Senate Floor

Will the Senate please come to order, madam clerk? Please call the roll.

[Roll Call] 23 present, 2 excused.

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

Mr. President and colleagues, it is my honor to introduce our speaker for today's moment of contemplation, a proud graduate of Papa Hana O'Kaiona along with her family and with her, Kumus. When I call your name, please stand to be recognized. And colleagues, please hold your applause till the end. Our speaker, Brianna Joshua, her mom, Bernice Joshua, her cousin, Isaiah Kalani, also recognizing the dedicated staff of Papahana O Ka'ona, the individuals who show up every day to guide, uplift, and believe in our students. When I call your name, please stand to be recognized.

Kumu Danielle Panui, Kumu Nicole Mikes, Kumu Shannon Bukakis, Kumu Christine Ganoza, Kumu Carrie Debuska, counselor Kayselle Mamane Tapeni, office clerk Chelsea Belfort, vice principal Ryan Oshita, and the students and graduates of Papahana O Ka'ona. Let's all give them a round of applause, please. Mr. President, if I may ask for your indulgence as I continue this recognition and acknowledge others in the gallery.

Please proceed.

We are also joined by key partners that make this program possible. For the past four years, Papahana O Ka'ona has been operating out of a temporary space in Nanakuli, having to set up and break down their supplies and equipment every single day. Currently, they are in the process of securing their own property, a permanent home on the Wai'anae Coast. That effort has taken strong partnership and a lot of endurance from everyone involved. We are so honored to have with us in the gallery Kamehameha Schools, whose generosity over the past four years have provided Papahana o K'ona a place to call home in Nanakuli, giving students the stability and support they need during this important transition.

Please stand and be recognized when I call your name. Project Manager Kimmy Brown, Director of Communication Engagement Kalei Ka'ilihiva. Director of Government Relations Ras Makala. Government Relations Chance Fukushima. Please give them a round of applause.

Another important partner is the property owner who has shown tremendous patience, partnership, and truly cares about our youth on the coast and its future. From the coast comprehensive health center, vice president and interim director of Kaike Ola, licensed social worker, Please stand to be recognized. From the Department of Education for their continued partnership and work securing a permanent home for this program and its students. Assistant Superintendent Audrey Hidano and Camille, we have here visiting us in the gallery, if you would mind stand to be recognized. Thank you so much.

And finally, Mr. President, I wanna extend a sincere mahalo to you, this body, the chair and members of the committee on ways and means, and the chair and its members of the committee on education for recognizing the need for a program like this on the Waianae Coast, and helping it to move forward. So colleagues and everyone in the gallery, if I could please draw a round of applause, applause for everyone who has been a part of this program. And I see our awesome House of Representatives here, Representative Darius Keila, who has been a strong advocate for us in Nanakuli and for this program specifically. So representative, if you could please stand to be acknowledged. Oh, and representative Mora Oka on the Waianae Coast.

Let's give it up for the 96792 today.

It's a pleasure to welcome our guests from the lower chamber into our house.

Yes. Thank you. Thank you.

Yes. Okay.

You still have the floor, Senator. Okay.

Alright. Also, thank you guys so much for your indulgence. You know, it's such a far drive from Waianae. So have patience with us, since we have such a far drive in, and we appreciate it. In the gallery, I would also like to recognize current and former students of Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, Scrappa's Union 96792.

Their name is a powerful play on the word scrap. Choosing not to scrap each other, but scrap waste. This student led club was born out of climate concerns. But what makes them stand out is action. They are working to reduce greenhouse gases, divert waste from landfills, and bring cardboard shredders to every school across the state.

They have already secured over $100,000 in funding to extend their work, not just for themselves, but to give back to other schools. So far, they have donated cardboard shredders to schools on every island, making Kauai their last stop in June. At this time, I'd like to recognize these outstanding students. When I call your name, please stand to be recognized. Keola Mahoy, Jeremiah Magalonis, Kia Kaleiwahea, Isaiah Schott, Taryn Taniguchi, Keikalike Mikes, led by Kumu Nicole Mikes and Kumu Michelle Piper.

