Measures tackle housing, childcare, wage issues highlighted in ALICE report Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The House and Senate yesterday introduced eight bills that make up the 2020 joint legislative package to provide real economic benefits for Hawaiʻi's working-class families and individuals. The joint legislative bill package tackles the issues highlighted in the Aloha United Way sponsored report, "ALICE: A Study of Financial Hardship in Hawaii." The ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report describes the economic hardships facing many working individuals and families in Hawaiʻi. According to the report, after allocating monies to pay for expenses such as housing, child care, food, taxes, health care, and transportation, a family of four needs to earn roughly $77,000 a year simply to survive. To address these concerns, the bills filed yesterday include measures to provide tax relief for working families and individuals, to increase the minimum wage, to develop leasehold housing and provide tax exemptions for developers to build market price homes, to fund infrastructure development near rail stations in West Oahu and on the neighbor islands, to expand childcare options for parents near their work places, and to establish the School Facilities Agency to be responsible for all public school development, planning, and construction. HB2541 SB3102 RELATING TO HELPING WORKING FAMILIES Makes the state earned income tax credit refundable and permanent. Increases and amends the refundable food/excise tax credit by basing the amount of the credit on a taxpayer's Hawaiʻi earned income, rather than federal adjusted gross income. Increases minimum wage rate to $11 per hour beginning on January 1, 2021, $12 per hour beginning on January 1, 2022, $12.50 per hour beginning on January 1, 2023, and $13 per hour beginning on January 1, 2024. HB2542 SB3104 RELATING TO LAND DEVELOPMENT Authorizes the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to lease real property for a period not to exceed 99 years for the development of certain projects that include affordable housing. Requires the HHFDC to submit a report to the legislature that identifies all state lands that may be developed for multi-unit dwellings. Authorizes the issuance of $200 million in general obligation bonds, with the proceeds used for the establishment of infrastructure to support the development of housing on lands near the University of Hawaiʻi West Oahu campus. Authorizes the issuance of $75 million in general obligation bonds, with the proceeds used for affordable housing infrastructure in counties with a resident population of 500,000 or less. Authorizes a state or county department or agency to petition the appropriate county land use decision-making authority, rather than the Land Use Commission, for a change in the boundary of a district involving land areas between 15 acres and 25 acres where the majority of the development will be for affordable housing. Authorizes the State Historic Preservation Division to delegate the responsibility of historic preservation project reviews to the impacted county. Establishes the Office of the Housing Ombudsman. Removes the existing statutory cap on the amount of conveyance tax revenues that are deposited into the rental housing revolving fund each fiscal year. HB2543 SB3101 RELATING TO ACCESS TO LEARNING Transfers the Executive Office on Early Learning from the Department of Education to the Department of Human Services and renames the office as the Learning to Grow Agency. Focuses the jurisdiction of the agency to children who are 3 to 4 years old or will be eligible for kindergarten within two years. Establishes the goal of providing all children who are 3 to 4 years old or will be eligible for kindergarten within two years with access to learning through an early learning program by the year 2030. Appropriates funds. HB2544 SB3103 RELATING TO SCHOOL FACILITIES AGENCY Establishes the School Facilities Agency to be responsible for all public school development, planning, and construction, related to capital improvement projects assigned by the Legislature, Governor, or Board of Education. Transfers statutes pertaining to the Hawaii 3R's and 3T's programs to a new School Facilities Agency statutory subpart. Places management of school impact fees with the agency. Appropriates funds. Links to all House Bills and Senate Bills with action taken in 2020. #HILeg2020 #HawaiiSenate #HawaiiHouse #HawaiiStateLegislature #GovernorDavidIge # #SchoolFacilitiesProgram #AccessToLearning #LandDevelopment #Aice #DavidIge #EconomicSupport #HawaiiState #HelpingWorkingFamilies #2020Legislature

