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.

Community Health Center Unveils New Dental Clinic The Molokai Dispatch Léo Azambuja August 14, 2025 Original Article Friendly Isle residents have a new reason to smile. The nonprofit organization Molokai Community Health Center unveiled Saturday its newly renovated and expanded dental facility in Kaunakakai — almost five months ahead of schedule. “This is going to be huge for the community,” MCHC Board President James Rarick told the crowd attending the grand opening. Like others, he too had been forced to seek dental care off-island. The $2.4 million upgrading and expansion increased the numbers of dental chairs to six from the previous capacity of three. The current full-time dentist, Dr. Paula Gardner, will be joined by a part-time dentist, two full-time dental hygienists, plus specialty-care professionals on an as-needed schedule, allowing for a significant increase in dental services to the community. “The plan is to bring two full time dentists to the practice,” project manager Terry Radi said, adding they have been trying to recruit more staff for the last two years, but the country has been experiencing a shortage of dental service providers. More than 100 people attended the grand opening in Kaunakakai, including many dignitaries who had a role in the project. Besides all the good news, the event offered free shoyu chicken bento plates, drinks from Friends and Coffee, popcorn, dental hygiene kits and raffle tickets. Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chair Kai Kahele was key in securing the initial $1.4 million in federal funds years ago, when he was serving as a congressman. He said he wanted to thank MCHC staff for serving thousands of residents on Molokai. Radi said that initial funding allowed MCHC to start the process of renovating the dental building. The remaining funds came from a $350,000 donation from Hawaii Dental Service and a $660,000 grand from Maui County. “Hawaii Dental Service has been so generous with us over the past few years,” she said. And then County Councilmember Keani Rawlins-Fernandez heard MCHC was expanding the program, and helped to secure funding to help cover expenses attached to doubling operations for the next two years, according to Radi. State Sen. Lynn DeCoite, State Rep. Mahina Poepoe, and Zhantell Lindo, representing Rawlins-Fernandez, also attended the grand opening and spoke to the public. Radi said the actual work on expanding the clinic started four years ago, navigating fund-seeking, permits and design, among other things. Last year, as the construction phase was approaching, she said they were trying to figure out how to keep services open during the renovations. Coincidentally, last November, Dr. Gregory Davis retired from private practice and closed his office near Paddlers Restaurant and Bar in Kaunakakai. “We talked to him about renting his space,” Radi said. “Then he donated his old equipment to us, and we have been operating out of that facility while we have been under construction.” The temporary solution came with challenges; the equipment was limited, and the facility was aged. “We just couldn’t keep up with the number of patients that we have. So, we are all just super excited to get out of that location and into our new location where we have doubled the capacity for seeing the patients,” Radi said. MCHC signed the contract for construction in December 2024, and started construction in early January 2025. The building was planned to be ready by the end of this year, but Radi said MCHC CEO Milton Cortez asked if they could cut the construction time in half. “Unfortunately, it just couldn’t be done in six months. But it was done in eight months, and we are pretty proud of that. So, we did push up the project a good four-and-a-half months,” Radi said. MCHC dental program currently serves about 2,300 patients, according to Radi. Now that the new facility is open, she said the number of patients might increase to up to 3,000. Because MCHC is a nonprofit organization, Cortez said, they cannot refuse service based on financial situation. “Our business model makes sure that we are looking at taking care of people without insurance, people that can’t pay. We can’t, by law, turn them away,” Cortez said.

Charity dinner raises $50K for mediation center Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald Staff December 5, 2024 Original Article At the 2024 Annual Recognition Dinner & Auction on Nov. 17, Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter was awarded the “Peacemaker Award” by Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center, and Judge M. Kanani Laubach was awarded the “Meritorious Service Award” by the Hawaii County Bar Association. “What a great evening celebrating two very deserving wahine,” Ku‘kahi Executive Director Julie Mitchell said in a press release. “Mahalo to all who contributed of their time, talents and treasures to make this fundraiser the most successful ever!” The event raised $50,000 for the center. “We truly appreciate our honorees, sponsors, ticket buyers, auction bidders, guests, cash and in-kind event donors, auction donors, emcee, introducers, musician, sound operator, special event committee, event volunteers, board and staff,” Mitchell said. The annual dinner and auction provides a significant portion of the funds that Ku‘ikahi needs to provide free and low-cost dispute prevention and resolution services in East Hawaii and beyond. To make a year-end charitable gift to support this local non-profit community mediation center, please visit: https://hawaiimediation.org/donate/.

