HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The 2017 Narcissus Court was recognized during a presentation on the Senate floor. The Narcissus Festival was first held in 1950 to preserve and showcase Chinese Art and Culture. This year marks the 68th crowning of the queen and her court. Honored on the floor today: Queen, Lesly Goo, First Princess, Monica Woolley, Second Princess, Morgan Lui, Third Princess, Amanda Awai, Fourth Princess, Stella Chow, # # # #NarcissusCourt #NarcissusFestival #rozbaker #DonovanDelaCruz #WilliamEspero #MikeGabbard #JoshGreen #BreeneHarimoto #LesIhara #LesIharaJr #LorraineInouye #KaiKahele #GilbertKeithAgaran #MichelleKidani #DonnaMercadoKim #RonKouchi #ClarenceNishihara #GilRiviere #RussellRuderman #MaileShimabukuro #BrianTaniguchi #StanleyChang #KarlRhoads #JillTokuda #LauraThielen #Glennwakai

Recognizing them for their achievements as leaders and innovators in Hawai‘i’s tech economy, the 2017 Hawai‘i Venture Capital Association Award recipients were commended and congratulated on the floor of the Senate today. Since its inception in 1988, the Hawaii Venture Capital Association has fostered entrepreneurial development through education, exposure to excellent speakers, and introductions to key members of the business community. “Each year the awards go to those individuals who shine brighter than the rest and it’s an honor to have a few of them here to celebrate in their accomplishments in growing Hawaii’s economy,” said Senator Glenn Wakai, chair of the Senate committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology. The 2017 Hawaii Venture Capital Association Award winners are: Startup Paradise Champion of the Year: Bytemarks Café – Burt Lum and Ryan Ozawa. This award is given to someone who consistently contributes to the startup community. These contributions consist of supporting, promoting, and building a successful startup culture and ecosystem in Hawaii. The winners this year are Burt Lum and Ryan Ozawa of the Bytemarks Café. Burt Lum is a communicator, innovator, community builder, open data advocate, and a sci/tech geek. He is also the Executive Director of Hawaii Open Data. Ryan Ozawa is a media maker and community builder who serves as Communications Director for Hawaii Information Service and as Chief Marketing Office of local ag-tech startup Smart Yields. Together they co-host Bytemarks Café on not only Hawaii Public Radio, but also the Geek Beat on Hawaii News Now. Island Innovator of the Year: Henk Rogers This award is to honor the most impactful innovation that has helped our island state – truly solving a problem in our own backyard, our mountains, our beach, our aina. This innovation inspires and celebrates an innovation, entrepreneur or company that has shown leadership and commitment to tackling s significant problem in our state. Henk Rogers is a Dutch-born entrepreneur and clean energy visionary who has dedicated the past decade of his career to the research, development, advocacy and implementation of renewable energy sources in his adopted home of Hawaii and beyond. He has studied computer science at the University of Hawaii and spent his early career in Japan as a video game designer, gaining distinction for producing the country’s first roleplaying game, The Black Onyx. He went on to revolutionize the video game industry by securing the rights for the blockbuster Tetris, which 30 years later remains a bestseller and global gaming icon. Corporate Intrapreneur of the Year: Ian Kitajima This award goes to the person(s) who creatively challenges traditions and assertively makes changes in their company culture to ensure fellow employees in their environment and their field are engaged and provides the platform to be intrapreneurial. Ian Kitajima is a senior executive at Oceanit, one of Hawaii’s largest and most diversified privately-held technology companies, with 150 scientists and engineers. Ever since 2001, Ian has contributed to Oceanit’s evolution and sharing of their culture of innovation to create, fund, incubate, and transition new technologies to the marketspace, with a community mission to create prosperity. Ian has initiated Oceanit’s entry into areas such as Nanotechnology, Energy, and Design Thinking. He is an advisor and/or board member to several educational, government, and community organizations such as the Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation, UH Alumni Association, and the Workforce Development Council. Life Science Entrepreneur of the Year – Jeffrey Yu This award is presented to the entrepreneur whose company’s innovation is helping to solve some of the biggest problems in the medical field. Dr. Jeffrey Yu is a serial entrepreneur and is Board Certified in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. He is CEO of Kineticor, a company that is eliminating motion from MR images in collaboration with the world’s leading MR vendor. He is also the founder of OneMeNet, the leading medical image sharing and exchange provider to leading medical image management vendors and a part of the office of the President of Queen’s Health Systems. Social Impact Entrepreneur of the Year – Purple Mai’a (Donavan Kealoha accepting) This award is intended to honor an entrepreneur or entrepreneurial company that makes a substantial contribution to Hawaii. The award recipient will have contributed to non-profit organizations or community volunteer efforts. Purple Mai’a Foundation is a non-profit Hawaiian organization focused on empowering high opportunity youth in underserved Hawaii communities that possess rich cultural heritages by providing indigenized, and culturally affirming technology education in coding and computer programming. For the 2016-2017 school year, Purple Mai’a will work with over 300 middle school and high school aged students at public, charter, and alternative learning centers across