(Kailua-Kona) – Dramatic photographs of two oceanic whitetip sharks, lacking fins, along with photographs of a dead, three-and-a-half-foot long whitetip reef shark is raising concern among marine biologists on Hawai‘i Island. The two oceanic whitetip sharks, a species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, were observed alive off the coast of West Hawai‘i and were photographed and reported by dive tour operators. Stacia Marcoux, a Fish & Habitat Monitoring Technician with the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) commented, “Shark finning is not a new phenomenon, but the recent number of incidents is concerning. This is especially true for the threatened oceanic whitetip. We hope that once people see these photos they will join us in condemning and discouraging this kind of activity regardless of its legality.” In June, DAR colleague Megan Lamson found a whitetip reef shark, finned and dead, at Ka‘alu‘alu Bay. In addition to missing its dorsal fin it had been gutted. While the finning of the two oceanic whitetip sharks in West Hawai‘i was reported to the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) it’s difficult to investigate without knowing when it happened and who may be responsible. Marcoux received photos provided by Big Island Divers and Aquatic Life Divers of the fin-less oceanic whitetips. She said, “It’s heartbreaking to see these terrible wounds on these individuals. Sharks deserve our respect and we’re encouraged that most tour operators are educating their clients about this issue. No one wants to see an injured shark swimming by.” Marcoux and Lamson indicate, “Sharks are apex predators and vital contributors to a healthy marine ecosystem. Many shark species are long-lived, they reproduce slowly, and anything that happens to threaten them can lead to sudden populations declines.” They added that pono fishing practices include shark protection because they help sustain healthy fish communities and a balanced marine ecosystem. Additionally, certain shark species are culturally and spiritually important. People can help sharks remain a keystone species in Hawaiian waters by discouraging shark feeding, fishing, finning or harassing activities. You can also reduce impacts to the coastal environment by packing out your own trash, collect any discarded fishing line or gear and cigarette butts. Brian Neilson, DAR Administrator, explained, “We can debunk the ‘Jaws’ myth that sharks are maneaters and we encourage people to learn more about sharks and respect the role they play in our Ocean.” Currently state law prohibits the take, killing, possession, sale, or offer for sale of whitetip reef shark and other shark species in West Hawaii. Take means to fish for, catch, or harvest or attempt to fish for, catch or harvest aquatic life. It is illegal to intentionally catch a whitetip reef shark to remove a fin within the West Hawaii Regional Fishery Management Area (HAR 13-60.4-4). Additionally it is illegal to possess, sell, offer for sale, trade or distribute shark fins anywhere in Hawai‘i (HAR 188-40.7). Anyone who sees any of these activities is asked to call the DLNR hotline at 643-DLNR (643-3567) or to report it via the free DLNRTip app available for both iPhones and android devices. #TheHawaiiDepartmentofLandandNaturalResour #shark #sharkfinning #oceanicwhitetipshark #endangeredspecies #stciamarcoux #fishhabittmonitoring #DLNR #DivisionAquaticResources #DAR #KaalualuBay #MeganLamson #bigIslanddivers #WestRegionalFisheryManagementArea

HONOLULU - Senator Lorraine R. Inouye is pleased to announce that Governor David Ige has released $135,000 for renovations and improvements at the Hamakua Youth Center, in Honoka‘a. “I want to thank Governor Ige for supporting the youth who benefit from these programs with the Hamakua Youth Foundation,” Senator Inouye said. “Keeping our keiki actively engaged in enriching activities and cultural exploration will pay great dividends in the future. This is a tremendous investment in our state and the Hamakua/Honoka‘a community.” Hamakua Youth Foundation is a grassroots community organization dedicated to creating nurturing, stimulating and enjoyable youth-centered, after-school, occasional weekend, and summer programs for youth of the Hamakua District. Guided by Hawaiian traditions and values, the Hamakua Youth Center engages local youth in leadership training, environmental stewardship, music, visual arts, recreational activities, and exploration of the many cultures represented in our area. #LorraineInouye #GovernorIge #HamakuaYouthFoundation #Hamakua #Honokaa #Hilo #HawaiiSenate #HawaiiSenateMajority

