Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  – Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani (District 18, Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, Portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia) announced today the release of capital improvement project funds to finance construction and equipment for essential upgrades and improvements to the non-profit Hawaiʻi United Okinawa Association (HUOA).   “I am pleased to announce that funding has been released to make improvements to the Hawaiʻi United Okinawan Association’s Hawaiʻi Okinawa Center,” said Senate Vice President Michelle Kidani. “The HUOA plays a key role in our community by providing invaluable cultural preservation. I’d like to extend a sincere mahalo to Governor Green for releasing these necessary funds.”

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  –   Three Hawaiʻ i State Legislators and a member of the Honolulu City Council are in Washington D.C. today sharing their insights about matters facing Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders at the White House. Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha, Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Representative Darius K. Kila, and Honolulu City Council Vice Chair Esther Kiaʻāina have been invited to the White House to attend the inaugural White House Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander (NHPI) Convening. This event brings together NHPI community advocates, private sector leaders, elected officials, federal appointees and staff, and artists, to celebrate NHPI cultures and achievements, while highlighting the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to address key issues impacting these communities. “We recognize the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to address key issues affecting Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders,” said Representative Darius K. Kila  (D-44 Honokai Hale, Nānākuli, Mā‘ili), who spearheaded the Legislature’s Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group. “But beyond acknowledgments, this meeting offers a crucial opportunity to tackle pressing issues head-on—protecting indigenous intellectual property and preserving our cultural identity. I’ve also raised concerns with the White House about the rising gun violence on the Leeward Coast and the urgent need for a coordinated all-of-government response to ensure our residents’ safety.” “As a proud Native Hawaiian, it’s a deep honor to represent our community at the White House, and to bring the voices of our people into this important national dialogue,” said Senate Majority Leader Dru Mamo Kanuha (D-3 Kona, Kaʻū, Volcano). “This convening is a vital opportunity to address the unique challenges our people face while celebrating our cultural legacy. I am grateful for the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to NHPI representation, and look forward to collaborating with national leaders to ensure a stronger, more resilient future for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.” "It is a privilege to speak at the White House on issues facing Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders," said Senator Jarrett Keohokalole  (D-24 Kāne‘ohe, Kailua), Co-Chair of the Legislature's Native Hawaiian Caucus. “Our communities deserve a voice, and our issues require creative and collaborative solutions. Mahalo to the Biden-Harris Administration for the invitation, and for continuing to commit to improving the lives of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.” “I’m heartened and proud of the breadth of the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community and political leaders who are engaging at the federal level on issues that are important to our communities,” said Honolulu City Council Vice Chair Esther Kia‘āina,  who served in Washington, D.C., for over twenty years for the Hawai‘i and Guam Congressional delegations, as well as the U.S. Department of the Interior under the Obama Administration, and will be participating on a panel entitled Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Trailblazers. In today’s convening, the legislators will participate in discussions with community leaders, federal agencies, and panels focused on addressing key issues facing NHPI communities. The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) , established by President Joe Biden through Executive Order 14031, is charged with coordinating a whole-of-government agenda to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities. Learn more at hhs.gov/whiaanhpi .

The Council of State Governments has announced that Senate Majority Whip Lorraine R. Inouye and House Vice Speaker Greggor Ilagan have been selected to participate in the 2024 Council of State (CSG) Governments Henry Toll Fellowship. Bringing together 49 individuals representing 34 states and U.S. territories and all three branches of state government, the Henry Toll Fellowship is the nation’s premier leadership development program for state government officials. "I am grateful and honored to have been selected for the CSG Toll Fellowship," said Senate Majority Whip Lorraine R. Inouye (D-1, Hilo, Pauka‘a, Papaikou, Pepe‘ekeo). "A special mahalo to Senate President Kouchi for his nomination and Senate leadership for their unwavering support. Having both legislators from Hawaiʻi Island given this opportunity to engage and network with other government officials nationwide is a wonderful accomplishment. I look forward to being a part of this select group next month in Lexington, Kentucky. The lessons learned will truly be a commitment to better serve our constituents and the State." "I'm honored to have been selected for the CSG Toll Fellowship," said House Vice Speaker Greggor Ilagan (D-4, Puna). "I'm especially proud that both representatives from our state will be from Hawaiʻi Island. Our fellowship class embodies the call to public service, and I look forward to exchanging ideas with fellow government leaders to enhance policy development and improve government performance." “While the CSG Henry Toll Fellows come from every region of our nation, from both political parties and all three branches of state government, they share one thing in common — they are all committed to improving the lives of the people they serve,” said CSG Executive Director/CEO David Adkins, a former Kansas state senator and 1993 CSG Henry Toll Fellow alumnus. “Toll Fellows are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to solve problems, to work collaboratively to get things done, and their belief that state government can and must be a force for good.” The Toll Fellowship honors the founder of CSG, Henry Toll, who, as a former state senator from Colorado, was the driving force behind the creation of CSG in 1933.  There are over 1,400 graduates of the Toll Fellowship, including four sitting state/territorial house speakers, eight sitting state supreme court justices, 10 sitting members of Congress, three sitting governors and more than 200 Toll alumni currently serving as state/territorial legislators.

