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| Hilina'i Karratti and her pig from Kaʻū at the 4-H Livestock Show & Auction In Waimea. Photos from 4-H |
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| Ka'ohi Mokuhali'i and her 4-H youth from Kaʻū. This year's island 4-H Livestock Show & Auction Show Book is dedicated to her. Photo from 4-H |
The Show Book says, "Aunty Kaohi has been in 4-H since she was nine years old. Without her knowledge of over 50 years of experience we would not have the program we have today. She has put in a lot of time and energy into our program for our children. She has endless information about 4-H and years of collections of our 4-H show books. Sort of like our 4-H librarian. Aunty Kaohi has been a 4-H Club Leader, on the State Livestock Council. She has also been the treasurer on the County 4-H Executive Board for many years. She has worked on the animal guidelines rule books and bylaws for both the State and County level. Aunty Kaohi is a mana wahine and has been a part of the Ka'u Roping Club, Hawaii Quarter Horse Association and High School rodeo to name a few. You can still find Aunty Kaohi at the Hawai'i County Livestock Show and Auction every year continually supporting the young men and women of tomorrow."
Mokuhal'i works with Kuahiwi Ranch and is on the Kaʻū Community Development Plan Action Committee.
SB1586: RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE & HUMAN RESOURCES. The bill would provide a livestock extension agent and entomologist for this island, as well as three other positions around the state.
Bill Description: Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaiʻi to establish five administrative, professional, and technical full-time equivalent (5.0 APT FTE) positions at the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.
Veto Rationale from the Governor: "While the intent of the bill is supported, there are logistical issues with this legislation. This legislation may conflict with statutes related to classification of employees at University of Hawai‘i because the positions proposed in the bill are inappropriately listed as administrative, professional, and technical positions, when positions of this type are faculty-level positions."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.
GOV. JOSH GREEN SAYS HE WILL VETO THE FOLLOWING BILLS PASSED BY THE 2023 HAWAI'I LEGISLATURE:
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| Kimo Boy Dacalio and Kaleopa'a Dacalio and their rabbit at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction. |
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| Hi'ilei Karratti and her rooster at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction. |
Bill Description: Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaiʻi to establish five administrative, professional, and technical full-time equivalent (5.0 APT FTE) positions at the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.
Veto Rationale from the Governor: "While the intent of the bill is supported, there are logistical issues with this legislation. This legislation may conflict with statutes related to classification of employees at University of Hawai‘i because the positions proposed in the bill are inappropriately listed as administrative, professional, and technical positions, when positions of this type are faculty-level positions."
HB153: RELATING TO STATE WATER CODE PENALTIES. The Governor said that the measure would add a minimum penalty of $50 and a maximum penalty of $60,000 per violation of the State Water Code, assessed daily. Requires the Commission on Water Resource Management to determine the amount of the penalty based on the circumstances of the violation.
Veto Rationale: Green said that if enacted, these fines may curtail and discourage housing developments across Hawai‘i. "Boards of water supply across all counties would almost immediately apply such fines to developments guilty of over-pumping water. Without a graduated schedule or a set of guidelines for penalties and fines, this significant increase appears both arbitrary and discretionary.
HB475: RELATING TO THE STATE FOUNDATION ON CULTURE AND THE ARTS. The bill would establish the Art in Private Places Pilot Program and Special Account with State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ administering the pilot program. Requires annual reports to the legislature.
Veto Rationale: Green said that the use of state-owned artwork purchased from the Works of Art special fund to support non-state individuals, businesses or entities "goes against the original intent of Art in Public Places law. This
legislation may violate Article VII, Section Four of the Hawai‘i State Constitution, which prohibits the appropriation of public property for any use beyond a public purpose. Furthermore, the enaction of this bill into law may compromise the state’s tax-exempt bond program, negatively impact our bondholders and the state, increasing debt service costs and tarnishing the state’s financial reputation."
SB814: RELATING TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY FOR PERSONS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY. The bill would require the Office of Enterprise Technology Services, in consultation with the Office of Language Access and a working group comprising stakeholders, to develop and publish, and periodically review and update, electronic information technology multilingual accessibility standards to be implemented by all state entities. It would appropriate funds for one full-time equivalent (1.00 FTE) position.
