Legislative Members

31st Legislature, 2022
View Legislative Calendar

The Legislature has adjourned sine die.

Find Your Legislator

(?)

Senate District 1
Hawaii State Capitol
Room: 203
phone: 808-586-6760
fax: 808-586-6689
senacasio@capitol.hawaii.gov

Member of the following committees:

Agriculture and Environment

Hawaiian Affairs

Human Services

Judiciary

District Information

1st Senatorial District Map - Hilo

Hawaii Island
Legislative Broadcast
Hawaii State Senate YouTube Stream
Submit Your Testimony

Experience

• Hawaii State Democratic Party – State Central Committee Representative – Senatorial District 1 (2016-2021)
• Hawaii State Democratic Party – District 2 Chair (2018-2020)
• Hawaii State Democratic Party – Community Organizer (2016-2020)
• Hawaii State Democratic Party –State and County Delegate – Hawaii Democratic Convention (2016-2020)
• Hawaii State Democratic Party – Registration Committee – State Democratic Convention (2018)
• Department of Education – Teacher and Substitute (2003-2021)

Community Experience

• Hawaii Rise Foundation - Emergency Relief (2020)
• Hilo Boys and Girls Club Community Garden Co-Founder (2007-2011)
• Ka ‘Umeke Kā‘eo PCS School – Executive Board Member (2013-2021)
• Hilo Surfrider Foundation – Executive Board Member (2016-2020)
• East Hawaii Consortium on Perinatal Health – Member (2010-2012)
• Hālau Wānana Hawaiian Center – Assistant Writer (2004-2005)
• Domestic Violence Clearinghouse Teen Program – Presenter (2004)
• Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana – Restoration Steward (2001-2004)
• Hilo Women’s Prison - Wellness Program Educator (2003)
• Pahole Natural Area – Restoration Volunteer Coordinator (2002-2003)
• The Nature Conservancy – Service and Field Coordinator / Field Technician (2000-2002)
• First Universalist Church – Teen Mentor and Facilitator (2002)

