Federal lawsuit challenges private school that gives preference to Native Hawaiians Associated Press News Jennifer Sinco Kelleher October 20, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (AP) — A lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. court in Honolulu challenges an admissions policy of a wealthy and prestigious private school that gives preference to applicants who are Native Hawaiian. A leading opponent of affirmation action launched a campaign last month to test the policy’s legality and stop Kamehameha Schools from favoring Hawaiians. It’s part of a movement to expand the legal definition of racial discrimination in education, which comes on the heels of a Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in college admissions and is bolstered by the Trump administration’s war against diversity, equity and inclusion. Now, they’re targeting scholarships, academic programs and admissions policies tied directly or indirectly to race. The lawsuit was expected after Students for Fair Admissions — led by Edward Blum, a leading opponent of affirmative action — set up a website posing the question, “Is your child barred from Kamehameha Schools based on ancestry?” The lawsuit doesn’t include any named or anonymous plaintiffs other than Students for Fair Admissions. The complaint says the group has members who are “injured by Kamehameha’s discrimination,” and members who are “ready and able” to apply to the Hawaii private school system, which has an endowment valued at more than $15 billion. “We are ready for this challenge,” trustees said in a statement. “The facts and the law are on our side, and we are confident that we will prevail.” Kamehameha Schools was founded by the will of Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the great-granddaughter of King Kamehameha I. When she died in 1884, her will directed the establishment of schools that give preference to Native Hawaiians. Each year, the number of applications exceeds the number of spaces by as much as 17 to 1, depending on the campus and grade, according to the Kamehameha website. Alumni and parents of current students say a Kamehameha education is highly desirable because it’s affordable, offers stellar academics and is grounded in the culture of Hawaii’s Indigenous people. “Nothing about training future leaders, or preserving Hawaii’s unique culture, requires Kamehameha to block its students from learning beside children of different ancestries — Asian, black, Hispanic, or white,” the lawsuit said. The comment shows the group behind the lawsuit doesn’t understand what is means to be Hawaiian or multiracial, said state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, who is running for Congress. He noted that his mother is a white woman from Medford, Oregon, making him Scottish, German, French, Tahitian and Hawaiian. The challenge to Kamehameha Schools is coming from “tone deaf outsiders who know nothing about Hawaii,” said Keohokalole, who applied in 1995 for seventh grade, and two years later for high school, but was rejected and graduated from a Catholic boys school. There’s an understanding among Hawaii residents that only students with Hawaiian blood will be admitted. Many see the policy as a way to remedy disparities stemming from U.S. colonization and the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom by a group of American business owners. The lawsuit says that if not for the admissions policy, there are non-Hawaiian families who would apply for reasons including: “bad experiences with local public schools,” Kamehameha’s “high-quality programs” and for its networking and career opportunities. This isn’t the first time Kamehameha has had to defend its admissions policy. In 2005, a panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the policy of restricting admission to Hawaiians, ruling it violated federal civil rights law. Kamehameha sought a rehearing. The following year, the court upheld the policy. Kamehameha later settled with the family of the student who brought the case when he was denied admission. According to the recent lawsuit, that settlement was $7 million.

