Governor of Hawaii
Recent News About Governor of Hawaii
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Hawai'i's April unemployment rate holds steady at 3.1 percent
The Hawai'i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has announced that the state's unemployment rate for April remained steady at 3.1 percent. The department attributes this stability to seasonal fluctuations in employment and unemployment, which reflect hiring and layoff patterns associated with regular events such as the winter holiday season and the summer vacation season.
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Kids to Parks Day' event celebrates outdoor lifestyle
On May 14, 2024, families gathered for a day of fun at the 'Kids to Parks Day' event. The day was filled with various activities such as hula hoop contests, a design-your-own-kite activity, nursery tours, and many other environmental education activities provided by a dozen community partner organizations.
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New curator chosen for Hawai'i's Royal Mausoleum, Mauna 'Ala
Mauna ‘Ala, known as the fragrant hills, is the Royal Mausoleum established in 1865. It serves as the final resting place for the ruling monarchs of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i and is a revered state monument and culturally significant wahi pana. The remains of the Kamehameha and Kalākaua Dynasties, their families, and close advisors are entombed here.
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Hawai'i DOH approves reopening of Redfish Poke by Foodland
On May 13, 2024, the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch gave Redfish Poke by Foodland a green placard and approved its reopening. This decision came after a follow-up inspection found that all critical food safety violations had been corrected. The establishment, located at 2375 Ala Wai Blvd., had previously received a red placard on May 10, 2024, leading to its immediate closure. However, a subsequent inspection conducted on May 13, 2024 revealed that all violations had been resolved.
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New Tenant Screening Fee Regulations Implemented in Hawaii Since May 2024
As of May 1, 2024, a new law governing tenant screening fees was implemented to protect renters and promote transparency in the rental application process. The law, enacted as Act 200 (SLH 2023) and codified in Hawai‘i Revised Statutes § 521-46, restricts landlords from charging an applicant for a residential dwelling unit a tenant screening fee that exceeds the actual cost to obtain information about the applicant.
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Hawai'i Governor emphasizes wildfire preparation, updates mitigation efforts
Governor Green and top officials in Hawaiʻi have emphasized the importance of wildfire preparation and updated mitigation efforts. A proclamation was signed and presented to the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), the Department of Land and Natural Resources, its Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and the HWMO. The proclamation highlights the significance of wildfire mitigation and risk-reduction preparedness, while reaffirming the government's commitment to protecting the state.
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Hawaii Department of Agriculture issues RFPs for beetle control projects
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for community-based projects aimed at controlling the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle. The application information for RFP-24-02-PI is available on the State Procurement Office website, and proposals must be submitted electronically to the HDOA by noon on June 7, 2024.
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Governor Ige urges collective action against invasive species
In a bid to combat the growing threat of invasive species, Governor David Ige has issued a proclamation urging collective action. The governor's office released the proclamation on May 10, 2024, during a ceremony at the Hawaii State Art Museum (HISAM).
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DOH finds no widespread lead exposure from Maui wildfires
The Department of Health (DOH) has disclosed the results of lead screening conducted at a series of community events between December 2023 and February 2024, which were attended by individuals affected by the Maui wildfires. The screenings were a collaborative effort between DOH Public Health Nurses and the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii (HMHB). Despite wildfire ash containing substantial concentrations of lead, the findings do not suggest widespread human exposure to toxins in the ash.
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Hawai'i teachers enhance skills through Creative Industries Educator Externship
Hawai‘i teachers recently participated in a free Creative Industries Educator Externship on May 2, 2024. The event was designed to enhance their understanding of career pathways and technical skills in digital design, fashion design, and media. The externship was organized by the Hawai‘i State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Creative Industries Division (CID), in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i, University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges and the Good Jobs Hawai‘i coalition.
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Hawaii forest reserve closed for Ha‘ikū Stairs removal
A portion of a forest reserve in Hawaii has been closed to facilitate the removal of the Ha‘ikū Stairs, according to a news release from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The area affected by the closure is bounded by the Kulanaʻahane Trail to the north, the Kamananui Valley Road and an unofficial trail known as Waolani to the south, and the Koolau summit ridgeline to the east.
