Honolulu Dept. of Parks and Recreation seeks to increase number of city parks Star-Advertiser Jamm Aquino April 23, 2025 Original Article Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation is going forth with efforts to increase the number of city parks with recreational dog privileges. Currently fewer than 15% of these public spaces allow leashed or unleashed dogs. DPR is proposing a comprehensive change to parks island-wide by allowing leashed animals in more city parks, but while also looking for community feedback. (photos)

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.

Four agricultural officers coming to Big Island this month for pilot program under new state law Big Island Now Kelsey Walling July 4, 2025 Original Article To protect farmers and ranchers from being victims of crimes, four agricultural officers will be deployed to Hawaiʻi Island this month as part of a pilot enforcement program. The program stems from Act 235, also known as Duke’s Law, which was signed last week by Gov. Josh Green. The law was named by state Sen. Tim Richards in memory of Cranston “Duke” Pia, a 39-year-old Waiʻanae rancher who was fatally shot in 2024 during a confrontation with trespassing hunters. Pia’s death prompted community members, lawmakers and agricultural groups to push for more serious enforcement and tougher penalties for trespassers, thieves and illegal hunters targeting agricultural land. As a rancher in Kohala, Richards said he has experienced a fair share of agricultural crimes and was a passionate advocate for the law. “I feel like we’re finally moving the needle for agriculture because for so long, agricultural crime has not been a concern because ‘it is just trespassing, or they just took a couple of fruits,'” Richards said. “But those fruits are people’s livelihoods, and Pia’s murder began with a trespass.” Agricultural crimes are complex and multifaceted, so the state law is designed to provide a comprehensive response by having clearer definitions and penalties for violations related to agriculture and agricultural lands. The state Department of Law Enforcement initiated the pilot agricultural enforcement program on July 1 and will deploy nine dedicated officers — four on Oʻahu, four on Hawaiʻi Island, and one supervisor overseeing both teams. They will focus on human-related agricultural crimes that involve theft, trespassing, illegal hunting, poaching and vandalism. According to Richards, these crimes jeopardize the lives and livelihoods of farmers, undermine food security, disrupt local economies, and erode public confidence in the protection of vital resources. 📷In this file photo, Craig Burkholder’s horse Onyx, right, walks with her foal, Uhane. In 2022, Onyx was shot at night by a friend of a neighbor who wanted to eradicate wild pigs from his property. The shooting left her 11-weak-old Uhane without a mother. (Photo Courtesy: Craig Burkholder) The Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau estimates that agricultural crimes cost local farmers and ranchers up to $15 million annually. Before the law, agricultural crimes often resulted in small fines. Now, habitual offenders — those with three or more agriculture-related offenses within five years — will face felony charges and jail time. The bill also allows for the seizure of weapons, vehicles and other equipment used in these crimes. “We don’t want to punish the young guy who made a mistake one time, but we do want to target habitual offenders with harsher penalties,” Richards said. “However, no one is under any illusion that we’ll solve all the issues right away. The officers will have to meet with farmers and ranchers to see what problems they face, and new technology and equipment will need to be tested.” The pilot program, with about $2 million in funding, will utilize tools like drones and license plate recognition cameras to help patrol large and remote land. “It could take 30 to 40 minutes for an officer to investigate,” said Mike Lambert, director of the Department of Law Enforcement. “In theory, if we had a drone at the location, it could be out in one minute and begin capturing that violation.” Richards has suggested that the Department of Law Enforcement meet with people working in agriculture to learn about the best spots to place these cameras and implement one database per county for agricultural calls and inquiries. “As a rancher myself, the standalone law enforcement focused on agriculture, in my opinion, will be the most helpful,” Richards said. “Luckily, the law enforcement is wide open when it comes to figuring out how to roll this out and approach crimes. I’m sure there will be tweaks, but the officers will tap into farmers and ranchers as a resource to figure out how to move forward.” For farmers and ranchers interested in meeting with the agricultural officers to discuss pervasive issues they face, Richards said to contact his office at 808-586-6760 or email senrichards@capitol.hawaii.gov .

