Sen. President Donna Mercado Kim delivers remarks to colleagues and guests on opening day of the 2014 legislative session. Photo courtesy Senate Communications.

By Maui Now Staff

The Hawaiʻi State Senate introduced 1,127 Senate bills prior to the Jan. 23 legislative cutoff date.

For the first time since 2008, the Hawaiʻi House and Senate unveiled a joint majority package of priorities, according to Senate leaders

Senate leaders say the 2014 package focused on combined efforts to support seniors and protect the environment.

“The wide array of bills under consideration include everything from combating invasive species to looking at changes in minimum wage,” Senate leaders said in a press release.

The measures are now being sent to their respective committees for consideration.

Lawmakers have five weeks before First Decking deadline on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014.