(Honolulu) – A recent land acquisition by federal, state and private-sector partners has ensured the protection of an entire watershed and nearly the entire ahupua‘a, from the Koʻolau summit to Waimea Bay. This native forest provides habitat for native plants and animals, many of them rare and endangered. The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and The Trust for Public Land (TPL) have completed the purchase of 3,716 acres – the upper Waimea watershed – from Dole Food Company. With lower Waimea Valley protected in 2006, and Waimea Beach Park at the makai or shoreline boundary, this acquisition completes decades of efforts to protect Waimea from the summit to the sea. DOFAW intends to add property to the Forest Reserve System, specifically as the Waimea Section of the Pūpūkea-Paumalu Forest Reserve. DOFAW will develop a management plan that will include public access for recreation while also improving the watershed and native species habitat for viability into the future. The protection and management of the Waimea Native Forest will provide substantial community benefits. The majority of O‘ahu’s North Shore is privately owned. Purchasing, protecting, and opening this forest area will increase opportunities for public access for hunting, hiking, cultural activities, and environmental education. In addition, DOFAW is planning to improve habitat for native species by controlling invasive species. Effective management of invasives will help recharge North Shore aquifers fed by Kamananui and ʻElehaha streams, securing clean drinking water for generations to come. This watershed feeds directly into Waimea Falls, Waimea Valley, and ultimately Waimea Bay, which is part of the Hawaiian Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary and the Pūpukea-Waimea Marine Life Conservation District. DOFAW’s management of the upper ahupuaʻa will help reduce erosion and soil runoff into the bay, which will, in turn improve an important calving area for humpback whales in and around the bay and resting habitat for spinner dolphins that frequent the area. DLNR Chair Suzanne Case commented, “The State’s Legacy Land Program is an important and vital method of preserving some of Hawai‘i’s most treasured mountain lands and coastlines in perpetuity. The program, with tremendous support from the Hawai‘i State Legislature, has helped fund 35 acquisitions since 2006, with a total Legacy Land contribution of $33.1 million. The Waimea Native Forest acquisition is the most acreage conserved in a single transaction involving the program’s financial support.” Permanently protecting this property will also preserve existing quality habitat for the elusive, endangered ʻŌpeʻapeʻa, or Hawaiian Hoary Bat, the official state land mammal. While management and reforestation efforts will create more feeding and roosting opportunities for bats, along with improved habitat for endangered birds, snails, insects and plants known to live on or near the property. “Kawailoa Wind is glad to partner with the Trust for Public Land and the State of Hawai‘i on another conservation partnership designed to protect important habitat for native species including the Hawaiian hoary bat,” said Bryan Martin, CEO & Founder of D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments, owner and operator of Kawailoa Wind, LLC. “We continue to be committed to furthering Hawaii’s Renewable Portfolio Standard and are pleased our work is contributing toward habitat conservation, research, and protection.” “This is an incredible step forward in our ability to protect the whole community of species that rely on safe and healthy watershed habitats,” said Katherine Mullett, Field Supervisor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office. “The Waimea Forest project fits perfectly into the Acres for America program, which Walmart and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) launched to conserve our nation’s diverse landscapes and increase public access to nature,” said Jeff Trandahl, CEO and Executive Director of NFWF. “This landscape-scale project will not only protect 3,700 acres of important wildlife habitat. Enhancing habitat on those acres will help protect the entire North Shore ecosystem, from the top of the ridges to the waters of Waimea Bay.” “The Trust for Public Land would like to thank Chairman David Murdock of Dole Food Company, his Hawaiʻi team Dan Nellis and Harry Saunders, and Dole’s CBRE broker Andy Albano for their patience and commitment to Hawai’i’s natural resources in working through the many challenges in this