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 Eruption of lava continues from the lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) fissure system in the area of Leilani Estates. Fissure 8 lava fountains continue to heights of 130-140 ft from within the growing cone of cinder and spatter, which is now about 140 ft at its highest point. Fountaining at Fissure 8 continues to feed the fast moving channelized flow that is entering the ocean at Kapoho. Two prominent entries are creating vigorous steam plumes. Offshore of the entries, areas of upwelling have become more dispersed than when initially sighted. The sporadic spattering from Fissures 16/18 of the last several days has diminished. Pele's hair and other lightweight volcanic glass from fountaining of Fissure 8 are falling downwind of the fissure and accumulating on the ground within Leilani Estates. 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. Gas emissions have increased over the past two weeks. Trade wind conditions are expected to bring VOG to the south and west sides 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 Seismicity continues to increase after this morning's explosive eruption. 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 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 #puna #kilauea #eastriftzone #kaialiikahele #joshgreen #lorraineinouye #russellruderman

U.S. Geological Survey Monday, June 11, 2018, 4:09 PM HST (Tuesday, June 12, 2018, 02:09 UTC) 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 Eruption of lava continues from the lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) fissure system in the area of Leilani Estates. Three closely spaced lava fountains at Fissure 8 are erupting with fluctuating heights from below the 115 ft high spatter cone around it up to 180 feet. Lava continues to be fed into the channelized flow trending north and then east to a single ocean entry at Kapoho. Weak lava activity at Fissures 16/18 was observed last night. This morning's overflight confirms that fountaining continues at Fissure 8 and that its channel is nearly full with no spillovers. Minor steam explosions were observed at the ocean entry. Pele's hair and other lightweight volcanic glass from fountaining of Fissure 8 are falling downwind of the fissure and accumulating on the ground within Leilani Estates. 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. Gas emissions have increased over the past two weeks. Trade wind conditions are expected to bring vog to the south and west sides of the Island of Hawaii. 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 Seismicity levels have been increasing since the most recent small explosion at 4:43 AM this morning. There have been no ash emissions since that early morning event. 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 #bruceomori #hawaiisenate #kilaueavolcano

U.S. Geological Survey 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 Vigorous eruption of lava continues from the lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) fissure system in the area of Leilani Estates. Lava eruption continued at Fissure 8 with vigorous fountains reaching heights of about 220 feet. Geology crews reported no significant changes in the Fissure 8 flow field and two large plumes at the broad ocean entry. The Kapoho Beachlots boundary has not changed since this morning's overflight. There is no lava activity from the other fissures. Following a magnitude-3.2 earthquake at the summit, twelve rockfalls were recorded in Puʻu ʻŌʻō between 10:31 and 10:56 AM with a prominent, but brief, red dust plume ejected into the air around 10:50 AM. Pele's hair and other lightweight volcanic glass from high fountaining of Fissure 8 are falling downwind of the fissure and accumulating on the ground within Leilani Estates. 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. Volcanic gas emissions remain very high from Fissure 8 eruptions. For the next few days, easterly wind conditions may bring vog not only to the south and west sides of the Island of Hawaii, but also upslope to the island's interior. 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. USGS/HVO continues to monitor the lower East Rift Zone activity 24/7 in coordination with Hawaii County Civil Defense. Kīlauea Volcano Summit Low level ash emissions continue and seismicity levels increase at the summit of Kilauea. 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, while lower than those recorded in early-mid May, remain high enough to impact air quality in downwind regions. Additional bursts of gas released with intermittent explosive activity are also transported downwind and may temporarily affect air quality as well. For forecasts of where ash would fall under forecast wind conditions, please consult the Ash3D model output here: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/activity_2018.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. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i. *Photo by Bruce Omori #hawaiisenate #hawaiisenatemajority #kapoho #vacationland #kilaueavolcano #EastRiftZone #RussellRuderman #LeilaniEstates #kaialiikahele #lorraineinouye #JoshGreen #RonKouchi

