url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3489,Congressman Case Statement On The Passing Of Former President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=7,scraper,"(Honolulu, HI) – Congressman Ed Case (First District - Hawai‘i) today issued the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter: “Faith, hope, service. These will always define President Jimmy Carter. Faith in God and humanity. Hope for our country and world and for each and all of us. Service as the purpose of life, each in our own best way. His was truly a life of consequence.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-biden-signs-rep-tokudas-legislation-to-start-process-of-designating-lahaina-a-national-heritage-area,President Biden Signs Rep. Tokuda’s Legislation to Start Process of Designating Lahaina a National Heritage Area,2024-12-26,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5&,scraper,"Washington, DC – Earlier this week, President Joe Biden signed U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda’s (HI-02) Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act into law. Under this law, the National Park Service, in consultation with state and local partners, will study the suitability and feasibility of a National Heritage Area designation for Lahaina. These areas are designated by Congress to complement state and local conservation efforts through recognition, federal funding, and technical assistance. “Sixteen months after the horrific fires forever changed Lahaina, the community is still rebuilding while trying to preserve what was miraculously saved. President Biden has always recognized Lahaina’s long road to recovery and continues to lend his unwavering support. I am so proud and grateful that President Biden recognizes Lahaina’s historic and cultural significance and how my legislation helps ensure future generations do as well,” said Rep. Tokuda. U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) introduced the Senate companion of the legislation and helped secure its passage on the Senate floor on December 16, 2024. There are 62 National Heritage Areas in the United States but none in Hawaiʻi. Kaʻena Point is currently being studied for designation. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3488,Case Announces House Passage Of Measure To Provide Continued Critical Disaster Relief For Lahaina,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1) voted today on the bipartisan continuing resolution drafted by his Appropriations Committee to keep government programs and services funded until March 14, 2025. The package also includes supplemental relief funds necessary to help Maui and other communities across the country recover from recent natural disasters. “Aside from highly disappointing and totally unnecessary last-minute drama leading up to this vote, this measure is critical to the millions across our country who rely on core federal programs for themselves and their families,” said Case. “Especially welcome is the continuation of disaster funding for which the Hawai‘i Congressional delegation has fought hard to help Maui recover from the one of deadliest fires in our nation’s history,” said Case. The House approved the bill by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 366-34. The Senate is expected to approve the bill shortly and send it to the President, who is expected to sign the bill into law. The bill also includes a one-year reauthorization of the Farm Bill, a comprehensive piece of legislation passed by Congress roughly every five years that directs U.S. agricultural and food policies. This will secure key agricultural support and food assistance programs as Congress works to complete a final version of the reauthorization. Further details: The bill includes further emergency funding for both the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Economic Development Administration, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) program, all of which are critical to Maui’s recovery. The bill provides $12 billion to CDBG-DR, which is a crucial resource for the rebuilding of Lahaina. This federal funding program provides financial support for long-term recovery efforts in areas affected by natural disasters. For Lahaina, the CDBG-DR funding will assist in restoring homes, infrastructure and essential services, while also fostering economic revitalization. The funds will enable the construction of safe, affordable housing, support small businesses, and enhance community resilience against future disasters. This funding will provide vital support to restore Lahaina’s social fabric, provide economic stability and ensure the long-term well-being of its residents. This bill provides $29 billion for FEMA’s key Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) so FEMA can continue its critical disaster relief work. The DRF is the primary federal funding mechanism used for disaster response, and it has been severely depleted in recent months as several severe storms, like Hurricanes Helene and Milton, devastated communities across the country, all while the DRF continues to fund long-term recovery for other disasters, including the Maui wildfires. The $1.5 billion allocated to the Economic Development Administration is designated for disaster-related purposes, including long-term recovery efforts, capacity building and addressing unmet needs in areas affected by natural disasters, such as the 2023 wildfires in Hawai‘i. These funds will support rebuilding infrastructure, mitigate future risks, and assist with the economic recovery of communities impacted by the fires. For Hawai‘i, this funding is crucial for restoring essential services, fostering resilience and ensuring comprehensive support for the state’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. The bill allocates $2.2 billion to the SBA’s Disaster Loans Program to address funding shortfalls. This includes $11.7 million in loans already approved for 38 Hawai‘i small businesses, part of approximately 17,000 nationwide awaiting assistance. The funding will help businesses and residents in Hawai‘i recover from past disasters, providing essential financial support for rebuilding efforts. The funds will remain available until fully expended, ensuring continued assistance for Hawaii’s disaster loan applicants to recover and rebuild. The measure also extends the Farm Bill for a year, a program that provides critical support for ranchers and farmers and helps ensure food security and promotes natural resource conservation. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Case helped ensure that another vital program funded under the Farm Bill and administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Supplemental Nutrition Program, or SNAP, will continue to be funded. “This federal assistance is critical to the economic security and well-being especially of women and children in acute needs,” said Case. Other provisions in the bill of special relevance to Hawai‘i include: · $210 million for the U.S. Coast Guard to respond to damage caused by various natural disasters, including to fund necessary repairs at units in Hawai‘i impacted by the Maui wildfires. · Extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities until the end of 2026. · Increased mandatory funding for Community Health Centers and the National Health Service Corps. NOTE: The bill text is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3481,Case Announces Nominations To Nation's Service Academies For Incoming '25 Class,2024-12-15,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8,scraper,"(Honolulu, HI) - U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today announced his 2025 nominations our nation’s four service academies: the U.S. Military Academy (West Point/Army); U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis/Navy); U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs/Air Force) and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point). “I take my responsibility to nominate deserving applicants from my district to our legendary service academies very seriously, and personally interviewed most of my applicants before making my decisions,” said Case. “I was truly impressed with the applicants, and it was very encouraging and rewarding to have spent time with our next generation of military leaders.” Case named the following nominees to the four service academies (principal nominee and the rest in alphabetical order by last name): United States Air Force Academy Principal nominee: Miles Schwab Moanalua High School Jacob Barner Radford High School Aidan Bowers Punahou School Emma Campagna Moanalua High School Sidney Cogswell Punahou School Reese Distelzweig Radford High School Dylan Fo Hanalani Schools John Ganske Moanalua High School Bryson Leong Iolani School Samuel Lorge Air Force Preparatory School/Kaiser HS Olivia Moon Moanalua High School Jim Pedroza Radford High School Joshua Rayman Radford High School Jariahlyn Rhoades Punahou School Brad Yoakley Radford High School United States Military Academy at West Point Principal nominee: Joshua Yang Punahou School Noah Ahn Moanalua High School Zachary Carlile Zama American Middle High School Alexander Cramer Mililani High School Constantine Cramer Mililani High School Tyson Drowns NIST International School Thailand Hoyt Fujihara Moanalua High School Rahieum Lee II Moanalua High School Tuan Pettaway Mililani High School Obadiah Scroggins Leilehua High School Temana Shimasaki Kamehameha – Kapālama Campus Tyler Wilson Mid-Pacific Institute United States Naval Academy Principal nominee: Aliyah Converse Radford High school Kai Im Punahou School Joshua Kraft Kapolei High School Joshua Lam Roosevelt High School Phoenix Nguyen-Eden Punahou School Braden Oxendine Radford High School David Partin Saint Louis School Obadiah Scroggins Leilehua High School Reif York-Veirnes Saint Louis School Jia Qi Zhan Roosevelt High School United States Merchant Marine Academy Daniel Arima Iolani School Cooper Johnson Radford High School For the Class of 2025, Case selected 38 applicants from six private schools and seven public schools. Members of Congress are authorized by law to nominate candidates to the four United States Service Academies – the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; the Military Academy at West Point, New York; and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. The Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. Acceptance of an academy appointment requires at least a nine-year service obligation, including four years at an academy and at least five years of active-duty service. For information on eligibility requirements and how to seek an appointment for the 2026 entering class, please go to Congressman Ed Case’s web site https://case.house.gov/services/service-academy-nominations.htm. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3477,Case Announces 2024 Winners Of His Congressional App Challenge,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8,scraper,"(Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today announced the winners of his 2024 Congressional App Challenge for Hawai‘i’s First Congressional District at a reception at the Entrepreneurs Sandbox in Kaka‘ako. The App Challenge is an official national initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, in which Members of Congress host annual contests in their districts for middle and high school students. For 2024, 389 of the 441 Members of the House, or 87%, hosted such contests. More information is here: https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/. “My Challenge is a great opportunity for our local students to focus their skills and creativity on developing, testing and analyzing new applications for real-world use,” said Case. “Congratulating the contestants and their ‘ohana at the Sandbox, ‘Hawaii’s community hub to inspire creativity, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship’, adds an extra boost to what will hopefully be an inspiring and motivating experience for all of them.” “And results of this year’s Challenge prove once again that Hawaii’s youth have the skill set, imagination and resolve to compete against the best of our young people nationwide in science, technology, engineering and math, along with the potential to lead the next generations of computer science and technology.” Participation in Congressman Case’s First District Congressional App Challenge has grown significantly from 2019, when he conducted his first Challenge after returning to Congress, to 2024. His 2019 Challenge saw ten app submissions from 27 students across four schools. 2024 marks the highest numbers yet, with 28 app submissions from 76 students across 14 schools, including eight public schools, six private schools, and two homeschooled. The winners of Congressman Case’s 2024 Challenge are: 1st Place – Tahan Bapna, Josh Zhang, Connor McCown and Kai Stewart of Punahou High School All 4 are in the 10th grade App: “Isolated Isles” Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5WTUMzg9SM Summary by the creators: “Our app, Isolated Isles, is a simulation game designed to raise awareness about Hawaii’s reliance on commercial imports. In the game, players assume the role of the governor of Hawaii during a two-week crisis triggered by a volcano. “The primary objective, though simplified, is to manage food supplies, energy resources, and public trust while navigating a range of challenges and unexpected events. As governors, players must balance these resources to ensure the survival of the population until the crisis subsides. “Throughout the game, players receive guidance from virtual advisors representing key departments ‚ agriculture, energy, and public safety. This advice helps inform critical decisions, which directly impact the island's resources and the overall well-being of the population. Every day, players encounter semi-realistic events such as food shortages, illness outbreaks, and public unrest. The advisors will give suggestions which the player can choose to authorize. The player can only authorize one event or choose to do nothing at all.” 2nd Place – Jinghao Li of Island Pacific Academy 11th grade App: “CounselAI” Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL16u9SeXLY Summary by the creator: “CounselAI is a college counseling application designed for low-income communities and anyone that wants to have a college counselor but cannot afford one. It is designed to be easy to use, free to use, and quick to use. It is designed to be run on the widest range of computers to ensure that anybody can run it. When a user uses CounselAI, they will fill out information that will appeal to colleges, things such as GPA, standardized test scores, APs, awards, sports, and clubs. All the information then gets evaluated by an algorithm to give the user a score.” “Then, CounselAI would search through its database for a list of universities that they should apply to for their career (like art colleges if the user wants to pursue arts). If the user does not have an intended career field, CounselAI recommends generally good colleges but will not be able to go into specifics. If the user wants to learn more about a college, CounselAI would generate an AI response for the college. “If the user has questions about the college application process, the user would then be able to chat with an AI-based chatbot that will assist them with the college application process.” 