Hawaiʻi Senate Ways and Means Committee details visit to Kauaʻi Kauai Now August 16, 2025 Original Article Members of the Hawai‘i Senate Ways and Means Committee — including Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau lawmaker Senate President Ronald Kouchi — spent 2 days this week on the Garden Isle for a whirlwind tour for discussions and meetings with officials with various government agencies and community leaders. Senators during their visit Aug. 12-13 heard from and were updated about activities and work surrounding several issues, including: Development of Hawai‘i’s latest food and product innovations. Health care systems. Education and workforce development pathways. Biosecurity efforts. Language access. Their trip also visited various sites, receiving the latest information about critical projects and initiatives happening on the island. “Our site visits to Kaua‘i provided the committee with a deeper understanding of the innovations taking place across [the] state to address some of Hawai‘i’s most pressing challenges,” Ways and Means Committee Chairman O’ahu state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz in a release detailing the visit. “From tackling homelessness by creating a continuum of housing to advancing education, workforce readiness and economic opportunity, we’ve seen firsthand how local partnerships are turning ideas into impact.” Initiatives such as the Food and Product Innovation Network demonstrate how investments in education and entrepreneurship can strengthen Hawai‘i’s economy and support homegrown industries. Cultural preservation efforts at Ke Kula Ni‘ihau O Kekaha Learning Center underscore at the same time the importance of protecting the voices and values that make island communities unique. “These insights will be critical as we continue to shape policies and allocate resources that build a more resilient and equitable future for all of Hawai‘i,” said Dela Cruz. Kouchi said it’s always meaningful when Hawai‘i Senate comes to Kaua‘i to see the incredible work local communities, educators and organizations are doing every day to tackle statewide challenges. “From efforts to increase affordable housing and address homelessness, to supporting workforce development and preserving ʻŌlelo Ni‘ihau, these initiatives reflect the deep commitment of our people to building a stronger Hawai‘i,” the Senate president said. “I’m grateful to the Senate Ways and Means Committee for taking the time to engage directly with the people and projects that are making a real difference on the ground.” The Senate Ways and Means Committee conducts neighbor island site visits every 2 years. It uses information members receive from community stakeholders and government officials to guide collective decision-making for legislation and budget appropriations that bolster regional and statewide planning and implementation efforts. The committee’s Kaua‘i visit highlighted the important work and progress by various state and public organizations, allowing members to see the real-life impacts of the policy decisions they craft and deliver to the public. “As the state moves forward and prepares for the upcoming legislative session, the committee will continue to look at ways to support the crucial efforts of these organizations toward economic diversification, protection of the land and natural resources and education of our keiki and future workforce,” says the committee’s post-trip report.

Senate committee advances key bills on housing, agriculture, businesses and energy Maui Now February 25, 2025 Original Article The Senate Committee on Ways and Means, led by State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, passed several key bills this week aimed at tackling housing shortages, supporting local businesses, and advancing sustainability in Hawai‘i. “We’re continuing to take proactive steps in addressing some of Hawai‘i’s most urgent needs during this legislative session,” Dela Cruz said. “Through these measures, we are investing in Hawai‘i’s future by building a more resilient, self-sustaining economy and a higher quality of life for our residents.” The following bills were passed out of the WAM Committee this week: SB 65 SD2: Relating to housing – This bill addresses the repair and maintenance needs for Hawai‘i’s public housing units used by some of the state’s most vulnerable populations. As the Senate continues to prioritize the availability of housing, bringing existing housing inventory back online is critical to addressing the housing shortage. SB 125 SD1: Relating to State Enterprise Zones – Enterprise zones create tax incentives that can be used to provide local small businesses with incentives to develop and scale their operations. This bill helps local farmers and businesses that process local farm products stay competitive in both local and global markets. SB 448 SD1: Relating to Agriculture – Maintaining O‘ahu’s agricultural lands in production is vital for food resilience and security, especially in Central O‘ahu’s remaining agricultural heartland. This measure enables the Agribusiness Development Corporation to preserve these lands by ensuring they remain productive through a negotiated conservation easement. SB 1269 SD1: Geothermal resources – This bill allocates funds to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to explore geothermal energy in counties with less than 300,000 residents. The goal is to use this clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy source to help the state reach net-zero carbon emissions, while still providing affordable power for homes and businesses.

Pearl City state senator announces retirement KHON2 Cameron Macedonio September 24, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (KHON2) — State Sen. Henry J.C. Aquino, who represents Pearl City, Waipahu, West Loch Estates, Honoʻuliʻuli and Hoʻopili announced his retirement from the legislature, effective Nov. 30. “It has been an honor to represent residents, neighbors, supporters, friends and family in the Hawaiʻi State Senate. I’ve also had the opportunity to serve with amazing colleagues, past and present, who have worked hard to address the needs of our great state — an absolute privilege to have served with you all,” Aquino said. “I’m grateful for the senate and house staff along with the individuals who have worked in my office during my time in public service.” Aquino went on to detail that the decision to retire was not made lightly and for the best of his constituents. “It is my belief that this best serves the needs and interests of the people of Senate District 19,” Aquino said. After his retirement, Aquino plans to join a locally based consulting firm “that emphasizes non-profit organizations and association management.” Aquino has served for a total of 17 years in both houses of the legislature.

