Senate education chair urges families to apply for free and reduced-price school meals Maui Now August 3, 2025 Original Article Hawai‘i families are being encouraged to apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits through the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE), as updates to the state’s school meal program go into effect for the 2025-26 school year. State Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani, chair of the Senate Committee on Education and author of the legislation behind the changes, said the updates aim to improve food equity by expanding access to free school meals. Under Act 139 (Senate Bill 1300), students who qualify for reduced-price meals are now eligible to receive both breakfast and lunch at no cost each school day. Approximately 11,000 students qualified for reduced-price meals last school year, who would be offered free meal options this year, according to the Hawaiʻi State Senate Majority. The only meal price increases for the upcoming year apply to second meals for students and adult meals. Prices for all other items—including standard student meals and à la carte options—will remain unchanged. Kidani recalled visiting schools in her district where teachers kept snacks in their desks for students who hadn’t eaten. “As a mother and grandmother, I have seen firsthand how hunger affects a child’s ability to focus and learn,” she said. “I still remember visiting classrooms in my district where teachers kept granola bars or crackers in their desks, just in case a student came to school without breakfast. This bill is about more than food —it’s about dignity, equity and ensuring every child has a fair chance to succeed. Well-nourished students learn better. I once again thank Governor Green for signing this bill into law, and I encourage families to take advantage of applying to the program.” Students will still be categorized as “reduced-price eligible” under federal guidelines, but at the point of service, their meals will now be marked as “Reduced – No Charge.” Families are encouraged to apply at EZMealApp for free or reduced-price meal benefits to determine eligibility and take advantage of this new benefit. Further program details are available on the HIDOE website.

Is HECO’s Monopoly Over? New Law Could Change Power Market Civil Beat Stewart Yerton July 8, 2025 Original Article Hawaiian Electric Co.’s century-long hold on Hawaiʻi’s electricity market soon will change in a major way, creating a potential path to lower rates for businesses and residents. Starting in 2027, HECO will be required to let independent electricity producers use its grid to deliver electricity directly to customers for a fee, potentially ending the utility’s standing as the sole choice for most electric consumers in the state. Under the current system, producers must sell electricity at a wholesale price to HECO, which pools it to sell to customers at a higher rate. Gov. Josh Green signed the groundbreaking bill on Thursday, despite having previously signaled his intent to veto the measure. It remains to be seen to what extent the new system will lead to significant savings for residential customers. A previously passed law allowing renters to buy power from community solar farms, for instance, has gone nowhere , hampered by what critics say are untenable rules. But even critics of the new law have said it could generate savings for some customers. State Sen. Glenn Waka i, who chairs the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and sponsored the bill , said the measure was meant to introduce competition in Hawaiʻi’s electricity market and reduce costs in a state where customers pay the nation’s highest costs for electricity — more than three times the national average. “We have for more than 100 years been at the mercy of HECO for our electricity needs, and we’ve seen in recent times that the delivery of that electricity has been very unreliable and very, very expensive,” Wakai said. “In the next two years, come 2027, all HECO’s customers will have an option of buying from someone other than HECO.” “I think this is a game changer to benefit the consumers,” Wakai said. Green’s office also expressed optimism. “We believe that the provisions contained within the bill will allow for greater energy choice and hopefully a reduction in costs for Hawai‘i’s consumers,” Green’s spokeswoman, Makana McClellan, said in a written statement. HECO spokesman Jim Kelly declined an interview request. Law Could ‘Really Open Up Our Grid’ The law includes several provisions to break HECO’s hold on Hawaiʻi’s electricity market, but the most important involves what energy experts call wheeling. Under the current system, developers build big wind and solar farms and sell the power to HECO under long-term contracts. HECO pays as little as 8 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity from these independent power producers, said Jeff Mikulina, a renewable energy consultant who was an architect of the law requiring Hawaiʻi to produce all of the electricity sold in the state from renewable resources by 2045. Meanwhile, HECO charges residential customers on Oʻahu almost 43 cents per kilowatt hour . Big Island residents pay 48 cents. Wakai said a goal of the law is to enable customers to pay closer to what the renewable electricity costs HECO to buy and to encourage smaller players to get in the game. The wheeling provision does this by letting independent electricity producers pay a set fee to use HECO’s grid to