3rd Place – Tyler Kagawa (Mid-Pacific Institute, 12th grade), Lilinoe Daniel-Barnes (Kealakehe High School in Kailua-Kona, 11th grade) , Ellie Grace Piianaia (Punahou High School, 12th grade), Kaua Fatu (Kea`au High School in Pahoa, 11th grade) App: “`Ae Hawai`i” Link to video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FBm906OugJ_jcX2ER4dD8vbJOOYyVCXA/view?usp=sharing Summary by the creators: “`Ae Hawai`i is a platform for tourists and local residents to rate an experience throughout the Hawaiian islands on a scale of authenticity. “`Ae Hawai`i came from our team's values and collective ideals, which were to prioritize authenticity while not completely uprooting current norms in terms of tourism. If an industry that's so huge here continues to promote unrealistic and unauthentic experiences and passes them off as real Hawaiian culture, it’s devastating for everyone trying to break this mold. We want to rewrite the narrative promoted to tourists in a way that better represents the people and culture of Hawai`i.” The judges of Case’s 2024 Challenge were: Aaron Kagawa, Platform Engineering Director at global technology startup Kentik Technologies, Inc. and co-founder of Second Wave Technologies; Jimmy Freese, co-founder of Ai.Fish, focused on artificial intelligence specifically computer vision analysis in the commercial fisheries monitoring and marine space; and Dr. Rick Kazman, the Danny and Else Lui Professor of Information Technology Management at the University of Hawai’i.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3472,Case Announces Final U.S. House Approval Of The Annual National Defense Authorization Act Including $1.4 Billion In Military Construction Projects For Hawaii,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) announced that the full U.S. House has approved the final version of the $883.7 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is the major annual measure authorizing and directing our national defense. The FY 2025 NDAA now goes to the U.S. Senate, which is expected to approve the bill as well before it goes to the President, who is expected to sign it. The FY 2025 NDAA as finally passed incorporates several requests by Case, including five of his full House floor amendments to the bill earlier this year, as well as his priorities on strengthening America’s national security interests in the Indo-Pacific, boosting Hawaii’s economy and continuing to improve the relationship between the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Hawaii’s community. The bill also includes four amendments Case advocated for with the Pacific Islands Caucus, which he cofounded, to identify and report on China’s malign influence in the Pacific Islands and enhance the DoD’s posture and partnership with the Pacific Island nations. “This measure is critical as it not only authorizes defense spending for the year, supplementing my Appropriations Committee’s actual funding responsibilities, but also establishes defense policies and restrictions, and addresses organizational and administrative matters related to the DoD,” said Case, who currently serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and previously served on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. As requested by Case, the NDAA authorizes $505 million for a multi-year project by the Navy to build a water treatment plant to treat water from the Red Hill shaft, which would allow the shaft to be reopened and help remove any residual contaminants from the ground surrounding Red Hill. To begin this important project, the NDAA recommends appropriating $75 million for the project in FY 2025. “This water treatment plant is not just another infrastructure project. It is our assurance that those in the service area can be fully confident that the quality of the water they rely on complies with safe drinking standards,” said Case. The bill authorizes further or continued construction projects in Hawai‘i for FY 2025 with a combined value of $1.4 billion. This includes: · $1.2 billion in current year funding for the new dry dock at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard now underway, · $75 million for the Red Hill Water Treatment Plant, · $36 million for an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Wheeler Army Airfield, · $36 million for an Air National Guard Space Control Facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and · $33 million for an Aircraft Hangar and Parking Apron at Marine Corps Base Kāne‘ohe Bay. Among the other provisions for which Case advocated, and which were included in the measure are: · A pilot program for inclusive playgrounds on military installations for families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. · An assessment on how to maximize enrollment in the public shipyard apprenticeship programs. · Having the DoD provide an assessment on wildfire mitigation efforts and interoperability in Hawai‘i. · A study on the Navy’s use of net metering to support efforts by the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum to generate and share the power it generates through its solar panels. · Clarifying that the DoD’s Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation is authorized to support installation and workforce modernization efforts within its grant program and that state and local governments are eligible to apply. This office recently provided a $3.2 million dollar grant to the State of Hawai‘i to establish a Military and Community Affairs Office to determine how to improve the relationship and economic benefit of the defense presence in Hawai‘i. · Fully authorizing the President’s $100 million budget request for replacing the outdated radar on Mt. Ka‘ala needed to help defend Hawai‘i from missile attacks. “These projects, taken together, assures that our military will enhance its good neighbor relationship with the islands by helping to create well-paying local jobs, supporting our energy grid, and assisting in wildfire mitigation, among other benefits for our communities,” said Case. The bill also includes a historical 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5% pay raise for all other troops. It also includes the following provisions to help our nation’s servicemembers: · A review of how cost-of-living allowances are calculated so they include appropriate costs of location-specific items, · Permanently grants authority to DoD to make transferring professional licenses between states easier for military spouses. · Increases the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) for qualifying servicemembers to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. The BNA helps military households better afford basic needs. · Requires the DoD to provide a review of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership Program, in order to find ways to maximize spouse participation and awareness of support available. · Requires the DoD to study ways to increase hiring and retaining childcare employees for child development centers and ways to better partner with childcare centers in the community. “While we ensure that our service members have the training, equipment and resources necessary for them to carry out their duties while in the defense of our nation, we also must ensure that we look after their needs and concerns on the home front including their loves ones,” said Case. The bill further includes several provisions to continue the military’s investment in Hawai‘i: · Requires the DoD to provide an assessment on allowing servicemembers with dependents to ship more than one car when they move to or from locations outside the continental United States, to include Hawai‘i. · Creates an initiative to control and combat invasive rhinoceros beetles and put protocols in place to prevent introduction and spread of other invasive species. · Requires the DoD to develop a plan for the repair and maintenance for Kolekole Pass for emergency use in the event of a wildfire or other emergency. The bill continues the DoD’s reinvestment in the Indo-Pacific, including provisions offered by the Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus, which Case co-founded and co-chairs. For example, the bill: · Authorizes $2.8 billion for Pacific Deterrence Initiative construction and infrastructure improvement projects aimed at countering China. · Requires the DoD to study ways to expand the State Partnership Program in the Pacific. The Hawai‘i National Guard partners with the Philippines and Indonesia through this program. · Requires a review of the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to ensure the program is effectively meeting the needs of US Indo-Pacific Command. · Directs the DoD to provide assessments on Chinese influence in the Pacific Islands and the impacts that may have on our national security. · Requires the DoD to assess workforce investment opportunities in the Freely Associated States to enable military construction projects on the islands. · Requires the DoD to assess establishing a coalition of representatives from federal agencies, the governments of the Freely Associated States, non-governmental organizations and landowners and land managers to advance sustainable land use practices around military properties that would assist in efforts to prevent encroachment and promote conservation in the Freely Associated States. · Authorizes the military to support the Coast Guard in executing existing maritime laws agreed upon between the U.S. and friendly countries to combat transnational crimes, including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. · Establishes an Indo-Pacific medical readiness program that would establish a medical readiness program with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, ensuring access to foreign medical facilities during peacetime and wartime operations. · Supports the restoration of civic action teams in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, if deemed feasible. NOTE: · A summary of the FY 2025 NDAA is available here. · The text of the bill is available here · The explanatory committee report is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3470,Case Announces U.S. House Approval of Critical Water Infrastructure Projects for Hawai‘i,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1) announced that the U.S. House has approved a major bill to construct projects, research activities and conduct studies to improve our nation’s rivers, harbors, oceans and water infrastructure. Case’s requests were included in S. 4367, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. WRDA is developed and passed by Congress every two years. The House approved this Congress’ bill by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 399-18. The Senate is expected to approve the bill in the coming days and send it to the President, who is expected to sign the bill into law. This bill authorizes projects to improve the country’s ports and harbors, inland waterways, flood and storm protection and other aspects of water resources infrastructure that keep our communities safe and strengthens the U.S. economy. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) performs these projects in partnership with federal, local and state agencies, non-government organizations and tribal nations to implement the projects. The seven provisions secured by Case in the 2024 WRDA include: 1. Expanding and upgrading Honolulu Harbor. Case secured an authorization for an in-depth study of critical Honolulu Harbor improvements in an earlier WRDA, but at Case’s request this WRDA amends the plan to reflect expanded complexity, scope and funding needs, including elements of coastal storm risk management. This update will help continue the project and focus its benefits on disaster resilience and enhanced national security from improved utilization of the harbor. “As the main port of the State of Hawai‘i, Honolulu Harbor receives and distributes all overseas cargo shipments constituting over 80% of all imports into the state, supports fishing operations and cruise ships and handles federal maritime activity including the U.S. Coast Guard’s 14th District,” said Case. “Providing this additional refined and expanded authorization will ensure our critical harbor is designed for resilience and that this literal lifeline for Hawai‘i remains operational in the face of natural disaster and other contingencies.” Case previously secured $1.5 million for this project through his work on his House Appropriations Committee. With this upgraded authorization, Case will seek additional project funds in the next appropriations cycle. 2. Confirming Honolulu Harbor’s role in defense and national security. Case secured a complementary provision to conduct a full review of Honolulu Harbor’s critical role in our nation's defense and security. “With Honolulu Harbor being the main port for the State of Hawai‘i, our national defense presence also depends on this harbor to remain strong and reliable to maintain a steady flow of resources for our military needs and communities,” said Case. Case added: “Strengthening this harbor will allow for enhanced military readiness and resilience and for our communities to be prepared for a national security threat. This provision directs USACE to consider the benefits of project modification for disaster resilience and enhanced national security from utilization of the harbor by the Department of Defense and assists in paving the way for full funding of improvement projects.” 3. Expediting the Ala Wai Canal flood risk management project. “The Ala Wai Flood Risk Management project is focused on protecting the homes, businesses and communities of central Honolulu from Makiki, Mānoa and Pālolo to the ocean, as well as of Waikīkī, where daily over a hundred thousand residents and visitors live, work and play in the one-square mile engine of our tourism industry,” said Case. “We all are facing the real-life evidence every day of the effects of climate change including disastrous flooding, and we must continue our efforts to mitigate catastrophic impacts to the Ala Wai Watershed including the canal.” This project began in 1999, and the USACE recently solicited public comments on a revised plan for the Ala Wai watershed community. This direction assists in keeping the project on track through the upcoming decision points and facilitates related further funding requests. 4. Including Hawai‘i in USACE studies involving the Pacific Region. Case also won approval to authorize Hawai‘i to partner with USACE when it conducts a broader range of studies in the Pacific, including cultural resources preservation and environmental restoration studies. “This amendment will enable Hawai‘i to work fully with USACE on studies, such as ecosystem restoration, coastal storm risk management and flood risk projects, which the agency already does in the Pacific with Guam, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas,” said Case. “This change will also help streamline USACE negotiations with the Hawai‘i State Historic Preservation Office toward project concerns and conditions.” 