The Sunshine Blog: Here’s When It Pays To Be A Doctor — And A Governor Honolulu Civil Beat The Sunshine Blog January 10, 2025 Original Article Dr. Green goes to Washington: Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green has become the leading voice — at least for the moment — opposing the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Our very own Dr. Gov. Green was all over Washington, D.C., this week, lobbying senators and telling anyone who would listen about the time in 2019 when he led a medical mission to Samoa to fight a raging measles outbreak only to find Kennedy and his anti-vax campaign had gotten there first. The country had experienced a drop in vaccination rates before the outbreak, driven in part by fear after the death of two infants in 2018 who had received a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine that had been improperly prepared. But Kennedy has also been blamed for exacerbating the problem. In 2019, just months before an emergency was declared, he traveled to Samoa and met with prominent anti-vaccination activists on the island. And then during the height of the outbreak, when children were dying, he sent a letter to the prime minister questioning whether it was the MMR vaccine itself that had caused the public health crisis. By the time the outbreak had run its course, thousands of people were sickened and 83 died, many of them children. Green, who is passionate and articulate about the problems that come when people refuse to get vaccinated, had an op-ed published in The New York Times this week and was featured in a Washington Post story and on cable media including CNN and Fox News. And he was trending on social sites. “I have no personal animus toward Mr. Kennedy on a lot of his policies,” Green told Civil Beat’s Washington correspondent Nick Grube, who caught him as he was sitting on a plane waiting to take off back to Hawaiʻi. “I just have an absolute objection to having the secretary of Health and Human Services be against vaccines, and he is. He can say what he wants to try to mitigate the damage, but everyone knows about his vaccine skepticism.” Green met with nearly a dozen senators from both sides of the aisle, including Democrats Dick Durbin of Illinois and Ron Wyden of Oregon. He was reluctant to name anyone else, he told Grube, because they were worried about political fallout. And besides, Green told Grube, he was really there on official state business like checking on federal cash that could and should be headed our way and other things of interest to Hawai‘i. While in town he worked with two different advocacy groups, 3.14 Action and Protect Our Care, to push his message and coordinate meetings with lawmakers. Already 3.14 Action has featured the governor in one of its advertisements opposing Kennedy. Green, who The Blog has heard would really like to be the country’s health secretary himself one day, told Grube he anticipates returning to D.C. in the future to crusade against Kennedy, including testifying before Congress if the opportunity allows. He’ll even talk to Donald Trump. Check, please: Wednesday is Opening Day of the 2025 Hawaiʻi Legislature, so that can only mean one thing: state legislators will rush to hold campaign fundraisers before the opening gavel falls because they’re prohibited by state law from holding organized fundraisers during session. The Blog is referring specifically to Sens. Lynn DeCoite and Jarrett Keohokalole , who asked for donations at Capitol Modern Tuesday night. It’s conveniently located right across Richards Street from the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. On Wednesday night Sens. Chris Lee , Donovan Dela Cruz , Henry Aquino and Troy Hashimoto passed their hats at Bishop Museum. Aquino, DeCoite and Keohokalole are planning ahead — they’re not up for reelection until 2028. House bills proposing to end the acceptance of all campaign contributions during legislative sessions (not just at organized fundraisers) passed that chamber unanimously in the 2023 session but were not heard by the Senate. Civil Beat opinion writers are closely following efforts to bring more transparency and accountability to state and local government — at the Legislature, the county level and in the media. Help us by sending ideas and anecdotes to sunshine@civilbeat.org . The mysterious making of the rules: The