Today, I am asking Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim to coordinate both county and state efforts to peacefully attempt to reach common ground with the protectors of Maunakea and the broader community. Mayor Kim is closest to the situation and the impacts are greatest on the island he leads. We both share the goal of achieving a resolution that is peaceful and satisfactory to as many as possible in the community. I support the vision he has widely articulated for Maunakea as a beacon of hope and discovery for the world that brings us together rather than divides us. And we both understand that the issues underlying what is taking place today are far deeper than TMT or Maunakea. They are about righting the wrongs done to the Hawaiian people going back more than a century. While Mayor Kim will be taking the lead, hard decisions will need to be jointly supported by the state and county and we will be working together to determine next steps that are in the best interests of all the people of Hawaiʻi. #GovernorDavidIge #Maunakea #MaunaKea #DavidIge #MayorKim #HarryKim #TMT #thirtyMeterTelescope

State extends Thirty Meter Telescope permit - Gov. Ige rescinds emergency proclamation HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today announced that the state has granted an extension of a key permit to the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). The governor has rescinded the emergency proclamation that was issued on July 17, 2019 at this time, because there are no immediate plans to move heavy construction equipment. This morning, at the request of TMT, the University of Hawaiʻi asked for a two-year extension of the Conservation District Use permit deadline for the initiation of construction. The Department of Land and Natural Resources granted this extension until Sept. 26, 2021. “Because TMT construction is not imminent, I am withdrawing the emergency proclamation effective immediately. I remain committed to moving forward with this project in a peaceful way and will continue efforts to engage the community,” said Gov. Ige. The governor noted that law enforcement officers will remain at the site for safety reasons. “The presence of large numbers of people on the mountain creates significant hazards, especially in light of the potential bad weather,” said Gov. Ige. Link to photos here Documents: CDUP Deadline DLNR Withdrawal #ThirtyMeterTelescope #TMT #MaunaKea #UniversityofHawaii #GovernorIge #DavidIge #CDUP #DLNR #DepartmentofLandandNaturalResources

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today signed new rules for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. The new rules will take effect on Aug. 9, 2019. Photo credit: Governor's Office The Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) and State Environmental Council (Council) submitted its final rules to the governor at the beginning of April 2019, after completing a nearly two-year effort to modernize the existing rules. The governor set the signing date back in May to give stakeholders sufficient time to prepare for the adoption of the new rules. The OEQC publication date for The Environmental Notice on August 8, 2019 will be the last issue under the current rules. The August 23, 2019 issue will be the first one under the new rules. In developing the new rules, the Council prepared four working drafts and held about 30 public meetings, including nine public hearings with at least one on each island. “These rules strike the right balance to ensure public involvement in government decision making and the disclosure of activities that might affect our environment. The work done by the volunteers on the Environmental Council and the OEQC staff to build consensus has been impressive,” said Gov. David Ige. “On behalf of the Council, I’d like to thank each member for their hard work over the past few years to complete the updated rules. Mahalo to Gov. Ige for his continued support throughout this process and for appointing such wonderful colleagues, whose diverse expertise and experiences contributed to a successful rulemaking process. The OEQC went above and beyond to support the Council in this effort,” said Council Chair Puananionaona Thoene. The new rules repeal the existing Hawaii Administrative Rule (HAR) Chapter 11-200 and adopt a new chapter called HAR Chapter 11-200.1. The Council repealed and replaced rather than revise the existing rules because the new rules reorganize the structure and make numerous revisions and additions. The new rules incorporate changes in the statute by the Legislature and rulings by the Hawaii Supreme Court, clarify roles and responsibilities in the process, require agencies to publicly list their exemptions on a monthly basis, allow for exemptions for building urban affordable housing in certain circumstances, make considering sea level rise and greenhouse gas emissions explicit, and require public scoping meetings at the beginning of EISs, among other changes. For more information, the OEQC maintains a webpage with links to all of the rules documents and a timeline of the effort: http://health.hawaii.gov/oeqc/rules-update/. Link to photos here #Environment #governorige #OEQC #EnvironmentalQualityControl #StateEnvironmentalCounciil #EIS #davidige

