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, until sunset on the day of interment (Sunday, Sept. 2). This action is a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of Sen. John McCain. “Sen. McCain was a rare and courageous American who was a true leader and public servant – in both times of war and peace. He always put country before politics. Hawai‘i sends its aloha and condolences to the McCain ‘ohana,” Gov. Ige said. The president’s proclamation can be found here. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-proclamation-death-senator-john-sidney-mccain-iii/?utm_source=link #johnmccain #governorige #hawaiinationalguard #hawaiisenate

Most Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) schools began formally transitioning this week to a SchoolMessenger text-messaging system. As part of this transition, SchoolMessenger sent an automated text message Monday morning from 67587 to HIDOE parents. Most Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) schools began formally transitioning this week to a SchoolMessenger text-messaging system that will allow schools to mass message parents via text message, email and phone calls with important school updates. As part of this transition, SchoolMessenger sent an automated text message Monday morning from 67587 to HIDOE parents, which said: Hawaii Department of Education alerts. Reply Y 2 confirm, HELP 4 info. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. schoolmessenger.com/txt Parents of students enrolled at schools participating in this service may opt in by texting “Y” or “Yes” to 67587. Parents may also opt out of these messages at any time by replying “Stop.” SchoolMessenger will only send this text message once. Anyone who may have deleted the text message or chose not to opt in at this time may still enroll by visiting www.schoolmessenger.com and downloading the program’s smartphone app. Parents who replied to Monday’s text will begin receiving alerts two weeks after their initial opt-in date. In the meantime, they will be alerted by a phone call and/or email, depending on the information parents provided. Please check with your child's school to ensure that your emergency contact information is accurate and current. No action is required on the part of parents whose children attend schools that do not use the SchoolMessenger platform but received a text message Monday. Approximately 200 schools statewide currently use SchoolMessenger. SchoolMessenger is a communication platform used to deliver text messages to mobile phones with important information about events, school closings, safety alerts and other important information. Click for a parent opt-in flyer. #messenger #schoolmessenger #hawaiistate #hawaiischool #DOEHawaii #HIDOE

Luke P. Meyers, a Certified Emergency Manager who most recently served in a variety of posts in the Pacific Northwest, has joined the Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) as Executive Officer, announced HI-EMA Administrator Tom Travis. Mr. Meyers graduated from the University of Hawai’i with a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography with a Climate Emphasis, paving the way for his future endeavors. He currently holds a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certification through the International Association of Emergency Managers, a nationally and internationally recognized professional certification for emergency managers. Mr. Meyers has gained experience and provided guidance to a number of federal, state, local, and non-profit entities, including: the U.S. Geological Survey Pacific Islands Water Science Center (1990s); State of Hawai’i Civil Defense (2000); American Red Cross Mt. Rainier Chapter (2000); FEMA Region X and Washington State EMD following the Nisqually Earthquake (2001); Pierce County Department of Emergency Management working on Planning, Mitigation, and recovery, and acting as liaison for the Puyallup Tribe (2003-2009); City of Bellevue as City Emergency Manager (2009-2015); and City of Seattle as a Strategic Advisor (2015-2018). Maintaining an active role in his community, he has served as a City Council member for the City of Edgewood, and a Board Member of the Mt. View-Edgewood Water Company. “I am grateful and excited to have the opportunity to serve as the Executive Officer for the Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency. I look forward to working with our partners across the State and our Team here at HI-EMA to enhance the foundation of our emergency management program and increase the overall level of preparedness in our State.” As an active member of the Emergency Management Accreditation Program, Mr. Meyers has served in the roles of Team Lead, Assessor, and member of the Standard Subcommittee. “We are proud to have a leader of Luke’s caliber join HI-EMA,” said HI-EMA Administrator Tom Travis. “He brings us the depth of knowledge and experience that will allow us to move with confidence into the next phase of our development and also the proven leadership skills that I believe have the potential to lift us to the next level of performance. We are pleased to welcome him home to Hawai’i and look forward to making him feel at home with our staff.” Mr. Meyers and his wife, Sharee Yagin Meyers, have two children. During his leisure time, he enjoys running, flying quadcopters, weather watching, hiking, and water sports. # # # #lukemeyers #HIema #HawaiiEmergencyManagementAgency #HIEMA

