Hawaii Gov. Josh Green is touting some of the changes his administration has implemented during his first six months in office.
“The people of Hawaii have sent a clear message,” Green said in a news release. “They want action on some of the biggest challenges facing our state and we have heard them.”
Some of the primary areas of progress that Green noted were housing, homelessness, cost of living and health care.
In housing Green highlighted the $280 million for the Rental Housing Revolving Fund his administration has provided along with $150 million for the Hawaii Community Development Authority and $100 million for the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund.
His administration has addressed the homeless by providing $60 million for additional housing and $15 million for assistance programs such as State Rent Supplement and Housing First.
Regarding affordability, tax reform has been proposed to lower the cost of living in the Hawaii. Also, a plan has been implemented to double the income and food tax credits, as well as increase the tax credit for child and dependent care.
On the healthcare front, $128 million has been allocated to improve hospitals, $74 million to assist health care and raise Medicaid rates, $30 million to create an universal loan repayment program for medical professionals and $14 million to expand healthcare access to those in nursing facilities.
Green also noted how the administration established a new contract to raise teacher salaries and give bonuses to experienced educators, provided tax relief for individuals affected by the Red Hill fuel spill, and allocated $100 million to help decrease energy costs.
“In just six months since inauguration, we are already making progress on these very important issues,” Green said.
Green also stressed how he has upheld his word on making government more transparent and accountable, pointing out that his administration has passed laws to reform ethics, lobbying and campaign spending.