Hawaii Senate Bill Would Create New Top Tax Bracket Law360 Jaqueline McCool January 28, 2025 Original Article Hawaii would create a new income tax bracket to impose a higher rate on joint income over $1.9 million beginning in 2030 under a bill that passed first reading in the...

Photos: Lawmakers, lobbyists and citizens kick off the 2025 legislative session Hawaiʻi Public Radio Jason Ubay, Mark Ladao, Ashley Mizuo, Sophia McCullough January 15, 2025 Original Article State representatives and visitors attend opening day of the 2025 legislative session at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol on Jan. 15, 2025. Jason Ubay/HPRNew year, new legislative session. Lawmakers, lobbyists and engaged citizens gathered at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol in Honolulu this morning to kick off the 2025 session.Some of HPR's news team spent the day alongside attendees. Here's what they saw. Live mele and hula kick off the 2025 Hawaiʻi House of Representatives on opening day.Jason Ubay/HPR Visitors to the Capitol are required to go through security screening.Jason Ubay/HPR Community members gather in the open-air Hawaiʻi State Capitol courtyard on opening day.Jason Ubay/HPR Members of the United Public Workers union attend opening day.Jason Ubay/HPR From left to right: House Republicans Garner Shimizu, Diamond Garcia, Elijah Pierick, Lauren Matsumoto and David Alcos III on opening day of the 2025 legislative session. (Jan. 15, 2025) Jason Ubay/HPR First-year Rep. Matthias Kusch of Hawaiʻi Island, center, with Gov. Josh Green on opening day. Green appointed Kusch to the position after the death of former Rep. Mark Nakashima.Jason Ubay/HPR Rep. Nadine Nakamura addresses the state House as speaker for the first time on Jan. 15, 2025. Nakamura said investments into more affordable housing will be top of mind for lawmakers as they try to address the cost of living.Mark Ladao/HPR First-year Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto cast the lone "no" vote against new House Speaker Nadine Nakamura on opening day of the 2025 legislative session. Ashley Mizuo/HPR Hawaiʻi House Speaker Nadine Nakamura speaks to the press. She is the first woman to lead the chamber. Mark Ladao/HPR Attendees wait to enter the House and Senate chambers at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol on opening day of the legislative session on Jan. 15, 2025. Senators and representatives have their offices on the second, third and fourth floors. The governor and the lieutenant governor are housed on the top floor. Jason Ubay/HPR Senate President Ron Kouchi addresses senators and attendees on opening day of the legislative session on Jan. 15, 2025. Kouchi said many of the state’s problems can be traced back to one thing: housing. Mark Ladao/HPR Senate Minority Leader Brenton Awa addresses the chamber on opening day of the legislative session on Jan. 15, 2025. Awa called for more support for locals and Native Hawaiians. He also criticized local leaders, pointing at Gov. Josh Green’s offer to house Los Angeles fire victims in hotel rooms, the Honolulu City Council’s recent 64% pay raise, and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s “ownership” of local media. Mark Ladao/HPR Senate President Ron Kouchi, flanked by Senate Democratic leadership, speaks to the press on opening day. (Jan. 15, 2025) Mark Ladao/HPR Representatives and senators usually open their office doors and offer food to community members roaming the hallways. Mark Ladao/HPR The Hawaiʻi State Capitol building from across S. Beretania Street. Jason Ubay/HPR Tags Local News State Legislature