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i - Addressing Hawai‘i's affordable rental housing crisis took a momentous step forward today when Governor Ige signed House Bill 2748 into law. HB2748, now Act 39, is a comprehensive measure aimed at increasing the production of affordable rental units statewide. The measure provides a grand total of $570,000,000, which will generate more than 25,000 affordable units by the year 2030. It appropriates $200 million to the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation’s (HHFCD) Rental Housing Revolving Fund, and $10 million to the HHFDC’s Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund (DURF). The bill also extends the general excise tax exemption for certain affordable rental housing projects from June 30, 2022 to June 30, 2026, and increases the cap on GET exemptions to $30 million per year until 2030. This will fulfill the goal of 22,500 affordable rental housing units set by the Legislature under Act 127, Session laws of Hawai‘i 2016. This measure is the largest appropriation made by the Legislature and demonstrates its commitment to providing innovative solutions to meet the State’s long-term housing demands. Approximately 36 percent of Hawai‘i’s households are cost-burdened, meaning that these households pay more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs. About half of these households pay more than 50 percent of their income on housing. The 2016 Hawai‘i Housing Planning Study reports that approximately 24, 551 housing units are estimated to be needed statewide from 2016 to 2020. The study notes that of this total, approximately 13,500 units, or 55 percent, is needed for households earning 80 percent and below the area median income.

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY STATUS REPORT U.S. Geological Survey Thursday, June 7, 2018, 8:50 AM HST (Thursday, June 7, 2018, 18:50 UTC) 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 Vigorous eruption of lava continues from the lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) fissure system in the area of Leilani Estates. Overnight, lava fountaining at Fissure 8 fluctuated, reaching heights of 230 feet. This activity is feeding a lava channel flowing east to the Kapoho Bay area. Observations by HVO geologists and the University of Hawaii at Hilo UAS crew during the night indicated that the northern lobe of the Fissure 8 flow is not receiving significant lava, and the lobe that was active on the west side of the Four Corners cinder pit is inactive. The morning overflight confirmed these observations and revealed minor overflows from the channel. Lava is entering the ocean along a broad front in the general area of Kapoho Bay and Vacationland. Lava also continues to creep north through what remains of Kapoho Beach Lots. No other fissures are active. Pele's hair and other lightweight volcanic glass from high fountaining of Fissure 8 are falling downwind of the fissure and accumulating on the ground within Leilani Estates. 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. Volcanic gas emissions remain very high from Fissure 8 eruptions. For the next few days, easterly wind conditions may bring vog not only to the south and west sides of the Island of Hawaii, but also upslope to the island's interior. The ocean entry is a hazardous area. Hazards include walking on uneven, glassy lava flow surfaces and around unstable, vertical sea cliffs. 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. In several instances, such collapses have also incorporated parts of the older sea cliff. 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. Earthquake locations have not moved farther downrift in the past few days and the number of located earthquakes remains low. Seismicity remains relatively low with numerous small magnitude earthquakes and low amplitude background tremor. 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. USGS/HVO continues to monitor the lower East Rift Zone activity 24/7 in coordination with Hawaii County Civil Defense. Kīlauea Volcano Summit Seismic activity at the summit was subdued overnight -- a natural consequence of yesterday afternoon's small explosion. Earthquake activity is on the rise, however, and we anticipate an additional small explosion probably in about 24 hours. Inward slumping of the rim and walls of Halema`uma`u continues in response to ongoing subsidence of the summit. Over the last week, sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano's summit have decreased, but emission rates remain high enough to impact air quality in downwind regions. Additional bursts of gas released with intermittent explosive activity are also transported downwind and may temporarily affect air quality as well. For forecasts of where ash would fall under forecast wind conditions, please consult the Ash3D model output here: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/activity_2018.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. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i. #hawaiisenate #hawaiisenatemajority #kapoho #vacationland #puna #bruceomori

Three bills that establish policies and programs to address climate change and position Hawai‘i to be a national leader in sustainability and clean energy were signed into law today. House Bill 2182, now Act 15, makes Hawai‘i the first state in the nation to commit to a zero-emissions clean economy and sets 2045 as the target date for achieving that goal. Hawai‘i aims to achieve “carbon neutrality” by sequestering more carbon and greenhouse gases than it produces, thus creating a net zero carbon footprint. HB1986 (Act 16) encourages companies to reduce fossil fuel emissions by establishing a carbon offset program that allows for carbon credits through global carbon sequestration protocols and uses the funds from the sale of carbon offset credits to be deposited into the forest stewardship fund or invested into projects to improve the State’s water infrastructure to mitigate threats to water sustainability due to climate change. HB2106 (Act 17) requires a sea level rise analysis in environmental impact statements before building projects. Act 17 became effective upon the Governor’s approval on June 4. The other two, HB2182 and HB1986, take effect July 1st of this year. One year ago, Hawai‘i became the first state in the nation to enact legislation aligning with the Paris agreement to combat climate change with the signing of SB559 (Act 32) and HB1578 (Act 33).