5. Expanding eligibility for federal assistance for coastal communities dependent on key ports. Case secured an amendment allowing for expanded project eligibility for coastal communities inextricably linked to harbor accessibility. This change allows for greater consideration of unique economic, cultural, social and ecosystem benefits to such communities in cost-benefit analyses utilized by USACE in determining which projects to pursue. “As Hawai‘i imports such large proportions of goods and relies on our harbors for our very survival, this needed change allows for our unique situation to be factored in to USACE cost-benefit analyses and prevents Hawai’i and other insular areas of our country from being unfairly penalized by a standard formula focused on a continental U.S model,” said Case. 6. Increasing funding for water infrastructure projects for Maui. Case, who remains focused on working with the rest of Hawaii’s Congressional delegation to aid Lahaina in rebuilding following the 2023 wildfires, joined Congresswoman Tokuda (Hawai‘i-District 2) to jointly secure funding for water-related infrastructure projects in Lahaina to help Maui recover from the 2023 wildfire. “This funding would provide another $30 million for Maui County to rebuild damaged infrastructure following the devastating wildfires,” said Case. 7. Authorizing an assessment of Lahaina’s watershed. “This assessment that I requested jointly with Congresswoman Tokuda will identify ways infrastructure can be improved to reduce risks and damage from future natural disasters,” said Case. “It will aid the community in rebuilding and improving damaged infrastructure after the August 2023 wildfires. Other provisions in the bill that would assist the State of Hawai‘i include: · A feasibility study for flood risk management for Hawai‘i Kai · Modification of a navigation upgrade project for the Honolulu Deep Draft Harbor · Flood risk management and protection projects for Kaua‘i NOTE: The bill text is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/full-house-passes-water-resources-development-act-including-rep-tokudas,Full House Passes Water Resources Development Act Including Rep. Tokuda’s Priorities,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, the full House of Representatives passed, by a vote of 399-18, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), which includes U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda’s (HI-02) priorities benefiting Hawaii.The bill is expected to be passed by the Senate and later sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Top priorities for Hawai‘i secured by Rep. Tokuda include: Increasing the Maui Environmental Infrastructure authorization from $20 million to $50 million to assist with the wildfire recovery. Studying the Lahaina Watershed on Maui, including the coral reef habitat north of Lahaina, which will examine the mauka to makai impacts of the wildfire to better protect the community from flooding and the coast from runoff. Assessing the Kaiaka-Waialua Watershed on Oʻahu to helpprevent future flooding and climate change impacts. Modifyingthe Laupāhoehoe Harbor project on Hawaiʻi Island to allow for the repair of the harbor’s breakwater structure. Evaluating sources of flooding and proposing solutions to reduce flood damages in the Hanapēpē River watershed. “From hurricanes to flooding to wildfires, Hawai‘i has seen an increasing number of extreme weather events that can pose catastrophic damage to our island communities. I am proud this bill includes projects across all four counties to help protect our communities from future disasters. We must continue to do all that we can to ensure our state has the ability to withstand devastation and rebuild when necessary,” said Rep. Tokuda. Congress generally passes a WRDA every two years to provide for conservation and development of water and related resources. These bills also authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct studies, construct projects, and conduct research activities that can lead to the improvement of rivers and harbors across the country. A full summary of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, as passed by the House of Representatives, can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-hold-statewide-telephone-town-hall,Rep. Tokuda to Hold Statewide Telephone Town Hall,2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5&,scraper,"(Hawaiʻi) – U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) will be holding a statewide telephone town hall on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm HST. Rep. Tokuda will answer questions from participants live over the phone, provide a legislative update, and discuss her priorities for the upcoming 119th Congress. Those who are interested in joining are encouraged to RSVP to be added to the event call list to receive a call when the event starts. If participants do not receive a call, they can call directly to the event by dialing (833) 946-1568.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-leads-bipartisan-bill-support-health-workforce,Rep. Tokuda Leads Bipartisan Bill to Support Health Workforce,2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02) and Carol Miller (R-WV-01) introduced the Strengthening Pathways to Health Professions Act to increase access to federal programs that help grow and strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals in primary care, mental and behavioral health, and dental services. The Strengthening Pathways to Health Professions Act would provide tax-exempt status to certain federal scholarship and loan repayment programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) including the Nurse Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs, the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program, and the Faculty Loan Repayment Program. Exempting scholarships and loan repayment awards from federal income tax would allow HRSA to make additional and higher awards to increase program participation. Furthermore, awardees—students, residents, faculty, and providers—would receive the full financial benefit of their awards to cover educational costs without the added tax burden. “The shortage of healthcare workers in the United States has left millions of patients without access to the care they need, while causing undue stress and strain on the current workforce. Without further action, tough working conditions and increased financial barriers will only continue to discourage more people from joining the profession,” said Rep. Tokuda. “That’s why I introduced the Strengthening Pathways to Health Professions Act, which would boost the value of federal scholarships and loan repayment funds that support aspiring healthcare professionals and enable us to recruit and retain providers in rural and underserved areas. This bipartisan effort will help us fill critical gaps in our healthcare workforce to increase health systems’ capacity and improve patient care and outcomes.” “A shortage of health care workers in rural communities presents many challenges for hospitals and medical facilities trying to provide the best possible care for their patients. The Strengthening Pathways to Health Professions Act will extend the tax-exempt status provided to awards of the National Health Service Corps programs which would give financial relief to health care personnel. Individuals in the health care industry should receive the full amount of the scholarship or grant they receive, and this legislation will help grow and strengthen the medical field,” said Congresswoman Miller. “For more than 30 years, the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program has been a critical tool to help grow Native Hawaiian leaders in healthcare. But the high cost of living and rising medical education costs have made it increasingly difficult for the program to reach more of our ʻoiwi interested in pursuing careers in healthcare, said Sheri-Ann Daniels, CEO of Papa Ola Lōkahi. “We are grateful for the leadership of Representatives Tokuda and Miller on this issue. This legislation will create more opportunities for Native Hawaiian students and strengthen our ability to recruit and retain more healthcare providers serving our Native Hawaiian communities.” “The savings provided through the Strengthening Pathways to Health Professions Act will allow HRSA to make additional awards through several important Title VII and VIII workforce programs,” said Danielle Turnipseed, JD, MHSA, MPP, chief public policy officer at the Association of American Medical Colleges. “Studies show that these programs increase the number of underrepresented students enrolled in health professions schools, heighten awareness of factors contributing to health disparities, and attract health professionals more likely to serve in rural and underserved areas.” The bill is endorsed by 50 national and local organizations including the American College of Physicians, America’s Essential Hospitals, Association of American Medical Colleges, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Rural Health Association, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Papa Ola Lōkahi, Hawaiʻi State Center for Nursing, Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi, the Queen’s Health Systems, and West Virginia Hospital Association. The full text of the bill can be found here. A summary of the bill and endorsing organizations can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/full-house-passes-rep-tokudas-bill-name-post-office-honor-vietnam-war-veteran,Full House Passes Rep. Tokuda’s Bill to Name Post Office in Honor of Vietnam War Veteran,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"Washington, DC – Yesterday, the full House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill -- introduced by U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) – to name the Captain Cook Post Office on Hawaiʻi Island after First Lieutenant John Kuulei Kauhaihao of Hōnaunau, who was killed in action in Vietnam and posthumously awarded the U.S. Army’s second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross. H.R. 8909 would designate the post office located at 82-6110 Mamalahoa Highway as the ""Army 1st Lt. John Kuulei Kauhaihao Post Office Building.” On September 5, 1969, at the age of 27, Kauhaihao was fatally injured during a reconnaissance-in-force operation in Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam. When his platoon came under enemy fire, Kauhaihao launched over 30 grenades in 15 minutes at enemy bunkers while simultaneously drawing fire on himself so that his men could sight enemy gunners. He is survived by his widow and Konawaena High School sweetheart, Shirley, and their family. “Naming the post office in the community where generations of Lieutenant [Kauhaihao]’s family lived and still live is more than just honoring and celebrating a fallen kama‘āina warrior who gave his life for our nation,” said Rep. Tokuda on the House Floor. “It is a tribute to an entire generation of men and women who served in Vietnam and who came back to a country that took far too long to honor their service and that is still trying to make this right. It is a reminder of the incredible sacrifices made by those who serve in uniform and the loved ones waiting at home—past, present and future—to whom we are forever indebted and who allow us to live in freedom today.” U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) is an original cosponsor of the bill, which now moves to the Senate for its consideration. If passed in the Senate and signed into law by the President, it would be the first post office in Hawaiʻi to be designated since 2011 and the first in Hawaiʻi to be designated in honor of a Vietnam War veteran or an individual of Native Hawaiian descent. Rep. Tokuda’s speech can be viewed here. Text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-and-sen-hirono-celebrate-progress-natural-disaster-tax-relief-bill,Rep. Tokuda and Sen. Hirono Celebrate Progress on Natural Disaster Tax Relief Bill,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"U.S. Senate unanimously passed Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, which includes Tokuda and Hirono legislation to lessen the tax burden on survivors of the Maui wildfires. The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) and U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) applauded the U.S. Senate’s unanimous passage of the bipartisan Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 (H.R. 5863). The bill, which passed in the U.S. House in May, would exempt wildfire disaster relief payments received between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025, from taxable income. The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act also includes language from Rep. Tokuda and Sen. Hirono’s Natural Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 to make it easier for Maui fire victims to deduct disaster-related losses by eliminating the minimum 10 percent loss threshold, as well as the requirement to itemize deductions to receive this tax benefit. “Since I introduced the Natural Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 last October, I have been fighting to provide financial relief to Lahaina fire survivors and natural disaster victims throughout the country. In a time of extreme partisanship, I’m proud that Republicans and Democrats in both the House and Senate came together on disaster relief and passed the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act,” said Rep. Tokuda. “We urgently need President Biden to sign this critical bill, which will help disaster victims keep more money in their pockets and provide them with the financial support they will need for what we know will be a long recovery.” “The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act will help to ease the financial burden on communities impacted by wildfires, as well as other disasters, across our country,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m glad the Senate has passed this legislation, which included language from our bill to support the people and families who have already lost so much in the wake of natural disasters. I will continue working to help ensure our communities have the necessary resources to support themselves and I look forward to President Biden signing this crucial legislation into law.” Rep. Tokuda gave remarks on the House floor in May in favor of the bill’s passage. She continues her advocacy for federal disaster assistance funding to support recovery and rebuilding efforts in Lahaina. The bill now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-rep-tokudas-lahaina-national-heritage-area-study-act,House Passes Rep. Tokuda’s Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act,2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, the full House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act – introduced by U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) – marking another significant step forward in her efforts to support the community in recognizing Lahaina’s historic and cultural importance. H.R. 8219, the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act, would direct the National Park Service, in consultation with state and local partners, to study the suitability and feasibility of a National Heritage Area designation for Lahaina. These areas are designated by Congress to complement state and local conservation efforts through recognition, federal funding, and technical assistance. “Two weeks ago, I stood inside one of the first transitional homes built by FEMA, looking out at what was once the vibrant and thriving town of Lahaina. For many who see it now, there are only cleared lots, stretching from the hills to the sea. But if you close your eyes, you can feel the deep pangs of loss and grief. It’s a pain that we all carry, softened only by the hope that comes with the very first steps towards rebuilding. In seeking to designate Lahaina a National Heritage Area, we are daring to look beyond what is in front of us,” said Rep. Tokuda on the House Floor. “Beyond the devastation, there is history and culture that predates us all. [...] As we work to rebuild Lahaina, my bill seeks to ensure that this is about not just restoring what was lost but also anchoring our future in the rich history and culture of this sacred places so that they may endure long after we are gone.” Cosponsors of the bill include: Rep. Ed Case (D-HI-01); Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01); Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands; Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries; Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-39); Del. Gregorio Sabalan (D-MP-AL); and Del. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS-AL). There are 62 National Heritage Areas in the United States but none in Hawaiʻi. Kaʻena Point is currently being studied for designation. Representative Tokuda’s bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for its consideration. Rep. Tokuda’s speech can be viewed here. Text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3455,Case Introduces Measure To Expand Federal Efforts To Combat Invasive Species,2024-10-27,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-HI-01) has introduced legislation in the U.S. House to address invasive species, which he referred to as a “critical and growing challenge that severely impacts our environment.” Case, joined by U.S. Representative James Moylan (R-Guam), introduced the Invasive Species Response Act (Act) to significantly expand federal efforts to combat invasive species, which are severely impacting environments across the country including widespread ripple-effect consequences beyond areas already impacted by non-native plants, animals and pathogens. “Hawai‘i in particular faces unique challenges from invasive species. Its isolation has led to the evolution of many endemic species that are found nowhere else on Earth,” said Case in remarks to the House. “Unfortunately, these native species often lack the defenses to compete with or resist the pressures of invasive plants and animals, which can rapidly alter ecosystems and displace local species. “In Hawai‘i, invasive species have caused significant ecological damage, threatening the survival of native birds and plants. Protecting Hawaii’s unique biodiversity is not just an environmental necessity – it is a cultural imperative that reflects the identity and heritage of the Hawaiian people.” “I’m proud to introduce this legislation with my friend and colleague Rep. Case,” said Congressman Moylan. “This is an important step in controlling and eradicating invasive species and protecting America’s native wildlife, especially in our island communities. This bill provides the tools needed to continue conservation efforts, making them more effective and transparent.” The measure was introduced as federal invasive species experts were touring O‘ahu to research the effects of invasive species on island communities. They will produce a report to advise the U.S. government how it can help Hawai‘i and island territories, as well as associated Micronesian nations. ""With nearly a third of endangered and threatened species in the United States being Hawaiian, we are known as the 'extinction capital of the world,'” said “Jonee” Kaina Peters, Executive Director for Conservation Council for Hawai‘i. “One of the major contributing factors to this heartbreaking fact is that over 5,000 invasive species have been introduced to Hawai‘i, destroying native wildlife as they take-over our formerly thriving and biodiverse ecosystems. “We’re grateful to Congressman Case for introducing a bill that would authorize critical programs to help eradicate invasive species through prevention, early detection, and rapid response measures.” “Invasive species threaten native wildlife and ecosystems across our national wildlife refuges,” said Lindsay Gardner, Director of Marine Conservation, National Wildlife Federation. “We thank Representatives Case and Moylan for introducing a bipartisan bill that provides much-needed funding and sets up strike teams that tackle the threat of invasive species to national wildlife refuges – and help landowners, Tribal Governments, states, and other federal agencies tackle these threats as well.” ""Invasive species pose a national threat to critical habitat, hunting, fishing, and boating access. We applaud Representatives Case and Moylan for introducing the Invasive Species Response Act, which would help improve Federal early detection and rapid response efforts to help prevent the spread of invasives into new areas,"" said Chris Macaluso, Director for the Center of Marine Fisheries at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. Case continued: “Invasive species are not just a localized problem; they pose a significant threat to the integrity of our natural world. Addressing this crisis requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach, focusing on prevention, early detection, and effective management strategies to safeguard our vulnerable ecosystems. “This legislation will codify the existing Invasive Species Strike Teams program currently operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). These specialized teams play an essential role in managing emerging invasive species, employing strategies tailored to local conditions across the National Wildlife Refuge System. With 21 teams strategically positioned in various FWS regions, they are on the front lines, addressing the unique challenges posed by invasive species.” Case said the Act signifies a transformative shift within the FWS, moving from a reactive, species-by-species approach to a more strategic, ecosystem-wide framework for managing emerging invasive species. Key provisions of the bill include formally establishing the Invasive Species Strike Teams program, which will create a stable and legally supported framework to ensure consistent funding and enhance management efforts. “The Act also mandates enhanced coordination and reporting through integrated systems and standardized procedures, ensuring transparency and enabling us to track progress with annual reports to Congress and the public,” said Case. “Furthermore, it authorizes $15 million annually from Fiscal Year 2025 through 2029, aligning with current FWS investment levels to support ongoing initiatives.” · Link to the act is here. · Link to Case’s remarks is here",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3454,Case Announces $40 Million Federal Grant To Improve Resiliency Of O‘ahu Power Grid Serving Both Military And Civilian Communities,2024-10-19,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-HI-01) today announced that a $40 million grant funded by the landmark 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will develop a back-up power source for O‘ahu’s electric grid, providing resiliency to both military and civilian communities in the event of disruptions from various sources. The federal grant award will fund the Pu‘uloa Microgrid and Backbone Project, a partnership between the U.S. Navy, Hawaiian Electric and Ameresco, Inc. “I strongly advocated for this project with the U.S. Department of Energy when the partnership applied for funding under the Department’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program,” said Case. “Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) plays a critical role in promoting national security throughout the Pacific theater. Especially given its importance, the Department of the Navy has identified energy resilience gaps that could significantly impact JBPHH’s ability to respond to and recover from grid outages. Further, new state and federal policy directives have required the Department of the Navy to improve resilience and reduce carbon emissions from the installation. “As the U.S. Congressman in whose district JBPHH is located and a member of the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense, I have focused on the installation’s grid challenges and the potential for disruption of service to our civilian communities as well, and on assuring available funding to address these issues. This GRIP funding is critical to enabling this project to succeed.” ""We are thrilled to be chosen for the Department of Energy’s GRIP program,"" said Nicole Bulgarino, Executive Vice President at Ameresco. ""Partnering with the U.S. Navy and Hawaiian Electric Company on the groundbreaking Pu`uloa Microgrid project will not only enhance energy resilience and reliability for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, but also provide significant benefits to the broader O‘ahu community. This project exemplifies our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement."" According to the project description, the Pu`uloa Microgrid will detect the loss of power during grid outages, disconnect from the broader grid and direct power from Pu`uloa Energy to support JBPHH’s national security needs while maintaining civilian community service. During a full island outage, the system will provide black start capabilities. The project will also improve power quality to JBPHH and the local grid through ancillary services such as frequency response and voltage support. Pu`uloa Microgrid is designed to strengthen the grid and improve resilience by increasing or establishing interconnections between Hawaiian Electric substations at JBPHH with new 46 kV transmission infrastructure that will be integrated into the microgrid control system and utilize state of the art smart grid technologies. “Since 2021 I have been working hard to ensure that my government and community partners throughout Hawai‘i are aware of project and funding availability from both the $1.2 trillion BIL, as well as from the $500 billion Inflation Reduction Act (which Congress passed in August 2022). Together these two landmark measures are addressing our country’s most pressing infrastructure needs including those arising from climate change,” said Case. · Details of the project can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-cancels-event-participation-walks-hotel-picket-line,"Rep. Tokuda Cancels Event Participation, Walks Hotel Picket Line",2024-10-11,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"Honolulu – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda walked the picket line with Local 5 members near the Hilton Hawaiian Village to show her support and loyalty to striking hotel workers. Rep. Tokuda was originally scheduled to participate in the Wahine Forum panel at the hotel but cancelled when union members decided to go on strike after failed contract negotiations. “Every day, Local 5 members are on the front lines as ambassadors of aloha to our visitors. As a former Local 5 member, I stand in solidarity with employees who are fighting for fair wages and safe working conditions,” said Rep. Tokuda. “One job should be enough, but with Hawaii’s high cost of living, many have been forced to juggle multiple positions just to make ends meet and take care of their families. Our workers deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. I will not cross the picket line or attend events where union workers are battling with employers who are turning a blind eye and carrying on with ‘business as usual' and making profits on the backs of our workers. Enough is enough."" Images of Rep. Tokuda at the picket line can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3453,Case Condemns Misinformation On Federal Disaster Relief For Current And Pending Disasters,2024-10-09,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security with authority over the budget of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal disaster relief efforts, today condemned deliberate misinformation that FEMA and related disaster assistance is being diverted from current and pending disasters to other sources. “Not only is this misinformation fully inaccurate, but it is deliberately harming people and communities in most need of relief by leading them to believe incorrectly that they cannot access critical and available federal assistance,” said Case, whose own state of Hawai‘i continues to be critically impacted by the Maui wildfires of August 2023. “In fact, Congress just approved and the President just signed into law an additional $20 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), the federal government’s main channel of disaster relief, and all of those funds have been delivered to FEMA. These funds will fully continue FEMA’s disaster assistance efforts for all of Maui, recent Hurricane Helene and pending Hurricane Milton and other federally declared disasters until they require further replenishment.” Case noted that in North Carolina alone, which was heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene on September 27th of this year, FEMA continues full efforts on the ground along with some two thousand other federal employees. He further noted that on Maui, FEMA and other federal partners have now provided approximately $3 billion in Maui wildfire efforts and continues its assistance with ongoing DRF funding. FEMA’s DRF is the principal fund for immediate and ongoing disaster relief to affected communities. In the recent Continuing Resolution, which continued federal government funding into current Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 commencing October 1st and was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President on September 26th, the DRF, which was running low, was re-funded at $20 billion. Additionally, although federal government funding was continued through December 20, 2024 to allow for completion of the FY 2025 appropriations process and funding for most federal departments was prorated only through that date, Congress specifically authorized a full FY 2025 funding of $20 billion for the DRF and the money is fully available to FEMA. “The misinformation that FEMA does not have available federal disaster relief, and that these monies have instead been diverted to ‘illegal immigrants’, Ukraine, and elsewhere, is completely false,” said Case. “Not only do the perpetrators and amplifiers know that it is false, not only are they making these statements for political purposes, but they are also deliberately harming the people and communities who most need this assistance as they are effectively being told it’s useless to seek assistance when they most need it.” The Administrator of FEMA, Deanne Criswell, has called the misinformation a “truly dangerous narrative,” adding that it’s not just inconvenient, it is actively hindering disaster relief efforts by “creating this fear of trying to reach out and help us or register to help.” To counter misinformation, FEMA has also launched a Hurricane Rumor Response webpage, which you can view here: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current/hurricane-helene/rumor-response U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards, a Republican representing one of the districts most heavily impacted by Helene, also issued a press release dispelling misinformation from “untrustworthy sources trying to spark chaos,” assuring people that Hurricane Helene was not geoengineered by the government, FEMA is not turning away donations, FEMA has not diverted disaster response funding to the border or foreign aid, FEMA is not going to run out of money and FEMA cannot seize property or land, among other things. Case continued: “To be clear, there are areas where disaster assistance is running dangerously low, in particular Small Business Administration loan relief, and it is also very clear that even the $20 billion of new appropriations into the DRF will not be sufficient to indefinitely continue disaster assistance to Maui, the communities affected by Helene and Milton and other impacted communities across the country. “This is why I have joined colleagues on my House Appropriations Committee and otherwise in strongly advocating for an emergency supplemental disaster relief package to be passed as soon as Congress reconvenes this November after the elections. My full efforts are devoted to passage of that package and to continued relief for Maui and all other communities affected by disasters.