Kaua‘i County inauguration swears in many familiar faces, and a newcomer to the council Kauaʻi Now Scott Yunker December 2, 2024 Original Article As the calendar year comes to an end, the latest iteration of Kaua‘i County government formally began Monday with the inauguration of its county council and prosecuting attorney at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Līhu‘e. Longtime Kaua‘i County councilmember Mel Rapozo was confirmed as chair, and KipuKai Kuali‘i was named as vice chair, in a public hearing prior to the 1 p.m. ceremony. Rapozo promised “to tackle critical issues facing our community with boldness and with resolve.” He identified wastewater and clean water initiatives, homelessness, housing and the county’s ongoing search for a new landfill site as top priorities. “We will work aggressively — and I mean aggressively — to address the needs and challenges that matter most to our residents,” Rapozo said. Rapozo and Kuali‘i will lead a council filled with familiar faces, including Addison Bulosan, Bernard Carvalho, Felicia Cowden and Arryl Kaneshiro, who won reelection to the council in November after terming out in 2022. Fern Holland, who defeated incumbent Ross Kagawa by 108 votes in the November general election, is the sole newcomer to the Kaua‘i County Council. She received applause and cheers on Monday when Rapozo, speaking from the convention hall stage, welcomed her aboard. Kaua‘i County’s prosecuting attorney, Rebecca Like, successfully maintained her position after winning an uncontested primary election in August. Like claimed her office must not only prosecute crimes, but work to prevent them. She vowed “to address the root causes of crime” through continued collaboration with local law enforcement, agencies and community organizations. “Justice is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all,” Like said. “It is the duty of those who hold the scales to ensure fairness, protect the innocent and hold the guilty accountable, regardless of their power or position.” Oaths of office were administered by Judge Randal Valenciano. Jade K. Fountain-Tanigawa and Lyndon M. Yoshioka, who was absent due to illness, were appointed county clerk and deputy county clerk. Pastor Matt Higa of the New Hope Kaua‘i church led the inauguration’s invocation and closing word of prayer, in which he called for unity and respect. “You and I, all of us, we will never see eye to eye on every political issue,” Higa said. “But we must see heart to heart.” Jan TenBruggencate, vice chair of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative and member of the Kaua‘i County Charter Review Commission, served as master of ceremonies. Members of the Waimea High School JROTC served as color guard. Kumu Troy Lazaro and Sabra Kauka were present as pū kāne (conch shell blower) and mea ‘oli (chanter). Nalani K. Ka‘auwai Brun performed the U.S. national anthem and the state anthem, “Hawai‘i Pono‘ī.” Officials in attendance Monday also included Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami, Maui County councilmembers Keani Rawlins-Fernandez and Gabe Johnson, State Senate President Ron Kouchi and state House representatives Dee Morikawa and Luke Evslin. Others present included former county and state government officials, Capt. Brett Stevenson of the Pacific Missile Range Facility, William Arakaki of the Hawai‘i State Board of Education and representatives of Gov. Josh Green, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda.

Senate Judiciary Committee passes wealth asset tax bill for assets above $20M Maui Now N/A February 1, 2025 Original Article The Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Judiciary passed Senate Bill 313 in a hearing Thursday morning, which would implement a wealth asset tax for assets valued over $20 million. “SB 313 is a significant step towards creating a fairer, more equitable economy,” said Judiciary Committee Chair Karl Rhoads, who introduced the bill. “This legislation pushes for those with the greatest resources to contribute their fair share to the prosperity of our state. By moving this bill forward, we are tackling inequality head-on and working to build an economy that benefits all, especially those who have been left behind for far too long.” If the bill becomes law, individuals with assets worth more than $20 million would pay a state tax on the value of their assets above that amount. For example, if someone has $25 million in assets, they would pay the tax on the $5 million that exceeds the $20 million threshold. The tax rate would be 1%. The Committee adopted Chair Rhoads’ recommendation to assess the tax every three years. SB 313 would include assets like real estate, stocks, bonds, cash, art and collectibles, in the calculation. Those subject to the wealth asset tax would report their assets to the Department of Taxation and pay the tax at the same time they file their regular state income taxes. If passed, the bill as amended would be applied to taxes due after Dec. 31, 2029. Sen. Rhoads has introduced similar legislation in the past – SB 925 in 2023, and SB 2389 in 2022. Massachusetts has already implemented a similar state wealth tax, with the money collected aimed at funding transportation and education programs, and other states are considering similar legislation.

