HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The first meeting of the Festival of Pacific Arts (FESTPAC) Commission convened January 4 to begin planning for the event being held in Hawai‘i in 2020. At the inaugural meeting, Senator J. Kalani English was selected as the Chair for the FESTPAC Commission. Other Commission members include State Rep. Lynne DeCoite, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism administrator Dennis Ling, Hawai‘i Tourism Association Director of Hawaiian Cultural Affairs Kalani Ka‘ana‘ana, Office of Hawaiian Affairs Community Engagement Director Mehana Hind, Mayor’s Office of Culture & the Arts Misty Kela‘i, and Kumu Hula Mapuana de Silva and Snowbird Bento. FESTPAC is hosted every four years by a different Pacific Island nation. The festival was initiated by the Conference of the South Pacific Commission (now the Secretariat of the Pacific Community) to stem the erosion of traditional cultural practices. Since 1972, delegations from 27 Pacific Island countries and territories have gathered in an Olympic-style setting to showcase their indigenous culture through art, song, and dance. FESTPAC is considered an enormous tourism attraction as it brings in thousands of visitors from around the world who appreciate the work of artists, performers and cultural practitioners from different nations in Oceania. The festival also is an economic engine for participants by creating a global market for art, ideas, and indigenous products. “I’m honored to chair this Commission which has the daunting task of coordinating this festival and ensure that it appropriately and vividly celebrates the richness and diversity of our indigenous cultures and art,” said Sen. English. “There’s much work to be done, but I’m confident with the caliber of the Commission members we will be able to present an unforgettable experience in 2020.” During the 2016 FESTPAC in Guam, Hawai‘i was selected as the host for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts which will be held June 11-27, 2020. #FESTPAC #jkalanienglish #vickiholttakamine #maupanadesilva #snowbirdbento #mistykelai #dennisling #kalanikaanaana #mehanahind #lynnedecoite #FestivalofPacificArtsCommission #hawaiisenate

THE SENATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES T HE TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE INTERIM OF 2017 COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Representative Sylvia Luke, Chair Representative Ty J.K. Cullen, Vice Chair NOTICE OF MEETING DATE: Tuesday, January 02, 2018 TIME: 9:00 AM – Completion PLACE: Auditorium State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street AGENDA 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Economic Overview (Briefing Materials) Eugene X. Tian, Ph.D – Research & Statistics Officer, Research and Economic Analysis Division, Dept. of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Carl Bonham,Ph.D. – Executive Director, University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization Dr. Tian and Dr. Bonham will present the current and future economic outlook for the State of Hawaii. Governor's Financial Plan (Briefing Materials) Department of Budget and Finance The Department of Budget & Finance will brief the Joint Committee on the Governor's financial plan. Office of the Governor (Briefing Materials) Office of the Governor GOV 100 Office of the Lieutenant Governor (Briefing Materials) Office of the Lieutenant Governor LTG 100 1:30 PM – Completion Council on Revenues (Briefing Materials) Marilyn Niwao, J.D., C.P.A., Vice Chair, Council on Revenues Ms. Niwao will brief the Joint Committee on the latest deliberations of the Council on Revenues. BUF Department of Budget and Finance (Briefing Materials) Departmental Administration and Budget Division BUF 101 Collective Bargaining Statewide BUF 102 Vacation Payout Statewide BUF 103 Financial Administration BUF 115 Employees' Retirement System BUF 141 Hawaii Employer Union Trust Fund BUF 143 Debt Service Payments - State BUF 721 Debt Service Payments - DOE BUF 725 Debt Service Payments - UH BUF 728 Retirement Benefits - State BUF 741 Retirement Benefits - DOE BUF 745 Retirement Benefits - UH BUF 748 Health Premium Payments - State BUF 761 Health Premium Payments - DOE BUF 765 Health Premium Payments - UH BUF 768 Office of the Public Defender BUF 151 No public testimony will be accepted. If you require special assistance or auxiliary aids and/or services to participate in the meeting (i.e., sign language interpreter or wheelchair accessibility), please contact the Committee Clerk at 586-6800 or 586-6200 to make a request for arrangements at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Prompt requests help to ensure the availability of qualified individuals and appropriate accommodations. For further information, please call the Committee Clerk at 586-6800 or 586-6200 https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2018/hearingnotices/HEARING_FIN-WAM_01-02-18_INFO_.HTM

