In a landmark move aimed at bolstering economic resilience and promoting local industries, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature has successfully passed HB2144 HD1 SD2 CD1 , a bill focused on expanding value-added production throughout the Aloha State.  The bill now goes to Governor Josh Green to sign into law.   The passage of HB2144 HD1 SD2 CD1 underscores the Hawaiʻi Legislature's commitment to fostering a vibrant and diverse economy that benefits all residents of the state and marks a significant milestone in Hawaiʻi's efforts to diversify its economy, improve access to locally sourced foods and support local entrepreneurs.  By prioritizing value-added production, the state aims to capitalize on its unique resources and expertise, fostering innovation and sustainability in key sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.   HB2144 requires the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health to amend the definition of "homemade food products" in its Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules, and to adopt certain rules regarding the sale and delivery of homemade food products, which pragmatically expands opportunities for cottage food producers and consumers without compromising food safety. By broadening the types of shelf-stable food that can be sold and where producers can sell them, the bill ensures that local entrepreneurs have the chance to thrive while maintaining high standards of food safety.  The provisions included in HB2144 underscores Hawaiʻi's commitment to supporting its cottage food industry while prioritizing consumer welfare.   Representative Kirstin Kahaloa (D-6 Hōnaunau, Nāpō‘opo‘o, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Hōlualoa, Kailua-Kona ), the introducer of HB2144, expressed her enthusiasm for the positive impact it will have on Hawaiʻi's economy and communities. "Today's passage of HB2144 is a triumph for Hawaiʻi's economic diversification and local entrepreneurship. As a representative from the vibrant community of Kona, I've witnessed firsthand the ingenuity and dedication of our local producers. This bill is a testament to their hard work and vision. By expanding opportunities for value-added production and cottage food businesses, HB2144 will not only showcase the richness of our island's resources but also create avenues for economic growth and resilience. I commend my colleagues for their support of this vital legislation, which will undoubtedly benefit Hawaiʻi for generations to come."   "I am immensely proud of the passage of HB2144, especially considering its humble origins from local producers in South Kona," said Senate Majority Leader Dru Mamo Kanuha (D-3 Kona, Kaʻū, Volcano ), who introduced the companion measure in the Senate.  "This legislation represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to empower local entrepreneurs and bolster Hawai'i's economy. By supporting value-added production and cottage food businesses, we are not only harnessing the abundant resources of our islands but also providing much-needed opportunities for our communities to thrive. I am confident that HB2144 will pave the way for a brighter future for Hawaiʻi and its residents."   “HB2144 is a great step forward for our statewide cottage food industry,” says Ken Love, President of the Hawai‘i Master Food Preservers, who led community advocacy efforts for the measure throughout the legislative session. “It promises to help producers and growers be more sustainable while creating local food industry employment and alternatives to imported brands. Mahalo nui loa to Senators Kanuha and Gabbard and Representative Kahaloa.”   “This bill will provide more opportunities for fruit growers to sell raw produce for use in value-added products such as jams, jellies, syrups and sauces,” says Mark Suiso, president of Hawai‘i Tropical Fruit Growers. “Ultimately, it enables Hawai‘i to better feed our community.”   As Hawaiʻi continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century economy, today's legislative action stands as a testament to the State's vision to build a brighter future for generations to come.  Following today's votes, HB2144 was transmitted to Governor Josh Green for final consideration.  The Governor has until July 10, 2024, to act on the measure.

