Senate Floor

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

Senator Aquino. Senator awa. Here. Senator Chang. Senator Dacoit. Senator Decourt. Excused. Senator Dela Cruz. Senator Elefante. Here. Senator Favela. Senator Fukunaga. Senator Gabbard. Senator Hashimoto. Senator Ihara. Senator Inoue. Present. Senator Kanuha.

Here.

Senator Keoho. Kalole. Senator Kidani. Senator Kim. Senator Lee.

Senator McKelvey. Aye. Senator Moriwakee. Present. Senator Rhodes. Senator Richards.

Here.

Here.

Senator San Buenaventura. Senator Wakai. Mr. President.

President. 23 present. Two excused. Thank you.

The chair has read the journal of the preceding day and approves the same before asking for introductions today we have for the last several years with the short agendas, just asked our honored guests to wait till we conclude and we adjourn and we greet our honored guests, invite friends or family that are here and we get pictures.

Today we do have lengthy agenda including the confirmation on a cabinet Member and its usual to invite a cabinet Member to the floor if they are successful in getting confirmed.

So we are going to return to our former way of running things today, which is to simply through the introduction portions have the introduction and remarks for our honored guests. We will recess to greet and congratulate and take pictures with.

We'll come back into order, go through the rest of our agenda and then we will ask our cabinet Member again, if successfully confirmed, to wait till we adjourn and to come down. And then we will greet our newly confirmed cabinet Member.

Unfortunately, there may be only four or five people left in the gallery after the honored guest on the floor is released. So now that everybody knows what we're doing, do we have any introductions this morning? Senator inouye.

Thank you, Mr. President. And esteemed colleagues and honored guests, today we have the great privilege of recognizing one of Hawaii's heroes of aloha and a longtime ambassador of Hawaiian Airlines for the past 40 years. A long time Cambri. Blaine Miyazato.

I'm so pleased to have Blaine back here in Hawaii and having the honor of working with him in my past role as the former Senator of the Transportation Committee and my life in the visitor industry of 21 years.

Blaine Miyazato's journey at Hawaiian Airlines began as a flight attendant 40 years ago when they began to spread their wings beyond the islands towards North America and the South Pacific. Through his dedication and talent, Blaine Miyasato made significant impacts across various departments including product development, guest experience, catering operations, recruitment, union negotiations and brand awareness.

Over the course of his employment with Hawaiian the commitment to excellence and passion for the Puulani brand contributed and delivered by playing Miya Sato were evident in every task he understood. His unique creativity and attention to details set him apart, making him a multi talented and energetic asset to the company.

Blaine Miyazato remarkably fits into the category of being a trailblazer for Hawaiian Airlines. He is recognized for his unwavering devotion, resilience and ability to be steadfast and successful even when faced with with headwinds, tailwinds and turbulence. Mr. President, I now yield the time to the good Senator from District 20, Senator Kurt Favela.

Mallow. Senator Iloy from District 1. I have known Blaine Misato for seven years. I am proud to have opportunity to learn how his dedication to not only to our state, but to the people. After dedicating nearly 40 years of his career at Hawaiian Airlines. I was very glad to hear.

Well, not glad that you left Hawaiian Airlines, but glad to hear that you will be working with his success with council of native Hawaiians advancement as a chief brand officer, I have no doubt in my heart that he'll do a good job for our people.

I look forward in working with Blaine in the year as a new euros that he continue to bless our state and our people with. One other thing, colleagues, that I wanted to share before I hand this over to Senator Kadani.

One of the biggest imprint of my life with Blaine was when his mom wasn't doing well and we got to talk because I got to take care of my grandmother. We kind of shared the blessings of taking time away from work and a lot of things to spend time with your mom or with my grandmother.

Things that nobody in our family would ever have a blessing in having because the time that you spent taking care of her and being with her, a true blessing. And I'll never forget the conversations that we had on the phone. It meant a lot to me.

And like I said, I said that you're going, but I'm happy that you're going to be in a place that I know that you're going to do well for the rest of our community and our people of Hawaii. Now I yield the floor to Senator Kadani from District 18.