Measures Introduced

	Title
SB486	RELATING TO COMPOSTING.
SB488	RELATING TO THE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM.
SB490	RELATING TO THE CLEAN WATER ACT.
SB491	RELATING TO INSPECTION FEES.
SB499	RELATING TO PESTICIDES.
SB500	RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
SB501	RELATING TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
SB502 SD2 HD1	PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE I OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO GUARANTEE ALL INDIVIDUALS THE RIGHT TO HAVE A CLEAN AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT.
SB503	RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS.
SB557	RELATING TO LOBBYING.
SB587 SD1	RELATING TO STATEWIDE COMPOSTING.
SB711	RELATING TO HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE.
SB736	RELATING TO COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
SB738	RELATING TO SCHEDULE I SUBSTANCES.
SB747	RELATING TO TAXATION.
SB751	RELATING TO BLOOD DONATIONS.
SB752	RELATING TO INSURANCE.
SB753	RELATING TO SEX TRAFFICKING.
SB755 SD1 HD1	RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
SB762 SD2	RELATING TO STATE CAPITOL FACILITIES.
SB763	RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES.
SB764 SD1 HD1 CD1	RELATING TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
SB765 SD2 HD2 CD1	RELATING TO OPERATING A VEHICLE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF AN INTOXICANT.
SB781	RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.
SB817	RELATING TO ATTACHMENT.
SB826 SD1	RELATING TO SEX OFFENDERS.
SB827 SD2 HD1	RELATING TO BREAST CANCER SCREENING.
SB829 SD1	RELATING TO ABUSE OF FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS.
SB831	RELATING TO SEX TRAFFICKING.
SB832	RELATING TO VICTIM-COUNSELOR PRIVILEGE.
SB833	RELATING TO SEXUAL ABUSE OF MINORS.
SB834 SD1 HD2 CD1	RELATING TO CHILDLIKE SEX DOLLS.
SB836	RELATING TO LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE.
SB838 SD1 HD2	RELATING TO SERVICES FOR KUPUNA.
SB839 SD2	RELATING TO HEALTH.
SB857	RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.
SB859	RELATING TO AMBULANCES.
SB864	RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS.
SB886 SD1	RELATING TO SPEEDY TRIALS.
SB888	RELATING TO REFORESTATION.
SB889	RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS.
SB897	RELATING TO WATER CIRCULATION.
SB898	RELATING TO THE BERNICE PAUAHI BISHOP MUSEUM.
SB899	RELATING TO THE COMPOSITION OF THE STATE COUNCIL ON MENTAL HEALTH.
SB900 SD2	RELATING TO MATERNAL HEALTH.
SB901	RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS.
SB902	RELATING TO FEDERAL LANDS.
SB903	RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
SB940	RELATING TO OPIOIDS.
SB943	RELATING TO SCHOOL FOOD PROGRAMS.
SB956	RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION.
SB957	RELATING TO ENERGY.
SB958	RELATING TO SOLID WASTE.
SB964 SD1	RELATING TO WASTE MANAGEMENT.
SB965	RELATING TO ESSENTIAL WAGES FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS.
SB966	RELATING TO MENSTRUAL EQUITY.
SB967	RELATING TO FARM TO SCHOOL PROCUREMENT.
SB968	RELATING TO A DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
SB1004 HD2	RELATING TO EDUCATION.
SB1021 SD2 HD3	RELATING TO BURIALS.
SB1024 SD1	RELATING TO EDUCATION.
SB1243 SD2 HD1	RELATING TO THE PHASEOUT OF PRIVATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES.
SB1244 SD1	RELATING TO THE MODERNIZATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE.
SB1245	RELATING TO CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES.
SB1246 SD1	RELATING TO THE LAW OF THE SPLINTERED PADDLE.
SB1285 SD2 HD1	RELATING TO MEDICAL FACILITIES.
SB1287	RELATING TO THE FOOD SERVICES BRANCH.
SB1294	RELATING TO MEDICAID BENEFITS.
SB1298 SD1	RELATING TO GLASS CONTAINERS.
SB1299	RELATING TO MAUNA KEA.
SB1300	RELATING TO INCREASING THE ESTATE TAX.
SB1301	PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III, SECTION 4, OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO ESTABLISH LEGISLATIVE TERM LIMITS.
SB1302	RELATING TO TAX HAVEN ABUSE.
SB1309 SD1	RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES.
SB1310	RELATING TO COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT.
SB1311 SD2 HD2	RELATING TO SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS.
SB1312	RELATING TO ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY.
SB1315	RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
SB1316	RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
SB1319	RELATING TO HAWAIIAN FISHPONDS.
SB1322	RELATING TO THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
SB1373 SD1	RELATING TO WAGE GARNISHMENT.
SB1409 SD2 HD1 CD1	RELATING TO TRAINING IN NATIVE HAWAIIAN RIGHTS.
SB1411	RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION.
SB1414	RELATING TO RESTORATIVE JUSTICE.
SB1415	RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION.
SB1416	RELATING TO FARMER EQUITY.
SB1417	RELATING TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY FOR RESTAURANTS.
SB1418	RELATING TO EDUCATION.
SB1419	RELATING TO PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMS.
SCR8 SD2	REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO STUDY MISSING AND MURDERED NATIVE HAWAIIAN WOMEN AND GIRLS.
