Happy New Year! December marked two years since I had the honor of stepping into the role of Governor, and my heart is overflowing with gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Hawai‘i. Together, we have been working to address some of Hawai‘i’s most pressing challenges – from recovering from the Maui wildfires to addressing the high cost of living – showcasing the community’s immense strength and spirit. (Read more)

To address the severe shortage of affordable housing, the Green Administration has developed a three-point plan of action, which is starting to make a visible dent on the housing crisis. These bold strategies include:

•      Building more housing units on state
        and county-owned lands;
•      Eliminating red tape and costly impact
        fees that cause long delays and increases
        the cost of construction; and
•      Investing in infrastructure to boost
        housing capacity. (Read more)

Supporting local families has been a mission for the Green Administration since day one. In December 2022, the Administration introduced the first phase of the Green Affordability Plan (GAP), which lowered the cost of living, doubled the earned income tax credit and food tax credit, and improved the existing child and dependent tax credit. The measure creates about $88 million in annual savings for Hawai‘i families. (Read more)

Homelessness: Housing is Health Care

The Green administration is making significant strides in addressing homelessness through community-focused solutions like kauhale. As of December 2024, the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions has opened 17 kauhale projects that provide more than just shelter but also a pathway to health and stability for its residents. (Read more)

Maui Wildfires Recovery

As we continue to recover from the Maui wildfires, the Green Administration remains committed to supporting Maui as they rebuild. This year, we have made significant progress in our long-term recovery efforts.

A historic $4 billion settlement was announced in August to compensate those affected by the Maui wildfires. This settlement will provide relief to approximately 2,200 families and businesses, ensuring that the resources go directly to those who need it most. (Read more)

Health Care: Improving Access and Supporting Providers

The Hawai‘i Healthcare Educational Loan Repayment Program (HELP) continues to offer critical support to our health care workforce, repaying student loans for doctors, nurses and social workers. This $15 million program has already provided scholarships to 1,200 individuals, with plans for 900 more in the next two years. (Read more)

Building a Climate-Resilient Hawai‘i

Looking toward the future, we are committed to addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The newly formed Climate Action Team (CAT) brings together the very best climate science experts, business and financial experts and legal professionals to provide a comprehensive roadmap for the state’s strategy to mitigate climate risks. The CAT will play a critical role in updating and advancing Hawai‘i’s long-term Climate Action Plan. (Read more)

Student broadcasters ‘Weather the Storm’ at HI-EMA

Media students from Highlands Intermediate School in Pearl City filmed at the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency’s (HI-EMA) Emergency Operating Center located at Diamond Head Crater to produce a segment for a “Weathering the Storm” student television production competition. (Read more)

Legislators Tour DAGS’ Waterproofing Project at Capitol

Legislators got a chance to see what’s behind the construction barriers at the state Capitol. The state of Hawaiʻi Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) led a walking tour to share what improvements are in store with Capitol workers. (Read more)

Hawai‘i Expands Medicaid Coverage to Provide Stable Health Care for Keiki

Hawai‘i families can have greater peace of mind when it comes to health care for their keiki, thanks to a new approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Under this change, children in Hawai‘i can stay covered by Hawai‘i’s Medicaid program, QUEST, without interruptions, (Read more).

HSEO’s Key Takeaways From Clean Energy Task Force Meeting

At its 15th Annual Clean Energy Task Force meeting hosted by the Okinawa Prefectural Government (OPG), the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office joined the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (MITI), Okinawa Electric Power Company, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Hawaiian Electric, Ulupono Initiative, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Hawaiʻi Green Growth to discuss international cooperation on clean energy innovation in the Asia-Pacific region. (Read more)

UH Enrollment Surpasses 50K

The University of Hawaiʻi (UH) System has reached a significant milestone, with total enrollment surpassing 50,000 students for the first time in six years. This fall, 50,418 students are enrolled across UH’s 10 campuses, marking a 3% increase from fall 2023. (Read more)

Star Light, Star Bright Kids’ Day at WCCC

The holiday spirit filled the air at the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) where keiki and mothers participated in the Star Light, Star Bright Kids’ Day event in collaboration with the Pūʻā Foundation and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu. Ten mothers, 18 children and 10  caregivers participated in the Christmas event on December 10, 2024, at the facility’s Maunawili Cottage courtyard. (Read more)