aloha district 22! · hameha schools, moss solar, and others, has brought online three grid-scale...

Aloha District 22!

Thank you for your sacrifices, patience, and incredible compassion for your

neighbors and communities. This has been a difficult time, but the efforts of our

communities have led to the Governor announcing the start of the first phase of re-

opening: Stabilization. Soon, businesses deemed "low-risk" will cautiously re-open.

As this pandemic has evolved, the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 has

been working for you by exercising our legislative oversight over our state's response

to the pandemic. What started as a way to give the public a transparent look into the

State’s response and plans for COVID-19 now increases communication between

the various State departments, helps centralize the State’s response,

gives departments access to constituent concerns, identifies weak-points in

departmental plans, and promotes proactive responses to your needs during this

crisis. State action combined with your sacrifices, diligence, and compassion has led

to Hawaii having one of the lowest COVID-19 death rates in the US. We will continue

to work for you to ensure that our systems are safe, secure, and more efficient.

Slowly and surely, we are making Hawai'i better together.

I wanted to thank every constituent who reached out to my office. Your concerns,

input, and reflections on the current systems are vital to helping us shore-up our

State's plans and responses.

What Have We Been Up Too?

Addressing Department of Labor Backlog of Unemployment Insurance

Claims

We have continued working with the Department of Labor to address

the unacceptable backlog of UI claims. Following one of may meetings with DLIR,

Senate employees created a volunteer training manual for the flood of over 100

legislative employees who answered the call to help process UI claims. Work to

amend the system is ongoing.

The Convention Center preparing for the influx of volunteers to process UI claims

Reviewing the State's Screening and Monitoring System for Visitors

Around a month ago, consistent prompting by the Committee led to the 14-day

quarantine arrivals. We have continued to work with the Attorney General,

Department of Transportation, Hawaii Tourist Authority, and more to review the

screening and monitoring process for incoming visitors.

The Senate Special Committee Meeting with DOT airports to review screening and monitoring

procedures

The Committee is working with HIEMA, DOT, and HTA to update airline forms to

collect information, like visitor departure dates, necessary to close gaps in the

current screening and enforcement programs. HTA has informed us they are

working with stakeholders to create an app that will help law enforcement and

agencies gather, sort, and store visitor information.

We have also looked into a serious of enforcement proposals - many of which

have come from the public - to the Attorney General. She is considering the

suggestion of imposing immediate fines to deter visitors, hotels, and homeowners

from violating the quarantine order. She is also considering our proposal to bar

visitors from renting cars during this time. She and the HTA have indicated that the

idea that hotels withhold room keys to prevent visitors from exiting their rooms

without alerting hotel staff would be legally sound under the current requirements

of the 14-day quarantine.

An interview with KHON2 regarding the Committee's visit to the Daniel K. Inouye Airport and push

for stronger screening and monitoring procedures.

Last Friday, on May 1st, we visited the airports to personally review the screening

and monitoring procedures. Around 500 passengers are still arriving every day,

and this number may be increasing. The Committee was able to spot some

shortfalls that need to be shored up if we want to re-open our State in the future.

We need to improve the current systems as we cannot afford a resurgence of

COVID-19. We have given DOT and HTA until this Friday, May 8th, to devise a

stronger system to screen and monitor arrivals. If this cannot be done, we, as

lawmakers, may have to draft legislation to address these shortcomings once the

Legislative session reconvenes.

Reviewing Plans to Reopen Our Economy

On April 30th, we met with the Hawaii COVID-19 Public

Health Recovery Task Force, to review their plan to safely

and methodically reopen our state. They presented an

evidence-based, phased recovery model. You can review

a summary of the plan yourself here.

More Updates

Stay-At-Home Order Extended to May 31st

Governor Ige has extended the stay-at-home order across the state through May

31st. Residents may leave homes for essential needs and permitted activities.

Outdoor exercise is allowed with proper social distancing practices. The 14-day

quarantine for visitors and residents is in effect through May. This still applies to

inter-island travel.

Vehicle Safety Checks for Registration Temporarily Suspended

The usual safety check inspection is not required for Oahu motorists to renew

motor vehicle registrations expiring in May. You can renew your registration by

mail, online, or at self-service kiosks in some stores. Visit the Department of

Customer Services' website for more details.

Tasks essen al to your health and safety

To obtain necessary services, supplies

To engage in outdoor ac vity in loca ons permi ed by law

To perform work providing essen al products and services

To care for a family member or pet in another household

�

Essential Activities

Businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home

Businesses that supply other essen al business with the support or supplies necessary to operate

Airlines, taxis, and other private transporta on providers

Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children, and/or people with developmental disabili es

Professional services such as legal or accoun ng services

Residen al facili es and shelters for seniors, children, and/or people with developmental disabili es

Childcare facili es providing services that enable employees exempted in this order to work as permi ed

Businesses that provide food, shelter and other necessi es of life for animals

Funeral, mortuary, crema on, burial, cemetery, and related services

Cri cal trades

Cri cal labor union func ons that are essen al ac vi es

Aloha,

Today, Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced the Stay at Home, Work from Home emergency order effec ve Monday, March 23, 2020 at 4:30pm ll Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 4:30pm. This emergency order can be extended if deemed necessary. Viola on is punishable as a misdemeanor, with fines of up to $5,000, up to a year in jail, or both.

Healthcare opera ons and essen al infrastructure

Establishments engaged in the retail sale of food and other household consumer products

Food cul va on

Service providers for homeless or impoverished individuals

Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services

Gas sta ons and auto-supply, auto-repair and related facili es

Banks and related financial ins tu ons

Hardware stores

Maintenance service providers (plumbers, electricians, exterminators, etc)

Businesses providing making and shipping and delivery services

Educa onal ins tu on providing distance learning

Laundry service providers

Facili es that prepare and service food, but only for delivery or carry out

Essential Businesses

What do I do if I do not have Health Insurance?

Apply for Medicaid. If you have children, apply for CHIP. You can also go to a federally approved health care center.

What benefits are covered by these programs?

