Latest news with #NadineNakamura
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hawaii lawmakers end session, noting wins and future hurdles
HONOLULU (KHON2) — State House Speaker Nadine Nakamura said she was filled with gratitude, pride and relief as the 2025 legislative session came to a close. Lawmakers said they accomplished a lot over the past four months but acknowledged that tough decisions could still lie ahead. Big changes coming to Wahiawa The session ended Thursday, with many lawmakers calling it a success — including Republicans, despite none of their bills passing. 'We've been working in a bipartisan manner, and I'm hoping we can do more of that in the years to come,' said Rep. Lauren Cheape Matsumoto, R-House minority leader. 'It's been an honor to work with this new leadership team. Our caucus is grateful for all of the wonderful legislation we passed this year.' Among the major bills passed was a green fee measure that increases the transient accommodations tax, or TAT, by 0.75%. The additional revenue will go toward protecting Hawaii's natural resources. 'This funding is essential because it's really going to help us steward our natural resources and make sure they're available for future residents and visitors for many years to come,' said Rep. Linda Ichiyama, D-House vice the rising threat of coconut rhinoceros beetles, coqui frogs and other invasive species, lawmakers passed a bill to restructure the state Department of Agriculture to include a biosecurity division capable of rapidly responding to potential threats. 'It will have a new deputy focusing only on biosecurity, so now we can have a really good organization with a lot more capacity to deal with this situation,' said Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, D-chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Although the session is over, lawmakers noted that their work may not be finished for the year. They are preparing for potential federal budget cuts by setting aside an additional $200 million to support state agencies and up to $50 million for nonprofits. If necessary, legislators could reconvene for a special session to determine how to allocate those funds. 'We need to prioritize,' Nakamura said. 'We will have to take a look at the number of requests that come in, and we're going to have to prioritize.' 'We have our own way of doing things here in Hawaii,' said Rep. Sean Quinlan, D-House majority leader. 'We're going to be kind to each other and give each other grace, and ultimately, we are going to serve the people of Hawaii with aloha.' Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news All bills that passed during the session now head to Gov. Josh Green for approval. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hawaii legislature advances bills to combat illegal fireworks
HONOLULU (KHON2) — In an effort to combat the ongoing issue of illegal fireworks in Hawaii, lawmakers are advancing several bills aimed at curbing the problem. Nadine Nakamura, first Asian American woman House speaker, honored One bill would provide funding for the existing Illegal Fireworks Task Force and extend its operation for another five years, as the task force was set to disband in June. This measure passed the Senate last week and is now under consideration in the House. Another bill would create an 'Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division' within the Department of Law Enforcement, which would work alongside the task force. This bill passed its third reading on Tuesday.A third measure seeks to strengthen fireworks safety laws by introducing tougher penalties for fireworks-related offenses, particularly when someone is injured or killed. It also creates new criminal offenses for activities such as sending or receiving fireworks by air and distributing them without proper permits. This bill also passed its third reading Tuesday. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The proposed bills are part of a broader effort by state lawmakers to address the growing concern over illegal fireworks in Hawaii. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fire at Waimānalo Convenience Center temporarily closes facility
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A fire Monday night at the Waimānalo Convenience Center has led to a temporary closure of the facility. Nadine Nakamura, first Asian American woman House speaker, honored The City and County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services (ENV) announced the closure Tuesday morning. The Honolulu Fire Department quickly responded to the scene last night, extinguishing two fires— one in a large 40-cubic-yard bin and another in a trash compactor. 10 facts about Kelly Slater's $16.5M Hawaiʻi North Shore home for sale Early investigations suggested the fires were not related to city crews are currently assessing the damage and ensuring the site is safe for reopening. The facility is expected to resume operations Wednesday unless there are any unforeseen delays. In the meantime, residents are urged to hold onto their waste or use alternative city disposal sites. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news For a complete list of drop-off locations, visit the ENV website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nadine Nakamura, first Asian American woman House speaker, honored
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaii State House of Representatives marked Women's History Month today by unveiling a portrait of House Speaker Nadine Nakamura, honoring her groundbreaking role in state politics. Former Disney star under fire for touching honu Nakamura, the first woman to hold the position of House Speaker and the first Asian American woman to do so in the United States, now has her photo displayed in the House chamber.'I think women have to stay strong, we have to be focused, we have to look at the opportunities to move our society forward and do great things for our nation, especially at this time, where there's so much uncertainty,' Nakamura said during the unveiling. 10 facts about Kelly Slater's $16.5M Hawaiʻi North Shore home for sale March is recognized as Women's History Month, a tradition that began in 1981 when Congress passed legislation designating the week starting March 7 as 'Women's History Week.' Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news In 1987, the week expanded to a full month to honor and celebrate the contributions and achievements of women across the country. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