YWCA ‘Dress For Success’ program empowers local women KITV Megan Bobilin April 16, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (Island News) – State and City lawmakers, Capitol staffers and community members teamed up this week with one goal, to empower women in Hawaii. With more than 90 bags filled with donations for the annual YWCA O‘ahu ‘Dress For Success’ Program, members of the Hawaii State Legislature took a step towards helping women achieve independence. The annual clothing drive includes gifts of professional attire, including dresses, blazers, accessories, shoes, handbags and brand-new undergarments. Supporting local women as they work reenter the workforce, often overcoming barriers such as poverty, homelessness or incarceration. Hawaii Representative, Gregg Takayama, who helps to organize the annual event highlighted the difference it makes in the community. "Dress for Success has transformed the lives of countless women by helping them to build confidence and prepare for new job opportunities," Takayama said. “Sometimes, all it takes is one outfit to help someone land a job and take that first step toward independence.” Senator San Buenaventura echoed that sentiment, agreeing that professional clothes can be a significant investment with the power to transform lives and therefore, the community. “The YWCA’s Dress for Success initiative goes beyond just professional attire—it represents dignity, opportunity and empowerment,” Buenaventura said. “When we invest in women, we invest in stronger families, stronger communities and a stronger future.” With pride, Buenaventura expressed support for the community initiative – all to give women the tools, confidence and support they need to thrive in the workforce.

Hawai’i Pharmacists Association and APhA celebrate passage of landmark legislation American Pharmacists Association July 2, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU and WASHINGTON, DC — The Hawai’i Pharmacists Association (HPhA) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) are proud to announce the passage of SB 1245 , an historic advancement that will recognize pharmacists as health care providers under Hawai’i law and ensure health plan reimbursement for services they provide within their scope of practice. Signed into law by Gov. Josh Green, this legislation mandates that beginning July 1, 2026, private and public health plans in Hawai’i must reimburse licensed pharmacists for covered health services of contracted pharmacists when those services are delivered within pharmacists’ scope of practice. “This is a major victory for patients and for the pharmacy profession in Hawai’i,” said Corrie Sanders, executive director of the Hawai’i Pharmacists Association. “Hawai’i faces a significant shortage of healthcare providers, particularly in rural and underserved communities. By recognizing pharmacists as providers and enabling reimbursement for the essential services they already deliver, this legislation strengthens the healthcare workforce, expands access to timely care across all islands, and allows pharmacists to ensure our patients and ‘ohana receive the level of care they deserve.” Hawai’i, like many states, faces a shortage of physicians and other primary care providers. SB 1245 addresses this critical gap by leveraging the accessibility and clinical expertise of pharmacists, who are often the most accessible health care professionals in their communities. The law empowers pharmacists to sustainably provide a wide range of services, including chronic disease management, immunizations, point-of-care testing, and medication therapy management, with the assurance that they can be reimbursed when those services are covered for other providers. “This legislation marks a turning point for health care access in Hawai’i,” said Michael D. Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, executive vice president and CEO of APhA. “Pharmacists have always delivered high-quality care, but outdated reimbursement rules limited what they could sustainably offer. With SB 1245 , Hawai’i joins a growing number of states recognizing that pharmacists must be supported as paid providers to keep patients healthier and systems more efficient.” HPhA and APhA extend their gratitude to the legislature, Sen. Joy San Buenaventura, Rep. Scot Matayoshi, Gov. Green, and the many health care advocates who supported this effort.

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.

New library underway in Upper Puna Aloha State Daily Katie Helland November 13, 2025 Original Article The community gathered to break ground on a new library that will serve residents in Upper Puna on Monday, Nov. 10. Construction of the 13,885-square-foot building is expected to cost about $20 million and take at least two years, according to representatives of the Hawai’i State Public Library System. The one-story library will go up in the vacant lot adjacent to the existing Keaʻau Public and School Library. It will also include a separate community meeting room with an outdoor lanai. “We’re really happy to begin construction on this new library,” said Stacey Aldrich , the state librarian, in a statement. “This growing community deserves a library that can be a true hub for reading, learning and connecting. We are increasing the space available for collections, adding a tech lab to support current technology, and provide small and larger rooms for community use.” The Hawai’i State Public Library System has more than 50 branches across six islands , including Hawai’i Island, Lānaʻi, Maui, Molokai, Kauai and Oʻahu, according to its website. Library cards are free for kamaʻāina and military personnel as well as their dependents. To get a card, adults must present a valid photo identification card and proof of mailing address, if that is not listed on their identification card. Details.