Let's make some noise for Scrappa's Union 96792. And it's important that we end this introduction with a huge hawkspider.

Mr. President.

I don't know if I wanna follow the Senator from Nānākuli and Wai‘anae. But, not to be outdone, Senate District 14 from Kalihi. We have two schools here for the student showcase. And, first with with Kalihi Waianae, fifth graders, when I call your name, please wave because I know some of you are standing back there. We have Irish, Wituda, Leila, Iselu, Irusela, I'm sorry.

Senator Kim?

Israela, Grace Mateo, and Mimolo Tunupopo, followed by their principal, Daniel Larkin, and vice principal, Deborah Heiler. They will all wave. Welcome to your state senate. Also, we have Kulia Academy seventh and eighth graders here. Students Maya Kota, she will wave.

Santa Cook, Bill Nguyen, Jack Sakai, Atlas James, Dylan Lee, Iualani Matthews, and Nikki Lowick. Please wave to the senators and welcome to the Senate Chamber. They are accompanied by Andy Gossi, teacher, Kelvin Fraser, Luca Fatuisi, Aileen, Arbitang, and James Maurice. Thank you so much for being here in our chambers. And finally, Mr. President, like I said, not to be outdone by the senator from Nanakuli.

I have one more, recognition up there. He's no stranger to this chamber. He served here with us. I wanna introduce senator Joe Tanaka from Maui with his family. Joe, if you can stand up still. Mr. President, I took his office and I'm still in his office when he vacated it. So his family, Jolie, Willie, Amy, Isamu, Taizo, Camille, and Rimi. You guys all stand and wave. Thank you.

Former Senator Tanaka is among an elite group who served at the council level for, in his case, Maui County and went straight to the state Senate bypassing the lower house in their service to the state. So thank you for your service, Joe, and to your family for sharing you with the rest of us here in Hawaii. Senator Rhoads, former House Member, I'm recognizing you next.

I mean, I don't even know what to do with that, Mr. President. I have two coalitions today that I'd like to just to I can't I don't I'd too many names to list, but I just want to, mention, and welcome to the Senate. First of all, we have Indivisible Hawaii statewide network that includes Kona Indivisible, Everytown, Moms Demand Action, Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, and League and League of Women Voters. Any anyone from those groups, could you please stand or wave, and welcome to the Senate. The second coalition is the Hawaii Tax Fairness Coalition.

They're also here to let us know what their priorities are. There are several groups involved in this. Catholic Charities of Hawaii. If I if you're in any of these groups, please please stand. Chamber of Sustainable Commerce, Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations, Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Children's Action Network Speaks, Hawaii Clubhouse Advocacy Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, Hawaii Public Health Institute, R Hawaii, and Reclaiming Democracy. All of you, welcome to the Senate. Mahalo.

Before, calling for further introductions, you might have seen the group from, Senator Kim's district after being introduced as politely and quietly exited our chamber because in fifteen minutes, the house session will begin, and I know they'll be introduced there to the coalition members that Senator Rhoads introduced. If you wanna keep us company, we welcome you if you're being introduced in the house. We understand as you politely and quietly make your way over to the house chamber. Further introductions. Senator Elefante, Senator Chang, Senator San Buenaventura will be third, then we'll find the rest.

Thank you, Mr. President. Joining us in the gallery, we have students from Purridge Elementary. When I call your name and for the principal, faculty, and staff, if you could please stand and if members could hold their applause until all are recognized, We have principal Kaui Nakamoto, teachers Corey Ferrera, Jennifer Omoto, Pete Ramos, and Tiffany Tawata. Joined by students giving their PBL showcase today, We have Ailey Valbuena, Harper Ramos, Presley Antonio, Austin Mijo, Grayson Enos, and Isabella Lau Seguro. Let's give them a warm welcome.