Housing bills vie for state lawmakers’ attention Maui Now Brian Perry January 22, 2025 Original Article With a bill introduction deadline looming on Thursday, state lawmakers already have nearly 150 measures to consider as ways to address Hawaiʻi’s dire housing shortage, a problem even more acute on Maui after the August 2023 wildfires destroyed thousands of homes. Here’s a sampling of some of the measures, all of which have passed first reading in either the state House or Senate and have been referred to committees for further review: House Bill 489 and Senate Bill 1214 would establish a Vacant Homes Special Fund under the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corp. for rental assistance programs. Under the bill, residential property owners who allow their property to remain vacant for 180 days, or more than a year, would be subject to an annual general excise tax surcharge. It also requires people who own residential property but don’t live there to obtain a general excise tax license. The bills also require the counties to disclose a list of unoccupied residential properties to the state Department of Taxation, and it requires the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to calculate average annual rental value for the basis for the surcharge amount. The House measure takes aim at owners of second homes in Hawaiʻi, pointing out that the state’s infrastructure enhances property values and development opportunities, but that owners of second homes, who leave them vacant throughout the year, “fail to contribute proportionately to the local economy that sustains their value.” Surcharge income would be used by the state for a rental assistance program similar to the federal Section 8 tenant-based housing assistance program, according to the bill. The amount of the surcharge would be equal to the estimated amount the housing unit would generate in excise taxes if it were rented to a tenant in a comparable real property size and area, indicated by ZIP code. The task of figuring out how to implement such a law would fall to the director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, who may adopt, amend or repeal rules to carry out the property vacancy surcharge. The bill was introduced by Oʻahu House Reps. Kim Coco Iwamoto and Amy Perruso. Central Maui Rep. Tyson Miyake is co-introducer with Kaua’i Rep. Luke Evslin for House Bill 739 , which proposes to establish a Kamaʻāina Homes Program that would provide funding to the counties to purchase voluntary deed restrictions from eligible homeowners or homebuyers. Established within the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corp. at a time when the median single-family home sells for nearly $1.4 million, the Kamaʻāina Homes Program would be modeled after the Vail InDEED program in tourist-Mecca Vail, Colo. According to the bill, Vail implemented in 2018 a voluntary program to allow the town to buy and place deed restrictions in perpetuity on local homes from willing buyers that limited occupancy to owner-occupants or resident tenants who live and work in the town of Vail. Since it began, the program has set aside more than 1,000 deed-restricted residences for local working residents and helped provide more attainable housing for residents. Miyake, Evslin and Oʻahu House Rep. Rachele Lamosao of Waipahu have introduced House Bill 525 , which would clarify that dwelling units eligible for the Rent-to-Own program shall be units that are for sale in fee simple or leasehold on state or county land under a lease with an initial term of no less than 99 years. The bill would increase amount of time that the sales price of dwelling units under the Rent-to-Own Program shall remain fixed from five years to 10 years after the rental agreement is executed. At least a couple of measures would tie the hands of county councils in some cases. For example, Senate Bill 27 would exempt state-financed housing developments from the requirement to obtain approval from the applicable county council. The bill was introduced by Senate Housing Committee Chair Stanley Chang, with support from Vice Chair Troy Hashimoto, of Central Maui. Other senators backing the bill include Republican Kurt Fevella of Ewa Beach, Sharon Moriwaki of urban Honolulu and Glenn Wakai of Central Oʻahu and Senate floor leader. And, Senate Bill 38 would prohibit the legislative body of a county from making modifications to housing development proposals that would increase the cost of the project. That bill was introduced by Sens. Chang, Fevella, Hashimoto and Joy Buenaventura of Puna, Hawaii Island. Calling for a change in Hawaiʻi’s landlord tenant laws is House Bill 464 . For tenants residing in rental units for more than 90 days, the bill would require a landlord to notify a tenant of any intent to raise the rent for any subsequent rental agreement or any intent to terminate a rental agreement 60 days before the expiration of the original rental agreement. It would also mandate a 90-notice to terminate a tenancy for tenants of three years or more and 60 days for tenants of less than three years, with certain exceptions. It also increases the amount of time required to give notice to terminate tenancies that are less than month-to-month. The bill includes a legislative finding that working families in Hawaiʻi face increasing housing insecurity and displacement. “Many renters in Hawaiʻi lose their housing through processes that never register as evictions because they happen at the end of a lease term,” the bill says. “Landlords can decline to renew a lease, even for complying tenants, without cause. These arbitrary lease nonrenewals are highly disruptive to the lives of tenants and are a cause of poverty, financial insecurity and emotional distress.” The bill proposes finding that under the residential landlord-tenant code, fixed term leases –- for example, a one-year lease –- currently have no notice requirement. Instead, landlords are recommended to give notice prior to the lease expiration. Short notice or lack of any notice “imposes serious hardship on many tenants who struggle to locate adequate housing in Hawaiʻi’s increasingly tight rental market and face serious economic burdens to cover the costs of relocation.” Such costs include application fees, safety deposits, rent and taking time off from work to inspect units and move belongings from a former residence to a new one. “Given the realities of Hawaiʻi’s current rental market, the Legislature finds that tenants need additional time to secure adequate housing,” the bill says. The measure was introduced by Maui County Reps. Terez Amato of South Maui and Rep. Mahina Poepoe of Molokaʻi and Oʻahu Reps. Tina Grandinetti, Daniel Holt, Kim Coco Iwamoto, Darius Kila, Trish La Chica, Lisa Marten and Amy Perruso.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Awards More Than 100 Agricultural Project Leases on Maui Office of the Governor Diamond Badajos September 22, 2025 Original Article KAHULUI, HAWAI‘I — The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) achieved a significant milestone Saturday by awarding its first agricultural project leases for two subdivisions on the island of Maui. In total,105 leases were granted: 55 leases for the Waiehu Mauka subdivision and 50 leases for the Honokōwai subdivision. The event marked the department’s first agricultural lease awards since the early 2000s. “It is through initiatives like the awarding of agricultural leases that this administration is growing stronger, healthier and more resilient communities,” said Governor Josh Green. “Ag leases represent a fantastic opportunity for our Native Hawaiian families to grow fresh foods for their ‘ohana, while lowering costs and reducing reliance on imported goods.” Waiehu Mauka covers about 240 acres and will consist of half-acre lots. Honokōwai spans approximately 45 acres and will include one- to two-acre lots. “Our beneficiaries want to be on the land and agricultural project leases expedite that opportunity for them,” DHHL Director Kali Watson said. “At the heart of the agricultural project lease program is Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole’s vision of rehabilitating Native Hawaiians. This model not only provides our beneficiaries with the land base to construct homes but also offers them a chance to cultivate a dependable food source. This represents cultural revitalization.” Both project areas are funded by Act 279; the legislature’s historic allocation of $600 million to the DHHL in 2022. Act 279 allows the department to acquire lands that are closer to existing infrastructure and initiates the installation of essential utilities like water, sewer, power, drainage and roadway infrastructure prior to the construction of homes. Senator Troy Hashimoto (Senate District 5 – Wailuku, Kahului, Waihe‘e, Waikapū Mauka, Waiehu) shared his commitment to ensuring DHHL projects on Maui have the infrastructure needed to support planned development. “We need to focus on the mission of making sure the paper leases awarded become actual land leases,” Hashimoto said. “We need to get the land ready to move in, the $600 million is not enough.” Work in Waiehu Mauka is set to begin in 2027, with occupants moving in, in 2030. Waiehu Mauka’s completion is slated for 2033. Construction in Honokōwai is scheduled to begin in 2029 with an anticipated completion date in 2031. The awarding of agricultural project leases before the completion of subdivisions provides beneficiaries with an undivided interest in a specific parcel of their interest. Furthermore, those holding agricultural project leases have the added benefit of transferring their leases to a qualified successor who meets the 25-percent blood quantum requirement. Project leases are the department’s new approach to moving beneficiaries off the waitlist. This initiative aims to create various avenues to homeownership while safeguarding the legacy of an ‘ohana’s lease. Growing Maui’s Future The DHHL is set to award more than 230 project leases next year for the following areas: Pūlehunui Project leases: 100 Awards: May 2026 Honokōwai Project leases: 40 Awards: May 2026 Hāna Project leases: 96 Awards: Fall 2026 In the awarding of Hāna leases, the department will deploy a new approach: a pilina-based priority waitlist. This initiative identifies applicants who are a former or current area resident, a lineal descendant, or an applicant with a relative who is a current resident of the area. DHHL’s strategy to developing homestead communities in rural areas will prioritize a pilina-based priority waitlist. This process will uphold the cultural values and customary Hawaiian traditions that are critical to the community’s well-being. Mayor Richard Bissen expressed his excitement for the future of development on the island of Maui and the department’s acceleration of awards via project leases. “We have a commitment to DHHL – we want to be good partners, I think we already are,” Bissen said. “We understand the significance of housing. One of the important things people need to know is that when we can get people off the Hawaiian Homes’ list, they also come off all the other lists they were waiting on. A lot of families are on two lists – on a public list or private list, as well as Hawaiian Homes. We help the whole community when Hawaiian Homes folks come off these lists, there are many more spaces for the rest of the community.” # # #

