SENATOR MAILE SHIMABUKURO 2024 HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE BREAKING NEWS
LATEST COMMUNITY UPDATES
DHHL and Beneficiary Cash Awards (SB2640)
Hawaiʻi lawmakers have proposed a measure allowing the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to offer cash awards instead of leases to beneficiaries on the waiting list. Supporters argue that all options to reduce the list should be explored, while critics insist that beneficiaries should only be placed directly onto the land. Introduced by Senator Maile Shimabukuro, the bill aims to alleviate the DHHL waiting list by offering cash awards. DHHL beneficiary DeMont Manaʻole initially felt uneasy about the proposal but later acknowledged that some may prefer financial stability over waiting for a lease. DHHL's head of government relations, Oriana Leao, expressed openness to ideas but emphasized the agency's commitment to placing Native Hawaiians back on the land. With over 28,000 beneficiaries on the waiting list, the measure would require amendments to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, necessitating approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior and Congress. The Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee approved the measure 4-1, with an amendment ensuring beneficiaries retain the right to lease transfer if they accept cash awards. The bill awaits further hearings before the Senate Committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary. (Hawaii Public Radio, 1/31/2024)
CONGRESS SEEKS TO MAKE FEBRUARY 2024, MAHINA ‘ŌLELO HAWAI’I
Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, with support from Senator Mazie Hirono, Rep. Case, and Rep. Tokuda, introduced a congressional resolution designating February 2024 as “MAHINA ’ŌLELO HAWAI’I” (Hawaiian Language Month).
This acknowledgement notes the ingrained cultural importance of the native language of these islands and notes the struggles experienced in its revitalization after a 90 year prohibition of its teaching in public schools. Senate Resolution 546 (2024) encourages, recognition, and supports the use of ‘Olelo Hawai’i across the United States.
CURRENT LEGISLATION FOR INTRODUCTION THIS 2024 SESSION
HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS / EDUCATION
RELATING TO AQUACULTURE (WHS) (SB2329)
Establishes, funds, and supports a fish loko i‘a program at WHS
INCENTIVIZE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE (RESOLUTION)
Incentivize the hiring of fluent speakers of ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i in public and private positions and in educational settings
RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMMISSION
Allows DHHL to provide a cash award amount to beneficiaries on their waitlist, for the purpose of purchasing residential lots located outside of DHHL's trust lands after which, the beneficiary would be removed from the waitlist.
RELATING TO UNIVERSAL SCHOOL MEALS (HB1775 HD1)
Provides universal free breakfast and lunch for all public-school students.
RELATING TO MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS (all of DAGS) (SB3000) GVO/HHS, WAM)
BURIAL COUNCIL / PUBLIC LAND
RELATING TO BURIAL SITES (SB2591 SD2)
Allows individuals and ‘ohana members to access burial sites on privately owned lands for specific monitoring & cultural reasons.
RELATING TO LAND LEASES (SB2759 SD1)
Prohibits the State from leasing any public lands, or extending the lease of any public lands, to any individual, corporation, or federal agency that is in arrears in the payment of certain moneys to the State, noncompliant with a consent decree or memoranda of agreement with the State that requires environmental maintenance or remediation with regard to the subject public lands, or convicted of a crime.
HEALTH
RELATING TO WATER QUALITY (SB2322 SD1)
Requires the Department of Health to require continued water testing during brown water advisories under certain circumstances. <See article on the next page>
RELATING TO CLEAN AND SOBER HOMES (Convert to RESOLUTION)
Urges that the Department of Health convene and lead an informal working groupto discuss the management of clean and sober homes.
JUDICIARY / ADMIN / SEX CRIMES
JUDICIAL RETIREMENT AGE INCREASE (SB2319)
Proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory retirement age for justices and judges from 70 to 75 years.
RELATING TO CAPITAL GAINS TAX (HB1660 HD1)
Taxes capital gains income at the same rate as ordinary income.
RELATING TO LIMITATION OF ACTION (SB2439 SD1)
Revives and/or extends the statute of limitations for civil actions brought by victims of sexual assault against an alleged offender.
RELATING TO SEX TRAFFICKING (SB2757 SD1)
Aligns state sex trafficking laws with federal law by making the commercial sexual exploitation of a minor a form of sex trafficking.
RELATING TO SEX TRAFFICKING (SB2758 SD1)
Authorizes civil claims to be made against a business, owner, or operator of a transient accommodation, or other commercial entity that profits.
RELATING TO INDECENT EXPOSURE (HB1927
HD1)
Raises the criminal penalty for the offense of indecent exposure from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor if the victim is less than sixteen years of age.
I’m excited to announce that the “Brown Water Testing bill” (SB2322) has made it through all its senate committees and is up for third and final reading on the Senate Floor. This will position the bill to cross over to the House for deliberation in their committees. Let’s keep supporting this worthy legislation requiring the safety of our coastal waters for everybody who wants to “malama I ke kai”
BROWN WATER TESTING GAINS HEADWAY (SB2322)
The Hawaii Department of Health issued a brown water advisory for Maui in January, which lasted for three weeks. The Surfrider Foundation, conducting its own water testing, believes the advisory could have been lifted sooner, as some beaches met state standards. They advocate for continued testing during advisories, supporting Senate Bill 2322, which would require the DOH to do so. Senator Shimabukuro, who introduced the bill, aims to ensure public safety and information regarding water conditions. The DOH argues against the pending necessity of testing during advisories due to resource constraints, but the Surfrider Foundation disagrees, emphasizing that the bill wouldn't significantly increase costs or alter DOH procedures.
The senate bill is now poised to crossover to the House.
<reference KITV4: Feb 7, 2024>
Wai’anae Elementary School came to visit their State Capitol to learn more about the legislature and to spend time with me. There were so many very thoughtful questions and I certainly enjoyed spending time with them and also introducing them from the floor of the Senate Chamber. COME AGAIN SOON, WAI’ANAE SEAHORSES !!
~ Senator Maile