Mahalo, Senator Fazella, Mr. President, colleagues and honored guests, it is truly a privilege to rise in recognition of my very good friend, Blaine Miyasato for his extraordinary contributions to not only Hawaiian Airlines, but our entire community. Blaine has been a steadfast supporter. Of. Education in Hawaii and I am especially grateful for his support.

Blaine ensured that students and Teachers across our islands were given the opportunities to be recognized in person in this body for their achievements.

As a longtime friend and supporter of our annual education week at the state Capitol, Blaine and Hawaiian Airlines played a crucial role in in making it possible for numerous teachers and students awardees to attend their special day and the special event to be honored by the Senate.

Since I became the chair of the Senate Committee on Education, his support over the years has helped ensure that honorees from our neighbor islands could travel to Oahu, removing barriers and making their well deserved recognition possible. Blaine's dedication to our Keiki educators and our greater community is a reflection of the deep aloha he has for Hawaii.

His leadership, generosity and advocacy have truly elevated not only Hawaiian Airlines, but also the many, many lives he has touched along the way. Blaine, my sincere heartfelt congratulations on this very, very well deserved recognition.

I have no doubt that in your next chapter with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, you will continue to uphold and inspire our people of Hawaii. Mahalo nuiloa, my dear, dear friend. Mr. President, I now yield the floor back to the Senator from District 1.

Thank you, Senator Kidani. As you can see, Mr. President and colleagues, Blaine Miyasato is surely a multi talented, highly respected and amazing trailblazer not only for Hawaiian Airlines, but also an outstanding example for our tourism industry and our island State of Aloha. At this time, Mr.

President, I'd like to recognize those who are here to introduce the Ohana in the gallery who are all present to honor Blaine Miyazado. And please rise. For those of you who are here to enjoy this super day, I'll call your name. I'll call your name or Ohana, maybe you can be seated right now. For now. Okay. Okay.

I'm sure we're all pleased to introduce you, but when I call your name and the Ohana, please hold your applause until the end of the introductions and first time. The first of my introduction is a very dear friend of mine, a former airline CEO, Paul Casey. And it's been my pleasure to. Now you can stand up. Okay.

Now, Paul, why don't you stand up? Stand up and. And. And remain standing. When I was first elected in the Senate in 1998, to the time that Paul had left Hawaiian Airlines, it was certainly my pleasure to have worked with him and the ohana at Hawaiian Airlines and remain standing.

We also have the Council of Native Hawaiian Advancement Group. Will you all rise if you're here? As well as the retired and active Hawaiian Airlines employees, please rise. And also, governor's office is well represented today. Will Kane is still here. He is here. There he is as well. And of course the active Airlines Committee group.

I think I see Lori Lum and the rest of those that's involved with the Airlines Committee who has worked hard over a number of years as well and all other ohana that are here to enjoy the day and honor our honoree. Please rise. And I see our former Senator. He is here, Kai Kahele as well from oha.

And at this time I'd like to recognize my hard working staff, Tammy Kotani, who is a former Hawaiian Airlines employee as well, and Mel aching for their hard work, including today's event at the appropriate time. Mr. President, as and you as you recognize, may we call for recess? Mahalo.

So ordered. Can I ask the current and former employees to remain standing while everyone else is seated, especially right to my center. Right.

For visitors in the gallery who are not from here and for many of the younger employees who are here in the Senate, what you need to realize is that they are wearing a rainbow of the Hawaiian Airlines uniform over the decades.

And so it's great that you still have the uniforms in great condition and even better that they all fit so nicely for the those that have a more vintage age. I do hope that the planes are still running on time, but I'm not catching an inter island flight today. So thank you for being here today.

And then if we could. Well, you would stand a big hand for Blaine. Now, those are the scripted parts. Was there anyone else who was going to rise to say anything about Blaine or for Blaine or are we going to move forward? Do we have any late introductions? If not, I think I'd be remiss.

