Reflecting on the events of September, we have witnessed significant developments across our state. My administration remains dedicated to addressing our key priorities, including housing, homelessness and health care.

In this month’s newsletter, you will learn about Department of Defense initiatives to support our community, the successful conclusion of the Maui Economic Recovery Commission led by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. In addition, the University of Hawai‘i also conducted an important Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and launched a survivor registry. We also highlighted the exceptional recipients of the Governor’s Awards, and our ongoing efforts to strengthen Hawai‘i’s relationship with Japan and boost tourism. (Read more)

Governor Josh Green, M.D., has concluded a productive trip to Japan, where he participated in several key events aimed at enhancing cultural, economic and diplomatic relations between Hawai‘i and Japan. During his visit, Governor Green took part in significant engagements that showcased Hawai‘i’s unique heritage and commitment to international collaboration. The four main highlights of the Governor’s visit included opening the Tokyo International Gift Show, celebrating Hawai‘i manufacturers with U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, opening Nā Po‘okela, an official overseas event of the Merrie Monarch Festival staged in Yokohama and visiting Hawai‘i’s sister states in Japan. (Read more)

Thirty-four volunteers helped to increase the population of 20 indigenous and familiar, non-invasive plant and tree species at the Keaukaha Military Reservation (KMR) in Hilo, during an event with the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard Environmental Office and the Liko Nā Pilina Hybrid Ecosystems Project of the University of Hawaiʻi (UH). (Read more)

MORE FUNDING FOR MAUI WILDFIRE EXPOSURE STUDY AND LAUNCH OF NEW SURVIVOR REGISTRY

In an effort to address the long-term health and social impacts of the devastating Maui wildfires, Governor Josh Green, M.D., has signed off on an additional $2.3 million in funding the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study (MauiWES).

This will allow the study to increase its participant base to 2,000 individuals with a focus on children and first responders, and to build the infrastructure for a comprehensive survivor registry targeting up to 10,000 survivors. (Read more)

GOVERNOR'S AWARDS RECOGNIZE OUTSTANDING STATE EMPLOYEES AND TEAMS

Governor Josh Green, M.D., recognized winners of the Governor’s Awards on September 24. The awards were designed to honor state Executive Branch employees, managers and work teams who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication in serving the people of Hawai‘i. The statewide program is administered by the Department of Human Resources Development. (Read more)

PATHWAYS TO MAUI ECONOMIC RECOVERY 

The state of Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and County of Maui convened the third and last state-facilitated meeting of the Maui Economic Recovery Commission (ERC) in September at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. The meeting included cultural, economic development, agricultural, non-profit, creative, health care and education leaders from Maui; philanthropic, airlines, finance, business and other executives from statewide companies and organizations; and public sector representatives from the county, state and federal levels. (Read more)

HAWAI‘I AIR NATIONAL GUARD MAKE “MESSAGES OF HOPE” FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

For the second year in a row, members of the Hawai‘i Air National Guard are using origami cranes to spread messages of hope for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September.

This tradition started at the Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange last year when volunteers strung together a display of thousands of paper cranes. Patrons received inspirational messages inscribed on the pieces of origami. (Read more)