As we move forward into April, our administration continues to actively work on initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of our communities.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has recently begun awarding hundreds of leases, which is an important step toward fulfilling our commitment to the Native Hawaiian community. The Department of Accounting and General Services is actively seeking qualified candidates for building construction inspector positions, presenting valuable career opportunities, and including some who may have been affected by federal government cuts. (Read more)

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) awarded 790 leases in 
March for two projects in West Oʻahu. Presented at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in ʻEwa Beach, the leases are part of DHHL’s strategy to expedite homesteading opportunities and address the long-standing waitlist for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. (Read more)

In the aftermath of the tragic wildfires that swept through Maui in August 2023, numerous families found themselves without homes, grappling with uncertainty and instability. Since then, Ka La‘i Ola Temporary Housing Village has become a symbol of renewal and resilience and it was recently awarded the prestigious 2025 Project of the Year by the Hawai‘i Society of Professional Engineers, Maui Chapter. (Read more)

Affordable Housing Project Opens First Phase and Prepares for Next Phase

A dedication and groundbreaking event for Koa Vista took place on March 17, marking the initial phases of a project designed to provide affordable housing for qualifying seniors and families. Developed by Homes Hawai‘i Inc. and GSF LLC, Koa Vista is part of the Koa Ridge master-planned community and will feature 192 rental apartments in two mid-rise buildings, located across from Waipiʻo Costco. (Read more)

Celebrating Women: A Powerful Gathering on International Women’s Day

In a heartfelt celebration of empowerment and resilience, First Lady Jaime Kanani Green co-hosted an inspiring International Women’s Day breakfast and discussion panel alongside Wilhelmina Van Beers and the Consulate General of Australia. This event brought together significant voices from Hawaiʻi and beyond to honor the remarkable strength and contributions of women in our communities. (Read more)

State Employees to Support 26th Annual Food Drive

The 26th Annual State Employees Food Drive in support of Hawaiʻi Foodbank is now underway until May 9, to help fight food insecurity across the state. With a goal to raise 405,000 meals, state employees are encouraged to donate food and funds to support the drive. (Read more)

Akamai Arrival: Modernizing Hawaiʻi’s Agriculture Declaration Form 

On March 1, the state launched Akamai Arrival, a pilot program under the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) to digitize the Plants and Animals Declaration Form.

In this initial phase, travelers on select domestic flights to Hawaiʻi will have the option to complete a digital declaration form instead of a paper form. The goal of the program is to test the effectiveness, compliance and use of the online form. The program aims to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s biosecurity efforts by improving adherence to regulations and streamlining the arrival process. (Read more)