Latest news with #KurtFavella
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hawaii Foodbank expecting cuts from federal funding as need continues to grow
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaii Foodbank is hoping for the best but preparing for the worst if it takes a hit from federal budget cuts possibly affecting thousands of residents. What you need to know about volunteering at your local foodbank It may look like business as usual at the Hawaii Foodbank warehouse, but there is concern. 'We are continuing all of our work, we're continuing to get food in communities, we're continuing our purchasing, but we are being thoughtful to ensure we're, every dollar that we spend is being used as efficiently as possible and making contingency plans for the future,' said Amy Miller, Hawaii Foodbank President & CEO. A $1 billion cut in the USDA will likely cut $2.3 million in federal funding for the Hawaii Foodbank and that's just for now. 'That's a program that this island, islands need,' said Sen. Kurt Favella, (R) assistant minority floor leader. 'Foodbank going be losing these kinds of funding and opportunities to be able to get food, it's gonna cause a big, big problem in rural and underprivileged areas.' Officials said the foodbank receives about 20% of its budget from federal funds, receiving about $6.6 million worth of food from federal assistance last year. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The worst part is that the need is reaching critical levels. The foodbank services 170,000 people in the state per month, up about 13% from last year and more than double the amount pre-pandemic. State lawmakers are ready to help, but there is good and bad news. The good news — there is a bill that would provide emergency funding for any non-profit, like the Hawaii Foodbank, to get state funds if their federal funds are cut. The bad news — lawmakers expect a lot of groups will need help. 'We may not be able to help everybody, so we're going to have to prioritize based on real needs, health and wellness, public safety, and things that are extreme critical importance,' said Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, (D) Ways & Means committee foodbank said it is fortunate the local community has always stepped up to help in times of need. But even it knows it'll have to start doing more with less. 'Our number one commitment is to the folks that we're serving,' said Miller. 'We wanna be sure that nobody goes without and they know they can count on Hawaii Foodbank and our community to put food on the table at night.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Few fireworks bills survive halfway point in state legislative session
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Fireworks safety was a key part of state lawmakers' plans this session, but only a few bills are moving forward. After the deadly New Year's explosion in Aliamanu, fireworks safety was at the top of everyone's minds, but just a few of the 13 state Senate fireworks bills are advancing to the House. Hawaii legislature advances bills to combat illegal fireworks Ewa Senator Kurt Favella's bills were aggressive — asking for searches at our ports for illegal fireworks to an outright ban on aerials. None of them made the cut. 'I'm not saying anything negative about my colleagues' bills, but if you wanna have more bite, ban outright ban, period, nothing comes in,' said Sen. Kurt Favella, (R) Ewa Beach-Iroquois Point. Favella said he understands not everyone agrees with him and uncertainty in Washington, D.C. forced Hawaii lawmakers to adjust funding priorities. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news 'We need to offset certain things,' said Favella. 'We worried about Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, medical, SNAP, that kind of stuff. I know the Governor and my colleagues are worried about those things that provide for our families.' The Senate bills that did pass include funding the Illegal Fireworks Task Force and creating an illegal fireworks division under the Department of Law Enforcement. DLE Director nominee Mike Lambert said in a statement that 'these bills ensure that state and county law enforcement agencies have the resources and laws to tackle this very important issue.' Illegal fireworks turned in after Hawaii tragedy: 'It might happen to us' Another bill — part of Governor Green's package — includes tougher penalties for fireworks offenses and introduces new laws for sending and distributing them. In a statement, Honolulu Fire Chief Sheldon Hao said HFD is 'encouraged that some bills have advanced, bringing us closer to meaningful changes that will have a positive impact on public safety and the well-being of our communities.' Even though his bills did not make it through this session, Senator Favella said his fight for public safety will continue and he plans to introduce his bills as resolutions, which means they won't be laws, but more like requests. Favella added he plans to introduce similar proposals next session.'We don't want a memorial every time somebody dies, and then we gonna do something,' said Favella. 'I don't like that because every time get one accident and somebody dies, then we like put a light, put a crosswalk, we gotta be proactive instead of being reactive.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
