Latest news with #JoshGreen
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New state law bolsters Red Hill fuel spill remediation efforts
A special state envoy has been tasked with better informing the public about contamination and remediation of Oahu's freshwater aquifer polluted by the Navy's Red Hill fuel storage facility. Gov. Josh Green on Friday signed a bill into law that directs a state Department of Land and Natural Resources official to develop a public dashboard to display water test results from sources around the Red Hill facility, which is being decommissioned by the Navy under a closure plan anticipated for completion in 2028. Act 197, which originated as House Bill 505, also includes a directive to develop a broader three-year public education program focused in part on efforts to remediate contaminated soil and water stemming from decades of fuel spills at the World War II-era facility. The Red Hill facility was built over 500 feet underground with tanks capable of storing 250 million gallons of fuel, 100 feet above the aquifer and connected to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Heading up the initiative will be a Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative coordinator, a new position created within DLNR. Funding for this position, an outreach coordinator and an administrative support specialist was appropriated by the Legislature last year. Recruiting efforts have been underway this year. The envisioned work by the three-person team among other things is expected to facilitate implementation of recom mendations made in a November 2023 report from the Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative, or WAI, working group. Another element in Act 197 establishes a special state financial account to receive contributions including appropriations and donations from the U.S. government, the state, the city and the public to address contamination from Red Hill and administered by the WAI coordinator. Healani Sonoda-Pale, a leader of the Native Hawaiian organization Ka Lahui Hawai 'i, said the new law was a product of community organizing efforts over more than two years and is a testament to the people's power. 'We know that restoring our aquifer and holding the federal government accountable will be a marathon, not a sprint, ' she said in a statement. The WAI working group formed in May 2023 was made up of state and city leaders including Green, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters, DLNR Director Dawn Chang, Honolulu Board of Water Supply Chief Engineer Ernie Lau and leadership in the Legislature. The working group's final report criticized Navy statements over contamination levels, and contended that far more fuel had been spilled over the past 80 years from Red Hill than has been documented. There have been 70 documented incidents over eight decades amounting to potential spills totaling 180, 000 gallons of fuel, including around 19, 000 gallons in a 2021 spill that contaminated a Navy well and water system on Oahu serving 93, 000 military members and civilians. The WAI report said total spill volume could be as high as 1.94 million gallons. The working group's 2023 report also called for access to Navy monitoring wells, stepped-up testing and payment from the Navy to repair Oahu's compromised water system. In direct response to the 2021 spill, BWS shut down several of its nearby wells to guard against fuel contaminating water distributed to other parts of the island. BWS also filed a $1.2 billion claim with the Navy to recover costs of the water agency's response under the Federal Tort Claims Act. The Navy has said it has a long-term commitment to protect Oahu's aquifer, environment and community members. Lau told state lawmakers in January while testifying in support of HB 505 that in working on the Red Hill issue for 11 years, it's clear to him that a structure beyond existing regulatory framework is needed to restore land and water contaminated by Red Hill fuel. The changes under HB 505 are intended to be part of the desired new structure. Sonoda-Pale said at the same Jan. 28 hearing on the bill held by the House Water and Land Committee that special officials are needed to ensure that Red Hill disaster remediation is carried out. 'It's going to take decades, ' she said. Alfred Medeiros told the committee that local government needs to do more to hold the Navy accountable for what he called crimes. 'Ola i ka wai. Water is life, ' he said. Medeiros added that people may have forgotten that the Navy poisoned the public water supply and that much more work needs to be done. 'There's still sediment sitting in those tanks, ' he said. 'There's still procrastination … they (the Navy ) don't show up to meetings.' Davie-ann Momilani Thomas told the committee that her family living in the Pearl City Peninsula community on the Navy water system still can't trust that their water is free of contaminants after cleanup efforts and monitoring by the Navy. 'I just want you all to know that I support this bill, because me and my family and many affected family members that are still living on the Navy interconnected plumbing pipes, we are still living off of bottled waters, ' she said. 'I do not trust our island water flowing through their (Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command ) plumbing pipes.' Testimony on the bill at the hearing was all supportive except for one comment pertaining to the special fund, and included endorsements from DLNR, BWS, several organizations including the Sierra Club of Hawai 'i and about 55 individuals. After five committee hearings, the House and Senate unanimously passed a final version of HB 505 on April 30. During an initial House vote taken March 4, Rep. Garner Shimizu, whose district includes Red Hill, called HB 505 a thoughtful bill. 'It continues the monitoring of the conditions at Red Hill and helps assure proper coordination between federal, county and state agencies as well as champion public transparency, ' said Shimizu (R, Moanalua-Aliamanu-Foster Village ).