You know, I see Amy in the gallery who performs on behalf of Hawaiian and has performed in this chamber. And it seemed like Adrian Kamali and Blaine were joined at the hip as well as the chamber Director Sherry Manor in all of the various promotions that Hawaiian has helped us with.

If there are no objections from the Members, we'll call for a short recession to greet our honored guests.

Will the Senate please come to order?

Madam Clerk.

Beginning on page two, House communication number 427 returns Senate Bill 140, Senate draft two that passed third reading in the House in an amended form for agree Disagree.

Senator Wakai. Mr. President, I move that the Senate disagree to the amendments proposed by the House to Senate Bill 1.

Senator Favela.

Mr. President, I second the motion.

It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Any objections hearing None. The motion is Carried conferees will be named at a later date.

House communication numbers 428 and 429 transmit various House Concurrent Resolutions which were adopted in the House for referral to Committee. So ordered on pages 3 to 5, state standing Committee report numbers 1509 to 1526 and on pages 6 through 13, standing Committee report numbers 1537 to 1558. For one day notice so ordered on page 5.

Standing Committee report numbers 1527 to 1534. For 48 hour notice so ordered beginning on page 6, standing Committee report numbers 1535 and 1536 for adoption. Senator Wakai.

Mr. President, I move for the adoption of standing Committee reports numbers 1535 to 1536.

Senator Favela, I second the motion. It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Any objections? If not, the motion is carried. Beginning on page 13, advise and consent. If there are no objections from the Members, we will be taking advice and.

Consent on consent on pages 13 to 17. Standing Committee report numbers 1492 to 1507. On governor's messages for adoption.

Is there any discussion? If not, do we have unanimous consent? Any reservations? Any no votes? Senator Awa.

Mahalo Pelekikena. Please mark down my no votes to GM523, GM577, GM542, GM543, GM527, GM574, GM576, GM637, GM528, GM635 and GM636. With the way our Governor has been. Addressing health issues, with all due respect. I don't feel comfortable supporting any of. The candidates that he picks regarding health matters. Thank you.

Thank you. Any other no votes?

Not. Mr. President. So there are 2023 ayes for all GMs except for the ones that Senator Awa voted no. That would be 22 and one. The nominees for said governor's messages have been confirmed. On page 18. Standing Committee report number 1508.

On governor's message number 642, Ryan Yamane, Gubernatorial nominee as Director of the Department of Human Services for adoption.

Is there any discussion? Senator San Buenaventura.

Mr. President, may I rise for late introduction of a nominee who has been just approved, who is present in the gallery.

No, no. You can introduce why we should be voting so that he could be approved. Then we could introduce. No, this is. Zero, somebody else. zero, okay. I got. I'm on the same page now. Yes.

Okay. Thank you very much. So Colleagues, I'd like to take a moment to recognize Forrest Wells, who has just been approved. Thank you very much. For the State Council, Mental health is dedicacy. His dedication to mental health advocacy and commitment to serving our community make him a valuable addition to the Council.

Honored to have him present the gallery and join me in acknowledging his service and commitment. Mahalo for being here.

My apologies, Senator San Buenaventura. Madam Clerk. Did you read? So now I recognize you again, Senator San Buenaventura Ventura on Governor's nominee Ryan Yamani.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President and esteemed colleagues. I'm proud to introduce my former colleague Rania to the Senate for consideration for the position of Director to Department of Human Services. You know, I normally ask my staff to write my speech for me, but in this case, I had to do it myself.

Ryan is no stranger to public service. By the time I came into the House, he had already served a decade for the people of Hawaii. You know, I did not really come to admire him until I read a short blurb in the local paper about his volunteer work.

At that time going to Florida for the Parkland shooting, counseling the survivors and those who needed help for the Red Cross. So upon his return, I don't know if you remember this, I publicly acknowledged and welcomed him to the House floor. It coincided with Rep. Lohan's recitation of the 17 Parkland victims.

It was a mass shooting that really struck the hearts of all of the U.S. indeed, during the Red Cross anniversary ceremony held at Iolani palace some years later, Ryan Yamane was the only Legislator honored for his years and voluntary service as an advanced disaster mental health volunteer with the Red Cross.