Oahu, Maui, and Lanai. Deal of the Year - Scott Mercer This award recognizes the Startup Paradise company that received the largest financial deal during 2016, whether it be the closing of a round, a merger, or any other type of exit. The 2017 winner of this award is Scott Mercer of Volta Industries. Scott is a CEO and Founder at Volta Industries since January 2010. Scott is an entrepreneur with a passion for bringing future-focused technology to market faster. He has been named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Hawaii Venture Capital, Forty Under 40 by Pacific Business News, and Hawaii Business’ Twenty for the Next 20. Prior to Volta, Scott ran a vintage automotive restoration business and sold a restored 1967 Jaguar XKE to seed the beginnings of Volta. Scott currently drives a Brammo motorcycle, an electric Fiat, and occasionally a 1971 Alfa Romeo. Volta Charging is the largest free electric car-charging network in the United States. Offering brands powerful media platform to deliver their messages & make communities more sustainable. # # # #HawaiiVentureCapital #HawaiiSenate #RyanOzawa #HenkRogers #Glennwakai #BytemarksCafé #BurtLum #HawaiiOpenData #HawaiiInformationService #SmartYields #HawaiiPublicRadio #GeekBeat #Tetris #IanKitajima #Oceanit #JeffreyYu #Lometocpr #OneMeNet #Kineticor #PurpleMaia #DonavanKealoha #ScottMercer #VoltaIndustries #RozBaker #StanleyChang #DonovanDelaCruz #JKALANIENGLISH #WilliamEspero #MikeGabbard #BrickwoodGaluteria #JoshGreen #BreeneHarimoto #LesIhara #LorraineInouye #KaiKahele #GilbertKeithAgaran #MichelleKidani #lo #DonnaKim #RonKouchi #ClarenceNishihara #KarlRhoads #GilRiviere #RussellRuderman #MaileShimabukuro #BrianTaniguchi #LauraThielen #JillTokuda #GlennWakai

Hawai‘i State Senators were on hand to present the awards to the individuals and agencies who are leading the fight against invasive species throughout the state. The annual Hawai‘i Invasive Species Awareness Week (HISAW) Award winners are selected by the Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council (HISC) which was established in 2003 to provide policy level direction, coordination, and planning among international, federal, state, and county initiatives for the control and eradication of harmful invasive species throughout the state of Hawai‘i. Senator J. Kalani English presented the 2017 Community Hero award to The Pacific American Foundation (PAF) for their efforts to reduce invasive species impacts to the Waikalua Loko I‘a in Kāhe‘ohe, O‘ahu. During 2016, the PAF diligently worked to reduce the negative impacts of invasive species to the Waikalua Fishpond. “By positively engaging with the local community, the Foundation has shown an outstanding commitment to the continued protection and preservation of this historic community resource,” said Sen. English. Sen. English also presented the Community of Haiku Hill the award for Maui County MVP for their efforts to control coqui frogs on the Island of Maui. Over the last decade, the Haiku Hill community, made up of 39 property owners, has taken matters into their own hands by purchasing the resources needed to address coqui on Maui. Residents have sprayed over 1,600 gallons of citric acid throughout their neighborhood and spent countless hours keeping the coqui from spreading from their neighborhood. “Their efforts not only reduce the frog density in their community, but also helps to stop the spread of coqui to new areas,” said Sen. English. “Our responsibility as Legislators is to provide adequate funding to continue a steady fight against invasive species and help support communities such as Haiku Hill in their hard work to protect our environment.” Senator Mike Gabbard presented this year’s Greatest Hit award to Solomon Champion, whose sharp eyes spotted an immature Miconia calvescens during a routine aerial survey over O‘ahu. The miconia tree growing beneath the canopy on the leeward side of the Ko‘olau Range has been identified as the farthest documented tree within an intact native forest, as well as an extension into a new watershed. “By spotting this individual tree, Solomon has helped to protect the Waiawa watershed and prevent the spread of a highly invasive species,” said Sen. Gabbard. Sen. Gabbard also presented the 2017 O‘ahu MVP award to Mililani teacher Sandy Webb for her efforts to incorporate invasive species investigations into the Youth Envisioning Sustainable Futures (YES) Program. This interdisciplinary program she helped found with other teachers allows students to utilize the skills they develop in many of their classes to address problems in their community and build relevance into their educational experience. “By incorporating invasive species into her teaching, Sandy has encouraged her students to learn about relevant issues relating to invasive species impacts, and become part of the solution,” said Sen. Gabbard. Other HISC Award Winners are: Business Leader 2017: Serina Marchi, Seascapes Nursery on Kaua‘i, for her efforts to minimize the introduction and spread of invasive species. Hawai‘i County MVP: Carolyn Dillon for her outstanding community efforts in Holualoa and her work controlling Little Fire Ants on Hawai‘i Island. Hottest Pest Hotline Report: Shawn Baliaris for his efforts relating to reporting and stopping the spread of mongoose on Kaua‘i. Kaua‘i County MVP: Kawika Winter for his efforts to protect priority watershed areas and control the spread of invasive species on the island of Kaua‘i as part of his role as the Director of Limahuli Botanical Garden and Preserve. HISC is comprised of the Departments of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Agriculture (DOA), Health (DOH), Transportation (DOT), Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), and the University of Hawai‘i (UH). # # # #JKALANIENGLISH #MikeGabbard #Invasivespecies #PacificAmericanFoundation #HawaiiInvasiveSpeciesCouncil #SolomonChampion #SandyWebb #MililaniHighSchool