deliver power to customers. Although wheeling has long been allowed on the mainland, it’s been prohibited by law in Hawaiʻi. The PUC had been investigating a proposal to allow wheeling between government entities only, and Green’s intent-to-veto statement pointed to that as a reason to veto the broader bill. Green decided to sign the broad bill after the PUC said it would cancel the intra-governmental wheeling inquiry, McClellan said. Hawaiʻi’s previous prohibition against wheeling has played out on the ground at places like Green Homes Hanalei, a cluster of seven homes in west Oʻahu built in 2017 around the idea of using solar and storage to make the subdivision as energy self-sufficient as possible. Developer R.J. Martin powered each home with photovoltaic solar cells combined with two Tesla Powerwall batteries. Each home had garages with chargers for electric vehicles. Martin wanted to go further and link the homes with a small power grid that would let homeowners share surplus power with each other. But he quickly learned that would be illega l. Homeowners would have to become regulated utilities to share surplus electricity with their neighbors. “No one in their right mind is going to go through that exercise,” Wakai said. “So now, it just simplifies what has been all these walls and impediments put up by the government as well as by HECO.” Martin hopes the new law will enable him to do something more innovative in the near future: use renewables and perhaps a microgrid to power a larger, workforce housing subdivision he’s planning for West Oʻahu. But much will depend on how the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission implements the law, Mikulina said. “If the PUC does it right, it can really open up our grid to some innovative renewable solutions,” Mikulina said. “This could catalyze renewable growth and really help folks who need access to this.” Critics Say Some Could Be Left Out Critics point to potential unintended consequences. A major issue involves equity. The concern is that HECO customers with the money and wherewithal to partner with an independent power producer will defect from HECO, leaving those less well-off to still deal with higher rates. Testifying against the bill, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1260, which works on utility infrastructure, argued the long-term technical effects of wheeling on HECO’s grid are unknown. “Further,” the union wrote, “the fixed-cost of operating and maintaining the system will remain unchanged and passed on to those left in the system, essentially increasing the cost of electricity to those who can least afford it.” Given this risk, it will be key to make sure lower-income residential customers can benefit as the commission creates rules governing the program, said Michael Colón, director of energy for the Ulupono Initiative, which supports the use of renewable energy. To address such concerns, Wakai said, the law limits the size of a wind or solar farm allowed to use the wheeling provision to two megawatts, the size needed to power about 3,000 homes. “We’re not talking about, you know, large 50- to 60-megawatt plants going and selling to all the Waikīkī hotels,” Wakai said. “That’s not going to be possible under this scenario.” “What is possible under this scenario,” he said, “is, if you have let’s say 10 acres of land that can create two megawatts of power, you are free to go and sell to the nearby residents or wheel it across the island to someone who’s willing to take it.” That’s promising news to people like Steve Mazur, director of commercial business development for RevoluSun, one of Hawaiʻi’s largest solar companies. Mazur said he’s encountered business owners with energy hogging cold storage systems but small rooftops located near businesses with huge rooftops but little electricity needs. If implemented well by the PUC, Mazur said, the new law could make way for solar panels on the large roof to power the neighboring business. “These rooftops are sitting there empty,” he said. “There has to be something to entice them.” Civil Beat’s coverage of climate change and the environment is supported by The Healy Foundation, the Marisla Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation and the Frost Family Foundation. “Hawaiʻi’s Changing Economy” is supported by a grant from the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation as part of its work to build equity for all through the CHANGE Framework.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers At Work Year Round? That's Becoming A Real Possibility Honolulu Civil Beat Richard Wiens February 2, 2025 Original Article It was a typical scene at the Capitol: two Kauaʻi legislators getting together to discuss common interests and how they could support each other and the folks back home. The sort of thing that happens at the start of every session. But this was also a high-level meeting between longtime Senate President Ron Kouchi and brand-new House Speaker Nadine Nakamura, and the latter had a special request. “She innocently in her folder slid over a bill,” Kouchi recollected with a smile the next day. It was a proposal that could significantly change how the Legislature operates, and Nakamura wanted Kouchi to join the cause by introducing the same measure in the Senate. “I don’t know if you’d sign it,” Kouchi recalled her asking, “but I said, ‘For you Speaker, I’d be happy to sign it on our side and we’ll see what happens.’” And just like that, the often-proposed but seldom seriously