Senate Floor

Will the Senate please come to order? Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]. Twenty-two present. Three excused.

Thank you. The chair has read the journal of the preceding day and approves the same. Are there any introductions today? Senator Elefante.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii Youth Council under the Hawaii Public Health Institute is here for national Take Down Tobacco Day, a national day of action. I want to personally thank Saya and Scott, and with us in the audience, we have representatives from our schools throughout our district, so if I do call your school, if you could please stand to be recognized. Probably notice they're all in the pink shirts up there in our gallery.

First we have Kamehameha School, Hawaii Campus, Honoka'a High and Intermediate, Kohala High School, Kauai High School, Kamehameha School Kapalama, Kealakehe Intermediate School, Pa'auilo Elementary & Intermediate, Kanu o ka Aina from Hawaii Island, Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School on Kauai, Seabury Hall, Maui High School, Molokai Middle School, Kalani High School, Punahou School, Damien Memorial School, Pearl City High School, Hawaii Pacific University, Kalaheo High School, University Laboratory School, and Moanalua High School.

Let's give them and all the chaperones and coordinators a big round of applause. And at the appropriate time, Mr. President, if I can request to have their names be inserted into the Senate Journal?

When they're submitted to the clerk's office, so ordered. Any further introductions? Senator DeCoite.

Thank you, Mr. President. In the gallery, I would like to introduce principal from Lanai High School, Mr. Douglas Boyer, Lanai and High--Elementary School, as well as Rebecca Winkie, Complex Era Superintendent for Hana, Lahainaluna, Lanai, and Molokai. Welcome to your Hawaii State Senate. And can I also insert the names into the journal? Thank you.

So ordered. Senator DeCorte.

Welina mai kakou, esteemed members of the Hawaii State Senate and honored guests. Today it is my honor to introduce an extraordinary leader in education, Dr. Kalehua Krug, along with the haumana of Ka Waihona o Ka Na'auao Charter School. As many of you know, Ka Waihona is not just a school.

It's a community dedicated to nurturing our future leaders while deeply honoring the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii and our kupuna. Under Dr. Krug's guidance, Ka Waihona has become a beacon of cultural education, integrating 'Ike Hawaii into its curriculum, ensuring that haumana not only excel academically, but also develop a profound connection to their aina and kaiaulu.

This connection helps ensure that our keiki are equipped with the skills and cultural awareness necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. As we celebrate the accomplishments of Dr. Krug and the students today, let us also recognize the vital role that Ka Waihona plays in shaping the future of our islands.

Their commitment to educational excellence intertwined with cultural stewardship is a model for all of us. When I call your name, please stand to be recognized: Pookumu Kalehua Krug, Hope Pookumu Richard Naho'opii, Hope Pookumu Misipati Karapani, SSC April Kalt, Counselor Hakaleleponi Napu'elua, Kumu Pumehana-Henderson Deramos, Kumu Rochelle Kane, Kumu Kamalei Krug, Kumu Ka'ula Krug, Kumu Leleapao'o Krug, Kumu Leonani Naho'oikaika-Medeiros.

And I will ask the haumana of Ka Waihona o Ka Na'auao Charter School to please stand. Mahalo for joining us, and colleagues, if we could give a round of applause to our great students? Thank you. Senate President, one more introduction, if I may?

Please proceed.

I would like to introduce my office staff. They are the real bosses of my office, and I would like to introduce my office manager, Malia Agustin, who is fifth generation Nanakuli Homestead. I'm going to introduce Bronson Meyers, who also has a long generation of family in Waianae Valley Homestead and Nanakuli Homestead, and then I also have our legislative aide, Nia Tatofi, and they've been so great in bringing great energy and just good, excellent work to the people of Hawaii and here at the State Capitol. So we welcome to the Hawaii State Senate.

Further introductions? Senator Kidani.

Thank you, Mr. President. It is now day three of our 2025 Education Week program, and I'm eager to welcome our inspiring honorees. The success of our students is a testament to the support they receive from the collective school community, and the awards we are recognizing--awardees we are recognizing today demonstrate educational leadership in various capacities.

From principals and assistant principals to counselors and faculty, their collective efforts are essential to establishing a healthy educational environment for students to thrive. I would like to call upon the Senator from District 25 to introduce the honoree who lives in his district.

Senator Lee, I believe you're 25. Do I have my numbers right?

I did so many introductions the other day, I didn't want to keep adding unnecessarily, but it is a great honor. Thank you so much to our Education Chair for all the hard work to set this up. I would like to take a moment to introduce, however, someone definitely worthwhile, the praise and recognition.