and other agricultural and conservation transactions Dole has participated in. This culminated in the protection of the Waimea Native Forest watershed vital to the health of the North Shore and Waimea Bay. To date, Dole has worked with TPL and the State to conserve nearly 7,000 acres on O’ahu, the State’s most populated island,” said TPL’s State Director, Lea Hong. The Trust for Public Land negotiated the purchase, partnering with DOFAW to raise the $3,716,000 needed to purchase the property through an incredible partnership, including contributions by federal, state and private partners: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Habitat Recovery Land Acquisition ($2,070,875)The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through Walmart’s Acres for America Program ($600,000)State of Hawai‘i Legacy Land Conservation Program ($416,125)Kawailoa Wind, LLC ($354,000)Sidney E. Frank Foundation ($275,000) # # # RESOURCES (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) HD video –  aerials of Waimea Native Forest: https://vimeo.com/381669146 Photographs – aerials of Waimea Native Forest and Map: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rs0dw6nkhtvj78w/AACFIKW6va-wi-78G-l30f_ea?dl=0 #Waimea #DLNR #HawaiiState #WaimeaNativeForest #Conservation #SuzanneCase

Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Donovan M. Dela Cruz and House Finance Committee Chair Sylvia Luke announced that qualified nonprofit and other organizations can now apply for State Grants-in-Aid (GIA) for the 2020 Legislative Session. The deadline to submit grant applications is 4:30 p.m. January 17, 2020. Last year, the Legislature awarded nearly $30 million in grants to non-profit organizations across the state for various public purposes recognized as priorities and seen as complimentary to state government functions, including health, educational, workforce development, social services and cultural and historical activities. Information on the GIA process and the application is available on the Legislature’s website and may be found here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/GIA/GIA.aspx #GIA #GrantInAid #HawaiiState #Senate #House #WaysAndMeans #Finance

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Clean Air Branch has issued Notices and Findings of Violation and Orders (NOVOs) against six companies. All those responsible have or had the option to request a hearing to contest their alleged violations and penalties. Edwin DeLuz Trucking & Gravel, LLC in Waimea on Hawai’i Island was cited for operational, maintenance of equipment and late submittal of reports. The violations were discovered from an inspection and review of their records. The company was fined $6,300 and is currently negotiating a settlement with the DOH. Hawai‘i Electric Light Company, Inc. in Kailua-Kona on Hawai’i Island was cited for exceeding their visible emission limit on the Keahole combustion turbine generator, CT-4. The violation was determined from a review of their records. The company was fined $11,200 and is currently negotiating a settlement with the DOH. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative, Kapaia Power Station on Kaua‘i was cited for nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide exceedances. The violations were self-reported, and the company was fined $22,800. The company is currently negotiating a settlement with the DOH. Lanai Resorts, LLC, dba Pūlama Lāna‘i in Lanai City, Lānaʻi was cited for not conducting their annual source performance tests on its asphalt concrete batch plant and diesel engine generator. The violations were determined from an inspection and record reviews. The company has paid a fine of $31,300. Maui Electric Company, Ltd. in Kahului on Maui was cited for exceeding the visible emission limits on their combustion turbine generator, units M14 and M17, diesel engine generator unit M14 at the Maalaea generating station. The violations were determined during a routine review of their records. The company was fined $19,900 and is currently negotiating a settlement with the DOH. Water Resources International, Inc., in Honolulu on O‘ahu was cited for late submittal of annual fees and semi-annual reports. The violations were discovered during a review of their records. The company was fined $7,200 and is currently negotiating a settlement with the DOH. The Notices and Findings of Violation and Orders are posted at: http://health.hawaii.gov/cab/clean-air-branch/notice-and-finding-of-violation-downloads-pdf/ In general, fines are assessed to remove any