Senator Mike Gabbard
February Newsletter
Vol. 19 Issue 2
Agriculture and Environment Committee, Chair
Judiciary Committee, Vice Chair
Government Operations Committee, Vice Chair
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Aloha e friends,
Let’s take a moment to celebrate the love that binds our communities together. Whether it's love for our ʻāina, our families, or our neighbors, it’s the strength of our connections that make Hawai‘i special. It’s through these connections that we continue to build a better future for our islands, grounded in the values that make us who we are. Wishing you all a day filled with aloha, and appreciation for the things that matter most.
This session marks my 9th year as Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Environment (AEN) committee, and 17th year as Chair of the Senate Environment Committee. The AEN Committee holds hearings every M-W-F from 1pm to 2:30pm. In the past, we‘ve had flexibility in terms of hearing end times, but since moving to a hybrid platform, we need to keep to the schedule. If you decide to testify, I highly recommend you summarize your testimony, so you can communicate your main points within the one- or two-minute time limit.
As always, you can contact me at (808) 586-6830 or sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov if I can help you or your family in any way. You can also follow me on Instagram @SenatorMikeGabbard, Facebook, YouTube, and X @SENMIKEGABBARD.
Best wishes to you and your ‘ohana.
Me ke aloha pumehana,
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On the Senate Chamber Floor Opening Day - January 15, 2025
Sen. Mike Gabbard, Chair of Agriculture & Environment Committee and his wife, Carol Gabbard.
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After being postponed last month due to unforeseen circumstances, I’ll be hosting the first Listen Story community meeting of the year on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 9:00AM to 10:00AM at The Villages of Kapolei Recreational Room #2 (91-1050 Kamaaha Loop), During this meeting, I’ll be providing important updates on the latest legislative developments and discussing key issues that affect our community. This is your chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and engage in a productive conversation about the topics that matter most to you.
The meeting will be held both in person and via Zoom, so you can join us in the way that works best for you.
To RSVP or request the Zoom link, please email me at sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov. I look forward to connecting with you!
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Senate District 21 (Portions of Fernandez Village, a portion of Ewa, Kapolei, Makakilo, and Kalaeloa)
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My 2025 Session Staff - At Your Service | |
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Senator Gabbard's Staff pictured outside of his office on February 4, 2025.
(Nadia, Meg, Lia, Donna, and Melanie)
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For the 2025 legislative session, my office is supported by a strong and dedicated team. Meg, who has been with me since 2014, serves as my Office Manager. She oversees the operations of my office and assists with the Agriculture and Environment Committee (AEN), which I chair. Melanie, my Community Liaison, has been with me since 2024. Both Meg and Melanie are full-time, year-round staff members. Additionally, Lia is my acting Committee Clerk, who joined our team last legislative session. We’re glad to have her back again for Session 2025! We also have two additional session hires: Nadia, Committee Clerk assistant, and Donna, who's stepping in temporarily to assist while Meg is out due to injury. I’m proud of our team’s work this session—they’re doing an outstanding job! | |
Secondary Student Conference Visit | |
Senator Mike Gabbard with Kapolei High School students Judith, Teanini, Charlotte, Tiara, Dennessy, and chaperone Kay Gonzalez, outside his office after an inspiring talk story session. | |
Kapolei High School students Judith Allison, Teanini Colburn, Charlotte Beagle, Tiara Williams, and Dennessy Bautista, along with their chaperone Kay Gonzalez, watching the floor session from the gallery as Senator Mike Gabbard introduces them | |
Senator Mike Gabbard talks story with Kapolei High School students about their experiences at the Secondary Student Conference, their thoughts on improving education, and how they can get involved in shaping Hawai‘i’s future. | |
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On January 31st, I had the privilege of welcoming students from Kapolei High School to the Capitol as part of the Secondary Student Conference (SSC). This annual event brings together students from across the state to learn about the legislative process and discuss ways to improve our schools.