And Mr. President, just two more introductions. The second introduction is one of my schoolmates from Aiea High School is in the gallery who's a teacher at Mai Mai. Just wanna recognize Brett Asato. And lastly, Mr.

President, I have a special guest in the audience who is my uncle all the way from Riverside, California visiting us here for this week is mister Stanley Agbulos. If you could please stand. And he's joined by my office manager, Jan Salcedo. And I'll also say his favorite football team is the same football team as a senator from Kona. Go Chargers.

Thank you, Senator Chang and Senator San Buenaventura.

Thank you, Mr. President. In the gallery today, we have visiting advocates from the members of the Hawaii Coalition on Immigrant Rights. Please stand and be recognized. This coalition brings together community leaders, service providers, and advocates who work tirelessly to support immigrant and migrant communities across our islands. Their efforts help ensure that all Hawaii residents, regardless of where they were born, are treated with dignity, have access to essential services, and are able to fully participate in the life of the state.

And at when we get the names to you, may we have permission to insert the words into the journal? Thank you.

Senator San Buenaventura, then Senator Fukunaga.

Thank you, Senate President. I think I lost my elementary school. But in case they're still here, I'd like to introduce the Keio Elementary School. No. I think they went on to the next chamber. Thank you.

Thank you. Senator Fukunaga, then Senator Moriwaki.

Thank you very much, Senate President. I believe, Noilani Elementary School who was also here for the student showcase was also in the house, but they may have, recently departed. So I'd like to request that their names be entered into the journal since they were here earlier. Thank you.

Ordered. Senator Moriwaki, then Senator Kanuha.

Thank you, Mr.President. I have guests from the Luna Little Elementary School. I don't know if they're still here. They are.

They're waving.

Oh, good. Okay. So I have, Charlotte Mann, and they please stand when I call your name. Hue Huang Tran, Kikko Kurata, Suzu Kurata, Vin Victor Tran, their principal, Wendy Kao, and their English language coordinator, Tiffany Wong. Welcome to your Senate.

Senator Kanuha, then Senator Lamosao.

Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I would like to recognize three schools, faculty, chaperones, and students that traveled this morning to attend and participate in the 2026 Education Week Student Showcase at the Capitol. Would you please stand if you are still here or wave? Waimea High School. Kauai High School. And Kanui Kapauno Public Charter School in Anahola. Please stand and be recognized. Mister president, at the appropriate time, can I have permission to enter our visitors' names into the journal?

When my office gets them to the clerk, so ordered.

Thank you, Mr. President. May I offer another introduction if they're here as well? Proceed. This morning, I did meet with Nalehu Elementary School and Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. If you are present, can you please stand and be recognized? And, again, you talk about a distance traveled. Na'alehu Elementary School faced, I mean, in Waiohinu and Na'alehu, a lot of, flood damage this past weekend. So thank you for coming to your state capital. And mister president as well, can I enter their names into the journal?

So ordered. Thank you. Senator Lamosao and then Senator Dela Cruz, then Senator Lee.

Thank you, Senator Perez. I'm in the gallery. Joining us today is my alma mater where I started my marauder indoctrination, August Aaron's Elementary School. Can you be please rise to be recognized if you're still here? You're here with our principal, mister Han Yuan. Welcome to your Senate chamber. I have one more introduction. And then also from, Kapolei, we also have Ho'okelei Elementary School, with their principal, Brian Reinke. If you folks are here, you can also stand to be recognized as well. Welcome. Thank you, sir Perez.

Senator Dela Cruz, then Senator Lee.

Thank you, Mr. President. We have some students and faculty from Waihiwa Elementary, where I went to elementary school. And they're here for the student showcase. They're here to share their garden to table projects, which highlight the importance of sustainability, healthy living, and hands on learning. I'd like to recognize vice principal, Charlene Pang, teacher, Sherry Sue, and students, Olivia Kunkar and Faith Smith for being with here with us today. Oh, and the principal too. Mahalo for your hard work and dedication. Welcome to the capital.

Thank you, Senator Lee, then Senator Wakai, and then Senator DeCoite.