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3447,"Case, Hirono, Steel, Scott, Moylan And Tokuda Lead Introduction Of Measures In U.S. House and Senate Commemorating October As Filipino-American History Month",2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-HI 01 and his House colleagues, Reps. Michelle Steel (R-CA 45 ), Robert Cortez (Bobby) Scott (D-VA 3), James Moylan (R-GU) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI 02), have joined U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) in co-leading a bipartisan, bicameral measure commemorating October as Filipino-American History Month. The Members’ resolution (link to copy below), co-sponsored currently by an additional 33 Members, celebrates the long and distinguished history of Filipino Americans in the United States, where FilAms now number over 4,000,000. It resolves that Congress: 1) recognizes the celebration of Filipino American History Month as - · a testament to the advancement of Filipino Americans; · a time to reflect on and remember the many notable contributions that Filipino Americans have made to the United States; and · a time to renew efforts toward the research and examination of history and culture so as to provide an opportunity for all people of the United States to learn more about Filipino Americans and to appreciate the historic contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States; and 2) urges the people of the United States to observe Filipino American History Month with appropriate programs and activities “Since 2019, and as the Member of Congress with the most Filipino Americans of any U.S. House district nationwide, I have been honored to co-lead an annual resolution recognizing October as Filipino American History Month,” said Rep. Case. “I have joined many colleagues in doing so in order to recognize and celebrate the great contributions of Filipino Americans to our country, in government and law, music and entertainment, sports, business and countless other ventures.” “From the first Filipino contract laborers who arrived in Hawai‘i seeking a better life, to the Filipino American leaders in business, health care, and our Armed Forces, this community has contributed to our country’s diversity and helped to shape our identity as a nation,” said Sen. Hirono. “As we continue working to uplift the voices of Filipino Americans in Hawai‘i and across the country, I am proud to introduce this resolution to honor the Filipino American community’s contributions and accomplishments and celebrate their rich history and culture.” “The Filipino community in Southern California adds rich culture and heritage to our communities, and I am proud to serve as the voice of so many of them in Congress,” said Rep. Steel. “As we approach Filipino American History Month, I’m excited to celebrate the enormous contributions of Filipino Americans to our shared American story.” “As the only currently serving Member of Congress with Filipino ancestry and Co-Chair of the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus, I am proud to co-lead this resolution with Reps. Case, Moylan, Steel, Tokuda and Senator Hirono as we celebrate Filipino American History Month,” said Rep. Scott. “This is a time to recognize Filipino Americans’ contributions as our veterans, our healthcare workers, our educators, and so much more. I have the privilege of representing a rich and vibrant Filipino American community in Hampton Roads and I am proud to celebrate this month with Filipino Americans across the nation.” “I am proud to introduce this legislation with my friend, Representative Case. Filipino Americans have been integral to the success of this nation as well as to my district of Guam,” said Rep. Moylan. “It is important we recognize and celebrate the many achievements of these patriots, and I look forward to the countless future achievements by the Filipino American community.” “Since arriving in Hawaiʻi in the late 1800s to work on sugarcane and pineapple plantations, Filipinos played an important role in the history, culture, and fabric of Hawaiʻi,” said Rep. Tokuda. “They have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to my home state and the country and that’s why I’m proud to cosponsor this measure, celebrating the historical achievements and milestones that make up Filipino American History Month.” Case continued: “Since their early beginnings, our Filipino American community has grown to some 4.4 million citizens and is the third largest Asian American and Pacific Islander group in the United States. Their mark lies in all parts of our society, with a bright future of further contributions to come. “In introducing our resolution, we also recognize the increasingly strong and critical ties between our country and the Republic of the Philippines. We also again honor the over 250,000 Filipinos who answered the call to protect and defend America and the Philippines in the Pacific theater, and who were awarded the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal by Act of Congress and bestowed by President Obama in 2016.” Filipino-American History Month resolution is here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/legislation-co-led-rep-tokuda-combat-rapid-ohia-death-passes-us-house,Legislation Co-Led by Rep. Tokuda to Combat Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Passes the U.S. House of Representatives,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) issued the following statement on the Continued Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Response Act of 2023 after the legislation unanimously passed the House of Representatives this week. “Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death presents an existential threat to Hawai‘i’s native forests that are a critical habitat for our endangered birds and other species. If we don’t act now, our native forests will not survive,” said Rep. Tokuda. “This bill would help in the fight against Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death by leveraging federal resources to support statewide efforts in mitigating Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death’s impact on Hawaiʻi’s delicate ecosystems.” The Continued Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Response Act of 2023 would direct the Secretary of the Interior to collaborate with the Secretary of Agriculture and the State of Hawai‘i on combating Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death. This bill would increase support for continued detection, prevention, and restoration efforts to Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, including funding and staff for necessary research. This legislation, which she introduced with U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono, is Rep. Tokuda’s first bill to pass the House of Representatives. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for further action. The full text of the bill is available here. Rep. Tokuda’s remarks on the House Floor are available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-votes-prevent-government-shutdown,Rep. Tokuda Votes to Prevent Government Shutdown,2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) issued the following statement after voting yes on the House bill to prevent a government shutdown. “Our communities can’t afford to lose critical services, but House Republicans have yet again been unable to write or pass legislation to keep the government operating. A shutdown would hurt working families in Hawaiʻi who are already struggling to make ends meet and that’s why I voted today to send this stopgap funding bill to the Senate to ensure our government remains open through December. It is frustrating that while we kept government running, we are continuing to fail our disaster stricken communities like Maui by not passing critical funding or the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. This is a rare bipartisan opportunity to help Americans across the country recover, rebuild and heal, and I will keep fighting to bring home the relief Maui needs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/committee-sends-rep-tokudas-lahaina-national-heritage-area-study-act-full,Committee Sends Rep. Tokuda’s Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act to Full House,2024-09-20,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"Washington, DC – Yesterday, the House Natural Resources Committee voted to advance the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act – introduced by U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) – to the full House of Representatives. The committee reported the bill unanimously. H.R. 8219, the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act, would direct the National Park Service, in consultation with state and local partners, to study the suitability and feasibility of a National Heritage Area designation for Lahaina. These areas are designated by Congress to complement state and local conservation efforts through recognition, federal funding, and technical assistance. “The passage of this bill into law would mark a significant step forward in our efforts to support the community in recognizing Lahaina’s historic and cultural importance,” said Rep. Tokuda. “A designation would uplift the rich history, environment, and culture embodied by Lahaina and provide support for state and local conservation efforts through federal recognition, seed money, and technical assistance.” Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01), House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Ranking Member Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), and House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Ranking Member Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) are original cosponsors of the bill, along with Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Gregorio Sablan (D-MP-AL), and Rep. Ed Case (D-HI-01). There are 62 National Heritage Areas in the United States but none in Hawaiʻi. Kaʻena Point is currently being studied for designation. Text of the bill can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-testifies-her-parity-native-hawaiian-veterans-act,Rep. Tokuda Testifies on her Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act,2024-09-13,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, which held a legislative hearing on her bill, H.R. 8562, the Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act of 2024, a bill to improve healthcare access and affordability for Native Hawaiian veterans. “They served and sacrificed the same as their fellow veterans, yet our country is failing to meet our obligations to them. More must be done to eliminate needless barriers to care for our Native Hawaiian veterans,” said Rep. Tokuda during her testimony. “That is why I introduced the Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act to ensure Native Hawaiian veterans can access healthcare services in a similar manner as their American Indian and Alaska Native counterparts.” Currently, the Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal Health Programs, and IHS-funded Urban Indian Organizations can seek direct reimbursement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for services rendered to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native veterans. Additionally, in 2023, copays were eliminated for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans receiving medical services through VA. The Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act would codify the same reimbursement relationship between VA and Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems to guarantee access to care across all islands. The bill would also eliminate copays for Native Hawaiian veterans for health care and urgent care received through the VA. The bill is cosponsored by Representative Ed Case (HI-01). Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced identical legislation in the Senate. Following the subcommittee hearing, H.R. 8562 can now be considered by the full House Veterans Affairs Committee. Rep. Tokuda’s testimony can be viewed here. The text of the measure can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-introduces-bill-tackle-illegal-campaign-coordination-outside-groups,Rep. Tokuda Introduces Bill to Tackle Illegal Campaign Coordination with Outside Groups,2024-09-12,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) introduced the Stop Illegal Campaign Coordination Act to end efforts by campaigns to circumvent federal election laws and illegally coordinate with outside groups. Federal law already prohibits campaigns from coordinating their messaging and communications with outside groups like super PACs that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money from corporate and special interests. However, campaigns have skirted around these laws through a practice known as “redboxing” in which they publish data and content – such as messaging points and pictures - aimed at supportive outside groups. The Stop Illegal Campaign Coordination Act would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to treat expenditures by outside groups as “coordinated” with a political candidate, campaign, or party if those expenditures are materially consistent with instructions, direction, guidance, or suggestions from campaigns. The bill also establishes factors for the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to assess and determine coordination. “For too long, corporate and special interests have poured dark money in our political system and undermined the trust of millions of Americans in our elections. Redboxing has become just another way for campaigns to violate the intent of the laws meant to prohibit illegal coordination and allows them to take advantage of unlimited spending by special interests,” stated Rep. Tokuda. “My bill fixes this gap in our election laws, restores some integrity to our elections, and helps put American voters and people above special interests.” “The Stop Coordinated Campaign Spending Act is a much-needed step forward to address the risk of corruption fostered by unlawful coordination strategies like ‘redboxing.’ By establishing clear rules and guidelines that better define what makes campaign spending 'coordinated' with outside groups like super PACs and dark money 501(c) groups, we can stop candidates from directing the activities of these allied groups, which are largely funded by wealthy special interests seeking more power and influence over elected officials. This important bill will ensure the integrity of our elections and put a stop to this brazen avenue for political corruption that marginalizes the electoral voices of everyday Americans,” said Saurav Ghosh, Director of Federal Campaign Finance Reform at Campaign Legal Center. The Stop Illegal Campaign Coordination Act has been endorsed by the Campaign Legal Center and Public Citizen. Original cosponsors of the bill are Reps. Ed Case, Pramila Jayapal, and Mark Pocan. Text of the bill can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3445,U.S. House Passes Case Measure To Further Strengthen Partnerships Between The United States And Pacific Island Nations,2024-09-10,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=9,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (Hawai’i-First District) today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 7159, his proposed Pacific Partnership Act, to further increase U.S. engagement in the critical Pacific region. Case, a Co-Chair and Founding Member of the first-ever Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus, introduced the measure together with 25 other bipartisan colleagues. “Our country’s Indo-Pacific Strategy states in no uncertain terms that no region is of more consequence to the world and to everyday Americans than the Indo-Pacific,” said Case in remarks during full House debate on the measure. “The United States and our allies and partners around the world who are aligned with an international rules-based order share the common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific whose governance, priorities, goals and prosperity are determined by the countries of the Indo-Pacific without manipulation and dominance by malicious actors. “This is especially true of the Pacific Islands themselves, in the heart of the Pacific, which today face the challenges of increased natural disasters and human and drug trafficking, economic sustainability, threats to democracy and more. It is crucial that the United States continue to extend our hand of full partnership in assisting the countries of the Pacific to meet these challenges, as we have for generations.” The Pacific Partnership Act requires an annually-updated Strategy for Pacific Partnership that sets specific goals for United States engagement with the Pacific Islands, assesses the threats and pressures to the region and a plan to address such threats, and analyzes the needs and goals of the Pacific Islands in the context of the national interests of the United States. The bill also requires the strategy to be developed in consultation with the governments of Pacific Islands countries, ensuring that the United States follows through on its commitment to support Pacific-led priorities. The bill further extends diplomatic courtesies to the Pacific Islands Forum, the primary multilateral organization of the Pacific Islands nations, and requires increased collaboration in U.S. efforts in the Pacific with ally and partner nations including Australia, New Zealand and Japan. “I am honored to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Case that builds off of the actions of successive administrations to strengthen United States engagement in the Pacific Islands,"" said Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY 6th District). ""It is essential that the United States demonstrates that we are not merely interested in the region, but we are invested in an evolving, enduring relationship with our Pacific Islands partners. “This important, forward-looking legislation ensures that all arms of the United States government are in coordination to support a rules-based order and address threats to sovereign nations across the region."" ""As a Pacific nation, the United States has a responsibility to engage and strengthen the partnerships that have ensured the region's security and prosperity for decades,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY 5th District), the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which approved Case’s bill unanimously. “This legislation will ensure future administrations build on President Biden's leadership to maintain our focus on the Pacific Islands."" “I want to thank Congressman Case for this much-needed bipartisan bill, said Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa). “The United States is a Pacific nation, and our region is critically important to U.S. interests. While Congress has extended the Compacts of Free Association for another 20 years for three Pacific Island countries, there are 11 other nations who need our attention. The United States has enduring cultural, historic, economic, and people-to-people connections with the Pacific Islands. The Pacific Partnership Act will go far in providing better focus for U.S. engagement with Pacific Island nations.” ""The United States is a Pacific nation, and it is critical that we partner with our friends in the Pacific to tackle shared challenges including climate resilience, healthcare, and economic development,"" said Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA 6th District). ""This bill designates the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) as an international organization with diplomatic privileges and encourages the establishment of a PIF mission in America. The bill also solidifies our commitment to the region by codifying the Pacific Partnership Strategy. By strengthening our diplomatic presence in the region, we ensure that the United States remains a reliable partner in promoting a free, resilient, and prosperous Pacific."" ""The Pacific Partnership Act bolsters our longstanding relationship with the Pacific Islands, a crucial region in our defense against the Chinese Communist Party,” said Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR 3rd District). “This bill strengthens our partnerships and supports American defense. This is particularly meaningful to my constituents in Northwest Arkansas, given the high concentration of Marshallese in our region. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill and am pleased it passed the House."" “We must counter ongoing aggression from the PRC by building effective relationships with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA 36th District). “The Pacific Partnership Act would support diplomatic, strategic and economic relationships in the Indo-Pacific and strengthen our defenses against CCP aggression. I am pleased to have been a cosponsor on this important bill and am hopeful that it will be signed into law.” ""Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the critical importance of American leadership in the Indo-Pacific,” said Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL 2nd District). “Continuing the crucial partnership to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and security ties with the Pacific Islands is essential to counteract the malign influence of the Chinese Communist Party. “The Pacific Partnership Act benefits both America and the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. must continue to show strength and promote regional stability and cooperation."" ""The U.S. shares a long history with the Pacific Islands, and we must continue to prioritize our diplomatic, economic, and security relationships in the region,” said Congresswoman Katie Porter (D-CA 47th District). “Pacific Islanders abroad and in the U.S. are counting on us to counter Chinese aggression, right our historic wrongs, and strengthen our cooperation with these important partners. As a member of the Natural Resources Committee’s Indo-Pacific Taskforce and a cosponsor of the Pacific Partnerships Act, I’m glad we are moving forward on developing a forward-looking framework to help shape U.S. policy in the Indo-Pacific for the years to come."" “The Pacific Partnerships Act stands to shift America’s perspective of global affairs, by acknowledging our country's deep cultural ties to the Pacific and refocusing on the region as core to national security,” said Congressman James Moylan (R-Guam). “The bill’s requirement for consecutive national strategies on Pacific will provide continuity and focus to our nation’s engagement with Pacific partners. I thank Rep. Case for his work on this bill, and his specific focus on elevating small pacific island communities such as Guam.” “The U.S.’s longstanding partnerships with the Pacific Islands are critical to national security. The Pacific Partnership Act, which I was proud to cosponsor, ensures we have a strategy for engaging with nations in the Indo-Pacific region and sets us up to support our allies while also preserving U.S. diplomatic, economic, and security interests,"" said Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ 1st District). ""Today, I was pleased to see this legislation pass the House of Representatives, marking an important step forward in enhancing our national security.” “Supporting our friends and allies in the Indo-Pacific is essential to guaranteeing American security in the region and across the world,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL 8th District). “This legislation will bolster security, stability, and growth across the Pacific Islands while expanding collaboration on efforts to combat the Chinese Communist Party’s continuing aggression.” “A strong Indo-Pacific is critical for our national security and economy,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (D-WA 10th District). “The Pacific Islands are key partners, and the Pacific Partnership Act further solidifies our relationship and diplomacy with them.” Case continued: “As ourselves a Pacific nation for over two centuries, we have enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership with the Pacific Islands which only continues to increase in historic, economic, cultural and strategy significance. “Our Pacific Partnership Act advances the breadth and depth of our engagement with the Pacific Islands on issues of particular importance to the Pacific Islands, as recently reconfirmed in the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Tonga. In doing so, we advance the mutual national and international interests of like-minded nations throughout the Indo-Pacific who are committed to an international rules-based democratic order.” · Copy of H.R. 7159 is here. · Summary of the bill is here. · Text of Case’s House Remarks are here. · Video Case’s Remarks Pacific Partnership Act Floor Speech ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3469,Case Speaks at Maui Field Hearing,2024-09-04,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=9,scraper,"Aloha, and mahalo to everyone for joining us today to assist us in assessing our federal government’s response to the devastating and tragic August 2023 Maui wildfires. And a very special thank you to my colleague and friend, Pete Sessions, Chair of our U.S. House Oversight and Accountability Committee’s Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, for coming here personally to assist us in this review and equally importantly to determine our next steps here and to improve our federal government’s efforts at prevention, mitigation and response elsewhere in our country. Our federal government’s Maui’s recovery effort has proceeded on several fronts. As of the one-year anniversary of the fires, the federal government was on track to provide approximately $3 billion towards Maui’s recovery, including $463.1 million in assistance to survivors. However, there is clearly much more that must be done. It is clearly imperative that we continue to provide federal assistance, including through supplemental disaster funding, which I have strongly supported through my work on the House Appropriations Committee. On August 7th, FEMA was forced to implement ""Immediate Needs Funding"" due to a rapidly shrinking Disaster Relief Fund that urgently needs additional appropriated funds. Because of this, FEMA will have to delay obligations for longer-term work to prioritize lifesaving disaster responses. This is why the Hawai’i delegation recently sent a letter to Congressional leadership detailing the need for supplemental funding, including $20.9 billion for FEMA, $3.5 billion for the Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Relief that can assist with housing and more. I ask unanimous consent to enter a copy of our letter into the record of this proceeding. I look forward to hearing from the witnesses about how federal agencies have assisted, what remains to be done, and what are the lessons to be learned both for our own ‘ohana and for our fellow citizens across the country. Mahalo.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-question-officials-maui-wildfires-congressional-hearing,Rep. Tokuda to Question Officials in Maui Wildfires Congressional Hearing,2024-09-03,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) announced that she will join the House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce in a field hearing in Lahaina next week to take a closer look at the federal issues and improvements needed to help Maui continue to rebuild following last year’s August wildfires. During the one-day hearing titled “Assessing the Federal Government’s Response to the 2023 Maui Wildfires,” Rep. Tokuda is expected to question local, state, and federal officials about the lessons learned, assess congressional action that can better support the community, and determine any changes that may be needed moving forward. Witnesses will include: Mr. Bob Fenton, Regional Administrator (Region 9), Federal Emergency Management Agency Colonel Eric Swenson, Recovery Field Office Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mr. Francisco Sánchez, Jr, Associate Administrator, Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, Small Business Administration Ms. Cheree Peterson, Deputy Regional Administrator (Region 9), Environmental Protection Agency The Honorable Richard Bissen, Mayor, County of Maui Major General Kenneth Hara, Adjutant General, Hawai‘i Department of Defense Ms. Lauren Nahme, Senior Vice President of the Maui Recovery Office, Hawai‘i Community Foundation Mr. Sne Patel, President LahainaTown Action Committee Mr. Keʻeaumoku Kapu, President and CEO, Nā ʻAikāne o Maui What: Assessing the Federal Government’s Response to the 2023 Maui Wildfires When: September 4, 2024 10 a.m. HST Where: Lahaina Civic Center (Social Hall) 840 Honoapiilani Hwy Lahaina, HI 96761 How: The hearing will be open to the public and media and livestreamed at https://oversight.house.gov/",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-joins-effort-urging-senate-act-natural-disaster-tax-relief,Rep. Tokuda Joins Effort Urging Senate to Act on Natural Disaster Tax Relief,2024-08-15,2024,2024-08,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) joined Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA), Greg Steube (R-FL), and 76 other House members in sending a letter to Senate leadership urging them to promptly bring the bipartisan Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 (H.R. 5863) to the floor for a vote. Cosponsored by Rep. Tokuda, the bill would exempt wildfire disaster relief payments received between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025, from taxable income. In May 2024, the House passed the bill, which also includes language from Rep. Tokuda’s Natural Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 to make it