Medicaid includes doctor visits, hospital expenses, nursing home care, home health care, and more.

CHIP Medicaid program provides comprehensive coverage for children, including doctor visits, immunizations, prescriptions, dental and vision care and emergency services.

How do I apply for these benefits?

Follow this link: https://medical.mybenefits.hawaii.gov. The link will direct you to a home page. It will let you see if you are eligible, and walk you through the application process.

Federally Approved Health Care Centers on Oahu:

The following are Federally Approved Heath Care Centers on Oahu: Kalihi-Palama Health Center, Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services, Koolauloa Health Center, Wahiawa Center for Community Health, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Waikiki Health, and Waimanalo Health Center

Health-Care

How to Apply to Unemployment Insurance

If you are unemployed because of COVID-19, please file for unemployment insurance online at

http://uiclaims.hawaii.gov/

The 1-Week Waiting period has been waived. You can apply immediately!

Make sure you have:

Information and dates of employment for all of your employers over the past 18-months, your account type (savings or checking), financial institution routing number, and your account number

Unemployment

If you want to view our monthly newsletters, visit us at

www.capitol.hawaii.gov

Subscribe for on the go updates from our e-newsletters by

emailing us at [email protected]

Aloha,

I’ve been getting a lot of calls about health-care and unemployment. The government sites are

located below. I hope this information will help.

http://uiclaims.hawaii.gov/

Aloha!

Change is on the horizon for our islands. In a joint effort, the legislature, the

business community, the non-profit community, and the philanthropic community

have come together to forge solutions to the real challenges Hawaii’s families are

facing.

I am excited and supportive of a legislative package that addresses Hawaii’s high

cost of living, the need to develop more affordable housing, and providing early

childhood education to all 3-4-year-olds. The bills, part of a joint Senate and House

legislative package, will be further discussed and finalized by the various legislative

committees over the next few months.

So that you know what to expect, here is a summary of the bills for this legislative

session:

1. Reduce the cost of living for families. (SB3102/HB2541)

a. Reducing taxation by amending the tax structure. The aim of these

amendments is to ease the burden on those who have to fight to

make ends meet.

b. A modest increase in the minimum wage.

2. Developing affordable housing. (SB3104/HB2542)

a. Implementing development projects aimed at addressing Hawaii’s

housing shortage. This proposal is intended to be a long-term

solution to Hawaii’s chronic housing problem and aims to reduce

competition for housing and provide affordable housing for our local

families.

3. Learning to Grow. (SB3101/HB2543)

https://hawaii.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=53db65e65ecd256bdf44a1b60&id=10b2c93dac&e=ed2a801d30

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a. Adhering to the mantra: the earlier the better, the proposal seeks to

expand early childhood education to all 3-4-year-old children.

Studies show that early education is critical to pre-academic

developmental growth as well as reducing the cost of childcare, the

second-largest economic burden our families face.

In addition to the above initiatives, I’ve introduced bills that aim to:

1. Improve the safety of farmlands and the surrounding communities.

2. Create a regional plan for homelessness.

3. Tackle conservation, environmental and climate change concerns.

4. Promote renewable energy.

5. Reverse Hawaii’s brain drain by developing educational pathways and

pipelines to high-demand and competitive jobs vital for our future.

6. Establish an afterschool program for all public middle schools.

I invite you to review these proposals and let me know what you think. My team

and I want to hear your voice and your ideas.

CONNECT WITH US:

Hawaii State Senate

415 S. Beretania St., Rm. 208

Honolulu, HI 96813

808-586-6090

[email protected]

@senatordonovandelacruz

capitol.hawaii.gov

Chair: Committee on Ways and Means

Member: Committee on Education

FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS

County Pothole Hotline (808) 786-7777

State Pothole Hotline (808) 536-7852

Public Access Room (808) 587-0478

Hawaii Freeway Service Patrol (808) 841-HELP

Wahiawa Police Station (808) 723-87000

September 2019

Clearway Energy Group (“Clearway”), in partner-ship with Hawaiian Electric Company, Kame-hameha Schools, Moss Solar, and others, has brought online three grid-scale solar power pro-jects on the island of Oahu that will significantly contribute to Hawaii's goal of 100 percent renew-able energy by 2045. Commercial operations at the three projects were launched on September 10 following a traditional Hawaiian blessing.

The projects at Kawailoa, Waipio, and Mililani total 110 megawatts (MW) and will generate low-cost, renewable energy equivalent to that used to deliver power to approximately 18,000 Oahu homes each year. The three projects represent the largest block of grid-scale solar power ever developed in Hawaii and together will contribute approximately 3 percentage points to Hawaiian Electric’s renewable portfolio standards (RPS) goal, which reached 27 percent at the end of 2018.

All the power generated by the three projects feeds into the Hawaiian Electric grid for the benefit of all customers on Oahu.

BRINGING CLEAN ENERGY TO HOME

Mililani Mauka Elementary AC Update

With Principal Avis Nanbu, I visited Mililani Mau-ka Elementary school to see the AC system re-pairs firsthand. Since the entire school runs on centralized AC, the school cannot turn on the sys-tem without completing the current project.

The original scope included only the chiller re-placement. After further review, contractors re-vealed that there were multiple leaks throughout the system and it could not be fixed without ad-ditional funds. The school has secured portable AC units and fans for each of the classrooms until the project is completed and the system can be put back online.

My office is working with the Department of Edu-cation to fund the remaining repairs and develop a timeline for completion.

Mililani Complex Leadership Workshop

Pictured Above: My colleagues and I joined Mililani AYSO league for their 2019 Opening Day Ceremonies. A day of fun and activities for friends and family. Sen. Kidani and I gave handouts to the parents and provided shave ice and popcorn for the players.

Mililani ayso opening day

Pictured Above: I had the opportunity to speak to our future leaders at this year’s Mililani Complex Leadership Workshop.

