Hawaiian Electric sells 90.1% of American Savings Bank Spectrum News Michael Tsai January 3, 2025 Original Article Under pressure to secure its financial standing in the wake of the Maui wildfires, Hawaiian Electric Industries has completed a sale of 90.1% of its shares in American Savings Bank to independent investors. What You Need To Know HEI, which is responsible for roughly half of a $4 billion settlement with wildfire survivors, received $405 million in the transaction. None of the 24 investors, which includes the bank’s executive team and independent directors, owns more than 9.9% of ASG common stock. HEI also retained a 9.9% interest in the bank The transaction drew a favorable response from state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Affairs HEI is proposing a $1 billion dollar fund, created by a $4 per month additional charge to its customers, to cover claims related to future natural disasters. HEI, which is responsible for roughly half of a $4 billion settlement with wildfire survivors, received $405 million in the transaction. HEI has already contributed $75 million to the One Ohana Initiative in partial fulfillment of its settlement obligation. “The sale allows HEI to enhance our focus on the utility as we work to help our state recover from the 2023 Maui wildfires and strengthen the financial and strategic position of our company,” HEI president and CEO Scott Seu said in a statement released on Tuesday. None of the 24 investors, which includes the bank’s executive team and independent directors, owns more than 9.9% of ASG common stock. HEI also retained a 9.9% interest in the bank. The transaction drew a favorable response from state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Affairs. “The sale of ASB is a significant step by HEI to show that the company and their shareholders are taking responsibility for their financial situation in the wake of the Maui wildfires,” Keohokalole said in a statement released on Tuesday. “This, combined with their stock sale in September 2024, demonstrates that HEI is taking the concerns of the Legislature and rate payers seriously.” The utility previously sought approval to raise rates to help cover the cost of the settlement. The proposal was supported by Gov. Josh Green, who said it would help prevent large rate increases in the future. However, Keohokalole and other legislators resisted giving the utility what they considered a blank check without a clear plan in place for stabilizing its financial condition. HEI is now proposing a $1 billion dollar fund, created by a $4 per month additional charge to its customers, to cover claims related to future natural disasters. “Our concern last session was adding to the cost of ratepayers’ electrical bills without assurances that Hawaiian Electric’s stockholders were doing their part to absorb the costs,” Keohokalole said. “Today’s announcement appears to validate those concerns. It is especially encouraging to hear that the sale is structured to keep local jobs and operations of a local bank in local hands.” Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com .

PRESS RELEASES HAWAIʻI STATE LEGISLATURE TO HOLD INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING ON RULE OF LAW SENATE VICE PRESIDENT LORRAINE R. INOUYE ANNOUNCES $250,000 FOR TROPICAL AGTECH CENTER IN HILO SENATOR LORRAINE R. INOUYE URGES FEDERAL OFFICIALS TO REJECT DEEP-SEA MINING PROPOSAL OFF AMERICAN SAMOA MORE PRESS RELEASES NEWS ARTICLES READ MORE Union seeks raises for teachers not credited for out-of-state experience during salary repricing Original Article Hawaii News Now HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The teachers union is fighting to get pay raises for thousands of public school educators. The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) says they were denied the money because the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) said they didn’t have enough experience here in Hawaii. Before coming to Hawaii, David Reid had nine years of teaching on the continental U.S. The HIDOE had credited six of those years in the classroom, but it was not enough to get him a raise that other teachers with more experience in Hawaii received. “It was very at first confusing and then upsetting because you know no one wants to work really hard to go broke, and teachers all work very hard and our value to the workplace is years of experience and education and to have your value just erased,” Reid said. Reid and two other teachers went to the Hawaii Labor Relations Board after being excluded from the HIDOE’s salary increase in 2022. Known as the compression fix, the repricing boosted pay for 72% of teachers by an average of $6,000. “When they passed out raises, they said I didn’t have 11, because I’d been here five years at that point,” Reid said. The board sided with Reid, saying that the years of experience teaching that he and the other two teachers had on the mainland must be considered in the repricing. The HIDOE appealed the ruling, but a state judge affirmed it last month. “I’ve described it as the most frustrating thing I’ve ever done in my life. So to come out on the other side and be successful feels really good,” Reid said. After the decision, Reid’s pay was increased by $3,700 a year. “Considering the cost of living in Hawaii, that’s not nothing,” Reid said. The ruling came as the islands grapple with an ongoing teacher shortage. Hawaii ranks in the top 10 states with the lowest teacher to state population. There are more than 2,000 other teachers like Reid who were not compensated for non-HIDOE teaching experience. The HSTA is asking the HIDOE to raise their pay as well. “Hopefully this could apply to everybody,” Reid said. The HSTA is still waiting on the official written ruling from the court. We reached out to the department and are waiting to hear back. Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved. December 29, 2025 Senators Mentioned: Hawaii lawmakers urged to act after federal clean energy cuts Original Article The Garden Island Andrew Gomes (Star Advertiser) Hawaii’s Legislature may want to consider offering new state tax-credit funding for renewable energy expansion to at least partially offset federal withdrawals. That was a suggestion made to a pair of state Senate committee chairs during a briefing last week about negative impacts on Hawaii climate change mitigation initiatives due to recent federal policy changes and funding pullbacks. Leah Laramee, coordinator of the Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, told Sens. Karl Rhoads and Mike Gabbard at the Nov. 3 briefing that it would be incredibly helpful if more local tax credits were made available for renewable energy and climate change impact mitigation projects in the face of federal cutbacks driven by the administration of President Donald Trump. Laramee told the senators that about $651 million in Hawaii renewable energy projects are at risk due to federal policy and funding changes. “It’s a significant investment that is threatened in the state,” she said. “The loss of these projects is going to have pretty significant impacts on our ability to produce affordable energy locally and impact our energy security.” In recent weeks, the administration of Gov. Josh Green has rolled out state emergency funding programs to help low-income households in Hawaii pay for rent, utilities and food to counteract federal program cuts due to the government shutdown. Most recently, the state Department of Transportation offered to pay federal air traffic and security workers to avoid curtailing flights at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu by 10%. Though the loss of federal financial support for renewable energy isn’t on par with shutdown-related emergency responses, Hawaii residents and businesses pay the highest electricity rates in the nation. The threat of rising sea levels on the local economy also makes climate change impact mitigation a high priority for state leaders. Some of the $651 million in threatened Hawaii renewable energy projects cannot be offset by state funding, such as a planned offshore wind farm where federal officials have ceased regulatory approval action. But state funding could counter canceled federal support for other things including electric vehicles, rooftop solar systems and “carbon smart” food production. Laramee told Rhoads and Gabbard, who respectively chair the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Committee on Agriculture and Environment, that one of the biggest federal grant losses for Hawaii was $249 million from a $3 billion nationwide U.S. Department of Agriculture program called Carbon Smart Commodities. The program supported climate-friendly agricultural projects including development of food forests, invasive species management and soil health improvement. “This is really about food security within the state, and that’s been rescinded,” Laramee said. Another move earlier this year rescinded a $62.5 million federal grant used to make low-cost loans for low- and moderate-income households to pay for rooftop solar systems. This Solar for All program was being operated by the Hawai‘i Green Infrastructure Authority, but was terminated in August by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Hawaii along with nearly two dozen other states filed lawsuits in October challenging EPA’s rescission of grant funding approved by Congress. Laramee said she was optimistic that the state will prevail, and encouraged the Legislature to keep up support for the state Office of the Attorney General, which is involved in numerous lawsuits over federal policy and funding changes. Laramee also suggested that loan repayment revenue received by the Green Infrastructure Authority be recycled to fund more loans instead of being deposited into the state’s general fund. The briefing held by Rhoads and Gabbard also covered ongoing efforts to invest in plans and projects that make Hawaii more resilient to rising sea level and temperatures — efforts that include pending litigation by the City and County of Honolulu against major oil companies that the Trump Administration has tried to upend. Retired Hawaii Supreme Court justice Michael Wilson urged state leaders to develop a climate protection plan for the islands. Such a plan, he told Rhoads and Gabbard, could start with guarding against the loss of Waikiki Beach, which Wilson said stands to be submerged in 40 or 50 years based on the present rate of global warming impacts and would sap $2 billion of annual visitor spending. After the briefing, Rhoads (D, Nuuanu-Downtown-Iwilei) said in a statement that the presentations by Laramee