Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – On Wednesday, February 21, United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai met with Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8, Kaua'i, Ni'ihau) and Senator Troy Hashimoto (District 5, Wailuku, Kahului, Waihe‘e, Waikapu Mauka, Wai‘ehu), and the leaders at Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) at the MEO offices in Wailuku on Maui, to discuss housing and recovery efforts for West Maui after the August 2023 wildfire. "It is an honor to be invited by Ambassador Tai to meet with her to discuss recovery efforts on Maui after initially meeting her last year, and we mahalo her for personally coming to visit to see first-hand what is needed to restore Lahaina," said Senator Hashimoto. "We have been grateful for the federal assistance provided by the Biden Administration, and we trust that Ambassador Tai will continue to advocate for the people of Lahaina, Maui, and the State of Hawaiʻi." Ambassador Tai, serving as the principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on United States trade policy, and as the co-chair of the President's Advisory Commission and White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, was on Maui touring the Lahaina impact area and Disaster Recovery Center, receiving a briefing on efforts to rebuild schools and get keiki back in the classroom, and meeting with those leading recovery efforts. "Six months on, I was heartened to see the progress being made here in Lahaina, from the physical rebuilding to the intentional outreach to the community’s more vulnerable members," said Ambassador Tai. "The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to ensuring our federal response continues, for as long as it takes." During their meeting, Senate President Kouchi and Senator Hashimoto urged Ambassador Tai to recognize the unique situation that West Maui is in as it attempts to recover from the wildfire, and to advocate for the construction of one-thousand permanent FEMA-built housing units to house the wildfire survivors. "Ambassador Tai's compassion was evident as she heard and saw what Lahaina is going through," said Senate President Kouchi. "Keiki need stability in both school and housing. I understand that typically FEMA does not build permanent housing structures, but the wildfire and its resulting impact is not a typical disaster. For the stability of our families, and the stability of Maui's rental market and overall economy, we need permanent housing structures in West Maui as soon as possible. I think that Ambassador Tai understood the urgency, sincerity, and severity of our request for the construction of one-thousand permanent FEMA housing units, and that she will carry that message on and fight for us." L-R Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi, Senator Troy Hashimoto, United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai, and Maui Economic Opportunity CEO Debbie Cabebe.

Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Ways and Means passed out several bills aimed at addressing key priorities for the Senate. These bills cover areas of supporting the local agriculture industry, protecting the environment against invasive species, building the workforce for the future through public education, and addressing the affordable housing shortage. Agriculture, the Environment, and Natural Resource Management Throughout the year, the Senate has seen firsthand the ongoing issues that farmers face due to invasive species. On the Ways and Means neighbor island site visits, the Committee visited a banana farm and heard from farmers about the impacts that invasive species like little fire ants and coconut rhinoceros beetles are having on their crops and workers. Today, the Committee advanced four bills to address these concerns. Senate Bill 572 Senate Draft 2 would give the Department of Agriculture the ability to declare a biosecurity emergency and implement new requirements for the importation of agricultural commodities. All testimony for Senate Bill 572 Senate Draft 2 was submitted in support, including from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Department of Agriculture (DOA), Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau (HFB), and the Hawaiʻi Cattlemen's Council. Additionally, Senate Bill 3365 Senate Draft 2 would create new treatment requirements for incoming biomatter, including compost, a major factor in the importation of invasive species. All testimony for Senate Bill 3365 Senate Draft 2 was submitted in support, including from the DOA. Senate Bill 2362 Senate Draft 1 would appropriate funds directly to addressing threats to ornamental crops. Nearly all testimony for Senate Bill 2362 Senate Draft 1 was submitted in support, including from the University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau (HFB), Hawaiʻi Floriculture and Nursery Association (HFNA). Biosecurity requires not only immediate response, but thorough planning and research to prevent and effectively combat these threats. To this end, Senate Bill 2419 Senate Draft 1 would appropriate funds to the Department of Agriculture to develop and implement projects for clean plant material, treatments of agricultural products, and pest management. All testimony for Senate Bill 2419 Senate Draft 1 was submitted in support, including from the DLNR, DOA, Honolulu City Council, HFB, Ulupono, and HFNA. “The State has ambitious goals to increase the amount of food we produce locally and to diversify the economy through value-added agricultural products,” said Donovan Dela Cruz, Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means. “However, if we do not take the necessary steps to protect farms against invasive species, we will lose that opportunity forever.” Workforce Development and Education Creating a workforce that meets the demands of local employers is critical to keeping future generations home and sustainably employed. Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs have provided students the opportunity to pick up job skills and certifications in areas like computer science, skilled trades, and natural sciences. Senate Bill 2070 Senate Draft 1 would provide the Department of Education more flexibility in purchasing goods and services related to CTE programming to allow schools to be more responsive to the needs of students in these programs. Nearly all testimony for Senate Bill 2070 Senate Draft 1 was submitted in support, including from the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, Department of Education (DOE), and Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism(DBEDT). Additionally, Senate Bill 2257 Senate Draft 3 would provide the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) additional opportunities to certify CTE teachers who come directly from the fields in which they are teaching. All testimony for Senate Bill 2257 Senate Draft 3 was submitted in support, including from the DOE, Hawaiʻi P-20 Partnerships for Education, and HTSB. Housing Affordable housing remains an issue that the Senate is committed to addressing statewide. Transit-oriented development allows for density and walkability for communities in areas where public transportation is easily accessible. On Kauaʻi and Maui, there is ongoing development between the State and County to take advantage of the County civic centers and adjacent State land to create new housing to reduce traffic congestion and promote live-work-play living spaces. Senate Bill 2133 would authorize the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to issue bonds for infrastructure necessary for infrastructure projects, especially in areas that could be developed for transit-oriented development. Infrastructure is often a critical factor for housing projects, especially on neighbor islands. Providing HHFDC the authority to utilize bonds for infrastructure can provide greater opportunities for affordable housing development in these areas. All testimony for Senate Bill 2133 was submitted in support, including from HHFDC and Office of Planning and Sustainable Development. Each of these bills will be voted on by the entire Senate no later than March 5 to approve and send to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –  On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, a community forum will be held where critical issues including wildfire prevention, homelessness, and property crime will be discussed. The event is jointly sponsored by Senator Carol Fukunaga (Senate District 11, Mānoa, Makiki/Punchbowl, Tantalus, and Papakōlea), Representative Della Au Belatti (House District 26, Makiki, Punchbowl), and Councilmember Calvin Say (Council District 5, Pālolo Valley, St. Louis Heights, Mānoa, Mōʻiliʻili, McCully, Ala Moana, Makiki, and portions of Kakaʻako). WHAT: Makiki-Punchbowl-Papakōlea Community Forum WHEN: Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. WHERE: Stevenson Middle School Cafeteria, 1202 Prospect Street, Honolulu, HI 96822 Constituents are invited to bring questions, concerns, and to share ideas with area legislators and learn about pending legislation in the State Legislature. For more information, please contact the office of Senator Fukunaga at (808) 586-6460.