considered concept of converting the Legislature to a year-round enterprise took on new life. “I’m glad you signed that bill,” Nakamura said to Kouchi as the top two legislative leaders headlined Civil Beat’s Civil Cafe at the Capitol on Jan. 22. Then she made her pitch. “All of the county councils in the state are year-round,” Nakamura said. “They have a fraction of the state’s budget and they meet year-round because the work of the counties — and here at the state — is year-round. Emergencies happen year-round.” “We currently have a 60-day session from the middle of January to the first week of May and we have these self-imposed deadlines that require us to not hear a lot of bills,” she said. “It requires us to write very complex bills in a very short period of time. We do not get the time to really work it as we would on the council side.” She noted that she and Kouchi are both former Kaua‘i County Council members. “I really appreciate that process and I think we should move toward that.” Why It Could Actually Happen Nakamura’s House Bill 1425 calls for the creation of a task force to study the logistics and ramifications of a 12-month Legislature. Don’t roll your eyes. This would not likely be one of those longstanding committees that eventually issues a report to be put up on a shelf and forgotten. In addition to the speaker’s sincere interest in the issue, the panel would be required to submit its findings to the Legislature at least 20 days before the start of the 2026 session. More importantly, something occurred just five days after the Civil Cafe that likely removes a big obstacle to a year-round session: State Salary Commission members revealed they were considering bumping up legislators’ pay by 40%. If that happened, there would be no further debate about whether the job is full-time. And If legislators are full-time, why should the session be so short? “It would be good to pay legislators more so we don’t have to have that second job,” Nakamura said at the Civil Cafe. Better pay and no outside employment would reduce conflicts of interest and could also lead to a more diverse group of legislative candidates, the speaker said. “We are excluding caregivers, women especially, who want to come out and do this type of work, from entering state legislative offices,” she said. Lawmaker salaries aside, there would certainly be other costs associated with the move to a 12-month Legislature, such as additional staff resources and travel. “I know it is a big change,” Nakamura said. “The study group would really take a look at what are the different issues, what are the costs.” The current 60 days for floor sessions might still be sufficient — they would simply be spread out over 12 months, she said. Meanwhile, bill-writing and committee hearings could proceed at a less frenzied pace. Nakamura’s bill gets its first hearing Wednesday at 2 p.m. before the Legislative Management Committee. In addition to her bill and Kouchi’s companion measure, Senate Bill 1514 , there are two other bills this session proposing the conversion to a 12-month Legislature. The companion measures would put the question directly to voters via a proposed constitutional amendment. One of them, Senate Bill 733 , was heard Friday by the Senate Judiciary Committee. It was deferred, meaning it probably won’t proceed this session. The other, House Bill 770 , does not yet have a committee hearing scheduled. The Legislature is also waiting on a more modest study of the 12-month option that’s being put together by the Legislative Reference Bureau as the result of a Joint House Resolution approved last session. The LRB was asked to study the pros and cons of a continuous legislative session, what the calendar might look, and the salary needs for full-time legislators and staff. What’s Really On The Table Here Legislative leaders conduct much of the people’s business behind closed doors and wield near-dictatorial powers in open committee meetings and especially during the private negotiations that dominate each session’s final days. They often point to the current tight deadlines (one sponsor of SB 733 has called it “four months of chaos”) to justify secrecy for the sake of expediency. Each election season, legislative candidates are asked in their Civil Beat Q&As if they would support applying the Sunshine Law to the Legislature to stop most of those secret meetings at the Capitol. Many say they would — if the sessions weren’t so darned short. Perhaps the time really has come to take more time. Legislators long ago exempted themselves from the open meeting laws that apply to other government bodies. But a year-round Legislature could not only better oversee the work of 20 state departments and agencies and a $20 billion budget, it could do so in the light of day. If the speaker of the House and the president of the Senate are open to operating more like the county councils on a 12-month schedule, shouldn’t they be willing to conduct their business out in the open just as the councils are required to do? Senate Judiciary Chair Karl Rhoads said as much when he amended a year-round Legislature proposal two years ago to apply the Sunshine Law to state lawmakers. At the time, he noted that Hawaii had almost twice the population it had back in 1968 when the current legislative procedures were enshrined in Article III of the State Constitution . Getting legislators to abide by the Sunshine Law won’t be an easy sell. But if they convert to a 12-month session, they would have plenty of time