Harbor dredging project pau Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald Michael Brestovansky December 4, 2024 Original Article Boaters are in deep water at last after a months-long dredging project at Wailoa Small Boat Harbor in Hilo wrapped up last week. The harbor, one of East Hawaii’s last functioning boat launches after the Pohoiki Boat Ramp in Puna was cut off during the 2018 Kilauea eruption, has not been dredged for more than seven years and sediment had accumulated at the harbor mouth. Boats repeatedly went aground attempting to pass the mouth of the Wailoa River, and boaters quickly learned the harbor only was usable at the highest tides. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation began a project to dredge the river in July, using $3.2 million in capital improvement funds. That work ended on Nov. 27, the DLNR announced Tuesday, although construction equipment including a barge will remain on site until Saturday. The total cost of the project swelled to $4.8 million, according to a DLNR news release, but the cost overrun was covered through DOBOR’s Boating Special Fund, which is replenished from statewide harbor and boating facility use fees. “We appreciate the public’s patience, understanding and advocacy as DOBOR navigated the permitting and funding hurdles to get this project completed before the end of the year,” DOBOR Administrator Meghan Statts said in a statement. ”We also appreciate the Legislature for recognizing the importance of this project and providing funding.” “It’s definitely better, it’s deeper,” said boater Antoine Debarge on Tuesday, mooring his boat directly across the river mouth from Suisan Fish Market. “This was completely dry land here a few months ago.” Hilo Sen. Lorraine Inouye, who advocated for the initial $3.2 million allocation, said she was happy East Hawaii boaters can finally safely access the ocean again from the harbor, but lamented that the problem persisted for years. “When I became District 1 senator in 2022, that was already a problem, and we embarked on making sure it got fixed,” Inouye said. “I’m happy we were able to do this, but the boaters had to deal with it for so long.” Inouye said she will continue to monitor conditions at the the harbor and will listen to boaters’ concerns to identify other potential issues that need to be addressed. She added she is working on a project to determine the accumulation rates of sediment at the harbor so future dredging operations are more timely. Inouye went on to say that she will try to make additional funds available for additional maintenance projects at the harbor during the 2025 legislative session, which begins in January. Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com .

Senate Ways and Means Committee visits Lānaʻi for updates on local sustainability Maui Now September 9, 2025 Original Article The Senate Ways and Means Committee arrived on Lānaʻi to receive updates on economic development and sustainability efforts from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and the Agribusiness Development Corporation. Committee members were first guided through the work of Pūlama Lānaʻi, an organization creating solutions for a sustainable future through cultural preservation and building economic opportunities for Lānaʻi. “Today’s visit to Lānaʻi shows our deep commitment to supporting sustainable growth in our rural communities,” said Senator Lynn DeCoite (D 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lānaʻi, Kaho‘olawe and Molokini), Chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism. “The presentations from DBEDT, ADC, and Pūlama Lānaʻi highlight the incredible work being done to preserve Lānaʻi’s heritage while creating economic opportunities for the future.” “As a State, we must ensure that we are able to keep up with the changing needs of our communities,” said Senator Troy N. Hashimoto (D 5 – Wailuku, Kahului, Waihe‘e, Waikapu Mauka, Wai‘ehu), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Housing. “Developing sustainable housing solutions must include building communities with access to economic opportunities and critical services to ensure that residents, on Lānaʻi and across our islands, can stay and live with greater security in the place we call home.” “As we continue shaping policy and budgets, it’s critical we prioritize initiatives that create lasting opportunities for regional economic development,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (D 17 – Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Today’s visit demonstrates that food, housing, and workforce are the cornerstones of sustainability and economic opportunity,” said ADC Board Chairperson Jayson Watts. “As ADC explores statewide expansion, we are committed to building the infrastructure and innovation needed for rural communities and families to succeed.” “The work on Lānaʻi highlights how rural communities can thrive when economic opportunities and affordable housing are integrated rather than separated. DBEDT holds critical levers that can be used to support rural communities by connecting food, housing, tourism and workforce opportunities,” said DBEDT Deputy Director Dane Wicker.

