PRESS RELEASES 此語言尚未有已發佈之文章 文章發佈後將於此處顯示。 MORE PRESS RELEASES NEWS ARTICLES READ MORE Senate education chair urges families to apply for free and reduced-price school meals Original Article Maui News Now Hawai‘i families are being encouraged to apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits through the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE), as updates to the state’s school meal program go into effect for the 2025-26 school year. State Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani, chair of the Senate Committee on Education and author of the legislation behind the changes, said the updates aim to improve food equity by expanding access to free school meals. Under Act 139 (Senate Bill 1300), students who qualify for reduced-price meals are now eligible to receive both breakfast and lunch at no cost each school day. Approximately 11,000 students qualified for reduced-price meals last school year, who would be offered free meal options this year, according to the Hawaiʻi State Senate Majority. The only meal price increases for the upcoming year apply to second meals for students and adult meals. Prices for all other items—including standard student meals and à la carte options—will remain unchanged. Kidani recalled visiting schools in her district where teachers kept snacks in their desks for students who hadn’t eaten. “As a mother and grandmother, I have seen firsthand how hunger affects a child’s ability to focus and learn,” she said. “I still remember visiting classrooms in my district where teachers kept granola bars or crackers in their desks, just in case a student came to school without breakfast. This bill is about more than food —it’s about dignity, equity and ensuring every child has a fair chance to succeed. Well-nourished students learn better. I once again thank Governor Green for signing this bill into law, and I encourage families to take advantage of applying to the program.” Students will still be categorized as “reduced-price eligible” under federal guidelines, but at the point of service, their meals will now be marked as “Reduced – No Charge.” Families are encouraged to apply at EZMealApp for free or reduced-price meal benefits to determine eligibility and take advantage of this new benefit. Further program details are available on the HIDOE website. 2025年8月3日 Senators Mentioned: Senator Michelle N. Kidani State Department of Education sees expanded free meal access for students Original Article KHON2 Cameron Macedonio HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education will see a change in school meal prices this upcoming academic year, which also includes more access to free school meals for keiki. Act 139, which was signed into law in May by Governor Josh Green M.D., provided this expanded free meal access to students beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. Per the act, qualifying students will now receive a free breakfast meal, as well as a free lunch meal daily. “Removing the cost for reduced-price meals ensures more students are fed, focused and ready to learn — no matter their family’s financial situation,” said Superintendent Keith Hayashi. Last school year, approximately 11,000 students qualified for reduced-price meals. Act 139 would make these reduced-price meals completely free for the students this upcoming year. “As a mother and grandmother, I have seen firsthand how hunger affects a child’s ability to focus and learn,” said Senate Vice President and Education Committee Chair Michelle Kidani, who introduced the act to the legislature. “I still remember visiting classrooms in my district where teachers kept granola bars or crackers in their desks, just in case a student came to school without breakfast.” For Kidani, equitable access to nutritious meals is not just a matter of hunger — it’s a matter of ensuring a successful future for keiki. “This bill is about more than food. It’s about dignity, equity and ensuring every child has a fair chance to succeed,” she said. “Well-nourished students learn better, and I am proud to have authored this bill.” The only price increase for meals are for second meals and adult meals, with the prices increasing by just over a dollar for breakfast and two dollars for lunch. Students in the state that receive free meals will be categorized as “reduced-price eligible” per federal guidelines, with their meals being 100% reduced and their state-designated category being “Reduced — No Charge.” Here’s the full list of meal prices for the 2025-2026 academic year: Breakfast PreK through eighth grade$1.10 Ninth through 12th grade$1.10 Reduced-price, PreK through 12th gradeFree Student second meal$3.50 Adult Meal$3.50 Lunch PreK through eighth grade$2.50 Ninth through 12th grade$2.75 Reduced-price, PreK through 12th gradeFree Entree$2.25 Student second meal$7.50 Adult Meal$7.50 To apply for the free and reduced meal program, visit the EZMealApp or the HIDOE website . 2025年7月31日 Senators Mentioned: Senator Michelle N. Kidani A $42.5M education hub broke ground in Wahiawa Original Article Hawaii News Now HNN Staff WAHIAWA (HawaiiNewsNow) - The state broke ground on Monday for a new $42.5 million dollar education hub. The 43,000 square-foot facility known as “Wahiawa Center for Workforce Excellence” will serve as the future home of the new Wahiawa Public Library, UH Community College satellite classrooms, and Department of Education offices. “The goal is clear — a space that is central that brings together education and public service,” said Governor Josh Green. The three-story building will be on California Avenue. The project is anticipated to be completed in two years. 2025年7月29日 Senators Mentioned: Senator Michelle N. Kidani MORE ARTICLES