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Hawaii Governor To Veto Medical Cannabis Expansion Bill
Lawmakers in Hawaii are shifting focus to refining the state's medical cannabis system, after efforts to legalize adult-use stalled. In a recent announcement, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green outlined 19 bills he intends to veto in the upcoming weeks, one of which would have allowed primary care physicians to recommend medical cannabis for any condition, regardless if it is included on the state's list of qualifying conditions. Originally, HB 302 sought to expand the state's medical cannabis program by allowing telehealth visits to qualify. However, the governor vetoed the bill, citing a 'grave violation of privacy' in a revision that could have compromised the confidentiality of medical cannabis patients. After revisions, the bill would have allowed the Hawaii Department of Health to inspect qualifying patients' medical records they received from a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or hospice provider. Last month, the Hawaii Senate and House of Representatives approved the bill, but Reps. Kim Coco Iwamoto and Della Au Belatti pointed out some concerns over privacy. In addition, amendments to the bill would limit recommendations for medical cannabis for conditions outside of the state's current list to only a patient's primary care physician, prompting opposition from advocacy groups. These amendments, they believe, would only complicate things. 'This administration remains committed to Hawai'i's existing medical cannabis program and supports efforts to expand access to medical cannabis for any medical condition," the governor's office said in a statement. "Although this bill's authorization of medical cannabis certifications via telehealth expands access to medical cannabis, provisions authorizing the inspection of patients' medical records without warrant constitute a grave violation of privacy. Given that the federal government classifies cannabis as a Schedule I substance, patients' reasonable fears of repercussions based upon information gained from inspection of their personal medical records may deter patients from participating in the medical cannabis program.' Hawaii currently allows medical cannabis recommendations for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cancer, glaucoma, lupus, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, AIDS, and PTSD, many of which were added in subsequent revisions. The bill would have amended and added definitions for purposes of the medical use of cannabis law to any condition. It would have authorized provider-patient relationships via telehealth. It would have also set a limit on fees that can be assessed by providers and authorize the sale of hemp products and accessories for the medical use of cannabis at retail dispensing locations, except in waiting rooms. It would have also clarified transportation requirements for certain inter-dispensary sales of cannabis and manufactured cannabis products, established penalties for the unlicensed operation of a medical cannabis dispensary. Additionally, it would have authorized expenditures from the state's Medical Cannabis Registry and Regulation Special Fund to fund programs to help control illegal cannabis and hemp products. The themes of other bills Gov. Green will veto include bills for environmental stewardship, educational access, and public safety. 'Let me be clear: of the 320 bills passed by the Legislature this session, 19 are on our Intent-to-Veto list,' said Gov. Green. 'Our team has completed a review of every measure and the overwhelming majority of legislation will become law. Each bill on today's list is based on thorough legal and fiscal analysis, and as always, was guided by what will best serve the people of Hawai'i, protect our resources and strengthen our future.' Meanwhile, fewer Hawaii residents are using regulated medical cannabis dispensaries and lawmakers worry that they resorting to unlicensed CBD stores and the black market. For the time being, legislation is aimed at improving these flaws. Last February, two Hawaii House of Representatives committees approved a bill—HB 1246—that would legalize adult-use cannabis in the state, but the bill was killed in the Hawaii Senate in April.