rulebook dictating how Hawaiʻi lawmakers conduct the public’s business is a big deal. The Blog has long contended that many of the most urgently needed legislative reforms could be accomplished with simple rule changes . With the start of a new biennium Wednesday, new rules must be adopted. Actually there are two rulebooks, one for the House and another for the Senate . And how they approach the task says a lot about the differences between the two chambers. The House formed a four-member Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedures that has been reaching out to representatives for their suggestions regarding the rules. The Senate, meh, not so much. Here’s how Senate Judiciary Chair Karl Rhoads puts it: “I think the Senate tends to be a little more, what’s the word I’m looking for? You’re a senator. If you have a problem with something, you need to raise it. We’re not necessarily going to go look for you to solicit your concerns.” Rhoads says he’s heard nothing about possible new Senate rules in the lead-up to the new session. Which, come to think of it, is not so different from what the House is doing. Its advisory committee is meeting in private, much to the consternation of reform advocates like Gary Hooser. The former senator writes in his own blog that current House rule No. 20 requires that the committee’s meetings be conducted openly: “Every meeting of a committee of the House … held for the purpose of making decisions on matters referred to the committee shall be open to the public.” But House Judiciary Chair David Tarnas points out that this House advisory committee is just that — advisory. “They’re not making decisions,” Tarnas says. “They’re recommending and they’re advisory. The decision-making itself is when we vote on it.” That will presumably occur soon after the Legislature convenes. That’s when we’ll know if either chamber is serious about limiting the power of conference chairs, preventing the money committees from controlling non-fiscal matters, eliminating anonymous bill introductions and so forth. Hope springs eternal: And speaking of being serious about reform, a hui of good governance groups gathered at the Capitol Thursday to launch what they called “Good Government Lobby Day.” The goal of the Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action, Our Hawai‘i, Common Cause and Clean Elections Coalition is to advocate for government reforms that will strengthen transparency, accountability and fairness in the legislative process. “Welcome to your House of Representatives,” Rep. Della Au Belatti said as she welcomed some two dozen folks to Conference Room 325. She said she had not seen such a level of reform activity in her 20 years in the Legislature, adding that a revived Good Government Caucus at the Legislature is already working on bills. Rep. Della Au Belatti at the Good Governance Lobby Day meeting at the Capitol Tuesday. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024) Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto said the new energy for reform began in 2022 when two lawmakers were arrested for and later convicted on bribery charges. There had been a culture, she said, that allowed Ty Cullen and J. Kalani English to get away with corruption. But there’s a lot of new blood in the Leg today. The groups, which spent half of the day meeting with other lawmakers, are pushing for a range of reforms including making public testimony on bills available early, doing away with anonymous bill introductions, taking non-financial bills out of money committees, enacting term limits and establishing full public financing of campaigns. Women of the house: One-third (or 32.43%) of the total number of state legislators in the 50 states and territories in 2025 are women, a slight increase from just a few years ago. The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada are at or above the 50% mark of women state legislators, the highest representation nationwide. How does Hawaiʻi do? Compared to many other states and territories, pretty good at 40.8%. Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia, for example, each have legislatures with less than 20% women members. The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives now has its first-ever female speaker, Nadine Nakamura. Two women have led the state Senate, Colleen Hanabusa and Donna Kim.

