coming.” Under current law, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, the HDOA is required to implement a comprehensive biosecurity program to control and prevent increasing threats of pests and prohibited or restricted organisms without a permit from spreading throughout the State. While inspections are critical, increasing the State’s ability to prevent the entry of high-risk products would enhance its ability to mitigate and manage invasive pests. This is vitally important not only to protect the State’s fragile environment, but also to grow Hawaiʻi’s local agricultural industries and to increase levels of self-sufficiency and sustainability. “This year, the Legislature has made significant investments in biosecurity to protect our land and natural resources, which reinforces the urgency of safeguarding our environment against invasive pests that endanger Hawaiʻi's native species and communities. Designating a centralized agency to bolster the defense of our lands and shores will protect our natural habitat and preserve the well-being of our state,” said House Committee on Finance Chair Kyle T. Yamashita (D-12, Upcountry Maui). “This bill honors the work of former State Representative Clift Tsuji, who fought tirelessly for biosecurity during his tenure as the House Agriculture Committee Chair,” said Representative Kirstin Kahaloa (D-6, Hōnaunau, Nāpō‘opo‘o, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Hōlualoa, Kailua-Kona). “It recommits Hawaiʻi to protecting its environment, food security, and way of life against invasive species by placing the leadership of all biosecurity efforts on the Department of Agriculture. It funds nearly $20 million in staffing and programming to manage and eradicate invasive species like coconut rhinoceros beetles, little fire ants, two-lined spittle bugs, and more. This legislation will let our keiki play free without the fear of being bitten by little fire ants. It will keep our picturesque Hawaiian scenes with coconut trees proudly displayed across Hawaiʻi.  This effort helps our state make biosecurity a priority.” HB 2619 will advance to the Governor’s desk for consideration.

Senator Maile Shimabukuro (District 22, Ko ‘Olina, Nānākuli, Mā‘ili, Wai‘anae, Mākaha, Mākua) issued the following statement announcing her resignation from the Hawaiʻi State Senate, effective May 31, 2024: "After much soul-searching, I have decided to resign from the Senate, effective May 31, 2024.  It has been an amazing journey, and such a privilege, to serve as an elected official since 2003. From the bottom of my heart, I thank all of my fellow Legislators, Capitol staff, passionate advocates, constituents, and of course my family and friends, for all the support, teamwork, mentorship, and camaraderie that you have gifted me over these past 21 years.  I am so proud of the many things we have accomplished together, such as, the Nānākuli contraflow lane; MA‘O Organic Farms’ expansion; buildings for Searider Productions, LCC Wai‘anae Moku, Papahana O Kaiona, E Ala Voyaging Canoe, Nā Kama Kai, and Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, to name a few.  Bills such as legalizing pa‘i‘ai, extending the statute of limitations for sex abuse victims, eliminating the reconstructed car inspection, transfer on death deeds, prohibiting the removal of sand from our shorelines, beach brown water testing, and requiring counties to maintain DHHL infrastructure, will have a tremendous positive impact on the generations to come. After my departure, I look forward to tending to my mother and son, spending time with family and friends, focusing on my legal services work, volunteering for nonprofits, and enjoying the healing powers of nature and the ocean. Thank you again for providing me with the immense privilege of serving in this august body." Senator Shimabukuro grew up on the Wai‘anae Coast and graduated from ‘Iolani School. She completed her undergraduate studies at Colorado College and received a Juris Doctor from the University of Hawai‘i William S. Richardson School of Law. Maile Shimabukuro was first elected to the State House of Representatives in 2002, representing Wai‘anae, Mākaha, Mākua. In 2010, Shimabukuro was appointed to replace then Senate President Colleen Hanabusa when she was elected to Congress and has served as a Senator since. Beginning in 2013, Shimabukuro has been the Chair of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs. While in the House of Representatives, Shimabukuro served as the Chair of the House Committee on Human Services and Housing from 2005-2006. In accordance with State law, Democratic Party officers will identify three names that will be transmitted to Governor Green for consideration. The Governor will have sixty days to fill the vacancy.