to do the right thing and allow the public to observe their deliberations, not just their committee hearings. Some will say the Capitol just wouldn’t be the same without the old-fashioned horse-trading that goes on in private. Not the same, but perhaps better. What about the idea that what happens at party caucus meetings stays at party caucus meetings? Again, it wouldn’t be the same if their constituents were watching, but it might be better. Longer Sessions Already Possible Even now, legislative leaders aren’t quite as rushed as they often say they are. The State Constitution spells out when each session begins — the third Wednesday in January — but not when it ends. Those 60 days of floor sessions could already be spread out over a lot more of the calendar instead of ending in early May. And committee hearings could continue in the intervals. If they feel like they have unfinished business — and every session ends with that feeling — legislators can also extend a regular session for an additional 15 days or call themselves into special session for up to 30 days. Either of those options requires the approval of two-thirds of the House and Senate. Still, a cleaner way to convert to a 12-month session would be through voter approval of a constitutional amendment. That’s because the constitution’s current timing requirements for the governor to sign or veto bills is tied to when the Legislature adjourns its regular session. This session’s bills for a full-time Legislature, for instance, would give the governor 90 days to sign or veto measures, with no reference to the date of adjournment. It’s becoming plausible to imagine a future in which better-paid legislators hold no outside employment and are unconstricted by artificial deadlines. However it unfolds, a longer session holds promise for a more effective Legislature Change is coming. Newer lawmakers are raising more questions about the top-down nature of things at the Capitol. The recent hour-long discussion on the House floor of its rules of operation was refreshing evidence of the shift, because those rules traditionally are imposed with no dialogue at the start of each session (as they still are in the Senate). It’s becoming plausible to imagine a near-term future in which better-paid legislators hold no outside employment and are unconstricted by artificial deadlines. Their only jobs would be addressing the many challenges facing Hawaii, which should be full-time work indeed.

Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch premieres Considerable Joe Sanders May 19, 2025 Original Article The world premiere of Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch” took place Saturday at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California. The event celebrated the film’s debut and showcased Hawaiian culture, courtesy of the Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB). The premiere featured numerous stars from the film, including Chris Sanders, Billy Magnussen, Zach Galifianakis, Maia Kealoha, Sydney Agudong, Courtney B. Vance, Kaipo Dudoit, and Amy Hill. Several dignitaries and cultural figures, such as State Rep. Shirley Ann Templo, State Sen.Lynn DeCoite, and Miss Aloha Hula 2025, Jaedyn Pavao, attended the event. Maia Kealoha, who starred as Lilo, and Sydney Agudong, who played Lilo’s older sister Nani, were among the Hawaiian talents featured in this adaptation. Tia Carrere, who voiced Nani in the original animated film, took on the role of Mrs. Kekoa, a new character. The depiction of Hawaiian culture was further enriched with traditional Hawaiian protocols led by kumu hula Lilinoe Kaio, with performances from Halau ‘o Lilinoe and Na Pua Me Kealoha. Aaron J. Sala, President and CEO of HVCB, underscored the importance of the event. Celebrating Disney’s Hawaiian heritage “This premiere wasn’t just a celebration of a film — it was an opportunity to elevate the people, culture, and stories that define our Hawaii,” Sala stated. The collaboration with Disney marks HVCB’s commitment to diversifying its promotional efforts beyond conventional tourism marketing. HVCB is in the midst of significant organizational changes. Under Sala’s leadership since September, the bureau has been diversifying its portfolio in response to dwindling funding from the Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA). The new direction aligns with a broader strategic plan to reduce reliance on HTA contracts and engage in partnerships that responsibly promote Hawaiian culture and tourism, the presence of lawmakers like Sen. Lynn DeCoite and Rep. Shirley Ann Templo at the premiere highlighted the state’s stance on using cinema and media to boost tourism. This diversification aims to ensure a sustainable future for Hawaii’s tourism industry while respecting and promoting local culture. Hawaiian Airlines also contributed to the event by offering guests leis and photo opportunities. The airline’s new “Searching for Stitch” augmented reality experience aims to educate users about mindful travel across the Hawaiian Islands. Jerry Gibson, President of the Hawai’i Hotel Alliance, and Keith Vieira, principal of KV & Associates, expressed optimism about HVCB’s new strategic direction. They believe this initiative will help sustain Hawaii’s tourism industry amid changing economic and political landscapes. As “Lilo & Stitch” opens nationwide, the film serves as both an entertainment piece and a cultural bridge, inviting audiences worldwide to engage more thoughtfully with Hawaii’s rich heritage.

