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HAWAIʻI SENATE MAJORITY

Ka ʻAha Kenekoa – Ka ʻAoʻao Hapa Nui

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2024 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

UPCOMING HEARINGS

FIND YOUR SENATOR

OUR LEADERSHIP

RONALD D. KOUCHI
President of the Senate

LORRAINE INOUYE
Majority Whip

MICHELLE N. KIDANI
Vice President of the Senate

HENRY J.C. AQUINO
Assistant Majority Whip

DRU MAMO KANUHA
Majority Leader

TROY N. HASHIMOTO
Assistant Majority Whip

LES IHARA, JR.
Majority Policy Leader

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE
Assistant Majority Whip

GLENN WAKAI
Majority Floor Leader

CHRIS LEE
Assistant Majority Whip

LYNN DECOITE
Assistant Majority Floor Leader

HERBERT "TIM" RICHARDS, III
Assistant Majority Whip

STAY CONNECTED:

"Representative Nakashima was an unselfish public servant, who will be remembered for his wry sense of humor, easy going manner, and establishing the benchmark in dealing with life's adversities with quiet strength and resilience. My thoughts and prayers go out to his close friends and family, and hope they may find solace in these trying times." - Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi.

Rest in Aloha Representative Nakashima ❤️

"Representative Nakashima was an unselfish public servant, who will be remembered for his wry sense of humor, easy going manner, and establishing the benchmark in dealing with life's adversities with quiet strength and resilience. My thoughts and prayers go out to his close friends and family, and hope they may find solace in these trying times." - Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi.

Rest in Aloha Representative Nakashima ❤️

It's the last bill signing ceremony of 2024! @govjoshgreen just signed several crime-preventative bills into law, reaffirming the State’s commitment to reducing crime and enhancing public safety measures. Here are the highlights:

• SB 2845: Prohibits a person from selling ammunition to a person under the age of twenty-one and prohibits a person under the age of twenty-one from owning, possessing, or controlling ammunition, with exceptions.

• SB 2197: Amends the definition of "advance gambling activity" to emphasize the efforts to prevent the occurrence or continuation of gambling activity.

• SB 2601: Expands the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse committed on or after July 1, 2024.

• HB 2231: Establishes the goal to increase the number of female and nonbinary law enforcement officers in the State by 2030, requiring each law enforcement agency to recruit law enforcement officers from diverse backgrounds.

Mahalo to Governor Green, state legislators, and community advocates who shared their stories to promote the safety and well-being of our residents!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #crime #publicsafety

It's the last bill signing ceremony of 2024! @govjoshgreen just signed several crime-preventative bills into law, reaffirming the State’s commitment to reducing crime and enhancing public safety measures. Here are the highlights:

• SB 2845: Prohibits a person from selling ammunition to a person under the age of twenty-one and prohibits a person under the age of twenty-one from owning, possessing, or controlling ammunition, with exceptions.

• SB 2197: Amends the definition of "advance gambling activity" to emphasize the efforts to prevent the occurrence or continuation of gambling activity.

• SB 2601: Expands the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse committed on or after July 1, 2024.

• HB 2231: Establishes the goal to increase the number of female and nonbinary law enforcement officers in the State by 2030, requiring each law enforcement agency to recruit law enforcement officers from diverse backgrounds.

Mahalo to Governor Green, state legislators, and community advocates who shared their stories to promote the safety and well-being of our residents!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #crime #publicsafety

We're in the final stretch for bill signings! Today, @govjoshgreen signed bills to protect Hawaiʻi's environment and natural resources. Here are the highlights:

• SB 3364: Requires the @hawaiihta to develop and carry out destination management action plans for each county.

• HB 2248: Appropriates funding to the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program to develop a North Shore Beach Management Plan for Oahu.

• HB 2475: Regulates advertisements and offers of illegal commercial ocean use activities for better enforcement by the @hawaiidlnr.

• SB 2575: Prohibits the mining, extraction, and removal of minerals from the seabed in all state marine waters, with certain exemptions.

Mahalo to Governor Green, state legislators, and advocates for all the efforts to safeguarding and preserving the beauty of our ʻāina.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #environment #naturalresources #climatechange #aina

We're in the final stretch for bill signings! Today, @govjoshgreen signed bills to protect Hawaiʻi's environment and natural resources. Here are the highlights:

• SB 3364: Requires the @hawaiihta to develop and carry out destination management action plans for each county.

• HB 2248: Appropriates funding to the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program to develop a North Shore Beach Management Plan for Oahu.

• HB 2475: Regulates advertisements and offers of illegal commercial ocean use activities for better enforcement by the @hawaiidlnr.

• SB 2575: Prohibits the mining, extraction, and removal of minerals from the seabed in all state marine waters, with certain exemptions.