In an historic response to increased awareness and concern about the invasive species crisis in our state, and the need to eradicate the widespread damage they cause statewide, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature voted unanimously to pass House Bill 2619 HD1 SD1 CD1  in a final reading in both the Senate and House  last Wednesday.   The bill explicitly requires   the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) to lead and coordinate the State's invasive pest control and biosecurity efforts. It also requires the HDOA to post on its website real-time updates on pest infestations, including date, location, actions performed, and names of staff and organizations involved, so that the public knows exactly who to contact at the HDOA, if the problem isn’t being addressed. The bill also provides funding to each county as a grant-in-aid, subject to a county match, for the implementation of feral chicken control programs.   The bill commits nearly $20 million to the HDOA to assist in  the administration and implementation of their Biosecurity Program, including forty-four new positions. The bill also adds twenty-two new Plant Quarantine Branch inspectors to oversee plant materials, which is critical in order to mitigate the transportation of these invasive pests.   In his eighth year as the Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee Chair, Senator Mike Gabbard , who introduced the companion bill ( SB2419 ) in the Senate, said, “I’m excited to see this biosecurity bill on its way to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. I applaud WAM Chair, Senator Dela Cruz and his staff, and his counterpart, House FIN Chair Yamashita, the Legislature, HDOA, and all the farming/ranching/agriculture stakeholders who collaborated to craft this comprehensive Biosecurity package that reflects the extreme urgency of this critical issue. After many years of demanding our state do more to support agriculture and help the people of Hawai‘i regarding invasive species, we’re finally putting our money where our mouth is. In my humble opinion, this bill is a masterpiece… indeed, it’s been a long time coming.”   Under current law, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, the HDOA is required to implement a comprehensive biosecurity program to control and prevent increasing threats of pests and prohibited or restricted organisms without a permit from spreading throughout the State. While inspections are critical, increasing the State’s ability to prevent the entry of high-risk products would enhance its ability to mitigate and manage invasive pests. This is vitally important not only to protect the State’s fragile environment, but also to grow Hawaiʻi’s local agricultural industries and to increase levels of self-sufficiency and sustainability.     “This year, th e Legislature has made significant investments in biosecurity to protect our land and natural resources, which reinforces the urgency of safeguarding our environment against invasive pests that endanger Hawaiʻi's native species and communities. Designating a centralized agency to bolster the defense of our lands and shores will protect our natural habitat and preserve the well-being of our state,” said House Committee on Finance Chair Kyle T. Yamashita (D-12, Upcountry Maui).   “This bill honors the work of former State Representative Clift Tsuji, who fought tirelessly for biosecurity during his tenure as the House Agriculture Committee Chair,” said Representative Kirstin Kahaloa  (D-6, Hōnaunau, Nāpō‘opo‘o, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Hōlualoa, Kailua-Kona). “It recommits Hawaiʻi to protecting its environment, food security, and way of life against invasive species by placing the leadership of all biosecurity efforts on the Department of Agriculture. It funds nearly $20 million in staffing and programming to manage and eradicate invasive species like coconut rhinoceros beetles, little fire ants, two-lined spittle bugs, and more. This legislation will let our keiki play free without the fear of being bitten by little fire ants. It will keep our picturesque Hawaiian scenes with coconut trees proudly displayed across Hawaiʻi.  This effort helps our state make biosecurity a priority.”   HB 2619 will advance to the Governor’s desk for consideration.

On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature unanimously passed   Senate Bill 2305 SD2 HD2 CD1  to establish a Silver Alert Program to help locate and safeguard missing persons who are particularly vulnerable, including community members who are elderly or are cognitively impaired or developmentally disabled.   “Establishing a Silver Alert program will provide many benefits to our community and especially for our kūpuna who go missing,” said Senator Brandon Elefante (Senate District 16, ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City), introducer of SB 2305. “I am grateful to collaborate with Representative Cory Chun who introduced the House companion bill and all the advocates who have supported this bill throughout the legislative process. With an aging population in Hawaiʻi, this is an important tool that can be used to locate our kūpuna.”   More than half of states nationwide have established Silver Alert programs modeled after the AMBER Alert program. There are many emergency situations where the use of these broadcast systems could save lives by helping to identify missing individuals with cognitive impairments, or developmental disabilities, or who are the elderly.  However, there is currently no statutory process that requires its use.   “The Silver Alert is a step forward in prioritizing safety for our kūpuna and vulnerable individuals.  Losing a loved one who wanders off can be the most terrifying situation for families and caregivers, but today we are not only giving them hope – but also the tools needed to locate their loved ones,” said Representative Cory Chun (House District 35, Portions of Pearl City and Waipahu, Crestview.) “I want to thank the Alzheimer's Association of Hawaiʻi for championing this measure along with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Executive Office on Aging, as well as many other community and governmental agencies who have supported this cause for years.”   SB 2305 now advances to the Governor’s desk for consideration.