Veto Rationale: This legislation requires branches of government and entities outside of the Office of Enterprise Technology Services’ authority to follow ETS standards. "However, state agencies need discretion to provide language access in a cost-effective manner. Across the State of Hawai‘i, there are
approximately 600 Information Technology (IT) systems. Implementation for this effort would lead to increased costs and impede modernization efforts across our state’s IT systems."
SB945: RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE DIGITAL CURRENCY LICENSURE.
Bill Description: Beginning January 1, 2024, establishes within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Division of Financial Institutions, a program for the licensure, regulation, and oversight of special purpose digital currency companies. Extends operations of companies in the Digital Currency Innovation Lab under certain circumstances. Appropriates funds.
Veto Rationale: The bill does not provide funds to enact the legislation’s purpose, as has been requested by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). Funds would need to be allocated from the Compliance Resolution Fund (CRF), which is not typically used to start new programs. Regulatory and oversight provisions of the bill may not be sufficient to provide consumer protection for residents.
HB964: RELATING TO THE CERTIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS.
Bill Description: Establishes a fee of $10 for the issuance of an apostille or non-apostille certification and establishes the apostilles and certifications special fund. Authorizes the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to expend moneys in the fund for operational expenses. Appropriates funds into the special fund. Effective January 1, 2024. (CD1)
Veto Rationale: This bill’s proposed fee increases apostille issuances and non-apostille certifications from $1 to $10 dollars. This is a large increase to the cost of a public service and disproportionally impacts educational and community groups who rely on this essential government service.
SB1079: RELATING TO EXPUNGEMENT.
Bill Description: Requires courts to, upon application, to expunge records of convictions, if the sentencing occurred before 1998, for first-time offenses involving: (1) operating a vehicle after consuming a measurable amount of alcohol while under the age of 21 years; and (2) certain property offenses. Takes effect July 1, 2025.
Veto Rationale: According to the Attorney General, this bill intends to expunge records of sentences imposed prior to 1998, but the two laws referenced in the bill were enacted after 1998. Therefore, the bill has no impact for expungement.
HB1088: RELATING TO DECLARATION OF WATER SHORTAGE AND EMERGENCY.
Veto Rationale: Green said that if enacted, these fines may curtail and discourage housing developments across Hawai‘i. "Boards of water supply across all counties would almost immediately apply such fines to developments guilty of over-pumping water. Without a graduated schedule or a set of guidelines for penalties and fines, this significant increase appears both arbitrary and discretionary.
HB475: RELATING TO THE STATE FOUNDATION ON CULTURE AND THE ARTS. The bill would establish the Art in Private Places Pilot Program and Special Account with State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ administering the pilot program. Requires annual reports to the legislature.
Veto Rationale: Green said that the use of state-owned artwork purchased from the Works of Art special fund to support non-state individuals, businesses or entities "goes against the original intent of Art in Public Places law. This
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| Jaysha Marshall and her white rabbit at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction. |
SB814: RELATING TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY FOR PERSONS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY. The bill would require the Office of Enterprise Technology Services, in consultation with the Office of Language Access and a working group comprising stakeholders, to develop and publish, and periodically review and update, electronic information technology multilingual accessibility standards to be implemented by all state entities. It would appropriate funds for one full-time equivalent (1.00 FTE) position.
Veto Rationale: This legislation requires branches of government and entities outside of the Office of Enterprise Technology Services’ authority to follow ETS standards. "However, state agencies need discretion to provide language access in a cost-effective manner. Across the State of Hawai‘i, there are
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| Kingslee Fernadez and rabbit at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction. |
SB945: RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE DIGITAL CURRENCY LICENSURE.
Bill Description: Beginning January 1, 2024, establishes within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Division of Financial Institutions, a program for the licensure, regulation, and oversight of special purpose digital currency companies. Extends operations of companies in the Digital Currency Innovation Lab under certain circumstances. Appropriates funds.
Veto Rationale: The bill does not provide funds to enact the legislation’s purpose, as has been requested by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). Funds would need to be allocated from the Compliance Resolution Fund (CRF), which is not typically used to start new programs. Regulatory and oversight provisions of the bill may not be sufficient to provide consumer protection for residents.
