#donna mercado kim
Bill for Maui College nursing program nears finish line at Legislature
State lawmakers have passed out of conference committee Senate Bill 119, which would appropriate funding to establish a bachelor of science in nursing degree program at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. According to a conference committee report, the measure would appropriate $250,000 in fiscal 2026 and $350,000 in fiscal 2027 for the program aimed […]
Fireworks task force bill passes out of committee; now headed for final reading
The Hawaiʻi Senate Ways and Means Committee passed Senate Bill 222, which would fund an illegal fireworks task force. Although the amount of funding is not specified, the measure is now headed for third reading on the Senate floor before crossing over to the House of Representatives.
Proposed UH Maui College four-year nursing program moves ahead in state Senate
A measure aimed at addressing a shortage of nurses on Maui by establishing a four-year nursing Bachelor of Science degree program at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College has passed second reading on the Senate floor. Now, it’s headed to the influential Ways and Means Committee for decision-making on funding.
Public hearing postponed for expansion of breast cancer screening and imaging coverage
The Hawaiʻi Senate Committee on Health and Human Services deferred action today on a bill to improve health insurance coverage for women with an above-average risk for breast cancer. The committee rescheduled its hearing to 1 p.m. Jan. 29.
Bill introduced to establish four-year nursing bachelor’s degree at UH Maui College
In an effort to address the growing problem of nursing shortages in Hawaiʻi, state senators led by Central Maui Sen. Troy Hashimoto are proposing that the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College establish a four-year nursing bachelors of science degree, a significant step up from the current two-year associate program.
Senate committee rejects nomination of DBEDT director
A senate committee on Thursday voted to reject the nomination of Chris Sadayasu as director of the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Despite the committee’s recommendation against consent, Sadayasu’s nomination will move forward for a vote and final consideration by the full 25-member Senate.
Maui Senators earn leadership positions and committee assignments
Maui senators secured several key assignments. Senator Lynn DeCoite was named Majority Assistant Floor Leader, and Chair of the Energy, Economic Development and Tourism committee; Senator Gil Keith-Agaran was named Majority Assistant Whip, and Vice-Chair of the powerful Ways and Means Committee; and Senator Angus McKelvey secured the chairmanship of the Government Operations Committee.
Bills help address the physician workforce shortage, especially on the neighbor islands
The Hawaiʻi Physician Workforce Assessment Project Report indicates that Hawaiʻi is in need of at least 750 doctors, with the greatest statewide shortage being in primary care specialties. The proportional need is greatest on the neighbor islands, with both Maui and Hawaiʻi County experiencing a physician shortage of 40%.
Hawai‘i Lawmakers Call on Trump to Address Gun Safety
Hawaiʻi lawmakers sent a letter to President Trump and Congressional leaders urging them to “take meaningful action” to address the country’s gun laws.
Kouchi of Kauaʻi Takes on State Senate Leadership
A majority of State Senators on Tuesday agreed to have Senator Ronald Kouchi of Kauaʻi preside as its President, replacing Donna Mercado Kim. Senator Will Espero of ʻEwa Beach will continue to serve as Senate Vice President.
Lawmakers Recap Accomplishments as Legislature Adjourns
In the area of economic development, Rep. Souki said, lawmakers made permanent the current TAT rate, and increased funding to aggressively market the state’s visitor industry as Hawaiʻi competes with other travel destinations.
Pilot Project Features Video Testimony From Neighbor Islands
The pilot project utilizes the senate’s new Neighbor Island Video Conferencing Program, giving neighbor islanders the opportunity to actively participate in legislation, while avoiding travel and related expenses.
Donna Mercado Kim Selected as Senate President
Senate Vice President Donna Mercado Kim fills the role left by former Senate president Shan Tsutsui who formally accepted the lt. governor’s post on Thursday.