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Maui County's Towing Operators Remove Vehicles at Kahului Harbor, Addressing Complaints and Illegal Activities
Local towing operators, under contract to Maui County, put cars and trucks, some without tires or in various states of repair, onto flatbed trucks. Behind them, DOBOR staff and workers from a private contractor finished the work they started a week ago cleaning up encampments. For months, DOBOR Maui District Manager Paul Sensano received complaints about the conditions of harbor facilities. An initial clean-up in January was followed by last week’s and today’s. “It was quite an effort and as we’re winding down certain tasks did not get accomplished,” Sensano said. More than a...
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Gov. Green Considers Seven Nominees for Four Judicial Vacancies
Governor Green is currently considering seven nominees for four judicial vacancies in the state of Hawai‘i. The nominees include Harvey Michael Demetrakopoulos, an attorney with Shim & Chang specializing in personal injury litigation; Timothy Eric Ho, a judge in the District Court of the First Circuit; Dyan Marie Medeiros, a district family court judge in the Family Court of the First Circuit; and Steven Richard Nichols, deputy public defender and Felony Division Supervisor in the Office of the Public Defender.These nominees bring a wealth of experience and expertise to...
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Woman Charged for Alleged Theft of Over $44,000 in Union Members' Dues Payments
Attorney General Anne Lopez expressed her concern over the alleged embezzlement of union dues by Lilinoe Smith, stating, "Stealing from union members is a serious breach of trust. Union members expect that when they pay their dues that the money is being used for union business." Lopez also thanked the U.S. Department of Labor for their investigation and collaboration in prosecuting the matter.Ed Oquendo, District Director of the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Labor-Management Standards, highlighted the importance of safeguarding union funds, stating, "We are...
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Gov. Green Signs Six Good Government Bills into Law in Hawai'i
Gov. Green has signed six good government bills into law, reinforcing Hawaiʻi’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and citizen participation in governance. The bills are seen as significant strides towards ensuring good governance and upholding public trust.In a statement, Governor Green said, "These bills collectively reinforce Hawaiʻi’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and citizen participation in governance."The bills signed into law aim to further accountability and transparency in Hawai'i, promoting good governance practices. Photos from the...
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DOH Issues Notice of Violation and Order to Unlicensed Care Home
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Office of Health Care Assurance (OHCA) took action against an unlicensed adult residential care home in ʻEwa Beach, Hawaiʻi. Nenita Mauricio, operating under Private Home Duty LLC, received a Notice of Violation and Order (NOVO) for disregarding licensing regulations.According to the DOH, Mauricio's unlicensed adult residential care home accommodated at least six unrelated residents, triggering multiple complaints and subsequent investigations. Mauricio, a certified nurse aide in Hawai‘i, confessed to providing care within the...
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Gov. Green to Attend Milken Conference with Global Leaders
In an announcement made by Press Secretary Erika Engle, it has been revealed that Gov. Green is set to attend the upcoming Milken Conference alongside global leaders. Engle stated, "Gov. Green is thrilled to be attending the Milken Conference alongside leaders from around the world."
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Office of the Governor: Flags Lowered to Honor Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
In a recent announcement from the Office of the Governor, it was revealed that Governor Green has issued a flag order to lower flags in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. This solemn occasion pays tribute to the brave firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.The press release, shared by Press Secretary Erika Engle, highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring the dedication and heroism of firefighters who risk their lives to protect others. The gesture of lowering flags serves as a visible symbol of respect...
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Hawaiʻi Army National Guard Conducts Convoys on Oʻahu Roads for Training Purposes
Hawaiʻi Army National Guard has announced that they are currently conducting convoys on Oʻahu roads for essential training purposes. The training aims to maintain readiness and support for potential state emergencies, as stated by the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard. "We are conducting essential training to maintain readiness and support for potential state emergencies," said the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard.The presence of military convoys on Oʻahu roads may cause some disruptions, but the community's understanding and patience are greatly appreciated by the Hawaiʻi Army...
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ETS NEWS RELEASE Hawai’i CIO Named to Top 25 Technology Leaders
Hawai‘i’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), Doug Murdock, has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Technology Leaders for his outstanding contributions to the state's technological advancements. Governor Green praised Murdock, stating, “Our CIO Doug Murdock has led Hawai‘i’s technology efforts through some very difficult years while simultaneously moving the state forward with the modernization and consolidation of our IT infrastructure.”Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke also commended Murdock, highlighting his pivotal role in modernizing the state's services. She expressed,...