Entrepreneur
09-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Here Are the 10 Cheapest States for Single People: Report
The report found that there are no U.S. states where a single person can live comfortably with a salary under $80,000. If you got a job offer in Massachusetts, could you afford to move there? What about Hawaii? Financial site SmartAsset used the most recent data available (February 2025) from the MIT Living Wage Calculator to gather the basic cost of living, including necessities like housing, food, transportation, and income taxes, to find how much salary it takes to live "comfortably" in each state. Researchers applied the cost of living in every U.S. state to a 50/30/20 budget (50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings) to sort the list. Unsurprisingly, Hawaii was found to be the most expensive state for a single adult to live comfortably. Related: Here's How Much a Family of 4 Needs to Live 'Comfortably' in Every U.S. State, According to a New Report Living "comfortably" is defined as earning enough money for needs like housing and wants like trying that pricey restaurant, while still being able to put away money for long-term savings. According to the report, it takes a minimum salary of $124,467 for a single adult to live comfortably there. According to a 2023 report from Hawaii Governor Josh Green, the Aloha State's housing market is the most expensive in the nation, and an annual income of $252K would be needed to afford a median-priced new home. West Virginia, meanwhile, was found to be the cheapest state for single adults, where a salary of "only" $80,829 is needed to live comfortably. Housing in West Virginia is 27% lower than the national average, and utilities are 6% lower, according to RentCafe. Still, this means that in the entire U.S., having a salary under $80,829 means you won't be "comfortable." Here are the 10 most (and least) expensive states for a single adult with no children. Most Expensive States for a Single Adult With No Kids to Live Comfortably 1. Hawaii Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $124,467.20 2. Massachusetts Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $120,140.80 3. California Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $119,475.20 4. New York Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $114,691.2 5. Washington Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $109,657.60 6. New Jersey Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $108,992.00 7. Maryland Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $108,867.20 8. Virginia Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $106,704.00 9. Colorado Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $105,955.20 10. Connecticut Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $105,164.80 Least Expensive States for a Single Adult With No Kids to Live Comfortably 1. West Virginia Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $80,828.80 2. Arkansas Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $81,078.40 3. South Dakota Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $82,160.00 4. North Dakota Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $82,284.80 5. Kentucky Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $83,574.40 6. Oklahoma Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $84,281.60 7. Ohio Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $84,780.80 8. Alabama Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $85,280.00 9. Louisiana Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $85,321.60 10. Mississippi Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $86,320.00 Click here for SmartAsset's full report.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
Lawmakers pass sweeping new tax that will impact anyone visiting Hawai'i: 'The visitor industry will struggle if we do not take action now'
Your next trip to one of the United States' most popular tourist destinations may cost a few dollars more. But for conservationists, climate scientists, or others who care about our planet's future, that's excellent news. In late May, The Guardian reported that Hawai'i Gov. Josh Green signed Senate Bill 1396, which establishes the country's first "Green Fee." The proceeds will be used to combat changes happening across the state because of a shifting, warming climate. The fee is actually a 0.75% increase to the tax charge on hotel rooms and vacation rentals — about $3 extra on a $400 per night stay. The tax will also, for the first time, apply to cruise ships that dock in Hawai'i. Both changes take effect next year, and officials expect the fee to generate roughly $100 million per year. "As an island chain, Hawai'i cannot wait for the next disaster to hit before taking action," Green said in a release. "We must build resiliency now, and the Green Fee will provide the necessary financing to ensure resources are available for our future." Hawai'i made frequent headlines in 2023 for the deadly wildfires that devastated much of Maui, and less than a year later, another fire put hundreds of homes at risk in Kauai. Supporters of the new tax say the Green Fee will put Hawai'i in a better position to deal with any extreme weather events that happen in the future. But the money is also expected to be used toward projects such as protecting native plants, forests, and wildlife, replenishing sand on eroding beaches, and enhancing the state's climate resilience. As an example of the impact of climate inaction, University of Hawai'i researchers have said that the sea level in Honolulu's Waikiki neighborhood is expected to rise by nearly 6 feet by 2100 without mitigation efforts. Several hotel and tourism groups in Hawai'i supported the bill, saying these improvements will also make vacations better for the millions of tourists who visit each year. "The visitor industry will struggle if we do not take action now," said state Rep. Adrian Tam, D-Waikiki, the chair of the House tourism committee. "There will be nothing left for them to showcase to the rest of the world if our beaches are decimated, wildfires have taken over our towns, and hikes left unmanaged." Should the government be paying us to upgrade our homes? Definitely Depends on how much it costs Depends on what it's for No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gov. Green raises concerns about 19 bills
