With the close of the 30th State Legislative Session, the following are election related bills that have been enacted into law. ACT 022 – HB31 Relating to Election Nomination Papers: Amends the information provided by voters when signing a candidate’s nomination paper. The last 4-digits of a voter’s Social Security Number and their year of birth are no longer required. ACT 135 — SB216 Relating to Elections: Requires a mandatory recount of election votes and ballot measures when the margin of victory for election contests or tabulation for ballot measures is equal to or less than one hundred or one-quarter of one per cent of the votes cast, whichever is greater. ACT 136 — HB1248 Relating to Elections: Enacts voting by mail uniformly across all counties for all elections commencing in 2020. ACT 137 — HB168 Relating to the Electronic Transmission of Ballots: Authorizes a voter with special needs, including a disability, to request that a ballot be forwarded by electronic transmission when mail ballot packets are made available. #ElectionBills #HawaiiLegislature #HawaiiStateSenate #HawaiiSenate#2019Legislature #HawaiiSenateMajority #Elction #officeofelections #Hawaiielections #ElectionBills #HawaiiStateLegislature #HawaiiSenate #Hawaiisenate #HawaiiSenateMajority

HONOLULU — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), with support from the County of Hawai‘i, will deploy assistance specialists to Hawai‘i Island, August 5-9, to meet with recipients of disaster aid who received letters indicating they owe a federal debt following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. The specialists will explain eligibility decisions, answer questions, and collect documentation that may assist in clearing survivor’s debts. State representatives will also attend the interviews with permission of the applicants. This combined effort between the County, State and Federal agencies will address issues regarding standards to prove occupancy as well as other concerns that may have resulted in ineligibility for assistance. Letters have been sent to those under consideration for recoupment informing that they need to make an appointment to appeal FEMA’s decision within the time stated on their recoupment letter. Appointments for interviews are required. Those not under consideration for recoupment but who have questions may ask for an appointment and will be seen, time permitting. Interviews with applicants will be held from the hours of 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to accommodate those with varied daytime schedules. The location for the interviews will be at the Kea‘au Armory (behind the soccer fields at the Shipman County Park) at 16-512 Volcano Highway, Kea‘au, Hawai‘i 96749. Appointments can be made at 808-961-8366. Earlier this summer, FEMA sent recoupment letters to individuals who may have been ineligible for assistance. Potential reasons for ineligibility can include: Duplication of benefits: This occurs when FEMA provides funds that were previously received or available from another source (e.g., insurance or money from another federal agency). A duplication of benefits may also occur when multiple applicants in a household receive an award for the same item or type of assistance. Assistance provided in error: This occurs when FEMA determines assistance was provided to an applicant that was not eligible for assistance. Misuse of funds: This occurs when FEMA determines the applicant spent the funds inappropriately (e.g., using assistance to pay off credit card debt). Fraud: This occurs when FEMA determines the applicant obtained the assistance through false means (e.g., false address, submitting false or altered documents, misrepresenting insurance coverage). After every disaster, FEMA is required to review disaster assistance payments to ensure taxpayer dollars were appropriately spent. A review of the Kīlauea eruption disaster discovered that a small percentage of applicants were not eligible for some or all of the money received. In these cases, federal law requires FEMA seek the return of this aid. #HawaiiEmergencyManagementAgencyHIEMA #HIEMA #FEMA #HawaiiIsland #Kilauea #disasterRelief