and Wilson were a sobering reminder that climate change isn’t a distant or abstract issue, and that it directly impacts the health, safety, and economic future of Hawaii residents. “Our responsibility as lawmakers is to take proactive measures to protect our communities and uphold the rights of future generations to a safe and sustainable environment,” Rhoads said. Gabbard (D, Kapolei-Makakilo-Kalaeloa) said in a statement that now is the time to “double down” on the commitment by Hawaii leaders to renewable energy, local food security and climate adaptation to safeguard our islands. “The loss of federal funding for clean energy projects threatens much needed years of progress toward a more sustainable future,” he said. The next session of the Legislature is scheduled to convene Jan. 21. November 19, 2025 Senators Mentioned: Senator Karl Rhoads Senator Mike Gabbard UH partners to boost food sustainability, innovation at new Central Oʻahu food hub Original Article UH News The University of Hawaiʻi is a key partner in the new Central Oʻahu Agriculture and Food Hub that broke ground in Wahiawā on November 14. Led by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC), the project brings together the UH Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) and the UH Community College System with other state agencies. “The food hub is an important step on the path to Hawaiʻi’s food self-sufficiency and we are honored to contribute,” said CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal. “It will be helping farmers and entrepreneurs manufacture their innovative food products from local fruits, vegetables, and proteins.” The Whitmore Village complex will serve as an innovation base to provide manufacturing and industry services at a commercial scale, boost local food sustainability, and enable local entrepreneurs to export globally. “From Kona to Kekaha, and Hilo to Hāna, the Food and Product Innovation Network can strengthen Hawaiʻi’s local food systems and economy for generations to come,” said Senate Ways and Means Chair Donovan Dela Cruz. Other partners in the complex include the Hawaiʻi Department of Education (HIDOE) and the Department of Law Enforcement. As part of the complex in Whitmore Village, HIDOE is constructing a Central Oʻahu Regional Kitchen on ADC–owned land. The facility will serve as a statewide model for regional hubs that connect local farms to school cafeterias as part of the state’s farm–to–school initiative. First Lady Jaime Kanani Green noted how the Central Oʻahu Agriculture and Food Hub and HIDOE kitchen concepts will provide healthy affordable meals to all public school students. November 18, 2025 Senators Mentioned: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz MORE ARTICLES

Hawaiʻi State Legislature's Kūpuna Caucus presents bill package Maui Now N/A February 12, 2025 Original Article Members of the Kūpuna Caucus announced a bill package focused on enhancing the quality of life for Hawaiʻi’s seniors, Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. Pictured (Front row): Rep. Linda Ichiyama, Rep. Cory M. Chun, Sen. Troy Hashimoto, Sen. Sharon Moriwaki, Sen. Lynn DeCoite; (Back row): Kealii Lopez (state director, AARP), Caroline Cadirao (director, Executive Office on Aging), Sen. Kurt Fevella and Rep. Ikaika Olds. Present at the press conference but not in photo were Rep. Lisa Marten and Rep. Garner M. Shimizu. Photo Coutesy: Hawaiʻi State Legislature The Hawaiʻi State Legislature’s Kūpuna Caucus convened by state Sen. Sharon Moriwaki and Rep. Cory M. Chun shared their 2025 legislative package, a set of bills focused on enhancing the quality of life for seniors across the state. These proposed measures include expanding access to healthcare, addressing the need for more food security and improving affordable housing options. The Kūpuna Caucus’ package consists of five bills: SB877 / HB702 Relating to human services Appropriates funds to increase the funding for Medicaid in-home services, conditioned on the Department of Human Services obtaining the maximum federal matching funds. SB878 / HB703 Relating to kupuna housing Extends the sunset date for the State Rent Supplement Program for Kūpuna to 6/30/2028. SB879 / HB701 Relating to taxation Establishes a refundable Family Caregiver Tax Credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to report to the Legislature before the convening of each Regular Session. SB880 / HB705 Relating to the Executive Office on Aging Establishes a temporary Medi-Medi Project within the Hawaiʻi State Health Insurance Assistance Program administered by the Executive Office on Aging to assist older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits. Requires the Executive Office on Aging to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. SB881 /HB704 Relating to food security Establishes the Hawaiʻi Food Security Special Fund to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit levels to those provided in federal fiscal year 2023. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. “We are committed to having our seniors receive the support they need to live with dignity and independence, especially during this period of time in their lives,” Moriwaki said. “This legislative package is a crucial step towards building a more inclusive and equitable future for all generations.”