Editorial: Eddie proof sports tourism has legs Star Advertiser Star Advertiser December 24, 2024 Original Article A palpable air of excitement and anticipation settled over Honolulu this past weekend, as it became likely that the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational surfing contest would be a go. Traffic jammed, cameras rolled and an estimated 50,000 people lined the shores surrounding Waimea Bay on Sunday, as monster waves curled and pounded into the bay, reaching the rare heights sufficient to trigger the contest. The Eddie’s powerful waves, and the death-defying rides taken during the contest, have become the stuff of legend. People from all parts of the world tune in to see the massive waves and to watch an elite few with the skill and courage required to ride them. On Sunday, 28-year-old North Shore resident Landon McNamara won first place, riding waves averaging at least 20 feet tall, with 40-foot wall-of-water faces. The awe inspired, athletic prowess demonstrated and numbers drawn to watch were all off the charts. Cash raked in? Maybe not so much, at least not so much as for a planned sporting event, like the Honolulu Marathon. But that’s part of the Eddie’s allure, too — wave energy this unpredictable can’t be tamed into a convenient commercial event. Because of the Eddie’s unpredictability, the in-person audience for these feats of courage, strength and agility is largely made up of locals — locals by the tens of thousands who are willing to start out for the North Shore before 3 a.m., park miles away and walk to Waimea. That’s highly visible evidence of our local pride and enthusiasm. The Eddie may not bring in the profits of a major sporting event or concert of the same magnitude. However, it certainly benefits Honolulu, as an only-on-Oahu phenomenon that intrigues millions, highlighting this island’s natural wonders and inspired by contest namesake Eddie Aikau, a Hawaiian champion surfer and North Shore lifeguard who lost his life in 1978 when he “would go” to seek help for crew of capsized voyaging canoe Hokule‘a. Tangible economic benefits arise from the Eddie, of course. There’s the publicity factor, as highlights from the big-wave contest are seen worldwide, with picturesque Waimea Bay as a backdrop. And there’s the uptick in North Shore tourism that accompanies each big-wave season, pumped to a higher magnitude because of the Eddie’s attraction. Shops do more business directly before and after surfing events — and those who visit the North Shore often return again and again, according to Carol Philips, vice chair of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce. The excitement, entertainment and publicity value, local pride and bump in local commerce are sufficient returns to justify civic resources Honolulu invests in the Eddie — deploying additional lifeguards and jet ski rescue units, ambulances and police, and adding public transit routes direct to the Eddie from park-and-ride locations. Three years ago, state Sen. Glenn Wakai pushed the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) to form a Surf Advisory Group, exploring new ways to leverage surfing’s popularity with tourists. That idea is worthy of renewed consideration, as Hawaii seeks to maximize the benefits of sports tourism. Indeed, the HTA currently is considering a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams, at a cost of about $3.86 million. It’s tentatively enticing: The agreement would include appearances in Hawaii, including practices, a football camp and a community day on Maui — as well as a designation as the “L.A. Rams Home in the Hawaiian Islands” and a Hawaii-themed game day in Los Angeles, with the use of Rams branding to co-promote Hawaii tourism. There’s $17 million-plus budgeted for HTA sports and signature events spending over the next two fiscal years, but the proposed L.A. contract would take up more than 20% of it, and currently, details of a Rams commitment are vague. As bargaining continues, it’s imperative that HTA be clear on costs and benefits, agreeing to a contract only if the Rams commit to deliver equivalent value for Hawaii’s spending.