Link to photos and bios here HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today announced the appointment of three new members of the Hawai‘i Paroling Authority board. Clayton Hee, Cheryl Inouye and Max Otani have been appointed to the Hawai‘i Paroling Authority, effective immediately. The interim appointments are subject to state Senate confirmation. Their terms will expire June 30, 2023. Clayton Hee was elected to the State House of Representatives in 1982 while residing on the island of Moloka'i where he worked as a public school teacher. He was first elected to the State Senate in 1984 and later served twelve years as a member of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs where he was chairman for six years. Hee was re-elected to the State Senate in 2004 and served there until 2014. He was a longtime chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor and is the author of more than 100 laws, many of which relate to the Hawai‘i Penal Code. Previously, Hee was a lecturer at the University of Hawai‘i and taught at Windward Community College and the Windward School for Adults. In addition, he was an instructor of Hawaiian history and culture at various public schools on O‘ahu and all five public schools on Moloka‘i. Hee is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools. He earned one undergraduate degree and two graduate degrees from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Chery Inouye began her criminal justice career in probation with the Judiciary in 1981, first in District Court and in Circuit Court on O‘ahu, until her retirement in 2017. She served in a variety of probation officer positions and was also section administrator – overseeing three units of probation officers. Inouye also specialized in managing sex offenders and high-risk substance abusers during her tenure. Inouye was instrumental in developing the first sex offender unit in the State of Hawai‘i, creating and piloting an innovative domestic violence intervention strategy for felony domestic offenders, developing a specialized unit to manage high risk substance abusers, and co-developing an effective strategy for managing probation violations (later named Hawai‘i’s Opportunity Probation with Enforcement – HOPE). Inouye was born and raised on Kaua‘i. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and master’s in social work from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Max Otani worked at the Judiciary as a Family Court Officer and Circuit Court Probation Officer. He was later employed at the Hawai‘i Paroling Authority where he served for more than two decades in various positions, ranging from parole officer to division administrator. Otani was also the Intake Service Center Division Administrator and Deputy Director for Corrections with the Department of Public Safety (PSD). During his career in corrections, Otani initiated evidence-based practices with the parole and pretrial populations in efforts to reduce recidivism. He retired from PSD in 2016. Otani was born and raised in Hilo, Hawai‘i. He is a graduate of Hilo High School and the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. Otani also attended the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa where he earned a master’s in social work. The five-member Hawai‘i Paroling Authority is an independent quasi-judicial body, which is attached to the Department of Public Safety for administrative purposes only. The three new members with Tommy Johnson, Hawaii Paroling Authority Administrator and Nolan Espinda, Director Department of Public Safety. #parolingauthority #DepartmentofPublicSafety #nolandespinda #tommyjohnson #cherylinouye #claytonhee #maxotani #governorige #davidige

HONOLULU — With the National Weather Service closely monitoring what appears to be a weakening Hurricane Erick but a strengthening Tropical Storm Flossie, now is the time for preparation to avoid long lines at gas stations, grocery stores, and ATMs across Hawai'i. “Hurricane season brings the very real threat of high winds, rain, storm surge and potential flooding to the Hawaiian Islands. There could be significant impacts even if a hurricane doesn’t hit us directly. I urge Hawai'i’s residents and businesses to prepare now. Make an emergency plan, talk about it with your families and employees, and gather supplies to ensure that our communities are resilient,” said Governor David Ige. The Hawai'i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to prepare an “emergency kit” of a minimum of 14 days of food, water, and other supplies. “We advocate for a 14-day recommendation because of Hawai'i’s location in the Pacific during a disaster,” said Thomas Travis, Administrator of HI-EMA. “Everyone who plans ahead and prepares an emergency kit helps not only themselves, but they also help their entire community deal with a disaster.” For homeowners, now is also the time to think about insuring one’s property. “Know what to do pre- and post-event to protect yourself and your family, and minimize significant financial impacts,” advises Insurance Commissioner Colin Hayashida. “With the potential of a more active hurricane season, residents can be more prepared ahead of time by reading their insurance policies and taking an inventory of their home and valuables.” Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Last year’s season brought on the storm named Lane, which, had it maintained its course towards the islands, would have resulted in devastating potential damage to residents and their property. It most likely would also have resulted in catastrophic destruction to our economy due to the isolated location of Hawai'i. With the shutdown of ports, goods and services would have been weeks or even months away. HI-EMA suggests keeping your family’s supplies fresh for the entire season by rotating, consuming, and replenishing them over time. HI-EMA also recommends that residents and visitors take the following actions in preparation for a possible hurricane or tropical cyclone. HONOLULU — With the National Weather Service closely monitoring what appears to be a weakening Hurricane Erick but a strengthening Tropical Storm Flossie, now is the time for preparation to avoid long lines at gas stations, grocery stores, and ATMs across Hawai'i. “Hurricane season brings the very real threat of high winds, rain, storm surge and potential flooding to the Hawaiian Islands. There could be significant impacts even if a hurricane doesn’t hit us directly. I urge Hawai'i’s residents and businesses to prepare now. Make an emergency plan, talk about it with your families and employees, and gather supplies to ensure that our communities are resilient,” said Governor David Ige. The Hawai'i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to prepare an “emergency kit” of a minimum of 14 days of food, water, and other supplies. “We advocate for a 14-day recommendation because of Hawai'i’s location in the Pacific during a disaster,” said Thomas Travis, Administrator of HI-EMA. “Everyone who plans ahead and prepares an emergency kit helps not only themselves, but they also help their entire community deal with a disaster.” For homeowners, now is also the time to think about insuring one’s property. “Know what to do pre- and post-event to protect yourself and your family, and minimize significant financial impacts,” advises Insurance Commissioner Colin Hayashida. “With the potential of a more active hurricane season, residents can be more prepared ahead of time by reading their insurance policies and taking an inventory of their home and valuables.” Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Last year’s season brought on the storm named Lane, which, had it maintained its course towards the islands, would have resulted in devastating potential damage to residents and their property. It most likely would also have resulted in catastrophic destruction to our economy due to the isolated location of Hawai'i. With the shutdown of ports, goods and services would have been weeks or even months away. HI-EMA suggests keeping your family’s supplies fresh for the entire season by rotating, consuming, and replenishing them over time. HI-EMA also recommends that residents and visitors take the following actions in preparation for a possible hurricane or tropical cyclone. • Talk with family members and develop a clear understanding of what you will do if a hurricane or tropical storm threatens. Prepare an action plan that includes details such as whether your family intends to shelter in place or evacuate. • Know if your home is in an inundation zone, flood zone, or susceptible to high winds and other hazards. Know if your home is retrofitted with hurricane resistant clips or straps. • Stay tuned to local media and their websites and/or apps regarding weather updates. • Sign up for local notification systems (i.e., HNL.Info). • Sign up for a community emergency response team. • Get to know your neighbors and community so you can help each other. • Walk your property and check for potential flood threats. Clear your gutters and other drainage systems. Remove and secure loose items. Keep your car’s gas tank filled. • Prepare your pets by checking or purchasing a carrier and other preparedness items. A pet carrier is necessary for your pet’s safety if you plan to evacuate to a pet-friendly shelter. Don't forget 14 days of food and water for your furry family members. • Set aside an emergency supply of any needed medication and keep a copy of your prescriptions in case you run out of medication after a disaster. • Secure your important documents in protective containers including copies of your insurance policies, a home inventory of valuables, and your agent’s or insurer’s contact information. • Visitors should download the GoHawaii App and read the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Travel Safety Brochure at http://www.travelsmarthawaii.com. • Build an emergency kit – now. #HIEMA #HurricaneSeason #NationalWeatherService #TropicalStormFlossie #tropicalstorm #floodzone #BePrepared #TravelSmartHawaii #Safety #HawaiiEmergencyManagementAgency