Graduation Alliance, a vendor contracted by the University of Hawai‘i (UH) for Hawai‘i P-20 Partnerships for Education (Hawai‘i P-20), reported that Hawai‘i Department of Education (HIDOE) public and charter school student data used for college and career planning resources on the My Future Hawai‘i website may have been exposed to unauthorized access. The data that was potentially exposed does not include social security numbers, financial, driver’s license or health information. None of those items are part of the My Future Hawai‘i application. This potential exposure does not constitute a security breach under Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes. Once the potential exposure was discovered, Graduation Alliance shut down the My Future Hawaiʻi website immediately and hired a third-party cybersecurity vendor to investigate. Law enforcement has been notified and UH, Hawai‘i P-20 and the HIDOE will be provided with regular updates. Based on the outcome of the investigation and an internal analysis of the findings, Hawaiʻi P-20 will make a determination regarding additional steps that may need to be taken. Hawai‘i P-20 has been working with Graduation Alliance on the My Future Hawai‘i website to provide middle and high school students and families with college and career planning resources, financial aid guidance and an expedited application process for the University of Hawaiʻi. The following information is the only information potentially exposed for the current HIDOE students in the database: Name Birthdate Gender Race Ethnicity Permanent address Mailing address Grade level Courses taken and grades Cumulative weighted Grade Point Average (GPA) Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) scores and proficiency levels Schools with student data in the My Future Hawai‘i portal are: Admiral Arthur W. Radford High Aiea High Kula Kaiapuni O Anuenue James B. Castle High Connections NCPCS Wallace Rider Farrington High Hana High and Elementary Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science PCS Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind Hawaii Technology Academy PCS Henry J. Kaiser High Henry Perrine Baldwin High Hilo High Honokaa High and Intermediate James Campbell High Kahuku High and Intermediate Kailua High Kaimuki High Kalaheo High Kalani High Kamaile Academy PCS Kanuikapono Learning Center PCS Kapaa High Kapolei High Kau High & Pahala Elementary Kauai High Kawaikini NCPCS Ke Kula Ni’ihau o Kekaha Learning Center A Laboratory PCS Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino Ke Kula ‘o Samuel M. Kamakau, LPCS Keaau High Kealakehe High King Kekaulike High Kohala High Konawaena High Kua o ka La PCS Lahainaluna High Lanai High & Elementary Laupahoehoe Community – PCS Leilehua High Maui High Mililani High Moanalua High Molokai High Nanakuli High & Intermediate Niihau Olomana Pahoa High & Intermediate Pearl City High Theodore Roosevelt High William McKinley High Waiakea High Waialua High & Intermediate Waianae High Waimea High Waipahu High West Hawaii Explorations Academy PCS Hilo Intermediate Waimea Canyon Middle Lahaina Intermediate Molokai Middle George Washington Middle Ilima Intermediate Ewa Makai Middle School Waipahu Elementary (Limited to 6th grade class) Waipahu Intermediate Waianae Intermediate *Limited to 6th grade students in Waipahu Elementary As a precautionary measure, the HIDOE is sending out a letter today to parents and guardians of students who may have been affected by the potential data exposure. Updates on the situation will be provided on the Hawai‘i P-20 website: www.p20hawaii.org. Parents/guardians with additional questions can call 808-956-5800 or email ga.help@hawaii.edu. More details are also available on a FAQs page of the Hawaiʻi P-20 website. #HawaiiStateDepartmentofEducation #Education #informationbreach #MyFutureHawaii #GraduationAlliance #HawaiiP20

HONOLULU – At the direction of the President of the United States, Gov. David Ige has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawai‘i state flag will be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard in the State of Hawai‘i on ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Tuesday, July 23, 2019 until sunset. This is the date of interment for retired Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court John Paul Stevens. Stevens served on the Supreme Court for 35 years. He died on July 17 at the age 99. Click here for the president’s proclamation. #Hawaiistatecapitol #davidige #Halfstaff #JohnPaulStevens #UnitedStatesSupremeCourt #retiredAssociateJusticeoftheSupremeCourt