Thank you, Mr. President. I cannot see if folks are still here behind me, but earlier joining us were the principal, vice principal, and students from Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate. I'd like to welcome them to the Senate if they're still here or in the house. Thank you, Mr. President.

Senator Wakai, then senator DeCoite.

Thank you, mister president. So awesome to see so many people engaged in public policy discussions today, especially when they're children. And I wanna introduce all of you to special children from Alemanu Elementary School. They are here with their principal, Sanjay Yoshimi. If they students from Alemanu could please rise and be recognized. Thank you.

Senator DeCoite.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Then Senator Hashimoto.

I would like to introduce the the students and a principal from Lanai School. Principal Douglas Boyer, Monique Bolo, Jericho Jaramillo, students Georgia Begget, GN Lubos, Kareen Ochoa Ochoa Rona, and her and Zaden Boyer, as well as Kyren's mom, Michelet. Or, Shona, if you'd please rise. Welcome to the Senate. As well as we have Kaz Winky joining us here, with the light complex. Thank you.

Thank you. Before I called senator Hashimoto, I realized after senator Kanuha had recognized three schools on my behalf as I walked around this morning, Hanalei Elementary School had somehow been left out, so they have made it in from the North Shore Of Kauai. I'm glad that the bridge was open, and there was no flooding to prevent them from attending. And so how about a hand for Hanalei Elementary? We didn't forget you. So Senator Hashimoto.

Thank you, Mr. President. We have some Maui schools here for from Central Maui for the showcase today. So I wanted to introduce Puhukui Elementary School with their principal Chad Okamoto. Please stand. Welcome to the Senate. We have Chad and his students. You can stand up too, students. And then we also have Elementary School in the house. I don't know if they're still here with mister Jaden Asobe. If if they're still here, please stand to be recognized.

And and their their flights were canceled this morning, so they get kept getting bumped, so they finally got here. So but we're glad that you're here. Enjoy your time at the state capital, and we've asked if your names can be inserted into the journal when we get them to you. Thank you, president.

So ordered. Any further introductions? Senator Inouye, then Senator Keohokalole.

Thank you, Mr. President. I understand Hilo Connections Charter School is also around, but I don't see them here. However, if you are here and I don't recognize you, please stand, but we appreciate them coming all the way from Hilo. Thank you. Thank you, mister president. They probably just left.

Senator Keohokalole.

Thank you, Mr. President. Yeah. I met earlier in the Rotunda with student leaders, faculty, and, family from Mokapu Elementary and Castle High School on the Windward Side. And, I'd also like to welcome, constituent and community leader from the Windward side, Herb Lee. If you folks are here, please rise and let's give them a a round of applause. Thank you.

Any further introductions? Senator San Buenaventura?

Second time. On behalf of Senator Richards who isn't here, is Kohia High School still here? Also, they went to the House. Sorry.

So give them a hand.

Thank you.

Further introduction, Senator Awa?

I'd be remissed if I didn't honor Kahuku Elementary School, their principal, Ikaika Plunkett, who once back in the day when I was playing football, drove me almost to the hospital after I broke my ankle. So thanks for that. Never got to tell you thanks. And the students and staff, for coming.

Further introductions. If not, Senator Kidani, we didn't forget you.

Mr. President, thank you. Today, you have probably heard the energy and excitement coming from the Rotunda as well as here in the gallery. Some of our students are joining us here on the Capitol and in the gallery today. 33 schools from DOE public and charter schools are sharing their incredible work in their school communities. Welcome to your state capital.

Today is the fourth day of Senate education week. We are proud to honor the remarkable accomplishments of our national blue ribbon schools and the outstanding counselors recognized by the Hawaii School Counselor Association. These schools have demonstrated exceptional academic excellence, and these counselors have shown extraordinary dedication to guiding and supporting our students. Their achievements reflect the very best of Hawaii's public education system, and we are grateful for the impact they make every day. Our first honoree joining us today is my constituent, the 2026 Hawaii School Counselor Association Counselor of the Year, Marissa Tayaoka.