Additional Lahaina road development starts to shift into gear KITV Paul Drewes July 15, 2025 Original Article LAHAINA, Hawaii (Island News) -- The road to recovery for Lahaina includes more roads. The first private property has been acquired by Maui County for additional public roads, but this work to expand street connectors and road extensions in Lahaina could take a decade to finish. The demand for more roads in Lahaina is not just about reducing traffic, but about increasing evacuation routes in case fire sweeps through again - like it did in 2023. "It's is very important. The fire itself showed Lahaina is in desperate need of a modernization of evacuation routes and ways to get out," said Senator Angus McKelvey. Maui County is buying up property in Lahaina in order to extend or widen existing roads, and even install new streets. "The first one we've been working on from the Department of Public Works has been our Aki Street connector. And that parcel of land has been acquired from the property owner," said Jordan Molina, Maui County Dept. of Public Works Director. Last week, the Maui County Council also approved money for the Dickerson Street extension. Those are smaller projects, while the Kahua Street extension will stretch 2 miles and not only have 2 travel lanes but also turn lanes at major intersections. But with big projects come big timelines. "Generally, these things, these projects, take one to two years to get the design and permitting process. Then anywhere from three to five years to construct. So we're probably looking at these roads being in operation somewhere in four to seven years or so, depending on complications with permitting, environmental reviews, etc." said Molina. "We passed some bills this year that I hope will speed up the permitting process, especially if a special management area is needed - that these exemptions will kick in. I'm hopeful that we can follow up through both the county and state level with executive orders or other mechanisms to try to eliminate as much of the permitting as possible," added Mckelvey. More properties are expected to be acquired this year, but adding more roads comes at a high cost. "It'll be in the range of $30-80 million. Because that's inclusive of not just your roadway, but your underground utilities with water, sewer that may be needed. A lot of facilities come with a roadway that cause those costs to be high," stated Molina. Depending on what is found once they start digging, it could slow things down further. But many are excited these street developments will put Hawaii on the road to a safer future. "It's a way forward through the storm to provide a safer community for Lahaina. Hopefully, as you've seen in Waianae and other areas, that will spur efforts to look at this type of effort in other neighborhoods, and other areas where this fire risk is very present," said McKelvey.

State responds to avian flu with voluntary 90-day bird movement pause Maui Now Maui Now December 13, 2024 Original Article In response to the detection of the avian flu virus in Hawai‘i’s wastewater and wild birds, state agencies are urging the public to voluntarily pause the interisland movement of poultry and other bird species for 90 days, effective immediately. This recommendation follows the suggestion of Moloka‘i State Senator and farmer Lynn DeCoite and is a proactive measure aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus. Prior to November of this year, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) had not been detected in Hawai‘i. Although this strain has been circulating in the continental US, Europe, and Asia, Hawai‘i was the last US state to confirm infections among birds. The HPAI strain in Hawai‘i was likely introduced by migrating birds from northern regions around Alaska. Spread occurs through bird-to-bird contact or when birds come into contact with contaminated materials, equipment, or clothing from infected birds. The coordinated response involves multiple agencies: The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), which oversees the management of wild birds on state lands. The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), responsible for domestic birds. The Department of Health (DOH), which monitors human health concerns related to the virus. While the potential for transmission to humans is low, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant. Sick pets should be reported to their veterinarian. The public is also urged to report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock, or other wild birds or animals to HDOA at 808-483-7100 (business hours) or 808-837-8092 (non-business hours, including holidays). Any residents who develop symptoms of avian influenza after exposure to sick birds or other wildlife should contact the DOH disease reporting line at 808-586-4586 for further guidance. State experts acknowledge the challenges of controlling wild bird movements and agree that limiting the interisland movement of domestic birds during this voluntary period will significantly reduce transmission risks. At Sen. DeCoite’s request, the agencies are also collecting data to assess the feasibility and necessity of a formal quarantine while carefully considering the potential economic impacts of premature restrictions on local products. State Senator and veterinarian Dr. Tim Richards expressed his support for the precautionary measure, stating: “As both a senator and a veterinarian, I understand the critical balance between protecting our agricultural industries and safeguarding animal health. In light of the ongoing avian flu threat, I fully support a voluntary 90-day stop movement of birds as a precautionary measure. Similar actions have been successfully implemented before, such as the voluntary halt in Hawai‘i’s beef cattle industry approximately 15 years ago, which effectively mitigated risks to trichomoniasis and protected livelihoods until legislation could be brought forward. By taking proactive steps now, we can prevent greater harm to our poultry industry and ensure the health of our flocks and communities.” Gov. Josh Green, M.D., and DOH Director Kenneth Fink addressed the topic on the Governor’s weekly whiteboard update this morning, which can be viewed here.