Hawaii Leads Nation: Ends Extreme Sentencing & Adult Prison for Kids, Embraces Trauma-Informed Justice The Honolulu Herald Johanna Olivas June 30, 2025 Original Article "As a physician and public servant, I believe we have a moral obligation to protect the well-being of all children—especially those who have experienced trauma, abuse, or hardship," said Governor Josh Green, M.D. "These new laws reflect Hawaii’s deep commitment to treating kids with compassion and dignity, not punishment. By keeping children out of adult jails and prisons, ending mandatory minimum sentences for youth, and ensuring judges consider the full context of a child’s life, we are creating a justice system that sees children as they are: still growing, still healing, and still full of potential." Together, these reforms ban the incarceration of youth in adult jails and prisons, end mandatory minimum sentencing for children, and establish a minimum age of 12 for prosecution—placing Hawaii among a small group of states leading the nation in child-centered criminal justice policy. "These reforms recognize that all children deserve to have their human rights protected even when they make mistakes,” said Senator Mike Gabbard, who championed the legislation. “For our youngest na keiki, that means addressing behavioral issues with treatment and services outside of carceral settings. It also means that if incarceration becomes necessary for older youth, they are treated in an age-appropriate and trauma-informed manner. These laws will ensure our keiki receive that grace and the opportunity to heal from the trauma that often leads to their system involvement.” Highlights of the New Laws: SB 694: Prohibits the housing of children in adult jails, lock-ups, and prisons. This law addresses alarming data showing youth held with adults face dramatically higher risks of sexual abuse, physical assault, and suicide. SB 691: Establishes a minimum age of 12 for prosecuting or adjudicating children delinquent, with no exceptions. Hawaii becomes just the third state in the nation with this level of protection. SB 544: Ends mandatory minimum sentencing for youth and requires judges to consider a child’s full history—including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)—before sentencing. Hawaii joins just five other states that have eliminated mandatory minimums for children prosecuted as adults. "We are grateful for the moral leadership of Governor Green and Senator Gabbard in making Hawaii the best state in the country when it comes to protecting the human rights of system-involved youth," said James Dold, Founder and CEO of Human Rights for Kids. “Hawaii is a shining example of how data, science, and compassion can come together to create policies that prioritize healing and opportunity over punishment and harm.” These sweeping reforms come at a critical time. Research shows that children exposed to incarceration, solitary confinement, and harsh sentencing are more likely to experience further trauma, have their brain development disrupted, and face increased risks of recidivism. "Arrest and incarceration are deeply traumatic, punitive, and expensive responses to childhood behavior," said Jolene Forman, Chief Program and Advocacy Officer of The Just Trust, a national funder of youth justice reform. "We applaud any state seeking alternative models of accountability for kids to reduce future harm for individuals, their families, and broader communities." About Human Rights for Kids Human Rights for Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of the human rights of children. We use an integrated, multi-faceted approach which consists of research & public education, coalition building & grassroots mobilization, and policy advocacy & strategic litigation to advance critical human rights on behalf of children in the United States and around the world. Human Rights for Kids is particularly grateful to our partner, The Just Trust, for supporting our state-level advocacy on behalf of children around the country. Johanna Olivas Human Rights for Kids jolivas@humanrightsforkids.org Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

Community celebrates UH Hyperbaric Treatment Center’s 40 years UH News September 30, 2025 Original Article Thousands of patients, from divers stricken with “the bends” to cancer survivors coping with radiation injuries, have found lifesaving care at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Hyperbaric Treatment Center (HTC). On September 27, nearly 100 people gathered at Kuakini Medical Center’s Hale Pulama Mau Auditorium to celebrate HTC’s 40th anniversary and honor its legacy of healing. HTC, a clinical program of UH Mānoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) and operated by University Health Partners (UHP) of Hawaiʻi, remains the Pacific’s only 24/7 public hyperbaric facility. The celebration featured guided tours, historical displays, and a clinical information session spotlighting HTC’s evolution and achievements since its opening in 1983. Attendees included physicians, staff, community members and state lawmakers. The center was formally recognized with certificates from both the Hawaiʻi State Legislature and Honolulu City Council for its decades of service to the state. Since its founding, HTC has treated more than 5,000 patients and is projected to surpass 40,000 individual treatments by the end of 2025. The center delivers hyperbaric oxygen therapy for 15 recognized conditions, including decompression sickness, diabetic ulcers, radiation-related injuries, sudden hearing loss, severe infections, and other non-healing wounds. Beyond patient care, the Hyperbaric Treatment Center provides hands-on training opportunities for medical students, giving future physicians practical experience in hyperbaric medicine while strengthening care capacity across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.