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| Hilia'i Karratti and and her pig at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction. |
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| Ayden Benevides and his pig at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction. |
Bill Description: Establishes a fee of $10 for the issuance of an apostille or non-apostille certification and establishes the apostilles and certifications special fund. Authorizes the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to expend moneys in the fund for operational expenses. Appropriates funds into the special fund. Effective January 1, 2024. (CD1)
Veto Rationale: This bill’s proposed fee increases apostille issuances and non-apostille certifications from $1 to $10 dollars. This is a large increase to the cost of a public service and disproportionally impacts educational and community groups who rely on this essential government service.
HB999: RELATING TO THE HAWAIʻI TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Bill Description: Amends the composition of the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation Board of Directors to remove an appointed member of the University of Hawai‘i, or its designated representative. Adds the Chairperson of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaiʻi, unless the Chairperson, with the approval of the Board of Regents, designates another Regent to serve. Establishes a public policy framework that addresses state goals in the area of economic diversification. Appropriates funds to the Hawaiʻi
Technology Development Corporation to implement specific projects that address those goals.
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| Skyler Fernandez and her pig at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction. |
Requires the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation to submit annual reports to the legislature.
Veto Rationale: Modification of the composition of the Hawai‘i Technology and Development Corporation Board of Directors in not needed. Despite support for the economic diversification measures envisioned through this legislation, the proposed modifications to the HTDC Board of Directors are too substantial. This administration remains supportive of the HTDC’s commitment to economic diversification.
Veto Rationale: Modification of the composition of the Hawai‘i Technology and Development Corporation Board of Directors in not needed. Despite support for the economic diversification measures envisioned through this legislation, the proposed modifications to the HTDC Board of Directors are too substantial. This administration remains supportive of the HTDC’s commitment to economic diversification.
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| Jaylynn Marshall and pig at 4-Livestock Show & Auction. |
Bill Description: Requires courts to, upon application, to expunge records of convictions, if the sentencing occurred before 1998, for first-time offenses involving: (1) operating a vehicle after consuming a measurable amount of alcohol while under the age of 21 years; and (2) certain property offenses. Takes effect July 1, 2025.
Veto Rationale: According to the Attorney General, this bill intends to expunge records of sentences imposed prior to 1998, but the two laws referenced in the bill were enacted after 1998. Therefore, the bill has no impact for expungement.
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| Jared Marshall and his pig at the 4-H Livestock Show & Auction. |
Bill Description: Resource Management of the Department of Land and Natural Resources can declare and provide notice of water shortages and emergencies.
Veto Rationale: The existing powers of the Hawai‘i Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) are sufficient to address emergency situations. In addition, CWRM is still developing a Water Shortage Plan, which is a critical foundation for any future strategy concerning water shortage emergencies.
HB1090: RELATING TO OCEAN RECREATION COMMERCIAL PERMITS.
Veto Rationale: The existing powers of the Hawai‘i Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) are sufficient to address emergency situations. In addition, CWRM is still developing a Water Shortage Plan, which is a critical foundation for any future strategy concerning water shortage emergencies.
HB1090: RELATING TO OCEAN RECREATION COMMERCIAL PERMITS.
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| Hezykiah Fernandez and her pig at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction. |
Bill Description: Specifies the methods by which the Department of Land and Natural Resources can issue new ocean recreation commercial permits and renew existing ocean recreation commercial permits. Specifies that new permits for ocean recreation management areas and facilities where a permit limit is implemented, shall be issued by the method and order set specified, until the limit is reached. For renewal of existing permits in ocean recreation management areas and facilities where a permit limit is implemented, bases renewal of a commercial permit on seniority, until the limit is reached.
Veto Rationale: Hawai‘i must strategically regulate commercial uses across our shared ocean for the
perpetuation of our natural and cultural resources. While the recreation commercial permitting system requires reform, our state needs to take a balanced, concerted approach so that fishermen, hundreds of local jobs, and several businesses across our islands are not adversely impacted by the sudden change in ocean recreation commercial permits.
SB1518: RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
Bill Description: Provides procurement exemptions for the Department of Education for certain goods, services, and construction. Sunsets June 30, 2026.
Veto Rationale: Existing guidelines under a singular procurement code provide for an open and
THE U.S. MILITARY IN HAWAI'I, with U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, has secured key priorities during markup of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.