During our Senate floor session, I was honored to introduce the Kapolei students from the chamber while they watched from the gallery. Afterward, they stopped by my office to talk story, share their experiences, and discuss the challenges they see in our education system. I always enjoy meeting with our future leaders, and I was impressed by their passion and dedication to making a difference!
A big mahalo to their chaperone, Kay Gonzalez, and students Judith Allison, Teanini Colburn, Charlotte Beagle, Tiara Williams, and Dennessy Bautista for taking the time to visit. I look forward to seeing the impact they’ll make in our community!
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Senator Mike Gabbard on the floor for the 2025 State of the State address, engaged in conversation on January 21, 2025. | |
Senator Mike Gabbard, Jason Chang (CEO of Queens Health Systems), Christine Sakuda (new State CIO and administrator of the Office of Enterprise Technology Services) January 21, 2025. | |
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On January 21st, I joined my colleagues at the State Capitol as Governor Josh Green delivered his 2025 State of the State Address, setting the course for the year ahead. His speech highlighted the strength of our islands and the power of unity in overcoming challenges. From tackling affordability and housing to addressing homelessness and Maui’s recovery, there’s a lot of work ahead—but together, we’re making real progress.
Some key takeaways:
Affordability: Governor Green proposed tax relief for working families, including the largest income tax cut in Hawai‘i’s history—$5.6 billion over seven years! This will help ease the cost of living for many local families.
Housing & Homelessness: The state is accelerating affordable housing development, with nearly 7,000 units in the pipeline and a goal of 62,000 new homes over the next decade. Expanding Kauhale (tiny home) villages is also a big step toward reducing homelessness.
Maui Recovery: With over $2 billion in federal and $800 million in state funds supporting recovery, we’re working to ensure all displaced residents find permanent housing and strengthen wildfire prevention statewide.
Climate & Environment: I was especially glad to hear the Governor reaffirm his commitment to sustainability, including the permanent shutdown of Red Hill and increased funding for climate resilience. As Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee, I’ll continue pushing for stronger protections for our land, water, and food systems.
There’s a lot to be hopeful about in 2025, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves to keep fighting for our communities. Mahalo for your continued support, and let’s make this a great year!
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Stop Sex Trafficking Media Event | |
Senator Mike Gabbard, Representative David Alcos, Christina Everett (Founder of Project Nehemiah), and Sheila Medeiros (Outreach Director for Project Nehemiah) spoke out against sex trafficking, January 24, 2025. | |
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The time to take action is now! I’m proud to stand alongside Representative David Alcos and Christina Everett, founder of Project Nehemiah, in supporting House Bill 155 and Senate Bill 1261 — bills aimed at strengthening penalties against sex trafficking offenders and providing critical resources for survivors.
Governor Josh Green has emphasized the urgency of this issue in his proclamation designating January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Hawai‘i. This is more than just a policy discussion—it’s a call to action for all of us to protect the most vulnerable in our community.
🚨 How can you help?
📌 Visit capitol.hawaii.gov to create an account.
📌 Submit testimony (written, via Zoom, or in person) for upcoming committee hearings—your voice matters!
Let’s stand together for justice, for our keiki, and for a safer Hawai‘i.
Watch the video and join the movement:
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"No Waste Over Our Water" Press Conference | | |
A bold protest sign with "SAVE OUR WATER NOW" in large letters, held high at the "No Waste Over Our Water" press conference on January 28, 2025. | |
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On January 28, I joined residents, advocates, and fellow lawmakers at the State Capitol to protest the proposed landfill site in Wahiawā—right above O‘ahu’s freshwater aquifer. As someone who’s been fighting to protect our water for over 20 years, I couldn’t just stand by and let history repeat itself.
Back in 2003, when I was on the Honolulu City Council, I introduced a resolution to keep landfills away from our water sources. We knew then what we know now—once our water is contaminated, there’s no going back. The devastating Red Hill fuel leak showed us exactly what’s at stake, and we can’t afford another crisis.