Now, prior to joining the Administration as Deputy Director of D herd, Mr. Yamani served as House Chief Chair of Health and Human Services, my counterpart. In that capacity, we tackled the many issues plaguing the Human services, including a futile attempt to hold those receiving payments as guardians of abused foster children accountable, even after permanent guardianship was awarded.

This was the session when we attempted to help Department of Human Services after the disappearance and abuse of Ariel Sellers Isabella Kaluna came to light. Now, this attempt to push the boundaries later led to the Governor's veto and really the sole basis for any opposition testimony in Yamane's confirmation.

So I bet at this time he regrets my introducing him. But I just want to point out that incident because it shows his heart and it shows his willingness to push the boundaries to protect abused children and his continuing learning ability to navigate the labyrinth of guidelines that the Director needs to Follow.

So almost all of us know him as a Legislator, but until I read his resume, I did not know that he has a dual master's in Executive Business Administration and in Social Work, and that is also Dale Carnegie graduate. Now, the last thing really kind of amazed me.

But so like any, you know, like any director's nominee, there's a list of directors, administrators, and in Mr. Yamana's case, former colleagues like Isaac Choi, Dwight Takameni, who also knew his father, Brian Yamane. And Ryan has now gone beyond his father father's footsteps. So, colleagues, I invite you to read his resume. Because his credentials are long.

I only mentioned the highlights. The varied testimony submitted for his confirmation stated his thoughtfulness, his ability to collaborate, his ability to assess different perspectives because he will need all of that in leading the largest Department in the state. As one supporter aptly stated, Mr.

Yamani will face no shortage of challenges because we are confident that he will provide strong, decisive and effective leadership as DHS Director. Frankly, the best oral testimony that came from the hearing was that from Director Louis Salavera, who said that Ryan Yamane has the heart of a Filipino. So, colleagues, Mr.

Yamani is not only qualified in education and experience for this job, it's as if he is made for this job. So I urge you to vote in his favor. Thank you. Further discussion.

Senator Favela, Senator, President Rice on GM642 and strong support.

Please proceed.

Prior to him having this position, when I got to this square building, hanging out with the House and the Senate, he was one of the few. Few greeted me with open arms. No matter what background or what party I belonged to. Hanging out with him and being with him, he was a party within himself.

And I enjoy working with him when he was in the House and I'm going to enjoy working with him in his new position at the Department of Human Services. Reason why I stand up in strong support. From day one, he hit it on the ground coming and meeting me at my office.

One of the best things about him, coming to my office and being able to share with him the social issues we have on our west side. He always brought his own beverage. I never ever had to give him his own soda. He always brought his own soda, which was great.

But right now he's working with me and my family on the west side on some troublesome issues that he takes very seriously and a hands on approach. A lot of the directors and a lot of people are not going to speak for every Director. A lot of them would hand it off to other people, not Ryan.

He really wants to see and see how he can make a difference in our social issues.

What Senator San Ben Vetoura said about our child abuse and this is one of the cases that we had brought up to his attention and that this coming Saturday, if I'm not mistaken, he's going to go out there and take a hands on approach.

So there's no doubt in the confidence that I have in him moving forward and getting our communities and our state in a position that we can trust the Department of Human Services when it comes to our children and our neglected children. So again, thank you, Senate President.

Thank you. Further discussion. Senator Aquino, thank you very much.

Senate President in support of GM642, please proceed. As many of you know, I've known the DHS nominee for over 17 years. Most of it was good. His abilities and legislative experience are unique blend that's necessary to lead a Department that is set to be impacted by the Current Federal Administration.

I have no reservations based on my personal observations over time that this nominee is more than capable and has the intestinal fortitude to carry out the needed and important programs DHS houses.

Yes, he has a reputation of being fiery, sometimes emotional, drinks too much diet soda, is a terrible joke teller, but he is astute again astute in human services policies and issues.