State legislators are debating measures that would require presidential candidates to publicly disclose their tax returns to qualify for the ballot. “For decades presidential candidates have publicly released their tax returns. The information is valuable to voters when they decide who to vote for President and Vice President. That’s why I introduced the Senate bill.” said Sen. Rhoads. President Trump, became the first President in recent years to refuse to release his tax documents to the public saying it's because of a current IRS audit. “Tax return information would provide some transparency there to give voters the assurance that they need that the president is acting on behalf of us,” said Kathleen Clyde, an Ohio state representative who recently introduced a version of the bill. “It is problematic that he is the only candidate in 30 or 40 years not to provide that information.” The Hawai'i Legislature becomes the first in the nation to pass bills requiring presidential candidates to release tax returns. #ChrisLee #KarlRhoads #PresentialTaxReturns

Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi and Senator Stanley Chang were on hand to recognize the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Counseling & Student Development Center (CSDC) Counselors-in-Residence (CIR) Team at a ceremony in the Executive Office of Governor Ige. The CIR team was honored with a proclamation for the impact the residents of this innovative program has had over the years. Initially starting from one CIR to now five, they live on-campus and are responsible for a plethora of duties, including providing counseling and support to residents and housing staff during emergency and crisis situations. Additionally, the CIR program also won the Region VI Innovative Program Award at the National Association Student Personnel Administrators 2016 Western Regional Conference. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor will also proclaim April 10-14, 2017, as "UH-Manoa Mental Health and Wellness Week." #UniversityofHawaii #JKalaniEnglish #NickRolovich #RonKouchi #StanleyChang #CSDS #CIR #DavidLassner #KaiKahele

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The respective bodies of the state legislature paused after their regular session today, to participate in the Hawai‘i Says NO MORE Week challenge. Organized by the Women’s Legislative Caucus, legislators from around the state held up the NO MORE placards with handwritten statements like, “NO MORE ‘Eha” (Hawaiian for sadness and hurt) and “NO MORE Bullying”. State Representative Della Au Belatti, one of the organizers for State House members said, "today's recognition by lawmakers of Hawai‘i Says NO MORE is important in breaking the social stigma surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault in Hawai‘i. As a community, we stand together to say no more to violence and say yes to creating a culture of respect and aloha." “The Hawai‘i Says No More campaign is about breaking that silence and challenging each of us to speak out about domestic violence, sex assault and other hurtful actions that impact the people we love,” said Senator Rosalyn Baker, co-convener for the Hawai‘i Women’s Legislative Caucus. “When we take a stand and take steps to make a change, we’re not only providing hope for the victims of these crimes, but also empowering future generations who will follow by positive example.” Hawai‘i State Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English echoed Senator Baker’s remarks by saying, “these issues affect people we love, our family members, our friends, sometimes they suffer in silence and we are here as their family, friends and legislators to say, we support you.” "Throughout this week, Hawai‘i Says NO MORE core team members have taken our message about ending end sexual assault and domestic violence to every corner of the state. We are grateful to our State legislators for their support of the Hawai'i Says NO MORE campaign and helping us raise awareness about these issues by participating in the Hawai’i Says NO MORE selfie challenge," said Maile Zambuto, National Chief Executive Officer of Joyful Heart Foundation. Hawai‘i Says NO MORE Week launched with the signing of a proclamation by Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the lighting of buildings throughout Honolulu, including Honolulu Hale. Bloomingdale’s Ala Moana will host an event this evening from 5-8pm with Honolulu based fashion designer Kini Zamora. Hawai‘i Says NO MORE t-shirts are available for $25 at Bloomingdale’s Ala Moana until Sunday. 100% of the proceeds of t-shirt sales will be donated benefit Hawai’i Says NO MORE efforts to end sexual assault and domestic violence. On Friday, Hawai‘i Says NO MORE invites all downtown offices and businesses to stop by Bishop Square during lunch hours (11am – 1pm) where eight versions of the Hawai‘i Say NO MORE print ads will be displayed on 8ft tall by 4ft wide cubes. Visitors to Bishop Square can engage in the campaign’s Hawai‘i Says NO MORE selfie challenge and pick up their free Hawai’i Says NO MORE car magnet. Kapolei Commons is displaying the NO MORE symbol and its buildings are lit in NO MORE blue through Sunday. Regal Kapolei Commons 12 will display Hawai‘i Says NO MORE print ads. Hawai‘i Says NO MORE car magnets are available at over 20 locations across the Hawai‘i. For locations, visit: hawaiisaysnomore.com/magnet. Businesses including AdWalls Hawai‘i, Bloomingdale's, Hagadone Printing, Kapolei Commons, Kobayashi Group, MacNaughton Group, Royal Theaters, and Wall-to-Wall Studios have also provided generous support to help raise visibility during Hawai‘i Says NO MORE Week. About Hawai‘i Says NO MORE | www.hawaiisaysnomore.org Hawaiʻi Says NO MORE is the local version of the national NO MORE public awareness and engagement