HONOLULU, HI - A college education is a greater reality for local students across the state now that a program that provides financing to help them attend community colleges was signed into law on June 1st. The Hawai‘i Promise program was launched last fall as a pilot, allowing some 1,500 eligible students the opportunity and resources to attend community colleges here. On average, students received $1,200 each, which covered direct costs such as tuition and books. HB2501 (Act 14) appropriates $700,000 for fiscal year 2018-2019 to the Hawai‘i Promise fund, raising the total appropriation for the program to $2.5 million and makes it a permanent program. #HawaiiPromiseProgram #HB2501 #act14 #honolulucommunitycollege #JustinWoodson #StanleyChang #DanielHolt #DonnaMercadoKim

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – After 19 years of serving in the Hawai‘i State Legislature, Senator Will Espero will be retiring from office effective May 31, 2018. Since 2002, Senator Espero has represented the 19th Senate District, which encompasses ‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa By Gentry, Iroquois Point, and a portion of ‘Ewa Villages. During the 29th Legislature, Senator Espero served as the Senate Majority Floor Leader and the chair of the Senate Committee on Housing. He was also the vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Energy and a member of the Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health Committee, Education Committee, and Higher Education Committee. He also served on the Special Action Team on Affordable Housing, a Veteran’s Homeless Working Group, the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, Hawai‘i Reef & Ocean Coalition, and the Medical Marijuana Legislative Oversight Working Group. Prior to working in the Legislature, he worked in the finance industry, property management, the administration of Frank Fasi, the Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawai‘i, and with a local home developer. In December of 1999, Espero was appointed to the Hawai‘i House of Representatives by Governor Ben Cayetano. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve my district and the state in the Hawai‘i Legislature. I am humbled by the support and encouragement I have received over the years,” said Senator Espero. # # # #hawaiisenate #williamespero #willespero #ewabeach #bencayetano #frankfasi

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Senate Bill 270, which prohibits therapists from offering sexual orientation change efforts or "conversion therapy" to patients under the age of 18, was signed into law today. The ban on sexual orientation change efforts includes the practice of attempting to change a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The bill applies to licensed professionals such as psychiatrists, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. The measure also establishes a temporary sexual orientation counseling task force within the state Department of Health to address the concerns of minors who seek counseling on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, and related behavior. SB270 is now Act 13 and takes effect on July 1, 2018. #sb270 #sexualorientation #departmentofhealth #Act13 #donnamercadokim #StanleyChang #karlrhoads #jilltokuda

WHO: Sen. Rosalyn Baker, Rep. Angus McKelvey, Hawai‘i Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCA) WHAT: Informational Meeting on Interim Instream Flow Standards for West Maui Streams and Lahaina Flood Control Project WHEN: Wednesday, June 6, 2018 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. WHERE: Lahaina Intermediate School Cafeteria 871 Lahainaluna Road Lahaina residents are invited to an informational meeting being hosted by Senator Rosalyn Baker (S Dist. 6 - South and West Maui) and Representative Angus McKelvey (H Dist. 10 - West Maui) on June 6, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Lahaina Intermediate School Cafeteria to provide the community the latest information on important water projects impacting the Lahaina area. Department of Land and Natural Resources Deputy Director Jeff Pearson will share details and answer questions on the selection and implementation process for the Interim Instream Flow Standard for West Maui Streams which was based on seven years of study by the USGS and CWRM staff, with input from cultural practitioners. The community will also be updated on the current status of the Lahaina Flood Control project. Sherman White, Program Manager with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program will be presenting the history and funding for the project, as well as the plans for completion. He will be available to answer questions and listen to concerns from residents. For more information on the CWRM decision on Instream uses for West Maui Streams: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/category/news/cwrm/ For more information, or to request an ASL interpreter or other auxiliary aid support, please contact the office of Sen. Baker at (808) 586-6070 at least 24 hours prior to the meeting so that arrangements can be made. # # # #SenatorBaker #Rozbaker #angusmckelvey #floodcontrol #lahaina #interiminstreamflowstandard #lahainafloodcontrolproject #Mauistreams #USDA