WHO: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair, Committee on Ways and Means Senator Gilbert S. C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair, Committee on Ways and Means WHAT: The Senate Committee on Ways and Means to hold informational briefings with State Administrators, State Departments, State Agencies, Judiciary, County Mayors, economists WHEN: Tuesday, January 2 through Wednesday, January 17, 2018 WHERE: Hawai‘i State Capitol Conference Room 211 and Auditorium DATE TIME LOCATION SUBJECT January 2, 2018 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Auditorium Economists Administration Financial Plan Office of the Governor Office of the Lt. Governor 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Auditorium Council on Revenues Department of Budget and Finance January 3, 2018 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Room 211 Department of Land and Natural Resources 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Room 211 Department of Transportation January 4, 2018 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Room 211 Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Room 211 Department of Health Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation January 8, 2018 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Room 211 Department of Human Resources Development Department of Labor January 9, 2018 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Room 211 Judiciary Department of Attorney General 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Room 211 University of Hawai‘i January 10, 2018 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Room 211 Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Department of Accounting and General Services 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Room 211 Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism January 11, 2018 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Room 211 Department of Defense Department of Public Safety 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Room 211 Department of Agriculture Department of Taxation January 16, 2018 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Room 211 Department of Education – Charter Schools Department of Education – Libraries 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Room 211 Department of Education January 17, 2018 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Room 211 Department of Human Services TBD Auditorium Counties – Mayors *Bold denotes informational briefings that will be conducted jointly with the House Committee on Finance. All other Informational Briefings on this Senate agenda will be held jointly with Senate Standing Committees. The purpose of these informational briefings is to provide Legislators the most current information and data necessary to understand the financial needs and challenges throughout the state. No public testimony will be accepted. For further information or if you require special assistance or auxiliary aid and/or services to participate in the informational briefing, please contact the Committee Clerk at 808-586-6800. # # # #WAM #WAMHawaii #hawaiisenate #jkalanienglish #donnamercadokim #stanleychang #donovandelacruz #GilbertKeithAgaran #breeneharimoto #gilriviere #BrickwoodGaluteria #lorraineinouye #kaialiikahele #michellekidani #maileshimabukuro #glennwakai

In response to the sea level report submitted to the Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission (Climate Commission) ahead of the deadline mandated by the Legislature, Sen. J. Kalani English (Dist. 7 - Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Kaho‘olawe) expressed optimism in how the state will benefit from the results of the study. “The sea level report submitted to the Climate Commission provides critical data as we work to reinforce the state’s resiliency and address the impact of climate change,” said Sen. J. Kalani English. “How we strategize and develop legislation to strengthen our state begins with understanding the risks and recommendations. This is important information to consider as we continue to be a leader in climate change mitigation.” The Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission was created as part of Senate Bill 559, introduced by Sen. English, and was signed into law in June to become Act 32. The Climate Commission will provide direction, facilitation, coordination and planning among state and county agencies, federal agencies, and other partners about climate change mitigation and climate change resiliency strategies. In signing SB559, Hawai‘i became the first state in the nation to enact legislation implementing part of the Paris agreement. Climate change mitigation and adaptation is among the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that the Hawai‘i State Senate will focus on implementing at the state level during the 2018 Legislative Session. # # # #jkalanienglish #hawaiisenate #Hawaiiclimatechangemitigationadaptiationcommi #climatecommission #hanamaui

Hawai‘i State Senator Donna Mercado Kim was recently re-elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL), the nation’s oldest organization addressing the needs of elected women at all levels of government. “It’s an honor to serve on the Board with these distinguished elected women who represent the best of our country’s legislators,” said Sen. Kim. “What I appreciate the most about working with the NFWL is that we are able to put party politics aside to work together on developing strategies and solutions that benefit our communities.” Kim was re-elected by her peers at the 2017 NFWL Annual Conference in Minneapolis, MN, where over 80 elected women met to identify effective solutions to some of the nation’s most timely and pressing issues. Providing a non-partisan environment that encourages dialogue and the sharing of information and experiences, women leaders were able to build coalitions, share the concerns of their constituents, and identify out-of-the-box solutions to the most pressing issues facing their communities today. “We are so grateful for Senator Kim’s service to this organization,” stated Jody Thomas, NFWL’s Executive Director. “We look forward to continuing to work with her to make 2018 NFWL’s best year yet.” Kim continues serving in her position through 2018. NFWL will host its 2018 Annual Conference next November 13-17 in Washington, DC. Sen. Kim is currently the only state legislator from Hawai‘i to be a member of the NFWL Board and most recently served as an NFWL Southwest Regional State Director. Other elected women leaders from Hawai‘i who are members of NFWL include State Representatives Lynn DeCoite, Beth Fukumoto, Dee Morikawa and Joy San Buenaventura. About the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Inc. (NFWL) Through annual educational and networking events, the National Foundation for Women Legislators supports elected women from all levels of governance. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, NFWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but rather serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience. www.womenlegislators.org # # # #donnamercadokim #NFWL #NationalFoundationforWomenLegislators #hawaiisenate #senatorkim

This years Christmas joke! "What do you learn at Santa's helpers school? "The ELF-A-BET" Happy Holidays everyone! #glennwakai #hawaiisenate #christmas

"As a single mom, I'll always cherish Christmas with my son, Micah. Memories of the time we spent together, just the two of us, will forever remind me of the joy we've shared and the love that has bound us as a family." #hawaiisenate #donnamercadokim #christmas #christmasmemories