SCR35 SD1	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO PROVIDE A PLAN FOR IMPROVING ITS PROCESS FOR FULFILLING VITAL RECORD REQUESTS BY NEIGHBOR ISLAND RESIDENTS.
SCR36 SD1	REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR'S COORDINATOR ON HOMELESSNESS TO PROVIDE A STATUS UPDATE ON KUKUI'OLA VILLAGE AND WORK WITH THE HAWAII INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON HOMELESSNESS TO FURTHER FUND THE KA LAMAKU SHELTER UNTIL THE CONSTRUCTION OF KUKUI'OLA VILLAGE IS COMPLETED.
SCR37 SD1	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO SURVEY AND REPORT ON CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION INSTRUCTION BEING OFFERED THROUGHOUT STATE DEPARTMENTS.
SCR39 SD1	URGING THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I TO UTILIZE THE DATA RESULTING FROM THE 2020 UNITED STATES CENSUS TO ESTABLISH, IF ALLOWABLE, A METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I.
SCR62	URGING MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ENACT FEDERAL LEGISLATION GRANTING STATEHOOD TO THE PEOPLE OF WASHINGTON, D.C.
SCR63	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO CREATE A MODEL STATEWIDE SCHOOL POLICY ON STUDENT SUICIDE PREVENTION, INTERVENTION, AND POSTVENTION IN GRADES K-12.
SCR64	REQUESTING THE DIRECTOR OF TAXATION TO WAIVE PENALTIES AND INTEREST SOUGHT FROM SMALL BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS AS A RESULT OF UNDUE HARDSHIP RELATED TO THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 PANDEMIC.
SCR65	REQUESTING THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO ADOPT ADMINISTRATIVE RULES TO SET, CHARGE, AND COLLECT FINES ON VACANT HABITABLE DWELLING UNITS THROUGHOUT THE STATE.
SCR66 SD1 HD1	CONDEMNING AND DENOUNCING ALL FORMS OF ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT AND ALL ACTS OF RACISM, XENOPHOBIA, INTOLERANCE, DISCRIMINATION, HATE CRIME, AND HATE SPEECH AGAINST ASIAN AMERICANS AND ASIAN INDIVIDUALS IN THE UNITED STATES AND REQUESTING THE HAWAII CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION TO ANALYZE AND REPORT ON ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT AND ACTS IN THE STATE.
SCR68	REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON WAYS TO CLOSE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE.
SCR69	REQUESTING THE HAWAII EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY TO DEVELOP AN EVACUATION PLAN FOR THE AREAS WITHIN LAVA ZONES 1, 2, 3, 4, AND 6.
SCR85	PROMOTING A "GREEN CHRISTMAS" BY ENCOURAGING THE PUBLIC TO SELECT PLANTABLE NATIVE TREES FOR HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS TO HELP ADDRESS THE CLIMATE CRISIS.
SCR86	URGING THE OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES TO ESTABLISH A UNIFIED DIGITAL PUBLIC SERVICES WORKING GROUP TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO COORDINATE EFFORTS OF INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICES TO PROVIDE IMPROVED DIGITAL PUBLIC SERVICES.
SCR89	URGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SYSTEM AND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO INCLUDE TRAINING, COURSES, AND CURRICULA RELATED TO THE MECHANICS, REPAIR, AND MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES, HYDROGEN VEHICLES, AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES IN THEIR PROGRAMS.
SCR92 SD1	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO CONSIDER AMENDING THE ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS AND LEASE TERMS FOR ITS AGRICULTURAL LOTS TO AID SMALL FARM BUSINESSES.
SCR98 HD1	REQUESTING THE DIRECTOR OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE ON PAID FAMILY LEAVE.
SCR100	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PROVIDE FREE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS TO STUDENTS ON ALL HAWAII PUBLIC SCHOOL CAMPUSES.
SCR101	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS TO OPEN EMPLOYMENT OFFICES IN ALL COUNTIES; INCREASE THE HANDLING CAPACITY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT CLAIMS BY THIRTY PERCENT; COMPLETE THE UPGRADING OF ITS UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT CLAIMS COMPUTER SYSTEM; AND WORK WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE STATE LIBRARIAN TO ADOPT POLICIES AND NEEDED TRAINING TO ENSURE THAT MINIMAL ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED TO PERSONS WISHING TO USE PUBLIC ACCESS COMPUTERS AT ANY STATE LIBRARY TO FILE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT CLAIMS.
SCR108	URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO INCREASE ITS INVESTMENT IN COMPREHENSIVE OFFENDER REENTRY TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS EXITING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES.
SCR140 SD1	ASSERTING THAT RACISM IS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS AND URGING THE STATE TO COMMIT TO RECOGNIZING AND ADDRESSING THE RESULTING INEQUITIES, AND STUDY AND REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE ON ECONOMIC DISPARITIES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE DETRIMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH EFFECTS OF RACISM.