Editorial: Reevaluate landfill site restrictions Star Advertiser N/A January 28, 2025 Original Article The search for a new Oahu landfill site, an issue that has roiled city leadership for years, is still unsettled, and lawmaking underway at the Legislature should be aimed at finding a path to a solution. So far, a collection of bills at the state Capitol is not close to achieving that goal. Legislation seems more aligned with the Honolulu City Council’s adamant opposition to placement of a landfill above an aquifer, a noncontroversial and politically safe move. Given the recent history of threats to water supply — the disastrous leak of fuel from the Navy’s underground Red Hill storage tanks leaps to mind — it’s easy to understand why. The city is currently considering acquiring 150 acres of agricultural lands near Wahiawa, located over an aquifer. On Wednesday, the City Council is expected to weigh Resolution 3, which would reaffirm a 2003 Council policy barring siting a dump near sources of fresh groundwater. Members are not expected to reverse that position now. However, Oahu is confronted with a reality check: Strict regulations that seek to safeguard the aquifer have made squaring that circle all but impossible. Keeping guardrails is rational, but the time has come for some reform to Act 73, the state law that put those guardrails in place. Or at the very least, open discussions for reform. Act 73 was passed in 2020 as Senate Bill 2376, which established that “no waste or disposal facility shall be located in a conservation district except in emergency circumstances where it may be necessary to mitigate significant risks to public safety and health.” Even with such circumstances, under the law, the emergency would not be authorized for more than three years. It would be hard to argue with that. If there is any give within Act 73, it may be within the law’s second section, which defines buffer zones that must separate a facility such as a landfill from the conservation district. At least one of the measures introduced this session, House Bill 748, would reduce the buffer zone from one-half mile to one-quarter mile around the landfill. Lawmakers should consider that seriously, among other proposals that could reasonably improve the chances of finding an acceptable landfill site. By contrast, the Senate seems headed in the opposite direction. Senate Bill 550 would add a restriction against siting a landfill “near or above” an aquifer, as determined by state health officials in consultation with county boards of water supply. That makes sense, but the bill also would enlarge the buffer zone set in Act 73 to a full mile away from conservation lands. None of the bills had been scheduled for a hearing as of Monday, but whenever they do come up, lawmakers need to examine what elements of Act 73 could be relaxed and whether that would yield further possibilities for a landfill location. In addition, legislators should seek a public appearance by military representatives to address the issue. In the past, military officials have not shown enthusiasm for making any Department of Defense property available when approached by Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration. It is worth a reevaluation now. State Sen. Mike Gabbard rightly is insisting on more precise figures from the Navy specifically about the acreage of its Oahu land holdings, and how much of that is not over an aquifer. Good questions. And even if state lawmakers can’t convince officials to change policy, voters need to know the reasons — particularly given the past history of Navy stewardship of natural resources. Before the city proceeds with the purchase of the Wahiawa site, better used in active farming, it is essential that every landfill alternative site is reviewed — as well as constraints that might be reasonably eased. The public deserves no less.