campaign focused on ending domestic violence and sexual assault. Using the signature blue symbol to increase visibility and foster greater dialogue, Hawaiʻi Says NO MORE challenges the attitudes and behaviors that lead to this violence and promotes local values that reflect aloha, respect and our connections through ‘ohana. Facebook: @HawaiiSaysNOMORE Instagram: @HawaiiSaysNOMORE Twitter: HISaysNOMORE Hawai’i Says NO MORE Core Team Members: Catholic Charities of Hawai‘i, Child & Family Service, Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Hawai‘i State Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Joyful Heart Foundation, Parents And Children Together, Department of the Attorney General, Department of Human Services, The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Student Health and Wellness Programs, The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Office of Gender Equity, The University of Hawai‘i System: Office of Institutional Equity, Windward Spouse Abuse Shelter, Women Helping Women Maui and Lanaʻi, and YWCA O‘ahu. # # #

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Carrying on an honor that began in 2014, the newest members of the Hawai‘i State Senate were presented with lapel pins, which is a symbol of a members’ service in the Senate and to the people of the State of Hawai‘i. Senators Kaiali‘i Kahele, Karl Rhoads, and Stanley Chang were pinned during a presentation on the Senate floor. In conjunction with the 55 years of Statehood anniversary in 2014, current and past members of the Senate were presented with a special lapel pin. Pursuant to Senate Rule 91, the Senate pin shall only be worn by current or past members to whom it is presented. Senators Kahele, Rhoads, and Chang were elected to the Senate in 2016. #RonKouchi #JKALANIENGLISH #KarlRhoads #StanleyChang #KaiKahele #DonnaKim #MichelleKidani

Members of the Senate today honored MA‘O Organic Farms for their work towards building a healthy, sustainable and resilient community food system. Photo: Gary Maunakea-Forth, Co-founder and Farm Operations Dir., Kukui Maunakea-Forth, Co-founder and Exec. Dir., Kamuela Enos, Social Enterprises Dir., Derrik Parker, Farm Co-manager, Cheyanne Teixeria, Farm Co-manager, Taylor Freitas, Farm Co-manager. Established in 2001, MA‘O is an acronym for Mala (garden) ‘ai (food) ‘opio (youth) or youth food garden and its mission is to connect the relationship between the land and people, which will in turn return strengthen families and the community. MA‘O Farms trains new farmers and community leaders on its 23- acre certified organic farm in Wai‘anae. Through their program, young people aged 18-25 learn to co-manage the operations as they produce, process, market, and distribute a diverse array of high quality, organic fruits and vegetables. They work three days a week and go to college two days a week and the Farm pays for their tuition and also gives them $500 a month stipend to work on the farm. “I’ve heard and felt the passion in the voices of the students I’ve met in the program who want to do something good for their families and something positive for their community,” said Sen. Mike Gabbard, chair of the Senate committee on Agriculture and Environment. “In my humble opinion, who you are looking at today is the future of agriculture in Hawai‘i. It’s my sincere hope and dream that we replicate MA‘O Farms on each of the islands in Hawai‘i nei.” “Mahalo to MA‘O Farms for teaching our youth the value of aloha, respect, and the willingness to work hard and for connecting two of our most precious assets – our ‘āina, that which feeds us, and our ‘opio, our youth,” said Sen. Gabbard. Among MA‘O Farms most famous visitors was First Lady Michelle Obama who spent an afternoon touring the farm and meeting with the interns in November 2011. She recognized the Farm as a successful model for increasing awareness of and access to healthy eating options. Photo: Gary Maunakea-Forth, Co-founder and Farm Operations Dir., Kukui Maunakea-Forth, Co-founder and Exec. Dir., Kamuela Enos, Social Enterprises Dir., Derrik Parker, Farm Co-manager, Cheyanne Teixeria, Farm Co-manager, Taylor Freitas, Farm Co-manager. #HawaiiSenate #RozBaker #StanleyChang #DonovanDelaCruz #JKALANIENGLISH #WilliamEspero #MikeGabbard #BrickwoodGaluteria #JoshGreen #BreeneHarimoto #LesIhara #LorraineInouye #KaiKahele #GilbertKeithAgaran #MichelleKidani #DonnaKim #RonKouchi #ClarenceNishihara #KarlRhoads #GilRiviere #RussellRuderman #MaileShimabukuro #BrianTaniguchi #LauraThielen #JillTokuda #Glennwakai #MaoOrganicFarms #KukuiMaunakea #KamuelaEnos #DerrikParker #CheyanneTeixeria #TaylorFreitas #GaryMaunakeaForth

Measures approved include assistance in affordable housing, strengthen oversight in child care, expand health care services, increase environmental protections, support economic development HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Hawai‘i State Senators today approved 318 bills on third reading. Sixty-six bills were approved earlier on third reading for a total of 384 measures that have been transmitted to the House for consideration. The bills align with the 2017 Senate Legislative Program the Senate Majority recognized as priorities ahead of session convening. “Before the start of the legislative session, Senators worked collaboratively to set out and establish the top concerns for each of our districts and for the State. The Legislative Program provides a directive of how to move forward to achieve our initiatives that will improve the quality of life in our communities and our state,” said Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English. “Many of these principals are embedded in the bills being transmitted to the House.” The following are a few of the measures to pass on third reading: Ola Lehulehu (People and Communities) Affordability S.B. No. 964, S.D. 1 Establishes that emergency