HONOLULU – Beginning July 18, 2019, the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) will allow qualifying patients to renew their medical cannabis certification cards for up to two years. Through online electronic registration system, current medical cannabis cardholders can submit their two-year renewal applications if they have a qualifying debilitating medical condition that is chronic in nature and verified by their physician or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). To be eligible for two-year certification renewal, the patient must be renewing with a physician or APRN who certified them in a previous year, the certifying physician or APRN must state the patient’s condition is chronic in nature, and the certifying physician or APRN agrees that a twoyear renewal is in the patient’s best interest. “We strongly advise all of Hawai‘i’s medical cannabis patients who may be eligible for and would like to request a two-year renewal to consult with their certifying medical provider to ensure they support a two-year term before submitting an application. The registration fees are nonrefundable regardless of the renewal outcome,” said Tami Whitney of the department’s Medical Cannabis Registry Program. “All patients that choose to see a new certifying medical provider will be eligible for a one-year registration and the following year may be eligible for a two-year renewal.” Registered patients can submit their renewal application online as early as 60 days before their registration cards expire to ensure they receive their renewed cards in a timely manner and avoid any lapse in coverage. Types of registration options for medical cannabis certification and associated costs in Hawai‘i are as follows: One-year registration or renewal for in-state patients: $38.50 Two-year renewal for in-state patients: $77.00 Sixty-day registration for out-of-state patients: $49.50 per registration (allowed twice per calendar year) Again, all application fees are non-refundable. Hawai‘i residents with medical cannabis cards that submit renewal applications after July 18, 2019 will have the two-year renewal option. More information on the Medical Cannabis Dispensary Program is available at https://health.hawaii.gov/medicalcannabisregistry/ #DOH #HawaiiDepartmentofHealth #Medicalcannabiscertification #medicalcannabisregistryprogram #APRN

Link to emergency proclamation here HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today issued an emergency proclamation to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people on Hawai‘i Island and across the State of Hawai‘i, to also ensure the execution of the law, prevent lawless violence, and the obstruction of the execution of the law. The emergency proclamation gives law enforcement increased flexibility and authority to close more areas and restrict access on Mauna Kea. This will allow law enforcement to improve its management of the site and surrounding areas and ensure public safety. “Our top priority is the safety and security of our communities and the TMT construction teams. This is a long-term process and we are committed to enforcing the law and seeing this project through,” said Ige. #maunakea #maunakea #emergencyproclamation #lawenforcement #Hawaiiisland #TMT #thirtymetertelescope

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige announced today that he is seeking a motivated and forward-thinking leader to serve as the Chief Energy Office (CEO) and head the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office (HSEO). The CEO will be responsible for accelerating Hawaii’s energy security, guiding the state in reaching its clean energy goals and becoming a carbon neutral economy. Act 122 (HB852 HD1 SD1 CD1), which created the new position with the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT), was signed by Gov. Ige on June 21, 2019. “The Legislature, Executive Branch and community are all aligned and share a clean energy future for our state. Hawaiʻi has been a leader in fighting the climate crisis, and with the right person in this position we can continue to lead the nation and the world,” said Gov. David Ige. “This is a new era for Hawaiʻi as we pivot to a carbon free, clean energy future. This position will require a knowledgeable, innovative leader committed to working with the community. It’s a rare and unique opportunity to positively change the trajectory of Hawaiʻi,” said Mike McCartney, director, DBEDT. See link for job posting. #energy #davidige #HawaiiStateEnergyOffice #HSEO #Act122 #Hb852 #DBEDT #climatechange

(Honolulu) – In an effort to protect public safety and provide security and safety for the movement of heavy construction equipment associated with the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on Hawai‘i Island’s Mauna Kea, DLNR Chair Suzanne Case has ordered the temporary closure for hunting of hunting units A, K, and G in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and Natural Area Reserve for hunting, effective July 15, 2019. This means hunting and hunting related activities in the identified hunting units will not be permitted from July 15, 2019, at 12:01 a.m. through August 12, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. The Board of Land and Natural Resources delegated closure authority to the BLNR Chair in 2015. The closure can be shortened if circumstances warrant. Anyone who is in the closure area with methods of take such as firearms or bows can be cited or arrested by State law enforcement officers and face fines and/or jail time. Chair Case commented, “We hope to allow hunting as soon as practicable, but the temporary closure for hunting is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the public and personnel involved in moving equipment for the TMT project up the Mauna Kea Access Road. We understand and appreciate that this closure may be inconvenient and we appreciate everyone’s patience while we focus on safety and security as well as continued stewardship of Mauna Kea.” The applicable rule is cited in HAR § 13-123-21.1 (Game Mammal Hunting). The specific hunting area closures are: (map attached) Unit A, Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and Game Management Area Unit G, Kaʻohe Game Management Area Unit K, Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve #DepartmentofLandandNaturalResources #DLNR #HUNTING #MAUNAKEA #MAUNAKEA #FORESTRYANDWILDLIFE #NATURALAREARESERVES