SCR142	REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO UPDATE ITS REPORT NO. 12-09, WHICH ASSESSES THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR FERTILITY PRESERVATION PROCEDURES FOR PERSONS OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE WHO HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER.
SCR144	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND FINANCE, AND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO TESTIFY ON ANY LEGISLATION THAT WOULD POTENTIALLY INCREASE OVERCROWDING CONDITIONS AT HAWAII'S CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES.
SCR148	URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO FORGIVE THE STATE'S OUTSTANDING FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE LOAN BALANCE FOR FEDERAL LOANS BORROWED TO CONTINUE TO PAY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.
SCR156	REAFFIRMING A COMMITMENT TO ENDING SYSTEMIC RACISM AND INJUSTICE IN HAWAII AND THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES.
SCR157	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONVENE A THERAPEUTIC PSILOCYBIN WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE THE MEDICINAL AND THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF PSILOCYBIN AND DEVELOP A LONGTERM STRATEGIC PLAN TO ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF MEDICINAL PSILOCYBIN OR PSILOCYBIN-BASED PRODUCTS THAT ARE SAFE, ACCESSIBLE, AND AFFORDABLE FOR ELIGIBLE ADULT PATIENTS.
SCR158 SD1	URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS, THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, AND THE HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO TAKE EVERY ACTION NECESSARY TO ADDRESS RAPIDLY INCREASING SAFETY RISKS AND COMMUNITY DISRUPTION RESULTING FROM INSUFFICIENT REGULATION OF TOUR HELICOPTER AND SMALL AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS THROUGHOUT HAWAII SKIES.
SCR161 SD1	REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF REQUIRING HEALTH INSURERS TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES RELATED TO GENDER TRANSITION TREATMENTS.
SCR172	REQUESTING THAT THE COMPTROLLER CONVENE A HEALTHY WORKPLACE WORKING GROUP TO REVIEW AND RECOMMEND IMPROVEMENTS TO TRANSFORM STATE FACILITIES INTO GREEN FACILITIES AND MAXIMIZE HEALTH, IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY, AND REDUCE FACILITY COSTS.
SCR173 SD1	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO INITIATE THREE INNOVATIVE PILOT PROJECTS OF MEANINGFUL SCALE TO MODERNIZE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.
SCR178	RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING ONGOING COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TO IMPLEMENT A STATEWIDE STRATEGY TO ELIMINATE VIRAL HEPATITIS TYPES A, B, AND C IN HAWAII.
SCR179	REQUESTING THE FORMATION OF A WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE THE GOVERNANCE AND MAINTENANCE OF SHARED AREAS IN NON-PLANNED COMMUNITY SUBDIVISIONS.
SCR199	REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF PLANNING TO QUANTIFY THE AMOUNT OF LAND NEEDED TO MEET RENEWABLE ENERGY GOALS AND THE AMOUNT OF LAND NEEDED TO MEET FOOD SUSTAINABILITY GOALS AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE SITING CONSIDERATIONS TO MEET BOTH GOALS.
SCR206 SD1	REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS TO ESTABLISH THE BURIAL SITES WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE THE BURIAL SITES PROGRAM UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES' STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION DIVISION.
SCR228	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO PRESERVE FUNDING PROGRAMS FOR LGBTQ+ HEALTH CARE SERVICES, INCLUDING THE HAWAII ISLAND HIV/AIDS FOUNDATION, AND TO ASSIST THE HAWAII ISLAND HIV/AIDS FOUNDATION IN APPLYING FOR FUNDING TO MAINTAIN ITS WEST HAWAII OPERATIONS LOCATED IN KAILUA-KONA.
SCR229 SD1	REQUESTING THE HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO DEVELOP BETTER MISSION-DRIVEN HIRING AND TRAINING OF CULTURALLY-ACCEPTED INTERPRETERS EMPLOYED AT HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS FACILITIES AND TO CREATE CULTURALLY-ACCEPTED EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS ON PREVENTATIVE CARE AND EARLY INTERVENTION TO ASSIST NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING POPULATIONS SEEKING CARE AT HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION FACILITIES.
SCR230	URGING THE HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION TO EXPAND THE KA‘U RURAL HEALTH CLINIC TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO URGENT CARE AND OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES.
SCR234 SD1	URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO EXPAND ITS QUARANTINE FACILITIES OF THE PLANT QUARANTINE BRANCH.
SCR235 SD1	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO EVALUATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION, HIGHWAY FLOODING, AND ROAD SAFETY ISSUES ON HAWAI‘I ISLAND.
SCR239	URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO INCREASE THE USE OF RECLAIMED ASPHALT PAVEMENT TO REPAVE, RECONSTRUCT, AND PRESERVE STATE STREETS, ROADS, AND HIGHWAYS AND EXPLORE USE OF OTHER PRODUCTS USING RECLAIMED ASPHALT.