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

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.”

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.

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.”

How Amazon and Maui pineapples could help diversify Hawaii’s economy Hawaii News Now HNN Staff July 16, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - When you see Maui pineapples, you may think of a garnish for a cocktail or slices of them served on a platter. Now the prickly fruit is taking on a much bigger role: becoming a part of a model for diversifying Hawaii’s economy. “This is a really big game changer for us,” Maui Gold Pineapple CEO John White said. The big change? More Maui Gold Pineapples are making their way to the mainland. Amazon cargo planes are transporting about 1,800 pineapples in bulk each week from Maui to the mainland. Sen. Glenn Wakai thought of the idea when he heard the company’s cargo planes that drop goods to Hawaii leave empty. “So I approached Amazon saying nothing is unacceptable. Let’s fill them with locally made products,” Wakai said. Pallets of pineapples, Wakai added, can reach New York and Miami in about 12 hours, which is four times quicker than usual. “In addition to that, there’s a huge cost savings. Somewhere in the magnitude of 60 percent cost savings,” Wakai said. Because shipping costs are a big barrier for Hawaii manufacturers trying to reach the mainland, Wakai sees Amazon as the ticket for local products to break the market. “So it’s more than just what comes out of the ground or gets picked off a tree. We’re talking ukulele, fashion, cookies, all kinds of things that are manufactured in Hawaii,” Wakai said. “I think this is a huge game changer to help blossom Hawaii manufacturing and help us diversify away from tourism.” White added, “We invite other farmers in Hawaii to tap in to this opportunity to send their products to their customers on the mainland.” Wakai said he is planting the idea of shipping with Amazon to other local companies. Amazon said it is continually seeking innovative ways to strengthen the communities they serve. The company added its cargo capacity helps local businesses reduce costs, increase competitiveness, and expand their market reach.

