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Kona Judiciary Complex, medical marijuana dispensaries among session accomplishments

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MEDIA RELEASE The State Senate passed 135 House bills that addresses areas of domestic violence, beach protection, education, public safety, energy, and a number of other measures aimed at ensuring the health and well-being of the residents of Hawaii. A total of 197 bills have passed third reading by the Senate and will be returning […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The state House of Representatives passed nearly 150 Senate measures dealing with education, housing and homelessness, health, seniors, agriculture, invasive species and the environment, public safety and improving the quality of life for Hawaii residents. Among the most significant bills passed by the House were SB1028 that attempts to harmonize the requirements of […]

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MEDIA RELEASE In a unanimous decision on the Senate floor, State Senators confirmed Scott Enright as the Chairperson of the Department of Agriculture (DOA). Enright has served as the director of the Department of Agriculture since January 2014, and deputy director for the previous two years. Enright serves as national chair of the National Association […]

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MEDIA RELEASE In an unanimous decision, members of the State Senate have confirmed Dr. Virginia Pressler as the Director of the Department of Health (DOH). “She’s a powerful advocate for those who need health care. She’s been very close and embedded to the work we do here on coordinated care, always focusing on those who […]

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MEDIA RELEASE Sen. Sam Slom has released the Senate Minority Alternative Biennium Budget, slashing $1.59 billion from the Governor’s version of the budget for the fiscal years 2016 and 2017. The Alternative Budget builds on the $665 million spending cuts approved by the House of Representatives in their budget draft released in March, and has […]

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MEDIA RELEASE Big Island legislators secured more than $200 million in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding for various projects across the island in the House proposed budget. The proposed budget includes funding for various highway improvements, monies for Big Island schools, plans for a new hospital in Kona, and continued financial support to complete the […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The House Finance Committee has passed out a proposed budget that would create a proactive framework for the state to consistently spend within its means. “The idea is not just to spend conservatively but to create a mindset for the state to spend within its means as a matter of consistent practice,” said […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The Hawaii Senate and House of Representatives Minority Caucuses have joined forces this year and introduced several pieces of companion legislation, in an effort to relieve the burdens on Hawaii citizens. A top priority for the Minority Caucus is reducing the rising cost of living in Hawaii, where expenses like rent, home prices, […]

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MEDIA RELEASE Rep. Joy A. San Buenaventura would like to invite the people of District 4, Puna, to her town-hall event at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27 at the Pahoa Community Center. SAN BUENAVENTURA 2015 PACKAGE OF BILLS First-term Puna Rep. Joy San Buenaventura has introduced a slate of Puna related bills, in the aftermath […]

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MEDIA RELEASE Opening Day, the first day of the legislative session, is an exciting time for all. Attendees rise early and flock to the Hawaii State Capitol to get first-come, first-served seats in the Senate chamber. Filled with curiosity and anticipation, they look out over the guardrails as lawmakers, dignitaries, families and friends greet each […]

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Hawaii State Senate Senate Majority Legislative Program Twenty-Eighth Legislature 2015 We, of the Democratic Majority of the Hawaii State Senate, are committed to a vision and future for Hawaii that will stabilize Hawaii’s economy and improve our quality of life for generations to come. We have a unique opportunity to serve the people of Hawaii. […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The next Community Forum sponsored by Community Enterprises is 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 at the Old Kona Airport Park, Makaeo Pavilion. This month’s forum will feature briefings by four West Hawaii State Legislators: Senate District 3 Sen. Josh Green, District 7 Rep. Cindy Evans, District 6 Rep. Nicole Lowen and District 5 […]

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MEDIA RELEASE JAN. 21 — OPENING DAY Hawaii’s constitution mandates that the regular legislative session starts at 10:00 a.m. on the third Wednesday of January. JAN. 23 — LAST DAY TO INTRODUCE ALL NON-ADMINISTRATION BILL PACKAGES Bills bundled together by common interest groups and accepted and labeled as a package by the clerks. JAN. 26 […]

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