I stood alongside my colleagues and held my sign high because this is about more than just one landfill—it’s about protecting our island’s future. We need to invest in smarter, more sustainable waste solutions that don’t put our drinking water at risk.
Mahalo to everyone who showed up to make their voices heard. This fight isn’t over, and I’ll continue doing everything I can to protect our wai.
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Senator Mike Gabbard stands in solidarity at the State Capitol, holding a sign that reads "Water is Life" to oppose the proposed landfill over O‘ahu’s aquifer on January 28, 2025. | |
Upcoming Event – Ag Day 2025 | |
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One of my favorite events of the year is just around the corner—Ag Day at the Capitol! 🌱🐓 On Thursday, February 20, from 11 AM – 1 PM on the 4th floor of the State Capitol, I’ll be hosting this special event alongside Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems (AGR), Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa; Vice Chair, Rep. Matthias Kusch; and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture & Environment (AEN), Sen. Tim Richards, to highlight the incredible diversity and importance of Hawai‘i’s agricultural industry.
This is a great opportunity to meet our local farmers, ranchers, and agricultural leaders who help feed our communities, steward our lands, and drive our local food systems forward. Exhibitors will be sharing educational displays, hands-on exhibits, and even delicious samples of Hawai‘i-grown food (with proper permits, of course!). While we can’t allow selling at the event, we encourage everyone to come talk story and learn more about the challenges and innovations shaping Hawai‘i agriculture today.
So, mark your calendars, bring your aloha spirit, and come celebrate Hawai‘i’s hardworking ag community with us! 🌿🚜.
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Pesticide Informational Briefing | |
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I’m excited to announce an AEN Informational Briefing I’ll be co-hosting, along with my counterparts in the House (Rep. Nicole Lowen, Rep. Amy Perruso, and Rep. Kirsten Kahaloa), on Pesticides, Feb. 24, from 1-2:30PM in Conference Room 224.
The briefing aims to present research findings and highlight concerns regarding the extensive use of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) in central Oʻahu and other regions across Hawaiʻi. The application of RUPs pose significant threats to Hawaiian ecosystems and local communities. Many of these pesticides are being used throughout Hawaiʻi despite the substantial risks they carry.
Recent studies on the human health impacts of pesticide exposure reveal a growing body of evidence demonstrating a wide range of harmful effects. The American Academy of Pediatrics has become particularly concerned about the effects of even low-level exposure on children particularly during their developmental stages. In addition to human health concerns, there’s increasing research on the adverse effects of pesticides on ecosystem functions, food webs, and aquatic life.
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Participate in CRB Reporting System | |
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As we continue working to preserve the beauty of our islands, one of the threats we face is the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), a destructive pest impacting Hawai'i’s palm trees. These beetles cause significant damage to our environment, particularly to our beloved palm species, and it’s critical that we all work together to help prevent their spread.
The good news is, you can make a difference. The CRB Response website (crbhawaii.org) is a valuable resource offering detailed information on how to identify the beetle, treatment options, and best management practices to protect your property. If you see a beetle or signs of damage, don’t hesitate to report it—your sightings help experts track and manage this invasive species.
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Adults
Adult coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) are black beetles averaging 2 inches in length with a visible horn. They are night-active and can fly. Although they do not bite, they may carry diseases, so they should not be handled with bare hands if possible.
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Larvae
CRB larvae can grow up to three inches before pupating. These larvae crawl on their side and curl into a "C" shape when handled. As larvae, they live and feed on decomposing plant material. CRB prefer coconut palm green waste but can survive in most decaying plant material.
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Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or part of a local organization, the website has resources and guidance to support you. You can also find updates on the CRB’s status, upcoming events, and even submit your reports online.
Together, with the help of our community, we can mitigate the impact of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle and protect Hawaii’s unique environment for generations to come.
Please take a moment to visit the website and report any sightings at:
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