One of my favorite holiday memories comes from my children. I would usually take each of them Christmas shopping individually, mind you that meant FOUR separate trips to the mall, so they could purchase gifts for their siblings, dad, etc. On one trip with my son Shane, we passed one of the Angel Trees where you could pick an Angel card off the tree and purchase a gift for a child in need. I had stopped to choose one, and while talking with one of the helpers, Shane started to ask questions wanting to know what the giving tree was about. Hearing that there were children who might not get gifts, Shane proceeded to pick two angels from the tree and spent all his Christmas money buying gifts for other children. It was a moment of pride for me to see him make that incredibly generous choice all on his own. Until today, that wonderful memory stands out as a reminder of the true giving nature of the holidays. #senatorkidani #michellekidani #hawaiisenate #christmas #christmasmemories

STATE NOW ACCEPTING GRANT-IN-AID APPLICATIONS Deadline for GIA applications is January 19, 2018 HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Donovan M. Dela Cruz and House Finance Committee Chair Sylvia Luke announced that qualified nonprofit and other organizations can now apply for State Grants-in-Aid (GIA) for the 2018 Legislative Session. The deadline to submit grant applications is 4:30 p.m. January 19, 2018. Last year, the Legislature awarded nearly $30 million in grants to non-profit organizations across the state for various public purposes recognized as priorities and seen as complimentary to state government functions, including health, educational, workforce development, social services and cultural and historical activities. Information on the GIA process and the application is available on the Legislature’s website at http://capitol.hawaii.gov/ # # # #grantinaid #donovandelacruz #hawaiisenate

How Hawai‘i’s payday loans both help and hurt residents who use their services were examined in an informational briefing held at the State Capitol today. Senator Rosalyn Baker (Dist. 6 – South and West Maui), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, along with members of the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, heard from the Stephen Levins, head of the DCCA Office of Consumer Protection on the present status of Hawai‘i’s payday lending laws. Hawai‘i and 15 other states have APR rates of approximately 460% or higher. Nick Bourke, Director of Consumer Finance with The Pew Charitable Trusts, explained that when payday loans were introduced 25 years ago as short term loans, they were created with good intention. Bourke told lawmakers that today the law around payday lending is broken and reform is needed. Several states have made efforts to reform payday lending laws and Bourke shared a survey that found 3 in 4 Americans want payday loans to be more regulated. Bourke suggested elements to make loans safe and fair including making payments affordable, spreading the repayment cost over the life of the loan, give borrowers a reasonable time to repay the loan, and lower the cost of the loans, as well as guard against harmful practices. Jeff Gilbreath of the nonprofit Hawai‘i Community Lending , shared data gathered on a three-year small dollar loan pilot project. The agency offered loans to 184 qualifying clients at 8 to 16 percent annual interest rates. Gilbreath said the pilot shows how it is possible to loan clients at lower rates and still earn a profit. Hawai‘i legalized payday lending in 1999 as a way to regulate the check cashing business. Many states have either banned payday loans or capped the loan rates on the industry that is currently worth $30 billion nationally. The purpose of the informational briefing is to gather data that may be used in legislation to improve payday lending laws. #rozbaker #willespero #paydayloan #nickbourke #pewcharitabletrusts #jeffgilbreath

Senators Donna Mercado Kim and Rosalyn Baker teamed up with members of the House Health Committee to host the annual Flu and Hepatitis-A Shot Day at the State Capitol. This is the seventh year Legislators have hosted this event as an effort to promote workplace wellness at the Capitol and throughout the state departments. Sen. Kim thanked Kaiser and 5 Minute Pharmacy for partnering with lawmakers in providing the shots to state employees and the public. The service is 100% covered by most insurance plans. “It’s this kind of partnership with the community that we need in order for our communities to stay healthy,” said Sen. Kim, who got her flu shot that morning. *flickr link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hawaiisenatemajority/albums/72157690633080785 #donnamercadokim #rozbaker #5minutepharmacy #Kaiser #thrive

WHO: Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, and House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce WHAT: Informational Briefing WHERE: Conference Room 229 State Capitol WHEN: Friday, December 8, 2017 9:00 a.m. Senator Rosalyn Baker (S Dist. 6 – South and West Maui), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, along with Representative Roy Takumi (H Dist. 35 - Pearl City, Manana, Waipi‘o), Chair of the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, are holding an informational briefing on Fri., December 8, 2017 in Conference Room 229 at 9:00 a.m. to review the current payday lending laws and how these policies are impacting the community. Stephens Levins, Executive director for the State Office of Consumer Protection, will provide the current status of payday lending in Hawai‘i. Nick Bourke, Director of Consumer Finance with The Pew Charitable Trusts, is scheduled to present the payday loan reform efforts occurring across the country. Jeff Gilbreath of Hawai‘i Community Lending will discuss local initiatives to provide sustainable small-dollar loans. To view the informational briefing notice: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2017/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPH-CPC_12-08-17_INFO_.HTM For further information or if you require auxiliary aids or services to participate in the informational briefing (i.e. ASL or foreign language interpreter, or wheelchair accessibility), please contact the Office of Sen. Baker at 586-6070 so that arrangements can be made. # # # #rozbaker #hawaiisenate #pewcharitabletrust #roytakumi