Bills aimed at protecting vulnerable youth approved by Hawaiʻi Legislature Big Island Now May 28, 2025 Original Article State Sen. Joy San Buenaventura of the Big Island, who represents Puna at the state Capitol in Honolulu, is lauding passage during the 2025 session of the Hawaiʻi Legislature of three bills aimed at strengthening protections and expanding support for some of the most vulnerable youth throughout the state. Senate Bills 292 and 951 along with House Bill 613 focus on accountability, safety and access to essential services. “These bills reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting Hawaiʻi’s most vulnerable keiki,” San Buenaventura, chairwoman of the state Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, said in a press release outlining the measures. “This session, we made it a priority to make sure that young people in crisis are met with compassion, support and real opportunities to heal and thrive.” SENATE BILL 292 : Relating to Sexual Exploitation SB 292 establishes safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation, shielding them from prosecution for related offenses when seeking medical or law enforcement help. Office of Hawaiian Affairs, which supports the bill, called this initiative crucial in its written testimony to the state Senate Judiciary Committee and wrote it represents a significant step toward combating sex trafficking and providing justice for victims, particularly Native Hawaiians — who are disproportionately impacted by this form of exploitation. “Establishing safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation sends a clear message that our state is committed to protecting the rights and well-being of all individuals, especially our most vulnerable populations,” the agency’s testimony says. SENATE BILL 951 : Relating to Child Protection SB 951 strengthens child abuse reporting protocols by requiring the disclosure of military affiliation and coordination with appropriate military authorities. Hawaiʻi Military Affairs Council wrote in testimony to a joint hearing of the state Senate Health and Human Services and Public Safety and Military Affairs committees that there is a critical gap in child protection for military families. While federal law requires Department of Defense personnel to report suspected child abuse or neglect to military and local authorities, there is no reciprocal requirement for state and local child welfare. That gap can result in vulnerable military families missing out on crucial services. “This measure would establish a reciprocal state requirement, enhancing coordination between state child welfare services and military support systems, ultimately improving access to prevention and rehabilitation services for military children and families,” the agency wrote in its testimony. The approach is already being used in 35 other states. HOUSE BILL 613 : Relating to Homeless Youth HB 613 creates a Safe Spaces for Youth Program under the Office of Youth Services, providing shelters and support for unaccompanied homeless youth across all counties. “Hawaiʻi is facing a crisis in homelessness, with our youngest community members bearing hardship,” the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi wrote in testimony to the state House Committee on Human Services and Homeleessness. The party said 1 in 10 young adults age 18 to 25 years old and 1 in 30 youths age 13 to 17 years old in the islands experience some form of homelessness without the support of a parent or guardian. They are among the most vulnerable members of the community — facing heightened risks of mental health issues, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, physical violence and disruptions in education. “By passing this bill, the Legislature will take a crucial step in breaking the cycle of youth homelessness and protecting Hawaiʻi’s future generations,” wrote the state’s Democratic Party. “Providing stable shelter, food security, mental health support and pathways to education and employment will empower these youth to build self-sufficient and productive lives.”

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.

‘The Eddie’ surf competition stokes North Shore’s economy Star Advertiser Allison Schaefers December 23, 2024 Original Article The North Shore economy is projected to ride high during its winter wave season, which kicked off Sunday with the 2024 Eddie Aikau Invitational Big Wave Contest at Waimea — a massive event that Honolulu police estimated drew about 50,000 attendees. Tourists and local spectators lined every available vantage spot to see the North Shore’s Landon McNamara, 28, win first place in the event, where participants battled waves that reached up to 25 feet, with 50-foot faces. McNamara, a professional big-wave surfer who comes from a surfing family, also is a Ford model and a musician who just released an album. Part of the reason for economic boost of “The Eddie,” which mostly comes before or after the event due to the singular focus of bystanders on the bay during the contest, is that it isn’t held often. The lead-up to whether “The Eddie” will go also generates incredible buzz and worldwide news coverage.