New signs honor Purple Heart medal recipients Spectrum News Spectrum News Staff August 13, 2025 Original Article In 2024, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed Bill 7 into law, designating Honolulu as a “Purple Heart City,” and on Aug. 8 a special ceremony unveiled the new signs honoring Purple Heart medal recipients. What You Need To Know The Purple Heart signs will be installed at a total of eight locations around the island over time Introduced by Councilmember Augie Tulba, Bill 7 was unanimously approved by the Honolulu City Council “This is more than just a sign — it stands as a profound symbol of our aloha and commitment to honor those who were injured in the line of duty while serving our country,” said Tulba In addition, Senator Mike Gabbard (D-21) introduced Senate Resolution 93 (SR93, SD1 ) to request the City and County of Honolulu to light City Hall with purple lights on Aug. 7 each year to honor National Purple Heart Day The signs will be installed at a total of eight locations around the island — Arizona Memorial, Pūowaina/National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Honolulu Hale, Kapolei Hale, Fort Shafter (H-201 westbound off-ramp), Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii entrance, and Tripler Army Medical Center (H-201 eastbound off-ramp). The signs will be installed at each location over time. “The men and women who have earned Purple Heart medals deserve our absolute highest praise and eternal gratitude. They put their bodies and their lives on the line to defend this country, to uphold freedom, and to protect all of us, and that should never be forgotten.” said Blangiardi at the ceremony held on the Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds. “We are so proud to be able to take this opportunity to install these beautiful signs, which are a meaningful reflection of the City and County of Honolulu’s unwavering resolve to eternally honor the brave men and women who are true heroes,” Blangiardi said. Introduced by Councilmember Augie Tulba, Bill 7 was unanimously approved by the Honolulu City Council. “This is more than just a sign — it stands as a profound symbol of our aloha and commitment to honor those who were injured in the line of duty while serving our country,” said Tulba in a release. “I deeply appreciate the partnership and tireless advocacy of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Rainbow Chapter #483, whose members are not only veterans but also our neighbors, friends, and family. “By placing these signs throughout our community, we take a meaningful, visible step to recognize the sacrifices of those who have served in the military, reminding every resident and visitor of the courage and dedication that define the champions who have protected our nation, Tulba said. According to a city release, the Purple Heart was created by General George Washington in 1782. Originally called the “Badge of Military Merit,” it is the oldest military decoration still in use. The ceremony on Friday also commemorated National Purple Heart Day, held annually on Aug. 7 to remember military members wounded or killed in action. In attendance were Capt. Samuel White, commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam; the Hawaii Air National Guard Base Honor Guard; members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Rainbow Chapter #483; and other military dignitaries. “These wonderful new signs and today’s moving ceremony send a powerful and resounding message to our military community that they are truly recognized for their sacrifices and that they are deeply appreciated here in the City and County of Honolulu,” said retired U.S. Army Col. Ed Cruickshank. “We are enormously grateful to Mayor Rick Blangiardi, his administration, Councilmember Augie Tulba, and to the entire Honolulu City Council for their leadership and their commitment to honor the legacy of our inspirational Purple Heart recipients and their families.” In addition, Senator Mike Gabbard (D-21) introduced Senate Resolution 93 (SR93, SD1) to request the City and County of Honolulu to light City Hall with purple lights on August 7 each year to honor National Purple Heart Day. Gabbard presented a certificate on behalf of the Hawaii State Senate to commemorate Gov. Josh Green’s proclamation of Hawaii as a Purple Heart State. “It was an honor to stand with Governor Green, Representative Kong, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart Rainbow Chapter Number 483 to celebrate Hawaii becoming a Purple Heart State,” said Gabbard. “We’re making sure our state sets aside time each year to remember and mahalo our Purple Heart recipients. These heroes and their ‘ohana, have sacrificed so much for our country — we owe them our deepest aloha and gratitude.”

Hawaiʻi governor signs historic “Green Fee” climate impact legislation Maui Now May 27, 2025 Original Article Gov. Josh Green, M.D., signed historic climate impact legislation into law on Tuesday. Act 96 (Senate Bill 1396 ) is a first-in-the-nation initiative that establishes a climate impact fee, or “Green Fee,” creating a stable source of funding for environmental stewardship, hazard mitigation and sustainable tourism in Hawaiʻi. The Green Fee is projected to generate $100 million annually, and the Green Administration will work with the legislature to confirm projects next session as revenue becomes available. “Today Hawaiʻi ushers in the first Green Fee in the nation. Once again, Hawaiʻi is at the forefront of protecting our natural resources, recognizing their fundamental role in sustaining the ecological, cultural and economic health of Hawaiʻi. As an island chain, Hawaiʻi cannot wait for the next disaster to hit before taking action. We must build resiliency now, and the Green Fee will provide the necessary financing to ensure resources are available for our future.” Following the devastating Maui wildfires and in response to the growing frequency and intensity of natural disasters across Hawai‘i and the nation, Gov. Green established the Climate Advisory Team (CAT) in 2024, led by Chris Benjamin and comprised of a team of leaders, to develop community-informed policy recommendations. A key recommendation of the CAT was to establish a dedicated source of funding for climate change mitigation and disaster resilience. The CAT recommended the transient