Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Seek Tougher Fireworks Enforcement, But No Statewide Ban Civil Beat Blaze Lovell February 11, 2025 Original Article State senators declined to move forward with a statewide ban on all fireworks on Monday, and instead are working to significantly strengthen law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute fireworks cases. Within the last week, measures to increase fireworks penalties, boost funding for investigations and allow for the random inspection of containers at the ports have all cleared their initial hurdles in the Senate. Together, the measures represent the most significant steps to crack down on illegal fireworks that legislators have taken in more than two decades. Over those years, a series of reports outlined steps that lawmakers, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors could take to curtail fireworks in Hawaiʻi , but those recommendations were rarely acted on. The moves this week in the Senate show how dramatically the politics of policing fireworks changed after an explosion at a neighborhood fireworks display on New Year’s Eve left six dead . Police have so far made 10 arrests . The incident gave lawmakers a new sense of urgency. “I feel like we should have done more in the past,” said Sen. Brandon Elefante, chairman of the committee primarily responsible for advancing fireworks bills this year. Aerial fireworks have been illegal in Hawaiʻi since 2000, and most consumer fireworks except for firecrackers have been outlawed on Oʻahu since 2011. Elefante said that he and other senators are focused this session on giving law enforcement officials the tools they need to pursue fireworks-related cases. Gov. Josh Green’s administration has also proposed rewriting fireworks laws to make it easier for prosecutors to bring criminal cases and enhancing penalties for offenders. The most significant part of the governor’s proposal under Senate Bill 1324 changes various fireworks-related definitions in the state’s laws. For example, the current definition of an “aerial device” is a firework with 130 milligrams or less of explosive material that, when ignited, produces an audible or visible effect. Law enforcement officials said that definition requires forensic testing and the testimony of expert witnesses to prove a crime occured. And that’s assuming there’s anything left of the device to test. It’s particularly a problem “if the firework has already gone up. There’s no evidence to collect,” Deputy Attorney General Tricia Nakamatsu told lawmakers. Under the proposed changes, an aerial device would be defined as anything that shoots at least 12 feet into the air and explodes or emits fireballs. The Attorney General’s Office said the bill creates “common sense” standards that most people would be able to testify about in court if called upon. The bill also increases penalties for some fireworks violations. Under the current law, throwing a firework out of a moving car is treated the same as igniting one outside of designated times. Both could only be punished with a fine of up to $5,000. SB 1324 would create higher penalties for more dangerous acts and raise penalties up to a class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. Sonny Ganaden, deputy public defender “We believe that’s frankly unconstitutional.” Honolulu City Councilmembers are also considering stricter penalties for people who have illegal aerials on Oʻahu. Their Bill 7 would make possession of 25 pounds or more of aerial devices a class C felony, punishably by up to five years in prison. It is scheduled for its first committee hearing on Thursday. The state measure under consideration would also allow prosecutors to pursue civil fines in addition to criminal charges. However, that provision drew opposition from the state Office of the Public Defender. Indigent defendants who can’t afford an attorney would be assigned a public defender in a criminal case, but would not get representation in a civil case. “We believe that’s frankly unconstitutional,” said Sonny Ganaden, a deputy public defender. The office instead supported lawmakers’ other efforts to fund initiatives aimed at cracking down on illegal aerials. Lawmakers appear keen to funnel more resources to state law enforcement to stem the flow of illegal fireworks into the state. Senate Bill 1226 , which also cleared its first round of committee hearings last week, would institute a container inspection program at harbors in Hawaiʻi. Under the current draft of the bill, the law enforcement department would have discretion over which containers to inspect. Once a container is selected, it would be sequestered from the rest of the port to avoid disrupting the normal flow of container goods carrying essential items to store shelves. Senators made that change in part because harbor users and shipping companies had objected to past container inspection proposals. The proposed new inspection program would utilize dogs who can smell fireworks within closed containers. In cases where the explosives are hidden at the back of a container, the dogs could detect the scent once the doors are opened. Senators have asked for $750,000 for the program, but the department said that may not be enough. Two more dogs alone could cost more than $600,000, and more costs are expected. Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert told lawmakers that the state currently spends at least $1 million every time it needs to ship a full container of confiscated fireworks to the mainland for disposal. He asked them to pass those costs on to the fireworks importers and intended in-state recipients. Lawmakers are proposing additional funding for the law enforcement department to create a new explosives unit and continue a task force that has already seized more than 220,000 pounds of illegal fireworks in the last two years. Mike Lambert, law enforcement director “As the issues switch throughout the state, we’d have the latitude to move between fireworks and firearms.” Lambert said that he eventually wants the task force and explosives unit to take up gun violence investigations and envisions its future as a state-level version of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “As the issues switch throughout the state, we’d have the latitude to move between fireworks and firearms,” Lambert said. Russell Fong, the department’s finance officer, said that the new unit would cost about $5 million in its first year of operation and $3.2 million in its second. The unit would be staffed with eight investigators and one clerk. Included in those first-year costs are $2.1 million for an explosives testing lab. On Monday, state Senators gave preliminary approval to a measure, Senate Bill 999 , that would increase fines for minor fireworks offenses and divert funds from fireworks penalties to the state’s general fund. However, language to outlaw the fountains, sparklers and firecrackers that are currently permitted on Hawaiian islands except for Oʻahu was struck from the bill. The Honolulu Police Department and the state Department of Law Enforcement supported the ban, saying it might deter fireworks users. But the bill was opposed by retailers who say the ban would impact small businesses that sell fireworks around the holiday season. James Fuller, who represents the pyrotechnic industry, said that fireworks producers and retailers support a crackdown on illegal aerials and measures to increase resources for law enforcement. But the original draft of SB 999 went too far. “We’ve go to get illegal fireworks off the streets,” Fuller told Civil Beat. “Banning all fireworks … does not represent a fix to that challenge.” Consumer fireworks give people an alternative to popping aerials, and don’t carry the same risks of fire or the noise that disturbs people and their pets on New Year’s, Fuller said. He encouraged Hawaiʻi officials to instead pursue educational campaigns that remind fireworks enthusiasts to keep sources of water nearby, to not light fireworks near flammable structures and to keep the audience at a safe distance. Elefante, chairman of the Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee, said he proposed changes to the bill after hearing concerns about the original draft from other senators. At the hearing Monday, the public safety committee voted to remove language from SB 999 regarding an outright ban on all fireworks. Senators also included provisions for a new community safety program, which would be run by county police departments.

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.

Hawaii bill would subsidize fencing to control ungulates Star Advertiser Michael Brestovansky Hawaii Tribune-Herald February 18, 2025 Original Article A proposal to help subsidize the installation of animal control fences is the only survivor of four bills in the state Legislature aimed at controlling pigs, goats and sheep. Senate Bill 523, co- introduced by Kohala Sen. Tim Richards and Puna Sen. Joy San Buenaventura, would require the state Department of Agriculture to establish a biosecurity fencing cost-sharing program that would reimburse farmers up to a certain percentage of the cost of installing animal control fences. As currently written, farmers who can demonstrate their active agricultural operations and have developed an “approved conservation plan” can apply to have “not less than 50%” of fencing expenses reimbursed. The bill currently has a blank spot where an upper reimbursement limit per person would be established. Similarly, it does not yet specify what the program’s total yearly budget would be. “People are afraid to go into their own backyards,” said San Buenaventura. “But the fencing cost per acre is huge.” Bob Duerr, commissioner on the Big Island Game Management Advisory Commission, said the cost of fencing can reach $1 million per mile in some places. He added that fences have proved to be effective for animal management, driving problem animals from areas with fences to areas without. “Large swaths of mauka lands in the hands of federal, state and private landowners are fenced and game animals eradicated,” Duerr said. However, Duerr said, this also has interfered with hunters, who can no longer rely on access to their common hunting grounds. “Hunting game animals for food is an effective population control that is disappearing,” Duerr said. “Fencing with access corridors is a must for game management.” Other pig-related bills have failed to move through the Legislature. Another San Buenaventura bill, SB 315, died Wednesday when two Senate committees deferred the measure. That bill would have expedited the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ permitting process to allow for the destruction of feral pigs on private land, if the animals have caused or are likely to cause substantial damage to crops. House Bill 347, which would have prohibited the DLNR from establishing bag limits for goats in public hunting areas, also was deferred earlier this month, and a companion bill in the Senate hasn’t moved at all since being introduced. Finally, Senate Bill 568 would have designated the DLNR as the state’s primary agency for trapping feral goats and sheep, and would require it to establish a program to humanely manage feral animal populations. That bill also has failed to move at all since its introduction, to Duerr’s chagrin. “Though looking like having no chance of passing, this bill puts its finger on the game animal problem’s pulse,” Duerr said. “No one is responsible for the conservation and control of game animals in the state of Hawaii. At GMAC we have only seen DLNR talk about eradication, which means fencing tens of thousands of acres and killing all the ‘invasive’ game animals within. “For years now at GMAC, we have not seen DLNR nuisance animal population studies or game management plans for problems beyond fence and kill.”