Hawaii lawmakers prepare to replenish lost federal funds Hawaii News Now Daryl Huff February 26, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The layoffs of nearly 150 fire survivors on Maui may just be the beginning of the end of federal funding for scores of Hawaii nonprofits. Now lawmakers are laying the groundwork to protect the state safety net. Because the state treasury is in relatively good shape, lawmakers are looking into whether they can fill in where the federal government has backed off. More than 200 nonprofits in Hawaii provide direct service to poor, elderly, disabled and disadvantaged communities with federal funds in the hundreds of millions of dollars. So far, only a handful have been directly impacted by Trump administration freezes, but at a hearing Wednesday, senators began planning for a worst-case scenario for essential nonprofits. Ways and Means Chair Donovan Dela Cruz described the kinds of agencies that might qualify “as providing crucial, programmatic aid and outreach in the health and services sector.” Dela Cruz told Hawaii News Now that the bill is a vehicle for a difficult process. “We’re going to have to prioritize,” he said, “because there’s only so much money to go around.” Because it could take months before it’s clear where the cuts have fallen, Dela Cruz wants to be prepared in case the governor has to call lawmakers into an emergency session. “What the bill does is at least it gives us some options to hopefully strategically respond to the cuts at some point,” Dela Cruz said. For many on Maui, that time has come after 27 agencies and nearly 150 jobs were cut after money from a federal Department of Labor grant ran out. The state says it’s looking for funds to replenish the agencies. But Sen. Troy Hashimoto, D-Wailuku, Kahului, Waihee, Waikapu Mauka, Waiehu, said this is an emergency that qualifies for emergency funding. “I think we as a state need to step up,” he said. “I think we will have to work with the governor’s office to see what state resources we can immediately allocate.” The biggest dilemma for lawmakers is that if they step up with state money, they have no idea how deep the Trump budget cuts will go or how long they will last. Hashimoto is a veteran of budget battles at the Capitol, so he is not suggesting this will be an easy or automatic decision. “What becomes the priority, you know? Because we have our state programs that we have to continue,” he said. “Can we pick up all the federal programs?”

‘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.