This annual event is facilitated by the Associated Students of Mililani High School (ASMHS), hosted at Uka Elementary, and

attended by the student councils of all of our elementary schools. This year’s theme was a lightbulb - to lead is to inspire,

to be the light, to shine for other; I was able to share a few words with our student leaders on leadership, community ser-

vice, student voice, and believing in oneself. We have a bright future ahead, I look forward to watching these students

shine as future leaders.

Aloha, Since 2011, my office has worked each session to secure capital improvements for the district. Every year we prioritize agriculture, education, transportation, homelessness, and funding for Wahiawa General Hospital. Residing in Wahiawa, I understand how funding can have a large impact in the community. Whether it's repaving a road, building a classroom, expanding a cafeteria, or providing outreach services for the homeless, we can see a difference. With your support and feedback, here is what we've been able to accomplish. Education

$4.5 million for Wahiawa Storefront, Olomana, and Waianae High School $1.8 million for renovations at the Wahiawa Public Library $2.5 million to repave Makai Road as requested by Leilehua High School $2.5 million for improvements at Wahiawa Elementary School $5.3 million to renovate the Hugh Yoshida Stadium as requested by Leilehua

High School $355,000 to the Leilehua Alumni and Community Association for computer

and electronic equipment at all Leilehua Complex schools $4.1 million for a multi-agency building to include a new public library,

offices, and community college classrooms $1.5 million to renovate the Intensive Learning Centers Portables as requested

by Leilehua High School $1.5 million to design a new school library and administration building as

requested by Helemano Elementary School Portion of $2,500,000 for a cybersecurity academy classroom at Leilehua High

School

Transportation

$13.4 million to repave Kamehameha Highway from Wahiawa to Weed Circle as requested by the community

$799,000 for pedestrian improvements on Whitmore Avenue as requested by the community

$13 million for a pedestrian bridge between Wahiawa and Whitmore as referenced in the Wahiawa Town Master Plan

Repavement of Whitmore Avenue as requested by the community

Wahiawa General Hospital and Wahiawa Community Health Center

$1,000,000 for patient care facilities and equipment as requested by Wahiawa General Hospital

$800,000 for repair and maintenance as requested by Wahiawa General Hospital

$500,000 for renovations as requested by Wahiawa Center for Community Health

$350,000 for renovation, bed replacements, and improvements to the current nurse call system as requested by Wahiawa General Hospital

$180,000 for pilot telehealth projects in rural areas which includes Wahiawa

Agriculture

$23,752,000 to protect and preserve agricultural land as referenced in the Wahiawa Town Master Plan

$13,000,000 upgrades and improvements to the Galbraith Irrigation System as referenced in the Wahiawa Town Master Plan

$4.7 million to acquire agricultural lands in Central Oahu and add water access for irrigation as referenced in the Wahiawa Town Master Plan

$800,000 to address invasive and hazardous plant mitigation on Galbraith Lands

State Parks and Recreation

$1.5 million for walking paths and site improvements at the Wahiawa Freshwater Park as referenced in the Wahiawa Town Master Plan and requested by Wahiawa Blue Zones and Wahiawa CBDO

$250,000 for community planning at the Wahiawa Freshwater Park as referenced in the Wahiawa Town Master Plan and requested by Wahiawa Blue Zones and Wahiawa CBDO

Community Projects

$250,000 for planning at the Wahiawa Civic Center to include a new District Court for Wahiawa as referenced in the Wahiawa Town Master Plan

$150,000 for community projects in the district as requested by Wahiawa CBDO

Homelessness:

$110,000 for a New Wahiawa Family Center to support families who are experiencing homelessness or are on the brink of homelessness in Central Oahu and North Shore as requested by Family Promise Hawaii

$300,000 for The Wahiawa HoM Project - Permanent Supportive Housing as requested by ALEA Bridge

$200,000 to conduct homeless outreach services in Central Oahu as requested by ALEA Bridge

$1,000,000 for the Wahiawa Navigation Center as requested by ALEA Bridge

CONNECT WITH US:

Hawaii State Senate


Honolulu, HI 96813

808‐586‐6090

[email protected]


capitol.hawaii.gov

Chair: Commi ee on Ways and Means

Member: Commi ee on Educa on





Hawaii Freeway Service Pa-trol (808) 841-HELP


July 2019 Out of approximately 300 bills passed by the legislature this session, the Governor ul mately decided to veto 18 measures listed below. To be er understand why these measures were ve-toed visit governor.hawaii.gov

HB290, Rela ng to the Uniform Controlled Substances Act: Authorizes qualifying pa ents to transport medical cannabis between islands for personal medical use.

HB323, Rela ng to Motor Vehicle Registra on: Would enable owners of certain former military vehicles to register the vehicles for use on public roadways.

HB323, Rela ng to Educa on: Requires Board of Educa on approval be obtained prior to the termi-na on of a Department of Educa on complex area superintendent.

HB629, Rela ng to Medical Release: Creates a program that would allow inmates with terminal or debilita ng diseases to be released before the expira on of their sentence.

HB655, Rela ng to Health: Designates September as Suicide Preven on and Awareness Month.

HB702, Rela ng to Satellite Naviga on Technology: Prohibits the sale or offering for sale of loca on data that is recorded without the explicit consent of the individual who is the primary user of the device.

HB748, Rela ng to Property Forfeiture: Prohibits civil asset forfeiture unless the owner of the prop-erty has been convicted of a felony convic on.

HB1032, Rela ng to State Boa ng Facili es: Would establish a pilot program allowing the priva za-on of the Manele Small Boat Harbor on Lanai.

HB1133, Rela ng to Marine Life Conserva on Districts: Limits the number of commercial use per-mits for the Molokini Shoal marine life conserva on district.

HB1276, Rela ng to Educa on: Establishes a number of programs that are intended to standardize best prac ces in Hawaii’s public schools.

SB92, Rela ng to Police Reports: Would allow surviving family members of murder or manslaughter vic ms to receive a copy of the closing police report following an inves ga on into the criminal offenses.

SB301, Rela ng to Taxa on of Real Estate Investment Trusts: Would change taxa on regula ons for a specific type of trusts, known as REITs, that have controlling ownership in large real estate holdings like Ala Moana Shopping Center.