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) is urging Maui residents and visitors to protect themselves from elevated levels of fine particulates (PM2.5) caused by the wildfire in Central Maui. Elevated levels of PM2.5 can cause breathing problems in individuals, especially those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis. DOH’s Kihei air monitoring station recorded extremely high levels of PM2.5 starting at 4 p.m. yesterday until the station went off-line, likely caused by loss of power in the area. DOH laboratory technicians worked throughout the day to bring the station back on-line as quickly as possible. The station is now back in operation and providing data to the public. A second DOH monitor located in Kahului continues to show good levels of air quality in that area. “Particulate levels due to the smoke from brush fires may continue to be elevated in areas near and downwind of the fire and could affect communities in varying degrees, said Marianne Rossio, chief of DOH’s Clean Air Branch. “We’re advising residents and visitors to stay informed and heed warnings and instructions provided by state and county emergency officials.” The health department recommends that individuals with respiratory conditions who live or work in an area being impacted by smoke or vog should consider the following guidelines: • Stay indoors and close your windows and doors. • Check that your air conditioner or air purifier is working properly, and change filters if necessary. • If you take medication, make sure you have an adequate supply and use them as directed by your physician. • Contact your physician if you need more medication and get clear instructions of what to do if your lung condition suddenly worsens. • Do not smoke and avoid second-hand smoke. • Avoid people who have colds and other lung infections and wash your hands thoroughly. • Get plenty of rest and limit physical exertion. • Drink plenty of fluids to loosen mucus. Warm beverages seem to work best. • Contact your physician as soon as any respiratory problem develops. • If possible, leave the affected area. While these suggestions are intended primarily for persons with respiratory or chronic lung disease, they are also useful for healthy persons during air pollution episodes such as particulate dust, brush fires, firework smoke or volcanic haze. For further information regarding air quality, contact the Clean Air Branch at (808) 586-4200 or visit https://health.hawaii.gov/cab/hawaii-ambient-air-quality-data/ to access air quality data. To access additional information on respiratory health, contact the American Lung Association of Hawai‘i at (808) 537-5966 or visit their website at http://www.ala-hawaii.org. Follow the County of Maui on Facebook @countyofmaui for the latest information about the wildfire or visit their website at https://www.mauicounty.gov/ #TheHawaiiDepartmentofHealth #mauifire #countyofmaui #smoke #kihei #PM25 #CentralMaui #Kahului #smokevog #cleanairbranch #volcanichaze

– Gov. David Ige has appointed Linda Chu Takayama as his chief of staff, effective Aug. 1. Takayama has served in the Ige administration since 2015 – first as the head of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and currently as director of the Department of Taxation for the State of Hawai‘i. At DOTAX, Chu Takayama has been responsible for the collection of more than $7 billion in revenue and has overseen the modernization of the tax department. Prior to joining the Ige administration, Chu Takayama was the director of the Office of Economic Development for the City and County of Honolulu, where her focus was community revitalization, agriculture and international affairs. Chu Takayama is an attorney with practice areas in county, state and federal regulatory and governmental affairs, as well as health, insurance, land development and corporate business law. In addition, Chu Takayama has served as deputy director of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and was also the Hawai‘i Insurance Commissioner. Prior to that, Chu Takayama worked in Washington, D.C. as the chief of staff to the U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms and as director of the State Legislative Affairs and Agricultural Issues for the Grocery Manufacturers of America, Inc. She also served for 25 years as chair of the Hawai‘i Foodbank and is a director on the board of the Hawai‘i Health Information Corporation. Chu Takayama was born and raised in Honolulu where she earned a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from George Mason University School of Law in Virginia. “I am truly honored by this appointment and will be working hard to justify the governor’s confidence in me. Although the state faces tough challenges, I believe, as LBJ did, ‘There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves,’” Chu Takayama said. Gov. Ige also appointed Keith Yamamoto as chief operating officer. He previously served as first deputy director of the state Department of Health where he was responsible for overseeing the general administration of the department. In addition, Yamamoto served as the chief of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division at the Department of Health; program development administrator for the Office of Youth Services at the Department of Human Services; and has managed various school-based vocational education and career development programs for at-risk youth while with the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Yamamoto earned a B.S. in Rehabilitation Services from the University of Colorado and his master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. #Lindachutakayama #keithyamamoto #departmentofhealth #davidige #HawaiiFoodbank #DOTAX #DepartmentofTaxation #StateofHawaii

