20240424-KapoleiNB

SENATOR MAILE SHIMABUKURO 2024 HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE BREAKING NEWS

LATEST COMMUNITY UPDATES

2024 SUCCESSFUL WLC EASTER BASKET DRIVE

What an extremely successful Easter Basket Drive filled with essential household items such as toiletries, utensils, beddings/towels, and especially hygiene products. These gift baskets are distributed to help Hawaii’s needy families.

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 !!!

Ka‘ena - Makahā - Waiʻanae - Nānākuli - Mā‘ili - Ko Olina

Ku’uwehi Hirashi / HPR

Mark Ladao / HPR

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 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.

EDUCATION

RELATING TO AQUACULTURE (WHS) (SB2329)

Establishes, funds, and supports a fish loko i‘a program at WHS

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

HEALTH

RELATING TO DLNR (SB1258 SD2)

Develop & implement a management system for Ka’ena, Makua, & Keawaula

RELATING TO WATER QUALITY (SB2322 SD1)

Requires the Department of Health to require continued water testing during brown water advisories under certain circumstances.

(continued)

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.

JUDICIARY RESOLUTIONS

SUPPORTING GAZA CEASEFIRE (SCR13/SR6)

Urging Hawaii Congressional Delegation to support Gaza Ceasefire

DOA TO SUPPORT AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ( SR19)

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 (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.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES ON BUDGETARY PRIORITIES

BUDGET CIP PRIORITIES

1) Nānākuli High & Inter School Performing Arts Center ($30M)

2) Wai’anae Intermediate Playcourt ($5M)

3) Elepaio Social Svcs GIA* ($1.2M)

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* - $50k 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* - $150k Ocean safety awareness, funding for 4 professional development courses. $418,800

f) Makana O Ke Akua* - $150k clean and sober homes coupled with case management $854,997

g) Ulu A’e Learning Center* - $175k clean and sober homes coupled with case management $199,883

h) Kahumana, dba $200k Alt. Structures International* Food security, agricultural infrastructure, and workforce development $340,963

i) Makaha Community Center - distribution of clothing, furniture, household supplies, appliances, toiletries, food, and other necessities to those in need $181,435

j) All-Schools All-Stars Hawaii* - $100k For an after-school “Career Exploration Opportunities” program $370,000

k) Hui Huliau - digitization of the book "Historic Waianae" $112,016

l) Hina's Legacy Rescue Foundation - animal rescue focused primarily on the Leeward Coast $198,500

m) Aala Imua - supportive services for abused women $40,000

n) God Forgives Bad Boys and Bad GirlsCommunity outreach programs, $206,050

GRANT-IN-AIDS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS (CIP)

(i) Makaha Learning Center* - $135k Alternative energy and construction trades training $540,000

(ii) MA’O Organic Farms, dba Waianae Community Re-Development Corporation $50k 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* - $50k Campus expansion for a pavilion and modular classroom. $50,000

vi) Elepaio Social Services* - $1.2M Plan, Design, & Construct emergency food warehouse. $2.5M

KONFIRMATION KŪKĀKŪKĀ (Talk

Hawai‘i State Senate Confirms Wayne Harada

HŪLŌ, HŪLŌ, HŪLŌ!!

We had the honor and pleasure of confirming on to the Kaua’i Burial Council, Mr. Wayne Harada, in the Senate.

He has an eclectic background working with Kanuikapono Public Charter School as their kumu of Hawaiian cultural practices and knowledge. Kumu Harada is also a Kumu of ‘Ōlelo Hawai’I, hula, fishing, and farming. This helps to build a cultural core of his teaching style which grounds his haumāna to both the ‘āina and their ancestors.

As an educational and cultural leader, we have nothing but the utmost confidence to be an effective and valuable member of the Kaua’i Burial Council

~ Senator Maile

Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee Advises and Consents in Support for the Nomination of Sanoe Marfil

CONGRATULATIONS !!

