Aloha e District 13!

Mahalo nui loa for your continued trust and support. I am excited to serve at the Capitol for another two-year term, representing our constituents and community. With your partnership, there is so much we can accomplish—not just in crafting positive policies addressing our unique challenges but also in standing firm against harmful legislation that doesn’t serve our 'āina or people.

This year marks a season of significant change at the State Legislature. Leadership has undergone a complete reshuffling. I am proud to announce that for the next term, I will serve as the Vice-Chair of the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee and a member of the committees on Water and Land and Public Safety.

In the meantime, the halls of the Capitol are buzzing with activity—new Representatives are joining the Legislature, offices are moving, and new support staff are coming on board. It’s an exciting, busy time, and I’m ready to hit the ground running.

One of my top priorities right now is preparing bill drafts for introduction during the 2025 Legislative Session. This includes shaping our District 13 Legislative Package—a critical opportunity to address the needs and priorities of our community. I truly believe the best solutions come from thinking creatively and collaboratively, and I am always inspired by the innovative ideas that emerge when we work together.

I want to invite you to share your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas for bills, capital improvement projects, and grant-in-aid requests. Our district’s collective voice is our greatest strength, and your input is invaluable in shaping a legislative agenda that truly reflects our shared vision.

Let’s continue to work together to ensure our community thrives. I’m looking forward to the road ahead and am grateful for the chance to serve you once again.

Me ke aloha,

Mahina

New House Leadership Announced

Pictured (left to right): Majority Leader Sean Quinlan, Majority Floor Leader Dee Morikawa, Speaker Nadine Nakamura, Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama, and Majority Caucus Leader Chris Todd

In November, the State House of Representatives named new leadership which includes Representative Nadine Nakamura as the first woman Speaker of the House.

Representative Nakamura was first elected to the State House in 2016. Prior to serving as House Majority Leader, she was Chair of the House Committee on Housing. Previously, she was Managing Director for the County of Kauaʻi (2013-2016) under Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr., and served as a member of the Kauaʻi County Council (2010-2013). Representative Nakamura holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs and Urban Planning from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. 

Additional members of the House Leadership team include:

• Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama
• Majority Leader Sean Quinlan
• Majority Caucus Leader Chris Todd
• Majority Floor Leader Dee Morikawa

The Legislature will convene the 2025 Regular Session on January 15, 2025.

Mahalo for the Hospitality Hāna!

Connecting with the Hāna Community:

A Productive Day of Learning and Collaboration

Last month, I had the privilege of spending the day in Hāna, meeting with constituents and community members to better understand the opportunities and challenges facing this community. It was an incredibly productive site visit, full of insightful discussions and meaningful connections.

A special mahalo to Principal Sanita, who graciously toured me through Hāna Elementary & High School. We also explored potential teacher housing projects—an exciting initiative to support educators in this area. Addressing housing challenges is a critical step toward strengthening our schools and retaining talented teachers.

I also had the pleasure of meeting with DLNR staff, including Larry Pacheco, Maui District Parks Superintendent. Together, we toured Waianapanapa State Park, where we discussed ongoing and upcoming improvements, such as road upgrades and enhancements to the park’s comfort stations including the addition of a filtration system. Seeing the sites firsthand was invaluable for understanding the scope of these projects.

Mahalo as well to Cheryl Vasconcellos, Executive Director of Hāna Health and Hāna Fresh, and her dedicated staff. Their commitment to providing essential healthcare services and promoting healthy living in Hāna is truly inspiring. Their insights into the community’s health needs and innovative programs help support and expand local healthcare access.

DLNR Community Listening Session on Lāna’i

Saturday, November 16, Rep. Poepoe joined community members and other elected officials at the Department of Land & Natural Resources community listening session on Lāna'i.

DLNR Chair Dawn Chang and several of her deputies and deparment staff members introduced themselves and talked about different projects, including the reopening of most of the roadway in Mānele Small Boat Harbor. The road has been under repair due to multiple water main breaks created issues with the section between the upper road and the lower, makai road. DLNR said the middle section of the roadway will be closed until further notice and the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation Staff has updated the signage to assist with traffic flow.

Community members at the meeting asked how they can better communicate and be informed of projects and DLNR activities. Many said that social media was effective and DLNR suggested those interested follow on these platforms:



https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiDLNR/

https://www.instagram.com/hawaiidlnr/

https://twitter.com/dlnr

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UTDMAEfIj8

As well as their interactive website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/online-services/

New Rule to Contain Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles

In October, the HDOA established a new interim rule to help stop the movement of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) from designated CRB-infested areas to non-infested areas in the state.

The new interim rule does the following:

• Restricts the movement of palm plants; decomposing plant material, such as compost, wood or tree chips; mulch; potting soil; and other landscaping products that may harbor CRB, from infested areas to non-infested areas
• Restricts the movement of palm plants higher than four feet in height, which will enable closer inspection of palm crowns where CRB are most likely to bore into a tree
• Designates the island of O‘ahu as a CRB-infested area and is subsequent to other interim rules that were issued in June 2022 and October 2023

Visit the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response website to learn more on CRB prevention efforts.

Compost Reimbursement Program Applications

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Compost Reimbursement Program for Fiscal Year 2025, which may reimburse agricultural producers (including farming and landscaping operations) for the cost of purchasing compost, including transportation costs.

Act 231 was passed by the State Legislature during the 2024 legislative session and Governor Josh Green, M.D., released funding totaling $400,000 in August 2024.

Farming and landscaping operations may apply for reimbursement of up to 50 percent of cost of compost purchased between July 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025. Reimbursements under this program are not to exceed $50,000 per qualified applicant.

For more information and links to the fact sheet, application and forms, click here.

Resources for Supporting those with

Serious Mental Health or Substance Abuse Issues

Caring for someone experiencing serious mental health issues or substance use challenges can be overwhelming. Knowing where to turn for help is essential, and fortunately, there are resources available to support both individuals and their families.

One critical tool for addressing these challenges is the Assisted Community Treatment (ACT) petition. This process, filed in family court, aims to provide necessary treatment for individuals whose mental illnesses or substance use issues may pose a danger to themselves or others.

To make this process more accessible, the Department of the Attorney General has launched a dedicated webpage. This resource is designed to help families, caregivers, and community members navigate the process of filing ACT petitions effectively.

More Information click here.

The Capitol is OPEN to the public. However, it will continue to offer hybrid options for hearings and testimony.

Capitol Hours: Building hours for the State Capitol are 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Photo identification is required for entry into the building. All guests will receive an entry wristband upon completing the security checkpoint.

Paid Public Parking: The Capitol parking lot offers paid public parking.

Rep. Mahina Poepoe

District 13 House of Representatives

415 S. Beretania Street Room 331

Honolulu, HI 96813

(808) 586-6790

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