New law cuts retirement benefits for judges Star Advertiser Dan Nakaso July 4, 2025 Original Article A measure enacted Thursday by Gov. Josh Green that reduces by nearly half the retirement benefits for future judges comes at a time when the state Judiciary is struggling to find qualified judges, especially on the neighbor islands, and they are facing an increasing number of threats to their safety. Green initially supported Senate Bill 935 , then told the Legislature last month that he might veto the latest version of it. On Thursday, he ended up signing it into law. The measure reduces retirement benefits for judges appointed on or after July 1, 2031. SB 935 was one of 12 of 20 bills Green signed into law that were also on his intent-to-veto list. In response, both House Speaker Nadine Nakamura and Senate President Ron Kouchi announced they had no plans to hold a special session to consider overriding any of the governor’s vetoes. The number of threats against Hawaii judges is approximately eight times higher than five years ago, according to the Judiciary. So far this year, there have been twice as many threats against them compared to last year. In the latest incident in June, the Honolulu Police Department notified state and federal court officials that a 911 caller said an unidentified man was going to shoot a judge at a Honolulu courthouse. Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald plans to retire Sept. 30, about a week before he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70, after serving for 15 years as head of the high court. The state Judicial Selection Committee must provide Green with the names of at least four candidates to replace Recktenwald, but so far has been able to find only three. So it has extended the application deadline to Sept. 11 for a 10-year term that pays $248,124 annually. Once he gets the final list of applicants from the committee, Green will select his nominee, who then has to be confirmed by the state Senate. In the meantime, Associate Supreme Court Justice Sabrina S. McKenna will fill in as interim chief justice. SB 935 provides no justification for why future judges should receive smaller retirement benefits. It was introduced solely by state Sen. Dru Kanuha (D, Kona-Kau-Volcano), who did not respond to a request for comment. Overall, SB 935 makes other changes in retirement benefits for a variety employees that had general support from some influential labor unions. But only future judges would see the size of their retirements reduced — a provision that was opposed by unions including the Hawaii Government Employees Association, Hawaii State Teachers Association, State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, United Public Workers and International Longshore and Warehouse Union. HGEA, the state’s largest public workers’ union, objected to cutting future judges’ retirement benefits, writing in testimony, “We find that this portion is counter intuitive to the general theme of this measure which is intended to help with the recruitment of public servants. This provision will severely impact the recruitment of new judges — specifically, the recruitment of quality attorneys in private practice to apply as judges.” Similar concerns were expressed by the Hawaii State Bar Association and bar associations for Kauai and Maui counties and West Hawaii. Recktenwald wrote to Green in May that the measure “will adversely impact recruitment of judges and thereby the future of Hawai‘i’s judicial branch. This singling out of judges is especially concerning while judges have become lightning rods nationally for interpreting and applying constitutions and laws.” “Since 2019, applications for judicial positions statewide have trended downward overall and downward among women,” Recktenwald wrote. “As a result, numerous application deadlines for these public offices have been extended. Indeed, from 2019 through the summer of 2024, 30% of vacant judgeships statewide and 79% of vacant judgeships on the neighbor islands have required extended application deadlines. The position of Chief Justice, which will be vacated this year due to mandatory retirement, also apparently did not attract the requisite minimum of four qualified applicants. “Recruitment challenges already lead to apparently prolonged vacancies of judicial positions that have in turn impacted the public. Reducing retirement benefits for judges will exacerbate the challenges of attracting the most highly qualified,” he added. An announcement from Green’s office Thursday that he had signed SB 935 into law included a statement from Recktenwald lauding a “very productive” legislative session that included establishment of several new courts and judicial initiatives. “We are grateful that as part of the process, all sides have been able to express their views on SB 935 and we respect the Governor’s decision,” Recktenwald said. “I thank the Governor and legislative leadership for their openness to considering issues relating to recruitment of judges and other important matters going forward.” The Hawaii State Bar Association also wrote to Green in its opposition to SB 935. “It is unclear why judges were specifically singled out; however, it is alarming and will have a detrimental effect on our judiciary,” the attorneys’ group said. “Given the limited pool of qualified judges and candidates for judicial vacancies, HSBA is extremely concerned that reducing the pensions of retiring judges will further disincentivize qualified candidates from pursuing a vacancy. Additionally, the bar is aging, with many individuals either retiring or changing their status to inactive. “Coupled with a mandatory retirement age of seventy years of age, this further impacts the state’s ability to adequately fill the bench with qualified, thoughtful, and independent jurists … especially in light of public disdain for the rule of law, nationwide attacks on the constitution, and extensive threats to an independent judiciary.”