Some Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC), established to assist Kauai and Honolulu residents in applying for benefits following April’s flooding, will merge and change their hours of operations beginning this weekend. Hanalei Elementary School in Kauai and Aina Haina Elementary School in Honolulu will remain open. Jointly operated by Kaua’i County, the City and County of Honolulu, the state of Hawai‘i, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Disaster Recovery Centers offer homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits organizations affected by the April flooding, mudslides and landslides, a one-stop shop for disaster assistance. Residents can still register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and apply for low-interest disaster loans with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) by visiting the remaining DRC locations. The centers’ new hours of operation and location changes are: Kaua‘i Hanalei Elementary School Cafeteria; 5-5415 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI Service: FEMA; Small Business Administration (SBA); State and County Agencies Open daily from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Kōloa Elementary School Humanities Room; 3223 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI Closing end of day on Saturday, July 7, 2018 Hours – 9:00am-6:00pm Kapa‘a Elementary School Cafeteria: 4886 Kawaihau Road, Kapaa, HI Closing end of day on Sunday July 8, 2018 Hours – 9:00am-6:00pm Oahu Aina Haina Elementary ; 801 W. Hind Drive, Honolulu, HI Service: FEMA and SBA NEW HOURS Effective Monday, July 9, 2018 – Open daily from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Keolu Elementary; 1416 Keolu Drive, Kailua, HI Closing end of day Sunday, July 8, 2018 Hours – 8:00am-6:00pm Federal Disaster Assistance American Sign Language video (FEMA Registration Process – Home Inspections) https://youtu.be/lIPRL0A2D14 Staffing the DRC are representatives from FEMA, the State, the U.S. Small Business Administration, state and local agencies. Survivors can meet face to face to have their questions answered and may register at the DRC. Survivors can also apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. HST seven days a week. To apply for SBA low-interest disaster loans, business owners, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters can visit the disaster recovery center for one-on-one assistance or apply online using SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. In addition, applicants can get more information on SBA disaster assistance by calling SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or 800-877-8339 (TTY), by visiting www.sba.gov/disaster, or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Paper applications may be requested, and completed paper applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. FEMA’s mission is to helping people before, during and after disasters. All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD). The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or 800-877-8339 (TTY), emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. #FEMA #FederalDisasterAssistanceAmericanSignLanguage #disaster #DisasterRecoveryCenters #DRC #HawaiiEmergencyManagementAgency

MAUI SENATORS LONG-TIME SUPPORT OF BAN NOW A REALITY HONOLULU, HI – Maui Senators J. Kalani English, Rosalyn H. Baker and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran stood proud, today, as Governor David Ige signed Senate Bill 2571 – a ban on the sale of products containing oxybenzone or octinoxate in order to preserve marine ecosystems. For several years Maui legislators, including State Representative Lynn DeCoite, have introduced measures limiting or banning the use of the chemicals in products like sunscreen. “Science has proven that these chemicals are destroying our reefs. It is about time that we ban these chemicals. Hawai‘i is a leader in the protection of our environment,” said Senator Baker (Dist. 6 – South and West Maui). “Coral and coral beds are the bedrock of our islands, they hold cultural significance and in the rural districts I represent, the reef system and ocean continues to be a source of life and sustenance,” said Senator English (Dist. 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i and Kaho‘olawe), “I am happy that our hard work became law today.” “Because Hawai‘i is a culmination of island people who loves the ocean’s bounty, fishing continues to be a means of subsistence no matter the district we represent,” said Senator Keith-Agaran (Dist. 5 – Central Maui). The ban will go into effect on January 1, 2021 – allowing time for the State of Hawai‘i to educate the broader public and for companies to change the formula of their products. Photos attached courtesy of Hawai‘i State Senate ### #sb2571 #coralreef #lynndecoite #jkalanienglish #rozbaker #oxybenzone #octinoxate #bleaching #coralbleaching #ecosystem #hawaiisenate #mauiisenators #GilbertKeithAgaran

