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) <click==
LEGISLATION TO BOLSTER NATIVE FISH HATCHERIES ADVANCES
=click=> <Hawaii Public Radio 3/7/2024> <=click=
SB2329 which I introduced this session was to promote and fund production of fishponds with mullet (’anae) and other equipment for aquaculture. Wai’anae High School “Marine Science Learning Center” (MSLC) is an on-campus aquaculture facility offering students hands-on education in marine science and commercial enterprise. They sell products to local communities. The outcome of the research done at the MSLC has led to the successful raising ogo and salt-water tilapia for sale as a source of local protein. The outcome of these projects is that they can provide resilient strains of native aquaculture stock for larger fishponds. There are currently 40 fishpond under Hui Malama Loko i’a who hope that this form of indigenous harvesting could result in a full-fledged source of healthy food produced with native knowledge, for the native people, in there native places. This is a wonderful example where the ways of old Are now becoming new all over again. IMUA !!!
CURRENT LEGISLATIVE STATUS FOR THIS 2024 SESSION
HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS / LAND
RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMMISSION (SB2640 SD1)
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 THE DHHL (SB738 SD2 HD1)
Creates Lease Award Program for qualifying successors of certain deceased beneficiaries to file a claim to the lease within a certain time
RELATING TO BURIAL SITES (SB2591 SD2)
Imposes a fine on any private landowner that fails to disclose a record with the Bureau of Conveyances or documents used to offer real property for sale, the existence of burial or archaeological sites on their property that the landowner knew or should have know of. Requires finds collected to be deposited into the Hawai’i Historic Preservation Special Fund.
RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF TARO (SB1498 SD1 HD2)
Prohibits BLNR from acquiring/disturbing dry/wetlands taro lands
Establishes taro land classification. Makes appropriation
RELATING TO HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS (SB541 SD1 HD1) FIN Designates January 17th of each year as “Reconciliation Day”
EDUCATION
RELATING TO AQUACULTURE (WHS) (SB2329)
Establishes, funds, and supports a fish loko i‘a program at WHS
RELATING TO UNIVERSAL SCHOOL MEALS (HB1775 HD1)
Provides universal free breakfast and lunch for all public-school students
RELATING TO MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS in public buildings (SB3000)
<Bill lapsed however the $400k funding was put in HB1800 Budget Bill>
RELATING TO EDUCATION (HB500 HD1)
Appropriates funds to DOE to promote various workfoce readiness programs and extracurricular opportunities
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES ON BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)
JUDICIARY
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.
HEALTH
RELATING TO FIRE PREVENTION (SB409 SD1 HD1) FIN
Appropriates funds to DLNR for Fire Prevention & Fuel Reduction
RELATING TO DLNR (SB1258 SD2) FIN
Develop & implement a management system for Ka’ena, Makua, & Keawaula
RELATING TO WORKPLACE SAFETY (SB2569 SD1) JHA
Allows those who suffer violence at a healthcare facility to report the violation to law enforcement and petition for a TRO
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 page 4, the last page>
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES ON BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTIONS
SUPPORTING GAZA CEASEFIRE (SCR13/SR6)
Urging Hawaii Congressional Delegation to support Gaza Ceasefire
DOA TO SUPPORT AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (
Urging the DOA to to improve the aquaculture program strategic plan.
RELATING TO CLEAN AND SOBER HOMES (SCR65/SR53)
Urges that the DOH lead an informal “Clean & Sober Homes” working group
URGING THE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF LIMU KALA (SCR67/SR55
REQESTING DAGS TO ESTABLISH COMMUNITY GARDENS AT CAPITOL (SCR210/SR86)
INCENTIVIZING THE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE (SCR68/SR56)
Incentivize the increased teaching and use of ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i through DOE hiring more permanent Hawaiian language teachers.
BUDGET CIP PRIORITIES
1) Nānākuli High & Inter School Performing Arts Center ($30M)
2) Wai’anae Intermediate Playcourt ($5M)
3) Elepaio Social Svcs GIA ($2.5M)
DLNR FIRE PREVENTION INITIATIVE
Fire Dipping Wells for Wai’anae Coast $500,000 grant submitted by DLNR
GRANT-IN-AIDS OPERATING FUNDS
a) Westside Striking - boxing club to promote self-esteem and health for youth $135,300
b) Wai’anae District Comprehensive Health and Hospital Board, Inc. Emergency room operations $2M
c) Mauka to Makai Makaha Foundation Works with KSBE & private entities to educate young individuals in Hawaiian culture $448,720
d) Nanakuli Housing Corporation
Expand self-help home repair program to include 15 low to moderate homeowners living on Oahu. $100,000
e) Na Kama Kai - Ocean safety awareness, funding for 4 professional development courses. $418,800
f) Makana O Ke Akua - clean and sober homes coupled with case management $854,997
g) Kahumana, dba Alternative Structures International Food security, agricultural infrastructure, and workforce development $340,963
h) Makaha Community Center - distribution of clothing, furniture, household supplies, appliances, toiletries, food, and other necessities to those in need $181,435
i) All-Schools All-Stars Hawaii- For an after-school “Career Exploration Opportunities” program $370,000
j) Hui Huliau - digitization of the book "Historic Waianae" $112,016
k) Hina's Legacy Rescue Foundation - animal rescue focused primarily on the Leeward Coast $198,500
l) Aala Imua - supportive services for abused women $40,000
m) God Forgives Bad Boys and Bad GirlsCommunity outreach programs, $206,050
GRANT-IN-AIDS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUNDS (CIP)
(i) Makaha Learning Center - alternative energy and construction trades training $540,000
(ii) MA’O Organic Farms, dba Waianae Community Re-Development Corporation -clearing of 30+ acres of farm land $200,000
iii) Ho’inana a me Ho’ola - Restore fishponds, aquaponics, and water irrigation for community needs.$1.5M
iv) Wai’anae District Comprehensive Health and Hospital Board, Inc - fire mitigation and prevention $1M
v) Ulu A’e Learning Center - Campus expansion for a pavilion a modular classroom. $50,000
The Hawaii State Senate had the honor and privilege to recognize a group of teachers, one who teaches at Waianae Elementary School and was awarded as the NanakuliWai’anae Complex Area’s 2024 Teacher of the Year
Ms. Donna Soriano teaches STEM & computer science. She utilizes a chaelor’s degree in elementary education from UH and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instructional Design focusing on STEAM from Concordia University. Her leadership in establishing her school’s Seahorse Media Program, design lab, and robotics team exemplifies her commitment to providing students with handspon, teachnology
Early in this 2024 Session, the motivated students & staff of Papahana ‘O Kai‘ona came to visit the State Capitol to learn how to actively participate in the legislative process as well as the many functions that their legislators can help in building much stronger communities & constituents. Papahana ‘O Kai‘ona is a culturally-enhanced alternative program for many students across the Wai’anae Coast !!
MS. DONNA SORIANO OF WAI’ANAE ELEMENTARY NANAKULI-WAI’ANAE COMPLEX AREA 20243 TEACHER OF THE YEARS