Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, March 5, 2023

     At 29 years of age, the second-term legislator said she loves Kaʻū, particularly the small town and country atmosphere that reminds her of her childhood days, growing up on a coffee farm in Kona. She said she appreciates the work by community members to conserve the coast and perpetuate the growing of food for local consumption. She met County Council member Michelle Galimba for the first time, along with education, health and business leaders in Kaʻū.

     Kapela noted that her work at the legislature includes advocating for free community college. She said, "Strengthening access to community college is essential to delivering the promise of higher education to all Hawai'i residents. Too often, the cost of college tuition is unattainable to local families, many of whom are experiencing financial hardship because of our islands’ high cost of living. That’s why I sponsored HB 78 this year to make community college free. Doing so would cost our state less than $15 million per year. That’s a small price to pay for the tremendous benefits of lifelong learning.
    "Unfortunately, HB 78 was not heard by the House Finance Committee. But we’re not giving up hope. We’re currently evaluating other ways of advancing free community college this session and empowering students to develop the skills that are necessary to meet the demands of a modern and sustainable society.
    "We’re not giving up this fight. We have a responsibility to ensure that the dream of higher education is not reserved for the privileged few. For working families and their keiki, the chance to make community college free is an opportunity that our state cannot afford to miss."

Rep. Jeanné Kapela signing resolutions to benefit Kaʻū and the rest of her district. Photo from Kapela

    Kapela also said her following CIP Requests would provide benefits for Kaʻū:

    Nā'ālehu Elementary School gutters for building A: $150,000.
    Miloli’i distance learning satellite facility: $2,500,000 (for acquisition and refurbishment of property to establish a distance learning center in extremely remote communities in the southern part of West Hawai’i to address chronic absenteeism).
    HB233- State Child tax credit- Establishes a state child tax credit, to be paid out monthly.
    HB82- Provides a tax credit for medical preceptors.
    HB828- Makes bus service free for students on free/reduced lunch.

    Kapela also proposed House Resolutions, saying, "Resolutions are instrumental in calling on specific agencies and departments to take action to benefit the public interest." Among her Resolutions are:
    Calling on the Hawai’i County Department of Water Supply to convene a working group to explore ways of bringing water to barren areas of West Hawai’i.

    Requesting the DOE to establish a priority list of schools for fire alarm repairs. "I'm horrified that some schools in our state do not have working fire alarms." said Kapela.
    Urging the Office of Digital Equity to provide free Wi-Fi in public parks throughout the state.