Hirono said, “Modern, high-quality infrastructure is critical to our military’s ability to defend our nation and support our servicemembers. The crisis (of tainted water from an O'ahu military base) at Red Hill has made all too clear the consequences of failing to properly maintain and modernize DOD infrastructure. That’s why, as Chair of the Readiness Subcommittee, I’ve made
modernizing DOD infrastructure in Hawai'i and across the globe a top priority. From requiring a master plan to modernize DOD infrastructure in Hawaii to creating new programs to replace aging barracks and much more, the infrastructure-related provisions in this bill will help ensure the readiness of our military and the health and safety of our servicemembers, their families, and surrounding communities.”
The bill introduced by Senator Hirono:
Directs the Defense Department to develop a master plan to modernize critical infrastructure at military installations in the State of Hawai'i.
Requires the DOD to develop and implement a standardized system to measure and report on the
condition and performance of non-privatized critical infrastructure systems on military installations to better assess and invest in military facilities in Hawai'i.
Directs the assessment of the capacity of existing infrastructure, resources, and personnel in Guam to meet U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) strategic objectives to inform future projects.
Creates a pilot program to replace substandard enlisted barracks, a uniform condition index for all unaccompanied housing, and a certification of habitability for unaccompanied military housing.
Directs the Army to conduct a study of costs to repair and modernize decaying infrastructure across their facilities, to include a review of technologies that can be used to prevent corrosion damage and costly remediation.
Directs a study assessing the maintenance and modernization requirements at the Reagan Missile Defense Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll. The study will review the use of technologies to prevent corrosion damage and costly remediation and reduce dependence on imported bulk fuel by using renewable energy sources.
Authorizes funds for a military construction pilot in the INDOPACOM area of operations which, along with expanded authority to conduct minor military construction, will help improve infrastructure and posture throughout INDOPACOM.
Calls for the development of a plan to bring 5G telecommunication infrastructure to INDOPACOM installations.
Hirono also secured numerous provisions focused on delivering for communities in Hawai'i, supporting servicemembers and their families, strengthening DOD’s capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, and prioritizing sustainability within the DOD.
“Hawaii plays a critical role in our nation’s defense, and this bill acknowledged that importance by investing in DOD projects across the state to benefit both military and civilian communities,” said Hirono. “These investments, along with provisions to strengthen DOD’s capabilities in the Pacific, will enable the Department to operate more effectively throughout the region. I’m also proud to have secured provisions in the bill to ensure servicemembers and their families are well supported and that DOD does its part to reduce emissions and become more environmentally sustainable. These provisions move our military and our country forward, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get it passed and signed into law in the months ahead.”
Hirono's initiative: Requires DOD installations to have a liaison to Native Hawaiian Organizations for facilities in proximity with their interests when the DOD authorizes appropriations.![]()
Authorizes impact aid for schools with military dependent students and children with severe disabilities.
Limits the DOD from making substantial cuts to the Overseas Cost-of-Living Allowances (OCOLA) and directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on the fairness and equity of the processes used by the Department of Defense to determine (OCOLA) for service members.
Directs the DOD to establish a comprehensive program to combat sex trafficking to include on-base signage, and standardized Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) training that will be reported to the CTIP Program Management Office.
Improves on Hirono’s work on the Stayskal Act by adjusting the DOD medical malpractice claims process to allow only board-certified physicians to provide expert medical opinions, enhance transparency, and allow service-members to appeal.
Increases funding of the Shipyard and Ship Repair Workforce Training program beyond the President's Budget.
Directs the Defense Department to study whether offering no-cost cryopreservation services to military members would assist family planning and boost retention.
Calls on the Defense Department to examine skilled-trade and training programs, particularly those that support DOD workforce needs, to assist and support servicemembers to secure gainful employment upon separation from active duty.
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Affirms that military members and beneficiaries affected by the Red Hill fuel spill will be eligible to receive medical care from a provider that has received training on and has access to best practices for fuel exposure and will always have access to their documented exposure through their medical record.
Supports the Defense Civilian Training Corp pilot, which modernizes and strengthens the DOD civilian pipeline, and recommends DOD include the Corp in the FY25 budget request.
Directs a study of service members and dependents’ perinatal mental health (the time during pregnancy and up to one year after childbirth, still birth, or miscarriage) to assess the prevalence of mental health conditions, substance use or overdose, election to leave the military and suicide to in order to better serve military families.
