#Hawaii Senate

Due to the severe weather occurring Friday on Oʻahu, members of the public are encouraged to virtually view floor sessions and committee hearings of the State Legislature.

State lawmakers must look inward, however, and ensure the state is living within its means before asking taxpayers to do the same; So while taking this action, they acknowledge revenues are declining as state costs for many programs rise because of action by U.S. Congress.

Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi said the body realigned chairpersons and committee assignments for the upcoming 2026 session because of the retirement of O‘ahu Sen. Henry Aquino.

The purpose of the briefings is to ensure public dollars are being spent responsibly and on priorities that meet the needs of Hawai’i’s residents prior to the start of the legislative session.

The 28-year Hawai‘i Island police force veteran has had an exemplary career, with him again and again stepping up and showing off his longstanding commitment to public safety, community partnerships and youth outreach.

The briefing at 10 a.m. Sept. 18 — which will feature information from University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization professor Colin Moore — is part of a series of informational briefings about the rule of law in relation to the recent actions of President Donald Trump’s administration and how its decisions are impacting Hawaiʻi.

Gov. Josh Green made the proclamation Aug. 7, National Purple Heart Day, and was presented a certificate on behalf of the Hawaiʻi Senate by Oʻahu state Sen. Mike Gabbard to commemorate the milestone.

“The Food and Product Innovation Network is a meaningful investment in Hawai‘i’s future — one that bridges education to export pathways by equipping our schools, colleges and entrepreneurs with the skills and infrastructure they need to bring local innovations to the global marketplace,” said Senate Ways and Means Chairman Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz.

The measures — which now move to the full Senate for a final vote before crossing over to the state House — include actions to curb illegal fireworks, increase workforce development opportunities for residents, enhance the health and safety of electric bike users and stabilize the condominium insurance market.

Another head-to-head matchup between former state Sen. Laura Acasio and incumbent state Sen. Lorraine Inouye, both of Hilo, is on the ballot, as well as a race for a new face to fill the seat being vacated by longtime legislator state Rep. Richard Onishi, who is retiring this year.

The new signage is a testament to the life of Gilbert “Gil” Kahele and the contributions he made to the Hawaiʻi Island community.

Congressional leaders and members of the Biden-Harris Administration will participate in the Policy Summit to be streamed on YouTube.

The Hawai’i Senate and House of Representatives spent several hours taking up last-minute measures Thursday on the final day of the 32nd Hawai’i Legislature, including the proposed state biennium budget that passed both branches.

The measure is a key component to the Ready Keiki initiative led by Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke to expand access to preschool for all Hawaiʻi three- and four-year-olds by 2032.

Plans to renovate the Keawe Health Center in downtwon Hilo were ended when anomalies in the exterior concrete walls were discovered, leading to demolition of the building instead.

The report cited a slew of high-profile criminal acts by government workers and officials, including a Big Island case involving $2 million in bribes and kickbacks to a county housing office employee.

For nearly three years, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Hawaiʻi State House and Senate to operate solemnly online, but Wednesday the public was back and the mood was festive.

This year, the Hawaiʻi State Capitol is open to the pubic and in-person public sessions for the first time since COVID-19 led to social distancing.

Case completes her second term as head of the Department of Land and Natural Resources and also chairwoman of the state Board of Land and Natural Resources at the end of this year.

By a vote of 24 – 1, the Hawaiʻi State Senate passed a measure that would incrementally increase the minimum wage to $18 by 2026, the Senate stated on Friday, Jan. 28.