New Digital Hub Opens in Hoʻolehua The Molokai Dispatch Léo Azambuja October 9, 2025 Original Article A new space for Molokai residents to access high-speed Internet, print documents, learn how to use computers and even attend remote healthcare appointments opened last week. “The Molokai Digital Hub has been a dream over the last several years,” said Rosie Davis, executive director of the Maui County Area Health Education Center on Molokai. The grand opening of the facility at Lanikeha Community Center in Ho‘olehua was Sept. 25, during a ceremony attended by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and state Sen. Lynn DeCoite. On Oct. 1, Molokai’s first digital hub opened to the public. The facility was created to help close a digital gap on Molokai by providing residents with tools for online connectivity, learning and development, according to Davis. “We have everything from computer literacy (classes), telehealth skills, digital literacy, everything from one-on-one and social media,” Davis said. “We have five desktops, four laptops and a printer.” The idea of a digital hub at Lanikeha was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, when island residents were asking for a facility where they could learn how to do Zoom meetings, access the Internet for healthcare appointments or just keep in touch with their family members. At that time, she said, the community center offered a class teaching to use iPads to access the Internet. Most of those first students were older residents who only owned a phone, and didn’t even know how to turn on an iPad. That’s when Davis said she found out there was a big need on the island for computer literacy classes and other related services. A year later, AHEC secured a $30,000 grant to hire three contractors to come to the community center and offer one-on-one classes on refurbished laptops. “In about a year-and-a-half, we had 253 people that had attended the classes, and now they were asking for a higher level (of classes),” Davis said. Additionally, telehealth — assessing health care services through the Internet — also became “a big part of helping the community,” and it wasn’t just beneficiaries, she said, it was the entire community. The new Molokai Digital Hub has been “a blessing,” Davis said, possible through a $5,000 donation from Spectrum and another donation of nearly $9,000 from the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. Other partners include Maui County AHEC, Molokai Public Library, Kuha‘o Business Center and Ka‘ala Souza from Māpunawai. Davis said since the facility opened, there has been a good flow of visitors, and there will be more students joining soon. “People love to come to the workshops,” she said. The Molokai Digital Hub is at Lanikeha Community Center at 2200 Farrington Ave. in Ho‘olehua. It is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Opportunities to export local goods increased through passage of Act 237 Maui Now August 12, 2025 Original Article The Senate Committee on Ways and Means received a comprehensive update on Tuesday from the Agribusiness Development Corporation on the development of Hawai‘i’s food and product innovation efforts to help scale up local farmers and entrepreneurs and increase economic resilience. The ADC is administratively attached to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Dane Wicker, Deputy Director of DBEDT, along with other members from ADC, DBEDT, University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center, and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health gathered near the historic Kaua‘i Plantation Railway in Līhuʻe for a site visit and briefing on the strategic plan guiding the Food and Product Innovation Network pursuant to Act 237, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2025. Discussions focused on regional coordination, infrastructure development, and the launch of a pilot on Kauaʻi that integrates processing equipment, workforce training, and business support services. “Continuing to invest in agricultural production is a clear step in the right direction,” said Sen. Glenn Wakai (D – 15, Kalihi, Māpunpuna, Airport, Salt Lake, Āliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, and portions of ʻAiea and Pearl City), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism. “A month ago, I secured a partnership with Amazon Air Cargo to take Hawaiʻi agricultural products to the mainland – cheaper and faster.” “The Senate recognizes that agriculture is not just about farming — it’s about food security, economic opportunity, and sustaining our way of life,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (D – 8, Kaua‘i, Niʻihau). “We’ve supported a wide range of agricultural initiatives championed by our farmers, local business owners, and community leaders, and it is encouraging to see necessary steps being taken to expand our export capacity and provide more locally grown food on the tables for our schools and hospitals. These are the kinds of forward-thinking efforts that can transform Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy and create lasting benefits for our islands.” The Hawai‘i FPIN initiative draws inspiration from New Zealand’s public-private innovation model and includes strategic investments across the islands. Recent legislative support includes the passage of Act 237 , Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2025, establishing FPIN, Act 250, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2025, appropriating $350,000 for program coordination, and Act 230, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2024, dedicating $2 million for a new agricultural processing facility in Kekaha. FPIN’s vision is to enable Hawaiʻi-based entrepreneurs to develop, scale and export products that strengthen our food system, reduce import reliance, and capitalize on Hawaiʻi’s global brand. The Kaua‘i facility is part of a larger ecosystem that includes complementary projects on Oʻahu and Maui, integrating food science, equipment access and training partnerships with UH and DOH. “The Food and Product Innovation Network is a meaningful investment in Hawaii’s future—one that bridges education to export pathways by equipping our schools, colleges, and entrepreneurs with the skills and infrastructure they need to bring local innovations to the global marketplace,” said Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz (D – 17, portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village). “By strengthening the entire ecosystem—from classroom learning to commercial-scale production—we’re fostering regional economic development that benefits our communities statewide and elevates Hawai‘i-made products on the world stage.” “The FPIN is critical to building a resilient and self-sustaining economy for Hawai‘i,” said DBEDT Deputy Director Dane Wicker. “By investing in the infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and wraparound services our local businesses need, we are not only creating new small and medium-sized enterprises—we’re supporting existing companies, expanding our Hawai‘i Made program, and strengthening initiatives like farm-to-school and farm-to-state. This is about more than just economic growth; it’s about food security, community resilience, and reducing our dependence on imported food and emergency provisions during natural disasters.”