SB1292, Rela ng to Transient Accommoda ons: Would require hos ng pla orms to collect general excise and transient accommoda on taxes.

SB1353, Rela ng to Industrial Hemp: Establishes an industrial hemp licensing program, required before an industrial hemp plan can be approved by the USDA.

SB1405, Rela ng to Electronic Smoking Products: Requires public school educators to confiscate e-cigare es or other similar devices from students.

SB1423, Rela ng to Payment of Bail: Allows defendants to pay bail on a 24/7 basis ― and allows them to be released from custody upon pos ng or paying of bail.

SB1459, Rela ng to the State Surfing Commission: Establishes temporary State Commission on Surfing, to promote surfing interna onally and within the state.

SB130, Rela ng to Hawaii Community Development Authority: Changes financing means for HCDA for use in transferring control of Kakaako Community Development District to the City and County of Honolulu.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENT: PLEASE JOIN US

The H-1 shoulder work and PCCP pavement rehabilita on will be completed in 3 phases. With the success of the first

phase of the project completed in 2018, an addi onal phase was added to further rehabilitate the H-1 Freeway. Phase 2

began in the Fall of 2018 and will end in the Spring of 2020. Phase 3 will begin in early Summer 2019.

Phase 1 consisted of pavement rehabilita on of approximately 2.0 miles of H-1 East bound and West bound lanes.

Phase 2 is the widening of the shoulder for an addi onal 1 mile of the H-1 East bound between the Waimalu Viaduct and

the Aiea Off Ramp. Highway ligh ng, drainage systems upgrades and safety upgrades to the highway shoulder will also

con nue as part of Phase 2.

Phase 3 work includes the installa on of precast concrete panels in 3 addi onal areas. Two of these areas are located at

the Pearl City Viaduct, both East bound and West bound, while the third rehab loca on is on the H-1 East bound near the

Aiea/Stadium off-ramp.

H‐1 S W U (W V )

The University of Hawaii Community Design Center (UHCDC) will be hos ng a community charre e for the Wahiawa

Freshwater Park master plan. The UHCDC will be upda ng the community on the planning process thus far as well as gain

valuable community feedback for the future vision of the park. Please save the date and join us, your input is important!

CONNECT WITH US:

Hawaii State Senate


Honolulu, HI 96813

808‐586‐6090

[email protected]

@SenatorDonovanDelaCruz

capitol.hawaii.gov

Chair: Commi ee on Ways and Means

Member: Commi ee on Educa on







June 2019 Hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30. A hurricane is a tropical cyclone with maxi-

mum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. Though high winds and flying debris are extremely

dangerous, it is storm surge that presents the greatest threat to life and property along the

coast. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center is forecas ng a 70% above normal season with po-

ten ally 5-8 tropical cyclones. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency suggests being pre-

pared for at least 14 days. Are you 2 weeks ready?

Make a Plan Now

Make an Emergency Kit: Have at least 14 days of food and water and all necessary emer-gency items

Family communica on: Iden fy a family member who lives out-of-state who everyone can no fy when they’re safe

Mee ng place: Choose a physical loca on to meet if communica on between family is down

Plan escape routes: Map out two escape routes for each room of your home and do drills with family members

For more informa on on making a disaster plan, visit ready.hawaii.gov

HURRICANE SEASON HAS BEGUN

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENT: PLEASE JOIN US

Mahalo to the Wahiawa Community & Business Associa on (WCBA) for sponsoring a very successful Community Town

Hall last month. I also want to thank all the community organiza ons and residents for a ending and par cipa ng in the

ques on and answer forum. It was great seeing all the organiza ons together in one room, working together for the

be erment of our community.

We had a great turn out and I hope all our residents had enough me to meet with the various groups and get to know a

li le more about the organiza ons and how to get involved. It was a great opportunity for our community to share con-

cerns and speak with their elected officials. The WCBA will upload the ques ons and answers from the forum to their

website soon at ourwahiawa.com.

I look forward to con nuing to implement and build upon legisla on that passed this legisla ve session for Whitmore Vil-

lage and Wahiawa.

WORKING FOR YOU

The University of Hawaii Community Design Center (UHCDC) will be hos ng a community charre e for the Wahiawa

Freshwater Park master plan. The UHCDC will be upda ng the community on the planning process thus far as well as gain

valuable community feedback for the future vision of the park. Please save the date and join us, your input is important!

Aloha!Mahalo for your continued support throughout this legislative session. Your input has provided me guidance while the Legislature deliberates and decides on many matters that have vast impact on our State. In my role as the Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, I worked with my colleagues to invest in programs that are critically needed in our communities. Scholarships and reimbursements for local graduates entering the community colleges, Kupuna Care and Kupuna Caregivers, and outreach and treatment for our homeless community were prioritized this session. In addition, we prioritized funding for our schools and highways so that your everyday needs are cared for.

It has been a rewarding session and an honor to represent Senate District 22. Mahalo for your support and I look forward to continuing to work on your behalf and the State of Hawaii.

Throughout this session, we were able to work with and work for our Mililani community. Dedicating the improvements to the Kipapa Bridge, supporting our students at Character Counts, spending time with Mililani Middle School and Mililani High School students at the Capitol, and honoring Chelsea Masaki on the Senate Floor for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award are a few ways we supported the Mililani Mauka community.

Working for you...AND THE STATE OF HAWAI‘I

SENATOR DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ415 S. BERETANIA STREET, ROOM 208HONOLULU, HI 96813

HAWAI‘I STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 22

Subscribe to our e-newsletter by emailing us at [email protected]

Visit our website to view a list of bills that passed the Legistlature and see a breakdown of the state budget.

In 2014, Mililani Mauka was found to be infested with little fire ants. Working with the Department of Agriculture we were able to set up community meetings and help officially eradicate the ants in 2017. Unfortunately, this year it seems little fire ants have reappeared on Oahu and we need to continue to monitor and ensure they do not seek refuge in Mililani Mauka again. This year we secured $500,000 to support invasive species committees statewide.