Mahalo to Governor Green, state legislators, and advocates for all the efforts to safeguarding and preserving the beauty of our ʻāina.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #environment #naturalresources #climatechange #aina

With the bill signing deadline next week, @govjoshgreen signed 18 bills today to make Hawaii safer for its residents. Bills signed into law today primarily focus on efforts to increase wildfire response, emergency preparedness, and traffic and public safety.
Some highlighted bills included:

• SB 2085: Establishes the Office of the State Fire Marshal within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to be headed by a State Fire Marshal.

• HB 2193: Authorizes law enforcement and fire officers to enter and inspect any licensee’s or permittee’s premises, under certain conditions, to verify compliance with the State’s Fireworks Control Law.

• HB 2107: Appropriates funds to establish a Limited English Proficiency Language Access Coordinator position and for programming support for LEP community projects within the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency.

• SB 2693: Establishes the offense of charitable fraud during a state of emergency. Provides that a person commits charitable fraud during a state of emergency if that person, during a state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, performs certain deceptive acts or practices in connection with the solicitation of a contribution to assist persons affected by a disaster or emergency.

• HB 2526: Increases the penalty for a third or subsequent offense involving the unauthorized driving or operation of motor vehicles to a class C felony. Authorizes the court, as part of the person’s sentencing for the third or subsequent offense, to order that the vehicle used by the person in the commission of the offense be subject to forfeiture.

• SB 2347: Establishes the offense of habitual violent crime.

Mahalo to Governor Green, legislators, and community advocates for their work in prioritizing the safety of our communities.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #wildfire #emergencypreparedness #trafficsafety #publicsafety

With the bill signing deadline next week, @govjoshgreen signed 18 bills today to make Hawaii safer for its residents. Bills signed into law today primarily focus on efforts to increase wildfire response, emergency preparedness, and traffic and public safety.
Some highlighted bills included:

• SB 2085: Establishes the Office of the State Fire Marshal within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to be headed by a State Fire Marshal.

• HB 2193: Authorizes law enforcement and fire officers to enter and inspect any licensee’s or permittee’s premises, under certain conditions, to verify compliance with the State’s Fireworks Control Law.

• HB 2107: Appropriates funds to establish a Limited English Proficiency Language Access Coordinator position and for programming support for LEP community projects within the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency.

• SB 2693: Establishes the offense of charitable fraud during a state of emergency. Provides that a person commits charitable fraud during a state of emergency if that person, during a state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, performs certain deceptive acts or practices in connection with the solicitation of a contribution to assist persons affected by a disaster or emergency.

• HB 2526: Increases the penalty for a third or subsequent offense involving the unauthorized driving or operation of motor vehicles to a class C felony. Authorizes the court, as part of the person’s sentencing for the third or subsequent offense, to order that the vehicle used by the person in the commission of the offense be subject to forfeiture.

• SB 2347: Establishes the offense of habitual violent crime.

Mahalo to Governor Green, legislators, and community advocates for their work in prioritizing the safety of our communities.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #wildfire #emergencypreparedness #trafficsafety #publicsafety

The Hawaiʻi State Senate wishes you and your ʻohana a safe and happy Fourth of July! The State Capitol will be closed in observance of the holiday.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #independenceday #fourthofjuly

The Hawaiʻi State Senate wishes you and your ʻohana a safe and happy Fourth of July! The State Capitol will be closed in observance of the holiday.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #independenceday #fourthofjuly

More bills signed into law by @govjoshgreen! Today, the Governor highlighted bills to invest in our biosecurity and promote Hawaiʻi’s agricultural industries!

• SB 2079: Allows passengers and crew of any flight/cruise entering the State to submit an electronic version of the the Hawaiʻi Plant and Animal Declaration Form.

• SB 3365: Allows the @hdoainfo to certify treatments performed on plant care components in the State and place certain restrictions on the distribution or transportation of plant care components without the certification to prevent the spread of pests and invasive species.

• HB 2298: Requires coffee products that have Hawaiʻi geographic origin in labeling or advertising to contain no less than fifty-one percent coffee by weight by July 1, 2027.

• HB 2278: Requires macadamia nut products to list the countries of origin and the portion of the processed nuts that are not grown in Hawaiʻi if applicable.

Mahalo to Governor Green, state legislators, the Department of Agriculture, and advocates for championing the efforts to support our farmers and our food systems!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #agriculture #biosecurity #foodsystems #farmers

More bills signed into law by @govjoshgreen! Today, the Governor highlighted bills to invest in our biosecurity and promote Hawaiʻi’s agricultural industries!

• SB 2079: Allows passengers and crew of any flight/cruise entering the State to submit an electronic version of the the Hawaiʻi Plant and Animal Declaration Form.