Hawai‘i State Senators joined hundreds of mourners at the State Capitol today to pay their final respects to U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka. Akaka, who died April 6 at age 93, was the first Native Hawaiian to serve in the U.S. Senate. His humble personality earned him the nickname, the “Ambassador of Aloha.” The Senator’s flag-draped casket was carried into the Capitol Rotunda at 10 a.m. by Hawai‘i National Guard members and was escorted by Governor David Ige, First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige, Senate President Ron Kouchi, House Speaker Scott Saiki, and Native Hawaiian organizations including Ke One O Kākuhihewa, O‘ahu Council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. Legislators, along with other state officials, lined the red carpet. The Royal Hawaiian Band led the day-long program of music with Akaka’s favorite song, “Hawaiian Lullaby.” An impressive line-up of local musicians has been scheduled to play throughout the day. An evening service attended by Legislators, former Governors, and other dignitaries gathered to bid a final farewell to the revered statesman who served almost 22 years in the U.S. Senate and prior to that, more than 13 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. Akaka will lay in state at the Capitol building for 24 hours before his casket will be taken to Kawaiahao Church for a celebration of life. On May 21, a private burial will be held for Akaka at the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. #danielakaka #senatorakaka #KeOneOKākuhihewa #hAWAIIsENATE #royalhawaiianband #hawaiianlullaby #governorwaihee #governorabercrombie #governorcayetano