accommodations tax (TAT) as a potential revenue source. “The Green Fee bill marks a historic investment in climate disaster resilience and environmental protection,” said Benjamin. “Using the TAT to fund resiliency projects ensures that the financial burden of safeguarding our ʻāina and people doesn’t fall upon residents alone. We thank the Legislature, industry and countless community groups and individuals who advocated tirelessly for this bill.” Senate Bill 1396 increases the TAT rate by 0.75% beginning in 2026 and levies, for the first time, the TAT on cruise ships that port in the state. Assessing the TAT on cruise ships — a sector of transient accommodations that has long gone untaxed under the TAT — promotes equity across the tourism industry, ensuring that all visitors to Hawai‘i contribute to the islands’ long-term resilience and well-being. “While fees may not be the most popular method of revenue generation, stakeholder dialogue has affirmed that visitors are willing to pay a climate impact fee in order to support Hawaiʻi’s environmental protection efforts and preserve the beauty and cultural heritage of the islands for future generations. The Green Fee ensures that visitors share in the kuleana of environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism,” according to a news release from the Governor’s Office. “I mahalo the tourism industry for stepping up and collaborating on this initiative, which will preserve Hawaiʻi for kamaʻāina and visitors alike,” said Green. “The fee will restore and remediate our beaches and shorelines and harden infrastructure critical to the health and safety of all who call Hawaiʻi home, whether for a few days or a lifetime. Sen. Lynn DeCoite (District 24 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe and Molokini) said the bill is a matter of common sense and responsibility. “I think it’s really about our kuleana, to the state, to the people of Hawaiʻi. Climate change is here and has been a super-huge challenge for all of us. As the chair of the Economic Development and Tourism (EDT) Committee, the impacts are real. The bill shares the responsibility of caring for our home with those who come to visit, to ensure that our natural resources are cared for, for future generations.” Rep. Adrian Tam (District 24 – Waikīkī) thanked the stakeholders representing a very diverse coalition of individuals, from the visitor industry to the environmental stewardship advocates. “The funds raised by this bill will go toward much-needed environmental stewardship as well as erosion mitigation and restoration projects, so it is really a win-win for all of us. The signing of this bill will ensure that the investments in resilience and taking preventive measures will protect Hawaiʻi’s environment and our economy, and it will soon save taxpayer dollars in the long run.”

Charity dinner raises $50K for mediation center Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald Staff December 5, 2024 Original Article At the 2024 Annual Recognition Dinner & Auction on Nov. 17, Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter was awarded the “Peacemaker Award” by Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center, and Judge M. Kanani Laubach was awarded the “Meritorious Service Award” by the Hawaii County Bar Association. “What a great evening celebrating two very deserving wahine,” Ku‘kahi Executive Director Julie Mitchell said in a press release. “Mahalo to all who contributed of their time, talents and treasures to make this fundraiser the most successful ever!” The event raised $50,000 for the center. “We truly appreciate our honorees, sponsors, ticket buyers, auction bidders, guests, cash and in-kind event donors, auction donors, emcee, introducers, musician, sound operator, special event committee, event volunteers, board and staff,” Mitchell said. The annual dinner and auction provides a significant portion of the funds that Ku‘ikahi needs to provide free and low-cost dispute prevention and resolution services in East Hawaii and beyond. To make a year-end charitable gift to support this local non-profit community mediation center, please visit: https://hawaiimediation.org/donate/.

Senators urge PGA officials to find home for The Sentry in Hawaiʻi Maui Now September 21, 2025 Original Article The Hawaiʻi State Senate is urging PGA officials to find a home for The Sentry in Hawaiʻi after last week’s announcement that the tournament would not hold the event at the Plantation Course at Kapalua in 2026. The decision comes after 27 years on Maui and was attributed to “ongoing drought conditions, water conservation requirements, agronomic conditions and logistical challenges.” Senators note that high-profile events like The Sentry bring up to 3,000 visitors into West Maui who fuel regional economic development by using hotels and vendors. The cancellation is projected to cost Maui roughly $50 million in lost annual economic impact if not replaced with another course in Maui County, according to lawmakers. “This is a real setback for Maui. Our small businesses, workers, and nonprofits depend on the spending and charitable support tied to this tournament,” said Sen. Troy N. Hashimoto (D – 5, Wailuku, Kahului, Waihe‘e, Waikapu Mauka, Wai‘ehu), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Housing. “Maui is still recovering from the devastating effects of the 2023 wildfires and losing The Sentry prolongs recovery for Maui residents and local small businesses.” Sens. Donovan Dela Cruz and Troy Hashimoto sent a letter urging PGA Tour and Sentry officials to identify an alternative venue for the tournament either on Maui or elsewhere in Hawaiʻi and are working to meet with officials to discuss future options. These events also support regenerative tourism by spreading benefits to local communities while protecting Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural resources. “With visitor arrivals declining, hotel occupancy down, and our film industry stagnating, we cannot afford to let sports tourism trend in the same direction,” said Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz (D – 17, Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “High-spending visitors drawn to major sports events like The Sentry bring in revenue far beyond the event itself—hotels fill up, restaurants are busy, local vendors thrive.”