• SB 3365: Allows the @hdoainfo to certify treatments performed on plant care components in the State and place certain restrictions on the distribution or transportation of plant care components without the certification to prevent the spread of pests and invasive species.

• HB 2298: Requires coffee products that have Hawaiʻi geographic origin in labeling or advertising to contain no less than fifty-one percent coffee by weight by July 1, 2027.

• HB 2278: Requires macadamia nut products to list the countries of origin and the portion of the processed nuts that are not grown in Hawaiʻi if applicable.

Mahalo to Governor Green, state legislators, the Department of Agriculture, and advocates for championing the efforts to support our farmers and our food systems!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #agriculture #biosecurity #foodsystems #farmers

The State is committed to protecting our keiki, kūpuna, and education, and @govjoshgreen just signed sixteen bills into law to reinforce our commitment! Some highlights include:

• HB 2400: Requires teachers who resign or retire during an investigation into allegations of serious misconduct (sexual assault, harassment, or physical abuse) to forfeit their teaching licenses.

• SB 2475: Establishes a "Harm to Students" registry to prevent predatory school employees, contractors, or volunteers from gaining employment in schools.

• HB 2430: Establishes a Summer EBT program for our keiki to ensure access to nutritious meals during the summer months.

• HB 2224: Requires the Executive Office on Aging and State Health Planning and Development Agency to create a comprehensive long-term care plan for our growing kūpuna population in Hawaiʻi.

• SB 2305: Utilizes the emergency alert systems to establish a "Silver Alert" program to protect vulnerable seniors and individuals with cognitive impairments or developmental disabilities who go missing.

Mahalo to Governor Josh Green, state legislators, state agencies, and advocates who collaborated to support the keiki, kūpuna, and educators of Hawaiʻi!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #keiki #kupuna #education

The State is committed to protecting our keiki, kūpuna, and education, and @govjoshgreen just signed sixteen bills into law to reinforce our commitment! Some highlights include:

• HB 2400: Requires teachers who resign or retire during an investigation into allegations of serious misconduct (sexual assault, harassment, or physical abuse) to forfeit their teaching licenses.

• SB 2475: Establishes a "Harm to Students" registry to prevent predatory school employees, contractors, or volunteers from gaining employment in schools.

• HB 2430: Establishes a Summer EBT program for our keiki to ensure access to nutritious meals during the summer months.

• HB 2224: Requires the Executive Office on Aging and State Health Planning and Development Agency to create a comprehensive long-term care plan for our growing kūpuna population in Hawaiʻi.

• SB 2305: Utilizes the emergency alert systems to establish a "Silver Alert" program to protect vulnerable seniors and individuals with cognitive impairments or developmental disabilities who go missing.

Mahalo to Governor Josh Green, state legislators, state agencies, and advocates who collaborated to support the keiki, kūpuna, and educators of Hawaiʻi!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #keiki #kupuna #education

Progress for Native Hawaiian communities continues as @govjoshgreen signed thirteen bills into law this morning! Here are some of the highlights:

• SB 3109: Broadens the special fund to address the @departmentofhawaiianhomelands waitlist through developing housing, purchasing land, allocating funding for waitlisted applicants, and providing housing assistance

• HB 2074: Appropriates funds to the @hawaiipublicschools for Kaiapuni programs and the establishment of three full-time curriculum specialist II positions and ten full-time classroom teacher positions

• SB 2937: Effectively exempts @uhhilo’s College of Hawaiian Language from State English-medium standards to further support Hawaiian language fluency

• SB 2659: Directs the @hawaiihta to create a Tourism Functional Plan and to provide an update on the authority’s efforts towards sustainability, cultural integrity, and economic diversification.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #nativehawaiians #kānakamaoli

Progress for Native Hawaiian communities continues as @govjoshgreen signed thirteen bills into law this morning! Here are some of the highlights:

• SB 3109: Broadens the special fund to address the @departmentofhawaiianhomelands waitlist through developing housing, purchasing land, allocating funding for waitlisted applicants, and providing housing assistance

• HB 2074: Appropriates funds to the @hawaiipublicschools for Kaiapuni programs and the establishment of three full-time curriculum specialist II positions and ten full-time classroom teacher positions

• SB 2937: Effectively exempts @uhhilo’s College of Hawaiian Language from State English-medium standards to further support Hawaiian language fluency

• SB 2659: Directs the @hawaiihta to create a Tourism Functional Plan and to provide an update on the authority’s efforts towards sustainability, cultural integrity, and economic diversification.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #nativehawaiians #kānakamaoli

Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate confirmed four judicial appointees to the First Circuit Court – Oʻahu.