Ms. Sanoe Marfil received an “ALL THUMBS UP” vote to advise and consent to her nomination on the Hawaiian Homes Commission. She has an incredible legacy of leadership working tirelessly in support of all the people in Hawai’i nei to build stronger communities. She brings with her a plethora of educational experience and cultural knowledge which will strengthen the Hawaiian Homelands

~ Senator Maile

Hawai‘i State Senate Confirms Walter Kaneakua

The Senate unanimously voted to confirm a tremendously talented and respected Hawaiian, Mr. Walter Kaneakua, to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. He has a long list of leadership roles in both the public and private sector. He is a retired military veteran with an honorable history of service. He brings his vision, his storied experience, his talents, as well as his time-tested management skills. We are lucky to have him aboard and we extend him our heartfelt aloha and appreciation for taking up this task.

~ Senator Maile

TAKE DOWN TOBACCO DAY

On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 100 youth from across the state came to the Capitol to discuss the youth vaping epidemic, how it is impacting their communities, and share their ideas for solutions.

Following the rally and rotunda program, youth council members met with state legislators. These short visits were an opportunity for youth to engage with their legislators and share what matters most to them.

The group was advocating for SB1447 (introduced by Sen. Elefante), which allows counties to ban flavored tobacco. Some neighbor islands already passed bans, but need this bill in order to implement the ban.

For more information, contact Hawaii Public Health Institute (HIPHI) Statewide Youth Coordinator, Scott Stensrud, scott@hiphi.org.

MARCH 11th Senate Moment of Contemplation by Lena Suzuki

We had the honor and privilege to have the Wai‘anae Moku Kupuna Council join us at the Senate today with one of its founding members, Lena Suzuki, providing the Moment of Contemplation.

Her theme was “Kapu Aloha” defined as an “elevated mode” where the westside still maintains a “village” atmosphere immersed in the “Spirit of Aloha.” I was extremely touched at her words of recognition filled with friendship, aloha, and appreciation for my work with and for the Wai’anae Coast, the Hawaiian people, as well as all the people of Hawai’i. MAHALO.

Senator Maile

Makaha Learning Center Honored by State Senate

Foralmostadecade,thisorganizationhasbeenacriticaltraining groundforNativeHawaiiansandthepeopleoftheWaianaeCoast, propellingthemtowardsafuturefilledwithpromiseandopportunity. TheyarecurrentlyfocusedontrainingHawaiiansintoPhotovoltaic installationswhichishasgrowingdemandwithhigh-payingjobs. Theirtrainingprogramsareabsolutelyfreetostudents. <GIA-App>

PictureL-R, DanielleIrwin(President),SenatorShimabukuro,MorisaNakoa(BoardMember)

HAWAI’ISENATERECOGNIZESWESTSIDESTRKERS

WhenCoachMichaelTalalotu(holdingcertificate)realized thatkidswereatriskofgangs,drugs,andothermischievous behaviorsafterschool,sohesetupaboxingtraining programwhichkidscouldattendforfreeafterschool. He engendersdiscipline,focus,self-control,andcommitment. AND,healsocheckstomakesuretheyaredoingokayin school. CoachMichaelestablishedhisnon-profittotrain impressionableyouthhowtobuildtheirmind&bodiesfor amorerobusthealthierandwholesomepathwayintoyoung adulthoodandbeyond. <GIA-App>

PAPAHANA ‘O KAI’ONA VISITS CAPITOL

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 !!

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HAWAII VISITS

Members of the Wai’anae Boys & Girls Club came by the office to “talk story” and remind us how important & valuable their programs are for the youth of the Westside community.

The BGCH seeks to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive and caring responsible citizens. They deliver such programs during after-school hours as a critical time to train, shape, and grow. The phenomenal progress has definitely been a huge win for Wai’anae !!

~ Maile

MS. DONNA SORIANO OF WAI’ANAE ELEMENTARY IS THE NANAKULI-WAI‘ANAE COMPLEX AREA 2024 TEACHER OF THE YEARS

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 bachelor’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 hands-on technology-driven learning opportunities.

LĀHAINA STRONG

I had motivated LAHAINA STRONG members wanted to advocate for their island of Maui on their ongoing struggle to recover and flourish.

They are looking for legislators to advocate for SB2919 which establishes county-level control for zoning ordinances controlling short-term rentals (transient accommodations). This will help provide more affordable homing options for many displaced by the fire. ~ Maile