County, state lawmakers to talk priorities during next Waimea Community Association town meeting Big Island Now Big Island Now January 8, 2025 Original Article A new Hawai‘i County Council was seated and got to work in December 2024 with a few new faces at the table, including one who represents Kohala. Opening day of the 2025 session of the Hawai‘i Legislature is next week on Jan. 15. Waimea Community Association invites residents of the Kohala and Hāmākua communities to come learn about the priorities of their elected local and state government officials directly from them during its next town meeting. The meeting is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the Jerry Nelson Conference Room of the W.M. Keck Observatory headquarters, located at 65-1120 Māmalahoa Highway, in Waimea. State Sen. Tim Richards , who represents Senate District 4 (North Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona), and state Rep. David Tarnas , who represents House District 8 (Hāwī, Hala‘ula, Waimea, Makahalau, Waiki‘i, Waikōloa, Kawaihae, Māhukona), will speak about policy issues and priorities, their committee assignments and how the community can participate in the state legislative process. Two members of the Hawai’i County Council are presenting as well — Hāmākua Councilwoman Heather Kimball and newly elected Kohala Councilman James Hustace. Hustace will speak in person. Kimball, chairwoman of the Hawai‘i State Association of Counties, will attend via Zoom from Washington, D.C., where she is participating in briefings with presidential and congressional leadership. There will be time for questions and answers. Community members are urged to submit questions prior to the meeting by email at waimeacommunityassociation@gmail.com . Questions can also be shared in person or on chat by those watching the livestream on Waimea Community Association’s Facebook page and will be be addressed as time permits. The spotlighted nonprofit organization for January will be Hawai‘i County 4-H Equine Council represented by Kohala educator and horsewoman Fern White. Also participating in the meeting will be South Kohala police Capt. Roy Valera and Community Policing Officer Justin Cabanting with an update about public safety news and events. Community members can attend in person or watch the meeting livestream on the Waimea Community Association Facebook page or YouTube channel . A recording of the meeting also will be available on Facebook and YouTube for later viewing. 2025 Waimea Community Association leadership Waimea Community Association recently elected new leadership for 2025. Former vice president Mary Beth Laychak was elected president and former president Nancy Carr Smith was selected as vice president. Mary Beth Laychak was recently elected president of Waimea Community Association. (Photo Courtesy: Waimea Community Association) Other officers for the new year include newly elected secretary Makela Bruno and re-elected treasurer Victor Tom. Board members are Patti Cook, David Greenwell, Lani Olsen-Chong, Riley Smith, Ryan Ushijima and Chris Wong. Email Waimea Community Association President Mary Beth Laychak at waimeacommunityassociation@gmail.com or click here for additional information about the upcoming town meeting or the association.