Rebecca A. Copeland, Brian A. Costa, Dyan M. Medeiros, and Steven R. Nichols have been confirmed to the First Circuit Court as a Circuit Court Judges. To learn more about these judges, go to www.hawaiisenatemajority.com/post/senate-confirms-four-judicial-appointments-to-oʻahu-circuit-court.

Mahalo and congratulations to all appointees!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #judiciary #specialsession #confirmations

Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate confirmed four judicial appointees to the First Circuit Court – Oʻahu.

Rebecca A. Copeland, Brian A. Costa, Dyan M. Medeiros, and Steven R. Nichols have been confirmed to the First Circuit Court as a Circuit Court Judges. To learn more about these judges, go to www.hawaiisenatemajority.com/post/senate-confirms-four-judicial-appointments-to-oʻahu-circuit-court.

Mahalo and congratulations to all appointees!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #judiciary #specialsession #confirmations

Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Judiciary held a public hearing to hear testimony on and consider four judicial appointments from @govjoshgreen.

The appointees, Rebecca A. Copeland, Brian A. Costa, Dyan M. Medeiros, and Steven R. Nichols, are being considered for the Circuit Court of the First Circuit on the island of Oʻahu.

The Committee on Judiciary will vote on the appointments on Wednesday, June 26th, at 11:45am. A final vote on the appointments by the full Senate is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, at 11:00am.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #judiciary #appointment #confirmation #judge

Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Judiciary held a public hearing to hear testimony on and consider four judicial appointments from @govjoshgreen.

The appointees, Rebecca A. Copeland, Brian A. Costa, Dyan M. Medeiros, and Steven R. Nichols, are being considered for the Circuit Court of the First Circuit on the island of Oʻahu.

The Committee on Judiciary will vote on the appointments on Wednesday, June 26th, at 11:45am. A final vote on the appointments by the full Senate is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, at 11:00am.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #judiciary #appointment #confirmation #judge

The Hawaiʻi State Senate sends our aloha and a hui hou to our ʻohana across the Moananuiākea. Reflecting on the theme of “Hoʻoulu Lāhui” for the 13th Festival of the Pacific Arts and Culture, the past ten days have been full of regenerating and strengthening the bonds between our island nations. Our ocean does not separate us, but binds us. Mahalo nui loa to everyone who devoted their time and effort to prepare for this historic reunion. We will cherish the beautiful arts and culture you generously shared with our people. Until we meet again at the next FestPAC!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #festpac #moananuiakea #pacificislanders #polynesians #ohana #oneocean #artsandculture

The Hawaiʻi State Senate sends our aloha and a hui hou to our ʻohana across the Moananuiākea. Reflecting on the theme of “Hoʻoulu Lāhui” for the 13th Festival of the Pacific Arts and Culture, the past ten days have been full of regenerating and strengthening the bonds between our island nations. Our ocean does not separate us, but binds us. Mahalo nui loa to everyone who devoted their time and effort to prepare for this historic reunion. We will cherish the beautiful arts and culture you generously shared with our people. Until we meet again at the next FestPAC!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #festpac #moananuiakea #pacificislanders #polynesians #ohana #oneocean #artsandculture

Aloha Lā Kamehameha!

Today we honor King Kamehameha the Great and his legacy in unifying the Hawaiian Islands under one kingdom in 1810. As the father of the Hawaiian Kingdom, his leadership and vision for his people inspires our own work and dedication for the people of Hawaiʻi. We hope you take part in the many celebrations happening across the state this week!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #kingkamehamehathegreat #kamehamehaday #hawaiiankingdom

Aloha Lā Kamehameha!

Today we honor King Kamehameha the Great and his legacy in unifying the Hawaiian Islands under one kingdom in 1810. As the father of the Hawaiian Kingdom, his leadership and vision for his people inspires our own work and dedication for the people of Hawaiʻi. We hope you take part in the many celebrations happening across the state this week!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #kingkamehamehathegreat #kamehamehaday #hawaiiankingdom

As inflation and high cost-of-living continues to burden the working families of Hawaiʻi, the Legislature, along with many community advocates, sought new solutions to support the people of Hawai'i. This year, the Legislature passed two monumental bills that will provided much-needed tax relief, which @govjoshgreen signed into law today!

First up, HB2404 delivers the biggest tax cut in the history of Hawaiʻi, by incrementally increasing the standard deduction and amending the tax brackets over a seven year period. This bill will allow low-to-moderate-income taxpayers to retain more of their income, and will help address cost-of-living increases.

Second, SB1035 aims to keep our medical and dental providers in Hawaiʻi by exempting them from General Excise Tax on goods or services that are reimbursed through Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE. Currently, medical services rendered by individual or group practices or clinics are fully taxable. Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE does not compensate for these taxes, which requires some providers to cover the added costs. Hawaiʻi is facing a crucial shortage of nearly eight-hundred physicians, and a recent survey of physicians by the John A. Burns School of Medicine found that this bill could be an effective means of recruiting and maintaining more physicians.