Over the past four years, Marissa has held a strategic campaign to reduce chronic absenteeism at Kaala Elementary by chairing the school's attendance cadre and guiding biweekly reviews. She also serves on the attendance review council and leads the school attendance review team, collaborating to remove barriers to regular attendance. In the 202324 school year, she partnered with the city's department of transportation services to launch a walking school bus route, expanding safe, reliable access to the campus. As a result, DOE data shows that the school's attendance score increased by 32 points since 2021-2022. Please join me in applauding Marissa's achievements and welcome welcoming her guests to the gallery, Grant, Grayson, Edison, and Harrison Toyo Oka.

Are you here? Congratulations and mahalo, Marissa. I now turn the floor over to the senator from District 6.

Senator McKelvey.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mahalo. I'm excited to join you in a difficult

Technical difficulties. Alright. Let's try this again. Mahalo. I'm excited to join you in recognizing the 2025 Hawaii School Counselor Association Council of the Year, Leika Anitema.

Could you please stand to be recognized? Very proud to to talk about Lekha today. She is dedicated to ensuring students across Maui County have equitable access to successful futures regardless of their background. She expands opportunities across all post secondary pathways, including college, trades, military service, and our local workforce. She also launched the county's first Hawaii based college fair and spearheaded Maui County's first annual senior hiring event, connecting students from all three islands with local employers offering living wages.

Thank you for that, especially. Grounded in their Tongan American heritage and island upbringing, LECA champions inclusive advocacy and opportunity for all students. On behalf of myself, senator DeCoite, and senator Hashimoto, congratulations to our 2025 Hawaii School Counselor Association counselor of the year, LECA. Mahalo Lakind. You may be seated, and I now would be honored to turn the floor over to the senator from District 9 so he may introduce a constituent from his district.

Senator Chang.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today, I have the honor of recognizing mayor John H Wilson Elementary as a 2025 national blue ribbon school. Accepting this honor on behalf of the school is principal Ryan Amini. Please stand and be recognized. Under the leadership of principal Amina, Wilson Elementary has demonstrated outstanding academic performance exceeding statewide averages by 21 percentage points in English language arts, 33 points in mathematics and 24 points in science.

Serving more than 500 students in the Kalani Complex, Wilson offers a strong growth mindset and prioritizes social social emotional learning to ensure that every keiki feels safe and ready to learn. The school's culture of high expectations collaboration and continuous improvement exemplifies the very best of Hawaii's public education system. Joining principal Amini in the gallery are faculty members, physical education teacher, mister Max Kaneshiro. Please stand. Japanese sensei Matsutaka Shiho Sensei.

Students, Olivia Umaki, Dylan Hirata, Mikko Shea, and Ikaika Morales. And I believe they're also joined by complex area superintendent, Rochelle Mahoy. Congratulations again to Wilson Elementary School on their Blue Ribbon recognition. Mahalo Principal Amini, please be seated and I now yield the floor to the senator from District 19.

Senator Lamosao.

Thank you, Senator President. It is my pleasure to introduce the school in my district as the second school recognized as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School, Manana Elementary School. Accepting this honor on behalf of the school is principal Lisa Tominaga. Lisa, please stand to be recognized. Manana Elementary School, led by principal Tominaga, takes a balanced approach to education that supports both strong academics and social emotional development.

The school's academic performance exceeds statewide averages by 24 percentage points in English, English language arts, 39 points in math, and 36 points in science. Serving approximately 270 students in the Pearl City Complex, Manana Elementary is committed to providing a high quality, standard based education that prepares students to thrive as responsible global citizens. Please join me in congratulating Manana Elementary School. I now yield the floor to the senator from Senate District 17.

Senator Dela Cruz.