Senate committee releases report detailing its September visit to Lānaʻi and Maui Maui Now September 19, 2025 Original Article The Senate Committee on Ways and Means finalized visits with government agencies and community leaders on Lānaʻi and Maui to receive significant updates on education, housing, agricultural innovations, healthcare, workforce development pathways and wildfire management efforts. September 2025 Lānaʻi & Maui Post-Trip Report “Our visits to Lānaʻi and Maui gave the committee a solid understanding of the innovative ways our departments are utilizing resources to preserve, protect, and strengthen our state through workforce development, education, wildfire management, and more, ” said Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz (D17– portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. Dela Cruz said the local partnerships the committee saw in action are proving to be critical in developing clear pathways to sustainability. “Pūlama Lānaʻi is creating viable housing options for residents, while DLNR is working alongside our State Fire Marshal to respond to the continuing threat of wildfires. DBEDT is successfully connecting with underrepresented demographics to ensure every economic opportunity is being recognized. The work of these entities will continue to be essential to informing policies and the allocation of resources to build an equitable future for Hawaiʻi,” said Dela Cruz. Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lānaʻi, Kaho‘olawe and Molokini), who chairs the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism said investing in rural communities like those on Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i, is critical. “These visits showcased how collaboration between government agencies, local leaders, and private partners is creating innovative solutions to long standing challenges—from housing and agriculture to wildfire resilience and workforce development,” said DeCoite. “The economic potential we’re seeing across these islands is rooted in community, culture, and resilience—values that continue to guide us as we work toward a more sustainable and inclusive Hawai‘i.” “Coming from Maui, I know firsthand how critical it is that state resources reach our communities effectively and equitably,” said Sen. Troy N. Hashimoto (D5 – Wailuku, Kahului, Waihe‘e, Waikapu Mauka, Wai‘ehu), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Housing. “These site visits to Lāna‘i and Maui highlighted the progress being made in key areas like housing, wildfire preparedness, and workforce development—while also showing where we still need to focus our efforts. It’s encouraging to see strong partnerships forming on the ground, and the insights we gained will help guide meaningful investments and ensure our policies are responsive to the real needs of our people.” WAM holds neighbor island site visits every two years to utilize information from community stakeholders and government officials to guide our collective decision-making on legislation and budget appropriations to bolster regional/statewide planning and implementation efforts.