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Ways and Means passed out several bills aimed at addressing key priorities for the Senate. These bills cover areas of wildfire preparedness and workforce development. Wildfire Preparedness In addition to spending time this week asking State and County officials for clarification of financial and housing plans for Maui recovery, the Committee on Ways and Means committed to moving bills that focus on wildfire preparation. Senate Bill 2143 Senate Draft 1 would address current wildfire prevention needs by providing additional funding to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for grants to local nonprofits for effective and efficient wildfire mitigation and pre-suppression work. Senate Bill 2842 Senate Draft 1 would establish a dedicated Wildfire Safety Advisory Board to make recommendations to State agencies on wildfire safety and prevention. Both bills were supported by the County of Maui Fire and Public Safety Department and the Honolulu Fire Department. Senate Bill 2284 Senate Draft 2 and Senate Bill 2502 Senate Draft 2 would utilize the University of Hawaiʻi as a wildfire prevention resource. Specifically, these bills would have the University develop a wildfire forecasting system utilizing artificial intelligence and create wildfire vulnerability maps for the State. This would provide better information and understanding for the public on areas of potential risk and what areas of critical infrastructure may need to be hardened to withstand future fire risks. The University of Hawaiʻi submitted testimony in favor of each bill. "The State needs to be better prepared for wildfires," said Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means. "Our Committee believes these forward thinking bills make sure we are not as susceptible to another catastrophic wildfire, and that we stand ready to efficiently and strategically respond if we find ourselves facing fire again." Workforce Development The Committee on Ways and Means remains committed to expanding workforce development opportunities within the state, as means of keeping citizens in Hawaiʻi with good paying jobs and diversifying our economy, and today the Committee passed two bills that deliver on these priorities. The State faces several specific workforce shortages. One that is increasingly difficult to recruit for are drivers with a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Most prominently, this has affected how many school bus routes can be managed as the companies contracted to drive these routes have reported a severe lack of drivers available to manage all the routes needed. Senate Bill 2943 Senate Draft 2 would require the Department of Transportation to look at ways to address this workforce shortage. The Department of Transportation and the Hawaii Food Industry Association offered testimony in support of this measure. Another field in which there currently are significant workforce shortages is in State jobs. During Informational Briefings held by the Committee this January, State departments reported job vacancy rates of up to thirty percent, which is in part due to qualified applicants removing themselves from consideration during a required, time-consuming, multiple-level applicant review process.  To reduce the number of vacancies in State jobs, Senate Bill 3007 Senate Draft 2 would allow State departments to conduct minimum qualification reviews to cut down on the time-consuming multiple-level process. The Committee received testimony in support of this bill from various State departments, including the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, the Department of Transportation, the Hawaiʻi Housing and Finance Development Corporation, and the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System. "Too many of our neighbors are moving away from Hawaiʻi because of a lack of stable good-paying employment, but we are failing to recruit qualified applicants for good-paying jobs that are needed here at home," said Senator Dela Cruz. "These two bills, SB2943 and SB3007, demonstrate the State's commitment to keeping citizens in Hawaiʻi with good jobs and delivering important services to the community." Each of these bills will be voted on by the entire Senate no later than March 5 to approve and send to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Hilo, Hawaiʻi – Today, Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1, Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo), issued the following statement thanking Governor Josh Green for releasing over $6,000,000 in capital improvement project funds to finance multiple projects in Senate District 1. “I am thrilled to share the news of this important investment in our community,” Senator Inouye said. “These funds will address essential needs at Hilo Medical Center, enhance the Wailoa River State Recreation Area, and support the continued growth of the Island of Hawaiʻi YMCA.” The funding breakdown is as follows: • $1.5 million for boiler replacement at Hilo Medical Center, ensuring reliable heating and hot water for patients and staff. • $4.5 million for roof repair and replacement at the Acute Hospital section of Hilo Medical Center, safeguarding patient safety and facility integrity. • $600,000 for land acquisition and construction at the Island of Hawaiʻi YMCA, enabling site improvements and enhanced security measures. • $350,000 for upgrades at the Wailoa River State Recreation Area in Hilo, including the installation of a pathway and flag poles for the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials. “These projects will not only improve the quality of life for our residents but also contribute to the economic vitality of our community,” Senator Inouye added. “I am grateful to Governor Green for recognizing the importance of these investments and look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition.”

Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 2381 Senate Draft 2 (SB2381 SD2), which would establish a comprehensive system of public financing for candidates seeking election to state and county public offices, beginning with the 2028 general election year. Hawaiʻi became a leader in public funding programs when it added language to the Hawaiʻi State Constitution in 1978 that established the partial public funding program, which candidates continue to use today.  Other comprehensive public financing programs, sometimes termed "clean elections", were established in 1996 in Maine, in 1998 in Arizona, and have since also been adopted in Connecticut and New Mexico. "Fully funding the elections of candidates for state and county offices who voluntarily agree to abide by campaign fundraising and expenditure guidelines will have significant public benefit," said Senator Karl Rhoads, Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and introducer of SB2381 SD2. "Comprehensive publicly-funded campaign programs allow candidates to compete without reliance on special interest money and by also allowing elected officials to make decisions without the influence, or appearance thereof, of private individuals, lobbyists, political parties, political action committees, unions, corporations, and other entities.  If passed by the House and signed by the Governor, this bill will increase public confidence in the State's candidates and elected officials." SB2381 SD2 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration, where its companion bill, House Bill 2321, was introduced by Speaker Scott Saiki.