Mahalo to all of the Legislators, advocates, and Governor Green for your support of these bills. Your Senate will continue to work on ways to make Hawaiʻi safe and affordable for our residents!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #taxcuts #taxexemption #physicianshortage

As inflation and high cost-of-living continues to burden the working families of Hawaiʻi, the Legislature, along with many community advocates, sought new solutions to support the people of Hawai'i. This year, the Legislature passed two monumental bills that will provided much-needed tax relief, which @govjoshgreen signed into law today!

First up, HB2404 delivers the biggest tax cut in the history of Hawaiʻi, by incrementally increasing the standard deduction and amending the tax brackets over a seven year period. This bill will allow low-to-moderate-income taxpayers to retain more of their income, and will help address cost-of-living increases.

Second, SB1035 aims to keep our medical and dental providers in Hawaiʻi by exempting them from General Excise Tax on goods or services that are reimbursed through Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE. Currently, medical services rendered by individual or group practices or clinics are fully taxable. Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE does not compensate for these taxes, which requires some providers to cover the added costs. Hawaiʻi is facing a crucial shortage of nearly eight-hundred physicians, and a recent survey of physicians by the John A. Burns School of Medicine found that this bill could be an effective means of recruiting and maintaining more physicians.

Mahalo to all of the Legislators, advocates, and Governor Green for your support of these bills. Your Senate will continue to work on ways to make Hawaiʻi safe and affordable for our residents!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #taxcuts #taxexemption #physicianshortage

Happy Pride Month from the Hawaiʻi State Senate!

As we celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community members, we also recognize that the fight for equal rights, protection, and representation continues on.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #pride #PrideMonth2024

Happy Pride Month from the Hawaiʻi State Senate!

As we celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community members, we also recognize that the fight for equal rights, protection, and representation continues on.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #pride #PrideMonth2024

The Hawaiʻi State Senate sends a fond farewell to @senshimabukuro as she will be moving on to a new chapter in her life.

"It has been an amazing journey, and such a privilege, to serve as an elected official since 2003.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank all of my fellow Legislators, Capitol staff, passionate advocates, constituents, and of course my family and friends, for all the support, teamwork, mentorship, and camaraderie that you have gifted me over these past 21 years. I am so proud of the many things we have accomplished together, such as, the Nānākuli contraflow lane; MA‘O Organic Farms’ expansion; buildings for Searider Productions, LCC Wai‘anae Moku, Papahana O Kaiona, E Ala Voyaging Canoe, Nā Kama Kai, and Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, to name a few. Bills such as legalizing pa‘i‘ai, extending the statute of limitations for sex abuse victims, eliminating the reconstructed car inspection, transfer on death deeds, prohibiting the removal of sand from our shorelines, beach brown water testing, and requiring counties to maintain DHHL infrastructure, will have a tremendous positive impact on the generations to come.

After my departure, I look forward to tending to my mother and son, spending time with family and friends, focusing on my legal services work, volunteering for nonprofits, and enjoying the healing powers of nature and the ocean.

Thank you again for providing me with the immense privilege of serving in this august body." - Senator Maile Shimabukuro

Mahalo for your over twenty years of service to the people of Hawaiʻi in the State Legislature!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate

The Hawaiʻi State Senate sends a fond farewell to @senshimabukuro as she will be moving on to a new chapter in her life.

"It has been an amazing journey, and such a privilege, to serve as an elected official since 2003.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank all of my fellow Legislators, Capitol staff, passionate advocates, constituents, and of course my family and friends, for all the support, teamwork, mentorship, and camaraderie that you have gifted me over these past 21 years. I am so proud of the many things we have accomplished together, such as, the Nānākuli contraflow lane; MA‘O Organic Farms’ expansion; buildings for Searider Productions, LCC Wai‘anae Moku, Papahana O Kaiona, E Ala Voyaging Canoe, Nā Kama Kai, and Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, to name a few. Bills such as legalizing pa‘i‘ai, extending the statute of limitations for sex abuse victims, eliminating the reconstructed car inspection, transfer on death deeds, prohibiting the removal of sand from our shorelines, beach brown water testing, and requiring counties to maintain DHHL infrastructure, will have a tremendous positive impact on the generations to come.

After my departure, I look forward to tending to my mother and son, spending time with family and friends, focusing on my legal services work, volunteering for nonprofits, and enjoying the healing powers of nature and the ocean.

Thank you again for providing me with the immense privilege of serving in this august body." - Senator Maile Shimabukuro

Mahalo for your over twenty years of service to the people of Hawaiʻi in the State Legislature!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate

Today, @govjoshgreen signed SB2600, SB2726, HB2315, HB2685, and HB2801, which collectively are related to condominiums and supporting green energy programs for those communities.