Hawaiʻi Might Finally Put The Bite On Bedbugs In Housing — But Not Hotels Civil Beat Stewart Yerton February 5, 2025 Original Article The first sentence of a bill before the Legislature says it all: Bedbugs are bloodsucking insects that typically hide in bedrooms and come out to feed at night. Anyone with a nightmare hotel experience can tell you that. But what’s surprising about the proposed legislation, which would require landlords to ensure rental properties are free of the pests, is that it’d be the first bedbug regulation in Hawaiʻi, which has one of the highest percentages of renters in the U.S. Hawaiʻi Sen. Stanley Chang, chair of the Senate Housing Committee, which approved a version of the bill Thursday, has his own bedbug story from a time in New York. “I would not wish it on my worst enemy,” he said. Senate Bill 456 puts the presence of bedbugs on par with a lack of running water, electricity or plumbing in a home. Sen. Karl Rhoads, who sponsored the bill , said a property infested with bedbugs “probably rises to the level of uninhabitability” under Hawaiʻi’s landlord-tenant code. The bill, however, doesn’t apply to Hawaiʻi’s sprawling hotel sector, which had $5.5 billion in revenue in 2024, and any effort to include the industry in the legislation is likely to face strong opposition. The latest version of the bill mostly makes landlords responsible for fixing the problem, prompting pushback from the Hawaiʻi Association of Realtors. If the bill passes, Hawaiʻi would join 24 other states and cities with bedbug laws. Some date back decades and bear archaic language indicating how long bedbugs have plagued communities. An Ohio law from the 1940s bans the pests in rail cars, and Wisconsin requires landlords to use “all means necessary” to prevent bedbugs in homes for “orphans, indigents and delinquents.” Nevada requires hotel rooms with bedbugs to be fumigated. Other states and cities protect residential tenants like Hawaiʻi would do. New York City demands that landlords provide new tenants with a bedbug history of the apartment and apartment building for the previous year. A bedbug bill introduced in 2024 died. Rhoads, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, hopes this can be the year Hawaiʻi finally does something. “I’ve never had them, thank God,” he said. “But I hear they’re horrible.” The Hawaiʻi Department of Health doesn’t keep statistics on bedbugs because they don’t carry or spread disease. But the department says the bugs can cause itching and loss of sleep, and that “excessive scratching can increase the chance of secondary skin infections.” Bedbugs are also sneaky. People generally sleep through bites because the creatures, who like warm, dark spaces, inject an anesthetic and blood thinner into their hosts before feeding, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports . The bugs can hide in box springs and headboards for several months without needing blood. Although overall data doesn’t exist, anecdotes of high-profile incidents abound in Hawaiʻi. In 2014, a bedbug infestation was reported at Oʻahu Community Correctional Center . In 2023, the state Department of Transportation had to shut down a section of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport so exterminators could kill bedbugs that had infested part of a terminal. In March, Hawaiʻi News Now reported that Honolulu’s Joint Traffic Management Center was temporarily shut down after bedbugs were found in the building’s quiet room. It cost $1,800 to fumigate the space. For an unfiltered (and unverified) peek at the local bedbug problem, bedbugreports.com lets travelers anonymously share stories about outbreaks in rental housing and hotels, such as an alleged incident at a landmark Waikīkī hotel. “My husband and I checked into the hotel on 9/11/2024,” the traveler reported. “When I woke up the next morning, I had several red, itchy bumps on my arms. I thought that I was bitten by a mosquito — however, the next morning, I had several more bites on my knee and arms. I then checked for bedbugs (tip from my daughter) and BINGO, in the seam of the mattress, box springs, I found bedbugs.” Hotel executives contacted by Civil Beat were reluctant to speak on the record about bedbug issues. But Tim Lyons, executive director of the Hawaiʻi Pest Control Association, said it’s not uncommon for bedbugs to hitchhike with travelers into hotels. Even the most expensive properties are susceptible, he said. “They’re not discriminatory,” Lyons said of the pests. Eight states have statutes addressing bedbugs at hotels, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Rhoads said his bill is aimed only at the pests in residences. As for hotels, he said, in the age of social media and online reviews, it’s easy for word to get out if a property has a widespread problem. “It’s incumbent on them if they want to make money to take care of the problem,” he said. But Rhoads also said, “If the committees that take a look at it decide they want to include hotels, it won’t bother me at all.” But a bill expanded to include the powerful hotel industry could face a tough climb. The Hawaiʻi Association of Realtors testified against the bill, saying “owners or tenants residing in infested units can unknowingly transfer the bedbugs to adjacent properties, and determining the source of the infestation can be complicated.” Alvin Fukuyama, owner of State Termite and Pest Control in ʻAiea, said there’s also a question of fairness. It can cost $200 per room to treat a home for bedbugs, he said. Many exterminators provide no warranty if the bugs come back, but tenants or their guests, not landlords, are usually the ones who bring bedbugs into a home, Fukuyama said. “Whoever’s living there is typically the one who’s bringing it in,” he said.