I'd like to introduce Joseph Passantino, who has dedicated the past 20 years to education, spending his life within the school system as both a student and an educator at Keelikolani Middle School.

Through providing guidance and support to his team, they've been able to improve academics at the school, improve student attendance, while fostering and combining a culture of growth and success. In recognition of his collective efforts, he was honored to receive Principal of the Year Award for the State of Hawaii last year.

His dedication, hard work, and commitment to the school, community, and students has allowed both to grow academically and personally. Mahalo, Joseph, for all your hard work. I'd like to extend our warm wishes and congratulations for a job well done. Mr. President, I'd like to yield the floor to the Senator from District 7.

Mahalo to the Senator from Kailua. I would like to recognize the 2024 National Outstanding Assistant Principal of Elementary Schools, Jennifer Pimentel. Thank you for making your trek all the way from Lanai and on time. Thank goodness they're actually flying on time. Today we celebrate an exceptional leader, a visionary educator, and a true champion for students: Assistant Principal Jennifer Pimentel.

Her impact resonates far beyond the walls of her school, reaching into the hearts and minds of everyone she encounters with her innovative spirit and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Assistant Principal Pimentel has transformed her school into an inspiration, fostering a dynamic learning environment. She has empowered students and staff to reach their full potential.

Mahalo to you, Jennifer, for your commitment to the school and to our students and the next generation of leaders. Thank you very much. I now turn the floor over to the Senator representing District 17.

Mahalo. I'm proud to introduce Jeffrey Horstman of Mililani Middle School as the Hawaii State Assistant Principal of the Year. Let's give him a hand. Joining us today in the gallery to support Jeffrey are Shannon Tamashiro, Mililani Middle Principal, Sharilyn Pang, Mililani Middle Assistant Principal, and Ernest Muh, Complex Area Superintendent for Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua. Welcome to the Senate.

Jeffrey's devotion to the growth and success of both his students and staff sets him apart. His eagerness and forward-thinking creative ideas have played a pivotal role in helping transform Mililani Middle School into a vibrant center of innovation and learning.

His relentless commitment to nurturing an inclusive and dynamic educational atmosphere has inspired students to push beyond their limits and realize their full potential. Congratulations, Jeffrey, on being named the Hawaii State Assistant Principal of the Year. I now yield the floor back to the Senator from Mililani.

On behalf of Senate President, I would like to introduce Tommy Cox, recipient of the 2024 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award. Tommy Cox, the 2024 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Awardee, has been a dedicated educator for the past 21 years. Eleven of those years was spent teaching elementary and middle school math.

He has served as vice principal at Kapaa High School for three and a half years before taking over as principal in January of 2019. He truly feels privileged to work alongside students, parents, guardians, and community members in Kapaa where he is deeply committed to making a positive impact.

Currently, he serves as the president of both the Kauai Interscholastic Federation and the Hawaii High School Athletic Association. Additionally, he is currently serving his third year on the Board of Directors for the National Federation of State High School Associations. Joining Tommy in the gallery this morning is Koloa Elementary School Principal Leila Kobayashi. Mahalo, Tommy.

Also joining us this morning is Noelani Butcher, the 2025 Hawaii State Counselor of the Year. Noelani Butcher is a dedicated school counselor since 2011 with 14 years of counseling experience and 24 years in the education field.

Noelani holds a Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of North Texas as well as a Master's Degree in School Psychology. She is a passionate and committed professional, actively contributing to the American School Counseling Association, the Hawaii School Counselor Association, and the Prevent Suicide Task Force on Kauai. Joining Noelani in the gallery this morning is her guest, Avery Butcher. Mahalo, Noelani. I now turn the floor over to the Senator from District 13.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Although unable to join us today, I'm excited to recognize Principal Dale Arakaki as the 2024 National Association of Elementary School Principal Award recipient.

With 27 years of service, the Hawaii State Department of Education is--and as the state's National Distinguished Principal of the Year, Principal Arakaki will represent Hawaii and be recognized for his excellence in leadership along with other national state awardees.

He has led Pauoa Elementary as a principal for ten years and is credited with dramatically boosting academic achievement at the school. A Title 1 school where half of the students identify as low-income and qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch, the school has successfully narrowed the achievement gap between students with high needs and their peers.

Principal Arakaki's dedication to improving education has resulted in remarkable achievements that has shined through the students--the school students. His dedication to excellence earned Pauoa Elementary recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2018.