Today, Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) issued the following statement thanking Governor Josh Green for releasing $692,480 in capital improvement project funds to finance the replacement of cesspools with individual wastewater septic systems at Hilo International Airport: “This project will enhance the water infrastructure at Hilo International Airport. I am grateful to Governor Josh Green for releasing the funding for this critical project. The Hilo International Airport is the primary gateway for travelers to and from the east side of Hawai‘i Island."

The Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism and Committee on Water and Land will hold a public hearing to consider Senate Bill 3381 Proposed Senate Draft 1, Relating to Lahaina, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 9:30am, at the State Capitol and via videoconference. Senate Bill 3381 Proposed Senate Draft 1 would create the Lele Community District to be governed by a nine-person Community District Board with the powers necessary to facilitate the planning and rebuilding of the Lahaina moku. The Lele Community District Board would be compromised of nine-members who are residents of Lahaina and would have the power and kuleana for the creation of land use rules, the acquisition and sale of real and improved property, and the creation of a community plan or master plan. Under the Proposed Draft, the nine residents who make up the Board will initially be selected by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, with the positions then being elected by fellow Lahaina residents beginning with and following the 2026 election. The hearing notice for the public hearing can be viewed here. Senate Bill 3381 Proposed Senate Draft 1 can be viewed here. A livestream of the hearing can be viewed on the Senate YouTube channel here.

Today, Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo), issued the following statement thanking Governor Josh Green for releasing $90,000 in capital improvement project funds to finance the design and survey for hydrant and water service lines for the new Hilo Community Medical Center: "I'd like to thank Governor Green for releasing funding to finance the design and survey for hydrant and water service lines for the new Hilo Community Medical Center Building Extension. Reliable water infrastructure is a vital component to a well-functioning hospital. I hope the Governor continues to support the development of the new Hilo Community Medical Center Building Extension. As the Hawaiʻi Island population ages, it is imperative that our healthcare infrastructure stays up-to-date. Projects such as the new Hilo Community Medical Center Building Extension signal to the community that the State is determined to meet Hawaiʻi Island's  healthcare needs." ###

Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Ways and Means (WAM) released a report detailing its site visit to Hawaiʻi Island in November 2023. Every two years, WAM conducts site visits to each county to break barriers and facilitate collaboration between government and non-governmental organizations, highlighting the benefits of partnerships with Federal, County, non-profit service providers, and community stakeholders. From Tuesday, November 7, to Thursday, November 9, 2023, WAM visited Hawaiʻi Island to meet with various government agencies and community leaders to receive updates on critical projects and initiatives relating to workforce development, healthcare and housing, and regional economic development. During this trip, the Committee received feedback and information to guide decision-making on legislation and budget appropriations from stakeholders from across the county. With a full-agenda over three days, WAM visited Hilo, Pāhoa, Keaʻau, Kamuela, Kapaʻau, Kealakekua, Holualoa and Kailua-Kona, and considered topics including geothermal and renewable energy; aerospace and engineering; invasive species and agriculture; creative media and the film industry; Native Hawaiian self-determination and economic success; workforce development for health care and early learning jobs; homelessness; and healthcare in rural areas. "As a Committee, it is necessary that we go beyond the boundaries of our offices and Oʻahu,  and immerse ourselves in the heartbeat of Neighbor Islands," said Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means. "By listening to the stories and witnessing the challenges facing Neighbor Islands firsthand, we are better able to grasp the nuanced needs of each community. These visits allow us to foster genuine understanding and craft solutions that resonate with the unique fabric of every corner of our State." "The Ways and Means Committee has a statewide purview, and our neighbor island site visits provide opportunities for the members to understand the needs and resources across our State," Senator Dela Cruz continued. "The template of regional economic development can be applied statewide but be tailored to the individual strengths and features of our State with the right partnerships. We must invest in our State now or we risk losing future economic opportunities and prosperity for our keiki."