In December 2018, the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) informed the Hawaii State Department of Education that its methodology to identify schools’ student subgroups for additional targeted support and improvement (A-TSI) as described in its approved Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated State Plan, did not meet federal requirements. As a result, Hawaii will submit an amendment. Overview In December 2018, the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) informed the Hawaii State Department of Education that its methodology to identify schools’ student subgroups for additional targeted support and improvement (A-TSI) as described in its approved Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated State Plan did not meet federal requirements. As a result, Hawaii will submit an amendment to its ESSA Consolidated State Plan to comply with the applicable federal requirements. Common questions What is an ESSA Consolidated State Plan? The ESSA was signed by President Obama on December 2015. The purpose of the ESSA Consolidated State Plan is to provide parents with quality, transparent information about ESSA as implemented in their State. Hawaii’s ESSA Consolidated State Plan was approved by the Board of Education on September 5, 2017 and signed by Governor Ige and Superintendent Kishimoto. The plan was subsequently approved by the USDOE on January 19, 2018. Why does Hawaii need to amend its ESSA Consolidated State Plan? The USDOE periodically conducts Progress Checks to monitor states’ implementation of the ESSA. During Hawaii’s Progress Check in December 2018, the USDOE indicated that Hawaii’s methodology to identify schools’ subgroups for A-TSI did not meet federal requirements. As a result, Hawaii will amend its ESSA Consolidated State Plan to meet federal requirements. What is the process for amending an ESSA Consolidated State Plan? According to the November 14, 2018 Dear Colleague Letter, any revision to an ESSA Consolidated State Plan must be submitted to the USDOE for review and approval. Prior to submitting an amendment to USDOE, a State must consult with the Governor on the amendment, afford a reasonable opportunity for public comment on the amendment, and consider such comments. What will Hawaii’s proposed ESSA amendment address? The purpose of this amendment is to ensure Hawaii’s ESSA Consolidated State Plan meets all federal requirements. USDOE is requiring HIDOE to change its methodology for identifying A-TSI. As a result of changing the A-TSI methodology, HIDOE proposes to also change the methodology for identifying consistently underperforming subgroups (TSI-CU). HIDOE’s proposal identifies A-TSI from the pool of TSI-CU schools’ subgroups. The proposed A-TSI methodology may be seen as an escalation of support for schools. What are the ESSA federal requirements regarding a State’s methodology to identify schools’ subgroups for A-TSI? ESSA requires that Hawaii provide A-TSI to any subgroup of students that, on its own, would be identified in the lowest-performing five (5) percent of Title I schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement (CSI). How does Hawaii propose to change its methodology to meet ESSA federal requirements? Hawaii’s approved ESSA Consolidated State Plan uses the lowest unit score of the lowest-performing five (5) percent of Title I schools identified for CSI as the threshold for the identification of schools’ subgroups for A-TSI. Hawaii will revise its methodology as follows: Hawaii will annually identify schools with “consistently underperforming” subgroups, defined as subgroups with the lowest performing unit score, in the bottom 10 percent of all schools for two consecutive years (TSI-CU). Once every three years, Hawaii will identify, for A-TSI, the TSI-CU schools whose consistently underperforming subgroups’ unit score is equal to or lower than the highest unit score of Title I schools identified for CSI. To see Hawaii’s approved ESSA Consolidated State Plan, click here. For a redlined version of the approved ESSA Consolidated State Plan that reflects the proposed revisions, click here. What is the anticipated impact of the proposed amendment? The proposed methodology is anticipated to impact the following: The Hawaii Department of Education estimates between 10-30 schools could have subgroup(s) identified for A-TSI in Fall 2020. Schools identified as A-TSI in Fall 2017 will be eligible to be identified as a new CSI school in Fall 2020 if a school is identified in the lowest-performing five (5) percent of Title I schools or if a school’s graduation rate falls below 67 percent. Schools identified as A-TSI in Fall 2017 will be eligible to be re-identified as A-TSI in Fall 2020 if they meet the identification criteria (see proposed methodology above). How do I submit comments on the proposed amendment? To submit comments on Hawaii’s proposed amendment to its ESSA Consolidated State Plan regarding the methodology for identifying schools’ subgroups for A-TSI, click here, or you may call the Accountability Section Office at (808) 733-4008. The deadline for comments is Friday, August 16, 2019. ​ Submit comments The public survey on Hawaiiʻs proposed amendment to its ESSA Consolidated State Plan relating to its identification of school subgroups for A-TSI will be open through August 16, 2019. #HawaiiStateDepartmentofEducation #ESSA #ESSAConsolidatedStatePlan #USDOE #davidige #governorige #CHRISTINAKISHIMOTO #AccountabilitySection #Hawaiistate #DOE