Education bill funding program that combines culture with academics, continues to advance Maui Now N/A March 7, 2025 Original Article Senate Bill 529 SD1 relating to education seeks to appropriate funds to expand the Hoʻākea Program, an educational initiative that integrates Hawaiian cultural practices with academic subjects to engage students and promote environmental stewardship. Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani (District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia) who chairs the Senate Committee on Education (EDU) announced the Senate’s passage of the bill as it continues on a path forward this legislative session. “Programs like Ho‘ākea create meaningful learning experiences for students that bridge culture, community, and education, fostering a deeper connection to their heritage and building a stronger sense of identity and responsibility,” said Kidani. “By incorporating traditional knowledge with modern curriculum, this initiative empowers our keiki to become the next generation of leaders.” “The impact of Ho‘ākea has truly been profound for our students, our families and our communities,” said Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) Superintendent Keith Hayashi. “Through hands-on learning stations, the mission of Hoʻākea is to inspire students to embrace the ‘Navigator Mindset’ and become the leaders, stewards, and critical thinkers that can navigate us into a better future.” According to Nainoa Thompson, Pwo Navigator and CEO of Polynesian Voyaging Society, “education is everything, it will determine our future of what we teach our children. I’ve seen the impact when there’s a bridge that’s created between the power of communities and families, and Ho‘ākea is that bridge to teachers who are the bridge to our schools.” Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom, Hui O Wa‘a Kaulua President, vocalist and songwriter, shared her strong support, writing,“using foundational values and perspectives of waʻa and ʻāina, students learn about, explore, and troubleshoot issues they experience daily – like coastal erosion, water and food security, emergency preparedness, and community resilience. Connecting place, culture, and history to core subjects like math, science, and social studies engage their natural curiosity and excitement to learn.” The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

Small Group Of Lawmakers To Award $50M To Nonprofits Facing Federal Cuts Civil Beat Kevin Dayton October 17, 2025 Original Article Hawaiʻi lawmakers are inviting nonprofit organizations to seek extra state grant funding under a $50 million initiative to offset recent federal cuts to health and human services programs. In an unusual move, the money will be doled out by a four-member panel instead of the full Legislature. Legislators authorized the extra grants-in-aid funding in the closing days of the last session amid concerns the Trump administration would impose deep cuts in social service programs. Gov. Josh Green approved that plan as Act 310 . Hawaiʻi nonprofits “are facing unprecedented delays and reductions in federal funding,” according to an announcement issued by lawmakers this week. “The cuts in federal funding have impacted areas such as healthcare, human services, education, homelessness, and food security.” In an effort to make up for lost federal funding, the state has begun accepting applications for the Act 310 grants, with a deadline for the nonprofits to submit applications of 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 24. Act 310 says nonprofit applicants for the state grants must be “recipients or providers that have sustained a reduction or termination of their federal funding,” or primarily serve populations that were “negatively affected by reductions or terminations of federal funding.” The $50 million is in addition to $30 million lawmakers directed to nonprofits under the regular grant-in-aid process during the legislative session last spring. A recent report by the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization concluded 74 federal grants to 59 Hawai‘i nonprofits “are politically vulnerable” to budget cuts by the Trump administration. Programs serving Native Hawaiians account for much of that risk. Those nonprofits are awaiting $126 million in unpaid balances on federal grants, and “more than half of this risk is concentrated in healthcare programs, with significant exposure also in human services, environment, and education,” according to the UHERO report. But it isn’t clear yet how much funding or how many grants to local nonprofits have actually been cut. State Rep. Daniel Holt, who oversees nonprofit grant-in-aid awards for the House, said in an interview Wednesday he was unaware of any local nonprofits that have taken a big financial