SCR250	REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO PURSUE IMMEDIATE AND PERMANENT RELIEF FROM THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION FOR THE STATE AUTHORIZED USE OF CANNABIS IN HAWAII.
SCR251	REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF MANDATING COVERAGE OF AMBULANCE AND COMMUNITY PARAMEDICINE SERVICES.
SCR252	REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO CONDUCT A STUDY EXAMINING THE EFFICACY OF THE HAWAII CARES PROGRAM OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION ADULT MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION.
SCR253 SD1	URGING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO REPORT CURRENT CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 STATISTICS IN ORDER TO HELP PROTECT THE MILITARY AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY INSTALLATIONS ARE LOCATED.
SCR255	REQUESTING THAT JUNE 27 OF EACH YEAR BE RECOGNIZED AS POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS INJURY AWARENESS DAY AND DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF JUNE OF EACH YEAR AS POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS INJURY AWARENESS MONTH IN HAWAII.
SCR256	REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO COMPILE AND SYNTHESIZE RESEARCH STUDIES EXAMINING ALL POTENTIAL HEALTH IMPACTS OF RADIO FREQUENCY RADIATION, INCLUDING FIFTH-GENERATION CELLULAR NETWORKS.
SCR257	REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL ASSESSMENTS OF THE ADOPTION OF A UNIVERSAL, PUBLICLY-ADMINISTERED HEALTH CARE SYSTEM WITH A REQUIREMENT THAT THE HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND BECOMES SELF-FUNDING AND OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE SYSTEM IN THE FORM OF SELF-INSURED HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAMS FOR EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND AND MEDICAID BENEFICIARIES USING ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ONLY CONTRACTS FOR NECESSARY ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS.
SCR258 SD1	URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO IDENTIFY HOW COFFEE BERRY BORER AND COFFEE LEAF RUST ENTERED INTO HAWAII AND MEASURES TO PREVENT THE FLOW OF THESE INVASIVE SPECIES INTO THE STATE TO PROTECT THE ONGOING VIABILITY OF HAWAI‘I'S COFFEE INDUSTRY.
SCR259 SD1	URGING THE HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY TO EXPLORE AND IMPLEMENT A VISITOR PLEDGE OF ALOHA TO EDUCATE AND EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF HAWAII'S ENVIRONMENT AND CULTURE AND ENCOURAGE INCREASED RESPECT AND APPRECIATION OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
SCR260 SD1	URGING THE GOVERNOR AND COUNTY MAYORS TO SUPPORT AND FURTHER DIALOGUE AND CONVENING OF EFFORTS THROUGHOUT ALL SECTORS OF HAWAII TO PROACTIVELY DEVELOP NEW INITIATIVES THAT STRENGTHEN ‘AINA-BASED ASSETS TOWARD A MORE THRIVING HAWAII.
SR7 SD1	REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO STUDY MISSING AND MURDERED NATIVE HAWAIIAN WOMEN AND GIRLS.
SR24 SD1	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO PROVIDE A PLAN FOR IMPROVING ITS PROCESS FOR FULFILLING VITAL RECORD REQUESTS BY NEIGHBOR ISLAND RESIDENTS.
SR25 SD1	REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR'S COORDINATOR ON HOMELESSNESS TO PROVIDE A STATUS UPDATE ON KUKUI'OLA VILLAGE AND WORK WITH THE HAWAII INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON HOMELESSNESS TO FURTHER FUND THE KA LAMAKU SHELTER UNTIL THE CONSTRUCTION OF KUKUI'OLA VILLAGE IS COMPLETED.
SR26 SD1	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO SURVEY AND REPORT ON CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION INSTRUCTION BEING OFFERED THROUGHOUT STATE DEPARTMENTS.
SR28 SD1	URGING THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I TO UTILIZE THE DATA RESULTING FROM THE 2020 UNITED STATES CENSUS TO ESTABLISH, IF ALLOWABLE, A METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I.
SR44	URGING MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ENACT FEDERAL LEGISLATION GRANTING STATEHOOD TO THE PEOPLE OF WASHINGTON, D.C.
SR45	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO CREATE A MODEL STATEWIDE SCHOOL POLICY ON STUDENT SUICIDE PREVENTION, INTERVENTION, AND POSTVENTION IN GRADES K-12.
SR46	REQUESTING THE DIRECTOR OF TAXATION TO WAIVE PENALTIES AND INTEREST SOUGHT FROM SMALL BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS AS A RESULT OF UNDUE HARDSHIP RELATED TO THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 PANDEMIC.
SR47	REQUESTING THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO ADOPT ADMINISTRATIVE RULES TO SET, CHARGE, AND COLLECT FINES ON VACANT HABITABLE DWELLING UNITS THROUGHOUT THE STATE.
SR48 SD1	CONDEMNING AND DENOUNCING ALL FORMS OF ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT AND ALL ACTS OF RACISM, XENOPHOBIA, INTOLERANCE, DISCRIMINATION, HATE CRIME, AND HATE SPEECH AGAINST ASIAN AMERICANS AND ASIAN INDIVIDUALS IN THE UNITED STATES AND REQUESTING THE HAWAII CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION TO ANALYZE AND REPORT ON ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT AND ACTS IN THE STATE.