County, Hawaiian Dredging host blessing, grounbreaking for Kapa‘a Homesteads Tanks Project Kauai Now July 18, 2025 Original Article Kaua‘i County Department of Water and contractor Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. hosted a blessing ceremony and groundbreaking July 11 to commence the Kapa‘a Homesteads Tanks Project. 📷Kaua‘i County Department of Water and contractor Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. hosted a blessing ceremony and groundbreaking July 11, 2025, for the Kapa‘a Homesteads Tanks Project. From left are Kaua‘i Department of Water Manager and Chief Engineer Joe Tait, Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Senior Project Manager Ryder Coelho, Kaua‘i County Board of Water Supply Vice Chairman Tom Shigemoto, Hawai‘i Speaker of the House Rep. Nadine Nakamura and Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Sr. Vice President Heavy Division Len Dempsey. (Photo Courtesy: Kaua‘i County Department of Water) The $23.3 million project will replace an existing 200,000-gallon water storage tank with the construction of two 500,000-gallon storage tanks, totaling 1 million gallons, along with necessary storm drain improvements. Installation of about 1,700 linear feet of water lines — 16-inch and 12-inch — along with associated appurtenances are also part of the project. “This project has been a long time coming,” Kaua‘i Department of Water Manager and Chief Engineer Joe Tait was quoted in a county release as saying during the ceremony. “These new storage tanks enhance the current on-site storage from the circa 1923 storage tank and will be a tremendous benefit to the surrounding community.” Hawai‘i Speaker of the House Rep. Nadine Nakamura and Hawai‘i Senate President Sen. Ron Kouchi, who both represent Kaua‘i at the state Capitol in Honolulu, played a large role in securing state funds to help finance about one-third of the project. Nakamura was present during last week’s blessing and groundbreaking. She emphasized the positive impact the infrastructure improvements will have for fire protection in the area, particularly for Kapa‘a Elementary and Kapa‘a High schools. Successful implementation of the master plan for Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital in Kapa‘a also relies on the establishment a robust water infrastructure. The project’s blessing was officiated by Kahu Jade Waiʻaleʻale Battad. Among those in attendance during the ceremony and groundbreaking were Nakamura, Kaua‘i County Board of Water Supply Vice Chairman Tom Shigemoto, Tait and Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Sr. Vice President Len Dempsey. The project is estimated to be completed in 2027. Contact Kaua‘i County Department of Water at 808-245-5455 or via email at publicrelations@kauaiwater.org with any questions or for additional information.

Keiki Fest Combines Education with Entertainment The Molokai Dispatch Jack Kiyonaga May 8, 2025 Original Article This year’s annual Keiki Fest was a successful mix of entertaining activities and critical information for Molokai families. Organized by the Molokai Community Action Team, the event focused on ‘ohana well-being, explained Titi Hernandez, lead organizer of Keiki Fest. “It’s for the keiki and their families,” said Hernandez. “We wanted to celebrate the keiki a little bit more as well as have a place for families to hang out.” With over 1,200 Molokai community members in attendance at the Molokai Community Health Center on April 26, Hernandez and the Molokai Community Action Team were busy ushering kids and families between information booths, games, prizes, music performances and more. The Molokai Community Action Team partners with Molokai Child Abuse Prevention Pathways to deliver critical messages and education to families at Keiki Fest. The informational booths with different Molokai services and resources serve as checkpoints for kids to earn prizes, explained Hernandez. “Nobody can get a prize until they get education,” she said. Senator Lynn DeCoite, fresh out of the senate’s final budget discussions, came out with her family to enjoy the day and present special recognitions on behalf of the senate. “This event says a lot about our community,” said DeCoite. “I think this gives us an opportunity to come out and share some of our mana’o on how we can do better for Molokai.” DeCoite presented the Molokai Community Action Team with an award from the senate for their community contributions. Additionally, Jodi Puaoi, branch manager at American Savings Bank, was recognized for her years of contributions to Keiki Fest. “This Keiki Fest wouldn’t be here without you,” said DeCoite to Puaoi as she presented her with the award. The day ended with the highlight to end all highlights – the fire trucks came and sprayed the kids with water hoses. As DeCoite put it, “the kids are happy, the parents are happy, everyone is happy.”

