Aloha,

As we started the 2024 legislative session, I delivered my second annual State of the State address on January 22. The address proposed legislative and executive action to support further recovery for the people of Maui; to make housing more available and affordable for Hawai‘i residents; to reduce homelessness, and to lower the cost of living in our state.

I also highlighted a few of my administration’s successes (Read more)

The national nonprofit Endangered Species Coalition chose Hawai‘i’s Plant Extinction Prevention Program (PEPP) as one of 10 outstanding efforts to recognize, when the 50th anniversary of the federal Endangered Species Act was celebrated in December 2023. This was based on the discovery of a rare plant, Silene lanceolata, by PEPP technician Susan Deans last year, while rappelling on a remote cliffside. (Read more)

The Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and the County of Maui Office of Economic Development (OED) convened the first meeting of the Maui Economic Recovery Commission (ERC) in January at the University of Hawai‘i Maui College. Governor Josh Green, M.D., and Mayor Richard Bissen were in attendance to kick off the meeting with nearly 90 members. (Read more)

KIDS’ DAY EVENT RETURNS TO THE WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL CENTER

The Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) celebrated the return of Kids’ Day in December for the first time since 2019. The event gives moms a chance to reconnect with their children over sweet treats and fun games. Prior to the pandemic, WCCC conducted the event several times a year, partnering with community organizations such as Keiki O Ka ‘Āina, Wellspring Covenant Church, Pū‘ā Foundation, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu. (Read more)

DCCA CELEBRATES BLUE ZONES WORKSITE CERTIFICATION

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) celebrated its certification as a Blue Zones Worksite on January 10. The event highlighted DCCA’s multi-year commitment to developing a healthier and more connected workplace environment, culminating in the significant achievement of being the first government entity to be certified. (Read more)

THE LAST PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT SERVICE AWARDS CEREMONY

The former Hawai‘i Department of Public Safety (PSD) con­ducted its final service awards ceremony at Washington Place on December 29, honoring 36 employees for their unwavering commitment and loyal service to the people of Hawai‘i. These employees had attained notable milestone anniversaries of 10, 20, and 30 years. (Read more)

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) awarded 25 pastoral lots on December 2, 2023, as part of its Kuleana Program. Established in 1999, the Kuleana Program was created through beneficiary consultation. It is the department’s direct response to fulfilling the community’s needs and its desire to be good stewards of the land. (Read more)