PREVENTING THE SPREAD OFLITTLE FIRE ANTS:

Concluding 4 long years of planning, we broke ground on the new 15-classroom building at Mililani Middle School. The additional classrooms will transition Mililani Middle to a single-track calendar and consolidate the complex onto a single-track by School Year 2020 – 2021. Due to the increased student population, Senator Michelle Kidani and I worked to provide $490,000 to expand and widen all campus sidewalks for the safety of students during school. Further, Mililani High School will receive $1.65 million to design and construct a girls’ athletic locker room and $1.68 million to improve the school softball field. This money, along with the $5 million provided last session, will bring equity to both male and female athletes.

SUPPORTING MILILANI MIDDLE SCHOOL AND MILILANI HIGH SCHOOL:

FUNDING FOR WAHIAWA GENERAL HOSPITAL:

Since 2011, we have been able to help Wahiawa General Hospital with $9,800,000 in funding for various projects and staffing needs. This session we were able to secure an additional $350,000 in Grant-in Aid funding for Wahiawa General Hospital. To ensure a high level of patient care, these funds will be used for improvements to the current nurse call system, pharmacy renovations, and bed replacements for the intensive care unit.

Follow us at @senatordonovandelacruzFollow us at @Donovan Dela Cruz

Mililani Mauka • Launani Valley • Wahiawā • Waipi‘o Acres • Wheeler • Whitmore Village

Connect with Us:

Hawaii State Senate


Honolulu, HI 96813

808-586-6090

[email protected]


capitol.hawaii.gov


Member: Committee on Education







May 2019 It has once again been a rewarding session and an honor to represent Senate District 22. As Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, I worked with my Senate and House colleagues to pass a balanced budget which addresses issues the Legislature pri-oritized relating to education and higher education, our kupuna, and human services and homelessness.

Working to ensure that college is affordable, we continued investing in the Hawaii Nu-trition and Employment Training (HINET) Program and the Hawaii Promise Program. The $910,000 for the HINET Program enables community college students currently receiving or eligible for SNAP benefits to save over $4,700 every year and receive tui-tion assistance, workforce training, and reimbursements for books, supplies, and trans-portation. The Hawaii Promise Program is a “last dollar” scholarship that covers finan-cial needs not met by other forms of financial aid. Last year, the program awarded on average $1,200 to approximately 1,500 students. This year, there is $5,000,000 appro-priated for the Promise Program.

Services for the kupuna and homelessness are also highlights of this year's budget. The Legislature understands the services needed for our seniors. That is why this budget includes over $17,000,000 for the Kupuna Care Program and $1,500,000 for the Ku-puna Caregivers Program. These two programs are critical as they fund Meals on Wheels, transportation assistance, respite and many other services and allow family caregivers working outside of the home to receive up to $210 per week.

(Continued Page 2)

2019 LEGISLATIVE SESSION RECAP

Homeless has become a growing concern of many in our community. This is why the Legislature funded over $25,000,000 in various homeless programs, debris removal services, and the state rent supplemental program. The policy is Housing First, and that means we are providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness and then ensuring the supportive services and connections.

In addition to these programs, we secured funding for major projects that benefit the Wahiawa community.

$5,300,000 to improve the Hugh Yoshida Stadium at Leilehua High School

$2,500,000 to repave the Makai Road at Leilehua High School

$799,000 for pedestrian improvements along Whitmore Avenue

$1,500,000 was secured to invest into the Wahiawa Freshwater Park

$350,000 for Wahiawa General Hospital was awarded to upgrade the nurse call system, pharmacy renovation, and bed replacements for the intensive care unit.

ALEA Bridge was awarded $300,000 for The Wahiawa HoM Project - Permanent Supportive Housing.

Family Promise of Hawaii was awarded $110,000 for a New Wahiawa Family Center to support families who are experiencing homelessness or are on the brink of homelessness in Central Oahu and North Shore.

Leilehua Alumni and Community Association was awarded $355,000 to develop Computer Science programs and Future Ready STEM/STEAM libraries. These programs increase access to Computer Science to all K-12 students in the Leilehua Complex.

Finally, we are beginning to address your concerns about the outfall that goes into Lake Wilson from the treatment plant. In this budget there is $9,000,000 to upgrade and improve the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant. If a million-year flood were to happen, these improvements will prevent sewage from overflowing into Lake Wilson and allow the State to divert the recycled water for agriculture irrigation on the Galbraith lands. Although, the outfall must continue until it is diverted, the State has a plan to restore Lake Wilson back to its original state.

Mahalo for your continued support and I look forward to continuing to work on your behalf and the State of Hawaii.

(LEFT) The $355,000 secured this session will expand STEAM libraries throughout the Leilehua Complex. (RIGHT) We con-gratulated and recognized the Leilehua High School Library Commons on its recent grand opening and the Leilehua High School e-sports team on its successful inaugural season. The Library Learning Commons provides students and faculty with support, tools, and information they will need to successfully learn STEM applications.

MILILANI MIDDLE SCHOOL BREAKS GROUND ON NEW CLASSROOM BUILDING

Mililani Middle is one of three schools remaining on a multi-track calendar. While this schedule allows schools to manage large student populations, it creates challenges for parents and faculty. It is especially difficult for families who have children in different grades because Mililani Middle is the only school in the complex that operates on a multi-track calendar.

Given the lack of adequate space on the current campus for a new building, it was proposed to use a portion of the Mililani Mauka Community Park. To gather community support, Senator Kidani and I presented the transition plan to both Neighborhood Boards No. 35 and No. 25 and held a community meeting at Mililani Middle School. It was concluded that the community supported the plan provided there is limited impact to the park. Furthermore, park users will also have weekend access to the school's existing parking lot and new parking lot. The next step was to secure funds to build the 15-classroom building. Working together with our Senate and House colleagues, the Legislature approved $23 million to plan, design, and construct a new classroom building on 1- acre of the Mililani Mauka Community Park. The Governor released all funding and the project is underway. Thanks to the community's support, I am pleased to announce this project is finally breaking ground this spring and the classroom building is expected to be ready for students in the fall of 2021. I look forward to seeing this project completed to the benefit of future students and parents of our community when we transition to a single-track school year calendar. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office.