Being a former subject matter Committee chair, it was mentioned by the HHS Chair that this is likely to be the most challenging, most difficult position among the Governor's cabinet, mainly due to the sheer size of the Department and its reliance on federal money.

I will say again, based on my experiences in serving in the House Chamber with the nominee, he is more than ready to serve and to do a good job. On behalf of the State of Hawaii, I urge my colleagues to support Governor's Message 642 nominating Ryan Yamani as the HS Director. Malo.

Thank you, Senator Elefante.

Thank you, Mr. President. In support of GM 642, please proceed. Thank you. Aside from hearing Director Yamani's laugh from over a mile away, it's very contagious.

I had the opportunity to work with this nominee during my time on the Honolulu City Council when both him and I were Members of the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and at that time, Director Yamane, we had to look for an Executive Director during some challenging times where federal funding was really on the brink of whether we would get it or not.

And it's because of his expertise and background knowledge we were able to successfully find someone. So I feel that he is very qualified and capable to lead this Department, given many experiences and backgrounds that he has so. And full support and thank you so much, Mr. President.

Thank you. Further discussion. Senator Kidani.

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise in support of GM642.

Please proceed.

For Mr. Ryan Yamani. I would like to say, besides him being my constituent and a good friend, we ran for office about the same time and well, actually he was there a year before me and in the house, but he stood by me sign waving.

I learned about a lot about him and how many friends he has in his constituency because of his dedication to the community. And I'm sure he'll use the same effort for all of Hawaii. Thank you, Ryan, for wanting to serve.

Thank you. Further discussion. Senator Decoit.

Thank you, Mr. President. Our rising strong support of GM642, I just would like to share, you know, I've had the privilege and honor to serve in the house with Mr. Yamani. When I first came in to the house, it was again, as the Senator Elefante said, that contagious laugh.

He was that well rounded individual that made you feel welcome when you came into the house. At the same time, there was never a dull moment. He could be the laugh of the day. At the same time, he would take his job as seriously as possible. He never left out the rural areas.

He always considered the help that we needed and took a strong stance when it came to supporting his neighbor island people as well. One incident that we shared was when we were in Louisiana.

And I can tell you as much as the conference that we were at and the work that we had done at that time, my husband had had kidney stones. And while we had him resting on one side, Ryan was, you need to go back and check on him.

In this case, we ended up rushing him back to the hospital while Mr. Yamane calls over to check on my husband. And I'm like, Ryan, he's perfectly fine. You know, just having that type of outreach from somebody like that. I have full trust that Mr. Yamani will do a great job in his profession moving forward.

And for those reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote in strong support of Mr. Yamani. Thank you.

Thank you. Further discussion.

Mr.

President, Senator Kim.

I wasn't going to rise because I. Have too much, too many things to say about Ryan. It would take too long. But I do want to say I have the privilege of also working with his dad, Brian, and was very happy when Ryan started also to follow in. His footsteps steps and I know that.

He will continue to do a good job for all of us. So thank you.

Thank you for the discussion. If not, do we have unanimous consent? Any reservations? Any no votes? No vote for Senator Awa.

22 eyes. 1 no.

Thank you. Ryan Yamani has been confirmed as the Director of the Department of Human Services. Senator San Buenaventura.

Thank you, Mr. President. I now introduce Director Yamane to the Senate. Will his supporters and family also please rise? Congratulations.

Again. When we're adjourned, we'll invite the Director and his family down to the floor to be congratulated and have pictures. I know you don't have eyes in the back of your head, Director Yamani, But I want you to know that Director Salivero was the last to stand to clap.

Madam Clerk. Beginning on page 18. Adoption of resolutions standing Committee report numbers 1422-1469 and 1474-1478 on Senate Concurrent Resolutions and Senate resolutions for adoption. Senator Wakai.

Mr. President, I move for the adoption of standing Committee reports numbers 1422-1469 and 1474-40. 1478 on Senate Concurrent Resolutions and Senate resolutions for adoption.

Senator Favela, second that motion. It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Any objections? Do we have reservations? Senator Awa.