Mahalo to all legislators and community members for working to consider condo residents in our State.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #condos #housingaccess #greenenergy

Today, @govjoshgreen signed SB2600, SB2726, HB2315, HB2685, and HB2801, which collectively are related to condominiums and supporting green energy programs for those communities.

Mahalo to all legislators and community members for working to consider condo residents in our State.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #condos #housingaccess #greenenergy

Today, @govjoshgreen signed several bills into law to address Hawaiʻi’s pressing need for affordable housing, including SB2066, SB2133, SB3202, HB2090, HB1925, and HB1760.

Mahalo to all legislators and community advocates who continue to support affordable housing access in our State.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #affordablehousing

Today, @govjoshgreen signed several bills into law to address Hawaiʻi’s pressing need for affordable housing, including SB2066, SB2133, SB3202, HB2090, HB1925, and HB1760.

Mahalo to all legislators and community advocates who continue to support affordable housing access in our State.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #affordablehousing

Today, we remember and honor the courageous souls who devoted and gave their lives in service to their country.

In observance of Memorial Day, the Hawaiʻi State Capitol will be closed to the public.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #memorialday

Today, we remember and honor the courageous souls who devoted and gave their lives in service to their country.

In observance of Memorial Day, the Hawaiʻi State Capitol will be closed to the public.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #memorialday

Our beaches and waters are world renowned, and those who swim, wade, dive, surf, paddle, snorkel, and enjoy the ocean should be aware of the risk of water-related accidents. Between 2018 and 2022, drowning was the leading cause of death for children one to seventeen years of age in Hawai'i. Water safety is a skill that can be taught, and water safety education/awareness can help curb the number of child drowning fatalities.

Today, @govjoshgreen has signed into law SB2841 and SB116. These measures, respectively, establishes May 15th as Water Safety Day, and authorize the issuance of special license plates to recognize waterman, lifeguard, and legend, Duke Kahanamoku.

Mahalo to our state legislators and advocates who shared their own personal stories to inspire action, as we continue our efforts to spread awareness and educate our youth about becoming safer in and around the water.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #watersafetyday

Our beaches and waters are world renowned, and those who swim, wade, dive, surf, paddle, snorkel, and enjoy the ocean should be aware of the risk of water-related accidents. Between 2018 and 2022, drowning was the leading cause of death for children one to seventeen years of age in Hawai'i. Water safety is a skill that can be taught, and water safety education/awareness can help curb the number of child drowning fatalities.

Today, @govjoshgreen has signed into law SB2841 and SB116. These measures, respectively, establishes May 15th as Water Safety Day, and authorize the issuance of special license plates to recognize waterman, lifeguard, and legend, Duke Kahanamoku.

Mahalo to our state legislators and advocates who shared their own personal stories to inspire action, as we continue our efforts to spread awareness and educate our youth about becoming safer in and around the water.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #billsigning #watersafetyday

Today is Sine Die, marking the end of a productive 2024 Legislative Session! With that being said, we present our final 2024 #SenateRecap, showing some of our favorite moments from legislators, staffers, and the community working hard over the past 4 months.

Mahalo for your participating in your Legislature!

Today is Sine Die, marking the end of a productive 2024 Legislative Session! With that being said, we present our final 2024 #SenateRecap, showing some of our favorite moments from legislators, staffers, and the community working hard over the past 4 months.

Mahalo for your participating in your Legislature!

Today, @govjoshgreen signed SB582 into law, contributing to the State's response to the Maui wildfires that happened on August 8, 2023. This bill allocates $362 million in emergency appropriations to support relief efforts on Maui's recovery.

Mahalo to our Governor, State Legislators, and advocates who worked tirelessly to ensure necessary funding for Maui.

#hawaiistatesenate #hawaii #maui #billsigning

Today, @govjoshgreen signed SB582 into law, contributing to the State's response to the Maui wildfires that happened on August 8, 2023. This bill allocates $362 million in emergency appropriations to support relief efforts on Maui's recovery.

Mahalo to our Governor, State Legislators, and advocates who worked tirelessly to ensure necessary funding for Maui.

#hawaiistatesenate #hawaii #maui #billsigning

After a busy and productive session full of committee hearings, public testimonies, and conference committees, 185 bills were brought before the Senate for Final Reading. The long floor session was filled with debates and discussions, farewells for our retiring Public Access Room Coordinator Virginia Beck, and shakas all around as the official state gesture!

Next up, Sine Die to close out the 32nd Legislature on Friday, May 3rd at 10:30 a.m.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #finalreading #shaka

After a busy and productive session full of committee hearings, public testimonies, and conference committees, 185 bills were brought before the Senate for Final Reading. The long floor session was filled with debates and discussions, farewells for our retiring Public Access Room Coordinator Virginia Beck, and shakas all around as the official state gesture!