Member:

Committee on Education

SEN. DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ

HAWAI’I STATE SENATE • DISTRICT 22

WAHIAWA • WHITMORE VILLAGE • WAIPIO ACRES • WHEELER • MILILANI MAUKA • LAUNANI VALLEY

Dot Fujinaga Office Manager

[email protected] (808) 586-6090

David Cho

Legislative Aide [email protected]

(808) 586-6697

Tina Lee Legislative Aide




State Pothole Hotline

(808) 536-7852


Hawaii Freeway Service Patrol

(808) 841-HELP


STATE SENATE PASSES DRAFT OF CIP BUDGET

The Senate passed the State Budget bill, HB1259 SD1, which appropriates funds for fiscal biennium 2019-2021 for capital improvement projects costs of the State. Working with my Senate colleagues over the past few weeks, I’m pleased to announce that we unanimously voted, with 25 ayes, to pass this measure.

This measure includes projects that will have statewide benefit such as highway improvements, airport modernization, lower and higher education, and recreation. Furthermore, this bill includes funding for district projects that will support schools and economic development.

For District 22, the Senate Draft includes critical projects that will benefit the Mililani Complex:

Projects at Mililani High School including $1.65 million to design and construct a girl’s athletic locker room and $1.68 million for design and construction improvements for the softball field

Mililani Middle School was allotted $490,000 for the expansion and widening of all campus sidewalks

With the completion of the new building and the transition to a single-track calendar, Mililani Middle School will have 1,900 students on campus every day. For the health and safety of the students, the Senate is proposing to expand and widen all campus sidewalks so the school can accommodate the increased traffic.

In addition to funding for education, the Senate is prioritizing economic development for Central Oahu. Therefore, the draft of the state budget also includes $55 million for infrastructure development for the First Responders Tech Campus & Cyber Security Data Center. Currently, the Phase II parcel has no water, sewer, and electricity infrastructure that is necessary for the project. The installment of infrastructure will allow agencies to move one by one and relocate to Mililani potentially bringing hundreds of jobs within the area.

I look forward to working further on this measure during conference with our colleagues in the House. Please remember this is the Senate’s draft on HB1259, SD1 and these figures are not final until the Legislature passes the state budget. I will be giving a full update when the final version passes.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at [email protected] or at 808-586-6090 should you have any questions.


Member:


SEN. DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ

HAWAI’I STATE SENATE • DISTRICT 22

WAHIAWA • WHITMORE VILLAGE • WAIPIO ACRES • WHEELER • MILILANI MAUKA • LAUNANI VALLEY

Dot Fujinaga Office Manager


David Cho

Legislative Aide [email protected]

(808) 586-6697

Tina Lee Legislative Aide

[email protected] (808) 586-586-7108



State Pothole Hotline

(808) 536-7852


Hawaii Freeway Service Patrol

(808) 841-HELP


Mililani Middle School Transition to Single-Track Calendar

I am pleased to announce that the

Governor recently released $21.375

million to fund the construction of a

new classroom building at Mililani

Middle School.

Mililani Middle is one of three schools

remaining on a multi-track calendar,

which was created as a way to

optimize facility use at overcrowded

campuses. While this concept may

manage large student populations, it

has been challenging for faculty, parents, and students. In addition,

students on multi-track calendars do not receive equitable school hours.

Since learning about the issue, the Legislature was proactive in providing

support. Working with the Department of Education and school faculty, it

was discovered that the middle school needed a minimum of 15 additional

classrooms to transition to a single track calendar. To provide an immediate

solution, the Legislature appropriated $23 million to design and construct

classrooms at the middle school.

Last month, the Governor released $21.375 million for the construction of

the building. The Department of Education is currently working to close the

bid for construction on June 29, 2018, and they expect to break ground next

year.

Given the lack of adequate space on the current campus, the Department of

Education will acquire less than one acre of the Mililani Mauka Community

Park. The City & County of Honolulu is actively working with the

Department of Education on the expansion of the middle school. Park users

will also have weekend access to the school's new parking lot.

You can view Senator Dela Cruz’s senate website at

www.capitol.hawaii.gov.

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter by emailing

[email protected].

David Cho, Legislative Aide

(808) 586-6090

[email protected]

Tina Deitschman, Legislative Aide

(808) 586-6090

[email protected]

Dot Fujinaga, Office Manager

(808) 586-6090

[email protected]

Hawaii State Senate


Honolulu, HI 96813

P: 808-586-6090

Email:

[email protected]

June 2018


Member:


Legislature Sine Dies for 2018 Session

During this past session, as Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, I worked with my

Senate and House colleagues to pass a balanced budget which addresses issues the

Legislature prioritized relating to agriculture, homelessness, health, education and higher

education.

One of my priorities this session was to

support our Alternative Learning Centers.

The Central District’s High Core/Storefront

program serves at-risk teens from the

Leilehua and Mililani Complexes who

require additional attention. Statistics show

students from the ages of 12-16 have the

highest chances of participating in risky

behavior. Alternative teaching methods have

proven to positively affect their outcome.

Believing in the program’s effectiveness, the Legislature appropriated $4.5 million for new

and existing Alternative Learning Centers. By providing direct funding , the current

weighted student formula funds are able to remain with the complexes.

The state budget also includes key projects for Mililani and Launani Valley. The projects

below will go a long way to benefit our community:

$6.5 million to grade and prepare lands in Mililani Tech Park for the First Responders

Tech Campus & Cyber Security Data Center

$5 million for female locker rooms at Mililani High School

$4.7 million to acquire agricultural lands in Central Oahu and add water access for

irrigation

$3.2 million for a covered play court at Mililani Mauka Elementary School

$800,000 for repair and maintenance at Wahiawa General Hospital

$325,000 to install a new bell and public address system at Mililani Ike Elementary

School

$200,000 for ALEA Bridge to conduct homeless outreach services in Central Oahu

The State made significant progress on ongoing projects in the district. The Department of

Education received funds to construct additional classrooms at Mililani Middle and expects

to break ground next year. This will transition the school to a single-track calendar.