Big Island lawmakers to host virtual meeting on invasive beetle impacts to agriculture Big Island Now September 6, 2025 Original Article Big Island Sen. Herbert “Tim” Richards, III, will host a virtual meeting to address the increasing threat of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle and its impact on agriculture. “The spread of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle poses a serious threat to Hawaiʻi’s agriculture and economy,” said Richards, who represents North Hilo, North Kona and Kohala communities. “This meeting will provide important updates on the beetle’s presence across the islands and highlight the coordinated efforts underway to combat its spread.” The coconut rhinoceros beetle poses a serious threat to Hawai‘i’s agricultural and natural resources. It damages and kills coconut and oil palms, and has also been known to attack bananas, sugarcane, papayas, sisal and pineapple, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The invasive bug has been found in several locations on Hawai‘i Island. The most recent infestation was discovered in green waste piles in July at Keāhole Agricultural Park on the west side of Hawaiʻi Island. A coordinated multiagency effort took place to prevent the invasive pests from spreading. Also in attendance at the Sept. 10 meeting will be Rep. David A. Tarnas and Hawai‘i County Council Member James E. Hustace. The community meeting will feature updates from experts from the Big Island Invasive Species Committee who will provide an overview of current response measures, and opportunities for participants to ask questions and share concerns. Members of the public, especially those in agricultural communities, are encouraged to attend and learn more about how these infestations are being managed and what actions can be taken to help prevent further spread. The meeting will start at 6 p.m. Those interested in attending must register here .

Parkway Village adds 400 affordable units, 2 preschools in Kapolei Pacific Business News Janis Magin December 23, 2024 Original Article Developers Kobayashi Group and Ahe Group, along with the City and County of Honolulu, have completed the first units in Parkway Village at Kapolei, which will have 401 affordable units, from studios to four-bedroom apartments, when complete. Parkway Village is being built on land owned by the City and County of Honolulu in a $199 million public-private partnership between the city, the developers, the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. and financial partners CREA LLC and Bank of Hawaii, and financed with low-income housing tax credits and Hula Mae bonds. The project broke ground in September 2023 and a blessing for the first completed units was held last week. The apartment complex is being built for residents earning 30 to 60 percent of the area median income, which equates to between $41,760 and $83,250 for a family of four. The project will also include two preschools, including Hawaii’s first privately developed public charter preschool, in partnership with Kamehameha Schools and operated by Parents And Children Together. The second preschool for residents will be operated by Keiki O Ka Aina. "Parkway Village provides quality homes, access to early education, and a focus on sustainability, health, and well-being for families in West Oʻahu," said Alana Kobayashi Pakkala, CEO and managing partner of Kobayashi Group. "Affordable housing and early childhood education play a vital role in building strong communities, and we are honored to contribute in a way that supports the well-being of residents.” Kahu Kordell Kekoa blesses Parkway Village with developers and elected leaders on Dec. 17, 2024, in Kapolei. From left: Makani Maeva of Ahe Group; BJ Kobayashi of Kobayashi Group; Alana Kobayashi Pakkala of Kobayashi Group; Gov. Josh Green; Mayor Rick Blangiardi; and state Sen. Mike Gabbard.