hit from federal cuts. “We don’t know what to expect,” Holt said of the application process. “We don’t know if we’re going to get overwhelmed, we don’t know if we’re going to have a lot of extra money,” he added. “We honestly have no idea at this point.” The applications will be administered by Aloha United Way, and a panel of four Democratic legislators will decide the amounts awarded to each nonprofit. Those lawmakers include Holt, House Finance Committee Vice Chair Jenna Takenouchi, Senate Ways and Means Chair Donovan Dela Cruz and Senate Majority Leader Dru Kanuha. Act 310 has been criticized by some lawmakers because it empowers just those four legislators to decide which nonprofits will get portions of the $50 million. Grants-in-aid are normally part of state budgets approved in votes by the full Legislature. Other critics pointed out lawmakers exempted that four-member panel from the state public meetings or Sunshine law, raising concerns the awards to the nonprofits could be decided in secret. Holt said the panel plans to meet publicly after all of the applications are received to hear the nonprofits present their requests for funding. The panel will then meet privately to develop a list of awardees, then will approve that list in a public vote, he said. That process is similar to the way regular grants-in-aid are decided, except that under Act 310 only four lawmakers will be voting. Public First Law Center Executive Director Brian Black warned in July there were procedural defects in the adoption of Act 310 that “threaten to invalidate any grants awarded by the committee.”

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.

Lawmakers OK about 250 bills Honolulu Star-Advertiser Andrew Gomes and Dan Nakaso May 1, 2025 Original Article The state Legislature gave final approval to about 250 bills Wednesday during several hours of voting that included a surprise defeat of a gun-control measure. Approved bills now poised to become law pending decisions by Gov. Josh Green include measures to turn up illegal fireworks pursuit and punishment, regulate future catastrophic wildfire damage liability and fund the state government for the next two fiscal years as risks of an economic downturn loom due to federal government policies. Senate President Ron Kouchi gave the Senate an “I” letter grade for its work this year, meaning incomplete, given that he and other legislative leaders expect there will be a need to call a special session before 2026 to respond to state fiscal landscape changes stemming from federal funding cutbacks, tariffs and other things coming out of the of Trump administration. “With what is looming federally and the uncertainty, we have been trying to make the best decisions that we can without knowing if it’s going to stick,” Kouchi (D, Kauai-Niihau) said at a news conference after the Senate’s roughly four-hour floor session at the state Capitol. Because the federal fiscal year begins Oct. 1, Kouchi anticipated possibly holding a special legislative session in November. House Speaker Nadine Nakamura also is preparing for a special session, which she said could run five days, though she did not project a timetable. The state budget bill, according to House Finance Committee Chair Rep. Kyle Yamashita, is projected to leave the state general fund with a $756 million balance at the end of the next fiscal year on June 30, 2026. But Yamashita (D, Pukalani-Makawao-Ulupalakua) said this amount could change if Hawaii’s economy suffers and state tax revenue collections fall. That, in turn, could require adjustments to state spending, and could be compounded if big federal funding cuts are made to state programs. The state budget bill, House Bill 300, appropriates $19.9 billion in spending on state government operations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, including $10.6 billion from the state general fund sustained by tax revenue. One high-priority issue partly addressed in the budget is to crack down on the importation and use of illegal fireworks as part of a effort to prevent tragedies like the Jan. 1 fireworks explosion at a home in Aliamanu that killed six people and wounded dozens. State appropriations in the budget bill or other bills also include $300 million for affordable housing and $50 million for nonprofits that lose federal funding. Another bill passed Wednesday would increase and expand the state’s hotel room tax, and direct some of the additional revenue to equally pay for natural resource management, climate-related disaster mitigation and mitigating tourism impacts on the natural environment. “We know that our environment is our economy,” said Nakamura (D, Hanalei-Princeville-Kapaa). Nakamura, who became House speaker this year, gave the House an “A” grade for the quantity and quality of bills