It has been a rewarding session and an honor to represent Senate District 22. Mahalo for

your support!




[email protected].


(808) 586-6090

[email protected]


(808) 586-6090

[email protected]


(808) 586-6090

[email protected]

Hawaii State Senate


Honolulu, HI 96813

P: 808-586-6090

Email:

[email protected]

May 2018


Member:


Working for You

The Senate had the honor of recognizing Colette Kajiwara, a Mililani Mauka resident, for being selected as the 2017 Outstanding Educator for the Central District. (left)

Rep. Learmont and I hosted a joint town hall meeting on emergency preparedness. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, Department of Education, and Department of Emergency Management were present to inform Wahiawa and Whitmore Village residents about how to be prepared for various hazards. (right)

We recognized Mililani Town Association’s (MTA) 50th anniversary. Acknowledgements go to the MTA Board of Directors; President Bob Barrett, Vice President Michelle Kidani, Secretary Josie Hart Ka‘anehe, General Manager David O’Neal, and Board Members Will Kane, Neil Takeda, Michael Magaoay, Val Okimoto, Noriko Salangdron, and Glenn Yoshimori. (left)

I am pleased to announce the following projects in the district will be moving forward soon:

Mililani Middle School: $ 21.375 million - Classroom Building

Please bear in mind that there will be some disruption and disturbance during the construction period. For more information, please feel free to contact my office.

Projects for the District

Senate Dra of State Budget Includes Key Items for District 22

The Senate passed the State Budget bill, House Bill 1900 HD1 SD1, which adjusts

appropria ons for Fiscal Biennium 2017‐19 funding for opera ons and capital

improvement projects of Execu ve Branch agencies and programs.

With addi onal revenues projected by the Council on Revenues and from the

arbitra on se lement with the tobacco industry, the Senate dra adds $53.9 million

to Act 49, SLH2017 for Fiscal Year 2019. The Senate's total opera ng budget for the

Execu ve branch is $14.3 billion, with an addi onal $674.8 million in general obliga on

bonds appropriated for Capital Improvement Projects

This dra reflects Senate priori es such as issues rela ng to homelessness, health, and

educa on that impacts local residents in each county. Other highlights include funding

for:

Agriculture programs and services;

Early Childhood Educa on, Early College, and Hawaii Promise;

Natural resource preserva on;

Cri cal Medicaid and adult dental health care services;

Rapid Re‐housing, Housing First, and the implementa on of Ohana Zones

The Senate priori zed Kupuna care in response to Hawaii’s aging popula on. By 2035,

one‐third of the State's popula on will be over 60. The Senate recognized the need for

home and community‐based services and included $3.9 million for Kupuna Care, $4

million for the Kupuna Caregiver Fund and $1.7 million for Aging and Disability

Resource Centers around the State.

The Senate Dra also includes key projects that are cri cal for our district. These

capital improvement projectsare included:

$6.5 million for the First Responders Tech Campus & Cyber Security Data Center

$10 million in funds for athle c rooms for female athletes at Mililani High School

$325,000 to install a new bell and PA system at Mililani Ike Elementary

$640,000 for a covered play court at Mililani Mauka Elementary

I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate as well as the House to

pass a balanced State Budget that provides needed services, invests in economic

development as well as job crea on for our community.

You can view Senator Dela Cruz’s senate website at www.capitol.hawaii.gov.


[email protected].


(808) 586-6090

[email protected]


(808) 586-6090

[email protected]


(808) 586-6090

[email protected]

Hawaii State Senate


Honolulu, HI 96813

P: 808-586-6090

Email:

[email protected]

April 2018


Member:


Working for You

The Senate had the honor of recognizing Colette Kajiwara, a Mililani Mauka resident, for being selected as the 2017 Outstanding Educator for the Central District.

Rep. Learmont and I hosted a joint town hall meeting on emergency preparedness. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, Department of Education, and Department of Emergency Management were present to inform Wahiawa and Whitmore Village residents about how to

State Senators recognizing the Mililani Town Association’s (MTA) 50th anniversary. Acknowledgements go to the MTA Board of Directors; President Bob Barrett, Vice President Michelle Kidani, Secretary Josie Hart Ka‘anehe, General Manager David O’Neal, and Board Members Will Kane, Neil Takeda, Michael Magaoay, Val Okimoto, Noriko Salangdron, and

I am pleased to announce the following projects in the district will be moving forward soon:

ALEA Bridge: $ 1 million - Resource and Navigation Center

Please bear in mind that there will be some disruption and disturbance during the construction period. For more information, please feel free to contact my office.

Projects for the District

March 2018

Chair: Commi ee on Ways

and Means

Member: Commi ee on Edu-

ca on



Subscribe to our E-Newsle er by emailing

[email protected].

David Cho, Legisla ve Aide

(808) 586-6090

[email protected]

Tina Deitschman, Legisla ve Aide

(808) 586-6090

[email protected]


(808) 586-6090

[email protected]

Hawaii State Senate


Honolulu, HI 96813

P: 808-586-6090

Email:

[email protected]

The Legislature has reached the First Decking deadline which means that bills will be heard by their final commi ees. Legisla on that has been passed by their final com-mi ees and passed by the Senate on Third Reading will Crossover to the House of Representa ve for further discussion and considera on.

As the Chair of the Senate Commi ee on Ways and Means, my commi ee has been reviewing any legisla on that relates to overall state financing policies. Ways and Means has received over 1,800 measures which also includes gubernatorial nomi-nees.

In addi on to hearing bills that were introduced by my colleagues, I have introduced and supported other measures for further considera on. Please see below for a list of bills which I have either introduced or supported within my commi ee:

SB2520 which appropriates funds to the Department of Educa on for behav-ior analysis services performed by a licensed behavior analysis for public school students.

SB2521 which appropriates funds to the department of educa on to provide up to $1,690 to each special educa on classroom teacher for instruc onal ma-terials and equipment.