Bill signing ceremony for SB 2571 – Relating to Water Pollution Bans the sale, offer of sale, or distribution of any sunscreen that contains oxybenzone or octinoxate, or both, without a prescription issued by a licensed healthcare provider, beginning Jan. 1, 2021 WHO: Governor David Ige Key legislators Supporters of the bill WHEN: Tuesday, July 3 at noon WHERE: Hawai‘i State Capitol Rotunda This event will be streamed LIVE through Facebook Live at facebook.com/governordavidige #jkalanienglish #mikegabbard #donnamercadokim #rozbaker #hawaiisenate #brickwoodgaluteria #LesIharaJr #ClarenceNishihara #LauraThielen #gilriviere #karlrhoads #jilltokuda #stanleychang #donovandelacruz

NEW CENTER IN THE FUTURE FOR KAILAPA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Resource Center to be built with $500k CIP HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Members of the Kailapa Community Association will develop the groundwork for their much anticipated resource center with $500,000 in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding recently released by the Ige Administration. The half a million dollar CIP funding will be used to construct phase one of the development of a community resource center in Kawaihae on Hawai‘i Island. Phase one will include the architecture, engineering and photography for the foundation of the center. Once phase one is complete, then phase two of building the structure can begin. “Having their own building will improve the services for residents of the Kailapa community, services that will particularly empower Native Hawaiians living in this area,” said Senator Lorraine Inouye (Dist. 4 - Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona) who helped secure the much needed funding.. “I’m grateful to my fellow Legislators and the Governor for recognizing the needs of the Kailapa community.” # # # #kailapacommunityassociation #lorraineinouye #hawaiisenate #district4 #hilo #hamakua #kohala #waimea #waikoloa #kona #kailapacommunity

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – An effort to prepare Hawai‘i students for new jobs in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics got a big boost today when the Governor signed HB2607 into law. The measure, now Act 51, requires the Department of Education (DOE) to develop and implement a statewide computer science curriculum plan for public school students in K-12 that may include design thinking as part of the curricula, and by the 2021-2022 school year, ensures each public high school offers at least one computer science course each year. It also authorizes the DOE to contract for computer science teacher development programs. To ensure that Hawai‘i public school teachers continue to provide quality education to all students, HB2352 was signed into law and is now Act 50, which increased the membership on the Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board to include a member of the Native Hawaiian Education Council and non-voting public university student teacher. With advances in technology being made every day, HB2651 was signed into law to upgrade and support next-generation wireless broadband infrastructure throughout the state. This measure, now Act 50, among other things, establishes a permitting, application, review, and approval process for wireless providers or communication service providers to install wireless facilities on solely-owned state or county utility poles or install associated utility poles, in the right of way. Acts 49, 50 and 51 take effect on July 1, 2018.