Hawaiʻi officials could borrow from New Zealand's strict, well-funded biosecurity Hawaiʻi Public Radio Mark Ladao December 6, 2024 Original Article Hawaiʻi officials are looking to New Zealand to help shore up its own biosecurity efforts. A group of key state lawmakers and staff, including those from the state Department of Agriculture, visited New Zealand in September to learn more about how the island nation prevents and manages invasive species. At a recent Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture meeting, Jonathan Ho, the manager for the department’s Plant Quarantine Branch, noted some of the ways New Zealand prevents pests from entering and becoming established. “To compare to New Zealand, I think per capita they spend about 10 times what we do,” he said. “They focus very heavily on pre-entry, so trying to force as much of the inspections, the treatments, compliance agreements — all of that stuff outside the border prior to entry." State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz was one of the lawmakers who made the September trip, and in a newsletter, he noted that New Zealand has what is “widely considered to be the best biosecurity system in the world.” His newsletter said that New Zealand has a three-tiered biosecurity system that starts with cleanliness requirements for the goods — and the ships carrying the goods — before they enter the country. Detector dogs, physical inspections and disposal techniques also filter out pests and unwanted species at the border before they can spread. After that, the country has rigorous surveillance and response mechanisms in place. Ho said that additional funding would help invasive species management, but that Hawaiʻi’s dependence on imports, one of the primary ways invasive species end up in the islands, coupled with its lack of resources and inadequate regulations makes pest introduction always a possibility. “We import 90% of our goods, and I don't see that changing any time soon. And as long as there is imported goods, there is going to be risks,” Ho said. The state agriculture department only has 89 inspectors to check goods imported into Hawaiʻi, and they only check about 10% to 15% of the goods, Ho said. Pre-border requirements on goods and vessels to ensure that pests don’t even make it to Hawaiʻi would be helpful, but Ho said it’s more difficult for a state to make those rules than it is for a country like New Zealand. Requests for more biosecurity funding and policy changes are likely to come in the upcoming state legislative session.

Cultural tradition or deadly risk? Hawaii grapples with illegal fireworks after tragic blast KHON2 Jill Kuramoto January 2, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (KHON2) — The New Year’s Day fireworks explosion has left the community grieving and frustrated, but will the tragedy change Hawaii’s complicated relationship with fireworks? “I don’t think it’s going to have a major change in the mentality of the people that pop fireworks,” said Michael Kitchens, creator and administrator of the social media site “Stolen Stuff Hawaii” that has more than 54 thousand followers. He said what he gathers from the posted comments is one of apathy. “There’s apathy because, hey, ‘you know what you’re doing.’ You hurt yourself. I’m not going to donate to that. There’s anger to the people that pop fireworks and hurt others,” said Kitchens. Kitchens said he senses that most people are ok with legal fireworks during specific hours during the holidays, but not the house-rattling bombs at random times throughout the year. But the cultural attachment that has kept illegal fireworks thriving in Hawaii, is what others said needs to change. “When I was growing up, it was a tradition to pop the red firecrackers and hear some sounds. I never thought it was a tradition to go shoot something into the sky and illuminate the entire neighborhood. ‘That is their tradition.’ I just don’t buy that idea,” said State Senator Glenn Wakai, whose district includes Aliamanu where the fatal fireworks explosion occurred. Wakai expects numerous bills to be introduced in the upcoming legislative session to address the illegal fireworks issue, but said pursuing civil penalties versus criminal might be more effective. “So maybe that’ll be the consequence. You do that out of your house, we’re going to seize your house,” said Wakai. “I think if there’s consequences for bad behavior, you’re going to see a diminishing of interest in fireworks.” And there appears to be agreement that laws without enforcement are meaningless and need to change. “We don’t have enough law enforcement officers to cover the entire island. There’s not enough strict enforcement. And when they get these, these guys get caught, and they go to the judicial system, they just get a slap on the wrist,” said Kitchens. “There is a disconnect someplace there between the actual, you know, boots on the streets that are enforcing the law and the people are going to carry that case through prosecution,” said Wakai. Wakai said the New Year’s Day tragedy may have brought immediate attention to the dangers of illegal fireworks, but it will likely take time, community effort and a shift in public perception to see real change.