Encourages the Defense Department to work in conjunction the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide transition assistance, specifically as it relates to support and resources for veteran-specific mental health issues.
Directs Secretary of Defense to brief Congress on transition programs aimed at providing mental health support and assistance to transitioning service members and the feasibility of a study that would educate members on specific mental health risks such as loss of community, isolation, self-medication, and risk factors that contribute to suicide. The program would educate service members on resources available through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Initiates a study on the creation of a National Guard component of the Space Force that will pause the Space Force’s current transition until a federally funded research and development center can thoroughly analyze the plan to determine the most reasonable courses of action.
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Extends the H-2B Visa program for admission to Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for certain non-immigrant workers through 2029.
Her proposal directs the Defense Department to develop a plan for the missile defense of Hawai'i as well as planning for military construction projects that will enable the timely deployment of air and missile defense capabilities across all locations in INDOPACOM.
Recognizes the importance of land forces in the Pacific with an emphasis on the Army’s Multi-Domain Task Forces and Security Assistance Brigades along with the Marine Corps Marine Littoral Regiments.
Authorizes full funding of LPD-33 in order to support the Marine Corps’ future ability to deter aggression in the Pacific, respond to contingencies, and support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
Authorizes a military construction pilot in INDOPACOM which, along with expanded authority to conduct minor military construction, will help improve infrastructure and posture throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Grants authority to the Commander of U.S. INDOPACOM to authorize certain military construction projects without requiring higher approval.![]()
Authorizes the Commander of INDOPACOM to carry out “Campaigning” exercises that will strengthen alliances and partnerships, deter aggression by adversaries, and allow the U.S. Armed Forces to coordinate and operate with foreign military partners in the INDOPACOM region.
Secures sustained funding for the Cyber Operations for Base Resilience Architecture (COBRA), which is a pilot program to address cybersecurity and mission assurance gaps in critical infrastructure that supports military bases.
Modifies the support of special operations for irregular warfare provision and allows special operations forces to provide support to foreign forces that are conducting authorized U.S. irregular warfare activities.
Secures funding for military construction projects on Guam for satellite and joint communications upgrades, a missile integration test facility, an artillery battery facility a child development center at Andersen AFB.
Calls for the establishment of an Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative with Australia, Japan, and India.
Requires a plan from the Department of Defense to enhance security cooperation with Japan.
Authorizes funds to complete pier construction on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
Requires a briefing summarizing ongoing State Partnership Program activities in the Indo-Pacific, including an identification of any additional resources required to support those activities.
Encourages the Air Force to consider the training potential for F-22 Block 20 aircraft.
Grants special authorities for combatant commanders, including INDOPACOM, to request emergency, rapid contracting response.
Authorizes additional money for the Defense Established program to stimulate competitive research![]()
(DEPSCoR), which provides funding for university research activities in science and engineering to meet the needs of national defense in select states.
Prioritize Sustainability and the Environment:Requires DOD to establish policies and procedures to identify, recycle, and reuse end-of-life equipment that contains rare earth elements and other strategic and critical materials.
Directs the Army to provide a briefing on a strategy that focuses on the timely removal of unexploded ordnance at Waikoloa Maneuver Area near the Army’s Pohakuloa Training Area.
Adds additional funds to the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program (REPI).
Facilitates a strategy for the rapid acquisition of the Army’s Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Program that includes vehicle electrification and technological advances that will increase efficiency and reduce demand.
Initiates a pilot program on the increased use of sustainable building materials in military construction.
Secured an increase in funding beyond the President’s budget for Bien Hoa dioxin cleanup in Vietnam.
Includes additional funding to research, develop, test and evaluate fuel cells for next-generation combat vehicles.
A statement from Hirono says that "Committee approval is the first step in the process to establish defense funding levels and set policies for the DoD. The bill will next be debated and voted on by the full Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives will debate and advance its own separate bill. Once both the Senate and House pass their versions of the NDAA, they must be reconciled by a bicameral conference committee, and then approved by each chamber before a final version is sent to the President to be signed into law."![]()
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Veto Rationale: Hawai‘i must strategically regulate commercial uses across our shared ocean for the
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| Kila'i Karratti and her steer at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction. |
perpetuation of our natural and cultural resources. While the recreation commercial permitting system requires reform, our state needs to take a balanced, concerted approach so that fishermen, hundreds of local jobs, and several businesses across our islands are not adversely impacted by the sudden change in ocean recreation commercial permits.