economic benefit a company may have gained by not complying with their permit requirements. All fines are paid into a revolving fund that helps prevent or minimize damage to the environment. The Clean Air Branch (CAB) protects the people and environment of Hawai‘i by monitoring air quality and regulating businesses that release pollutants into the air. The CAB reviews and approves air permits, evaluates and enforces state and federal air standards, conducts inspections, and investigates reported incidents related to outdoor air quality. Through the air permit process, the DOH ensures companies comply with state and federal emission standards to minimize air pollution impacts on the public. PDF: DOH’s Clean Air Branch cites six companies for air permit violations Source: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/hawaii-department-of-healths-clean-air-branch-cites-six-companies-for-air-permit-violations/ #HawaiiDepartmentOfHealth #CleanAir #PermitViolations #HawaiiState

(Honolulu) – The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has closed a portion of Public Hunting Unit H in the Pu‘u ka Pele Forest Reserve on the west side of Kauaʻ i until further notice. The closed portion of the hunting unit is bounded by Makaha Ridge Rd., Kokee Rd., Nualolo Trail and the coastline. Please note that Miloliʻ i Road and Nuʻ alolo trail within this area are both closed.  This is due to continuing search and recovery efforts associated with a helicopter crash in the Koke‘e area. DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers will be stationed at entry points to inform hunters and others. Source: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2019/12/27/nr19-213/ #HawaiiState #DLNR #Kauai #DOCARE #Wildlife #Forestry

National Park Service Has Lifted Division Status as a “High Risk” Recipient Of Federal Funds (Kapolei) – The Hawai‘i State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) has been formally re-evaluated by the National Park Service (NPS) and moved from high-risk to a medium-risk recipient of federal funds due to improvements in SHPD’s systems and processes. NPS, which administers federal funds to SHPD, designated SHPD a high-risk recipient in 2009 Under that designation, NPS exercised a very high level of oversight of SHPD’s operations and performance. SHPD’s federal funds were required to be reviewed by the State’s auditing firm each year from 2009-2017. SHPD Director Dr. Alan Downer explained, “Under the high-risk designation the Park Service imposed two “Corrective Action Plans” on the division. One of these plans included 43 required improvements to SHPD systems and processes. We have systematically chipped away at this list and are certainly pleased with this recognition of progress.” SHPD’s substantial progress on the required corrective actions and the reduction of risk status removes the possibility that SHPD will be decertified as a State Historic Preservation Office, which are certified by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. It eliminates the risk that SHPD will lose federal funding made available by Congress to support these offices. DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “The risk improvement is due to the tireless work of SHPD leadership and staff. We acknowledge we still have a significant backlog at SHPD, which we are working to reduce through staffing increases, rules updates, and procedural improvements to become more efficient and more responsive.” The last outstanding requirement under the Corrective Action Plan is a digital data management system. “Thanks to appropriations supported by the Governor and the State Legislature, the division has made substantial progress on developing an integrated digital data management system,” Downer said. “The new Hawai‘i Cultural Resource Information System (HICRIS) is expected to be up and running by next summer for testing, evaluation, and validation. We expect to have a fully operational system by Spring of 2021.” The HICRIS will integrate SHPD’s various data bases, records and geographic information into a single platform, making it much easier, less time-consuming, and less labor intensive to do data searches. The system will automate many processes involving handling of documents, freeing up staff to concentrate on higher value activities. Case added: “This archaeology and historic preservation work is so important and so interesting, so to folks interested in a career in it, come check SHPD out.” Source: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2019/12/24/nr19-210/ #DLNR #HawaiiState #NationalParkService #NPS #StateHistoricPreservationDivision

Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Josh Green recaps the medical mission to Samoa to address its deadly measles outbreak. FILE -- In this photo taken Wednesday, May 15, 2019, a dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is displayed. ELAINE THOMPSON/AP Listen here: http://bit.ly/38I26gy (Hawai'i Public Radio) #Samoa #MeaslesOutbreak #Hawaii #DepartmentOfHealth #JoshGreen #HawaiiPublicRadio #HPR #HawaiiState

HONOLULU – Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands spent a total of $1.33 billion in November 2019, an increase of 3.4 percent compared to November 2018, according to preliminary statistics released today by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA). Visitor spending includes lodging, interisland airfare, shopping, food, car rental and other expenses while in Hawaii. Tourism dollars from the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) helped to fund a number of community events statewide during November, including the Hawaii International Film Festival, the Kauai Old Time Gathering, and the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. Tourism dollars also helped to fund a series of symposiums statewide in partnership with Hoola Na Pua, aimed at educating Hawaii’s visitor industry about how to recognize and report sex trafficking. In November, visitor spending rose from U.S. West (+5.3% to $563.7 million), U.S. East (+4.9% to $305.0 million) and Japan (+5.7% to $181.2 million) but declined from Canada (-2.6% to $98.6 million) and All Other International Markets (-4.6% to $173.4 million) compared to a year ago. On a statewide level, average daily visitor spending increased (+3.3% to $197 per person) compared to November 2018. Daily spending by visitors from Japan (+3.1% to $253 per person), U.S. East (+2.0% to $222 per person), U.S. West (+2.9% to $178 per person), Canada (+4.3% to $165 per person) and All Other International Markets (+7.2% to $214) were higher than last year. Total visitor arrivals rose 4.2 percent to 811,382 visitors in November, supported by growth in arrivals from air service (+3.7% to 794,841) and arrivals by cruise ships (+39.6% to 16,541). However, a shorter average length of stay (-4.0% to 8.31 days) by visitor from most markets resulted in no growth in total visitor days1 (+0.1%). The average daily census2, or the number of visitors on any given day in November 2019 was 224,758 (+0.1%). Visitor arrivals by air service increased in November from U.S. West (+4.7% to 376,997), U.S. East (+4.5% to 148,717), Japan (+3.4% to 126,961) and All Other International Markets (+4.4% to 91,457) but declined from Canada (-5.9% to 50,709) compared to November 2018. Among the four larger islands, Oahu recorded increased visitor spending (+3.4% to $628.8 million) in November, boosted by growth in visitor arrivals (+4.6% to 470,404) and higher daily spending (+4.6%). Maui saw increases in visitor spending (+4.5% to $381.0 million), daily spending (+5.5%) and visitor arrivals (+3.0% to 233,631), as did the island of Hawaii with growth in visitor spending (+6.9% to $162.1 million), visitor arrivals (+7.8% to 132,814) and daily spending (+1.3%). Kauai recorded a decline in visitor spending (-3.7% to $137.6 million) due to lower daily spending (-2.1%) while visitor arrivals (+0.1% to 104,517) were comparable to a year ago. A total of 1,073,083 trans-Pacific air seats serviced the Hawaiian Islands in November, an increase of 3.6 percent from November 2018. Growth in air seats from U.S. East (+9.3%), U.S. West (+8.2%) and Other Asia (+5.6%) offset decreases from Oceania (-14.3%), Canada (-12.3%) and Japan (-4.1%). Year-to-Date 2019 Year-to-date through November, total visitor spending of $16.0 billion (+0.5%) was up slightly from a year ago. Visitor spending increased from U.S. West (+5.3% to $6.28 billion), U.S. East (+2.5% to $4.21 billion) and Japan (+0.9% to $1.98 billion), but declined from Canada (-2.8% to $945.5 million) and All Other International Markets (-11.8% to $2.54 billion). Year-to-date statewide average daily spending by visitors decreased to $195 per person (-2.2%). Visitors from U.S. East (+1.4% to $213) and Canada (+0.3% to $167) spent more per day, while visitors from Japan (-1.3% to $238), U.S. West (-0.8% to $174) and All Other International Markets (-9.7% to $217) spent less. Year-to-date, total visitor arrivals increased (+5.4% to 9,470,706) versus last year, with growth in arrivals by air service (+5.2% to 9,339,191) and cruise