Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –The House Committee on Lower & Higher Education and the House Finance Committee today amended passed HB2543 HD1 to expand early learning opportunities for 3 and 4 year old children across the state. The bill now moves to the full House for a vote. "Over the course of the last year we have been working on this bill as a cost of living measure to address the lack of available early learning centers across the state," said Representative Justin H. Woodson. "Today we are making several amendments and adjustments to this bill, and I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to pass this measure because it will greatly benefit our keiki and our working families." The bill requires the parents or guardians of public school kindergarten students to the disclose information on the child's prior child care program or prekindergarten attendance, if any, for the purpose of determining areas with the highest need for prekindergarten and child care programs. It also requires the Department of Education to assess kindergarten students, establishes the preschool open doors trust fund and requires annual reporting. It expands Preschool Open Doors Program eligibility from 4-year-old children to all children who are 3 to 4 years old or will not be at least five years old on or before July 31 of the current school year. It requires annual reporting regarding the revenues and expenditures of the early learning special fund and establishes a program for Department of Human Services to award grants for preschools. The bill appropriates funds and authorizes positions for the preschool open doors program, appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to expand its information technology system for the purpose of managing information on prekindergarten attendance and child care need and to contract for and operate preschool and child care programs. It establishes an Early Learning Coordinator position within the office of the Governor. It also establishes the goal of providing all children who are 3 to 4 years old, or will not be at least five years old on or before July 31 of the current school year, with enrollment in a preschool program by the year 2030 and assigns that responsibility to the Early Learning Coordinator. The bill appropriates funds to the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center for building classrooms for Hawaiian language immersion pre-kindergarten programs and appropriates funds for building early learning services classrooms on public library property. This early education bill is part of a joint economic package introduced by the House and Senate, and supported by the Ige Administration to address Hawaiʻi's cost of living obstacles. The joint working class economic package is designed to tackle the issues highlighted in the Aloha United Way sponsored report, "ALICE: A Study of Financial Hardship in Hawaii." Representative Sylvia Luke noted that among more than 100 pages of testimony only two testifiers did not support the bills. Luke said this shows the great need and support for expanding early learning opportunities for our children. "This bill provides an overlay of our vision that within 10 years to provide all children with access to early learning," Luke said. "It's not as easy as people think it is. It's about providing full access and the ability of working families to have their child ready to learn when they enter kindergarten. This is a huge task and we have relied on you folks for your thoughtful advice and support to get this bill where it is today." Business, community and nonprofit educational groups have been adamant in their support for this measure. “As a network of partners that support the health, safety and learning of our youngest keiki, we are excited about the potential expansion of child care and early learning programs for three and four-year olds," said Kerrie Urosevich, Lead for Network Design and Innovation at Hawai`i Early Childhood Action Strategy. "Over several decades, early childhood partners have worked diligently to elevate the importance of access to affordable and high-quality child care and early learning opportunities, which strengthen family income and support early cognitive, physical and social development. We are deeply grateful for the proposed financial commitments by the legislature, philanthropy and business sectors to make it happen. The implementation of this 10- year vision will only be successful if we leverage the early childhood eco-system together, with leaders from programs, philanthropy, business, the legislature, state departments and families themselves. There is no more important job than the one that builds the brains and hearts of our youngest in our society. Creating viable plans that will ensure early childhood providers are able to make a living wage in Hawai`i is imperative for the success of the expansion and should be prioritized. The economic stimulus package, of which HB2543 is a part, would begin to put families on the path toward economic stability and begin to create the needed foundations for young keiki and families to thrive.” Read more at Early education addresses inequities and provides better outcomes for keiki. #LearningBill #HigherEducation #LowerEducation #JointLegislation #JointEconomicPackage #ALICE #HILeg2020 #HawaiiSenate * Press Release from the Hawai'i House of Representatives