State senate moves bill to protect access to contraceptives Kauaʻi Now N/A March 6, 2025 Original Article The Hawai‘i State Senate passed Senate Bill 350 , which proposes an amendment to the state’s Constitution that protects individuals’ rights to access contraceptives and make decisions about their reproductive health. The bill secures that no law or state action can interfere with the ability to obtain birth control, including methods like IUDs and emergency contraceptives. “The right to contraception is essential for the well-being of our communities, and is crucial for maintaining public health in Hawai‘i,” said Sen. Karl Rhoads, chair of the Judiciary Committee. “This constitutional amendment would reinforce that our state remains a leader in protecting reproductive rights and access to contraception.” Written testimony in strong support of the bill from the American Association of University Women of Hawai‘i noted the importance of this amendment in light of recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings. American Association of University Women of Hawai‘i pointed out that while the right to contraception was upheld in Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) and Eisenstadt v. Baird (1972), the decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022) raises concerns that this right could be challenged. The testimony also emphasized support from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who stated that access to contraception is a medical necessity that is vital for the health and economic security of individuals. SB 350 SD1 with the proposed constitutional amendment now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Flags to be flown half mast to honor Jimmy Carter The Garden Island Xiomara Y. Guevara The Garden Island December 31, 2024 Original Article LIHUE — In honor of the life and legacy of President Earl Carter, Jr. the thirty-ninth President of the United States, who died on Sunday, Governor Josh Green ordered all U.S. flags along with the Hawaii state flag to be flown at half-staff. On Sunday, Dec. 29, Governor Green ordered The Hawaii State Capitol, along with the Kauai County Building, all state offices, agencies, and the Hawaii National Guard to lower all flags at half-staff for 30 days to honor President Carter’s legacy. “Hawaii joins the nation and the world in mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a leader whose life was defined by service, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice and peace,” said Governor Green. “President Carter’s legacy extends far beyond his time in office. His tireless efforts for human rights, global diplomacy, and humanitarian causes exemplify the values of aloha that we hold so dear in Hawaii. Through his work, he reminded us all of the power of humility, kindness, and a deep care for others. “On behalf of the people of Hawaii, Jaime and I send our aloha and heartfelt condolences to the Carter ‘ohana during this difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing that his life’s work has left an indelible mark on the world and will continue to inspire generations to come,” Governor Green said. Senate President Ronald Kouchi also released a statement on former President Carter’s death and stated; “President Carter was a man whose humility, integrity, and dedication to service shaped the course of our nation’s history. “His leadership was defined by his unwavering commitment to peace, human rights, and the betterment of the world. “During his presidency and decades following his term, he represented what it means to serve with compassion and purpose. My thoughts are with his family, and I join the nation in honoring his remarkable life,” Senator Kouchi stated on Monday, Dec. 30. President Carter died ‘peacefully’ at his Georgia home, the Carter Center confirmed. He was 100 years old. Flags are ordered to remain at half-staff until January 28, 2025, following President Biden’s proclamation. Thirty days is the longest period possible for flags to fly at half-staff, an honor typically reserved for former presidents per the proclamation.

Hawai'i Tourism Authority board in limbo as lawmakers call for briefing Honolulu Star-Advertiser Allison Schaefers June 22, 2025 Original Article The state legislators in charge of tourism are holding a post-session informational briefing Monday on the beleaguered Hawai‘i Tourism Authority that could play out more like an exit interview. Gov. Josh Green’s office said in an email Wednesday that he plans on asking for courtesy resignations from the entire HTA board before the beginning of the next fiscal year, which starts July 1. Green’s stance is related to the passage of Senate Bill 1571, which changed HTA’s governance model when he signed it May 29. “Because the responsibilities of the board have changed to an advisory role, he feels it best to start with a clean slate,” the email said. “The HTA board as it was previously established no longer exists, so it makes sense to look at the composition of the new board.” State Rep. Adrian Tam (D, Waikiki), chair of the House Committee on Tourism, and state Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D, East Maui-Upcountry-Molokai-Lanai-Kahoolawe), chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development and Tourism, are holding the joint informational briefing at 10 a.m. Monday in Room 329 of the state Capitol. Tam said the briefing will review HTA’s interim action plans, current projects and recent developments. He said the briefing also will cover contract updates, the community-driven destination management action plans, or DMAPs, and audit findings issued by the state auditor. “The purpose of this is to have an open discussion about the future of HTA and the current plans as well as any open-ended questions that other members of the community and the Legislature may have,” Tam said, adding that legislators from outside the tourism committees are welcome to sit in and ask questions. “A lot of our members are genuinely curious about the future