ships (+18.8% to 131,515). Visitor arrivals by air grew from U.S. West (+9.8% to 4,194,891), U.S. East (+3.7% to 2,049,703) and Japan (+3.4% to 1,408,808), offsetting fewer visitors from Canada (-1.7% to 470,914) and All Other International Markets (-2.0% to 1,214,874). Total visitor days rose 2.7 percent compared to the first 11 months of 2018. Oahu recorded year-to-date increases in visitor spending (+2.4% to $7.42 billion) and visitor arrivals (+5.5% to 5,634,042), but daily spending declined (-1.9%) compared to the first 11 months of 2018. Visitor spending on Maui also increased (+1.1% to $4.61 billion) as growth in visitor arrivals (+5.1% to 2,795,637) offset lower daily spending (-1.6%). The island of Hawaii reported declines in visitor spending (-2.8% to $2.06 billion) and daily spending (-3.5%), but visitor arrivals increased (+3.2% to 1,600,091). Kauai saw decreases in visitor spending (-5.8% to $1.73 billion), daily spending (-2.9%) and visitor arrivals (-1.5% to 1,250,458). Other Highlights: U.S. West: In November, visitor arrivals from the Mountain region increased 7.5 percent year-over-year, with growth in visitors from Nevada (+12.6%), Colorado (+7.9%), Utah (+6.3%) and Arizona (+5.9%). Arrivals from the Pacific region rose 5.1 percent with more visitors from California (+7.9%) and Oregon (+3.3%) offsetting fewer visitors from Washington (-2.9%). Year-to-date through November, visitor arrivals rose from the Mountain (+10.6%) and Pacific (+10.4%) regions compared to the same period last year. Daily visitor spending dropped slightly to $174 per person (-0.8%) as a result of decreases in transportation, food and beverage, and entertainment and recreation, while spending on lodging and shopping was similar to last year. U.S. East: In November, visitor arrivals increased from the New England (+11.8%), Mid Atlantic (+8.6%), East North Central (+7.6%), West North Central (+6.5%), West South Central (+4.8%) and South Atlantic (+4.8%) regions, but declined from the East South Central (-1.9%) region compared to a year ago. Year-to-date through November, visitor arrivals increased from every region. Daily visitor spending rose to $213 per person (+1.4%). Lodging and food and beverage expenses increased, while transportation expenses declined compared to last year. Japan: In November, more visitors went to multiple islands (+17.1%) year-over-year, marking the fifth consecutive month of growth in multiple-island visitation compared to the same time last year. Year-to-date through November, stays in timeshares (+14.7%), with friends and relatives (+5.5%), in hotels (+3.0%) and in condominiums (+1.0%) increased compared to a year ago. Average daily visitor spending decreased to $238 per person (-1.3%), primarily due to lower lodging and shopping expenses. Canada: In November, fewer visitors went to multiple islands (-4.4%) compared to a year ago. Fewer visitors purchased package trips (-3.6%) or made their own travel arrangements (-6.5%). Year-to-date through November, fewer visitors stayed in condominiums (-6.7%), timeshares (-2.7%) and hotels (-2.2%), while more visitors stayed with friends and relatives (+8.8%) compared to a year ago. Daily visitor spending of $167 per person (+0.3%) was up slightly from last year. Spending on food and beverage increased, but lodging and shopping expenses declined. -- [1] Aggregate number of days stayed by all visitors. [2] Average daily census is the average number of visitors present on a single day. View Full Release About the Hawaii Tourism Authority The Hawaii Tourism Authority is the State of Hawaii agency responsible for strategically managing its support of the tourism industry. Established in 1998 to support Hawaii’s leading industry and largest employer, HTA continually strives to help ensure tourism’s sustainability and the benefits it brings to residents and communities statewide. For more information about HTA, please visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org. Follow updates about HTA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (@HawaiiHTA) and its YouTube Channel. #Hawaii #HawaiiTourism #VisitorReport #HawaiiState #HTA #HawaiiTourismAuthority