easier for Maui fire victims to deduct disaster-related losses by eliminating the minimum 10 percent loss threshold and the requirement to itemize deductions to receive this tax benefit. “As we pass the one-year anniversary of the devastating Maui wildfires, too many members of our community continue to struggle with the costs of recovery. This bill will ensure that the payments and money meant to help disaster victims stay in their pockets and provide financial support for what we know will be a long recovery. I urge the Senate to quickly act on this important legislation.” said Rep. Tokuda. Rep. Tokuda has given remarks on the House floor in favor of the bill’s passage and continues her advocacy to pass tax relief for disaster survivors. This letter follows the recent failure by the Senate to pass the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, which also included parts of Rep. Tokuda’s disaster tax relief bill passed the House floor in January. The letter to Senate leadership can be viewed here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-joins-congressional-delegation-taiwan,Rep. Tokuda Joins Congressional Delegation in Taiwan,2024-08-13,2024,2024-08,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"Taipei – This week, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, is visiting Taiwan as part of a congressional delegation (CODEL). Yesterday, the CODEL met with a number of officials including Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-Khim, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung. “It’s been more than 30 years since Hawaiʻi began a sister-state relationship with Taiwan and the common bonds and shared challenges we face are stronger than ever. As islands, we understand the urgent need to make our communities more resilient in the face of climate change, security threats, food insecurity, and the high cost of living that make it difficult for our families to survive,"" said Rep. Tokuda. “Given our indigenous connections and long-standing cultural and historical ties, I’m proud to be part of this delegation reaffirming the United States’ and Congress’ commitment to Taiwan’s security and democracy and to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I’ll continue to support critical relationships with allies and partners in the region to deter aggression and promote diplomacy to address shared challenges.” Besides diplomatic and security issues, Rep. Tokuda also encouraged Taiwan officials to restart direct flights between Taiwan and Hawaiʻi to strengthen economic and cultural connections and enhance tourism. Direct routes between Hawaiʻi and Taipei were discontinued during the pandemic, but previously provided Hawaiʻi residents and foreigners alike with the opportunity to travel to Taiwan and to connect with other regional countries like the Philippines. This is Rep. Tokuda’s second CODEL trip to Taiwan and will also include visits with the National Development Council, Ministry of National Defense, and Taichung Coast Guard Base.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-joins-hawaii-delegation-urge-congressional-action-and-more-funding,Rep. Tokuda Joins with Hawaii Delegation to Urge Congressional Action and More Funding for Maui,2024-08-07,2024,2024-08,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the Hawaii delegation sent a letter to House and Senate leaders urging congressional action to ensure Maui receives necessary supplemental disaster funding as the one year anniversary of the Maui fires approaches. The letter details their requests, including an additional $20.9 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund to meet anticipated needs through Fiscal Year 2025, as well as support for President Biden’s request for $3.5 billion for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program which would help communities nationwide, including Maui. “While we mark the one year anniversary since the fires, our work to support our Maui ʻohana as they heal and rebuild is even more urgent. Congress must act now to get much needed funds to communities like Lahaina that have been hit hard by disaster. The ongoing crisis in Maui has affected the entire country, including Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, and has had ripple effects and relocations throughout the state. These funding requests are critical to the survival and well-being of all of Hawaiʻi, and we will continue to fight for these funds,” said U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02). “One year after the terrible tragedy of Maui, we have made solid progress toward full healing, recovery and rebuilding, assisted by some $1 billion in federal disaster relief,” said U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01). “But so much more remains, and our congressional delegation remains fully focused on assuring the further federal assistance that will be necessary.” Action by Congress would allocate much-needed funds, allowing the activation or continuation of recovery programs on Maui by key departments and agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Economic Development Administration, National Park Service, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, Department of Labor, and Department of Energy. The letter to Congressional leadership can be viewed here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokudas-statement-prime-minister-netanyahus-address-congress,Rep. Tokuda’s Statement on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Address to Congress,2024-07-23,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"“Foreign dignitaries addressing a joint meeting of Congress is a highly regarded invitation that reflects a mutual relationship based on shared diplomatic values. While the United States has long had a pivotal relationship with Israel to deter our adversaries and maintain stability in the Middle East, I do not feel it is appropriate, or as we say in Hawaii, pono, to invite Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has been indicted for corruption in his own country, to address Congress. I cannot turn a blind eye to the horrific loss of life, indiscriminate bombing, famine, and suffering that have occurred in Gaza under his leadership, and I will not be attending the joint meeting.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3418,"U.S. Department Of State Responds To Rep. Ed Case's May 13, 2024 Letter To Secretary of State Antony Blinken Regarding Hawaii's Inclusion In North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)",2024-07-15,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=9,scraper,"(Honolulu, HI) -- The U.S. Department of State has responded to a May 13, 2024 letter by U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai’i-First) to Secretary Antony Blinken regarding Hawaii’s inclusion in mutual defense undertakings of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). (Case’s letter and State’s response are linked below.) In his May 13th letter to Secretary Blinken, Rep. Case wrote: “I write to express concern that the North Atlantic Treaty does not explicitly extend its protections to U.S. states, territories and possessions in the Indo-Pacific and to ask for your assistance in confirming that Article 5 would be invoked for any attack on the Indo-Pacific parts of our country to the same extent as an attack on any other part,” The often-referenced Article 5 of the treaty generally states that an attack on one NATO member is considered an attack on all members. This provision is limited by Article 6, which generally limits Article 5 to attacks on territories or forces in North America and Europe and the North Atlantic north of the Tropic of Cancer. “This exclusion is a historical anachronism,” Rep. Case argued. “There is a reasonable level of concern that at least some of our NATO allies might not consider Article 5 invoked if we are attacked in the Indo-Pacific.” Rep. Case asked Secretary Blinken to confirm that Article 5 would be invoked by the U.S. and be honored by our NATO allies if Hawaiʻi, Guam or other U.S. Indo-Pacific locations were attacked. In his July 15th response on behalf of Secretary Blinken, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Philip G. Laidlaw, wrote to thank Rep. Case for his letter and further responded: “First and foremost, let me assure you in the words of Secretary Blinken that any attack on the United States or its territories, even if outside of the geographic scope of Article 5, would almost certainly draw Allied reaction, including the consultation procedures under Article 4 of the Treaty,” Laidlaw wrote. “This includes Hawaiʻi, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and any other U.S. Indo-Pacific locations.” However, Laidlaw clarified that Article 6 of the Treaty does indeed define NATO area as Allied territory in North American and Europe, and islands under Allied jurisdiction in the North Atlantic area north of the Tropic of Cancer. “An amendment to the Treaty to cover Hawaiʻi and/or U.S. territory outside of the North Atlantic area would be unlikely to gain agreement by consensus within the Alliance as the United States is not the only Ally with territory outside this defined Treaty area,” Laidlaw asserted. The response also highlighted the participation of the Indo-Pacific Partners (Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea) in the NATO Summit that took place the previous week and acknowledged that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the security of the Indo-Pacific are increasingly interconnected. “It is encouraging to hear that the Department of State believes NATO allies would generally support our country if Hawaiʻi was attacked,” Rep. Case said. “While I appreciate the Department of State’s response, it is clear more needs to be done on this issue. These assurances are helpful while we continue to pursue possible next steps, including communication directly with NATO and legislative action.” View Rep. Case’s May 13 letter to Secretary Blinken here and the July 15 response here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3417,Case Statement Following The Rally For Former President Trump Today In Pennsylvania,2024-07-13,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=9,scraper,"(Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1) today released the following statement in the aftermath of the rally for former President Trump today in Pennsylvania: “Our hearts go out to the innocent lost and we pray for President Trump and the others wounded. “Violence must not be the answer. Voters, not guns, must decide elections.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokudas-statement-incident-trump-rally,Rep. Tokuda's Statement on Incident at Trump Rally,2024-07-13,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"“Sending out my deep condolences to those affected by today’s tragic incident, and prayers of recovery and safety to everyone impacted. I spent most of today encouraging civic engagement, telling AANHPI to use their voice and be seen. Our democracy must be grounded in civil discourse, mutual respect, and most of all aloha. These kinds of horrific acts only serve to silence and instill fear, and do not reflect the values of our country. We are better than this, and we must come together to reject all violence.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3420,Congressman Case Advocates in Appropriations for Native Hawaiian Housing Funding,2024-07-11,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=9,scraper,"Case Speaks on Native Hawaiian History Month September 30, 2025 | Posted in Speeches & Testimony Case Proposes Measure To Advance Energy Resiliency For Remote Island, Native Hawaiian and Tribal Communities June 19, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases Case Speaks on the Indigenous Diplomacy and Engagement Act March 27, 2025 | Posted in Speeches & Testimony",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3416,"Case's House Appropriations Committee Approves His Funding Requests To Advance Native Hawaiian Economic, Cultural, Health And Education Initiatives",2024-07-10,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=9,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case’s (HI-01) U.S. House Committee on Appropriations today approved three measures for the upcoming federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 (commencing October 1, 2024). The $198.4 billion Labor-Health and Human Services (HHS) bill supports health, education and labor programs. The $99 billion Transportation-Housing and Urban Development (HUD) bill supports transit and housing programs. The $26 billion Agriculture bill supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The bills fund several of Case’s requests for Member-designated CPFs including: 1. $185,000 for the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife to conduct a Reforestation and Carbon Forestry Assessment. 2. $2 million for the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation to repair and renovate Aloha Tower. 3. $400,000 for the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation to conduct a study to assess the operations of Kapiolani Interchange and generate recommendations that will improve congestion and safety. 4. $250,000 for Highlands Intermediate School to modernize its media center. 