Mahalo palakikana. Please mark down my no votes for scr110, Sr91, scr65, Sr50. Scr61, sr46, scr204, sr164, scr209, sr184, scr126, sr105. Thank you.

Thank you. Any other no votes? Any reservations? If not, we are at what, 23 and 1 no on those resolutions identified by Senator Awa. So said resolutions have been adopted beginning on page 33.

Third reading.

If there are no objections from the Members, we will be taking third reading on consent.

Third reading of House Bill 413, Senate draft one relating to lobbyist contributions.

Is there any discussion? If not, do we have unanimous consent? Any reservations? Any no votes?

23 eyes.

Thank you. House Bill 413, HD1SD1 passes. Third reading.

Standing Committee report number 1470. Third reading of House Bill 162. Senate draft one relating to collective bargaining.

Is there any discussion? If not, do we have unanimous consent? Any reservations? Any no votes? 23 ayes. Thank you. House Bill 162, HD2SD1 passes.

Third reading on page 34. Standing Committee report number 1471. Third reading of House Bill 396. Senate draft 1 relating to compensation for court appointed counsel is There any discussion?

If not, do we have unanimous consent? Any reservations? Any? No votes?

23 ayes.

Thank you. House Bill 396 HD1SD1 passes.

Third reading Standing Committee Report Number 1472. Third reading of House Bill 429, Senate Draft 1 relating to early learning.

Is there any discussion? If not, do we have unanimous consent? Any reservations? Any no votes, 23 ayes. Thank you. House Bill 429 HD1SD1 passes.

Third reading, Standing Committee Report Number 1473. Third reading of House Bill 433, Senate Draft 1 relating to public safety.

Is there any discussion? If not, do we have unanimous consent? Any reservations? Any no votes, 23 ayes. Thank you. House Bill 433 HD1SD1 passes. Third reading. Referrals and re referrals. Referrals and re referrals are made in accordance with the supplemental orders of the day that may be filed later today.

No further business. Mr. President.

Are there any announcements today, Mr.

President. Senator Aquino, Point of personal privilege, please. May I be permitted a late introduction? Please proceed. Joining Director Yamani is his wife, Jennifer Yamane. Please stand. As well as Mr. And Mrs. Brian Yamani, his parents. Please stand. Thank you very much, Mr. President.

Thank you. Any further announcements? Senator Hashimoto?

Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, I just wanted to let you know that tomorrow is Alzheimer's Advocacy Day. Here at the Capitol. Advocates will be out in the Rotunda from 9:45 to 2:30. And there will be presentation in the morning in the auditorium at 10 o' clock for the power of early detection.

And at 2:20 all the Members are. Invited for to join the Advocates for a press conference with a group photo to follow in the rotunda. Again, you can wear purple. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. Any further announcements, Senator wakai?

Thank you, Mr. President. April 2nd is a very special day for a young lady who supports a majority of us. I'd like to wish happy birthday to Kathleen Lee, our Senate Comms Director.

So, Senator Gabbard, is a floor introduction by a Member of the body of a non Member of the body worthy of toffee for their birthday is really the burning question. Further announcements? If not, the Chair has two the deadline to file Standing Committee reports on Senate Concurrent Resolutions to meet. Tomorrow's first crossover deadline is 5pm today.

Later this evening, the Clerk's office will distribute a list of all resolutions scheduled for adoption tomorrow. All majority Senators, please report to the Majority Caucus Room immediately after we adjourn and congratulate our new Director. If there are no further announcements. Senator Wakai Mr.

President, I move that the Senate stand in recess, leaving the journal open until 5pm for for the receipt of Standing Committee reports on Senate Concurrent Resolutions and Senate resolutions to be placed on the calendar for adoption. And I further move that the Senate reconvene at 11:30am tomorrow.

Senator Decord.

Mr. President, I second the motion.

It's been moved and seconded. If there are no objections from the Members, the Senate will stand in recess, leaving the journal open until 5pm and will reconvene at 11.30am to tomorrow.

SA.