HILO – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) will open the AM northbound contraflow on Keaau Pahoa Road (Route 130) between Shower Drive and Kaloli Drive Tuesday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Jan. 3, except for weekends and the observed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day holidays. Last week, HDOT announced that the Highway 130 contraflow would not open during the winter break as the contraflow is designed to alleviate the morning rush hour traffic that occurs when school is in session. However, due to observed travel times and numerous requests received Monday, Dec. 23, it was decided to open the Highway 130 contraflow. The contraflow operates between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Travel time data taken since the contraflow began on Monday, August 26, 2019, shows an 83-percent time savings through the contraflow area, from an average 11 minutes, 48 seconds pre-contraflow to an average 2 minutes after the contraflow operations began. HDOT thanks the traveling public for their patience as we work to maintain and operate the state roadways that connect our communities. Community members can sign up for HDOT announcements at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/hidot/subscriber/new or view updates on our social media accounts https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiDepartmentOfTransportation/ and https://twitter.com/DOTHawaii #HawaiiIsland #Hilo #Hwy130 #KeaauPahoaRoad #HDOT #HawaiiState

THE SENATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THE THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE / INTERIM OF 2020 COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Rep. Nicole E. Lowen, Chair Rep. Tina Wildberger, Vice Chair Rep. Sharon E. Har Rep. Ryan I. Yamane Rep. David A. Tarnas Rep. Cynthia Thielen Rep. Chris Todd COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM Senator Glenn Wakai, Chair Senator Brian T. Taniguchi, Vice Chair Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye Sen. Kurt Fevella Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole NOTICE OF INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING DATE: Tuesday, January 14, 2020 TIME: 10:00 AM PLACE: Conference Room 325 State Capitol / 415 South Beretania Street A G E N D A The purpose of this briefing to hear from Hawaii Energy about their programs and progress on energy efficiency measures in the state to achieve the Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard of 4,300 GWH by 2030. Hawaii Energy is the program under contract with the PUC to promote and incentivize energy efficiency measures in all counties except for Kauai. They are funded by ratepayers through a fee on electric utility bills – the public benefits fee. Their services include consumer education and technical assistance, administering rebate programs, and working with residents, businesses and state agencies to reduce energy use. The Hawaii Energy director and staff will update legislators on their programs and services, what progress has been made since the implementation of the public benefits fee to increase efficiency in the state, what the next steps are for energy efficiency, and how efficiency can help Hawaii to meet its clean energy goals. No public testimony will be accepted. If you require special assistance or auxiliary aids and/or services to participate in the informational briefing (i.e., sign language interpreter or wheelchair accessibility), please contact the Committee Clerk at 808-586-8400 to make a request for arrangements at least 24 hours prior to the briefing. Prompt requests help to ensure the availability of qualified individuals and appropriate accommodations. For further information, please call the Committee Clerk at 808-586-8400. Senator Glenn Wakai - Glennator, Chair Senator Brian Taniguchi, Vice Chair Members: Senator Lorraine Inouye, Jarrett Keohokalole, Senator Kurt Fevella

THE SENATE THE THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE INTERIM OF 2019 COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Chair Senator Michelle N. Kidani, Vice Chair NOTICE OF MEETING DATE: Friday, January 3, 2020 TIME: 10:00 AM PLACE: Conference Room 211 State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street A G E N D A In preparation for the 2020 legislative session, the joint Committees on Ways and Means and Higher Education will hold a budget briefing to receive an update on the University of Hawai’i system. Topics to be discussed will include, but are not limited to the following: · Enrollment · Executive and Managerial Salary Increases · Tuition Reserve Fund · S397 Special Fund and Fringe Benefits · SR 149 S.D.1 (2019 Session) · Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy · Atherton Innovation Center / Sinclair Library · Space Utilization Study and Analysis · Repair and Maintenance Backlog · Cancer Center Representatives from the departments of Accounting and