SB1518: RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
Bill Description: Provides procurement exemptions for the Department of Education for certain goods, services, and construction. Sunsets June 30, 2026.
Veto Rationale: Existing guidelines under a singular procurement code provide for an open and
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| Hilina'i Karratti and her steer at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction. |
on.
transparent process; procurement should be uniform for all statewide government entities. If the Department of Education has specific goods or services which it believes should not apply to competitive procurement, then existing statute and administrative rules already provide guidelines for such exemptions. If enacted, this bill will decrease efficiency, create administrative burdens, limit competition, and open unfair advantages to certain vendors.To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.
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| Lily Dacalio and her steer at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction. |
Hirono said, “Modern, high-quality infrastructure is critical to our military’s ability to defend our nation and support our servicemembers. The crisis (of tainted water from an O'ahu military base) at Red Hill has made all too clear the consequences of failing to properly maintain and modernize DOD infrastructure. That’s why, as Chair of the Readiness Subcommittee, I’ve made
 |
| London Dacalio with her Reserve Champion at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction. |
modernizing DOD infrastructure in Hawai'i and across the globe a top priority. From requiring a master plan to modernize DOD infrastructure in Hawaii to creating new programs to replace aging barracks and much more, the infrastructure-related provisions in this bill will help ensure the readiness of our military and the health and safety of our servicemembers, their families, and surrounding communities.”
The bill introduced by Senator Hirono:
Directs the Defense Department to develop a master plan to modernize critical infrastructure at military installations in the State of Hawai'i.
Requires the DOD to develop and implement a standardized system to measure and report on the
 |
| Hezykiah Fernandes with her Grand Champion Steer at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction. |
condition and performance of non-privatized critical infrastructure systems on military installations to better assess and invest in military facilities in Hawai'i.
Directs the assessment of the capacity of existing infrastructure, resources, and personnel in Guam to meet U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) strategic objectives to inform future projects.
Creates a pilot program to replace substandard enlisted barracks, a uniform condition index for all unaccompanied housing, and a certification of habitability for unaccompanied military housing.
Directs the Army to conduct a study of costs to repair and modernize decaying infrastructure across their facilities, to include a review of technologies that can be used to prevent corrosion damage and costly remediation.
 |
| Ayden Benevides and his steer at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction. |
Authorizes funds for a military construction pilot in the INDOPACOM area of operations which, along with expanded authority to conduct minor military construction, will help improve infrastructure and posture throughout INDOPACOM.
Calls for the development of a plan to bring 5G telecommunication infrastructure to INDOPACOM installations.
 |
| Jared Marshall with his Reserve Champion Lamb at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction held in Waimea with competitors from Kaʻū. |
“Hawaii plays a critical role in our nation’s defense, and this bill acknowledged that importance by investing in DOD projects across the state to benefit both military and civilian communities,” said Hirono. “These investments, along with provisions to strengthen DOD’s capabilities in the Pacific, will enable the Department to operate more effectively throughout the region. I’m also proud to have secured provisions in the bill to ensure servicemembers and their families are well supported and that DOD does its part to reduce emissions and become more environmentally sustainable. These provisions move our military and our country forward, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get it passed and signed into law in the months ahead.”
Hirono's initiative: Requires DOD installations to have a liaison to Native Hawaiian Organizations for facilities in proximity with their interests when the DOD authorizes appropriations.
Limits the DOD from making substantial cuts to the Overseas Cost-of-Living Allowances (OCOLA) and directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on the fairness and equity of the processes used by the Department of Defense to determine (OCOLA) for service members.
Directs the DOD to establish a comprehensive program to combat sex trafficking to include on-base signage, and standardized Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) training that will be reported to the CTIP Program Management Office.
Improves on Hirono’s work on the Stayskal Act by adjusting the DOD medical malpractice claims process to allow only board-certified physicians to provide expert medical opinions, enhance transparency, and allow service-members to appeal.
Increases funding of the Shipyard and Ship Repair Workforce Training program beyond the President's Budget.
Directs the Defense Department to study whether offering no-cost cryopreservation services to military members would assist family planning and boost retention.