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Today, the Kūpuna Caucus of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature were joined by the Department of Health and community advocates to announce the 2024 Kūpuna Caucus Bill Package, which includes five bills that the Caucus strongly supports and seeks passage which are dedicated to improving the health, well-being, and quality of life for Hawaiʻi’s seniors. The Kūpuna Caucus is unique from other legislative caucuses as its members include legislators as well as government and community members. The Bill Package was based on votes of over one hundred members on thirty bill proposals submitted by its members. “The Kūpuna Caucus Package of bills endorsed by over one hundred members supports our elders in enjoying their lives in the community and sustaining their independence as long as possible,” said Senator Sharon Moriwaki, co-convener of the Kūpuna Caucus. "The Bill Package presented here today represents the collaboration and work of the Kūpuna Caucus - including input and participation from the legislature, state and county agencies, and a wide range of community partners," said Representative Cory Chun, co-convener of the Kūpuna Caucus. "I look forward to working with caucus members and supporters this legislative session on these measures to increase the quality of life for all our kūpuna and their families.” The Kūpuna Caucus 2024 Bill Package includes the following bills: Senate Bill 2470 - House Bill 1771 RELATING TO THE HAWAI'I HEALTH AGING PARTNERSHIP. Appropriates funds to the Executive Office on Aging of the Department of Health for the Hawaii Healthy Aging Partnership. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded. Senate Bill 2471 - House Bill 1772 RELATING TO FALL PREVENTION. Appropriates funds to support the Department of Health's Senior Fall Prevention Campaign. Declares the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded. Senate Bill 2472 – House Bill 1770 RELATING TO SOCIAL SERVICES. Increases the monthly needs allowance from $50 to $75. Clarifies that the needs allowance is not intended to replace or affect funds received from the federal supplemental security income program. Requires certain long-term care facility operators to pay for generic toiletries, linens, and meals and snacks. Requires the department of human services to perform an annual review of the needs allowance. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded. Appropriates funds. Senate Bill 2473 - House Bill 1769 RELATING TO TAXATION. Establishes a refundable tax credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to report to the Legislature before the convening of each Regular Session. Senate Bill 2474 – House Bill 1768 RELATING TO FAMILY LEAVE. Requires the department of labor and industrial relations to establish and administer a family leave insurance program. Provides family leave insurance benefits and extends the period of family leave to 16 weeks for businesses that employ one or more employees who meet the hourly qualifications. Eliminates the previous threshold of 100 employees for employers to be subject to the family leave law. Appropriates funds. Photos from this event can be viewed here

At its meeting on January 26, 2024, the Board of Land and Natural Resources will consider enforcement action against the owners of the vessel Nakoa, which, in February 2023, damaged and destroyed 119 specimens of stony coral and 1640.5 square meters of live rock when it grounded outside the Honolua-Mokulēʻia Bay Marine Life Conservation District. State Senator Angus L.K. McKelvey (District 6, West Maui, Māʻalaea, Waikapū, South Maui) submitted testimony to the Board offering his full support for the Board to impose the maximum penalty under the law against Nakoa’s owners for the devastating damage caused to the reef at Honolua Bay. As the Senator for the area encompassing Honolua Bay, McKelvey testified that he is “dedicated to advocating for the protection and preservation of Hawaii's natural resources and is compelled to express his concern and assert the need for appropriate consequences for such actions.” According to McKelvey, various sources have provided detailed accounts of the incident, documenting the severity of the damage inflicted upon the reef ecosystem at Honolua Bay, and that “the reef, a vital habitat for numerous marine species and a popular destination for divers and snorkelers, has suffered irreparable harm due to the actions of the Nakoa's owners.” In his testimony to the Board, McKelvey stressed that “aquatic life has been disrupted, fragile coral formations have been decimated, and the ecological balance of the reef has been severely compromised. Furthermore, the destruction of this natural treasure has had a significant impact on the local community, which relies on cultural and recreational activities centered around Honolua Bay.” “It is crucial to recognize that the imposition of the maximum penalty allowed by law for such offenses serves as an essential deterrent to prevent future incidents and protect Hawaii's natural assets,” said Senator McKelvey. “The severity of this incident warrants a strong response from the Board, demonstrating our commitment to safeguarding our coastal ecosystem and sending a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated. ” “I firmly believe that the owners of the vessel Nakoa must be held accountable for their actions and be subjected to the fullest extent of the law,” Senator McKelvey emphasized. “I stand with the community and urge the Board to take all necessary measures to ensure that justice is served and the maximum penalty is imposed in this case.”