Senator Mike Gabbard
March Newsletter
Vol. 19 Issue 3
Agriculture and Environment Committee, Chair
Judiciary Committee, Vice Chair
Government Operations Committee, Vice Chair
| |
Aloha e friends,
I hope this message finds you and your âohana well. As many of you know, the Legislative Session is in full swing. We wrapped up our mid-session bill crossover on March 6. This is the time when bills that have passed in the House cross over to the Senate, and vice versa.
While the volume of bills is much smaller now, itâs always exciting to see which ones are still in the race for becoming law. If your bill didnât make it this time, donât be discouraged! It often takes multiple sessions for important bills to pass. The legislative process ensures that all stakeholders, including legislators, have several opportunities to review and refine the proposed laws.
As always, you can contact me at (808) 586-6830 orâŻsengabbard@capitol.hawaii.govâŻif I can help you or your âohana in any way. You can also follow me on InstagramâŻ@GabbardAloha,âŻFacebook,âŻYouTube, andâŻXâŻ@SENMIKEGABBARD.
Best wishes to you and your âohana.
Me ke aloha pumehana,
| | |
Iâll be hosting my Listen Story community meeting on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at The Villages of Kapolei Recreational Room #2 (91-1050 Kamaaha Loop).
Iâm happy to have Joey Manahan, Director of Government Relations and Public Involvement at HART, join us as our guest speaker. Heâll share some important community updates on the Skyline rail, and Iâll also provide a few legislative updates. Weâll wrap up with a Q&A session, so itâs a great chance for you to ask questions or share any concerns directly with me.
Weâll be meeting in person and via Zoom, so you can join us however works best for you!
To RSVP or get the Zoom link, just email me at sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov. Looking forward to connecting with you all!
| | Listen Story community meeting on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at The Villages of Kapolei Community Room (91-1050 Kamaaha Loop). | | Barbers Point Elementary Preschool Funding | | Barbers Point Elementary May Day Celebration 2024. | | |
Great news for our keiki and âohana in Senate District 21! Governor Josh Green has released $432,659 to the School Facilities Authority to expand preschool at Barbers Point Elementary â helping more of our little ones get a strong start in life.
This funding will go toward design, construction, and essential upgrades to create new preschool classrooms. As a former high school English teacher, Iâve seen how much of a difference it makes when keiki get a solid foundation early on. Education isnât just about books and tests â itâs about giving our kids the tools to grow, thrive, and carry Hawaiâi forward.
Our community is growing fast, and weâve got to make sure our keiki have the opportunities they deserve. Big mahalo to our teachers, school leaders, and families who show up every day to support our kids. When we invest in our keiki, we invest in the future of our lÄhui.
| | |
Senator Mike Gabbard, Christina Everett International River of Life Christian Center
Pastor, and MC Champ Kaneshiro at H.O.P.E. Event on March 8.
| | |
What an incredible day we had at the H.O.P.E. Community Event in MÄâili on March 8! Standing alongside our first respondersâHPD, HFD, and CORE Ambulanceâand all the âohana who came out to mahalo them, was truly special. These kanaka mÄlama are always there when we need them, showing up with strength, courage, and aloha.
We donât always see the sacrifices they make, but they never hesitate to answer the callârain or shine, day or night. They are the heart of our communities, and we owe them our deepest gratitude.
At the event, I had the chance to talk about why trusting and supporting our first responders is so important. When they serve, theyâre not just doing a jobâtheyâre taking care of our keiki, our kĆ«puna, and our âohana.
Click below to see the full interview and my thoughts on why it's so important to support those who serve us.
| | We all have a role to play in making Hawaiâi safer and stronger. Whether youâre a first responder, a teacher, a neighbor, or a keiki dreaming of the futureâweâre in this together. Thatâs what aloha is all about. Mahalo nui to Christina Everett and everyone who made this event happen. Letâs keep lifting each other up, taking care of our âÄina, and showing up for our communityâthatâs what makes Hawaiâi, Hawaiâi. | | ï»żWe Grow in Grace Event at the Capitol | | Senator Mike Gabbard Speaking to the Youth Audience at the We Grow in Grace Youth Empowerment Event on March 7, 2025 (pictured with Kawika Kahiapo, Hawai'i Youth Food Council). | | Director of Advocacy, Hawaiâi Food Bank Elia Herman, Senator Mike Gabbard, and Director of Sustainability at Punahou School Debbie Millikan on March 7, 2025. | | Senator Mike Gabbard and Director of Sustainability at Punahou School, Debbie Millikan on March 7, 2025. | | |
On March 7, I got to spend time with some seriously inspiring young leaders at the We Grow in Grace Youth Empowerment event, hosted by the Hawaiâi Youth Food Council (HYFC) and the Hawaiâi Public Health Institute. And let me tell youâthese students are the real deal. Theyâre not just talking about Hawaiâiâs food future, theyâre out here building it.
As Chair of the Agriculture and Environment Committee, I know how important food sustainability is for our islands. Itâs not just about whatâs on our platesâitâs about our âÄina, our kĆ«puna, and our future. Seeing these students stepping upâadvocating for better school meals, supporting local farmers, and pushing for stronger food systemsâgives me real hope.