General Services and Budget and Finance will also be present to offer insight and answer questions pertaining to the S397 Special Fund and Fringe Benefits. No public testimony will be accepted. If you require auxiliary aids or services to participate in the public hearing process (i.e., interpretive services (oral or written), ASL interpreter, or wheelchair accessibility), please contact the committee clerk at least 24 hours prior to the hearing so that arrangements can be made. For further information, please call the Committee Clerk at 586-6800. Committee on Ways and Means Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, Chair Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair Members: Senator J. Kalani English, Senator Breene Harimoto, Senator Lorraine Inouye, Hawai'i State Senator Kaiali'i Kahele, Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha, Senator Michelle Kidani, Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki, Senator Gil Riviere, Senator Maile S.L. Shimabukuro, Senator Brian Taniguchi and Senator Kurt Fevella Committee on Higher Education State Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Chair Senator Michelle Kidani, Vice Chair Members: Hawai'i State Senator Kaiali'i Kahele, Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran and Senator Kurt Fevella

In November 2019, the total monthly supply of statewide vacation rentals was 919,100 unit nights and monthly demand was 630,500 unit nights, resulting in an average monthly unit occupancy of 68.6 percent (Figure 1) In comparison, Hawai‘i’s hotels were 78.8 percent occupied in November 2019. It is important to note that unlike hotels, condominium hotels, and timeshare resorts, vacation rental units are not necessarily available year-round or each day of the month. The unit average daily rate (ADR) for vacation rental units statewide in November was $181, lower than the ADR for hotels ($260). HTA’s Tourism Research Division issued the report’s findings utilizing data compiled by Transparent Intelligence, Inc. The data in this report specifically excludes units reported in HTA’s Hawai‘i Hotel Performance Report and Hawai‘i Timeshare Quarterly Survey Report. In this report, a vacation rental is defined as the use of a rental house, private room in private home, or shared room/space in private home. This report also does not determine or differentiate between units that are permitted or unpermitted. The “legality” of any given vacation rental unit is determined on a county basis. Island Highlights In November, Maui County had the largest vacation rental supply of all four counties at 304,000 unit nights, which is an increase of 32.9 percent compared to a year ago. Unit demand was 231,000 unit nights, resulting in 75.9 percent occupancy (-3.8 percentage points) with an ADR of $220 (+2.9%). Maui County hotels were 74.9 percent occupied with an ADR of $354. On O‘ahu, the vacation rental supply in November was 252,000 unit nights. This is a decrease of 4.4 percent from a year ago. Unit demand on O‘ahu was 170,000 unit nights (-5.4%), resulting in a 67.5 percent occupancy (-0.8 percentage points) and an ADR of $146 (+0.8%). O‘ahu hotels were 82.0 percent occupied with an ADR of $229. There were 224,000 available unit nights (+18.9%) on the island of Hawai‘i. Unit demand was 135,000 unit nights (+18.4%), resulting in 60.2 percent occupancy (-0.2 percentage points) with an ADR of $135 (-8.5%). Hawai‘i Island hotels were 75.7 percent occupied with an ADR of $245. Kaua‘i had the fewest number of available unit nights at 139,000 (+32.8%). Unit demand was 94,000 unit nights (+16.7%), resulting in 68.1 percent occupancy (-9.4 percentage points) with an ADR of $211 (-9.2%). Kaua‘i hotels were 72.2 percent occupied with an ADR of $250. Tables of vacation rental performance statistics, including data presented in the report are available for viewing online at: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/research/infrastructure-research/ About the Hawai‘i Vacation Rental Performance Report The Hawai‘i Vacation Rental Performance Report is produced using data compiled by Transparent Intelligence, Inc., which was selected by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority as the provider for these data services. The report includes data for properties that are listed on Airbnb, Booking.com, HomeAway, and TripAdvisor. Data for units included in HTA’s Hawai‘i Hotel Performance Report and Hawai‘i Timeshare Quarterly Report have been excluded from the Hawai‘i Vacation Rental Performance Report. This report also does not determine or differentiate between units that are permitted or unpermitted. The “legality” of any given vacation rental unit is determined on a county basis. For November 2019, the report included data for 34,058 units, representing 59,635 bedrooms in the Hawaiian Islands. #HawaiiState #HawaiiTourism #HTA #HawaiiTourismAuthority #VacationRentals #HawaiiVacations