SR50	REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON WAYS TO CLOSE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE.
SR51	REQUESTING THE HAWAII EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY TO DEVELOP AN EVACUATION PLAN FOR THE AREAS WITHIN LAVA ZONES 1, 2, 3, 4, AND 6.
SR65	PROMOTING A "GREEN CHRISTMAS" BY ENCOURAGING THE PUBLIC TO SELECT PLANTABLE NATIVE TREES FOR HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS TO HELP ADDRESS THE CLIMATE CRISIS.
SR66	URGING THE OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES TO ESTABLISH A UNIFIED DIGITAL PUBLIC SERVICES WORKING GROUP TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO COORDINATE EFFORTS OF INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICES TO PROVIDE IMPROVED DIGITAL PUBLIC SERVICES.
SR68	URGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SYSTEM AND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO INCLUDE TRAINING, COURSES, AND CURRICULA RELATED TO THE MECHANICS, REPAIR, AND MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES, HYDROGEN VEHICLES, AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES IN THEIR PROGRAMS.
SR71 SD1	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO CONSIDER AMENDING THE ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS AND LEASE TERMS FOR ITS AGRICULTURAL LOTS TO AID SMALL FARM BUSINESSES.
SR77	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PROVIDE FREE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS TO STUDENTS ON ALL HAWAII PUBLIC SCHOOL CAMPUSES.
SR78	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS TO OPEN EMPLOYMENT OFFICES IN ALL COUNTIES; INCREASE THE HANDLING CAPACITY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT CLAIMS BY THIRTY PERCENT; COMPLETE THE UPGRADING OF ITS UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT CLAIMS COMPUTER SYSTEM; AND WORK WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE STATE LIBRARIAN TO ADOPT POLICIES AND NEEDED TRAINING TO ENSURE THAT MINIMAL ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED TO PERSONS WISHING TO USE PUBLIC ACCESS COMPUTERS AT ANY STATE LIBRARY TO FILE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT CLAIMS.
SR85	URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO INCREASE ITS INVESTMENT IN COMPREHENSIVE OFFENDER REENTRY TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS EXITING CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES.
SR112	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND FINANCE, AND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO TESTIFY ON ANY LEGISLATION THAT WOULD POTENTIALLY INCREASE OVERCROWDING CONDITIONS AT HAWAII'S CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES.
SR114	URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO FORGIVE THE STATE'S OUTSTANDING FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE LOAN BALANCE FOR FEDERAL LOANS BORROWED TO CONTINUE TO PAY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.
SR121	REAFFIRMING A COMMITMENT TO ENDING SYSTEMIC RACISM AND INJUSTICE IN HAWAII AND THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES.
SR122	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONVENE A THERAPEUTIC PSILOCYBIN WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE THE MEDICINAL AND THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF PSILOCYBIN AND DEVELOP A LONGTERM STRATEGIC PLAN TO ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF MEDICINAL PSILOCYBIN OR PSILOCYBIN-BASED PRODUCTS THAT ARE SAFE, ACCESSIBLE, AND AFFORDABLE FOR ELIGIBLE ADULT PATIENTS.
SR123 SD1	URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS, THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, AND THE HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO TAKE EVERY ACTION NECESSARY TO ADDRESS RAPIDLY INCREASING SAFETY RISKS AND COMMUNITY DISRUPTION RESULTING FROM INSUFFICIENT REGULATION OF TOUR HELICOPTER AND SMALL AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS THROUGHOUT HAWAII SKIES.
SR126 SD1	REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF REQUIRING HEALTH INSURERS TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES RELATED TO GENDER TRANSITION TREATMENTS.
SR137	REQUESTING THAT THE COMPTROLLER CONVENE A HEALTHY WORKPLACE WORKING GROUP TO REVIEW AND RECOMMEND IMPROVEMENTS TO TRANSFORM STATE FACILITIES INTO GREEN FACILITIES AND MAXIMIZE HEALTH, IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY, AND REDUCE FACILITY COSTS.
SR138 SD1	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO INITIATE THREE INNOVATIVE PILOT PROJECTS OF MEANINGFUL SCALE TO MODERNIZE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.
SR143	RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING ONGOING COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TO IMPLEMENT A STATEWIDE STRATEGY TO ELIMINATE VIRAL HEPATITIS TYPES A, B, AND C IN HAWAII.
SR144	REQUESTING THE FORMATION OF A WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE THE GOVERNANCE AND MAINTENANCE OF SHARED AREAS IN NON-PLANNED COMMUNITY SUBDIVISIONS.