BY RACHEL NUSSBAUM Sunscreen is the best it's ever been. It's lightweight, fast-absorbing, beautifully fragranced, and at long last a pleasure to use. There's just one problem: Despite 2014's Sunscreen Innovation Act, the FDA hasn't OK'd any new sunscreen ingredients in 10 years. And now researchers are finding evidence that some commonly used chemicals pose a huge threat to our marine environments and may have unintended consequences on human health. This month Hawaii became the first place in the U.S. to turn these findings into something concrete, a first-of-its-kind legislation to outlaw the sale of sunscreens that contain the ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate starting in 2021. For context, those two actives are in more than 3,500 sunscreens on the market. Talking to scientists and lawmakers about these two chemicals, it becomes clear that this may be a somewhat dire situation for the environment. Some background on sunscreen: It's technically a drug, so the FDA has full control over which ingredients we get to use. That'd be fine, except of the 17 sunscreen ingredients on the market, almost all of them were approved back in the seventies. And according to Craig Downs, Ph.D. and executive director of the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of natural habitats, almost no toxicity testing was done back then, and there certainly weren't the stringent standards in place that there are today. So oxybenzone and octinoxate, among other chemicals, have been grandfathered in since then. That doesn't sound good, but it wouldn't necessarily be cause for concern. Yet the legislation is happening now because over the past two years numerous studies have found evidence that these two chemicals (but especially oxybenzone) may be doing harm to marine life and possibly people. They're what researchers call "endocrine disruptors." So when we slather on sunscreen, the chemicals can then make their way into our bloodstream. There, according to recent studies, they may mess with our hormones in various ways. Downs says that several studies have found that oxybenzone in particular can significantly decrease testosterone levels. Hawaiian state Senator Mike Gabbard (D), who introduced the bill, along with five other Democratic state senators, recounts a laundry list of evidence-supported consequences. In the ocean it causes deformed coral larvae; in people he says the chemicals may be associated with breast cancer becoming more aggressive, polluted breast milk, deformities in newborns, women's uterine diseases, threatened male sexual health, and damaged DNA. David Andrews, Ph.D. and a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, says that in the water off the beaches of Hawaii, where tourists flock and sunscreen flows, the coral reefs are unable to recover from bleaching events, which are like a hit to the reefs' ecosystem. And oxybenzone is everywhere: Downs describes the chemicals as similar to a virus, with oxybenzone showing up everywhere from the drinking water in Honolulu, to Alaska, to inside the fish we eat. And according to a 2008 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it's found in the blood of 97 percent of Americans. This is big news, and it's been a long time coming. "It really points to what’s become a failure of both the sunscreen industry and the FDA to bring new, safer, and more effective ingredients to the market," Andrews says. While new sunscreen formulas have been available for over a decade in other countries, Andrews says that the FDA has left the public with a catch-22. Even outside of oxybenzone and octinoxate, Downs says there's no firm data to prove whether or not other sunscreen ingredients, like avobenzone, are safe. “If the toxicity requirements by the FDA were applied now to the 17 chemicals, only nonnanosized zinc oxide and nonnanosized titanium dioxide would be left standing,” Downs says. Knowing how much sunscreen people now expose themselves to, the FDA needs detailed safety information to approve new formulas, but because there's nothing to stop companies from doing so, Downs says that most have continued to use the same old ingredients, in the same old ways. On the plus side, the FDA has recently initiated a study testing absorption of ingredients in sunscreens currently on the U.S. market. A spokesperson told Glamour that the study will “measure and evaluate the levels of active ingredients found in the blood of human subjects after exposure when applied under maximal use conditions.” For now, Andrew Alexis, M.D., the chair of dermatology at Mount Sinai hospital in New York City, warns against jumping to conclusions. While studies using extremely high doses of oxybenzone show some hormonal side effects, Alexis says we don’t typically encounter those levels in the everyday world. To put the doses into perspective, he explains that using a sunscreen containing 6 percent oxybenzone, it would take 277 years of daily application to reach exposure comparable to what the rats in the studies get. So while oxybenzone can be detected in the blood and urine of sunscreen users and the population at large, Alexis says that doesn’t necessarily mean oxybenzone is causing negative, systemic health effects. Speaking to the ban, the Personal Care Products Council, which represents the global cosmetic and personal care products industry, released a statement acknowledging the importance of combating coral reef degradation, but arguing that fighting the prevalence of skin cancer is as important. And with the sunscreen ban waiting for Hawaii's governor to sign it into law, enforced change is at best in the distant future. According to lawmakers, the bill will only take effect in 2021, so at least legally nothing has to happen until then—and even after 2021, there will be no legal way to keep sunscreens with the chemicals from coming into Hawaii. Nicole Lowen, vice chair of Hawaii's House Committee on Energy and Environment, says that's fine. While they're giving the sunscreen industry the next few years to come up with formulas that comply (and Gabbard says tons of sunscreens out there already do), a major aim of the legislation was raising public awareness about these toxic chemicals, and sending a message to companies and the FDA that, yes, change is something people care about, and we want it now. In that respect, women in Hawaii agree that the bill is making them think twice about their sunscreen. Since the legislation came into the spotlight, Hawaii resident Emma Wo says that she’s gone through her medicine cabinet and tossed the sunscreens with controversial ingredients. Longtime Oahu resident Kathy Croman says she used to not be choosy about the sunscreen she used, but “when you grow up here and see the actual damage it’s causing, you become more aware.” It’s likewise struck Oahu newcomer Kait Hanson: “Before I moved to Hawaii, I used sunscreens with [oxybenzone and octinoxate] a lot. That was mostly due to being misinformed, unaware or trusting the labels of products.” After the conversation started around the ingredients, she says she switched to reef-safe sunscreens like Stream2Sea and Badger. (Stream2Sea relies on nonnanosized titanium dioxide, and Badger on nonnanosized zinc oxide. Both are confirmed eco-friendly ingredients.) Marine conservationist Lauren Kitayama seconds it: Once you know the effect of these ingredients, you steer clear. “Most of our cosmetics do end up in the ocean, and they wreak havoc. If making small changes in my daily routine can protect the oceans and animals in them, I do what I can,” she says. To that end, Wo’s not waiting for 2021. “Even before the sunscreen ban goes into full effect, I think it's a matter of social responsibility. One of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou applies here: ‘Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better,’” Wo says. According to Lowen, it’s going to take more of the same attitude to fuel change. "We have to create a consumer demand for safer products. We’re obviously facing many environmental crises with climate change, so there's a lot coming that we’re going to have to deal with. And it’s all true—all those things weigh in," Lowen says. "But my job’s not to get elected, be in office and say, 'We give up. There's no point doing anything, it’s too late.' We’ve got to try our best.'" #hawaiisenate #mikegabbard #laurenkitayama #sunscreen #personalcareproducs #oxybenzone #octinoxate