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) Highways Division is pleased to announce that Pali Highway (Route 61) will be open in both directions 24 hours a day, seven days a week beginning Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019. The new rock shed tunnel structure is nearing completion and is located on Pali Highway in the Honolulu-bound direction before the second tunnel and is designed to prevent debris from falling on the roadway. Photo courtesy: "Hawaii Department of Transportation" or "HDOT". Emergency slope repairs resulting from the catastrophic landslides on President’s Day, Feb. 18, 2019 are substantially complete. The highway between the tunnels is now protected from future rockfalls and landslides by a redundant system with an attenuator catchment fence and a new rock shed structure over the Honolulu-bound lanes before the second Pali Highway tunnel. An anticipated four-hour long full closure of the Honolulu-bound lanes of Pali Highway will be scheduled in January 2020 to complete construction of the 80-foot rock shed. This closure will be scheduled in the overnight hours to minimize impacts to the public. An announcement will be made when the closure is scheduled. Work on Phase 1 of the Pali Highway Improvement project—which included repaving and reconstruction of the highway between Waokanaka Street and Kamehameha Highway and street lighting improvements from Vineyard Boulevard to Kamehameha Highway—is anticipated to be completed in February 2020, weather permitting. One lane closures are necessary to complete shoulder, median, and guardrail work and will be scheduled during off peak hours. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we worked to improve Pali Highway and make it more resilient against the severe weather events we’ve been seeing in recent years,” said Hawaii Department of Transportation Deputy Director of Highways Ed Sniffen. “Safety for our contracted workers and the traveling public was our number one priority as we worked on the emergency repairs and our ongoing repaving and street lighting project.” Facts and Figures: Pali Highway – Street Lighting from Vineyard Boulevard to Kamehameha Highway and Resurfacing from Waokanaka Street to Kamehameha Highway began in December 2017. The original project scope included: Resurfacing, reconstruction, construction of concrete median barriers, and guardrail replacements on Pali Highway from Waokanaka Street to Kamehameha Highway (a 5-mile stretch of multilane highway). Light Emitting Diode (LED) street light replacements (322 fixtures total) and installation of new communications conduits from Vineyard Boulevard to Kamehameha Highway. Installation of concrete median barriers and new street lights from Wyllie Street to Pauoa Road.Widening of the Honolulu-bound shoulder between Dowsett Avenue and Wyllie Street to reduce traffic impacts from the City and County of Honolulu’s Dowsett Highlands Sewer Relief project. New traffic signs, striping, drainage improvements, and shoulder rumble strips between Waokanaka Street to Kamehameha Highway. Installation of safety features such as High Friction Surface Treatment and glare screens at the hairpin turn. Installation of traffic counting systems and traffic signal improvements along the corridor. Items added to the original scope: Specification of use of Stone Matrix Asphalt for travel lanes as the mix is more durable and flexible, which allows for a longer life span over traditional asphalt pavement. Raised thermoplastic lane striping. Additional construction designed to recover and mitigate Pali Highway from rockfall and landslides included: Design and construction of an 80-foot long tunnel structure (rock shed) to protect the Honolulu-bound lanes between the Pali Tunnels (area listed as No. 9 on the Statewide Prioritized Rockfall List). Design and installation of rockfall attenuator fencing, roadside rockfall barriers, and anchor wire mesh netting between the tunnels and at the site of the mudslide past the second Kaneohe-bound tunnel. Estimated total cost: $22 million for the emergency repairs $64 million for the Phase 1 improvements #PaliHighway #Route61 #RoadRepairs #DOT #Transportation #HawaiiState