SR164	REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF PLANNING TO QUANTIFY THE AMOUNT OF LAND NEEDED TO MEET RENEWABLE ENERGY GOALS AND THE AMOUNT OF LAND NEEDED TO MEET FOOD SUSTAINABILITY GOALS AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE SITING CONSIDERATIONS TO MEET BOTH GOALS.
SR171 SD1	REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS TO ESTABLISH THE BURIAL SITES WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE THE BURIAL SITES PROGRAM UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES' STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION DIVISION.
SR188	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO PRESERVE FUNDING PROGRAMS FOR LGBTQ+ HEALTH CARE SERVICES, INCLUDING THE HAWAII ISLAND HIV/AIDS FOUNDATION, AND TO ASSIST THE HAWAII ISLAND HIV/AIDS FOUNDATION IN APPLYING FOR FUNDING TO MAINTAIN ITS WEST HAWAII OPERATIONS LOCATED IN KAILUA-KONA.
SR189 SD1	REQUESTING THE HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO DEVELOP BETTER MISSION-DRIVEN HIRING AND TRAINING OF CULTURALLY-ACCEPTED INTERPRETERS EMPLOYED AT HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS FACILITIES AND TO CREATE CULTURALLY-ACCEPTED EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS ON PREVENTATIVE CARE AND EARLY INTERVENTION TO ASSIST NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING POPULATIONS SEEKING CARE AT HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION FACILITIES.
SR190	URGING THE HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION TO EXPAND THE KA‘U RURAL HEALTH CLINIC TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO URGENT CARE AND OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES.
SR194 SD1	URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO EXPAND ITS QUARANTINE FACILITIES OF THE PLANT QUARANTINE BRANCH.
SR195 SD1	REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO EVALUATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION, HIGHWAY FLOODING, AND ROAD SAFETY ISSUES ON HAWAI‘I ISLAND.
SR199	URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO INCREASE THE USE OF RECLAIMED ASPHALT PAVEMENT TO REPAVE, RECONSTRUCT, AND PRESERVE STATE STREETS, ROADS, AND HIGHWAYS AND EXPLORE USE OF OTHER PRODUCTS USING RECLAIMED ASPHALT.
SR209	REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO PURSUE IMMEDIATE AND PERMANENT RELIEF FROM THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION FOR THE STATE AUTHORIZED USE OF CANNABIS IN HAWAII.
SR210	REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF MANDATING COVERAGE OF AMBULANCE AND COMMUNITY PARAMEDICINE SERVICES.
SR211	REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO CONDUCT A STUDY EXAMINING THE EFFICACY OF THE HAWAII CARES PROGRAM OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION ADULT MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION.
SR212 SD1	URGING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO REPORT CURRENT CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 STATISTICS IN ORDER TO HELP PROTECT THE MILITARY AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY INSTALLATIONS ARE LOCATED.
SR214	REQUESTING THAT JUNE 27 OF EACH YEAR BE RECOGNIZED AS POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS INJURY AWARENESS DAY AND DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF JUNE OF EACH YEAR AS POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS INJURY AWARENESS MONTH IN HAWAII.
SR215	REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO COMPILE AND SYNTHESIZE RESEARCH STUDIES EXAMINING ALL POTENTIAL HEALTH IMPACTS OF RADIO FREQUENCY RADIATION, INCLUDING FIFTH-GENERATION CELLULAR NETWORKS.
SR216	REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL ASSESSMENTS OF THE ADOPTION OF A UNIVERSAL, PUBLICLY-ADMINISTERED HEALTH CARE SYSTEM WITH A REQUIREMENT THAT THE HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND BECOMES SELF-FUNDING AND OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE SYSTEM IN THE FORM OF SELF-INSURED HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAMS FOR EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND AND MEDICAID BENEFICIARIES USING ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ONLY CONTRACTS FOR NECESSARY ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS.
SR217 SD1	URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO IDENTIFY HOW COFFEE BERRY BORER AND COFFEE LEAF RUST ENTERED INTO HAWAII AND MEASURES TO PREVENT THE FLOW OF THESE INVASIVE SPECIES INTO THE STATE TO PROTECT THE ONGOING VIABILITY OF HAWAI‘I'S COFFEE INDUSTRY.
SR218 SD1	URGING THE HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY TO EXPLORE AND IMPLEMENT A VISITOR PLEDGE OF ALOHA TO EDUCATE AND EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF HAWAII'S ENVIRONMENT AND CULTURE AND ENCOURAGE INCREASED RESPECT AND APPRECIATION OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
SR219 SD1	URGING THE GOVERNOR AND COUNTY MAYORS TO SUPPORT AND FURTHER DIALOGUE AND CONVENING OF EFFORTS THROUGHOUT ALL SECTORS OF HAWAII TO PROACTIVELY DEVELOP NEW INITIATIVES THAT STRENGTHEN ‘AINA-BASED ASSETS TOWARD A MORE THRIVING HAWAII.