shelters may provide partitioned space for homeless persons or families based upon guidelines determined by the department of human services. Extends the effective date for Act 234, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2016, by one year. S.B. No. 1244, S.D. 2 Authorizes qualified nonprofit housing trusts to repurchase affordable units developed with government assistance when a government entity waives its first right of refusal to repurchase the unit. Authorizes counties to waive a first right of refusal to repurchase a privately-developed affordable housing unit built pursuant to a unilateral agreement or similar instrument. S.B. No. 912, S.D. 2 Expands the Down Payment Loan Program to provide greater assistance for eligible borrowers to become first-time homebuyers. S.B. No. 2, S.D. 2 Requires the auditor to conduct a study to assess the impact of using medicaid funds to provide coverage for the treatment for homelessness. Requires the auditor to submit a report to the legislature. Education S.B. No. 683, S.D. 2 Proposes amendments to the Constitution of the State of Hawai‘i to advance the State's goal of providing a public education for the children of Hawai‘i by authorizing the legislature to establish, as provided by law, a surcharge on residential investment property and visitor accommodations. S.B. No. 686, S.D. 2 Establishes an education surcharge on residential investment properties and visitor accommodations for the purpose of funding public education. S.B. No. 500, S.D. 2 Establishes the R.E.A.C.H (resources for enrichment, athletics, culture, and health) program in the Department of Education's community engagement office to provide a standardized framework and funding for after-school programs in public middle and intermediate schools. Requires the community engagement office to report to the legislature. Establishes that the R.E.A.C.H. program will be run by a program specialist to be appointed by the governor. Establishes a special fund to receive fees and other moneys to supplement the costs of administering and operating the R.E.A.C.H. program. Social Services S.B. No. 534, S.D. 2 Requires the executive office on aging to establish the kupuna caregivers program to assist community members in obtaining care for elders while remaining in the workforce. Makes establishment of the kupuna care program mandatory rather than discretionary. Clarifies the kupuna service and support options provided by area agencies on aging within the kupuna care program. Appropriates funds for establishing and implementing the kupuna caregivers program. Health Care S.B. No. 1129, S.D. 2 Establishes a medical aid in dying act that establishes a regulatory process under which an adult resident of the State with a medically confirmed terminal disease may obtain a prescription for medication to be self-administered to end the patient's life. S.B. No. 384, S.D. 2 Authorizes and establishes procedures and criteria for prescriptive authority for clinical psychologists who meet specific education, training, and registration requirements, including requiring prescribing psychologists to adhere to all applicable statutory regulations. Requires the board of psychology to report to the legislature prior to the regular session of 2021. S.B. No. 347, S.D. 1 Appropriates funds for establishing, staffing, and operating two mobile clinics to serve the homeless population. S.B. No. 1312, S.D. 2 Establishes the board of midwifery to regulate the practice of midwifery by certified midwives and certified professional midwives. Requires licensing of certified midwives and certified professional midwives to commence beginning on July 1, 2020. Requires the department of commerce and consumer affairs to convene a working group of interested stakeholders and submit a report to the legislature. S.B. No. 380 Permits licensed dental hygienists in the State to operate under general, rather than direct, supervision of a licensed dentist. S.B. No. 510, S.D. 2 Formally establishes the Hawai‘i keiki healthy and ready to learn program within the Department of Education. Establishes a special fund and appropriates moneys to expand and sustain the program and for an evidence-based vision screening tool. Appropriates funds to establish school health service coordinator positions in DOH and DHS. Food Security S.B. No. 624, SD2 Requires the Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the office of the Governor, to develop a strategic plan to double local food production and exports by 2020. Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit the strategic plan to the legislature prior to the regular session of 2018 in order to codify the strategic plan and benchmarks. Makes an appropriation. Aloha Kaiāulu Ho‘oulu (Preparedness) Community Development S.B. No. 640, S.D. 2 Establishes a model project at a location selected by DLNR to designate areas for planting and growing coconut trees for Hawaiian traditional and customary gathering practices. Appropriates funds for the model project. S.B. No. 1200, S.D. 2 Appropriates funds to the department of accounting and general services to create a master plan and environmental impact statement for the construction of a new Aloha Stadium. S.B. No. 1148, S.D. 2 Appropriates moneys for the executive director of the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority to conduct a feasibility study regarding: (1) the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority assuming the role of planning, developing, and redeveloping all state-owned lands, except lands administered by the Hawai‘i public housing authority, within one mile of the Honolulu rail transit system; and (2) creating a new community development district along the Honolulu rail corridor. Requires report to legislature. S.B. No. 1183, S.D. 2 Repeals the requirement that 10% of revenues from the county surcharge on