One thing I always say is: leadership isnât about waiting, itâs about doing. And thatâs exactly what these students are showing us. Theyâre proving that young voices matter, and theyâre making real change happen.
We also got to watch Feeding Change, a powerful film about food systems and sustainability. If you havenât seen it yet, I highly recommend checking it outâitâs a reminder of why this work is so important.
To the students: mahalo for your passion, your hard work, and your dedication. Keep that fire going, keep using your voice, and know that Iâve got your back. Hawaiâiâs food future is in good hands with you all leading the way.
Want to learn more? Watch Feeding Change and see how you can be part of the movement.
| | Tourism Day at the Capitol | | Senator Mike Gabbard and Darren Strand, President of the Hawaiâi Farm Bureau at Tourism Day March 7, 2025. | | Senator Mike Gabbard Hawaiian photo op at Tourism Day March 7, 2025. | | |
On March 7, I stopped by Tourism Day at the Capitol, a great chance to talk story with folks in the visitor industry and see whatâs happening across the state. I caught up with friends like Darren Strand, President of the Hawaiâi Farm Bureau, and checked out the many local businesses showcasing their work.
ï»ż
One of the best parts? Trying all the local chocolatesâdefinitely a highlight! Events like this are a good reminder of how many people and industries are connected to tourism in Hawaiâi, from farming to hospitality to small businesses. Always good to see familiar faces and support local!
| | WHAT'S MOVINâ AT THE CAPITOL â BILL UPDATES | | | | Sessionâs rolling along, and I wanted to give you the scoops on some of the big bills Iâve been working onâagriculture, food, transportation, and public safety. Lots happening, and Iâll be sending out emails soon asking for your kĆkua in getting these across the finish line! Check www.capitol.hawaii.gov to get updates on any of the bills youâre following. | | | TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE | | |
đ§ Villages of Kapolei Road Transfer (SB662 SD1)
Status: Passed March 13 in House Housing & Transportation (HSG/TRN), moving to House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs Committee.
If thereâs one thing I hear time and time again, itâs frustration over the Villages of Kapolei roads. And I donât blame you. For decades, these roads have been stuck in limbo, caught between the state and the city, with no one taking full responsibility. That means potholes, lack of enforcement, and endless confusion about whoâs in charge of fixing them. Thatâs got to change.
Back in the 1990s, the Hawaiâi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) built these roads with the plan to hand them over to the City & County of Honoluluâbut here we are, 30 years later, and it still hasnât happened.
| | Senator Gabbard and Representative Diamond Garcia | | |
So, this session, Rep. Diamond Garcia and I teamed up to fix it. We introduced companion bills to finally transfer the Villages of Kapolei roads to the city by January 1, 2026. That means paving, proper maintenance, and enforcementâso we donât have to keep dealing with the same issues year after year.
One more big pieceâthis bill also ensures county police can enforce traffic laws on all public roads. Right now, some roads in Kapolei donât get proper enforcement because of this transfer issue, which means unsafe driving, abandoned cars, and violations that go unchecked. SB662 makes sure HPD has full authority to enforce the rules and keep our neighborhoods safer.
Good news, SB662 just passed out of the House Housing & Transportation (HSG/TRN) committees on March 13. Now, it only needs to pass through Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) and Finance (FIN) committees, then a final vote in the full House before heading to the Governor. Weâre getting close!
Kapolei is growing, and our roads need to keep up. This bill doesnât just clear up old bureaucratic red tapeâit makes real improvements:
| |
- ï»żRepaving neglected roads
- Improving drainage to prevent flooding
- Upgrading intersections to keep traffic moving
- Adding safer crosswalks, sidewalks, and bike lanes
- Giving HPD full authority to enforce traffic laws on all public roads
ï»żWeâre making real progress, but weâre not there yet. Stay tuned and keep an eye out for updates on SB662 at www.capitol.hawaii.gov.
ï»ż
ï»żLetâs keep Kapolei moving forward, together. đ€đœ
| | AGRICULTURE & FOOD SYSTEMS | | |
đ Building a Sustainable Food System (SB1186)
Status: Passed Agriculture & Food Systems (AGR) in the House, being heard March 19 by the Economic Development & Technology Committee (ECD).
ï»ż
Between 85-90% of Hawaiâiâs food is imported. Thatâs not sustainable. This bill sets up a Statewide Food Systems Coordination Team and Interagency Food Systems Working Group within the Agribusiness Development Corporation to come up with a plan to align policies, increase local food production, and reduce reliance on imports. We need to grow more of what we eatâthis bill helps make that happen.
| | Senator Mike Gabbard â CTAHR Hawaiâi Island Site Visit 2018 | | Moloaâa âÄINA Food Hub at Malama Kauaâi with Megan Fox, Executive Director and Rose Hayes, Project Mgr., Moloaâa âÄINA Center, Sept. 4, 2023. | | |
đ„ Food Hubs: Helping Farmers Sell Local (SB693)
Status: Passed Agriculture & Food Systems (AGR) in the House, waiting for a Finance (FIN) hearing.
