North Shore NewsThe 2024 session of the Hawaii State Legislature was marked by a series of significant legislative achievements and disappointments, reflecting the complex interplay of political, economic, and social forces shaping the state’s future.
Big Wins
1.SB 2919: Phasing Out Short-Term Rentals (STRs) by giving counties the power to phase out short-term rentals so as to increase the availability of long-term housing for residents. The proliferation of STRs has contributed to the housing shortage and inflated rental prices, exacerbating the homelessness crisis. Empowering counties to regulate STRs more effectively will help stabilize the housing market, making it more accessible and affordable for local families.
2. SB 2619: Funding the Department of Agriculture (DOA) for Invasive Species that pose a severe threat to Hawaii’s unique ecosystems, agriculture, and economy. This legislation will enable the DOA to enhance its efforts in eradicating and controlling these species, thereby protecting native flora and fauna, agricultural productivity, and overall environmental health.
3. HB 1800: Stabilizing Funding for DOE and UH, providing a consistent financial foundation and supports the educational infrastructure necessary for Hawaii’s future. This year, we began to acknowledge the chronic underfunding issues that have plagued the state’s educational institutions, promoting better educational outcomes and opportunities for all students.
Big Losses
1. HB 2690: Protecting Our Water died in conference committee. Stream flow restoration and the enforcement of Hawaiʻi’s public trust water laws are vital to the stewardship of healthy ahupuaʻa systems where indigenous traditional and customary food systems can thrive. This measure would have protected Water Commission members and staff from the influence of opportunistic and politically connected corporate interests and supported remediation efforts at Red Hill.
2. HB 955: Providing a Pathway to Licensure for Traditional Midwives, recognizing their role in maternal health care, particularly in underserved communities. The defeat of this bill is a setback for women’s health rights and limits access to culturally sensitive birthing options. It also perpetuates the regulatory barriers that traditional midwives face, undermining efforts to diversify and improve maternal health services.
3.HB 2686: Addressing Rising Condo Insurance Costs by tackling the escalating costs and risks associated with condominium insurance. With the increasing frequency of natural disasters and aging infrastructure, condo owners face rising premiums and limited coverage options. The failure of this bill means that many residents will continue to struggle with unaffordable insurance costs, otentially threatening their financial stability and homeownership.
Missed Opportunities
1.Climate Change Action: Despite the pressing need for climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, the legislature failed to pass significant climaterelated bills. Hawaii’s vulnerability to sea level rise, extreme weather, and other climate impacts necessitates urgent legislative action to protect communities and ecosystems. The lack of progress on this front is a missed opportunity to strengthen Hawaii’s resilience and leadership in climate action.
2.Cesspool Conversion: Efforts to address the widespread issue of cesspools, which pose severe environmental and health risks, did not advance. Converting cesspools to more sustainable wastewater systems is critical for protecting water quality and public health The legislature’s inaction on this issue delays necessary environmental improvements and places continued strain on Hawaii’s natural resources.
3.Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems: The legislature also missed the chance to make substantial investments in agriculture and food systems planning. While funds were allocated for hunger relief through programs like DA BUX and local food banks, broader support for regenerative farming practices and farm-to-school programs fell short. Additionally, there was no movement on addressing the “SNAP cliff,” which affects food security for many families. Supporting food producers and investing in sustainable agriculture are essential for ensuring food equity and security in Hawaii.
Conclusion
The 2024 legislative session in Hawaii showcased both progress and setbacks in addressing critical issues facing the state. While significant strides were made in housing, environmental protection, and education funding, the failure to advance crucial water protection, maternal health, and insurance reform measures highlights ongoing challenges. Moreover, the missed opportunities in climate action, cesspool conversion, and agricultural investment underscore the need for continued advocacy and legislative effort to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for Hawaii. I look forward to working with our communities across the pae ‘āina to address these issues.