Hawaii Ethics Commission plans penalty system akin to traffic fines Star Advertiser Dan Nakaso December 22, 2024 Original Article The Hawaii Ethics Commission plans to create a uniform fine schedule — similar to standardized traffic fines — and voted unanimously Wednesday to have a bill introduced in the next legislative session that would speed up the issuance of fines, which now takes up to six months. Accused violators will still have the right to argue why they shouldn’t have to pay a penalty and later challenge any fines, said Ethics Commission Executive Director Robert Harris. But anyone accused of committing offenses would know the size of the fines they face and would have the option of paying them “faster and more efficiently.” “They can have the matter resolved pretty quickly,” he said. The commission ensures compliance with state ethics and lobbying laws. According to the commission’s website, the State Ethics Code requires approximately 1,900 state officials to file annual financial disclosures and that any state official who receives certain gifts report those gifts to the commission. Harris said not every alleged ethics offense would be found on the proposed fine schedule if there are multiple and complicated allegations with “more factors to consider.” Others, such as a simple, single offense, would. “The intent is to make sure there’s consistency between cases,” Harris said. “Some are pretty objectively the same, such as failing to file on time. The facts are pretty clear, so that’s pretty cut and dry.” More serious cases include violating rules against campaign contributions by lobbyists during the legislative session, and elected officials and state employees making social media posts for campaign purposes or in favor of a business on state time or while using state resources such as state social media accounts, Harris said. In 2023, the Ethics Commission took in 329 ethics complaints from sources or anonymous sources, launched 17 formal investigations, issued three formal charges, and assessed $9,500 in penalties, according to its annual report. The panel also closed 360 cases due to lack of jurisdiction, successful settlements or enforcement, and other factors. The commission can make the fine schedule on its own but needs legislative approval to streamline and simplify the enforcement process, Harris said. The commission currently has to approve a charge, give alleged violators time to respond, and perhaps schedule a hearing. Anyone issued a fine may request a contested case hearing to challenge their penalties. Accused violators would still be able to go through the current process. Bills the commission voted to approve Wednesday would ask Senate President Ron Kouchi and House Speaker Nadine Nakamura to introduce bills in their individual chambers that would streamline the process for those who want to resolve their cases quickly. The maximum fine for an Ethics Commission violation is $5,000. The Ethics Commission previously voted to have a separate bill introduced next session that would make it a violation for a lobbyist to request that a contract bid be issued in such a way that most likely would be written only for their client. Similar rules already are in place for the Legislature. A new bill also would apply to lobbying of the state’s executive branch and would include requests for contracts to directors or deputy directors of state agencies, members of the governor’s cabinet, University of Hawaii regents, and boards and commissions. Lobbyists would be required to disclose any attempts to request contract proposals to members of the executive branch that would be “on file in a public database,” Harris said. It would not apply to members of the public or community groups that want specific projects, as long they don’t represent a client who would benefit, Harris said.

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.

MAHALO SENATOR ELEFANTE – SENATE PUBLIC SAFETY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HOLDS SERIES OF HEARINGS ON ILLEGAL FIREWORKS BILLS myPearlCity.com PC Community February 6, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU – The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM), chaired by Senator Brandon Elefante (Senate District 16 – ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City), completed a series of significant hearings today addressing legislation aimed at combatting illegal fireworks in communities across Hawai‘i. Three separate hearings held at the Hawai‘i State Capitol went over several key bills that focus on strengthening enforcement measures and penalties related to illegal fireworks use. A priority for the Senate, these bills aim to enhance public safety and respond to the increasing concerns about the dangerous and disruptive use of fireworks. The following bills were heard today: SB 999 : this bill would ban the use and sale of consumer fireworks, set fines for breaking the law, and create a fund to support safety education programs using money from the fines and seized property; the committees who heard the bill (PSM/CPN) deferred it to Monday, February 10 for decision-making. SB 1226 : this bill aims to create a program to inspect shipping containers, require the Department