Senator Kouchi announces over $11.2 million in funding for Kaua‘i school, healthcare, road, bridge, and arboretum projects. "Mahalo to Governor Ige for supporting these important projects for Kaua'i," said Senate President Kouchi. HONOLULU – Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (D-Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau) announced that Governor David Ige has released funding for a number of Capital Improvement Projects on Kaua‘i totaling over $11.2 million. "Mahalo to Governor Ige for supporting these important projects for Kaua'i," said Senate President Kouchi. They are: $2.05 million to finance design and construction to address significant repair and maintenance issues for Kekaha Elementary School on Kaua‘i; $100,000 to finance additional land acquisition for Kuhio Highway short-term improvements between Kuamo‘o Road to Temporary Bypass Road, Kaua‘i. Also $1.7 million to finance additional construction for this project; $500,000 to finance design, construction and equipment for library renovations at Waimea High School, Kaua‘i; $506,000 in general obligation bond funds for the design and construction for renovations, repairs and improvement at the Hanapepe Health Center, Kaua‘i, and the Lahaina Health Center, Maui; $500,000 to finance design and construction to build an outdoor pavilion area, along with wash stations, that will become the agricultural learning center of Kapa‘a High School, Kaua‘i; $250,000 to finance design and construction for parking lot improvements, including a covered drop-off area, at Wilcox Elementary School, Kaua‘i; $2.5 million to finance design and construction to complete the interior of the new library building at Kapa‘a Elementary School, Kaua‘i; $110,000 to finance design and construction for Building R of Waimea Canyon Middle School, Kaua‘i, to provide air conditioning connected to photovoltaic panels/battery storage for the school’s makerspace project; $2 million to finance design for a new gymnasium and athletic facilities at Waimea High School, Kaua‘i; The reversion and delegation of funds totaling $194,844.48 for the landscaping and beautification at Pua Loke Nursery Arboretum, Kaua‘i, to honor Spark Matsunaga; $1.163 million to provide additional design funds for the repayment of federal monies used in the initial design phase of the ‘Oma‘o Stream Bridge Rehabilitation project at Kaumuali‘i Highway, Kaua‘i; and $1.4 million in general obligation bond funds for the design and construction to renovate the CT scan room at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital. #Kauai #WaimeaHighSchool #HawaiiSenate #RonKouchi #CIPHawaii

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Senate will honor the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa 2019 Rainbow Warriors men’s volleyball team, Head Coach Charlie Wade, and Assistant Coach Josh Walker during a Senate floor session on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. The commendation was sponsored by Senator Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hilo, Hawai‘i Island), who played on the 1996 Rainbow Warrior volleyball team that advanced to the NCAA national championship and Senator Brian Taniguchi (D- Mānoa, Makiki, Punchbowl, and Papakōlea, O‘ahu), whose district includes UH Mānoa. “This team made Mānoa and the entire state of Hawai‘i proud,” said Senator Taniguchi. “They played in the national championship match for only the third time in the program’s history, capping off a stellar 28-win season.” “As a former Rainbow Warrior player, I know how hard these coaches and players worked to go undefeated for 25 straight matches and reach the national championship game,” said Senator Kahele. “Their dedication and perseverance led to a truly historic achievement. Coach Charlie Wade, Assistant Coach Josh Walker, and the players merit recognition for their achievements.” The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) selected Head Coach Charlie Wade as the 2019 National Coach of the Year, and Assistant Coach Josh Walker as the 2019 National Assistant Coach of the Year. The 2019 Rainbow Warrior men’s volleyball team: won the Big West Conference Championship, played in the NCAA Championship and finished #2 in the nation, earned the AVCA Team Academic Award, won its first 24 matches in straight sets, setting an NCAA record with a 74-set win streak, and held the nation’s #1-ranking for the final five weeks of the regular season. The official commendation concludes with: “The Senate extends its appreciation to the coaches for their exceptional leadership and guidance of these student athletes, and expresses its best wishes to all the team members for their continued success in all their future academic, athletic and post-graduate endeavors.” #RainbowWarriors #UniversityOfHawaii #MensVolleyball #KaiKahele #BrianTaniguchi