state tax be withheld to reimburse the State for administrative costs. Sunsets if an ordinance that allows the capital costs of a rapid transportation system to be paid from county funds is not enacted before December 31, 2017. Requires the mayor of the county to submit certain plans with respect to the rapid transportation system. S.B. No. 767, S.D. 2 Establishes the high-growth grant program and special fund to provide grants to qualified businesses for certain business development activities. Makes appropriations. Government Services S.B. No. 334, S.D. 2 Enacts voting by mail uniformly across all counties for all elections commencing in 2020. Establishes a limited number of voter service centers that would remain open from the tenth business day preceding an election through the day of the election to receive personal delivery of mail-in ballots, accommodate voters with special needs, offer same day registration and voting, and provide other election services. Allows for additional places of deposit for personal delivery of mail-in ballots. Appropriates funds for the implementation and administration of the election by mail program. S.B. No. 655, S.D. 2 Allows the news media, under certain conditions, to access areas that are closed pursuant to emergency management powers of the governor and mayor. Limits the liability of the State and counties. Specifies that the State, counties, and emergency management authority are not responsible for providing logistical support to media accessing emergency areas. S.B. No. 511, S.D. 2 Requires DHS to publish reports of child care facility inspections beginning on 1/1/2018, and complaint investigations on DHS's website. Creates an oversight committee for implementation of and compliance with publication requirements. Requires annual reporting to the Legislature. Makes an appropriation. S.B. No. 21, S.D. 2 Increases monetary penalties for violating the laws relating to child care facilities. Authorizes the Department of Human Services to refer to the attorney general or respective county prosecutor any intentional, knowing, or reckless violation of the laws relating to child care facilities or certain criminal offenses. S.B. No. 522, S.D. 1 Strengthens the safe sleep policy for child care facilities for children less than one year of age, including requiring placement of children on their backs for sleeping and establishing notice and annual training requirements; requires such facilities to report death of a child, employee, or household member, within one day of occurrence, to DHS. Financial Analysis S.B. No. 1290, S.D. 2 Repeals the requirement that a certain amount of the allocation of transient accommodations tax revenues to the tourism special fund be used for the development and implementation of initiatives to take advantage of expanded visa programs and increased travel opportunities for international visitors to Hawai‘i. Increases the allocation to the counties from $93,000,000 to $108,000,000 for fiscal years beginning after 6/30/2017. S.B. No. 382, S.D. 2 Makes various updates to the structure and operations of the public utilities commission to increase efficiency and effectiveness, including: establishing guiding principles; establishing docket review and decision-making processes; permitting teleconference and videoconference abilities; specifying senior staff members who must file public financial disclosures; beginning 01/01/18, increasing the number of commissioners to five; updating the composition of the commission; specifying training requirements; clarifying commissioners' ability to appoint and employ staff; clarifying the roles of the executive officer and chief counsel; permitting neighbor island members to receive per diem compensation and compensation for travel expenses; requiring the commission to report to the legislature regarding certain staff duties; and requiring a management audit of the commission. Aloha Honua (Climate Change and Energy) Environment S.B. No. 1150, S.D. 2 Prohibits the use or application of sunscreen, sunblock, or cosmetic containing oxybenzone while on a beach or in the ocean unless the sunscreen, sunblock, or cosmetic is a prescription drug. S.B. No. 700, S.D. 1 Amends the offense of cruelty to animals in the first degree to include indigenous birds. S.B. No. 1239, S.D. 1 Appropriates funds for research on prevention and mitigation of Rapid Ohia Death. Sustainability S.B. No. 352, S.D. 1 Appropriates moneys to and from the agricultural loan revolving fund. S.B. No. 803, S.D. 2 Establishes an income tax credit to assist farmers with expenses associated with compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act. Establishes the Food Safety Modernization Act special fund. S.B. No. 612, S.D. 2 Repeals language requiring documentation of animal feed development costs to be effective for feed development costs incurred after July 1, 2016. Appropriates unspecified funds to the Department of Agriculture for the feed developer grant program and reimbursements to qualified producers for feed costs. S.B. No. 559, S.D. 1 Enacts relevant provisions of the Paris Agreement as Hawai‘i state law. Requires annual reports. Makes an appropriation. Pono Kaulike (Transforming Justice) Rehabilitation S.B. No. 1039, S.D. 2 Requires PSD to work with the Social Security Administration to enter into an agreement to obtain replacement social security cards for inmates. Requires PSD, in conjunction with DOH, DOT, and the examiner of drivers of each county, to provide Hawaii-born inmates with copies of birth certificates and driver's licenses or civil ID cards free of charge. Requires PSD to assist inmates born outside of Hawai‘i to obtain birth certificates and photo IDs. Requires PSD to initiate the process of obtaining social security cards, birth certificates, driver's licenses, and civil ID cards at least ninety days prior to release