Calls on the Defense Department to examine skilled-trade and training programs, particularly those that support DOD workforce needs, to assist and support servicemembers to secure gainful employment upon separation from active duty.
Supports the Defense Civilian Training Corp pilot, which modernizes and strengthens the DOD civilian pipeline, and recommends DOD include the Corp in the FY25 budget request.
Directs a study of service members and dependents’ perinatal mental health (the time during pregnancy and up to one year after childbirth, still birth, or miscarriage) to assess the prevalence of mental health conditions, substance use or overdose, election to leave the military and suicide to in order to better serve military families.
Encourages the Defense Department to work in conjunction the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide transition assistance, specifically as it relates to support and resources for veteran-specific mental health issues.
Directs Secretary of Defense to brief Congress on transition programs aimed at providing mental health support and assistance to transitioning service members and the feasibility of a study that would educate members on specific mental health risks such as loss of community, isolation, self-medication, and risk factors that contribute to suicide. The program would educate service members on resources available through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Initiates a study on the creation of a National Guard component of the Space Force that will pause the Space Force’s current transition until a federally funded research and development center can thoroughly analyze the plan to determine the most reasonable courses of action.
Her proposal directs the Defense Department to develop a plan for the missile defense of Hawai'i as well as planning for military construction projects that will enable the timely deployment of air and missile defense capabilities across all locations in INDOPACOM.
Recognizes the importance of land forces in the Pacific with an emphasis on the Army’s Multi-Domain Task Forces and Security Assistance Brigades along with the Marine Corps Marine Littoral Regiments.
Authorizes full funding of LPD-33 in order to support the Marine Corps’ future ability to deter aggression in the Pacific, respond to contingencies, and support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
Authorizes a military construction pilot in INDOPACOM which, along with expanded authority to conduct minor military construction, will help improve infrastructure and posture throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Grants authority to the Commander of U.S. INDOPACOM to authorize certain military construction projects without requiring higher approval.
Secures sustained funding for the Cyber Operations for Base Resilience Architecture (COBRA), which is a pilot program to address cybersecurity and mission assurance gaps in critical infrastructure that supports military bases.
Modifies the support of special operations for irregular warfare provision and allows special operations forces to provide support to foreign forces that are conducting authorized U.S. irregular warfare activities.
Secures funding for military construction projects on Guam for satellite and joint communications upgrades, a missile integration test facility, an artillery battery facility a child development center at Andersen AFB.
Calls for the establishment of an Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative with Australia, Japan, and India.
Requires a plan from the Department of Defense to enhance security cooperation with Japan.
Authorizes funds to complete pier construction on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
Requires a briefing summarizing ongoing State Partnership Program activities in the Indo-Pacific, including an identification of any additional resources required to support those activities.
Encourages the Air Force to consider the training potential for F-22 Block 20 aircraft.
Grants special authorities for combatant commanders, including INDOPACOM, to request emergency, rapid contracting response.
Authorizes additional money for the Defense Established program to stimulate competitive research
(DEPSCoR), which provides funding for university research activities in science and engineering to meet the needs of national defense in select states.
Prioritize Sustainability and the Environment:Requires DOD to establish policies and procedures to identify, recycle, and reuse end-of-life equipment that contains rare earth elements and other strategic and critical materials.
Directs the Army to provide a briefing on a strategy that focuses on the timely removal of unexploded ordnance at Waikoloa Maneuver Area near the Army’s Pohakuloa Training Area.
Adds additional funds to the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program (REPI).
Facilitates a strategy for the rapid acquisition of the Army’s Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Program that includes vehicle electrification and technological advances that will increase efficiency and reduce demand.
Initiates a pilot program on the increased use of sustainable building materials in military construction.
Secured an increase in funding beyond the President’s budget for Bien Hoa dioxin cleanup in Vietnam.
Includes additional funding to research, develop, test and evaluate fuel cells for next-generation combat vehicles.
A statement from Hirono says that "Committee approval is the first step in the process to establish defense funding levels and set policies for the DoD. The bill will next be debated and voted on by the full Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives will debate and advance its own separate bill. Once both the Senate and House pass their versions of the NDAA, they must be reconciled by a bicameral conference committee, and then approved by each chamber before a final version is sent to the President to be signed into law."
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