You are viewing an archive page from 2021

In 2021, Senator Laura Clint Acasio was appointed by Governor David Y. Ige to serve the people of District 1 on Hawaii island.

Senator Acasio was born in Los Angeles, California. While growing up, Senator Acasio's parents instilled within her a deep respect for the environment. Her father grew abundant fruit trees in their yard and she raised chickens, often taking their fruits and eggs around to their community to ensure everyone had food. Senator Acasio's family also loved to go camping and focused on a "leave no trace" philosophy where they camped with zero waste. It was from her parents that Senator Acasio learned that taking care of the environment also meant taking care of her community.

Senator Acasio later moved to Hawaii, graduating from the University of Hawaii with a degree in geography. While earning her degree in geography, Senator Acasio became exposed to environmental efforts by Native Hawaiians to protect and preserve their lands. This exposure led Senator Acasio to become involved in projects like Protect Kaho‘olawe, the Nature Conservancy, and Pohale Natural Area. After participating in environmental preservation, Senator Acasio began training to become a doula.

Senator Acasio's training to become a doula put her in a position of support for expectant mothers during the birthing process. Her support, she knew, contributed to positive birth outcomes and helped ensure that expectant mothers were respected during the birthing process. Senator Acasio also became exposed to Native Hawaiian traditional medicine through her taining. This furthered her understanding of the connection between caring for the environment and caring for her community. Senator Acasio then decided to become a teacher.

As a teacher, Senator Acasio's care for the environment transferred through her teachings to her students. She focused on relevant placed based experiential learning, which allowed her students to learn through their environment. Her students became actively engaged in civics as questions often posed focused on the needs of the community, the people who were working to benefit their communities, and how her students could similarly become involved. One such issue impacting her students was sex trafficking. Senator Acasio began to learn as much as she could about sex trafficking in Hawaii, including attending education sessions by Ho‘ōla NāPua. What she learned from Ho‘ōla NāPua affirmed her knowing that working together for the betterment of the community benefitted everyone. This knowing, that we are made greater together, shapes Senator Acasio's civic engagement.

While Senator Acasio was teaching, she became active in the Hilo Democratic Party. Most recently, Senator Acasio was the District 2 chair. As a former public school educator and birth worker, Senator Acasio believes in prioritizing the wellbeing of our community through equitable legislation, advocacy, and progressive change. Senator Acasio is an environmentalist who values protecting our land, our waterways, and all of our natural resources for not only the betterment of our lands but for the betterment of all of Hawaii's people.

We are made greater together.

Thursday, April 29, 2021

THE SECOND ANNUAL HAWAII ZERO WASTE SUMMIT

SAVE THE DATE! Senator Acasio is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Hawai‘i Zero Waste Summit hosted by Zero Waster Hawaii on May 28, 2021 via zoom.

Zero Waste Hawaii will also be collaborating with Recycle Hawaii to release informational webinars in conjunction with some awesome panels for the state-wide community. Details and registration link to be announced.

Keep an eye out for more info!

Thursday, April 29, 2021

WEBINAR: RE-USING PRODUCTS TO REACH HAWAII'S SUSTAINABILITY GOALS

What reuse opportunities already exist in Hawaii?

How can these opportunities be expanded?

What progress is being made in other states?

On Saturday, May 22, 2021 from 10am-11:30am, Senator Acasio presents RE-USE, a free webinar that addresses how re-using products can help us reach our sustainability goals.

We hope you'll join us!

Thursday, April 29, 2021

WEBINAR: EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY

What if we lived in a world where producers took responsibility for the trash they created?

What if Starbucks had to take responsibility for the single use plastic that they produced on a day to day basis?

What if makeup companies were responsible for their packaging even after consumers used up all of the product?

97% of waste produced in the US is corporate waste.

On May 15, 2021 from 10am-11:30am, Senator Acasio is sponsoring a free webinar discussing extended producer responsibility.

This webinar focuses on ways in which extended producer responsibility can assist Hawaii in achieving sustainability goals while also questioning which sustainability model works best.

Help us create a more sustainable future for Hawaii.

We hope to see you there!

Hawaii State Legislature

THE SECOND ANNUAL HAWAII ZERO WASTE SUMMIT

WEBINAR: RE-USING PRODUCTS TO REACH HAWAII'S SUSTAINABILITY GOALS

WEBINAR: EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY