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The Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Ways and Means on Friday advanced several bills aimed at addressing key priorities for the Senate. These bills cover areas of supporting the local agriculture industry, protecting the environment against invasive species, building the workforce for the future through public education, and addressing the affordable housing shortage.
“The State needs to be better prepared for wildfires,” said Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means. “Our Committee believes these forward thinking bills make sure we are not as susceptible to another catastrophic wildfire, and that we stand ready to efficiently and strategically respond if we find ourselves facing fire again.”
The Hawaiʻi State Senate unanimously approved SB2381 SD2, which would establish a comprehensive system of public financing for candidates seeking election to state and county public offices, beginning with the 2028 general election year. The bill asserts that publicly funding the campaigns of candidates for state and county offices would increase public confidence in the State’s candidates and elected officials.
Short-form bills are handy ways to introduce major legislation after deadlines, but it can be confusing to follow them.
The Senate decided during a session yesterday to refer to the Fiscal Affairs Committee a bill that repeals and re-enacts a just-enacted law that authorizes a $15-million line of credit