of HTA, and rightfully so. This is our largest industry,” he said. Caroline Anderson, HTA interim president and CEO, said in an email, “Establishing an effective governance structure is essential and will determine how successful HTA can be in fulfilling its mission to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the impacts on our natural resources, culture and community.” DeCoite said Thursday that the idea behind the briefing is to avoid waiting until the end of the year and then scrambling at the last minute to address concerns about tourism, especially since it’s the economic driver for the state. She said she expects Monday’s briefing will be comprehensive. “We just have had challenges with HTA and some of the things that they have been doing. We have tried to solve everything in the past years. There are just a lot of issues. We keep seeing HTA in the newspaper,” DeCoite said. She added that above all, HTA officials have to work together and prioritize its goals and projects. “They have got to be able to justify the funds that they requested for some of the priorities that they have asked for — more so on the destination management, which has been an issue for me,” DeCoite said. “I’m sure you saw the audit on the destination management action plans and it doesn’t look good.” The latest management audit released by State Auditor Leslie H. Kondo determined that HTA’s destination management focus is “not new or effective” and the agency remains unable to gauge its own performance. The state audit was especially critical of HTA’s DMAP effort, which it determined was “poorly planned and executed with key decisions deferred to third-party contractors and island steering committees. The result: many of the actions did not address hot spots, were underway or already achieved, or were impractical.” The DMAPs are HTA’s latest destination management strategy, and the plans approved by the HTA board in 2021 were intended to detail the steps the community, the visitor industry and other sectors deemed necessary to improve tourism management over a three-year period. The DMAPs were an outgrowth of the HTA Strategic Plan, which ran from 2020 to 2025 and was touted as the first strategic plan the agency developed as part of its shift from a mainly marketing focus to a greater emphasis on destination management. Anderson said in an email that the audit “identified areas for improvement, and we have begun assessing the recommendations provided in the report. HTA remains focused on improving its processes and procedures, including how we measure success and effectiveness in accomplishing our mission.” SOME OF the HTA board and staff disagreed with the management audit’s findings, and it’s unclear what tack they will take in the informational briefing. It’s also uncertain how current HTA board members will react to Green’s request or the other coming governance changes. HTA staff already is dealing with several key vacancies, although Anderson has launched a 90-day action plan to shore up the agency. In addition to downgrading the HTA board to an advisory board, SB 1571 lays out new operational and administrative criteria, and sets new standards for the selection of board members. The bill also amends eligibility requirements to serve on the advisory board. It removes the director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism from the board and requires that board members must be a representative of a tourism-impacted entity. Other provisions allow the House speaker and Senate president to each appoint an HTA advisory board member and allow the advisory board to appoint the HTA president and CEO, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Additionally, SB 1571 requires the HTA leader to report to the governor. The measure also clarifies that the Hawai‘i Convention Center must reflect a “Hawaii” sense of place instead of a “Hawaiian” sense of place. HTA board Chair Todd Apo said the board is still processing the changes. Apo added that John Cole, the deputy attorney general assigned to HTA, told the board at its last meeting that the state Department of the Attorney General’s interpretation of the law “does not require the board to get wiped out and restarted now.” Apo said Cole told the HTA board that “nobody has the authority to require any board member to resign, but obviously it can be asked for, and then it is up to each board member.” THE DILEMMA before the board members only adds to the recent uncertainties. In the past several months, HTA has undergone dramatic leadership shake-ups as it has struggled to address allegations of inappropriate freebies at the Hawai‘i Convention Center and inconsistencies in its Hawaii Tourism Conference partnerships. There were also allegations about potential procurement violations and late payments to contractors. Opens in a new tab State Sen. Kurt Fevella (R, Ewa Beach), HTA contractors, former HTA employees and some board members also alleged in a Honolulu Star-Advertiser story Opens in a new tab May 4 that HTA and DBEDT failed to respond promptly to complaints about a hostile work environment, including alleged racist and sexist comments, that they claim contributed to the recent resignations of five Native Hawaiian members of HTA’s leadership team. Isaac Choy, HTA vice president of finance and acting chief administrative officer, was put on unpaid leave May 9 at the direction of the state attorney general and the Department of Human Resources amid allegations he made racist and sexist remarks on the job. Since Choy was the project manager for $100 million in repairs at the convention center, his absence could extend the center’s planned construction beyond two years, putting the state at risk of losing millions of dollars Opens in a new tab in group tourism bookings. Choy, who remains on unpaid leave, has sued named and unnamed HTA officials, alleging they retaliated against him for reporting what he called procurement, spending and other violations.

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.”