PRESS RELEASES 此語言尚未有已發佈之文章 文章發佈後將於此處顯示。 MORE PRESS RELEASES NEWS ARTICLES READ MORE Senate education chair urges families to apply for free and reduced-price school meals Original Article Maui News Now Hawai‘i families are being encouraged to apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits through the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE), as updates to the state’s school meal program go into effect for the 2025-26 school year. State Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani, chair of the Senate Committee on Education and author of the legislation behind the changes, said the updates aim to improve food equity by expanding access to free school meals. Under Act 139 (Senate Bill 1300), students who qualify for reduced-price meals are now eligible to receive both breakfast and lunch at no cost each school day. Approximately 11,000 students qualified for reduced-price meals last school year, who would be offered free meal options this year, according to the Hawaiʻi State Senate Majority. The only meal price increases for the upcoming year apply to second meals for students and adult meals. Prices for all other items—including standard student meals and à la carte options—will remain unchanged. Kidani recalled visiting schools in her district where teachers kept snacks in their desks for students who hadn’t eaten. “As a mother and grandmother, I have seen firsthand how hunger affects a child’s ability to focus and learn,” she said. “I still remember visiting classrooms in my district where teachers kept granola bars or crackers in their desks, just in case a student came to school without breakfast. This bill is about more than food —it’s about dignity, equity and ensuring every child has a fair chance to succeed. Well-nourished students learn better. I once again thank Governor Green for signing this bill into law, and I encourage families to take advantage of applying to the program.” Students will still be categorized as “reduced-price eligible” under federal guidelines, but at the point of service, their meals will now be marked as “Reduced – No Charge.” Families are encouraged to apply at EZMealApp for free or reduced-price meal benefits to determine eligibility and take advantage of this new benefit. Further program details are available on the HIDOE website. 2025年8月3日 Senators Mentioned: Senator Michelle N. Kidani MORE ARTICLES

The official website of the Hawaiʻi Senate Majority Caucus. 2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION WATCH HEARINGS 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 GLENN WAKAI Majority Floor Leader JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE Assistant Majority Whip LYNN DECOITE Assistant Majority Floor Leader CHRIS LEE Assistant Majority Whip LES IHARA, JR. Majority Policy Leader HERBERT "TIM" RICHARDS, III Assistant Majority Whip STAY CONNECTED: Load More

About the Hawaiʻi Senate Majority Caucus ABOUT THE SENATE There are 25 members of the Hawaiʻi State Senate. Senators are elected to serve staggered four-year terms and are not subject to term limits. The presiding officer of the Senate is the Senate President. Other officers of the Senate include the Vice President, Majority Leader, Majority Caucus Leader, Majority Floor Leader/Whip, Majority Whip, and Assistant Majority Whip. The officers of the Senate are elected by a majority vote of the Senate members. The Hawaiʻi Senate Majority consists of 22 Democrats for the Thirty-Third Legislature, which convened on January 15th, 2025 and adjourned Sine Die on May 2nd, 2025.

OUR CAUCUS Assistant Majority Whip Henry J.C. Aquino Senate District 19 Pearl City, Waipahu, Wet Loch Estates, Hono‘uli‘uli, Ho‘opili Stanley Chang Senate District 9 Hawai‘i Kai, Kuli‘ou‘ou, Niu, ‘Āina Haina, Wai‘alae-Kāhala, Diamond Head, Kaimukī, Kapahulu Lynn DeCoite Assistant Majority Floor Leader Senate District 7 Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe and Molokini Donovan M. Dela Cruz Senate District 17 Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village Brandon J.C. Elefante Senate District 16 ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City Carol Fukunaga Senate District 11 Mānoa, Makiki/Punchbowl, Tantalus and Papakōlea Mike Gabbard Senate District 21 Kapolei, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, portions of Fernandez Village, and ‘Ewa Troy N. Hashimoto Assistant Majority Whip Senate District 5 Wailuku, Kahului, Waihe‘e, Waikapu Mauka, Wai‘ehu Les Ihara, Jr. Majority Policy Leader Senate District 10 Pālolo, St. Louis Heights, Maunalani Heights, Ala Wai mauka, portions of Kaimukī, Kapahulu, Mō‘ili‘ili, McCully Lorraine R. Inouye Majority Whip Senate District 1 Hilo, Pauka‘a, Papaikou, Pepe‘ekeo Dru Mamo Kanuha Majority Leader Senate District 3 Kona, Ka‘ū, Volcano Jarrett Keohokalole Assistant Majority Whip Senate District 24 Kāne‘ohe, Kailua Michelle N. Kidani Vice President Senate District 18 Mililani Town, Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia Donna Mercado Kim Senate District 14 Kapālama, ‘Ālewa, Kalihi, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, Red Hill Ronald D. Kouchi President Senate District 8 Kaua'i, Ni'ihau Chris Lee Assistant Majority Whip Senate District 25 Kailua, Waimānalo, Hawai‘i Kai Angus L.K. McKelvey Senate District 6 West Maui, Mā‘alaea, Waikapū, South Maui Sharon Y. Moriwaki Senate District 12 Waikīkī, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, McCully Karl Rhoads Senate District 13 Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown Herbert M. "Tim" Richards III Assistant Majority Whip Senate District 4 North Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona Joy A. San Buenaventura Senate District 2 Puna Glenn Wakai Majority Floor Leader Senate District 15 Kalihi, Māpunapuna, Airport, Salt Lake, Āliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, and portions of ‘Aiea and Pearl City