(Honolulu) - The Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Working Group, formed to respond to a new disease threatening Hawai‘i’s most important native forest tree, recently received the Conservation Innovation award at the 2019 Hawaii Conservation Conference. The working group is made up of nearly 200 individuals representing state, county, federal, university, non-profit organizations, local and private businesses, as well as private citizens. The purpose of the Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Working Group is to facilitate inclusive communication on all issues related to the fungal disease and share knowledge on a regular basis among group members, their organizations, and the people of Hawai’i. The ROD Working Group meeting has been held monthly in Hilo since 2015, but most members call in from around the state or the mainland for monthly updates. Committees focusing on research, surveys, control, and outreach provide reports to keep interested parties current on the latest information. “This forum has been key to maintaining information flow as well as connecting folks who want to contribute to the cause,” said Rob Hauff, State Protection Forester, with the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death is caused by two closely related fungi species and has been found throughout Hawai’i island and was detected on Kaua’i in 2018 and on Maui last month. ʻŌhiʻa is the backbone of Hawaii’s native forests and watersheds making up 80% of remaining native forests. The working group recommends the following to help reduce the risk of spreading Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death: Avoid injuring ʻōhiʻa Don’t transport ʻōhiʻa inter-island Don’t move ʻōhiʻa wood or vegetation Clean your hiking boots/gear/tools Wash your vehicle Representatives receiving the award on behalf of the working group were: Dr. Flint Hughes, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station Dr. Lisa Keith, USDA Agriculture Research Service, Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center Dr. J.B. Friday, University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Rob Hauff, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife To view video please click on photo or view at this link: https://vimeo.com/showcase/6028897 #rapidohia #flithughes #lisakeith #jbfriday #robhauff #DLNR #USDA #UHHawaii #RODWorkingGroup #RapidOhiaDeath #ConservationinnovationAward #HawaiiconservationConference

HONOLULU – The State of Hawai‘i Judicial Selection Commission has submitted six lists of judicial nominees to Gov. David Ige. The lists include nominees for five vacancies on the First Circuit Court and one vacancy on the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Gov. Ige has 30 days to make his selections. The nominees are as follows: Intermediate Court of Appeals, State of Hawai‘i: (This judicial office will become vacant upon the retirement of Associate Judge Lawrence M. Reifurth in Aug. 2019). Rebecca A. Copeland David M. Forman Geoffrey K.S. Komeya Karen T. Nakasone John M. Tonaki Clyde J. Wadsworth Circuit Court of the First Circuit (Island of O‘ahu): (This judicial office has been vacant since Circuit Judge Keith K. Hiraoka was elevated to the position of associate judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals in Nov. 2018). Karin L. Holma Craig W. Jerome James C. McWhinnie Trish K. Morikawa Kevin A. K. Souza John M. Tonaki Circuit Court of the First Circuit (Island of O‘ahu): (This judicial office has been vacant since the retirement of Circuit Judge Virginia L. Crandall in Nov. 2018). Lisa W. Cataldo Karin L. Holma James C. K. McWhinnie Trish K. Morikawa Kevin A. K. Souza John M. Tonaki Circuit Court of the First Circuit (Island of O‘ahu): (This judicial office has been vacant since the retirement of Circuit Judge Rom A. Trader in Dec. 2018). Karin L. Holma Ronald G. Johnson James C. McWhinnie Trish K. Morikawa Kevin A. K. Souza John M. Tonaki Circuit Court of the First Circuit (Island of O‘ahu): (This judicial office has been vacant since the retirement of Circuit Judge Glenn J. Kim in April 2019). Karin L. Holma James C. McWhinnie Trish K. Morikawa Alvin P. K. K. Nishimura Kevin A. K. Souza John M. Tonaki Circuit Court of the First Circuit (Island of O‘ahu): (This judicial office has been vacant since the retirement of Circuit Judge Colette Y. Garibaldi in Dec. 2018). Tracy S. Fukui Karin L. Holma James C. McWhinnie Trish K. Morikawa Kevin A. K. Souza John M. Tonaki The Judicial Selection Commission submitted the lists of nominees to the governor after careful evaluation and investigation into the backgrounds and qualifications of the applicants. Gov. Ige has until Aug. 28 to make his appointments, which are subject to Senate confirmation. #judicialnominees #Hawaiistatelegislature #governorige #Davidige #Firstcircuitcourt #intermediatecourtofappeals #hawaiijudicialselectioncommittee #HawaiiSenateMajority #HawaiiStateSenate