KILAUEA VOLCANO (VNUM #332010) 19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m) Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING Current Aviation Color Code: RED Kīlauea Volcano Lower East Rift Zone The Lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) eruption in Leilani Estates continues with little change. Fountains ranging between 60 - 165 ft from the Fissure 8 spatter cone continue to feed lava into the well-established channel that flows to the ocean at Kapoho. Occasionally, minor amounts of lava briefly spill over the channel levees. The ocean entry remained fairly broad with laze blown onshore. Fissures 16/18 continue to ooze lava. Incandescence (visible in PGcam to the left of fissure 8 most nights) and mild spattering were observed from Fissure 6. The flow field is relatively stable with little change to its size and shape for the past few days. Pele's hair and other lightweight volcanic glass fragments from the lava fountain at Fissure 8 continue to fall downwind of the fissure, dusting the ground within a few hundred meters (yards) of the vent. High winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances. Residents are urged to minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation similar to volcanic ash. The most recent map of lava flows can be found at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html HVO field crews are on site tracking the fountains, lava flows, and spattering from Fissure 8 as conditions allow and are reporting information to Hawaii County Civil Defense. Observations are also collected on a daily basis from cracks in the area of Highway 130; no changes in temperature, crack width, or gas emissions have been noted for several days. Volcanic gas emissions remain very high from Fissure 8 eruptions. Winds are expected to bring VOG to the central, south, and western parts of the Island of Hawaii. VOG information can be found at https://vog.ivhhn.org/ The ocean entry is a hazardous area. Venturing too close to an ocean entry on land or the ocean exposes you to flying debris from sudden explosive interaction between lava and water. Also, the lava delta is unstable because it is built on unconsolidated lava fragments and sand. This loose material can easily be eroded away by surf, causing the new land to become unsupported and slide into the sea. Additionally, the interaction of lava with the ocean creates "laze", a corrosive seawater plume laden with hydrochloric acid and fine volcanic particles that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. Magma continues to be supplied to the Lower East Rift Zone. Seismicity remains relatively low in the area with numerous small magnitude earthquakes and low amplitude background tremor. Higher amplitude tremor is occasionally being recorded on seismic stations close to the ocean entry. Additional ground cracking and outbreaks of lava in the area of the active fissures are possible. Residents downslope of the region of fissures should heed all Hawaii County Civil Defense messages and warnings. Kīlauea Volcano Summit Inward slumping of the rim and walls of Halemaʻumaʻu continues in response to ongoing subsidence at the summit. After the explosive collapse at 6:26 AM HST this morning, seismicity at Kīlauea's summit gradually increased reaching 30-35 events per hour by 10 PM HST this evening. If the pattern of the last several days holds, another explosive collapse could occur within the next 12 hours or so. Sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano's summit have dropped to levels that are about half those measured prior to the onset of the current episode of eruptive activity. This gas and minor amounts of ash are being transported downwind, with small bursts of ash and gas accompanying intermittent explosive activity. For forecasts of where ash would fall under forecast wind conditions, please consult the Ash3D model output here:https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/ash_information.html Information on volcanic ash hazards and how to prepare for ash fall maybe found at http://www.ivhhn.org/information#ash (health impacts) OR https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/ (other impacts). Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/ Webcam images: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html Photos/Video: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html Lava Flow Maps: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html Definitions of terms used in update: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/definitions.pdf Overview of Kīlauea summit (Halemaʻumaʻu) and East Rift Zone (Puʻu ʻŌʻō ) eruptions: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/background.pdf Summary of volcanic hazards from Kīlauea eruptions: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/hazards.pdf Recent Earthquakes in Hawai'i (map and list): https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes/ Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/alertsystem/index.php https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3139/ CONTACT INFORMATION: askHVO@usgs.gov The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Photo: Bruce Omori #hawaiisenate #USGeologicalSurvey #kilaueavolcano #fissure8 #kapoho #puna #volcano #volcanicgas #magma #lowereastriftzone #hydrochloric

KILAUEA VOLCANO (VNUM #332010) 19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m) Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING Current Aviation Color Code: RED Kīlauea Volcano Lower East Rift Zone The East Rift Zone (LERZ) eruption in Leilani Estates continues with little change over the past few days. This afternoon, lava fountains from Fissure 8 spatter cone pulsed to heights of 180 ft at times. Lava continues to flow through the well-established channel to the ocean at Kapoho. Occasionally, lava spills over the channel levees. The ocean entry remained fairly broad with laze blown onshore. Fissures 16 and 18 continue to ooze lava. Fissure 8, the channel, and the ocean entry are relatively stable with only a small amount of expansion at the southern boundary of the flow near the coast and south of Vacationland. Pele's hair and other lightweight volcanic glass fragments from the lava fountain at Fissure 8 continue to fall downwind of the fissure, dusting the ground within a few hundred meters (yards) of the vent. High winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances. Residents are urged to minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation similar to volcanic ash. The most recent map of lava flows can be found at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html HVO field crews are on site tracking the fountains, lava flows, and spattering from Fissure 8 as conditions allow and are reporting information to Hawaii County Civil Defense. Observations are also collected on a daily basis from cracks in the area of Highway 130; no changes in temperature, crack width, or gas emissions have been noted for several days. Volcanic gas emissions remain very high from Fissure 8 eruptions. Shifting wind conditions may bring VOG to the central, south, and western parts of the Island of Hawaii. VOG information can be found at https://vog.ivhhn.org/ The ocean entry is a hazardous area. Venturing too close to an ocean entry on land or the ocean exposes you to flying debris from sudden explosive interaction between lava and water. Also, the lava delta is unstable because it is built on unconsolidated lava fragments and sand. This loose material can easily be eroded away by surf, causing the new land to become unsupported and slide into the sea. Additionally, the interaction of lava with the ocean creates "laze", a corrosive seawater plume laden with hydrochloric acid and fine volcanic particles that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. Magma continues to be supplied to the lower East Rift Zone. Seismicity remains relatively low in the area with numerous small magnitude earthquakes and low amplitude background tremor. Higher amplitude tremor is occasionally being recorded on seismic stations close to the ocean entry. Additional ground cracking and outbreaks of lava in the area of the active fissures are possible. Residents downslope of the region of fissures should heed all Hawaii County Civil Defense messages and warnings. Kīlauea Volcano Summit Between 6 am and noon, more than 180 earthquakes occurred in the summit area, 18 of which were stronger than magnitude-3.0. An explosive event occurred at noon today that produced an ash and gas plume to nearly 10,000 ft. Seismicity dropped abruptly after the explosive event but is expected to build up slowly over the next hours. Inward slumping of the rim and walls of Halema`uma`u continues in response to ongoing subsidence at the summit. Sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano's summit have dropped to levels that are about half those measured prior to the onset of the current episode of eruptive activity. This gas and minor amounts of ash are being transported downwind, with small bursts of ash and gas accompanying intermittent explosive activity. For forecasts of where ash would fall under forecast wind conditions, please consult the Ash3D model output here:https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/ash_information.html Information on volcanic ash hazards and how to prepare for ash fall maybe found at http://www.ivhhn.org/information#ash(health impacts) OR https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/ (other impacts). MORE INFORMATION Activity Summary also available by phone: (808) 967-8862 Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/ Webcam images: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html Photos/Video: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html Lava Flow Maps: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html Definitions of terms used in update: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/definitions.pdf Overview of Kīlauea summit (Halemaʻumaʻu) and East Rift Zone (Puʻu ʻŌʻō ) eruptions: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/background.pdf Summary of volcanic hazards from Kīlauea eruptions: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/hazards.pdf Recent Earthquakes in Hawai'i (map and list): https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes/ Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/alertsystem/index.php https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3139/ CONTACT INFORMATION: askHVO@usgs.gov The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Photo: Bruce Omori #hawaiisenate #kilaueavolcano #kapoho #lava #vacationland #Fissure8 #USGeologicalSurvey #volcano