Mahalo, Mr. President. I have the privilege of honoring our next honoree, the 2025 National Blue Ribbon School, Milani Mauka Elementary. Accepting this honor on their behalf is the principal Kyle Shimabukuro. Mililani Mauka Elementary has demonstrated exceptional academic success exceeding statewide averages by 29% average points in English language arts, 42 points in mathematics, and 34 points in science. With more than 600 students, the school nurtures well rounded reflective learners.

The school success is driven by a fully licensed and experienced teaching staff, strong data driven and grade level collaboration, and deep commitment to professional development focused on fundamental reading skills and inclusive practices. Please join me in congratulating, Mililani Mauka Elementary School and in the in the gallery for it here in support we also have Kaz Ernest Mu, vice principal Osiris Terada, and student services coordinator Scott Miyagi. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Senator Kidani.

Oh, wait. I forgot. I'm so they're not here though, but, although they're unable to join us today, I'd also like to recognize a couple of people. Jody Karuyama, Leeward District's Pro City Waipahu Complex Area Teacher of the Year. She lives in Wahiawa.

She served as the curriculum coordinator in at Manana Elementary for the past six years and has been with the school for thirteen years. In her current role, she coaches and supports teachers to foster best practices, develops and administers assessments, to monitor student progress and collaborates with teachers to analyze data to identify areas for growth and intervention. I'd also like to recognize our second honoree who could also not be here, 2025 US presidential scholar, Lisa Takara. While a student at Milani High, Lisa excelled as a scholar and leader participating in robotics, student government, multiple honor societies, and community service. She graduated as valedictorian while earning an associate degree in natural science with a focus on information and computer science through dual enrollment at Leeward Community College, and now pursues a dual degree in engineering and applied statistics at Purdue University.

Congratulations, Jody and Lisa. Thank you, Mr. President.

Senator Kidani. Oh, did you have something, Senator Rhoads? Senator Kidani.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President, and congratulations to all of our awardees today. Senate president and colleagues, If you had a chance to walk through our capital today, you probably heard and saw our department of education schools and Hawaii public charter school commission campuses showcasing student work and offering us a firsthand look at the incredible learning taking place across Hawaii's public schools. 33 public and charter schools are here today showcasing showcasing the passion of our educators and the remarkable promise of our students. Senate president, I respectfully request that the names of the students and teachers participating in today's showcase be included in the Senate Journal on once once submitted.

I look forward to returning tomorrow as we conclude our Senate education week celebration. Mahalo and all the youth.

And so honored to your request. Thank you. To our honored guests, if they patiently sit in a matter of a few minutes, we will conclude our agenda. We will adjourn and then the members will take photographs and congra with you, congratulate you and the sergeant at arms will escort friends and family who are here to the floor. After the Members take pictures, then feel free to take pictures with your honored guests that you are here to support today. Madam Clerk?

Governor's message numbers 771 to 774 transmit nominations to various boards and commissions.

Governor's message numbers 771 to 774 are referred in accordance with the referrals listed on the order of the day.

On page two, House communication numbers 446 and 447 transmit various House Bills which passed third reading in the House for first reading and referral to committee.

Senator Wakai.

Mister president, I move that said House Bills pass first reading by title and be referred to committee.

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 three, Standing Committee Report number 3102 for adoption.

Senator Wakai.

Mr. President, I move for the adoption of Standing Committee Report number 3102

Senator DeCorte.

Mr. Pesident, I second the motion.

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

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, mister president.

Are there any announcements today? Senator Kim.

Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.

Please proceed.

Mr. President, I wanna thank you and principal from Waimea High School for sharing with me the stories of Kupuna. It's a narratives from the West Side Of Kauai, a collection of interviews by Lucy Newton, a student at Waimea. And it has its wonderful stories, but this is the exact kind of storybook and and student, authorship that we have a bill that's passed over from our house, our Senate to the house. And so I just want to acknowledge that DOE is already doing some of this in the schools and that that bill will make it something that all the schools can do. So thank you for sharing that.

Thank you. Any further announcements? If not, Senator Wakai.

Mr. President, I move that the Senate stand adjourn until 11:30AM 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 11:30AM tomorrow.