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  – Recent investigations and reports of sexual abuse, physical assault, and other forms of harassment committed against students at public and private preschools and K-12 campuses throughout the State have exposed a loophole allowing keiki to be harmed. Predatory school personnel involved in these offenses have been reported as switching schools to harm new children by taking advantage of the inability of educational institutions to share information with one another.   This year, to close this loophole and prevent these individuals from serving in any capacity that requires interaction with or close proximity to students, the Hawaiʻi Legislature unanimously passed  Senate Bill 2475 CD1 . SB2475 CD1 creates the Harm to Students registry for all preschools and K-12 educational institutions within the State. With the goal of preventing predatory individuals from subsequently gaining employment in any other public or private preschools and K-12 institutions in  Hawaiʻi , this registry will contain information on school employees, contractors, or volunteers for whom, as a result of an investigation, a final finding has been issued that the individual has inflicted harm on a student.   “The most important role of the Legislature is protecting our keiki. Our students have a right to pursue their education in safe, secure, and healthy learning environments statewide, and closing this loophole helps ensure that right,” said Senator Michelle N. Kidani, who serves as the Senate Vice President and Chair of Senate Committee on Education (District 18, Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia). “Thanks to collaboration and support from our Department of Education and other educators and associations, SB2475 CD1 will make our schools a safer place.”   During the legislative session, drafts of SB2475 received support from a wide cross section of education professionals, including the Department of Education, the State Public Charter School Commission, the Hawaiʻi Teachers Standards Board, the Early Learning Board, the Executive Office on Early Learning, Kamehameha Schools, Punahou School, the Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools, and Hawaiʻi Council of Private Schools.   "The registry created under SB2475 would be an invaluable tool for both public and private schools, allowing us to share critical information and make informed employment decisions that prioritize the safety and protection of our children," said Superintendent Keith Hayashi. “We are very appreciative to the Education Committees and the Legislature for supporting this bill, as it would significantly enhance our ability to maintain healthy and secure learning environments."    SB2475 CD1 is currently being considered by Governor Green to be signed into law. If approved by the Governor, SB2475 CD1 would go into effect on July 1, 2024.   ###

Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) released the following statement thanking Governor Josh Green for releasing $150,000 for the construction, improvements, and maintenance of the main office building of the Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council (HCEOC).   “I am proud to secure these funds to support the HCEOC and would like to extend my gratitude to Governor Green for releasing them. These funds will be utilized to upgrade and maintain the infrastructure of HCEOC’s main office, ensuring it remains a central hub for delivering essential services to residents in Hawaiʻi County,” said Senator Inouye. “These improvements aim to provide a more conducive environment for staff and clients, ultimately enhancing the HCEOC’s capacity to serve the community effectively. This investment will strengthen our community’s infrastructure and empower HCEOC to continue its critical mission of fostering economic opportunity and supporting local families.”

Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) released the following statement thanking Governor Josh Green for releasing $3,600,000 to finance the construction costs for lighting and fire suppression improvements at Pier 4, Hilo Harbor.   “I am pleased and grateful to announce that Governor Green has released the funds for essential lighting and fire suppression improvements at Pier 4 in Hilo Harbor. Investing in our harbor infrastructure is paramount to maintaining the safety, efficiency, and economic vitality of our ports,” said Senator Inouye. “Hilo Harbor is a critical hub for commerce and transportation on the Big Island, and these enhancements will help safeguard its operations and support our long-term economic growth.”

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  – Today, Governor Josh Green signed Senate Bill 2305  into law, establishing a Silver Alert Program within the Department of Law Enforcement. SB 2305 implements a Silver Alert Program to help locate and safeguard missing persons who are sixty-five years of age or older, cognitively impaired, or developmentally disabled. “Establishing a Silver Alert Program will provide many benefits to our community and especially for our kūpuna who go missing,” said Senator Brandon J.C. Elefante (Senate District 16, ʻAiea, ʻAiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City). “I’d like to thank Governor Green as well as the community for all their hard work and support to get this important measure passed into law.”   More than half of states nationwide have established Silver Alert Programs modeled after the AMBER Alert Program to help identify missing individuals. T his law helps to provide immediate information to the public, facilitate a prompt response, and enhance the chances of locating a missing individual.   Representative Cory Chun (House District 35, Portions of Pearl City and Waipahu, Crestview) authored SB 2305’s companion bill, House Bill 1774 . “I want to thank Governor Green for signing SB 2305 into law today and prioritizing and protecting kūpuna and our most vulnerable community members,” said Representative Chun.