passed after almost 3,200 bills were introduced in January. “It’s been an incredible first-year experience,” she said at a news conference after the more than six-hour House floor session. “I’m really proud of what we were able to accomplish.” A few bills on Wednesday failed to pass because of flaws. One of those was Senate Bill 1396, the hotel room tax measure, though floor amendments were made so that it can receive final approval Friday, the last day of this year’s regular session. There was critical debate on a few bills Wednesday, including one to toughen Hawaii’s gun-control law. SB 401 aimed to ban the transfer, sale and importation of assault rifles, assault shotguns and .50 caliber firearms beginning Jan. 1. Instead, it was shot down by the slimmest majority of senators after an initial miscount. House and Senate negotiators agreed on a compromise draft of SB 401 Friday. Yet Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D, East and Upcountry Maui-Molokai-Lanai) on Wednesday offered a new draft on the Senate chamber floor to in part grandfather existing owners and add exemptions for subsistence hunting and invasive wildlife control. Sen. Karl Rhoads (D, Nuuanu-Downtown-Iwilei) said that approving the floor amendment would kill the bill because no matching amendment was being considered in the House. The vote to adopt the amendment, by Kouchi’s initial count, failed 13-12, meaning the existing draft of the bill could be passed. Later, however, Sen. Brenton Awa (R, Kaneohe-Laie-Mokuleia) claimed that the vote actually was 13-12 in favor of adopting the floor amendment. Kouchi, who had voted to adopt the amendment, called for everyone to repeat their vote. That confirmed Awa’s claim and triggered loud applause from more than a dozen firearms advocates in the Senate gallery. Jon Abbott, who was dressed as a colonial American Revolutionary War soldier and is a director for the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, celebrated the bill’s failure shortly afterward on the Capitol rotunda with other opponents of SB 401. One of the most emotional arguments during the House floor session centered around a bill to limit where the city can establish Oahu’s next landfill to replace Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Nanakuli, scheduled to close March 2, 2028. If signed into law by Green, HB 969 would prevent a landfill from being built over an aquifer, after the city selected a site above an aquifer northwest of Wahiawa. The city and state Department of Health both opposed HB 969, arguing that the tighter restrictions would force it to expand Waimanalo Gulch and keep it open past its closure deadline. On Wednesday, some West Oahu House members urged their colleagues to kill the bill, but were unsuccessful. Passing HB 969 would ensure that “the Nanakuli landfill will stay open,” said Rep. Darius Kila (D, Nanakuli-Maili). Children are growing up “in the shadow” of the landfill and it needs to close, Kila said. Rep. Christopher Muraoka (R, Waianae-Makaha) was much more blunt. “We don’t need the Nanakuli landfill,” he said. “We’re sick and tired of being the trash can of the island.” The bill passed the House 42-7, and 24-1 in the Senate. Another passionate yet unsuccessful plea to kill a bill took place in the Senate. This measure, SB 897, directs the state Public Utilities Commission to determine an electric utility’s monetary liability limit for catastrophic wildfire damage for which it is responsible, with the cap potentially applying to a time period that could be many years regardless of the number of wildfire disasters in the period. Hawaiian Electric is on the hook to pay $2 billion of a $4 billion settlement over damage claims from the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfire that killed 102 people and destroyed most of Lahaina. Sen. Jarrette Keohokalole urged colleagues to vote down SB 897 in part because the PUC’s role and time-based cap were added by a conference committee Friday and received no public input. Keohokalole (D, Kaneohe-Kailua) said a potential liability cap covering more than one fire is shocking. Keohokalole also said some parts of the bill are good, including allowing Hawaiian Electric to reduce financing costs to pay for wildfire mitigation. Still, he urged colleagues to do better. “What we’re doing here today is wrong, and we all know it,” he said. According to bill supporters, the PUC has more expertise than lawmakers for the task as the existing regulator for utility companies. The three-member commission assisted by staff also is to receive $500,000 via the bill to hire experts and would make decisions in a quasi-judicial process that includes public input. Any cap also would be subject to approval by Hawaii’s governor. SB 897 passed the Senate 20-5 and the House 39-10.