His strategic vision and effective decision-making have garnered well-deserved report. How about a round of applause and absentia for Principal Arakaki? And I yield the floor to Vice President.

We have celebrated countless remarkable contributions and achievements and we extend our deepest gratitude to all dedicated educators, leaders, counselors, and staff members who have made an extraordinary impact on our Hawaii school systems. The school leaders we have recognized today have not only transformed their schools, but have also fostered a culture of continuous growth and success.

Today we recognize their vision and passion shown throughout their leadership. Joining the awardees this morning in the gallery is DOE's Assistant Superintendent Heidi Armstrong, Leadership Institute Executive Director Stacie Kunihisa, and Alisa Bender and friends and family members of our honorees today. If any of you are here, please stand. Mahalo for supporting our honorees.

There is still time to visit the Hawaii State Teachers Association's informational booth on the fourth floor lanai. From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. today, they will be sharing valuable insights on the challenges and successes in education and how we, as policymakers and community members, can better support our educators. Mahalo, Senate President. I now yield the floor.

Thank you. If you do visit the HSTA booth, among those there is Sarah Mili, who is the Ilima Intermediate School teacher who, with her students, came to the Capitol for three years in 2020, 2021, and 2022 when they finally were successful in having the Mai Movement get the $2 million of funding from the Legislature and she continues to be active in all issues related to education.

I think you'd find her a fascinating individual to talk to. To our honored guests, instead of recessing to greet you, we have about five minutes of business, so if you can patiently sit, we'll get through it, adjourn, but our members would like to congratulate you, take pictures, and when we adjourn, if the sergeants could escort the family and friends who have come here to support our honorees. Madam clerk.

On page one, governor's message number 739 makes a correction to an appointment to the State Boxing Commission of Hawaii.

File.

Governor's message number 740 transmits a nomination to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

Governor's message number 740 is referred in accordance with the referral on the Order of the Day.

On page two, House communication number 383 informs the Senate that the House has disagreed to the amendments proposed by the Senate to House Bill 103 Senate Draft 1.

File.

Beginning on page two, Standing Committee report numbers 1139 to 1177 for adoption.

Senator Wakai.

Mr. President, I move for the adoption of Standing Committee reports numbers 1139 to 1177.

Senator DeCorte.

Mr. President, I second the motion.

It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Any objections? If not, the motion is carried.

On page seven, adoption of resolutions. Standing Committee report numbers 1137 and 1138 on resolutions for adoption.

Senator Wakai.

Mr. President, I move for the adoption of said Standing Committee reports.

Senator DeCorte.

Mr. President, I second the motion.

It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Any objections? If not, the motion is carried. Said resolutions have been adopted.

Referrals and re-referrals.

Referrals and re-referrals are made in accordance with the Order of the Day and any supplemental orders of the day that may be filed later today.

No further business, Mr. President.

Are there any announcements? Senator Moriwaki.

May I have a late introduction, please?

Please proceed.

In the gallery is Kevin Morrison, Cook County Commissioner, who is visiting here, and Ian Ross is with him with Waianae Comprehensive Health Center. Mahalo, and welcome to the Senate.

Any further announcements? Senator DeCorte.

Senate President, permission for a late introduction?

Please proceed.

So Waianae is coming out strong today. I have two constituents here who's also with the Take Down Tobacco, but I want to recognize Malia Lehua-Ball. Please stand to be recognized. Jamie Lyn Agor, you can tell when 96792 comes up and there's no traffic. So we want to thank you guys very much for being here and welcome to the State Senate.

Any further announcements? Now the chair has two--you know, I can brag all day about the Kauai people, but the vice president did such an excellent job, I'm not going to go there, but I would be remiss if I didn't say we don't always get to meet the excellent people in other people's districts.

However, I did have the pleasure of doing a one-day seminar with Joseph, and I was so impressed with the passion that he has for education. It took me about five seconds in the elevator--we got on the same one--to realize that this is the same individual that, you know, I had met, and he had impressed me so much, but impressed me enough that I remembered exactly who he is.

So I'm not surprised to see him on the floor today. The second is if the Majority Senators would report to the Majority Caucus Room after the picture taking. Senator Wakai.

Mr. President, I move that the Senate stand adjourned until 11:30 a.m. tomorrow.

Senator DeCorte.

Mr. President, I second the motion.

It's been moved and seconded. If there are no objections from the members, the Senate will stand adjourned until 11:30 a.m. tomorrow.