Maui State Senators Lynn DeCoite (District 7 - Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe and Molokini), Angus McKelvey (District 6 - West Maui, Mā‘alaea, Waikapū, South Maui), and Troy Hashimoto (District 5 - Wailuku, Kahului, Waihe‘e, Waikapu Mauka, Wai‘ehu), issued the following joint statement reflecting on tomorrow’s one-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires:   "Maui has always been a community of aloha, resilience, and hope and as we look back on the tragedies that occurred on August 8, 2023, we see this reflected in the people of Maui. Each and every life lost and survived has a story and a memory. As we continue to heal and move towards rebuilding, we remain committed to each other and to our communities.   Mahalo to the State, the County of Maui, community leaders, volunteers, and our neighbors for coming together in our time of need. While there is much to be done in our long journey to recovery, we see a road ahead full of hope and promise. With the foundation of the generations that came before us, we will rebuild for future generations, with hope, resilience, and aloha, for Maui Nui ."

Hawaiʻi State Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi  was elected as a board member of the NCSL Foundation for State Legislatures  during the National Conference of State Legislatures’  (NCSL) 2024 Legislative Summit in Louisville, Ky. this week. NCSL, a bipartisan organization serving the nation’s 7,386 legislators and more than 30,000 legislative staff, created the Foundation as a nonprofit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation in 1982. Its sponsors—businesses, national associations, nonprofit organizations, and unions—work to improve the state legislative process and enhance NCSL's services to all legislatures.   In addition to helping lawmakers confront and solve critical issues through public-private dialogue, the Foundation supports the Center for Legislative Strengthening, the Leaders’ Center and other special projects of NCSL.    Senate President Kouchi has served as President of the Hawai’i State Senate since May 5, 2015. In the past, Senator Kouchi served as the Senate Majority Caucus Leader, Vice Chair for the committee on Tourism, and Vice Chair for the committee on Ways and Means. Prior to coming to the Senate, Senate President Kouchi served for twenty-two years as a Kaua‘i County Councilman, including twelve years as Council Chair. Senate President Kouchi was raised on the west side of Kaua‘i and attended Drake University.   “I am honored to serve on the NCSL Foundation Board. I look forward to working with my colleagues and peers to strengthen the legislative institution and by extension, our legislative processes at the state level,” says Senate President Kouchi.   The Foundation’s volunteer board of directors is composed of corporate, nonprofit and union executives, as well as state legislative leaders and senior legislative staff. The directors serve one-year terms, with the possibility of renewal for up to four years for the vice president’s position.

Representative Cedric Asuega Gates (District 45, Wai‘anae, Mākaha)  and Senator Cross Makani Crabbe (District 22,  KoʻOlina, Nānākuli, Māʻili, Waiʻanae, Mākaha, Mākua) issued the following joint statement:   “Our Waiʻanae Coast is already mourning the loss of Aunty Twinkle Borge and now we are faced with another tragedy. From our understanding, this incident is completely unrelated to the Puʻuhonua o Waiʻanae community.   Reflecting on this incident and the location, we are reminded of what the word Puʻuhonua means, a place of peace and safety. Aunty Twinkle named this location Puʻuhonua, and we believe that every part of our community should reflect and honor this meaning. Yet, it is sincerely heartbreaking that our community has experienced another senseless tragedy due to gun violence today.   The residents of 96792 are devastated by this news and condemn all acts of violence on the Leeward Coast. We are relieved to hear that the suspect in this shooting has been apprehended and will face the consequences of their actions.   We must continue to do better as a community – we need to come together to lead by example of what it means to show peace and unity. Violence is never the answer. Let's keep our community, the victim, his family, and those affected in our prayers during this difficult time."