Gov. Josh Green may veto more bills this year than he did in each of his first two terms as the state's chief executive, including one to regulate electric bicycles and motorcycles on Hawaii roads. The governor informed state lawmakers Friday of his intent to possibly veto 19 bills. Green in a news release said further scrutiny of the bills on his list was needed in part due to an exceptionally high number of bills passed by the Legislature this year, a recently downgraded forecast for state tax revenue and uncertainties over the impacts on state finances from federal policies and funding. Some of the bills on the list may end up becoming law with or without Green's signature. The governor has until July 9 to issue vetoes. To date, Green has signed 200 bills into law, and an additional 101 bills are set to become law by July 9. 'Our team has completed a review of every measure and the overwhelming majority of legislation will become law, ' Green said in Friday's written announcement. 'Each bill on today's list is based on thorough legal and fiscal analysis, and as always, was guided by what will best serve the people of Hawaii, protect our resources and strengthen our future.' Green noted that lawmakers this year passed a relatively high number of bills. The 322 bills passed this year compares with 262 last year and 274 the year before. In 2024, Green put 17 bills on his veto intent list and ended up vetoing seven. In 2023, he vetoed one bill ahead of putting out his veto intent list with 12 bills, then vetoed 10 more bills. One vetoed bill in 2023 became law in a veto override by lawmakers. The number of bills on Green's veto intent list this year is not high compared to his predecessor David Ige, who listed 30 bills in 2022 and 28 bills in 2021 as being subject to veto. As with all the bills on Green's list, the governor said more time exists to discuss implementation and impact issues with key stakeholders. Lawmakers are contemplating holding a special session later this year, when they could amend bills that get vetoed. They also could override vetoes. Some bills on the veto intent list have to do with historic property, tax credits, a city-state land swap, medical marijuana, affordable housing and naming rights for the Hawai 'i Convention Center and a new Aloha Stadium. One of the higher-profile bills on the governor's list is House Bill 958 that aims to regulate use of high-speed electric bicycles and motorcycles. The bill establishes three classes of e-bikes in part by speed capability, and prohibits people under the age of 16 from operating the higher-speed class as well as any use of such bikes on sidewalks, among other things. Green said the bill fails to exempt electric cars from a definition of 'high-speed electric devices ' prohibited from driving on public roadways. Another bill he included on his list due to a technical point of law would allow a public or private entity to pay to have their name on the Hawai 'i Convention Center and a planned replacement of Aloha Stadium. Green said Senate Bill 583 may run afoul of a provision in Hawaii's Constitution limiting bills to one subject pertaining to the bill's title. The title of SB 583 is 'Naming Rights, ' but the bill also exempts stadium and convention center concessions from typical procurement procedures. The biggest bill on Green's veto intent list is HB 300, the state budget bill. The budget bill is often on the list, given that governors can make line-item vetoes that nix specific appropriations while the overall bill becomes law. One bill on Green's list that raised a rather strong objection was HB 796, which would dial down use of state income tax credits by having such credits that are in existence on Dec. 31, 2025, or established or renewed after Dec. 31, 2025, sunset after five years or be reduced annually by one-third beginning with the sixth year of the credit. Green said the bill would have a significant long-term negative impact on industries including film and television, research and renewable energy. 'These tax credits are critical to supporting economic development and diversification, particularly within growing and emerging sectors, ' he said in the news release. 'Categorically sunsetting income tax credits will not only disincentivize future investors from doing business in Hawaii, but will destabilize existing businesses that currently rely upon these tax credits.' Another bill opposed by Green aims to exclude some kinds of real property over 50 years old from existing required review under a state historic preservation program in connection with development of the property. This measure, SB 15, would exclude from review residential property, property in nominally sensitive areas and property that doesn't meet criteria for inclusion on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places. Green said the exemption is too broad and fails to consider properties that may contain historically significant artifacts and ancient Hawaiian burials. The governor also objected to lawmakers trying to acquire city land under a downtown Honolulu office tower in return for state land in Iwilei via HB 800. Green said the state's acquisition of land under Ali 'i Place would harm the city by taking away the city's free use of office space in the building and income from the land lease without any analysis of the cost for the state to maintain the building if acquired from its private owner. If the Legislature reconvenes later this year for a special session, it would take a two-thirds majority vote to override bills vetoed by the governor.