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Measures that address the State’s growing demand for healthcare providers were signed into law on June 13 in a formal ceremony in the office of Governor David Ige. Senator Rosalyn Baker (Dist. 6 - South and West Maui) Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, introduced Senate Bills 2298 and 2653 to address the primary care provider shortage in Hawai‘i, particularly on the neighbor islands. SB2298, now Act 43, creates a tax credit to volunteer healthcare professionals who serve as preceptors for students training to become primary care physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and pharmacists. It also creates the Preceptor Credit Assurance Committee to develop and implement a plan to certify the tax credits and implement the tax credit program. The Department of Health is required to evaluate the tax credit program and report to the Legislature no later than June 30, 2024. “It’s encouraging to see the number of students who want to enter the medical field. Having instructors who can teach, support, coach and serve as role models in developing these future providers is incredibly important at a time when we’re facing a critical shortage of doctors and nurses and this tax credit will encourage more healthcare professionals to volunteer their time to do so,” said Sen. Baker. To provide an expedited and efficient process for qualified out-of-state physicians to gain licensure in Hawai‘i, SB2653, now Act 44, establishes licensure by endorsement requirements for physicians, surgeons, and osteopathic physicians. This will provide greater access to medical care and address the high volume of applications received from doctors who want to work in Hawai‘i. This new law does not lessen the Hawai‘i Medical Board’s legislative mandate to protect Hawai‘i consumers from unsafe and incompetent health care practitioners. “Increased access to health care is vitally important and by streamlining the process as to granting licensure for qualified physicians who want to relocate to our islands, we can help ensure greater health and well-being for our residents,” said Sen. Baker.

Honolulu, HI - Hawai‘i is the first state in the country to ban the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos with the signing of Senate Bill 3095 by Governor David Ige. The bill, now Act 45, was introduced by Senator Russell Ruderman (Dist. 2 - Puna, Ka‘u). It prohibits the use of applying pesticides with chlorpyrifos without a temporary permit, until 2023, when it will be completely banned. It establishes restricted use pesticide-free buffer zones around schools during normal school hours. It also requires all users of restricted use pesticides to annually report the date and location where pesticides are applied and provides the Department of Agriculture with funds to conduct a pesticide drift monitoring study. The law takes effect starting January 1, 2019. In 2015, Chlorpyrifos was determined to be unsafe by the Environmental Protection Agency, which scientists have definitively linked to developmental delays in children and long-term health effects for those living in exposed areas.