West Oʻahu legislators issued the following statements celebrating the life of community leader Twinkle Borge: " We are deeply saddened by the passing of Aunty Twinkle Borge, whose innovative housing solutions and unwavering compassion profoundly impacted our community. Working with her was a transformative experience; her visionary approach and genuine care inspired all who had the privilege to collaborate with her. As we mourn this significant loss, we remember her enduring legacy and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who feel her absence," said Senator Cross Makani Crabbe  (Senate District 22,  KoʻOlina, Nānākuli, Māʻili, Waiʻanae, Mākaha, Mākua). "I'm at a loss for words with the passing of Aunty Twinkle Borge. Hawai’i has lost an icon, an incredible human being who was filled with overwhelming aloha for her community and village. Aunty Twinkle has left a lifetime of impact and will forever be in our hearts while being remembered for her pure heart of gold. I’m beyond proud of how far Aunty Twinkle and Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae has come in creating permanent housing solutions for our residents. We will do everything in our power to continue carrying out her wishes for long-term housing and creating a thriving community, especially for our keiki. My sincere condolences to the entire Borge and Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae 'Ohana," said Representative Cedric Asuega Gates  (House District 45, Wai‘anae, Mākaha). "The Waiʻanae Coast mourns the tremendous loss of a cherished community pillar. Twinkle Borge was a fierce advocate for Native Hawaiians and was dedicated to providing shelter and refuge for our houseless community. Aunty Twinkle's unwavering commitment to kauhale as a housing solution and restoring normalcy and dignity for local families leaves a lasting legacy for our state. Our hearts remain with the Borge and Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae ʻohana,"  said Representative Darius K. Kila  (House District 44, Honokai Hale, Nānākuli, Mā‘ili).

Hawaiʻi has long led the nation in gender equality in sports, most notably with the lead sponsor and namesake of the federal Title IX law being Hawaiʻi Representative Patsy T. Mink and Hawaiʻi being the first state to sanction girls high school wrestling in 1998. Today, the Department of Education and the Hawaiʻi High School State Athletic Association announced, for the first time in nearly twenty years, there will be a new sport for high school girls to compete in. Beginning in Spring 2025, girls flag football will be in public and private high schools across the state. In response to this historic announcement, Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani, Chair of the Education Committee, issued the following statement:   "Continuing the legacy of Patsy T. Mink and her ground-breaking law has long been a motivating influence in my life, which makes today's announcement so exciting! Girls flag football is a fantastic new opportunity for the young women in our high schools, especially considering how much interest in participation has already been expressed by our students. As the Chair of the Senate Education Committee, a former high school athlete, and a Bobby Sox and girls' softball coach, I know the importance of supporting our girl student athletes, and the impact that sports can have on our student's growth and development.   With this announcement coming as the Olympics capture our imagination, and exceptional athletes like Carissa Moore, Daniela Moroz, and Simone Biles share their talents with the world, it is important that we develop multiple avenues for our young women to grow in sport here at home. Expanded opportunities such as this are exactly what Patsy T. Mink envisioned when she fought for equality in our schools. Girls flag football will be in the 2028 Olympics, and I trust that we will have local girls in Los Angeles in 2028 representing Hawaiʻi and the United States on the flag football field. In the meantime, I look forward to cheering from the bleachers next spring as our young wahine score touchdowns!"

Senator Cross Makani Crabbe (District 22 – KoʻOlina, Nānākuli, Māʻili, Waiʻanae, Mākaha, Mākua) issued the following statement regarding his appointment to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of former Senator Maile Shimabukuro in May 2024:   “As a lifelong resident of the 96792 community, I deeply understand the importance of strong representation for the Leeward Coast. I am most honored and humbled to accept this opportunity to serve our community during this interim period. My neighbors from the Leeward Coast have repeatedly said that they felt neglected by government, and I am determined to lift their voices and reverse that perception. This is why I am accepting the kuleana to fill the District 22 Senate seat until the general election on November 5.      I look forward to advocating for the people of 96792, focusing on the issues that matter most to our residents. The office has been vacated for 60 days, so there are many constituent-related matters to attend to. My focus as our interim Senator includes working on issues facing the community, including:    Cost of Living: Advocating for affordable housing and lower utility costs to ensure everyone can thrive in our community.  Local Economy: Supporting small businesses and creating job opportunities to strengthen our local economy.  Education: Ensuring our keiki have access to quality education and resources to succeed.  Public Safety and Infrastructure: Improving transportation and public services to enhance our quality of life and keep public safety as a top priority.  Native Hawaiian Advancement: Supporting initiatives that respect and uplift the Native Hawaiian community.  Houselessness: Working on practical solutions to address homelessness with compassion and effectiveness.     I intend to be a voice for those who feel unheard and to assure you that our government does care. I do not take this responsibility lightly and look forward to working with Representatives Cedric Gates and Darius Kila to provide the services and support for our community.    Mahalo to Representative Cedric Gates for being an exemplary teacher and encouraging me to fight for my community. Having worked with Representative Gates for four years, I know what it takes to be an effective and accomplished leader, and I hope to live up to his example over the next few months.    I extend my appreciation to the Democratic Party District Council Representatives of House Districts 44 and 45 for electing me to be on the short-list along with other eligible nominees.     Mahalo to Governor Josh Green for appointing me to fill this vacancy and upholding the law. Together, we will work to ensure that the Leeward Coast has the representation and support it deserves.”   Senator Crabbe is a former legislative staffer for Representative Cedric Gates and has also worked for the City and County of Honolulu – Office of Housing. He has a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Social Justice and Cultural Studies and a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Life Sciences from Seattle Pacific University. He has a Master’s of Public Administration degree from Hawaiʻi Pacific University. He has served as the Vice-Chair of the Waiʻanae Coast Neighborhood Board and is a member of the Waiʻanae Hawaiian Civic Club.