for inmates released to work furlough, extended furlough, or community placement programs. Public safety S.B. No. 221, S.D. 2 Establishes the photo red light imaging detector systems program. Authorizes counties to administer the program. Requires proceeds of fines to be expended in the county from which they were collected for operation of the program. Makes an appropriation. Establishes Red Light Running Committee. S.B. No. 518, S.D. 2 Requires barber, beauty operator, and instructor licensees under the board of barbering and cosmetology to complete a one-time, three-hour training program on intimate partner violence awareness and education. S.B. No. 664 Increases fines for persons who commit the offense of driving a motor vehicle at an excessive speed. S.B. No. 421, S.D. 2 Establishes requirements for body-worn cameras for law enforcement officers. Establishes policy guidelines for the use and discontinuance of use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement officers. Establishes certain restrictions on the use of body-worn cameras by on-duty law enforcement officers. Adds retention and deletion requirements for body-worn camera footage. Prohibits certain uses of body-worn camera video footage. Establishes violations of recording and retention requirements. Appropriates funds as a grant-in-aid to each county for the purchase of body-worn video cameras; provided that no funds appropriated to a county shall be expended unless matched dollar-for-dollar by the county. Requires the county police departments to report costs of implementing and maintaining the body-worn camera program to the legislature. S.B. No. 424, S.D. 1 Requires police departments to disclose to the Legislature the identity of an officer upon the officer's discharge or second suspension in a five-year period. Requires disclosure of certain information under the Uniform Information Practices Act after a police officer's second suspension in a five-year period. S.B. No. 261, S.D. 1 Prohibits smoking in a motor vehicle in which a person under the age of eighteen is present. Requires the Department of Health to report on the enforceability of this Act and coordination of related data collection activities of the respective law enforcement agencies. S.B. No. 494, S.D. 2 Requires persons charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant or habitually operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant to be fitted with a continuous alcohol monitoring device if the person: (1) has a prior conviction for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant or habitually operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant within the past five years; or (2) is currently pending criminal investigation or prosecution for one or more prior charges of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant or habitually operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. Establishes a process for certain persons to receive financial relief for the cost of the monitoring devices. S.B. No. 898, S.D. 2 Allows law enforcement to seize and retain firearms or ammunition owned, possessed, or controlled by a person who poses a serious risk of violence or harm to public safety, pursuant to court order. A complete list of bills passed by the Senate to date is available at www.capitol.hawaii.gov # # # #medicalaidindying #deathwithdignity #thirdreading

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The Hawai‘i State Senate today gave their consent on Governor Ige’s nominees to the Department of Human Services, Intermediate Court of Appeals Court, and three Judges to the First Circuit Court – O‘ahu. In a unanimous decision, Senators confirmed Pankaj Bhanot as the Director of the Department of Human Services (DHS). Bhanot received a BA in political science and a law degree from the University of Delhi. He graduated in 1991 with an LL.M. degree from Cornell University, School of Law. His career in human and social services began in August 1998 as the Family Development Director with the Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity. Bhanot went on the serve as a program specialist with the state DHS Employment and Child Care Program Office of the Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division and the Employment and Child Care Program Administrator. He most recently served as DHS Deputy Director before being appointed to lead the department. The Senate also voted to consent to Derrick H.M. Chan as an Associate Judge to the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Chan was appointed as a Circuit Court Judge in August 2000. Prior to this, he was the First Deputy Prosecutor for the County of Kaua‘i. He also served as an attorney for the Hawai‘i Carpenters Union, as Deputy Public Defender for the state, law clerk to Judge Wilfred Watanabe, and Deputy Attorney General for the state. Chan is a 1985 graduate of California Western School of Law. Chan will fill the vacancy created by the retirement in December 2016 of former Associate Judge Daniel R. Foley. “Throughout his tenure, Judge Chan has cemented a reputation for diligence, hard work and integrity, as well as decisiveness, courage, and street smarts which allows him to “cut to the chase,’” said Sen. Gilbert Keith-Agaran (Dist. 5- Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului), chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor. “With Judge Chan’s background, character, quiet passion, and even-keeled demeanor, he will be a very good addition to Hawai‘i’s appellate courts.” Senators gave their unanimous consent to Catherine H. Remigio to the First Circuit Court. Remigio most recently served as Family Court judge after being appointed in 2011. Prior to that, she served in the Judiciary as a Per Diem District Court Judge and Circuit Court Grand Jury Counsel. Remigio has also practiced law in several private