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige issued an emergency proclamation on Friday, declaring the County of Maui a disaster area. The proclamation enables the state to provide quick and efficient relief from damages, losses, suffering caused by the disaster, and to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people. Photo credit: Donora Kahaialii “I am declaring our Valley Isle a disaster area for the purpose of implementing the emergency management functions as allowed by law. The emergency proclamation also authorizes the expenditure of state monies as appropriated to support speedy and efficient relief efforts,” said Gov. Ige. The wildfire started at about mid-morning Thursday in central Maui and quickly burned out of control. Maui Mayor Mike Victorino says the fire is about 20 percent contained and has so far damaged at least 9,000 acres of former sugar cane lands and brush. Link to Maui County emergency proclamation here #maui #davidige #disasterarea #valleyisle #mikevictorino #MauiFire #HawaiiStateSenate #HawaiiSenateMajority #Governorsproclamation #donorakahaialii

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige and the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory (TIO) today announced that construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) will begin the week of July 15, 2019. The State Department of Transportation announced that Mauna Kea Access Road will be closed and there could be lane and other road closures associated with large equipment movement beginning July 15. In addition, hunting units A, K, and G in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve area will be temporarily closed to hunting effective July 15. Both measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of the public and personnel involved in moving equipment for the TMT project up the Mauna Kea Access Road. David Y. Ige, Governor, State of Hawaiʻi: “We have followed a 10-year process to get this point, and the day for construction to begin has arrived. At this time our number one priority is everyone’s safety. As construction begins, I continue to be committed to engaging with people holding all perspectives on this issue and to making meaningful changes that further contribute to the co-existence of culture and science on Mauna Kea.” Henry Yang, Ph.D., Chair, TIO Board of Governors: “After being given all the necessary clearances by the State of Hawai‘i and respectfully reaching out to the community, we are ready to begin work on this important and historic project. “We have learned much over the last 10-plus years on the unique importance of Maunakea to all, and we remain committed to being good stewards on the mountain and inclusive of the Hawaiian community. “Hawai‘i is a special place that has long pioneered and honored the art and science of astronomy and navigation. We are deeply committed to integrating science and culture on Maunakea and in Hawai‘i, and to enriching educational opportunities and the local economy. “We acknowledge those who disagree with our project and express our respect for their views. Lastly, we are grateful for our many friends and supporters in the community during this journey. We also thank our project partners for their steadfast commitment to build the Thirty Meter Telescope in Hawai‘i.” TMT will be constructed on UH-managed lands on Mauna Kea located in the conservation district regulated by the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR). On June 19, 2019, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) issued a notice to proceed to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo for the TMT project. The permit was issued after DLNR confirmed the completion of the pre-construction conditions and mitigation measures required of the project in the Conservation District Use Permit. About TMT: The TMT International Observatory LLC (TIO), a non-profit organization, was established in May 2014 to carry out the construction and operation phases of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Project. The Members of TIO are Caltech, University of California, the National Institutes of Natural Sciences of Japan, the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Department of Science and Technology of India, and the National Research Council (Canada); the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a TIO Associate. The Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation has provided major funding. For more information about the TMT project, visit tmt.org, www.facebook.com/TMTHawaii or follow @TMTHawaii. #tmt #thirtymetertelescope #henryyang #davidige #MaunaKea #Maunakea #BLNR #DLNR