UH study on quality of life cites housing, health care as stressors Star Advertiser Nina Wu December 11, 2024 Original Article A new dashboard launched by the University of Hawaii at Manoa offers insights into the pressing social, economic and health issues affecting state residents. The dashboard Opens in a new tab , which went live Tuesday, offers data from a survey of more than 8,000 adult residents conducted earlier this year. It offers snapshots of how residents from a broad range of demographics felt about their neighborhood, workplace, housing, mental and physical health and other factors affecting quality of life. It also delves into how prepared residents are for natural disasters, and their significant sources of stress, which appear to stem mostly from the high cost of housing and living. “The 2024 Hawaii Quality of Life and Well-Being Dashboard is more than a collection of statistics — it’s a call to action,” said lead researcher Jack Barile in a news release. “By making this information publicly available, we hope to inspire collaborative efforts to tackle the challenges facing our state.” While the dashboard shows many residents are feeling economic strain and stress, he noted, it also shows Hawaii’s communities are strong and resilient. Barile, also a professor of psychology and director of UH Manoa’s Social Science Research Institute, said results also highlight the unique needs and strengths of different communities, such as those with lower incomes and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander residents. The survey results can guide policymakers, community leaders and employers toward targeted actions that can improve well-being across the state, he said. Among the dashboard’s key findings: >> Economic stress. Most significant stressors for residents include the economy (73%), personal finances (73%) and housing costs (64%), particularly for households with incomes below $50,000. >> Moving from Hawaii. Among those surveyed, 40% considered moving out of the state in the past year due to high living costs. The rate is even higher, at 47%, among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. >> Health disparities. Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander residents experience notably higher levels of stress and unhealthy days compared with white and Asian residents. Residents also cited challenges to accessing affordable health care, with 19% reporting medical debt over $500. >> Community strength. Despite hardships, 67% of residents said they feel safe in their neighborhoods, with a similar percentage reporting that neighbors are willing to help each other. >> Positive workplaces. 83% of employees felt respected by their employers, while 78% felt their contributions are valued. Employees looking to change jobs cited flexible work schedules, paid family leave and telework options as priorities. >> Disaster preparedness. Only 12% of respondents said they were well or very well prepared if there was a disaster in their community. In February, Hawaii became a trauma-informed state upon Gov. Josh Green’s signing of an executive order directing all state departments to collaborate with the Office of Wellness and Resilience to integrate principles of safety, transparency and peer support into workplaces and services. The UH College of Social Sciences launched the dashboard in partnership with the governor’s Office of Wellness and Resilience, which is funding the project. The surveys, to be conducted regularly, are the first step toward helping Hawaii become a trauma-informed state. The hope is that the data informs policy initiatives that address Hawaii’s unique challenges, said Barile, such as addressing barriers to affordable housing, as well as improving access to health care with a focus on NHPI communities, and the need for better disaster preparedness. “The data in this report shows that we must continue to increase the economic opportunities for our residents, so they can remain in Hawaii,” said state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz in a statement. “Diversifying our economy in the areas of creative industries, agriculture, and technology must be paired with investments in workforce development so our residents can fill the good-paying jobs here in the state.” Significant sources of stress >> Overall: The economy (73%), money (73%), housing costs (64%). >> Medical debt: Over 81% owe $500 or less. >> Access to health care: 12% said there was a time they needed to see a doctor but could not afford it; 20% said they delayed medical care due to the cost. >> Economic stability: 44% are worried about not having enough income to pay normal monthly bills; in the previous seven days, 10% reported sometimes not having enough to eat. >> Moving: When asked whether they had plans to move out of state, 40% responded yes. Of those who said yes, 65% said cost of living is lower elsewhere, 41% cited economic concerns, as reasons. Source: Hawaii Quality of Life and Well-Being Dashboard. Find the dashboard at health-study.com Opens in a new tab .

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.