HONOLULU – Majority Floor Leader Senator Kai Kahele (D-Hilo, Hawai‘i Island) will be honored by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Men’s Volleyball program this Sunday with the Pae Makaukau Alumni Recognition Award. “I am deeply humbled to receive this year's Pae Makaukau Alumni Recognition Award,” said Senator Kahele. “I have always been, and always will be, proud to have earned the privilege of being called a ‘Rainbow Warrior.’ My time playing volleyball at the University of Hawai‘i shaped who I am as a person today. The values of teamwork, hard work, dedication and perseverance are all traits that continue to guide me through every aspect of my life. I want to thank my coaches, former teammates, fellow alumni, boosters - especially the aunties who always made sure we were taken care of and well fed - and of course, the fans from across the state who continue to make the program the success it is today. I share this award and recognition with all of you.” Senator Kahele played for the Rainbow Warrior volleyball team from 1995 to 1997. He was a three-year letterman and a member of back-to-back NCAA Championship tournament teams in 1995 and 1996. During his senior year, he was recognized as the team's Most Inspirational Player and was named a scholar-athlete. He is also a lifetime member of the school's Letterwinners Club. Senator Kahele will receive his award at the 10th Annual A'o a Koa Scholarship Dinner, this Sunday, January 26 at the Stan Sheriff Center. Senator Kahele will also play in the Rainbow Warriors annual alumni match tonight at 7 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center, free admission. #UniversityOfHawaii #RainbowWarriors #KaiKahele #UHVolleyball #Hawaii

HONOLULU – This week, Senator Gil Riviere introduced the POWER Bill Package – People Overwhelmed by Wind Energy Ramifications. The gigantic wind turbines being built in Kahuku by Na Pua Makani surround the small rural community with industrial machinery towering as high as 57 stories and as close as 1650 feet from homes and schools.  "The rally cry, 'Too big, too close' is no exaggeration," says the Senator. The residents of Kahuku have lived within ¾ of a mile of 420' turbines since Kahuku Wind began operations in 2011.  During the first year, that project experienced three fires from its battery system; the final, catastrophic fire spewed toxic gases for days and knocked the system off the grid for more than a year. Kahuku residents are concerned about health and safety risks associated with living so close to these new, massive turbines. They are concerned about tower collapse and blade throw that has occurred at other projects, including Auwahi Wind on Maui.  They are concerned about health risks and annoyance from infrasound, low frequency sound, incessant whoosh and grinding noises of the turbines, stray voltage, nighttime flashing lights, and shadow flicker. The POWER Bill Package includes measures targeting the need for health studies and discounted electricity rates for residents burdened by living near the turbines, reasonable setbacks, and a siting process for renewable energy.  The siting process will be critical to help prevent similar crises from happening again. "I also introduced a measure calling on Governor Ige to begin negotiations with Na Pua Makani to terminate this poorly located project.  Something this big and this close to residents should never have been approved. "This divisive project threatens the health and well-being of the people of Kahuku and could harm the implementation of future renewable energy projects the State is relying on to meet its clean energy initiative.  The Governor is in the best position to help reverse this terrible mistake." The Na Pua Makani turbines are a third taller and more than twice as close to residents as the original project, Kahuku Wind.  Together, these two industrial wind projects will surround the residents, whose objections to the project have been ignored for years. Senator Riviere introduced the POWER Bill package to offer these solutions: SB 2801 - requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish preferential electricity rates for residential properties located within a five-mile radius of a utility scale wind energy facility. SB 2802 - requires all wind turbines that are equipped with obstruction lighting and located within five miles of a residential community to be equipped with aircraft detection lighting systems and turn off lights when there are no aircrafts in the area to reduce light pollution. SB 2803 - requires all utility scale wind energy facilities operating within two miles of a residential area to provide a longitudinal monitoring study of residents living within two miles of the facility. SB 2804 - requires each county to adopt ordinances that require wind turbines and other wind-powered energy systems to be setback at least fifteen feet for each foot of height. SB 3048 - Prohibits utility-scale energy projects from being constructed or located within half a mile from the boundary of any residential area. SB 2805 - requires the Office of Planning to prepare a comprehensive renewable energy siting plan. SB 3051 - authorizes the Governor, or the Governor's designee, to terminate the Na Pua Makani wind energy project. The measures in the POWER Bill Package have not yet been scheduled for public hearing. Links to the bills and related documents are online at www.capitol.hawaii.gov. Senator Riviere can be reached at 586-7330 or SenRiviere@capitol.hawaii.gov. #PowerBillPackage #Turbines #NorthShore #WindEnergyRamifications #Kahuku #NaPuaMakani #GilRiviere #HawaiiSenate

