b'2024 State ReportSTATEMAUI RECOVERY SENATE Thirteen Senate seats were up for election this year, five of whichThe Maui Countywere decided in the August Primary as they all ran unopposed.Officialscontinue their Seven Senate Democrat incumbents on the ballot won theirprogress of re-building La-reelection. Republicans gained one seat in the Senate this year, ashaina. They recently com-Samantha DeCorte (R) defeated her Democratic opponent. Shepleted a significant step by will represent District 22, which had been vacated when Maileproviding their draft report of Shimabukuro retired in May 2024. In summary, Hawaiis Senatetheir rebuilding plan, whichMaui Countyremains overwhelmingly Democratic with a total of twenty-twoemphasizes its residents. The Democrats and three Republican Senators.Plan outlines its short-term The Senate election results are not anticipated to lead to signifi- objectives that include, but cant changes in key leadership positions, as Senate President Ronarent limited to re-building Kouchi and Senate Vice President Michelle Kidani are expectedLahaina Town, updating the to retain their leadership positions. In addition, the leadership atNational Landmark District, key industry committees such as Commerce & Consumer Protec- rebuilding affordable rental tion (CPN), Energy, Economic Development & Tourism (EEDT),housing programs, implementing a real estate acquisition plan, and Transportation (TRN) are expected to remain the same withenhancing emergency communications, and creating a permanent Senators Jarrett Keohokalole (CPN), Lynn DeCoite (EEDT) andmemorial for the 102 people who died in the wildfire. Chris Lee (TRN); respectively, retaining these leadership positions.Furthermore, the Plan includes mid-term objectives that focus HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESon enhancing Mauis Emergency Management Agency, develop-Of the fifty-one District races, twenty-eight incumbents won theiring a new business park to complement the economy, rebuilding reelections. Furthermore, fifteen of the races were decided in thethe West Maui Senior Center, improving street connectivity for Primary due to either no opposition or candidates from only oneemergency evacuation routes, re-developing King Kamehameha party on the ballot. In addition, one was appointed to their seatIII School and the Lahaina Public Library, in addition to other due to the passing of Representative Mark Nakashima, who hadproperty and infrastructure improvements.faced no opposition.Finally, the Plan also includes long-term objectives for the The election will result in the House of Representatives welcom- completion of the Lahaina bypass road system, developing a ing up to twelve new Members, including three Republicans thatmulti-use trail system, constructing a facility for both wildfire defeated their Democratic opponents. The House will remainsurvivors and non-profit organizations use, and other develop-overwhelmingly Democratic with a total of forty-two Democratsment and land improvements. and nine Republicans.The Maui County Officials Plan will now enter another round of Despite the anticipated stability in the key House committee lead- public comment from both residents and stakeholders. The final ership positions and considering Speaker Saikis defeat in the Pri- version of the Plan is anticipated to be released in December 25, mary, controversial subject matters such as the redevelopment ofwith the intent for the short-term projects to commence in some Kakaako Makai, recreational marijuana and gaming, which havecapacity during 2025. previously been supported in the Senate but opposed in the House may likely generate significant interest in the 2025 session. Additionally, with the new Members being elected to the StateHEMA House of Representatives that seemingly share a progressive2ND VICE PRESIDENT agenda similar to several Members that were newly elected overDuring HEMAs fall board meeting,Roger Dang was the last few legislative sessions, it is anticipated that the Houseconfirmed as our 2nd Vice President. Roger is a key Principal of may consider an agenda that, in addition to supporting the MauiPetro Pacific, which is a diversified and growing company pro-Recovery initiatives, will further focus on affordable housing,viding fuel distribution and merchant fishing fleet operations in homelessness, mental health, and alternative energy.Hawaii. Roger has been a long-standing Member of HEMA and Lastly, with the tax relief measures that passed in 2024 legisla- we are certainly excited about his commitment to serve in this tive session and signed into law by Governor Josh Green, M.D.,and future Executive positions at HEMA.House Bill (HB) 2404 and Senate Bill (SB) 1035; respectively, the 2025 Hawaii State Legislature will be challenged to identify new revenue sources to offset the loss of revenues due to these tax relief measures. SWPMA News / Winter 202437'