Governor Green has signed a balanced financial plan and budget, focusing on key priorities for Hawaiʻi. The budget aims to enhance the state's health care systems, preserve the environment, invest in education, and support long-term recovery efforts for Maui.
"Access to quality care is a key pillar of Governor Green’s The Hawaiʻi We Deserve policy framework," the release states. The administration has expanded the HELP program to provide loan repayment assistance to healthcare professionals and secured private investments into statewide health care systems. These measures are expected to build resilient communities and generate long-term cost savings by providing upfront access to quality health care services.
The budget also emphasizes environmental conservation. "As one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the world, Hawaiʻi serves a critical role in leading global environmental protection and ecological conservation efforts," according to the release. State agencies like the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Hawai‘i State Energy Office, and Hawai‘i Department of Transportation are involved in these efforts. Additionally, new working groups such as the Governor’s Climate Action Team (CAT) are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning energy infrastructure to renewable sources, and combating invasive species.
Education is another significant focus area. "Educating our keiki and ensuring that our state’s educators, classrooms, and programs are adequately equipped and resourced is a major area of focus for the Green Administration," states the release. Efforts include negotiating fair deals with teachers to address public school teacher shortages, developing teacher housing statewide, and investing in educational programs.
In response to one of Hawaiʻi's worst natural disasters in August 2023 on Maui, the budget allocates more than $200 million from general fund appropriations into the Major Disaster Fund for wildfire recovery efforts. This includes building temporary housing for survivors, creating the One ʻOhana Fund for victims and their families, investing in public infrastructure in affected communities, and funding measures to mitigate future wildfire risks.