Kate Helbush, a senior at Moanalua High School, and Jennifer Kamimura, a senior at Hilo High School, will represent Hawai‘i at the 58th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) in Washington, D.C., this March. Kate Helbush, a senior at Moanalua High School, and Jennifer Kamimura, a senior at Hilo High School, will represent Hawai‘i at the 58th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) in Washington, D.C., this March. “This year’s delegates display strong leadership as active members in their community. We are proud to have these students represent the state in our nation’s capital,” said Hawai‘i Department of Education (HIDOE) Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto. “It is an exciting opportunity for Kate and Jennifer to get a deeper understanding of the American political process and we encourage them to share their experiences with their community, school and peers.” The USSYP is a competitive merit-based program that invites two outstanding selected students to Washington, D.C., for a week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. Student delegates attend meetings and briefings with elected officials, a Supreme Court justice, cabinet members, U.S. ambassador and senior members of the national media. In addition to the program week, each student receives a $10,000 college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs. Helbush is a senior at Moanalua High School and serves as a member of the Hawai‘i State Student Council. She has demonstrated leadership as a student senator, Air Force JROTC squadron commander, and student government chairperson. Kamimura is a senior at Hilo High School and has been the president of the student association since freshman year. She maintains a 4.0 GPA, holds the title of National Honor Society vice president, and is an active Key Club member, volunteering more than 300 hours of service to her school and community. For more information on the program, visit http://ussenateyouth.org.

Everyone is advised to get a flu vaccination HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is advising physicians statewide to be alert for patients who have traveled from Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The department sent out a detailed medical advisory to healthcare providers today on reporting, testing, specimen collection, and interim healthcare infection control recommendations for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Providers are advised to notify the DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division immediately if a patient meets the case criteria. The DOH is also advising everyone (six months of age or older) and especially those who travel to receive a flu vaccination. Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist, said, “With current seasonal influenza activity, it is likely that there may be confusion as persons with influenza will exhibit similar signs and symptoms such as fever and cough. The more people vaccinated against flu, the more helpful that will be.” The DOH is closely monitoring the outbreak of 2019-nCoV occurring in China and regularly coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to issuing a Medical Advisory today to ensure all clinical providers are informed, the DOH is coordinating with Emergency Medical Service personnel/first responders, the Department of Transportation, and infection control partners in medical facilities throughout the state. DOH is also monitoring its well-established respiratory surveillance network which reviews flu activity in the state. Online resources for the 2019-nCoV are posted at https://health.hawaii.gov/prepare/cdc-issues-warning-about-pneumonia-cases-in-wuhan-china-caused-by-novel-coronavirus/. An outbreak of a 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China has been developing since December 2019. This outbreak now includes more than 300 confirmed infections and several deaths in China with confirmed cases also in Thailand, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States (one case in Washington State). While human-to-human transmission appears limited, the situation continues to evolve. Nearly all travelers from China enter the state from other U.S. or international ports of entry that are being monitored. If you have traveled to Wuhan and feel sick, you should do the following: Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. Stay home. Except for seeking medical care, avoid contact with others. Not travel while sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. For more information, including information for clinicians and public health professionals, please go to the following CDC and WHO webpages: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/novel-coronavirus-china www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/novel-coronavirus-2019.html www.who.int/csr/don/05-january-2020-pneumonia-of-unkown-cause-china/en/ PDF: DOH provides guidance to healthcare providers for 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak in China #HawaiiDepartmentofHealth #DOH #CoronaVirus #2019nCoV #Health #SarahPark #WashHands #CoverYourMouth #China #WuhanCity #HubeiProvince #HawaiiState #OneHawaii

HOUSE, SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEES TO HEAR TESTIMONY ON FIGHTING THE STATEWIDE OPIOID EPIDEMIC WITH HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES WHO:       Representative John Mizuno, Chair, House Committee on Health Senator Rosalyn Baker, Chair, Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health WHAT:       Info. Briefing on fighting the statewide opioid epidemic with health alternatives WHEN:     Thursday, January 23 at 9:00 a.m. WHERE:    Hawaii State Capitol / Room 329 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –The House Committee on Health and the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health Committee will review alternatives in addressing the opioid addiction crisis at 9 a.m. Jan. 23 in room 329 at the State Capitol. This briefing will provide a snapshot of provider perspectives for alternative treatment modalities that prevent or reduce the abuse of prescribed opioids that alleviate pain from injury or chronic health conditions. The collaboration of alternatives to opioids is based on a model of multi-disciplinary care that is used in other settings referred to as the “quad” model. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency: 200 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose,2,000 Americans suffer an overdose every day,From 1999 to 2017, more than 700,000 people have died from a drug overdose. In an effort to combat the opioid epidemic the focus will be on supporting healthcare providers in the following categories: Medical Management (20 minutes), Body and Pain Management – Physical Therapy (20 minutes), Acupuncture (20 minutes), Massage Therapy (20 minutes), Transforming to a Quad Model – Department of Health's Hawaii Opioid Initiative on Education, Prevention and Pain Management (20 minutes), and Mind/Behavioral/Cultural Practices (20 minutes). The hearing will be televised LIVE on ‘Olelo channel 53 and available islandwide. This event may be viewed online at ‘Ōlelo Community Media No public testimony will be accepted #Health #HawaiiSenate #CDC #Opioid #OpioidEpidemic #HawaiiLegislature #OleloCommunityMedia #HealthyAlternatives #HawaiiState #Addiction

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawai‘i state flag be flown at half-staff at the Hawai‘i State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard in the State of Hawai‘i, immediately until sunset on Friday, Jan. 24. This action is taken to honor Honolulu Police Department officers Tiffany Enriquez and Kaulike Kalama who were shot and killed in the line of duty on Jan. 19. Flags will also be flown at half-mast from sunrise until sunset on the day of services for each of the fallen officers. Notification will be provided when information about the services is available. “These officers paid the ultimate price to ensure the safety of our community. As we honor their sacrifice, we grieve with their families,” Gov. Ige said. #TiffanyEnriquez #KaulikeKalama #HonoluluPoliceOfficers #HPD #FlagOrder #HonoluluPoliceDepartment #DavidIge #HawaiiStateCapitol #HawaiiNationalGuard

The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 20, 2020, marks the 25th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. The Corporation for National and Community service has been charged to lead this effort for the last quarter century. Source: https://www.nationalservice.gov/serve-your-community/mlk-day-service #MartinLutherKingJr #DayOfService #MLK #MLKDay #HawaiiHonorsMLK #CivilRights #IHaveADream #BeOfService #ServeYourCommunity #HawaiiSenate #OneHawaii #HawaiiStateLegislature

“Our entire state mourns the loss of two Honolulu Police officers killed in the line of duty this morning. As we express our condolences to their families, friends and colleagues, let us also come together to help and support those who have been forever changed by this tragedy.” --Governor David Ige

The Hawaii State Senate’s Anti-Harassment Policy is separately posted on the Senate web page link “Anti-Harassment Policy.” Carol Taniguchi, Chief Clerk of the Senate, is the Hawaii State Senate’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer and Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Coordinator.

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The bipartisan Hawaiʻi Women’s Legislative Caucus will hold a panel discussion on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at 7:45 a.m. at the YWCA of Oʻahu, 1040 Richards Street, to announce their 2020 package of legislation. The caucus will be available to the press for interviews after the presentation. More information on the event: https://www.ywcaoahu.org/upcoming-events/2020-wlc-breakfast The Women’s Legislative Caucus co-conveners for 2019-2020 are Senators Rosalyn H. Baker and Laura H. Thielen and Representatives Lauren Matsumoto and Linda Ichiyama. New co-conveners are elected every two years. #HawaiiWomensLegislativeCaucus #YWCA #OrganizationOfWomenLeaders #RozBaker #LauraThielen #HawaiiSenate #HawaiiLegislature #HawaiiState

State agencies will outline efforts to prevent invasive species from entering Hawai‘i Honolulu – The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment, Chaired by Senator Mike Gabbard, the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection, Chaired by Representative Nicole E. Lowen, and the House Committee on Agriculture, Chaired by Representative Richard P. Creagan, will hold a joint informational briefing to get an update on Hawai‘i's Interagency Biosecurity Plan. The briefing will take place on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. in Hawai‘i State Capitol conference room 229. The Department of Agriculture will be setting up tables outside the hearing with live invasive species specimens. The hearing will be televised live on ‘Olelo channel 49, and will be aired via tape delay on the neighbor islands. The hearing can also be watched live online at https://olelo.org/49 Link to the Biosecurity Plan: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/main/biosecurityplan/ Presentations will be made by: Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife and Division of Aquatic Resources Department of Agriculture Department of Health, Vector Control Branch University of Hawai‘i, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Office of Planning Department of Transportation #Biosecurity #Agriculture #Environment #HawaiiSenate #HawaiiSenateMajority #HawaiiInvasiveSpecies #DLNR #Health #UniversityOfHawaii #DBEDT #Transportation