This week, members of Hawaiʻi State government are in the Washington D.C. attending the National Forum on Education Policy hosted by the Education Commission of the States. Hawaiʻi State Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (District 17 – Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), Deputy Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism Dane Wicker, and Leeward Community College Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza are all representing Hawaiʻi on the national stage. The three-day event from July 10th to 12th brings together state education policy leaders from all around the country to discuss and address the most pressing issues in state education policy.   In representing Hawaiʻi, Senator Dela Cruz, Deputy Director Wicker, and Chancellor Peñaloza collaborated to present “Connecting Workforce Development and Regional Strengths for Economic Prosperity.” The three panelists shared with attendees how Hawaiʻi is leveraging regional advantages and creating pathways for workforce development to revitalize and grow the state’s economy.   Senator Dela Cruz highlighted Central Oʻahu as a case study for how regional economic growth can be achieved through agriculture. With state investment Central Oʻahu is building the supports for an economic ecosystem that will drive and support growth. Senator Dela Cruz explained that “to achieve the goal of regional economic development, we are building the foundations that will make that vision possible. As a key foundation, workforce development at various levels is integral to preparing for, planning, and supporting economic growth and activity.”   The nexus of workforce development and regional strengths can be seen in the new Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC), a collaboration between Leeward Community College (Leeward CC) and the State of Hawaiʻi. Chancellor Peñaloza presented on the WVAPDC and Leeward CC’s associated educational programs to support workforce development in the agriculture industry. “With the revitalization of industries, we need a strong, skilled workforce to meet job demand. I am so excited about the role that community colleges can play in providing educational programs to develop entrepreneurs who can thrive in, and support, an economic ecosystem,” said Chancellor Peñaloza.   These efforts to scale and grow agriculture in Central Oʻahu are part of a broader mission to make an economically sustainable Hawaiʻi. Deputy Director Wicker illustrated, “strengthening and diversifying the economy is key to the prosperity of future generations in Hawaiʻi. By investing in sectors with high growth potential, like value-added product development, and by investing in infrastructure, facilities, and equipment, we can establish and expand small businesses. This will not only diversify our local economy but also help reverse brain drain, ensuring an economically sustainable future for our State.”   With the insights of Senator Dela Cruz, Deputy Director Wicker, and Chancellor Peñaloza, participants in D.C. got to hear about the exciting developments happening in the Aloha State. On the national stage, they demonstrated a model not only for economic development across Hawaiʻi, but across the nation.

Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (D, Kau a‘i, Ni‘ihau) offers his heartfelt condolences to the family of Hawai‘i State Representative Mark Nakashima, who passed away on July 11, 2024, at the age of 61.   "Representative Nakashima was an unselfish public servant, who will be remembered for his wry sense of humor, easy going manner, and establishing the benchmark in dealing with life's adversities with quiet strength and resilience," said Senate President Kouchi. "My thoughts and prayers go out to his close friends and family, and hope they may find solace in these trying times."

Hilo, Hawaiʻi  – Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1, Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) is excited to announce that Governor Josh Green has released $30,000 in General Obligation bond funds to support a key project under the Hilo Waste-to-Wealth Economic Revitalization Program. This funding will help plan and upscale gorse-based livestock feed production on the east side of Hawaiʻi Island. The $30,000 will be used for detailed planning to ensure the Program’s success and longevity. This project highlights the strong partnership between the State, local communities, and farmers working together for a better future.   “I am excited that Governor Josh Green has committed these funds to such an important project,” said Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo). “I’d like to thank the Governor for releasing this funding, as it will allow us to take our gorse-based feed production to the next level, benefiting both our agriculture community and the environment. It’s a perfect example of how we can turn problems into opportunities.”

Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 - Kaua'i, Ni'ihau) issued the following statement regarding Governor Josh Green's July 9, 2024, letter regarding the vacant Senate District 22 seat:   "After reading Governor Green's July 9, 2024 letter, I do not agree that he does not have to fill the vacant Senate District 22 seat pursuant to HRS section 17(3)(1).   Contrary to Governor Green's assertion that "state law generally provides" for the governor to fill a senate vacancy, HRS section 17(3)(1) clearly and unambiguously states that "the governor shall" fill a senate vacancy within sixty calendar days from the start of the vacancy.   Governor Green states that he does not have to comply with state law because he does "not believe that the Legislature intended to require the Governor to select a senator within a specified timeframe when doing so would place the full weight of the Governor's office on the scales in favor of one candidate over the others."  Governor Green counterbalances his refusal to follow HRS section 17(3)(1) with Article I, Section 1 of the Hawai'i State Constitution citing that the "political power of this State is inherent in the people and the responsibility for the exercise thereof rests with the people."   The language in HRS 17(3)(1) is clear that the Legislature intended that the party of the vacating senator would have a say in providing three names to the governor to replace an outgoing senator.  Senator Shimabukuro's last day in the Senate was May 31, 2024 and I am informed that the Hawai'i Democratic Party sent three names to Governor Green on June 7, 2024 – more than one month ago.  By not filling the vacant Senate District 22 seat until after the primary elections on August 10, 2024 from names provided by the Democratic party, Governor Green is taking away the "political power" from the people of Senate District 22 and depriving them from having a Senator from the Democratic party for over two months.   Governor Green states that he "conferred with the Attorney General," not that he is acting upon the "legal advice of" the Attorney General and it is his "constitutional obligation to support free and fair elections" that is the driving force behind refusing to adhere to state law.   Governor Green's "constitutional obligation" is to comply with all state laws.

Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate voted to confirm the Governor’s Circuit Court appointments of Rebecca A. Copeland, Brian A. Costa, Dyan M. Medeiros, and Steven R. Nichols to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit (island of Oʻahu). Earlier in the week, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on each appointment, and all testimony received for Copeland, Costa, Medeiros, and Nichols was in support of their appointments. Each of the new judges was deemed “Qualified” by the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association. “All four appointees demonstrated the experience, curiosity, and commitment required of a judge,” said Senator Karl Rhoads (Senate District 13, Dowsett Highlands, Puʻunui, Nuʻuanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown), Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. “After having met with Judge Copeland, Judge Costa, Judge Medeiros, and Judge Nichols, I am confident that each will serve our State with honor and integrity, and I extend my sincerest mahalo and congratulations to them all.” Rebecca A. Copeland has been confirmed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit as a Circuit Court Judge. Copeland will succeed Judge Gary Chang, who is retiring at the end of June 2024. Copeland served as a District Family Court Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit since 2020. Between 2016-2020, she served as a Per Diem District Court Judge. Copeland has experience in operating the Law Office of Rebecca A. Copeland, LLC, working for Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert, and as Adjunct Professor for the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, St. Mary’s University School of Law (in San Antonio), and Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Additionally, Copeland has served as Deputy Solicitor General, Appellate Division, for the State of Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General and was a law clerk for Hawaiʻi Intermediate Court of Appeals. Copeland received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southwest Texas State University and a Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Brian A. Costa has been confirmed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit as a Circuit Court Judge and will succeed Judge Jeffrey Crabtree, who retired in January 2024. Costa has served as a District Family Court Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit since 2017 and most recently as the Lead Judge of the Juvenile Division and Presiding Judge of Juvenile Drug Court. Between 2015-2017, he served as a Per Diem District Court Judge. Costa’s professional experience includes being an attorney, member, and manager of the law firm Costa & DeLacy, LLLC, serving as a Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, and working as an associate for Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel. Costa additionally was a law clerk for Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Associate Justice Simeon R. Acoba, Jr. Costa received an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences in Business Administration from Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY, a Bachelor of Science in Management from Hawaiʻi Pacific University, and a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law. Dyan M. Medeiros has been confirmed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit as a Circuit Court Judge. Medeiros will succeed Judge R. Mark Browning who retired in December 2023. Medeiros has served as a District Family Court Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit since 2015 and most recently as the Lead Judge of the Domestic Division and Presiding Judge of Girls Court. Prior to serving as a Judge, Medeiros was a partner with Kleintop, Luria & Medeiros, an associate attorney with Stirling & Kleintop, and an associate attorney with Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert. Medeiros received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and received a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law. Steven R. Nichols has been confirmed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit as a Circuit Court Judge. Nichols will succeed Judge Edward Kubo who retired in December 2019. Most recently, Nichols served as a Per Diem Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit and operates the Law Office of Steven R. Nichols. Nichols previously served as Deputy Public Defender for twenty years and was a law clerk for First Circuit Judge Dexter Del Rosario. Nichols received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law.