ï»ż
A lot of small farmers grow great food but donât have the storage, processing, or distribution network to get it into stores, schools, and restaurants. Thatâs where Food Hubs come inâthey act as aggregation points where small farmers can store, wash, and package their produce to sell at scale. This bill provides for the continued implementation of the food hub pilot program, including awarding grants to qualifying food hubs, helping more farmers get their crops to local markets instead of letting them go to waste.
| | |
đ„Ź Healthier Soil, Stronger Farms (SB552) ï»ż
Status: Passed Agriculture & Food Systems (AGR) in the House, waiting for a hearing in Finance (FIN).
ï»ż
Good food starts with good soilâand right now, a lot of our soil is degraded from overuse, chemical fertilizers, and erosion. This bill gives farmers funding and resources to improve soil health, increase carbon sequestration, and build stronger, more sustainable farms. Healthy soil means healthier crops, better yields, and a more resilient food system.
| | Senator Gabbard planting Ulu in Nov. 2020 | | Senator Mike Gabbard on National Ag Day â March 20, 2018 | | |
đ Revitalizing Hawaiâiâs Dairy Industry (SB1547 SD1)
ï»ż
Status: Passed House Agriculture Committee (AGR) on March 12, waiting for a hearing date in House Finance (FIN).
ï»ż
Remember when Hawaiâi had a real dairy industry? Now, nearly all our milk is imported. This bill helps fund a modern, sustainable dairy farm on Kauaâi, supporting local milk production, creating jobs, and making us less dependent on mainland dairy imports. More local food, more food security.
| | |
đ± Helping Schools Buy Local: Farm to Families Program (SB1250)
Status: Scheduled to be heard March 19, by the House Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems (AGR).
Right now, Hawaiâiâs schools serve imported food while local farmers struggle to find buyers. This bill appropriates funds for the Hawaiâi Farm to Families program to fund food banks in the State to purchase, store, and transport fresh, Hawaiâi-grown or -produced food to food insecure communities. This program will serve the State's food needs, provide Hawaii's agriculture producers with a market to support their operations, and keep moneys circulating within the State. More island-grown food on kidsâ plates, stronger local economy.
| | | Senator Mike Gabbard standing in front of Ag Crimes poster March 7, 2025. | | |
đ Stopping Ag Theft (SB1249)
Status: Scheduled to be heard by House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) on March 18.
ï»ż
If youâre a farmer, you already knowâag theft is a real problem. Weâre talking stolen equipment, missing crops, even illegal dumping on private land. This bill sets up an Agricultural Crimes Prevention Program within the Hawaiâi Department of Agriculture to provide grants, education, administrative enforcement, and other services to support our ag industry. It also clarifies, creates, and strengthens laws regarding crimes and violations related to ag land and hunting on private ag land, giving farmers real support in protecting their livelihoods.
| | |
đ Building Hawaiâiâs Climate Resilience (SB657)
Status: Passed House Water & Land (WAL), scheduled to be heard in Higher Education (HED) on March 19.
ï»ż
Hawaiâi is already feeling the effects of climate changeârising sea levels, stronger storms, extreme droughts. This bill appropriates funds for the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) within UH Manoa to establish and operate a Center for Climate Resilient Development, focusing on research and planning to help our communities adapt and prepare for whatâs ahead.
| | Senator Mike Gabbard and Gov Josh Green at Climate Leadership Awards. | | PUBLIC SAFETY & JUVENILE JUSTICE | | Sen. Gabbard speaking to Youth Challenge Academy cadets in the gallery of the Senate Chambers. | | |
âïžGiving Young Offenders a Fair Shot (SB544)
Status: Passed House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs (JHA).
ï»ż
Not every kid who gets into trouble is a criminal for life. Some just need a chance to get back on the right path. This bill updates juvenile sentencing laws to focus on rehabilitationâmaking sure kids who make mistakes have a real shot at turning things around while still being held accountable.
| | |
đšââïž Making Family Courts More Effective (SB691)
Status: Passed House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs (JHA).
ï»ż
Our family court system handles everything from child welfare to custody disputes, and it needs clearer guidelines and better resources. This bill updates juvenile adjudication laws to establish a minimum age of twelve before a child may be adjudicated for any alleged or attempted violation of law, making sure cases are handled fairly and effectively, keeping kids and families protected.
| | Kapolei Elementary Songfest - May 27, 2011 | | Youth Challenge Academy Class 52 Graduation - May 31, 2020. | | |
đ« No More Minors in Adult Prisons (SB694)
Status: Hearing set for March 19 in House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs (JHA).
ï»ż
Putting minors in adult prisons isnât just wrongâitâs dangerous. Research shows kids who end up in adult facilities are at higher risk for violence and more likely to reoffend later. This bill prohibits minors from being detained in adult correctional facilities, ensuring they get the rehabilitation and support they actually need.
| | |
LOOK OUT FOR TESTIMONY REQUESTS!
These bills are moving through the House, and soon Iâll be sending out emails asking for your testimony support. Whether itâs fixing roads, supporting farmers, or protecting our kids, your voice helps push these forward.
ï»ż
Stay tuned, mahalo for all the support, and Iâll keep you posted!
| | | | |