of Law Enforcement to report on the program’s effectiveness, and provide money to support the program. The TCA/PSM committees passed the bill with amendments. SB 302 : this piece of legislation would limit the use of consumer fireworks to only approved cultural events with a permit, ban selling them without a permit, and add a fee for those permits. The TCA/PSM committees passed the bill with amendments. SB 1324 : this bill would increase penalties for fireworks-related injuries or deaths, create new criminal offenses for illegal fireworks actions, and set up a system to handle fireworks violations. The PSM/TCA committees passed the bill with amendments. SB 227 would create a new division to enforce laws against illegal fireworks. It was passed unamended. SB 476 would raise the fines for certain fireworks violations, starting on July 1, 2025. The bill was deferred. SB 222 : this bill provides more funding for the illegal fireworks task force for the next few years until June 30, 2030. It was passed unamended. Senator Elefante emphasized the critical nature of these discussions, noting that illegal fireworks not only pose safety hazards but also disturb residents, pets, and local wildlife. “Today’s hearings represent a major step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities,” said Senator Elefante. “By strengthening enforcement and increasing penalties, we are sending a clear message that the unlawful use of fireworks will not be tolerated.” The bills are part of ongoing efforts to address the rising concerns over fireworks-related incidents, including fires, injuries, and public disturbances, especially in light of the tragedies that happened in the state at the beginning of this year. Senate Committee acronyms, for reference: PSM: Public Safety and Military Affairs CPN: Commerce and Consumer Protection TCA: Transportation and Culture and the Arts ABOUT THE HAWAIʻI STATE SENATE MAJORITY The Hawaiʻi State Senate consists of 25 members who serve staggered four-year terms. The Senate Majority consists of 22 Democrats for the 33rd Legislature, which convened on January 15, 2025. For the latest news and updates, follow the Senate Majority on Facebook, Instagram, or visit https://www.hawaiisenatemajority.com .

Tourism industry deepening ties to film industry Star Advertiser John Berger October 5, 2025 Original Article Hawaii tourism officials are looking to harness the power of film to put a spotlight on Hawaii as a visitor destination, while creating a more authentic understanding of the islands and providing employment for local residents. The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority are increasing support for the industry, which has been hard hit by the departure of major productions and the absence of new ones. CBS’s “Hawaii Five-0” shut down in 2020, and “NCIS: Hawai‘i” and the reboot of “Magnum P.I.” both aired their last episodes on the network in 2024, while “Rescue: HI-Surf” was canceled by Fox in May. Gov. Josh Green and DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka recently allocated $500,000 in HTA funding for the film industry and directed the new HTA advisory board to create a Film Production Tourism Standing Committee. The committee, made up of select HTA advisory board members, is expected to guide initiatives that promote Hawaii through film, television and integrated marketing while supporting economic development and authentic representation of the state. The state agencies’ recent focus on film also was a key part of the Hawai‘i Tourism Conference held Sept. 22-23 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center and drew more than 600 attendees, who represented a cross section of Hawaii’s visitor industry and community members, nonprofits and cultural practitioners. Hawaii film industry veteran Brian Keaulana, state Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D, East Maui-Upcountry Maui-Molokai-Lanai-Kahoolawe) and film industry professionals Kourtney Kang and Matt Kester provided insight during a well-attended panel on “Harnessing the Power of Film to Elevate the Destination.” Keaulana said during the panel discussion that the Aug. 1 world premiere of the Apple TV+ miniseries “Chief of War” was a missed opportunity for Hawaii to fully benefit from its cultural advantages and expertise. The nine-episode historical drama, about the battles leading to unification of the isles in the final years of the 18th century, was created, written and produced by Hawaiians. It starred Hawaiian actors Jason Momoa and Moses Goods, and featured several other Hawaiians in prominent supporting roles. Its total production cost of $340 million made “Chief of War” one of the most expensive series ever produced for Apple TV+; however, for financial reasons it filmed only one month in Hawaii and six months in New Zealand. “The Maoris and the people over there, the Indigenous people, all asked us, ‘Why are you coming here?’” Keaulana said. “We had to tell them, ‘The only reason is we can’t (afford to) finish the film (in Hawaii) and we need to finish the film to showcase what we can do.’” DeCoite was a leader this year in the push to enact Senate Bill 732, which proposed increasing the annual payout cap for film and TV