$81,825,596 in Legislative Funding in 2023
Legislation Passed
HB463: Ensuring Transparent Elections
To ensure fair and transparent elections, I introduced HB463, which lowers the disclosure amount of campaign expenditures for non candidate committees from $1,000 to $500, providing greater transparency and preventing evasion of our campaign spending reporting laws.
HB579: Preventing Human Trafficking
Our keiki and other vulnerable individuals are at particularly high high for human trafficking in our State. That is why I introduced HB579, on behalf of the Women's Legislative Caucus. HB579 establishes a statewide human trafficking prevention program. The program will report to the Legislature on the State's efforts to address human trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. My hope is that this bill will continue to shed light on this issue and provide necessary relief to those affected.
HB848: Funding Positions at Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology
To support the critical research, education, and restoration efforts at the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), located in Kāne'ohe Bay, I introduced HB848 to fund three staff positions. These positions ensure that daily operations and projects and HIMB continue.
HB1134: Stopping Illegal Commercial Activity in Kāne'ohe Bay
Many concerned constituent brought to my attention the increase of illegal commercial activity in Kāne'ohe Bay. HB1134 addresses these concerns by (1) prohibiting commercial ocean use activity in Kāne'ohe Bay waters without a permit; (2) prohibiting any advertisement of such unpermitted activity; and (3) establishing enforcement mechanisms for the prohibitions. These new restrictions will contribute to the preservation and protection of Kāne'ohe Bay's natural resources for the continued enjoyment of all and for future generations.
HCR116: Supporting Our Small and Remote Schools
Our district encompasses two very special small schools: Waiāhole and Ka'a'awa Elementary schools. After working with Principal Obra, Principal Luke-Payne, and the Department of Education, I am happy to report that my resolution, HCR116, was adopted this year. HCR116 urges the Committee on Weights to recommend, and the Board of Education to adopt, a weighted student formula that gives equal consideration to small and remote schools. It is my hope that more funding will be allocated to our small schools, who provide such a unique and invaluable education to our keiki.
HCR117: Increasing Access to Solar Panels for Residents
HCR117 urges the counties to include townhomes in the residential permitting process for the installation of solar panels. Thanks to members of the community who brought this issue to my attention, I introduced HCR117 to encourage the City to give townhome owners better access to permits to install solar panels on their homes. This will help homeowners take advantage of federal and state tax incentives, and will benefit the State in reaching our renewable energy goals.