Current director Linda Chu Takayama to take chief of staff position in Ige Administration August HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige has appointed Rona Suzuki as interim director of the state Department of Taxation (DOTAX). Suzuki has served as a senior executive assistant at DOTAX, managing the $60 million Tax System Modernization (TSM) program which aims to replace most of the department’s technologies to improve operational efficiency and security. Previously, Suzuki was executive director of the Office of Community Services at the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. She was responsible for administering $30 million in grant programs for low-income individuals and families, immigrants, and refugees, to achieve economic self-sufficiency, as well as other social service nonprofits. In addition, Suzuki worked for more than a decade with private technology companies, managing technical projects, staff, contracts and budgets for Hawai‘i Resource Group, Pacxa, Century Computers, Ho‘ike Technology, and Computer Training Academy (CTA). Suzuki holds a B.A. in economics and government from Claremont McKenna College in California and a master’s in business administration from the University of Hawai‘i, Mānoa. Suzuki’s appointment is effective Aug. 1 and is subject to Senate confirmation. #governorige #ronasuzuki #lindachutakayama #DepartmentofTaxation #HawaiiStateSenate #DLIR #DOTAX #TXM

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) has issued a formal notice to proceed to Lau Ola LLC, dba Big Island Grown Dispensaries for its third licensed medical cannabis dispensary retail center after passing its final onsite inspection. The company’s third retail center is located at 74-5617 Pawai Place in Kailua-Kona on Hawai‘i Island. There are now a total of eleven licensed retail dispensary locations operating on O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i Island. Big Island Grown Dispensaries opened its second retail location in Waimea earlier this year in March and its first retail center opened in Hilo in January. “Big Island Grown’s Kona dispensary further expands the accessibility of cannabis for medical use for registered patients,” said Michele Nakata, supervisor of DOH’s Medical Cannabis Dispensary Licensing Program. “We continue to work with licensees to ensure the sale of safe products that comply with state laws and regulations.” There are more than 26,000 patients and over 2,000 caregivers registered statewide. Nearly 30 percent of these patients and 22 percent of the caregivers reside on Hawai‘i Island. As of June 30, 2019, there were approximately 7,611 registered patients and 445 caregivers on Hawai‘i Island. The primary qualifying medical condition reported for adult registered patients is severe pain. The primary reported condition for children under 18 years of age is seizures. To ensure the highest standards of quality and care, dispensaries are required to comply with all state and county health and safety regulations and are subject to unlimited unannounced DOH inspections. Each licensed dispensary is an independent business and operates based on their individual business plans. The other licensed retail centers operating in the state include: • Maui Grown Therapies, located at 44 Pa‘a St. in Kahului, Maui, which received a notice to proceed on Aug. 8, 2017; • Aloha Green, in the Interstate Building at 1314 South King St. in Honolulu, which received its notice to proceed on Aug. 9, 2017; • Pono Life Sciences Maui LLC, at 415 Dairy Road in Kahului, Maui, which received its notice to proceed on Sept. 29, 2017; • Noa Botanicals, located at 1308 Young St. in Honolulu, which received its notice to proceed on Oct. 9, 2017; • Cure Oahu, located at 727 Kapahulu Ave. in Honolulu, which received its notice to proceed on March 16, 2018; • + GREEN ALOHā Dispensary at 4-1565 Kuhio Highway in Kapa‘a, Kaua‘i, which received its notice to proceed on May 18, 2018; • Big Island Grown Dispensaries, located at 750 Kanoelehua Ave., Suite 104, in Hilo, Hawai‘i, which received its notice to proceed on Jan. 15, 2019; • Noa Botanicals, located at 46-28 Kawa St. in Kaneohe, which received its notice to proceed on Feb. 14, 2019; • Big Island Grown Dispensaries, located at 64-1040 Mamalahoa Highway, Suite 101 in Kamuela, Hawai‘i, which received its notice to proceed on March 7, 2019; and • Hawaiian Ethos, located at 73-5613 Olowalu Street, Suite 7 in Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i, which received its notice to proceed on June 24, 2019. Registered patients and caregivers may purchase up to 4 ounces of medical cannabis during a 15-consecutive day period and a maximum of 8 ounces over a 30-consecutive day period. When bringing medical cannabis home after purchasing it from a dispensary, the medical cannabis must be in a sealed container and not visible to the public. All use of medical cannabis must be on private property and may not be used in a car while on the road, at work, at the beach, on hiking trails or in any other public space. It is illegal to use or possess medical cannabis on any federally owned property such as military installations and national parks. More information on the Medical Cannabis Program is available at http://health.hawaii.gov/medicalcannabis/. #DepartmentofHealth #LauOlaLLC #bigIslandGrownDispensaries #DOH #MedicalCannabis