HAWAI ʻ I ISLAND  – This past month, m embers of the House Finance Committee visited Hawaiʻi Island to see firsthand several projects and programs supported by the Legislature. During the visit, committee members met with stakeholders to discuss community needs, assess ongoing initiatives, and identify key priorities for the upcoming legislative session.   The site visits, which took place from December 9 – 11, 2025, provided a glimpse into Hawaiʻi Island's priority items.  

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  – House Speaker Nadine K. Nakamura today shared a list of laws taking effect on January 1, 2026.   ACT 79, SLH 2025 (HB 544 CD1)  – Relating to Pet Insurance Establishes a regulatory framework specifically for pet insurance based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Pet Insurance Model Act.   ACT 203, SLH 2025 (HB 692 CD1)  – Relating to the Preschool Open Doors Program Expands the Preschool Open Doors Program's eligibility criteria. Repe

HONOLULU  – The Hawaiʻi State Legislature today announced that the Grant-In-Aid (GIA) process for the 2026 Legislative Session is now open, and eligible organizations are asked to submit their applications to the Legislature.   "Local nonprofits provide critical safety net programs in our communities and the grants-in-aid process provides an opportunity to help meet the needs of our vulnerable populations," said Senate Committee on Ways and Means Chair Donovan M. Dela Cruz  (

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  – Legislators shared statements following the December 3, 2025, announcement of a public-private partnership to expand healthcare access on Hawai‘i Island. The initiative, unveiled by Governor Josh Green, The Queen’s Health Systems, and the West Hawaiʻi Region of the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, is expected to strengthen services and improve care for communities across the island.   “This partnership is a long-awaited step forward for West Hawaiʻi, a

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  – Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi and House Speaker Nadine K. Nakamura today released the 2026 Legislative Session calendar, which will convene on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.   ###

HONOLULU, HI  – Members of the Native Hawaiian Caucus of the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives met privately with Governor Josh Green on Friday, November 14, to share concerns and perspectives regarding ongoing negotiations over military land leases and potential federal condemnation efforts. The Caucus expressed appreciation for the Governor’s willingness to meet and discuss these complex issues, while underscoring the urgent need for meaningful and continuous consultation wi

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –   The Hawaiʻi State Legislature today announced funding decisions for the Act 310, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi (SLH) 2025 Nonprofit Grants Program, awarding $50 million to support nonprofits impacted by recent federal funding delays and reductions. Act 310 appropriates funds to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Office of Community Services (OCS) to distribute grants for fiscal year 2025–2026.   From October 13 – 24, 2025, the program received 2

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  – As food insecurity and the impacts of federal funding reductions to essential programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) continue to affect local families, the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives is pleased to announce the release of funding for the Farm to Families initiative, a Legislature-funded program that enables local food banks to purchase, store, and distribute fresh, Hawaiʻi-grown produce to residents in need.   "Farm to

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi — The Council of State Governments has named Hawaiʻi House Representative Trish La Chica a recipient of the 2025 CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award . The award honors the bipartisan leadership and public service of 20 emerging elected and appointed state officials across all four CSG regions. “I’m honored to be recognized among leaders who share a deep commitment to public service,” said Representative La Chica. “This recognition is really about the work we’re

Maui, Hawaiʻi  – Maui Representatives issued the following statement regarding the passing of Councilmember Tasha Kama:   "On behalf of the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family members of the late Tasha Kama. Our community has lost a dedicated public servant who led with strength, dedication, and compassion. She represented the values of aloha and ʻ ohana that we hold so dearly in our Maui community and the state of Hawai ʻ i."  

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Hawaiʻi House of Representatives Leadership issued the following statement today:   “As the legal process continues, the House reaffirms its respect for Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop’s vision, the integrity of her legacy, and Hawai‘i’s constitutional commitment to Native Hawaiian education.   Kamehameha Schools’ enduring work to cultivate leadership rooted in aloha ʻāina, advance Hawaiian language and culture, and strengthen community stewardship aligns c

MAUI  – Last week, m embers of the House Finance Committee visited Maui to see firsthand several projects and programs supported by the Legislature. Throughout the visit, committee members met with stakeholders to discuss community needs, assess ongoing initiatives, and identify key priorities for the upcoming legislative session.   The site visits, which took place from October 8 – 9, 2025, provided a glimpse into Maui’s progress in recovery, resilience, and community growth

HONOLULU  – Today, the evaluation committee established by Act 310, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2025, ( SB 933 ) announced the opening of the application process for $50 million in nonprofit grants. Act 310 appropriates funding to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Office of Community Services (OCS) to award grants for fiscal year 2025-2026. To support the administration and distribution of grant awards, OCS has contracted the services of Aloha United Way.    These

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  – Have you ever been interested in learning about the inner workings of the State Government? Do you want to help make...

HONOLULU – The National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) has selected Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Senate District 14 – Kapālama,...

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  – House Representatives Cory M. Chun (D-35, Portions of Pearl City and Waipahu, Crestview) and Rachele F. Lamosao...

Kona, Hawaiʻi – Today, the Kona community celebrated the launch of Nā Hulu Wehi, a new enhancement to the Kona Adult Drug Court designed...

KAUAʻI  – This week, m embers of the House Finance Committee, led by Chair Chris Todd and the Kauaʻi delegation consisting of Speaker...

Kāne‘ohe, Hawaiʻi  – Representatives Lisa Kitagawa and Scot Z. Matayoshi are sponsoring their 6 th  Annual Community Drive-Thru Flu Shot...

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  – Representative Darius K. Kila is reminding the public that the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) is...