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  – Today, Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi, Niʻihau) issued the following statement regarding Governor Josh Green’s appointment of Croccifixio (Cross) Makani Crabbe to Senate District 22 (KoʻOlina, Nānākuli, Māʻili, Waiʻanae, Mākaha, Mākua), filling the vacancy left by the retirement of former Senator Maile Shimabukuro in May 2024:   “Congratulations and welcome to Senator Crabbe as our chamber’s newest member. I am happy that the people from the Leeward Coast of Oʻahu have representation in the Senate through November 5, 2024.”

As little fire ants continue to cause problems for Windward O‘ahu, Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, (District 24, Kāne‘ohe, Kailua), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, continues to seek answers and accountability from the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture.   Today, Senator Keohokalole sent a letter to Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, Sharon Hurd, requesting an update on the adoption of administrative rule changes to address little fire ant and other invasive pest species infestations across the State. In February 2023, the Board of Agriculture approved changes to these rules that would allow the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) to require commercial entities to quarantine and treat products offered for sale that are infested with invasive pests. The enactment of these rules requires a public hearing and final approval from the Governor. Keohokalole's letter lays out a series of missteps by HDOA in adopting the rules, which the department says it needs to hold businesses accountable.   Nearly a year after HDOA approved the rules, it held a public meeting for review of the rules in January 2024. Seven months have gone by since HDOA held its public meeting, and it has yet to finish the review of the comments submitted during the meeting. Until the review is completed, the Department said it cannot proceed with further action. "The Department continues to slow walk action on this with little concern for the impact these invasive species infestations are having on residents and farmers across the state," said Senator Keohokalole. "The HDOA has said that without these rule changes, they cannot require businesses quarantine and treat infested products. Instead, they must rely on voluntary compliance from regulated businesses. Agriculture and commerce are heavily impacted by pest infestations, and we need the Department to act with an urgency that shows it understands the risks we face."   In the letter, Senator Keohokalole asked Chair Hurd to answer a series of questions relating to rule changes and the public hearing, including: ·         What were the total number of comments submitted at the public hearing? ·         What is the number of comments that have been reviewed? ·         What is the number of outstanding comments that need to be reviewed? ·         What are the numbers of comments supporting and opposing the proposal? ·         When is the anticipated date in which the review will be completed, and further action can be expected?   Keohokalole requested a response from Hurd by Tuesday, August 6, 2024.   A copy of Senator Keohokalole's letter to Chair Hurd is attached.

In response to the August 2023 Wildfires, Senator Angus McKelvey (District 6, West Maui, Māʻalaea, Waikapū, South Maui) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 223 , urging the United States Congress to pass legislation that would allow COFA migrants to benefit from federal emergency aid.  On Saturday, March 9, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, into law, which in part, restores federal benefits to Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants. One specific result of the restoration of federal benefits is that COFA migrants will also have access to federal emergency aid. In light of this monumental bill being signed, Senator McKelvey issued the following statement:   “Survivors of the Lahaina wildfire include COFA migrants, and the lack of access to federal emergency aid has limited the ways these survivors recover from tragedy. It's good to see the federal government set up and live up to their responsibilities to COFA migrants. I am confident and encouraged that this action by Congress and President Biden will hasten and broaden the recovery of our community as a whole. Funding aid for COFA residents since the tragedy has been a burden to our State and this action will help free up these funds to further assist our local residents.”