Senate panel passes bill to fund illegal fireworks task force Maui Now Brian Perry February 6, 2025 Original Article The Hawaiʻi Senate Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs has recommended passage of Senate Bill 222 , which would appropriate an as yet undetermined amount of state funding for an illegal fireworks task force. The committee’s unanimous action on Wednesday came as a sixth person, a 30-year-old woman, was confirmed to have died from injuries suffered in a New Year’s fireworks explosion in the Salt Lake area of Honolulu. The massive explosion at a residence initially killed three adults and left more than 20 people in critical or serious medical condition. A companion bill, House Bill 508 , has passed first reading and been referred to the House Finance; and Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs committees. No public hearing had been scheduled for the bill as of Thursday afternoon. Most of the written testimony on Senate Bill 222 supported the funding for the task force, its operations and hiring of administrative support staff. Money also would cover reimbursements to law enforcement agencies for personnel, overtime, fuel, equipment and storage and disposal of confiscated fireworks. According to the state Department of Law Enforcement, the Illegal Fireworks Task Force has successfully removed more than 200,000 pounds of illegal fireworks from Hawaiʻi’s streets, with operations and investigations continuing to progress. The bill would extend the sunset clause for the task force from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2030, which the department said “is critical to maintain this momentum and ensure the long-term effectiveness of the Task Force’s mission.” Abbra Green, executive secretary of Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi, submitted testimony in strong opposition to “any prohibitions and enforcement measures targeting fireworks.” “We believe Hawaiians have the right to pursue and engage in any activities that bring them joy and fulfillment,” Green said. “Fireworks prohibitions and regulations infringe upon the freedom of our citizens to partake in this time-honored custom, diminishing the spirit of celebration and unity that fireworks bring.” Strict enforcement measures to crack down on fireworks use “would only serve to burden law enforcement resources, and diverted needed attention away from more pressing issues,” Green said. “Prohibitions and heavy enforcement will lead to unnecessary conflict between police and citizens, eroding trust and creating an atmosphere of fear and animosity. Causing harm against another person is already illegal, and crimes can already be prosecuted without these new tyrannical enforcement measures.” Beverly Heiser said: “The Aliamanu tragedy was sad, and it is hopeful that the lives lost and those suffering from life-changing critical injuries were not in vain but will provide the wake-up call to take the use of illegal fireworks seriously. This all starts with legislators creating laws to invoke stiffer penalties and higher fines, and it allows enforcement to the fullest extent of the law to instill a fear of getting caught and induce deterrence.” While effectiveness of the measure might require more funding in the future, “how do you put a price on lives lost, life-changing deformities and psychological issues that may require medical attention for the rest of one’s life? Yes, enough is enough,” Heiser said. Bronson Teixeira said the funding measure would be a “waste of taxpayer dollars” and not stop illegal aerial fireworks. Voting in favor of the bill were committee Chair Brandon Elefante and Vice Chair Glenn Wakai, with Sens. Carol Fukunaga and Karl Rhoads, all of Oʻahu. One dissenting vote came from Sen. Samantha DeCorte of West Oʻahu. By an identical vote, the Public Safety & Military Affairs also recommended approval of Senate Bill 227 . It would establish an Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement and provide an as yet unspecified amount of funding for the division. Public testimony submitted on the bill was similarly for and against the measure. The committee deferred action on Senate Bill 476 , which would increase fines for fireworks violations from the current $500 to $5,000 per offense. A 2011 report from the Illegal Fireworks Task Force to the Legislature said an increase in fines associated with illegal fireworks may act as a stronger deterrent. Written public testimony on Senate Bill 476 was mostly in favor, with opposition coming from the Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi and others protesting government infringement on personal freedoms. The committee was unanimously in support of passage of Senate Bill 1226 , which would establish a Shipping Container Inspection Program to ferret out illegal fireworks being smuggled into Hawaiʻi. The bill proposes spending $750,000 in fiscal 2025-2026 and the same amount, again, in fiscal 2026-2027 to administer the program and purchase at least two fireworks- or explosive-sniffing dogs. That bill was introduced by Sens. Karl Rhoads, Henry Aquino, Stanley Chang, Brandon Elefante, Mike Gabbard, Michelle Kidani, Angus McKelvey, Herbert Richards III, Carol Fukunaga, Jarrett Keohokalole, Sharon Moriwaki, Joy San Buenaventura and Glenn Wakai.