As bill signing season has concluded for the recently ended legislative session, I wanted to highlight some key achievements. We successfully signed hundreds of bills aimed at enhancing safety and providing essential support to our communities across Hawai‘i. These new laws will improve public safety, healthcare access, environmental sustainability and more. We are grateful for the collaboration and hard work of our legislators to make the session a success. (Read more)

Bolder – crispier – stronger overtones – mellower. The terms sound like adjectives used in wine reviews, but in this scenario they’re actually used to describe sound. In the most recent  Builder’s Spotlight, an event by the Hawai‘i State Archives, viewers met a Moloka‘i luthier whose work with different woods brings out those subtle variations. Hawai‘i State Archives is a division of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS).

Eric DeVine of DeVine Guitars and ‘Ukuleles discussed how he selects the wood for his instruments. ‘Ukulele player Mika Kane also demonstrated the concepts DeVine shares, with well-known Kaua‘i musician Kimo Hussey as the series host. (Read more)

Bill signing season has been nothing short of a success! Bills have been passed and signed into law to protect Hawai‘i and its people. After a long season, 313 bills have been signed this summer, making this a very productive session. This season focused on prioritizing the well-being of the community and strengthening protective measures.

The Office of the Governor hosted 13 bill-signing ceremonies. These ceremonies were an opportunity for us to hear from legislators, community leaders and local voices. Bills signed address climate action, wildfire preparedness, affordable housing, healthcare expansion and protection for our most vulnerable communities. (Read more)

WRAPPING UP BILL SIGNING SEASON - GREEN FEE

Hawai‘i reached new heights and became the first state within the nation to codify a climate impact fee. Senate Bill 1396 (Act 96), also known as “The Green Fee,” implements a fee on visitors, which aids in establishing a sustainable funding stream to support environmental conservation and climate resilience projects. This revenue will fund the management and protection of our ‘āina, helping Hawai‘i mitigate and adapt to climate change and preserve what we love most, our home. (Read more)

SMOOTHER ROAD AHEAD FOR PROPERTY INSURANCE MARKET

Governor Green signed Senate Bill 1044 into law on July 7, taking another step forward in stabilizing the state’s property insurance market amid escalating premiums and limited coverage options.

“The rising cost of insurance has become yet another unbearable burden for Hawai‘i and its residents,” said Governor Green. “This is one piece of the solution that helps prepare and protect us from future crises, which puts us in a better position than other states that have recently suffered from catastrophic events.” (Read more)

DLIR JOINS SCHOOLS ACROSS THE STATE TO RECOGNIZE ‘READY TO WORK’ GRADUATES

This summer, employees from the Hawai‘i State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), including Director Jade T. Butay, traveled across the state to celebrate the success of the “Ready to Work” program with students, families, educators and community partners. These vibrant and heartfelt celebrations took place at schools including Kapolei High School, Leilehua High School, Kapa‘a High School, Maui High School and Roosevelt High School.

The “Ready to Work” program is a collaborative initiative designed to prepare high school students for life after graduation by equipping them with essential soft skills and real-world work experiences. The program’s focus on Competitive Integrated Employment ensures that students have the tools they need to pursue meaningful jobs in inclusive workplace settings. (Read more)