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo adding sea, space, pharmacy programs in plan to modernize Big Island Now Kelsey Walling November 8, 2025 Original Article With one of the best locations in the world for astronomy in its backyard, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo launched its Space Sciences and Engineering Initiative a year ago to produce homegrown engineers and technicians. And with a unique location for marine science also in its backyard, UH Hilo has plans to build new coral reef research facilities on the Kohala coastline to support UH Hilo’s already well-known undergraduate Marine Science Program. UH Hilo also will offer a new online pathway to break educational barriers for working Hawaiʻi residents with an Extended, Online Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree program that begins in January. This is all part of UH Hilo’s “Renew, Improve, Modernize” vision to upgrade its facilities and programs to better serve students, faculty and the wider community with the help of state funding and a six-year plan. On Monday, state Sen. Lorraine Inouye announced that Gov. Josh Green released $15 million in Capital Improvement Program funds to finance the design and construction of facility improvements at UH Hilo. “Investments like this strengthen our educational infrastructure and ensure our students have access to a modern, high-quality learning environment,” Inouye said in a statement. The state Board of Regents already has approved “Renew, Improve, Modernize” budget requests of $29.6 million for 2026 and $22.6 million for 2027 for UH Hilo, but only the $15 million was appropriated for 2026. And, the University of Hawaiʻi System as a whole did not receive much funding for 2027. “We will be pursuing ‘Renew, Improve, Modernize’ funding through the supplemental budget process for the fiscal year 2027,” UH Hilo vice chancellor Kalei Rapoza said. “We are grateful for the appropriations we have received and hope additional funding will allow us to continue to address these projects on campus.” This table shows the Capital Improvement Project funding plans through 2029. (University of Hawaiʻi System) There are also plans to create additional instructional capacity by improving the use and quality of its existing spaces. According to its six-year plan, UH Hilo will continue to modernize facilities and address maintenance needs. For its new Space Sciences and Engineering Initiative, UH Hilo has invested significantly in the procurement of crucial engineering laboratory teaching materials and is currently developing a new “Maker Space” in the College of Natural and Health Sciences, coordinated by the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems. “The Maker Space is intended to benefit students in the pre-engineering program, providing open access to equipment such as a laser cutter, computer numerical control machine, 3D printer, line plotter, and equipment designed for the design and testing of electrical and structural materials,” said Simon Kattenhorn, dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences. Kattenhorn. The university now has 20 registered pre-engineering students, enrolled as physics majors. Half of these students began the program the fall of 2024 and another 10 arrived at UH Hilo this fall, mostly as new freshmen. “This reflects tremendous success in the university’s efforts to get information about this new program out to local high school students,” Kattenhorn said. The program is an interdisciplinary collaboration with the University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy and the Univeristy of Hawaiʻi Mānoa College of Engineering. The goal is to expand Hawaiʻi’s technology sector and educate people qualified to work the 500 jobs at observatories on Maunakea and Maui’s Haleakalā that specialize in optics, software, data science, materials, mechanics, systems and cryogenics. This new program provides students with valuable training in space engineering and instrument development through prerequisite engineering courses at the University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy’s facility in Hilo, which can then be transferred to the College of Engineering at UH Mānoa. With the new $15 million in state funds for fiscal year 2026, UH Hilo will address the following issues: Renovation and improvement for air conditioning systems in classroom buildings; Renovation and improvement of an agricultural facility for modern instruction; Design for renovation and upgrades to student housing; Design for replacement of built-up roofing at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center. “Addressing deferred maintenance early proactively allows repairs to be completed efficiently, preventing relatively simple issues from escalating and avoiding higher costs and impacts to operations,” Rapoza said. “By prioritizing maintenance investment now in critical areas, operations are safeguarded against disruptive outages, minimizing downtime and protecting critical assets.” The planned Puakō Marine Education and Research Center will provide research and study opportunities for understanding Hawaiʻi’s marine ecosystem by allowing for multi-day research and teaching and providing storage for boats, diving and research equipment currently in storage at UH Hilo. “The Puakō Marine Center would provide an internationally recognized facility for training and support available to UH students and researchers, local island educators and numerous federal, state and out-of-state university students and researchers,” Rapoza said. “Puakō is an ideal location to support a wide range of coastal and marine research activities for faculty and students throughout the UH System.” The facility would complement UH Hilo’s large undergraduate Marine Science Program and is an ideal location given the unique Kona-Kohala coastal resources and the need for additional higher education opportunities in West Hawaiʻi. “Our students and faculty already do substantial work with West Hawaiʻi reefs and this facility would help to showcase our efforts and promote our programs,” Rapoza said. “We also recognize that buy-in from the local community will be vital to our success.” According to the six-year plan, current access to the Puakō coral reefs is currently severely limited due to the lack of laboratories and housing on the west side. UH Hilo also does not have pressurized chamber to prevent decompression sickness for students diving. Rapoza said the facility would be completed in phases, starting with building a pavilion for outdoor training and a boat building for boat storage, an indoor classroom and project staging. Phase 2 would include a dormitory, an academic center with offices, classrooms and laboratories, and faculty and caretaker housing. Once the full funding of $8.5 million for Phase 1 is received, which is expected to be in the fiscal year of 2027, the timeline for building design, permitting and construction is approximately 3 to 4 years. The UH Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy’s new Extended, Online Doctor of Pharmacy degree program is mostly online with some immersion and laboratory experiences. It will give working adults and caregivers of loved ones more accessibility in pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. “This is a much-needed resource for our island state, which will allow aspiring pharmacists to continue living and working in their communities while pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree,” said Dr. Rae Matsumoto, dean of the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy. To learn more about the online, Doctor of Pharmacy program coming next January, visit the UH Hilo website .

State leaders prepare for SNAP benefit loss KHON2 Nathan Shinagawa October 28, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (KHON2) — With the federal government shutdown seemingly entering its second month, more than 160,000 Hawaii residents who depend on SNAP benefits will soon see that suspended. What to know about SNAP benefits during the government shutdown “If SNAP households have a balance from October or a prior month, they can still access that balance of SNAP benefits on their card and still use it,” said Scott Morishige of the Department of Human Services Benefit and Employment Services. “It’s just that the ongoing November SNAP benefit that would normally come on the third and fifth of the month will not be paid out, as long as the federal government shutdown continues.” “We are looking at a longer shutdown than expected,” said Senator Joy San Buenaventura. “Hopefully, we are aware that more people are going hungry.” As families approach the first month without the funds, state leaders are actively looking to help ease the suffering as much as possible. “The plan is to scrape together whatever available funds we have in state government to try and feed people,” said Senator Jarrett Keohokalole on what the plan was to help those who depend on SNAP. “The number of people who are not going to have access to their monthly food budget is about six times the size of our local food bank’s capacity, so it’s very disturbing.” “We’re providing $2 million to the Hawaii Food Bank to allow them to address increasing demand,” said Morishige. “In addition, we also have identified federal funds to start up the Hawaii Relief Program, which Governor Green will share more about tomorrow.” Hawaii is one of over two dozen states that are suing the USDA on its decision to withhold contingency money on SNAP benefits, arguing that the federal government has a legal obligation to maintain funding for food stamps. “The whole thing is very frustrating, when there’s $5 billion in contingency money at the federal level that the Trump administration is basically just holding hostage,” said Senator Keohokalole. “I am disappointed that the federal administration isn’t far more proactive,” said Senator Buenaventura. “Like our governor mediates between the Senate and the House in order to push budgetary items that is necessary for the public good, the president also has the power as a mediator to ensure that the shutdown ends by mediating any conflicts. And that does not look like it’s happening.” With no end in sight for the federal government shutdown, state senate members are encouraging that the information about some of these impacts needs to be shared with the public before it’s too late. Hawaiʻi among coalition of 26 states defending SNAP benefits in lawsuit “People consume information in lots of different ways, so it’s important for us to get the message out to as many people as possible in as many languages as possible on as many platforms as possible,” said Senator Keohokalole. “When you can’t eat, then there’s nothing else more important or critical. When your kids can’t eat, you’re in an emergency situation, you’re in a crisis, and so we should be treating it that way,” he added. Resources on Food Information SNAP Outreach Providers Different providers contracted with the DHS statewide to conduct outreach to households eligible for SNAP benefits, and providing assistance with referrals to community food resources. Aloha United Way 2-1-1 SNAP outreach provider which maintains a database to provide referrals to community food resources. Hawai’i Foodbank Service to O’ahu and Kauai’i O’ahu: 808-836-3600 Kauai’i: 808-482-2224 Hawaii Island Food Basket Food bank resource for Hawaii Island 808-933-6030 Maui Food Bank Food bank resource for Maui 808-243-9500 Additional information and updates can be found here on the DHS website.

DOE Gets An F: Hawaiʻi Schools Miss Their First Local Food Target Honolulu Civil Beat Thomas Heaton January 10, 2025 Original Article The Hawaiʻi Department of Education bought just 5% of ingredients for school lunches from local producers last year, failing to hit its first state-mandated farm-to-school target of 10% for local foods. And that counts purchases of local bottled water. This translated to roughly $4.5 million of the education department’s $82 million in food spending during the 2023-2024 school year for local produce, dairy, ground beef and poi among other staples, according to a report school officials will present Friday to the House Finance Committee. The department’s failure does not come as a shock to many in farm-to-school circles who have for years criticized the approach and speed of the agency’s work to integrate locally grown food into school meals. The mandated increase in spending was intended to ensure children received more nutritious meals and to give an economic boost to Hawaiʻi farmers and ranchers. “I’m really saddened and frustrated but definitely not surprised,” former teacher and farm-to-school advocate Rep. Amy Perruso said. Locally sourced and cultivated dairy accounted for 0.51% of the state Department of Education’s food spending during the 2023-2024 school year. (Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022) The state tasked the department with increasing its local food spending incrementally, starting this year at 10% and ending in 2050 when it is expected to spend 50% of its food budget on local produce. But the department backslid since the goals were set. In 2022, local food accounted for 6.2% of the state’s food purchasing, 0.8% higher than the latest school year. The report to state lawmakers shows ground beef made up the lion’s share of the department’s total spending on local food, accounting for 3% during the 2023-2024 school year. Fruit and vegetables accounted for 1.83% and less than 1% for poi, dairy and locally sourced bottled water. The bottled water, from Hilo, is offered a la carte for students purchasing school meals in the cafeteria and is deemed a “local processed product,” DOE spokeswoman Nanea Ching said in an email. It is a “creative stretch” to include bottled water in the report to the Legislature, Hawaiʻi Farmers Union advocacy director Hunter Heaivilin said, one that he is certain Hawaiʻi farmers did not benefit from. The department spent more than $40 million on imported processed foods in the 2023-2024 school year, accounting for 56.75% of its ingredients, the remaining 37.82% was spent on imported meat, fresh produce and dairy. DOE officials have in the past blamed local food industry's weak supply, price point, and flimsy supply chains for the lack of progress. Agriculture and farm-to-school advocates have largely rebuked that idea, saying the DOE's School Food Services Branch has been too opaque and inflexible to sell local food to. The department has consistently shown "reticence to pursue public will that has been embodied in state law," said Heaivilin, a food systems planner. To be sure, there are products that Hawaiʻi farmers will not be able to grow competitively or affordably enough for the department, such as apples, potatoes and rice. So the DOE should alter meals to better suit the local food system, Heaivilin said, or it should consider changing the way it reports its progress, so food producers have a greater understanding of what they could grow. "Some of these could be automatic import replacements, some of these could require changing menus," Heaivilin said. Hawai‘i Grown This ongoing series delves deep into what it would take for Hawai‘i to decrease its dependence on imported food and be better positioned to grow its own. Read More Ching said the DOE plans to host forums with vendors to guide them on the department's procurement laws, among other things, to help farmers, ranchers and other food producers better negotiate deals with them across the islands. The department has nevertheless failed to meet its mandated goal this year, casting doubt over the program's success. Lawmakers will have to resolve a discrepancy in laws by 2030 because two different laws — 2021's Act 175 and Act 144 from 2022 — show different targets, one being 30% and the other 18%. Perruso said she's not sure there are consequences either way for the department failing to meet the targets. The department has banked on the development of a centralized mega-kitchen model , based on mainland school food operations and local chain restaurant Zippy's , which prepares food in a central location to distribute throughout each island. The DOE signed a contract for the first kitchen's construction late last year, worth almost $30 million, to be built in Whitmore Village on Oʻahu. With the kitchen, strongly supported by Senate Ways and Means Chair Donovan Dela Cruz , the DOE hopes to iron out kinks in the supply chain on its way to reaching mandated goals. Perruso said the Legislature is also partly to blame for the department's failure to meet the goal, having left the department with just one position dedicated to the task. That role was not filled until August last year, after being vacant for three years. Randy Tanaka, DOE's former facilities superintendent, said he was doing the job himself until he was fired in late 2023. "It's not going to be possible for one person to effectuate that change," Perruso said, so the state needs to intervene to help the department achieve the goals. " Hawai‘i Grown " is funded in part by grants from the Stupski Foundation, Ulupono Fund at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation and the Frost Family Foundation.