HONOLULU – Hawai'i Attorney General Clare E. Connors today announced Hawai'i has joined a bipartisan, multistate investigation of JUUL Labs. The 39-state multistate coalition is investigating JUUL’s marketing and sales practices, including targeting of youth, claims regarding nicotine content, and statements regarding risks, safety and effectiveness as a smoking cessation device. “The vaping epidemic in our schools has set back many of the health gains Hawai'i achieved in the wake of the tobacco war,” said Attorney General Connors. “The statistics for our state are staggering, and my department is working with other states and our local counterparts to investigate the role of JUUL Labs in purposefully targeting our youth and creating a devastating health threat to our community.” While traditional cigarette use has plummeted among youth, vaping is skyrocketing. 2017 data from the Hawai'i School Health Survey and national surveys found that: 3% of Hawaii’s public high school students had used electronic vaping products. 27% of Hawaii’s public middle school students had used electronic vaping products. 9% had first tried using electronic vaping products before the age of 13. In 2017, high school teens in Hawaii were vaping at double the average rate nationally. #Vaping #ECigs #ClareConnors #HawaiiPublicSchools #JUUL #TobaccoWar Source: https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/News-Release-2020-22.pdf

HONOLULU, HI – With the Festival of the Pacific Arts & Culture or FESTPAC less than four months out, event commissioners held a news conference today announcing numerous preparations underway. FESTPAC will run from June 10-21, 2020 with events being held throughout Honolulu and Waikiki. It will be the first time that Hawai'i will serve as FESTPAC host. Thousands of Pacific Islanders and visitors are expected to attend FESTPAC. This yearʻs theme is: E ku i ka hoe uli (Take hold of the steering paddle). “Our theme serves as a reminder to every Pacific Islander, that we are leading global discussions on climate change and its effect on the very identity of our island cultures,” said Senator English, who serves as FESTPAC Hawai'i Chairman. “It is a reminder to our young leaders to heed the call of our elders – to perpetuate and carry on our stories and practice our culture and ancestral knowledge.” FESTPAC is a traveling festival hosted every four years by a different Oceania country. It was started by the Pacific Community as a means to stem erosion of traditional cultural practices by sharing and exchanging culture at each festival. The first South Pacific Arts Festival was held in Fiji in 1972. In 1980, the event became the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture. Delegates from more than twenty oceanic nations are expected to participate in this year’s event. Throughout the 11 days there will be a Festival Village, cultural exchange and discussions, performances and exhibits. Opening ceremonies are slated to occur at Iolani Palace; and, closing ceremonies will take place at Kapiolani Park. Health, housing, security, and other precautionary measures are all part of FESTPAC planning. FESTPAC Commissioners acknowledged that the event could not take place without the strong support of the Legislature, State agencies, Honolulu County and numerous sponsors. The Hawai'i Tourism Authority (HTA) is among the key sponsors of FESTPAC. HTA President and CEO Chris Tatum announced an allocation of $500,000 for the festival. “Our investment in this historic event is to ensure that all who come to FESTPAC Hawai'i will experience the beauty of our state and learn about our unique history that guides our values today,” said Tatum. FESTPAC Commissioners have worked with other sponsor partners including Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawai'i to assist in housing Pacific Island delegates. A Hawai'i delegation has participated in every FESTPAC since 1976. FESTPAC Commissioner and Kumu Hula Snowbird Bento is among the former delegates who represented Hawai'i at past festivals. She called the experiences, “eye opening.” “It’s important for Hawai'i to host FESTPAC, so we can remember who we are – that we come from a really rich legacy, because I think a lot of people have relegated in their minds that Hawaiians only exist in certain venues,” said Bento. Today’s FESTPAC announcement was held during the month’s end of honoring olelo Hawai'i. For more information about FESTPAC Hawai'i 2020, including a list planned events and venues, visit www.festpachawaii.org. #FESTPAC2020 #HILeg2020 #HawaiiTourism #CulturalArts #Polynesia #HawaiiSenate #KalaniEnglish

Honolulu, Hawai‘i – Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (D-Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, and Kona, Hawai‘i Island) announced that approximately $2.9 million in Capital Improvement Project funds were released last week by Governor David Ige for five projects in her district: --$147,000 to finance additional construction for safety improvements along Mamalahoa Highway between Milepost 3.9 to Milepost 6.9, --$1 million to finance the design for a new gymnasium and athletic facilities for Kohala High School, --$60,000 in general obligation bond funds for renovations to the Hamakua Youth Center, --$175,000 in general obligation bond funds for the design of a centralized administrative and business office, and private employee dining area, at Kohala Hospital, --And $1.5 million to finance the design and construction for improvements to the parking lot of Waimea Elementary School. #CapitalImprovements #DavidIge #HawaiiIsland #Hilo #HawaiiSenate #LorraineInouye

Hawai‘i State Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi issued the following statement today: Our thoughts and prayers and our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Rick Rogers and William "Uncle Billy" Enoka, who died in the plane crash at Dillingham Airfield. Kauai is mourning the loss of Uncle Billy, who was dedicated to keeping the people of Kauai safe through his lifelong work in the Kauai Fire Department, retiring in 1994 as a Captain with the Kauai Fire Department, and as a Lieutenant Colonel with the Civil Air Patrol. I worked with Uncle Billy from 1983 until he retired as a captain in the Kauai Fire Department in 1994 and thereafter in his work with the Civil Air Patrol.  He was a consummate professional and his love of flying equaled his love of mentoring our next generation of leaders.

HONOLULU – Hawaii Attorney General Clare E. Connors today joined a bipartisan coalition of 42 state and territory attorneys general in supporting H.R. 4421, the Bankruptcy Venue Reform Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation that will prevent a corporation from filing for bankruptcy in a District that it believes would be more favorable on issues to the debtor’s advantage—a practice known as “forum shopping”—when the corporation’s principal place of business or assets are located in a different district, which imposes a burden on states and other creditors who may have to travel and incur significant expenses to pursue their claims. “Corporations should only be allowed to file for bankruptcy in jurisdictions where they do business or where their assets are located,” said Attorney General Connors. “Anything else allows them to take undue advantage of the system, which disadvantages consumers and other entities that do business with the corporation.” Under current U.S. law 28 U.S.C. § 1408, individuals must file only in the district in which they have resided for a majority of the 180 days prior to filing.  However, corporations are permitted to pursue bankruptcy in any district in which the corporation has a minor affiliated interest, no matter how small or recently created.  In addition to conferring a distinct advantage to the corporation’s interest, it encourages placing cases in some of the most expensive legal markets in the country, contributing to the ever-growing costs of these cases.  Generally, businesses and consumers who interact with the debtor are located in areas where the debtor primarily operates, and having to travel to distant places makes it harder to protect their interests.  The same applies to states that may be owed taxes or other payments, and may need to incur expenses to collect, that could wipe out any amounts collected through the bankruptcy. Furthermore, because each individual court currently sets its own requirements for allowing non-local attorneys to appear, including deciding whether to charge an admission fee in each case, and/or to require that local counsel must be associated to the case, financial burdens and unnecessary delays in pursuing justice are virtually unavoidable.  The attorneys general’s letter therefore encourages Congress to ensure that when government attorneys appear on behalf of their governments, they can participate in the bankruptcy without having to pay excessive fees or hire local counsel. If passed, the Bankruptcy Venue Reform Act of 2019 will: Limit where businesses may file bankruptcy by ensuring that they will do so in a jurisdiction in which their “principal assets” or their “principal place of business” are located; and Require rules to be prescribed to allow all governmental attorneys (not just U.S. attorneys) to appear without charge and without being required to associate with local counsel. In the letter, the attorneys general tender support to the Bankruptcy Venue Reform Act of 2019, and contend that passage of the legislation will: Reduce forum shopping in the bankruptcy system; Strengthen the integrity of, and build public confidence and ensure fairness in, the bankruptcy system; Help consumers and other parties to be represented in court without undue burden; and Level the playing field for state attorneys general to guard their states’ financial interests and enforce consumer protection laws. In signing the letter co-sponsored by the attorneys general of Maryland, Ohio, Texas, and Washington, Attorney General Connors joins the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. A copy of the letter is available here. #HR4421 #BankruptcyVenueReform #ClareConnors #Bankruptcy #HawaiiState

TENDING A WORLD-FAMOUS  BEACH – KŪHIO EROSION CONTROL PROJECT Sandbag Groin Achieving Desired Result (Honolulu) –World-famous Waikīkī Beach is Hawaiʻi’s primary draw for tourists and the chief economic driver of Hawaiʻi’s economy. It has a fascinating history. Beginning in the 1930’s and continuing into the 1960’s one of the world’s most iconic beaches was built with stone and sand imported from different parts of the state. Sam Lemmo knows beaches as the Administrator of the DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL). When it comes to protecting and enhancing Waikīkī he puts it this way, “We rely on Waikīkī Beach, and we need to maintain it the same way you would with any public infrastructure.” The latest beach improvement, the Kūhio Erosion Control Project, is performing well — so much so that, as Lemmo says, “we’re very, very happy.” The new, short groin, running perpendicular to one of Waikīkī’s most popular beaches, is made up of eighty-three, 10,000-pound bags of sand. The groin stabilizes that part of the beach so that the old Waikīkī Tavern foundation is now buried allowing for safe pedestrian access to the water. The ebb and flow of sand is a natural process, accelerated in recent history by sea level rise. Lemmo explains, “The ocean around Hawaiʻi has risen 9-10 inches over the past century.  It has a profound impact on the viability of our beaches. We’re trying to get everyone comfortable with the notion that these beach restoration projects are critical in areas where beaches provide significant visitor and resident benefits  If we are to maintain the viability of this tremendous asset in the face of climate change, we must continue to invest ourselves into its upkeep.” But Lemmo adds that many natural beaches undergoing long term retreat due to rising seas will not be able to be repaired with modern engineering.  The dynamics of intact natural coastal systems are very complex, and it would be unwise to initiate a beach engineering effort when it would be wiser to allow the shoreline to erode.  His office and many other public and private interests are pursuing other options for natural beach resiliency, including encouraging development and people to move away from eroding shorelines. This allows a beach to recess inland like it would naturally in the absence of development. Back at Kūhio Beach Lemmo points out, that as the state’s tourism center, Waikīkī accounts for close to half of the hotel rooms in Hawai‘i and generates more than one-third of the state’s gross domestic product. “Waikiki is a very important place for us,” he said. “We’re just doing our part, trying to maintain one of the most famous beaches in the world. People come to Hawai‘i to visit our beaches and to enjoy our water, our coral reefs, and our mountains. This is just one component of an overall strategy to make sure we give our guests what they pay for…safe enjoyment of our resources and enjoyment of our Aloha.” #KuhioBeach #WaikikiBeach #OCCL #KuhioErosionControl #SamLemmo #DLNR #HawaiiState

Senator Gil Riviere issued the following statement today: "I am very disappointed with the statement made by Senator Brian Schatz calling for the closure of Dillingham Airfield. It is irresponsible to make such a definitive statement about the accident and the airfield before any facts of the matter have been established. "The two pilots who lost their lives today were highly qualified aviators, devoted to the love of flight. They were very well liked and respected, trained countless new pilots, and eagerly shared their passion for aviation. These men absolutely loved to fly at Dillingham Airfield, so a call to shut down the airport within hours of their loss is truly insensitive and misinformed. God bless these good men, their loved ones and everyone who had the pleasure to know them." Senator Gil Riviere represents Hawaii Senate District 23. He lives in Waialua, just a few miles of Dillingham Airfield. -END- #DillinghamAirfield #Transportation #HawaiiSenate #GilRiviere

Honolulu, Hawai‘i – Senator Brian T. Taniguchi (Manoa, Makiki, Punchbowl, and Papakolea) will hold legislative town hall meetings over two days in February. The first will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2020, at the Noelani Elementary School library, 2655 Woodlawn Drive. The second will be at the Makiki District Park Administration Building, 1527 Ke‘eaumoku Street, on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. State Representative Dale Kobayashi (Manoa, Punahou, University, and Mo‘ili‘ili) and City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi will join the senator at the Noelani Elementary meeting, and State Representative Della Au Belatti (Makiki, Tantalus, Papakolea, McCully, Pawa‘a, and Manoa) will be at the Makiki District Park meeting. #LegislativeUpdates #TownHallMeeting #HawaiiSenate #HILeg2020 #HawaiiSenate #BrianTaniguchi

HONOLULU, HI – With the Festival of the Pacific Arts & Culture or FESTPAC less than four-months out, event commissioners held a news conference today announcing numerous preparations underway. FESTPAC will run from June 10-21, 2020 with events being held throughout Honolulu and Waikīkī. It will be the first time that Hawaiʻi will serve as FESTPAC host. Thousands of Pacific Islanders and visitors are expected to attend FESTPAC. This yearʻs theme is: E kū i ka hoe uli (Take hold of the steering paddle). “Our theme serves as a reminder to every Pacific Islander, that we are leading global discussions on climate change and its effect on the very identity of our island cultures,” said Senator English, who serves as FESTPAC Hawaiʻi Chairman. “It is a reminder to our young leaders to heed the call of our elders - to perpetuate and carry on our stories and practice our culture and ancestral knowledge.” FESTPAC is a traveling festival hosted every four years by a different Oceania country. It was started by the Pacific Community as a means to stem erosion of traditional cultural practices by sharing and exchanging culture at each festival. The first South Pacific Arts Festival was held in Fiji in 1972. In 1980, the event became the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture. Delegates from more than twenty oceanic nations are expected to participate in this year’s event. Throughout the 11 days there will be a Festival Village, cultural exchange and discussions, performances and exhibits. Opening ceremonies are slated to occur at ʻIolani Palace; and, closing ceremonies will take place at Kapiʻolani Park. Health, housing, security, and other precautionary measures are all part of FESTPAC planning.  FESTPAC Commissioners acknowledged that the event could not take place without the strong support of the Legislature, State agencies, Honolulu County and numerous sponsors. The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) is among the key sponsors of FESTPAC.  HTA President and CEO Chris Tatum announced an allocation of $500,000 for the festival. “Our investment in this historic event is to ensure that all who come to FESTPAC Hawaiʻi will experience the beauty of our state and learn about our unique history that guides our values today,” said Tatum. FESTPAC Commissioners have worked with other sponsor partners including Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawaiʻi to assist in housing Pacific Island delegates. A Hawaiʻi delegation has participated in every FESTPAC since 1976.  FESTPAC Commissioner and Kumu Hula Snowbird Bento is among the former delegates who represented Hawaiʻi at past festivals. She called the experiences, “eye opening.” “It’s important for Hawaiʻi to host FESTPAC, so we can remember who we are - that we come from a really rich legacy, because I think a lot of people have relegated in their minds that Hawaiians only exist in certain venues,” said Bento. Today’s FESTPAC announcement was held during the month’s end of honoring ‘ōlelo Hawaiʻi. For more information about FESTPAC Hawaiʻi 2020, including a list planned events and venues, visit www.festpachawaii.org. #FESTPAC #FESTPACHawaii #FESTPAC2020 #Hawaii #PolynesianCulture #PacificIslanders