SB2524 which requires condominium property regimes to comply with county subdivision requirements. Allows the real estate commission to adopt rules that require a developer to seek county council approval for significant projects. Requires agricultural lands that are subdivided and leased for agricultural uses or ac vi es to comply with county subdivision standards.

SB2699 which imposes the transient accommoda ons tax on addi onal hotel resort fees that are calculated separately from the adver sed transient accom-moda on's rate.

SB2963 which allows transient accommoda ons brokers to register as a tax collec on agent for its operators and plan managers. The bill includes language which makes it unlawful for brokers to do business with any operator or plan manager that is not incompliance with state laws and county ordinances.

The Commi ee on Ways and Means also recently voted to approve Ms. Linda Chu Takayama as the Director of the Department of Taxa on and Ms. Laurel Johnston as the Director of the Department of Budget & Finance. Both Director Chu Takayama and Director Johnson have been working with my commi ee to develop the state budget.

For a full list of bills that I have introduced or co-signed, please go to capi-tol.hawaii.gov.

Legislature Reaches First Decking Deadline

District 22—Update

Working for You!

(Le ) The American Associa on of Re red Persons

held their annual Advocacy Day at the State Capitol.

Here I am seated with AARP Execu ve Director Bar-

bara Kim Stanton and ac ve members of the AARP.

(Below Le ) I joined my colleagues to congratulate

Ms. Linda Chu Takayama as the new Director of

Dept. of Taxa on and Ms. Laurel Johnston as the

new Director of the Dept. of Budget & Finance.

(Above Right) The Emergency Preparedness Town Hall was a great opportunity for Central

Oahu residents to learn about how they can be ready for all disasters, including ballis c mis-

siles. We hope that many walked away with a be er understanding of what to do during a

disaster.

SCR86: Reques ng the Board of Educa on to Redistrict Students from Koa Ridge to the

Pearl City‐Waipahu Complex Area

Senator Michelle Kidani and I introduced SCR86 and SR54 which requests the Board of Educa-

on to redistrict students who will be living in the Koa Ridge Development to the Pearly City-

Waipahu Complex Area.

The Koa Ridge development is expected to create 500 new housing units in Central Oahu, and

the current master plan only includes plans for a new elementary school. Should students

from Koa Ridge be districted to the Mililani Complex, this could jeopardize Mililani Middle

School’s transi on from a mul -track calendar to a single track calendar.

The measures were referred to the Commi ees on Educa on and Ways and Means. The

Commi ee on Educa on recommended that SCR86 and SCR54 be passed unamended, and

sent to the Commi ee on Ways and Means for further discussion and delibera on.

January 2018

Chair: Committee on Ways

and Means

Member: Committee on

Education




[email protected].


(808) 586-6090

[email protected]


(808) 586-6090

[email protected]


(808) 586-6090

[email protected]

Hawaii State Senate

State Capitol


Honolulu, HI 96813

P: 808-586-6090

Email: [email protected]

Aloha All,

The beginning of a new year is often a time of reflection of the year gone by and we count our blessings and be thankful for family, friends and countless others who support us throughout the year. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet many people who support my initiatives and the work that I am doing and trust me to work in their behalf. My efforts are always dedicated and committed to be worthy of their trust in me.

As we begin a new session, our State continues to be faced with many challenges. These difficult times call for strong leadership and challenging work. I look forward to this opportunity to serve and to ensure we take on these challenges. My col-leagues and I will continue to focus on improving and diversifying our economy, ex-panding programs in our public education system reversing the brain drain, and im-proving our quality of life through services, programs, and redevelopment.

Also, I am encouraged by the progress of the initiatives we have embarked on. The Whitmore Project has made great strides in its movement to succeeding phases and we continue to move in the direction of making Central Oahu an agricultural hub. Over the past three legislative sessions, over $65 million was appropriated to pur-chase and protect agricultural lands in Central Oahu. Soon, the State will have ac-quired over 3,000 acres of agricultural lands between Central Oahu and the North Shore.

Included in this purchase was the 92-acre parcel in Kipapa Gulch. This parcel sits south of Mililani Mauka. By purchasing agricultural land around Mililani, the State can protect and preserve this open land in perpetuity.

The First Responders and Cyber Security Campus at Mililani Tech Park has also made much progress. Since the State closed on the purchase this past August, the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation has been working with the state and county first responder agencies to develop a timeline. Also, a project manager will soon be tasked to oversee the design and construction of the project.

As we celebrate the positives of the past year, we also look forward to the New Year with hope and enthusiasm for greater accomplishments and we reaffirm our hopes and ambitions for the future. We were challenged at times to make the right deci-sions and tough decisions had to be made. New challenges undoubtedly await us in the New Year as we continue to work toward making our state a place where resi-dents are proud to call home and where succeeding generations have opportuni-ties.

I extend my best wishes for a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!

Happy New Years!

District 22—Update

Working for You!

(Left) Congratulating and recognizing the Hawaii

Youth Challenge Academy’s Graduating Class 47

on their completion of the five-month program.

The Hawaii Youth Challenge Academy focuses on

training its Cadets to be successful members

of society by providing learning skills, job train-

ing, and mentorship.

(Above) My colleague Senator Michelle Kidani and I participated in the Annual Mililani

Hometown Holiday Parade. Despite the rain, many attended to show support for our

community.

Striping and Improving Moenamanu Street

Working with the City & County of Honolulu's Department of Transportation Services, Sena-

tor Michelle Kidani and I successfully requested that centerline striping be installed on

Moenamanu Street.

Currently, there is no striping on Moenamanu Street. The Department of Transportation Ser-

vices' study found that the installation of centerline striping would promote the safe and or-

derly movement of traffic. Site inspections also found signs and pavement markings that are

in need of maintenance.

A work order will soon be issued to install double yellow centerline striping on Moenamanu

Street, and to replace the missing and faded signs and pavement markings along Moenamanu

Street.

aloha district 22! · hameha schools, moss solar, and others, has brought online three grid-scale...

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