Next up, Sine Die to close out the 32nd Legislature on Friday, May 3rd at 10:30 a.m.

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #finalreading #shaka

The Capitol was humming this week as we held final hearings and closed out negotiations on all Conference Committees! This week, we confirmed a new District Court judge for O'ahu and 48 other gubernatorial nominees, adopted 28 House Concurrent Resolutions, provided final adoption on 4 Senate Concurrent Resolutions, passed the State Budget and 4 other bills on final reading, and passed 190 bills out of Conference Committees. Next week is the last week of the 2024 legislative session, and we will take votes on the remaining 190 bills on Wednesday and Friday.

Stay tuned to our social media pages for the latest updates on happenings at your state legislature and to track the see the status of any particular measures, visit our website: capitol.hawaii.gov.

The Capitol was humming this week as we held final hearings and closed out negotiations on all Conference Committees! This week, we confirmed a new District Court judge for O'ahu and 48 other gubernatorial nominees, adopted 28 House Concurrent Resolutions, provided final adoption on 4 Senate Concurrent Resolutions, passed the State Budget and 4 other bills on final reading, and passed 190 bills out of Conference Committees. Next week is the last week of the 2024 legislative session, and we will take votes on the remaining 190 bills on Wednesday and Friday.

Stay tuned to our social media pages for the latest updates on happenings at your state legislature and to track the see the status of any particular measures, visit our website: capitol.hawaii.gov.

The end is near for a busy and productive Conference! As of 6:00pm, we have officially finished all hearings for bills, resolutions, and governor's messages for the 2024 Session! Committee Reports for all remaining measures must be submitted to the Senate and House Clerks tonight.

Most final votes on 2024 bills will be happening on Wednesday, May 1st at 10:00 a.m.

As always, you can watch the floor session live at youtube.com/HawaiiSenate.

In the meantime, here are some of our favorite moments from this year's Conference!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #conference #finaldecking #deadlines #billsbillsbills

The end is near for a busy and productive Conference! As of 6:00pm, we have officially finished all hearings for bills, resolutions, and governor's messages for the 2024 Session! Committee Reports for all remaining measures must be submitted to the Senate and House Clerks tonight.

Most final votes on 2024 bills will be happening on Wednesday, May 1st at 10:00 a.m.

As always, you can watch the floor session live at youtube.com/HawaiiSenate.

In the meantime, here are some of our favorite moments from this year's Conference!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #conference #finaldecking #deadlines #billsbillsbills

We have almost reached the end of Conference, and have only one week left in the 2024 Legislative Session!

Today and tomorrow are important deadlines at the Capitol, the Final Decking Deadlines. For a bill referred to a Conference Committee to pass this session, it must be voted out of the Committee by 6:00pm on:

* Thurs. 4/25 (bills not referred to WAM or FIN)

* Fri. 4/26 (bills referred to WAM or FIN)

To give the Senators time to hold Committee Meetings, Senate Floor Session will be held at 6:30pm both tonight and tomorrow.

All bills must be passed in its final form by the entire Senate and House by Friday of next week in order to be considered by the Governor.

We have almost reached the end of Conference, and have only one week left in the 2024 Legislative Session!

Today and tomorrow are important deadlines at the Capitol, the Final Decking Deadlines. For a bill referred to a Conference Committee to pass this session, it must be voted out of the Committee by 6:00pm on:

* Thurs. 4/25 (bills not referred to WAM or FIN)

* Fri. 4/26 (bills referred to WAM or FIN)

To give the Senators time to hold Committee Meetings, Senate Floor Session will be held at 6:30pm both tonight and tomorrow.

All bills must be passed in its final form by the entire Senate and House by Friday of next week in order to be considered by the Governor.

Last night, the Senate and House conferees approved a final version of the State's Supplemental Budget, House Bill 1800 HD1 SD1 CD1. This measure includes operating, capital improvement projects (CIP), and grants-in-aid monies for fiscal year 2024-2025 (FY25).

"The budget bill that we passed today balances the ongoing needs of Maui, while also preparing our State for future disasters and working to diversify our economy and workforce to keep our keiki in Hawaiʻi. As with any budget, difficult decisions must be made, but we are confident that the strategic forward-thinking collaboration between the Legislature and administration resulted in a budget that is proactive in developing a diversified economy and stabilizes core services and programs to address the needs of our most vulnerable residents." - @senatordonovandelacruz, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

HB1800 CD1 will be up for a final vote in both chambers before being transmitted to @govjoshgreen for consideration.