Sen. Angus McKelvey: California Fires Mean Bad News For Lahaina Honolulu Civil Beat Richard Wiens February 16, 2025 Original Article Editor’s note: Sen. Angus McKelvey, who chairs the Senate Government Operations Committee, is a key figure in recovery efforts following the August 2023 Maui fires. In an interview edited for length and clarity, he discusses the latest obstacles to rebuilding Lahaina and talks about the government reforms he is backing. You said last May you could imagine two futures for Lahaina: Either taken over by monied outside interests, kind of becoming the Kakaako of West Maui, or restored in a way that brings back many of its former local residents and at least some of the old businesses. Which direction do you think it’s going at this point? Right now, unfortunately, I think we’re headed in the direction of the monied interests. We’re still at that fork of the road, but what’s adding unbelievable pressure is what’s happened in California and now with the federal government. This has completely changed the entire tapestry of reality for the future of Lahaina. How so? You have the issue of interruption or potential loss of future federal monies. You have the fact that you’ve got tariff wars breaking out and counter-tariffs. Most of the construction material — because of the supply chain and other issues — before the Pacific Palisades fire was being bought from China in an effort to try to start rebuilding before the insurance money started lapsing. Now you’ve got the potential tariffs coming in against China, 10% plus the additional 25% from all aluminum and steel. You’ve got potentially a lot of workers who are from the immigrant community, who have now taken off. People who, I guess it was anticipated, would do a lot of the manual, blue-collar laboring. You’ve got all of these issues. And of course, you’ve got Pacific Palisades. After that fire happened, I was hearing about how Maui’s not going to get anything. The contractors are going to sell to LA because they don’t have to put it on a barge and wait, they can go ahead and these guys are paying cash. So we’re going to see a huge diversion, or interruption, of materials coming from the West Coast because of California. Now you’ve got tariffs popping in all over the place for other materials from other places, and meanwhile, the clock is running out on so many people because of their insurance policies requiring them to start substantially rebuilding already, or before this coming August. Time is totally on the side of the outside interests. Last year you were proposing establishing a community district to oversee both state and county restoration efforts. Are you still pushing for that? It was a bill was to create a community development association that would kind of transcend the county and the state. But given everything that’s been going on, especially now with the changes with the federal government, I didn’t reintroduce the bill this year. There are a lot of people in the community who, over the summer, were talking about it. They thought it was an idea that we should keep discussing, and I was contemplating putting together a community working group. But right now, with all of this raining down on everybody’s head, even though I do believe for the future of Lahaina this could be a very powerful tool for community control over this very precious place, it would create so much disruption to an already disruptive and chaotic environment and government system that it could literally push people over the edge. So at this point, this is a discussion best had when we start to get people back into homes, we start working with local partners who are trying to develop housing strictly tailored for Lahaina people. You also proposed that the state acquire all West Maui water districts. Are you still pushing for that? I did put it in again this year. Unfortunately, the bill was deferred in the Water and Land Committee after the hearing. I know that that’s something that the county of Maui has really been pushing. When I introduced the bill last time, there was no discussion going on anywhere about it. But in the meantime, even though the bill failed last year, the Maui County Council has picked it up and is continuing to discuss it on their end. You had also said that it was essential that the state establish concessionary lending programs for the underinsured and mortgage forbearance for fire victims. Where does that stand? None of it happened. I was very disappointed. It was basically the banks won. And this is where special interests do rear their heads, despite efforts to get the executive branch and others to see that this was a way to save people. Now many of the places that are being sold are due to the fact that people can’t continue to pay mortgages, and they’re underinsured, and they’re not going to be able to rebuild. And then, of course, when they do get an insurance check, it goes to the bank for the mortgage. And so you’re watching the situation where now it looks to the people like the best thing to do is to sell, put it on the market. We do have some bills this year to strengthen the community land trust program and establish it statewide. And I’m hoping that the Lahaina Community Land Trust can get some serious support, because they’ve been working on trying to be an alternative for people who feel like they have to sell but they don’t want to sell it to an offshore interest. I’m really bummed that we didn’t do any kind of public financing. And again, the banks don’t want to underwrite these customers. There was a hearing on a bill, and I said, “why do you guys oppose every type of public financing? You don’t want these customers anyway. You won’t give them loans, you won’t give them mortgages. But yet, when the state tries to offer something to them, you come in and kill it.” And this goes for the state, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. They have, consistently, with their regulated entities, been on the side of the industry, not the consumer. How about the tax surcharge on rental cars to help pay for the northern extension of the Lahaina bypass? That moved, and it’s moving on to the next committee. The bill also calls for diverting the Transient Accommodations Tax to