McKinley High School breaks ground on $24 million athletic complex Spectrum News Spectrum News Staff December 12, 2024 Original Article On Wednesday, McKinley High School broke ground on a $24 million athletic complex. What You Need To Know - The concrete and masonry block athletic facility will provide student-athletes with improved training facilities - While attending games, Tiger fans will enjoy over 2,400 bleacher seats, modern restrooms, a convenient ticket booth and a rooftop press box - Concrete bleachers extend the length of the building, with a tunnel at the center of the football field that will create a processional entry to the football field for players and the marching band - Under the bleachers, the building will include a boy’s PE locker room, a weight training room, and locker rooms for male and female athletes The project is designed by G70, constructed by Nan, Inc. and estimated to be completed by Sept. 2026, according to a news release. Hawaii State Department of Education administrators, legislators and supporters of Hawaii high school athletics attended the groundbreaking. Principal Ron Okamura thanked supporters including former state Reps. Scott Saiki and Scott Nishimoto, and Sen. Sharon Moriwaki, who represents the area, for working to improve McKinley High’s athletic facilities. Kumu Kuaʻanaʻai Lewis, a McKinley High teacher and Hawaiiana educator, blessed the project with an oli. “We hope this facility will inspire student-athletes to go for gold and bring Tiger Pride to their classmates and their ‘ohana,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said in a statement. “This stadium’s reach goes beyond McKinley. It will be a center of activity for the surrounding neighborhood to be a part of and enjoy.” A rendering of McKinley High's new athletic complex. (Rendering courtesy of HiDOE) The concrete and masonry block athletic facility will provide student-athletes with improved training facilities. While attending games, Tiger fans will enjoy over 2,400 bleacher seats, modern restrooms, a convenient ticket booth, and a rooftop press box. Concrete bleachers extend the length of the building, with a tunnel at the center of the football field that will create a processional entry to the football field for players and the marching band. Under the bleachers, the building will include a boy’s PE locker room, a weight training room, and locker rooms for male and female athletes. Also, the building will include coaches’ offices, storage, and an equipment room that will contain wiring to increase internet capacity for this and future campus buildings. “The McKinley community has been waiting a long time for this facility. It is uplifting to witness everyone’s hard work come to fruition today,” Okamura said. “We are looking forward to seeing how this new complex will enhance not only the sports program but also energize school spirit as well.”

Governor Green signs clean energy pact with Okinawa Spectrum News Michael Tsai October 14, 2025 Original Article Gov. Josh Green wrapped up his weeklong visit to Japan on Monday by joining Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki in signing a five-year memorandum of cooperation on clean energy. What You Need To Know The memorandum of cooperation, which focuses on shared goals for renewable energy, clean transportation and grid innovation, effectively renews a partnership between Hawaii State Energy Office and the Okinawa Prefectural Government that was first established in 2010 The Hawaii delegation's visit coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Hawaii–Okinawa sister-state relationship and the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to Hawaii Last week in Tokyo, Green met with senior leaders from NEC Corporation, JERA Co. Inc. and the Yomiuri Shimbun Group to discuss opportunities in technology, energy and tourism Green signed a strategic partnering agreement establishing a “framework for cooperation” between the state, JERA Co. Inc., (Japan’s largest power-generation company) and JERA Americas Inc. The agreement, which focuses on shared goals for renewable energy, clean transportation and grid innovation, effectively renews a partnership between the Hawaii State Energy Office and the Okinawa Prefectural Government that was first established in 2010. “Hawaii and Okinawa share more than history,” Green said. “We share purpose. Together, we’re proving that island communities can lead the world in clean energy and resilience, while honoring the cultural ties that bind us.” The visit coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Hawaii–Okinawa sister-state relationship and the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to Hawaii. Green was accompanied on his Japan visit by first lady Jaime Kanani Green and a delegation of state lawmakers and business leaders that included state Senate President Ronald Kouchi; state House Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama; Sens. Glenn Wakai, Chris Lee and Michelle Kidani; Reps. Gregg Takayama, Dee Morikawa and Kyle Yamashita; Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism director James Kunane Tokioka and Hawaii State Energy Office director Mark Glick. The tour started in Tokyo, where Green met with senior leaders from NEC Corporation, JERA Co. Inc. and the Yomiuri Shimbun Group to discuss opportunities in technology, energy and tourism. While there, Green signed a strategic partnering agreement establishing a “framework for cooperation” between the state, JERA Co. Inc., (Japan’s largest power-generation company) and JERA Americas Inc. The agreement will support the state’s decarbonization goals and clean energy initiatives outlined in the state Energy Office’s Alternative Fuels, Repowering and Energy Transition study. “Japan remains one of Hawaii’s most important partners in energy, commerce, education and people-to-people exchange,” Green said. “This mission reaffirms our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and friendship that extends far beyond the Pacific.” Green returns to Honolulu on Wednesday following a stop in San Francisco, where he will speak at the Salesforce Dreamforce Conference.