Check out the highlights of HB1800 CD1 at hawaiisenatemajority.com

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #conference #waysandmeans #budget

Last night, the Senate and House conferees approved a final version of the State's Supplemental Budget, House Bill 1800 HD1 SD1 CD1. This measure includes operating, capital improvement projects (CIP), and grants-in-aid monies for fiscal year 2024-2025 (FY25).

"The budget bill that we passed today balances the ongoing needs of Maui, while also preparing our State for future disasters and working to diversify our economy and workforce to keep our keiki in Hawaiʻi. As with any budget, difficult decisions must be made, but we are confident that the strategic forward-thinking collaboration between the Legislature and administration resulted in a budget that is proactive in developing a diversified economy and stabilizes core services and programs to address the needs of our most vulnerable residents." - @senatordonovandelacruz, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

HB1800 CD1 will be up for a final vote in both chambers before being transmitted to @govjoshgreen for consideration.

Check out the highlights of HB1800 CD1 at hawaiisenatemajority.com

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #conference #waysandmeans #budget

Conference has kicked off here in the Senate, and things are moving as the Senators finalize the 2024 Legislative Session.

This week, Senators and Representatives opened Conference proceedings on 50 bills, including the State Budget.

The Senators also continued non-conference business, holding 23 Committee hearings on 32 resolutions and 12 gubernatorial nominations.

Additionally, the Senate Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs held an Informational Briefing on Hawaiian Electric and KIUC's wildfire mitigation efforts.

Stay tuned to our social media pages for the latest updates on happenings at your state legislature and to track the status of any particular measures moving through Conference, visit our website: capitol.hawaii.gov.

Conference has kicked off here in the Senate, and things are moving as the Senators finalize the 2024 Legislative Session.

This week, Senators and Representatives opened Conference proceedings on 50 bills, including the State Budget.

The Senators also continued non-conference business, holding 23 Committee hearings on 32 resolutions and 12 gubernatorial nominations.

Additionally, the Senate Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs held an Informational Briefing on Hawaiian Electric and KIUC's wildfire mitigation efforts.

Stay tuned to our social media pages for the latest updates on happenings at your state legislature and to track the status of any particular measures moving through Conference, visit our website: capitol.hawaii.gov.

Day 1 of the Annual Food Drive Fest kicked off today!

Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke’s office hosted the 2nd annual drive where legislators and staff came to donate non-perishable food items to the State Employees’ Food Drive in partnership with Hawaiʻi Food Bank.

Day 2 of the Drive will continue tomorrow!

#hawaii #hawaiisenate #fooddrive

Day 1 of the Annual Food Drive Fest kicked off today!

Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke’s office hosted the 2nd annual drive where legislators and staff came to donate non-perishable food items to the State Employees’ Food Drive in partnership with Hawaiʻi Food Bank.

Day 2 of the Drive will continue tomorrow!

#hawaii #hawaiisenate #fooddrive

Last Friday, the Hawaiʻi State Capitol came to life with beautiful works of art, enchanting performances, and the sound of music for the 15th Annual Art at the Capitol event!

Members of the public engaged in a choose-your-own adventure style art tour in the building. Our Senators were happy to engage with everyone who stopped by to talk story and see the art on display in their offices.

Although we couldn't feature all the artists and collaborators who participated, a big mahalo to everyone who was a part of this beautiful event!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #art #artatthecapitol #poetry #painting #tea #frenchhorn #chess #ballet

Last Friday, the Hawaiʻi State Capitol came to life with beautiful works of art, enchanting performances, and the sound of music for the 15th Annual Art at the Capitol event!

Members of the public engaged in a choose-your-own adventure style art tour in the building. Our Senators were happy to engage with everyone who stopped by to talk story and see the art on display in their offices.

Although we couldn't feature all the artists and collaborators who participated, a big mahalo to everyone who was a part of this beautiful event!

#hawaii #hawaiistatesenate #art #artatthecapitol #poetry #painting #tea #frenchhorn #chess #ballet

Over the past 3 months, the Senate and House have held hearings and taken votes on various bills and often would pass drafts of bills with language that wasn't previously considered by the opposite chamber. But for a bill to go from the Legislature to the Governor for consideration, both chambers must approve the exact same bill.

So how do the Senate and House decide the final language that both chambers approve of? Conference Committees.

In our latest installment of our ongoing series, Legislative Lingo, we break down this two-week period of collaboration between the Senate and the House.

Over the past 3 months, the Senate and House have held hearings and taken votes on various bills and often would pass drafts of bills with language that wasn't previously considered by the opposite chamber. But for a bill to go from the Legislature to the Governor for consideration, both chambers must approve the exact same bill.

So how do the Senate and House decide the final language that both chambers approve of? Conference Committees.

In our latest installment of our ongoing series, Legislative Lingo, we break down this two-week period of collaboration between the Senate and the House.

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