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PRESS RELEASES 此語言尚未有已發佈之文章 文章發佈後將於此處顯示。 MORE PRESS RELEASES NEWS ARTICLES READ MORE Sen. DeCoite Honored by Friends of the Library of Hawaii Original Article The Molokai Dispatch The Molokai Dispatch Staff Last week, Hawaii Senator Lynn DeCoite was honored as the 2024 Legislator of the Year by the Friends of the Library of Hawaii (FLH) with their Mahalo Award. “Mahalo Sen. DeCoite for all that you do to support libraries and literacy, especially your work to promote the ‘Ohana Readers program,” shared FLH in a social media post. The Mahalo Award by FLH is presented to a Hawaii State Legislator who has shown considerable support for the Hawaii state public libraries in the previous year and throughout their career. “I am truly humbled and honored to be named the 2024 Legislator of the Year by FLH. It’s a privilege to continue supporting our public libraries, and I look forward to all the exciting possibilities ahead for our community,” shared DeCoite on social media. In honor of the award, copies of DeCoite’s favorite book, Curious George, will be donated to the Molokai Public Library and Hawaii State Library. February 27, 2025 Senators Mentioned: Senator Lynn DeCoite Housing, clean energy bills pass key Hawaii legislative committee Original Article Star Advertiser Dan Nakaso The critical state Senate Ways and Means Committee has moved out four bills on the eve of next week’s deadline to keep bills alive, including one that would provide more state funding to improve and upgrade low-income housing projects. Collectively, the four bills that passed the Senate’s finance committee would address some of Hawaii’s “most urgent needs during this legislative session,” Ways and Means Chair Donovan Dela Cruz (D, Mililani-Wahiawa-Whitmore Village) said in a statement. “Through these measures, we are investing in Hawai‘i’s future by building a more resilient, self-sustaining economy and a higher quality of life for our residents,” Dela Cruz said. Legislators in both the House and Senate are working to move out bills ahead of the March 6 deadline to send bills that originate in the House or Senate to the opposite chamber and keep them alive this session — or essentially kill them by the “crossover” deadline. The bills that passed out of WAM this week are: >> The latest version of SB 65, which would fund repair and maintenance needs for residents in low-income housing projects. The upgrades are just one part of the state’s overall strategy to provide affordable housing for virtually all income levels to help make Hawaii more affordable and stem the exodus of residents leaving for states with lower housing costs. Hawaii needs an estimated 50,000 additional affordable housing units. >> The latest version of SB 125, which would create tax incentives for local farmers and businesses that process local farm products, to help them compete with outside markets. >> The latest version of SB 448, which would help maintain agriculture lands involved in food production, especially in Central Oahu. It would allow the state Agribusiness Development Corp. to preserve the lands for food production. >> The latest version of SB 1269, which would provide funding to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to look at geothermal energy potential in the neighbor islands — particularly Hawaii island, home to the Puna Geothermal Venture, which generates power from geothermal gas from Kilauea Volcano. Exploring more geothermal energy opportunities would be part of Hawaii’s larger effort to find clean, reliable and cost-effective energy and reach its net-zero carbon emissions goal while providing more affordable power. DBEDT Director James Tokioka said in written support of SB 1260 that “Hawaii’s heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels has historically resulted in some of the highest electricity costs in the nation. “Increasing our geothermal capacity presents a strategic opportunity to enhance grid reliability, reduce dependency on volatile global oil markets, and provide cost-effective energy solutions that benefit both businesses and consumers.” Geothermal energy also has the potential to expand a tech industry that, Tokioka said, could spur “future economic growth, particularly in sectors such as advanced manufacturing and data centers. These industries depend on reliable and affordable electricity to remain competitive. Without a stable energy supply, Hawaii risks losing out on investment opportunities that could otherwise diversify our economy, create high paying jobs, and foster technological innovation.” But Keoni Shizuma opposes expanding geothermal technology. He and others submitted identically worded testimony in opposition that said: “Unlike wind, solar, or wave energy generation, geothermal requires permanent damage and desecration to the environment. The drilling into the ‘aina, once done, can’t be undone. “In Hawaiian culture, the surface of the ground is sometimes seen as a body form of our goddess Papahanaumoku. To drill into the ground would be to desecrate parts of her, while if wind, solar, or even wave energy generation was pursued, all the structures would be temporary and merely sit on the surface (or in the ocean). “I would request that out of respect for Hawaiian cultural values and beliefs, Hawaii not pursue geothermal energy generation. We live in the perfect environment for innovations in renewable energy technology. Let Hawaii become a leader in new techniques and technologies in this field, push forth the field at University of Hawaii, and learn from international leaders of energy technology.” Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda said in his written testimony that the Big Island’s early geothermal efforts have “not yet translated into tangible economic outcomes. Now is the time to take the next step, to see if these resources can be developed to power our economy and benefit our communities.” The bill would ensure safeguards for construction of a future geothermal power plant, Alameda wrote. “This roadmap is designed with clear, measurable benchmarks so that legislators can easily assess whether or not the project is on track. If the benchmarks are met, it will demonstrate that this is a wise investment for the state, with the potential for significant returns in the form of reliable, renewable energy. If the benchmarks are not met, the legislature will have the clarity to redirect funds and efforts elsewhere. This approach ensures that we only continue to invest in geothermal if it proves to be a commercially viable and sustainable solution for Hawaii’s energy future.” The latest version of SB 65 has received no written opposition. Its House companion, House Bill 907, has not been scheduled for a hearing and appears unlikely to cross over to the Senate. In written testimony in support of SB 65, Hakim Ouansafi — executive director of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority — wrote, “The age of Hawaii’s public housing inventory presents significant challenges” to house people that include families that earn less than 30% of the area median income, people with disabilities and kupuna. “Many properties were constructed over 50 years ago and require extensive updates to remain safe and habitable, and the HPHA faces a capital needs backlog of approximately $720 million,” Ouansafi wrote. “Additional funding is urgently needed to address this backlog and to ensure public housing units remain safe, decent and sanitary and available to those who need them most. As the HPHA relies on federal funding for approximately 90% of its operations, and as this funding is tied to unit occupancy, the rehabilitation of vacant units is critical to maximizing federal support. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not subsidize vacant units, and HPHA’s administrative fees to pay staff are also tied to occupancy, compounding the urgency of this work.” Catholic Charities Hawaii wrote in support of increased funding, in part because it will make affordable units available “to house homeless persons and many elders who face homelessness. The HPHA offers the most affordable housing available to the community. Tenants pay only 30% of their incomes for rent. This makes these units affordable even to homeless persons, seniors struggling with limited income, and very low-income families. However, many units cannot be occupied due to health and safety issues in the units. These units must be brought into shape ASAP to house our state’s residents with extremely limited incomes. “These units are ‘low hanging fruit’ that should be immediately repaired to add them to our inventory of safe and decent housing,” Catholic Charities wrote. “These units do not need to wait years for permits or construction. Legislative funding could make them available very fast compared with funding for new construction.” February 26, 2025 Senators Mentioned: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Senate committee advances key bills on housing, agriculture, businesses and energy Original Article Maui Now The Senate Committee on Ways and Means, led by State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, passed several key bills this week aimed at tackling housing shortages, supporting local businesses, and advancing sustainability in Hawai‘i. “We’re continuing to take proactive steps in addressing some of Hawai‘i’s most urgent needs during this legislative session,” Dela Cruz said. “Through these measures, we are investing in Hawai‘i’s future by building a more resilient, self-sustaining economy and a higher quality of life for our residents.” The following bills were passed out of the WAM Committee this week: SB 65 SD2: Relating to housing – This bill addresses the repair and maintenance needs for Hawai‘i’s public housing units used by some of the state’s most vulnerable populations. As the Senate continues to prioritize the availability of housing, bringing existing housing inventory back online is critical to addressing the housing shortage. SB 125 SD1: Relating to State Enterprise Zones – Enterprise zones create tax incentives that can be used to provide local small businesses with incentives to develop and scale their operations. This bill helps local farmers and businesses that process local farm products stay competitive in both local and global markets. SB 448 SD1: Relating to Agriculture – Maintaining O‘ahu’s agricultural lands in production is vital for food resilience and security, especially in Central O‘ahu’s remaining agricultural heartland. This measure enables the Agribusiness Development Corporation to preserve these lands by ensuring they remain productive through a negotiated conservation easement. SB 1269 SD1: Geothermal resources – This bill allocates funds to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to explore geothermal energy in counties with less than 300,000 residents. The goal is to use this clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy source to help the state reach net-zero carbon emissions, while still providing affordable power for homes and businesses. February 25, 2025 Senators Mentioned: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz MORE ARTICLES