production tax credits to $60 million. Other provisions later added to the bill included nixing the $17 million cap per production, waiving county permit fees for certain film activity, providing an extra 5% tax credit for qualified productions employing at least 80% local workers and phasing out production credits over five years. Different versions of SB 732 passed the full House and Senate but stalled April 25 in a conference committee of House and Senate members who could not agree on a compromise. The local film industry got a reprieve when Green vetoed House Bill 796, which would have imposed an automatic five-year sunset on every tax credit established or renewed after the end of this year, or phase out such credits over three years. Green’s veto protected the film tax incentive through Dec. 31, 2032. “Gov. Green has always been on board with the film industry,” DeCoite said. “He sees the value within the industry itself, the outreach of everything else. It’s educating the (legislative) body that basically still has the mindset that this is a rich industry. It’s not, and if this state does not invest, does not look at tax incentives, does not continue to have these conversations and educate themselves, we’re going to look at having it never to return.” Mericia Palma Elmore, executive director of industry union SAG-AFTRA Hawaii and chair of HTA’s Film Production Tourism Standing Committee, also attended the conference panel discussion. She said Hawaii’s film and television industry is not just about entertainment, it’s also essential to driving the state’s economy, including tourism. “All the production that happens here, it creates jobs for our members, actors, stunt people, background performers, but it is also a global advertisement for Hawaii — and not just the beauty of Hawaii, but now, if you look at most recent offerings, the history and culture of Hawaii,” she said. Elmore cited a 2022 DBEDT report that found that film and TV productions contributed $1.2 billion to the state’s gross domestic product, paid over $543 million in wages and generated $121.6 million in state tax revenue. Additionally, she said the report noted that 4.5 million visitor days were directly tied to productions filmed in Hawaii. “Hawaii must remain competitive as best we can globally, and incentives are a part of it,” Elmore said. “I think that sometimes people can see it as a handout, but they should see it in terms of investment.” She added that Hawaii needs to invest in the film industry in the same way it invests in tourism. “The governor sees it — you can look at his record on this and just really his openness to our community and to the creative community in Hawaii,” Elmore said. “I am so glad that people are really starting to see it now.”

Federal lawsuit filed to block tax on visiting cruise ships Hawaii News Now Ben Gutierrez August 28, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A consortium of cruise ship operators and tour businesses have filed a lawsuit in federal court to block the state’s new law to tax cruise ships in the same way as hotels. Cruise Lines International Association, Inc. v. Suganuma contends that Hawaii is blatantly violating the U.S. Constitution by imposing the 11% tax on out-of-state cruise passengers in January, and letting the counties add an extra 3%. It’s the first time cruise ships would have to pay the transient accommodations tax charged to guests at hotels and vacation rentals. “Here you have a floating hotel, right? You have a floating hotel,” said state Sen. Lynn DeCoite, who chairs the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee. “The hotel industry has paid their fair sure for the past years.” The group that filed the lawsuit wouldn’t do an interview. But the lawsuit claims that “As the Supreme Court long has recognized, the Constitution’s Tonnage Clause bars States from imposing any “charge for the privilege of entering, trading in, or lying in a port.” The complaint also said, “For an average family, Act 96 will add hundreds of dollars to the cost of popular cruise itineraries that dock in Hawaii ports. That substantial price increase will cause many families to forego trips to Hawaii in favor of other destinations.” “‘It’s going to hurt the industry and people are not going to come.’ Well then find me a tourist on your ship that is going to publicly say that. Say it publicly. If that’s the case, then this is not the place for you,” DeCoite said. Last year, the state said more than 150,000 out-of-state cruise line passengers came to Hawaii. “One of the challenges is because they don’t pay any tax when they come to port, yet they still have stress on the infrastructure,” said Jerry Agrusa, a professor with the University of Hawaii School of Travel Industry Management. The new tax also includes a .75% “Green Fee” to fund projects that help the environment. “I spoke with a lot of tourists this weekend while I was sitting there playing tourist myself and I didn’t hear anybody complain about it,” DeCoite said. “I brought up the Green Fee just like that, and they’re like, we don’t mind.” The state Department of the Attorney General said it was just served with the complaint and won’t comment until they have a chance to review it.