firms, including as a partner at Bryant & Remigio, LLC. She served as a deputy public defender for the State of Hawai‘i and as a law clerk to Judges Thomas K. Kaulukukui, Jr. and Eden Elizabeth Hifo in the First Circuit Court. Remigio is a Kamehameha Schools graduate and received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and earned her juris doctorate at the William S. Richardson School of Law in 1992. Remigio replaces former Circuit Judge Steven S. Alm who retired in August 2016. “Thoughtful, considerate, smart and well-prepared is how others have described Judge Remigio,” said Sen. Keith-Agaran. “Judge Remigio’s strong background and character, steady demeanor, and determination promise that she will be a solid addition to the First Circuit Court,” said Sen. Keith-Agaran. The State Senate also unanimously approved the appointment of Keith K. Hiraoka to the First Circuit Court. Hiraoka has practiced law for the last 34 years, focusing on insurance coverage and defense. He has tried cases before juries, judges and arbitrators, participated in many mediations and briefed and argued appeals before the Hawai‘i Supreme Court, the Intermediate Court of Appeals and the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Hiraoka is a graduate of the University Hawai‘i at Mānoa and earned his juris doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law in 1983. Hiraoka fills the vacancy created by the retirement in June 2016 of former Circuit Judge Karen S.S. Ahn. “Mr. Hiraoka’s background, character, professionalism, and demeanor promise that he will be a very good addition to the circuit court, the busiest circuit in Hawai‘i’s legal system,” said Sen. Keith-Agaran. The State Senate unanimously voted to consent to Todd Eddins joining the First Circuit Court. Eddins graduated from the College of William & Mary and the William S. Richardson School of Law, where he was the executive editor of the University of Hawai‘i Law Review. He served as a law clerk to Justice Yoshimi Hayashi of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. Eddins worked as a trial lawyer at the Office of the Public Defender for more than ten years. In private practice he has concentrated on complex civil, criminal, and appellate litigation. Eddins fills the vacancy created by the retirement of former Circuit Judge Richard K. Perkins in June 2016. “Mr. Eddins brings to the bench nearly 25 years of experience from the criminal bar and as a trial lawyer, where he has distinguished himself as one of the top defense lawyers in our state,” said Sen. Keith-Agaran. “Clearly, he has the background, character and demeanor to be a very good addition to the first Circuit Court.” The term of office for the judgeships is for ten years. Photos courtesy: Senate Communications # # # #JKALANIENGLISH #RonKouchi #Glennwakai #StanleyChang #HawaiiSenate #DonovanDelaCruz #MikeGabbard #RozBaker #WilliamEspero #BreeneHarimoto #LesIhara #LorraineInouye #KaiKahele #GilbertKeithAgaran #MichelleKidani #DonnaMercadoKim #ClarenceNishihara #KarlRhoads #GilRiviere #RussellRuderman #MaileShimabukuro #LauraThielen #BrianTaniguchi #JillTokuda #PankajBhanot #DerrickHMChan #CatherineHRemigio #KeithKHiraoke #ToddEddins

The Hawai‘i State Senate welcomed Senator Dan Blue from North Carolina to the Senate chamber. Senator Blue is the current President of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). NCSL is a non-governmental organization that provides communication and policy innovation to state legislatures nationwide. Senator Blue earned a law degree from Duke University Law School, before being elected as a State Representative in 1980 to the North Carolina General Assembly. He spent 22 years in the House prior to his election in the Senate, where he currently serves as Senate Minority Leader. To add to his list of accomplishments, Senator Blue is also the recipient of nine honorary doctorate degrees, and has served as Chair of the Duke University Board of Trustees. #Glennwakai #StanleyChang #HawaiiSenate #KarlRhoads #BrianTaniguchi #MikeGabbard #JillTokuda #KaiKahele #GilbertKeithAgaran #LesIhara #RozBaker #ClarenceNishihara #LauraThielen #RussellRuderman #BreeneHarimoto #DonnaKim #JKALANIENGLISH

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i - The Hawai‘i State Senate today recognized President John Yukio Gotanda, who is the fifth President of Hawai‘i Pacific University (HPU) on the floor of the Senate chamber. Gotanda was born and raised in Honolulu and is a graduate of Roosevelt High School. He attended the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and the William S. Richardson School of Law. Gotanda worked as a staff attorney with the United States Court of Appeals in District Columbia before joining the faculty at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law in Philadelphia. While there, he served as Professor of Law, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean for Faculty Research, Director of the J.D./M.B.A. Program, and Dean of the Law School. Gotanda is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts in international law, and is widely cited by international and national organizations, including the U.S. Supreme Court. He also shares his knowledge worldwide as a guest speaker including at The Hague Academy of International Law in the Netherlands. Gotanda brings his vast experience and professionalism home to Hawai‘i and HPU, where he intends on achieving the university’s vision of becoming a leading institution of higher education. # # # #JohnKotanda #HPU #HawaiiPacificUniversity #RonKouchi #JillTokuda #RozBaker #ClarenceNishihara #LauraThielen #BrianTaniguchi #KaiKahele #JoshGreen #Glennwakai #WilliamEspero #LesIhara #Jr #LorraineInouye #StanleyChang #GilRiviere #JKALANIENGLISH #DonnaMercadoKim #BreeneHarimoto #RussellRuderman #MikeGabbard #BrickwoodGaluteria #MaileShimabukuro #MichelleKidani