building the bypass, because originally the resort areas were supposed to build the northern terminus of the bypass as the condition of the approval for their developments in Kāʻanapali, and they never did it. By using the TAT in addition to the rental surcharge, we can hopefully get them the money to get the project going, and then we can bond out the rest of it as we get moving. But this is a way to get this critically needed highway going. And I’ve got to tell you, the No. 1 legislative accomplishment of my whole career was working with (then-state Sen.) Roz Baker and Sen. Dan Inouye in getting the original bypass bill. I couldn’t imagine what that night of the fire would have been like had there been no bypass. Let’s move on to a couple of overall government reform measures. You’re the lead introducer of a bill to charge a 5% fee on independent expenditures by non-candidate committees. Where did that idea come from? It’s to help pay for public campaign financing. I absolutely loathe campaign fundraising, everything about it, and to have a public financing system where that is basically off your shoulders and you can run your race, and you know you have the resources to get your message out regardless of everything, is a good thing for democracy. More people run, and we get more talent. Getting talent on the bench has always been a struggle for neighbor island delegations. So having a public financing system, I believe, gives neighbor islanders the ability to run and to serve. The PAC (political action committee) fee is a way we can create more funding for it that we’re not taking from other things. A lot of times these PACs come in and do these independent expenditure committees against candidates who don’t have many resources to compete with anyway, and blow them out of the water. So why not create funding from their activity that these candidates can now use to get their message out? Use a fee on the PACs because the more activity they’re doing in a race, the higher fee they’re going to pay. And that, of course, will create a hopefully robust public financing system. Didn’t this bill get amended to where the proceeds of this PAC fee, if it were adopted, would actually go to the Campaign Spending Commission instead of straight to the public campaign funding? Yeah, I asked for that because they’re going to need to do structural things to effectuate the campaign financing thing far beyond money in the fund, and this way we can go ahead and structurally set up the public financing system. The candidates can report easily and qualify and get the money. We’re trying to give the commission additional resources so they can stand it up and have the flexibility to oversee it. I thought it was a good amendment. Another election measure that you signed on to would establish at least three additional voting centers on Oʻahu so we don’t end up with the long lines and delays that occurred last November. Do you think that’s going to happen? I hope so. It’s going to be an issue of money and staffing. But we can’t have long lines like this repeatedly. People should have the ability to come in and be able to vote at the last minute and not sit in long lines or get turned away or have this chaos. So I hope that we can find the revenue for these additional voting centers. You’re still sold mainly on mail balloting though? Oh yeah, it’s just so much easier and efficient. And, you know, people on Maui really took to it. And of course, most people over there basically vote by mail. But some things have to be discussed going forward because of all those ballots that were considered spoiled because the signatures did not match, and a lot of people said they were never given notification enough to go in and cure them. One issue with the mail-in is you’re signing your signature on the outside of an envelope. If I’m an identity thief, I’m having a field day with that. You were a co-sponsor of a proposal to ask voters to amend the constitution to create a 12-month Legislature . That’s been deferred for now, but the House speaker and Senate president have introduced bills to at least create a task force to study the idea of a year-round Legislature. Do you think that represents progress and that maybe something might happen there? I hope so. I mean, just look at what’s going on this year. You’ve got 30 members of the House who have two or less years’ experience. You’re asking them to literally step into a $4 billion budgetary picture. You’re expected to come in and do this all in the span of the 60 legislative days. Then on top of that, in order to promote more transparency, you’re trying to do 72-hour advance notice of hearings. This is why you’ve had weird stuff happen at the very end of the session, and you wouldn’t have this happening if you had a longer session. I like the idea that you spend the first five months of the session working on the budget bills. And then members can really sink their teeth into the policy stuff. Are you agreeable to the House speaker’s notion that you could still only have 60 days of floor sessions, but just spread them out over the year, with a lot more days for committee hearings and other business? I agree. I think we could do that. And if we had a longer legislative session, we could actually do committee hearings in the community, instead of just all in the square building. That’s one of the advantages of having more time is you could do more outreach types of things. You’re also the lead introducer of a bill to require the selection of heads of public agencies or divisions be done in in open meetings, through an open public process. What’s behind that? We need transparency because that’s a critical decision that’s going to determine the direction and fate and efficacy of these boards and commissions and that should be decided in public. I understand the concern of proprietary, confidential information, but the selection itself should be an open and transparently deliberate process. So that’s what I’m trying to achieve with the bill. It’s come up before and didn’t make it, and so I felt it was worth bringing back again, especially with these very powerful boards that exist and are growing statutorily every year.

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.