Senate bill would transfer Māla Wharf and Kīhei Boat Ramp to Maui County Maui Now Brian Perry January 29, 2025 Original Article Dissatisfied by state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ management of small boating facilities, West and South Maui Sen. Angus McKelvey has drafted a bill to transfer maintenance and operations of Māla Wharf in Lahaina and the Kīhei Boat Ramp to Maui County. Under the bill, the County could set permit fees to generate revenue for the facilities’ upkeep. Senate Bill 750 , introduced by McKelvey and Oʻahu Sens. Stanley Chang and Kurt Fevella, includes a legislative finding that “state boating facilities on Maui are cherished and important parts of the island’s communities and are critical for fishing, recreation, commerce and transportation.” “However, the Legislature recognizes that Maui’s state boating facilities have descended into complete disarray and are under-functioning in many different aspects,” the bill says. It says repairs and maintenance at the Maui boating facilities are “incomplete” and done on an ad hoc basis. Operations of the facilities are managed through state offices on Oʻahu and communications go through “several layers of personnel.” The bill would also transfer nearby park areas to the county for maintenance. The Department of Land and Natural Resources had no comment on the bill. The measure would allow Maui County to set and collect permit fees from facility users. It also has an unspecified amount included as an appropriation to pay for the transfer. In response to a Maui Now request for comment, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee said she does not support transferring the boating facilities to Maui County to assume their operation, administration and maintenance, particularly with an undetermined amount of funding support. Lee noted that the boating facilities are in “extremely poor condition” and “yet the bill proposes to give this liability to Maui County when we are still in the thick of recovering from the August 2023 wildfires. The recovery process has our infrastructure agencies, along with other operations, administration, and management, at full capacity – we simply do not have the manpower and financial resources to manage these facilities at this time.” “I am typically a supporter of home rule, and there may be a time in the future when this idea could be discussed thoroughly and responsibly with all relevant agencies and personnel, but now is not that time and this discussion has not occurred,” Lee said. Senate Bill 750 has passed first reading and been referred to the Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz and vice chaired by Sharon Moriwaki, both of Oʻahu; and the Water and Land Committee, chaired by Sen. Lorraine Inouye of Hawaiʻi Island and vice chaired by Sen. Brandon Elefante of Oʻahu. No public hearings had been scheduled as of Wednesday morning.

THE HAWAI'I STATE SENATE ANNOUNCES CONFIRMATION OF TWO KEY LEADERS IN DEFENSE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT MyPearlCity PC Community March 21, 2025 Original Article The Hawaiʻi State Senate today confirmed Major General Stephen Logan as the Adjutant General for the State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense and Major Mike Lambert as the Director of the State of Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement. Senator Brandon Elefante (Senate District 16 – ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City), chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM) praised the confirmations. “I am pleased to support the confirmation of Major General Logan and Major Lambert, two highly skilled leaders who bring years of dedicated service to our state,” said Senator Elefante. “Major General Logan’s military expertise and Major Lambert’s long-standing dedication to law enforcement will be critical in advancing the safety and security of Hawaiʻi.” Major General Logan brings over 40 years of military experience, including leadership positions such as Commander of the 103rd Troop Command and Assistant Adjutant General. His expertise in disaster management and logistics was key in his unanimous confirmation as Adjutant General. “I am honored by the Senate’s confirmation,” stated Major General Logan. “As Adjutant General, my commitment is to serve Hawai‘i with integrity, dedication, and a focus on enhancing our state’s defense capabilities. I look forward to working alongside our military and community partners to ensure the safety and security of our state and its residents.” Major Lambert has spent over 20 years in law enforcement and most recently served as a major with the Honolulu Police Department (HPD). His leadership and dedication to public safety have earned him widespread support from the community. “I am deeply humbled by this confirmation and excited to take on the responsibility of leading the Department of Law Enforcement,” said Major Lambert. “My focus will be on fostering strong relationships within our communities, ensuring the safety of all residents, and upholding the highest standards of integrity and service in our law enforcement efforts.” During Friday’s Floor Session, the Senate voted unanimously in favor of confirming both leaders to their new positions. 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 .

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