State preschool program expands to include 2-year-olds with middle-income families now eligible to apply Big Island Now June 24, 2025 Original Article More families will have access to preschool education for their keiki starting in January. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, serving as Acting Governor, today signed into law Act 203 (House Bill 692 ), a major expansion of the state’s Preschool Open Doors tuition subsidy program. Hawai‘i Island Sen. Joy San Buenaventura speaks during bill signing event on expanded Preschool Open Doors program on June 24, 2025. (Photo credit: Office of the Lieutenant Governor) The new law, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026, expands eligibility to include 2-year-olds and removes accreditation requirements for child care providers, reducing barriers and increasing child care capacity across Hawaiʻi. “Expanding access to early learning is not just good policy but a commitment to our future, for our children, for our working families, for greater equity,” said Deborah Zysman, executive director for Hawai‘i Childrens Action Network. Administered by the state’s Department of Human Services, the program provides monthly child care and preschool tuition subsidies to qualifying low- to middle-income families. This legislation marks another milestone in the state’s Ready Keiki plan , led by Luke, to ensure universal access to early learning by 2032. In addition to the legislation, Luke signed updated administrative rules (HAR 17-799) that further expand access to the program by raising income eligibility to 500% of the federal poverty level (for example, a family of four earning up to $184,896 is now eligible). “We know that far too many working families fall into the gap—they earn too much to qualify for help but still struggle to afford quality child care. For the first time, a family of four making about $180,000 can qualify for Preschool Open Doors,” Luke said. “This expansion directly addresses that gap and brings us closer to our goal of making early learning truly accessible for all Hawaiʻi families.” The program will also grant presumptive eligibility for families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, providing temporary support for up to two months while documentation is gathered. It also caps co-payments at 3% of income, or a maximum of $45 per month. These changes take effect Friday, just in time for the open enrollment period starting July 1. Sen. Joy San Buenaventura, who represents Puna, championed the measure in the Senate during the latest legislative session. Following the bill signing, the senator highlighted the new rule that ends annual certification fees for early childhood educator providers, which will increase the pool of providers, hopefully allowing more access. “So long as they are licensed, they don’t need additional certifications,” San Buenaventura said. These updates build on a series of recent improvements to the Preschool Open Doors program. In January 2024, new rules extended eligibility to 3-year-olds, increased income thresholds, and reduced co-pays. In July 2024, the program moved to a year-round application with designated priority and open enrollment periods, making it easier for families to apply when they’re ready. Families across the state are already seeing the real impact of Preschool Open Doors. Scott Morishige, with the Department of Human Services, said the increase in the income limit is critical for impoverished families as child care is the third highest cost behind housing and food. “This helps households make ends meet and helps them to thrive,” he said. Morishige said of the 2,484 kids approved for the 2025-26 school year, 1,357 were 4-year-olds and 1,127 were 3-year-olds. They also received 750 more applications than the department had in prior years. Luke said the increase in enrollment will not come at the cost of larger class sizes, adding: “We’re keeping class sizes low and that will encourage best learning outcomes.” To apply to the Preschool Open Doors program, click here , or request an application from PATCH by visiting patchhawaii.org , calling 808-791-2130, or toll-free at 800-746-5620. PATCH can also help families find a preschool that meets their needs.

Hawai'i Leaders and Rams Discuss Mauicamp and Community Impact BVM Sports BVM Sportsdesk May 7, 2025 Original Article Hawai'i Governor Josh Green, State Senator Lynn DeCoite, State Representative Adrian Tam, and Rams President Kevin Demoff announced the Rams' Mauicamp in Maui, from June 16-19. Following devastating wildfires in Maui, the Rams raised significant funds for disaster relief, enhancing their partnership with the state. The event will feature player activities, youth clinics, and community service, with hopes to strengthen ties and grow the Rams' fan base in Hawai'i. Demoff hinted at future collaborations, potentially leading to more Rams events and a stadium in Hawai'i. By the Numbers The Rams raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through fundraising efforts for Maui relief. The Mauicamp will accommodate unique on-field activities over four days, including clinics for 400 local student-athletes. State of Play The Rams will host training activities at War Memorial Stadium alongside local youth clinics. Local government officials are optimistic about fostering an ongoing relationship with the Rams beyond this year's camp. What's Next The Rams and Hawai'i officials aim to explore a longer partnership, potentially leading to more events and a future stadium on the islands by 2028, coinciding with the Los Angeles Olympics. Bottom Line This partnership reflects a growing relationship between the Rams and Hawai'i, emphasizing community support and economic growth while fostering a budding football fan base in the state.