5. $850,000 for Kalihi Waena Elementary to replace deteriorating bridges that connect the school to the state’s largest public housing complex, the Towers of Kūhiō Park, ensuring the safety of keiki traveling to and from school. “The current bridges pose significant safety risks, with structural damage and lack of ADA compliance hindering accessibility for students and community members, especially the elderly and physically challenged,” said Case. He said funding is needed for a single-span bridge from the housing complex to the school, including an ADA-compliant ramp to Richard Lane, to ensure safe and accessible passage for all. Case also secured funding for Highlands Intermediate in Pearl City for its media center to accommodate the growing student population and foster collaborative learning environments. “The proposed renovations aim to revolutionize the space, facilitating innovative teaching methods and empowering students to explore various multimedia formats.” “The introduction of a partition and sound booth will enable the segregation of activities within the media center, providing students with designated areas for focused work and creative endeavors.” The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and be subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/services/funding-disclosures.htm. “For me, this is a mixed result,” said Case. “While these three measures fund many critical national and Hawai‘i priorities, I regrettably had to vote against the measure overall because of slashes in funding for key programs for those especially in need including cuts to Title 1 affecting teachers, guts housing programs at a time when there is an increase in homelessness nationally and takes away support for critical transportation needs for individuals and localities.” Further details follow: Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS) and Education The Labor-HHS bill provides for significant investments in key federal programs that increase public health research and capacity, expands access to education and childcare, addresses labor market demands, improves health outcomes and bolsters our nation’s responses to current and future public health threats. The discretionary funding level is $198.4 billion, a cut of $24.6 billion below the FY 2024 level. Case singled out successes in funding key Native Hawaiian programs. “Native Hawaiians are a unique community within our national fabric, and so are many of their challenges and needs, especially in health care, education and housing.” “Our Labor-HHS bill includes funding to support and advance various Native Hawaiian economic, cultural, educational and health initiatives. The measure builds on past funding increases I have been able to secure for Native Hawaiian-serving programs and includes funding to support specific needs within the Native Hawaiian community.” The bill supports our Native Hawaiian community with: · $65 million for Native American job training programs authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014; · $42 million for Native American Nutrition and Supportive Services grants to promote the delivery of nutrition and home and community-based services to Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Kūpuna; · $46 million for the Native Hawaiian Education Program; · $25 million for the Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Program. These funds will support tutoring, mentorships, internships, faculty development and other activities to support Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students at the collegiate level; · $27 million for the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems, with $10 million being included for Papa Ola Lōkahi; · $5 million, a $1 million increase over FY 2024 funding levels to support the Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Health Research Office within the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. These funds will be used to address Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander health disparities as well as supporting research being done by Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander investigators; · $4 million for the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity within the Office of Minority Health to advance Indigenous solutions to achieve health equity and encourage the Department of Health and Human Services to partner with universities in these efforts; and · $4 million for the Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program, which provides grants to Native American-serving organizations and federally recognized tribes to sustain indigenous heritage, culture and knowledge through museum-related services. The bill also addresses our nation’s labor shortages and supports workers with: · $1.8 billion for Job Corps, which provides career development services for youth; · $1.4 billion for Dislocated Worker Employment and Training Activities, which assists individuals who recently lost their jobs due to mass layoffs or natural disasters; · $174 million for adult employment and training activities. · $150 million for the Registered Apprenticeship Program; · $110 million for the YouthBuild program to provide at-risk youth with basic education and job skills training in the construction field; · $66 million for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program; · $60 million to provide ex-offenders with training and credentials in fields that prepare them for successful reintegration into society. The bill helps Hawai‘i and the nation respond to current and future health threats with: · $48.6 billion for the National Institutes of Health, to support a wide range of biomedical and behavioral research; · $1.9 billion for Community Health Centers, to provide high quality cost-effective health care to predominantly low-income and medically underserved communities; · $1.6 billion for State Opioid Response Grants, to address the nation’s overdose epidemic by increasing access to treatments using medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of opioid use disorder; · $360 million for public health infrastructure and capacity nationwide; and · $47 million for the Area Health Education Centers Program, to develop and broaden the distribution of the health workforce and improve health care quality and delivery to rural and underserved areas and populations. The bill invests in public education, school safety and childcare with: · $14.6 billion for Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies (low income schools); · $12.3 billion for Head Start, an increase of $25 million above the FY 2024 enacted level; · $8.8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, an increase of $25 million above the FY 2024 enacted level; · $2.2 billion for Career, Technical and Adult Education; · $1.2 billion for the Federal TRIO Program, to provide academic support to low-income individuals, first-generation college students, veterans and individuals with disabilities; · $250 million for Preschool Development Grants; · $129 million for McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program, which provides homeless youth with the health services and academic support they need to succeed in and out of the classroom; · $65 million to continue and expand Strengthening Community College Training Grants, which offer training to workers in in-demand industries at community colleges and four-year institutions to help meet local labor market needs; and · $23.5 billion for federal student aid programs to provide $7,395 for the maximum Pell Grant award. A summary of the Labor-Health and Human Services and Education funding bill is here. Transportation-HUD and Related Agencies The Transportation-HUD and Related Agencies Appropriations bill supports HUD, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and Department of Transportation, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This bill’s FY 2024 discretionary funding level is $99 billion, $4.4 billion lower from the FY 2024 enacted level. “My Appropriations Committee approved my requests to continue funding of ports that serve as critical lifelines for a state isolated in the middle of the Pacific including funding for small ports that serve ships and funding to pay for air traffic control operations vital to our island economy that relies on visitors arriving by aircraft,” Transportation and infrastructure programs and provisions requested and secured by Case include: · $849 million for the Maritime Administration, including $318 million for the Maritime Security Program, $72 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program and $8.8 million for assistance to small shipyards like Kalaeloa/Barbers Point. · $61.3 billion for the Federal Highway Administration to improve the safety and long-term viability of our highways. · $15.3 billion for the Federal Transit Administration. · $21.7 billion for the FAA, including $668 million to fully fund air traffic control operations and allow the FAA to hire 2,000 air traffic controllers to replace the retiring workforce. The bill includes the following provisions to improve access to affordable housing: · $28 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Program. · $32.2 billion for the Section 8 voucher program to continue to serve more than 2.3 million very low- and extremely low-income households nationwide. · $16.6 billion for project-based rental assistance. · $58 million for Housing Counseling assistance for renters, homeowners and those consider homeownership. · $4 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants. · $500 million for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to support building and rehabilitating affordable housing. · $5 million for core housing research partnerships with Native Hawaiian serving institutions among other minority serving institutions. A summary of the Transportation, HUD and Related Agencies Appropriations is here. Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies This bill would provide $25.9 billion, a 3.6 percent decrease, for the Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. These funds support the USDA, Farm Credit Administration, Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the FDA. “Invasive species pose a significant ecological and economic threat to our Hawai‘i, with especially damaging impacts on local agriculture,” said Case. “This agriculture funding bill provides support for our local farmers, farmers markets and food promotion programs, which combined will help our Hawai‘i deal the soaring cost of food, much of which is imported to our islands,” said Case. Provisions in the bill of interest to Hawai‘i and requested by Case include: · $1.2 billion for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, including $217 million for combating specialty crop pests. · $37 million for Agriculture Quarantine Inspections to prevent infestations of pests and diseases. · $16 million for the Minor Crop Pest Management Program to provide expert assistance to minor and specialty crop producers. · $3 million for Agricultural Canine Detection and Surveillance of invasive species and diseases, an increase of $500,000. · $123 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. · $32 billion for child nutrition programs, which includes $10 million for school equipment grants and $3 million for the Farm to School program · $410 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which includes $10 million for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program and $80 million for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). · $125 million for the USDA Wildlife Damage Management Program. · $5 million for the Value-added Agricultural Product Market Development Grant Program. · $7 million for the Grassroots Source Water Protection Program that is designed to prevent water source pollution. · $5 million for Aquaculture Centers and $2 million for aquaculture research programs. · $2 million for Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural Research Grants for Insular Areas. · $5 million for Education Grants for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions. This program addresses the educational needs of food and agricultural sciences-related disciplines and prepares low-income students for careers related to food, agricultural and natural resources. The measure also: · Provides $86 million for the Economic Research Service. · Directs the Agricultural Research Service to continue research on Tropical and Subtropical crops, emphasizing the need to combat invasive pests. · Protects the current funding level for the macadamia tree health research initiative. · Directs the Agricultural Research Service to ensure each of its facilities housing animals are adhering to the Animal Welfare Act at all times. · Continues to support coordinated research efforts to address the impact of the Avocado Lace Bug. · Supports strategies to mitigate the impact of axis deer on native forests. A summary of the Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies bill is here. These three measures are the last three of the twelve bills to be taken up by the House Appropriations Committee that will collectively fund the federal government for FY 2025 (commencing October 1, 2024). The proposed discretionary funding level for all three measures is $323 billion, a decrease of $30 billion over the FY 2024 enacted level. The bills now move on to the full House of Representatives for consideration. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3415,"Case's House Appropriations Committee Approves His Funding Requests For Public Lands And Natural Resources, Criminal Justice And Energy And Water Infrastructure",2024-07-09,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=9,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case’s (HI-01) U.S. House Committee on Appropriations today approved three measures funding several of his Community Project Funding (CPF) requests for the upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 (commencing October 1, 2024). The $38.5 billion Interior Appropriations bill funds the Department of the Interior, including the National Parks Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Environmental Protection Agency. The $59.2 billion Energy and Water bill funds the Department of Energy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) civil works programs and various energy programs. The $80.5 billion Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) and Related Agencies Appropriations bill supports the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Justice and various science agencies. The bill includes several of Case’s requests for Member-designated Community Funding Project (CPF) including the follows: · Restoration work at Maunalua Bay conducted by the Department of Land and Natural Resource’s Division of Aquatic Resources. ($1,184,000) · A survey conducted by the Department of Land and Natural Resource’s Division of Aquatic Resources to identify the current range of invasive spread of octocorals at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. ($400,000) · The purchase of equipment used to support live algae cultures and de-gas incoming acidic seawater for the Hawai‘i Pacific University’s Oceanic Institute. ($350,000) · The establishment of Fireshed Partnerships, bringing together owners and managers of fire-prone unmanaged lands surrounding the state’s most vulnerable communities, conducted by the Hawaii State Climate Commission. ($1,184,000) · Surveys of water and reef quality across the islands and restoration work of coral reefs, conducted by The Nature Conservancy. ($999,000) · The installation of a control valve assembly and waterline connections by the Honolulu Board of Water Supply to improve the reliability and adequacy of O‘ahu’s water supply. ($1,105,800) · The planning and design for long-overdue improvements to Papakōlea’s sewer system conducted by the Hawai‘i Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Case said that the Fireshed Partnerships project will bring together the owners and managers of the fire-prone, largely unmanaged lands surrounding the state’s most vulnerable communities to specify and initiate actions for large-scale, cross-boundary wildfire risk reduction. The project will work towards three objectives: 1. map and determine available fire-related resources, hazardous fuels, resource needs, and the costs and suitability of site-specific risk reduction strategies; 2. develop multi-partner fuels management demonstrations, including grazing, fuel breaks and reforestation/green strips, to reduce risk and educate local leadership and other communities; and 3. formally establish “Fireshed Partnerships” as cross-boundary commitments/memorandum of understandings to implement or raise funds to implement 5-year, spatially contiguous wildfire risk reduction plans at landscape scales. The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and must be subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/services/funding-disclosures.htm. “For me, this is a mixed result,” said Case. “While the measures fund many critical national and Hawai‘i priorities, I regrettably had to vote against the measures overall because they severely cut federal investments that will curtail our efforts to protect our environment, defund much of our federal law enforcement efforts, and increase energy costs and jeopardizes our energy security.” Further details follow: Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Bill The Interior, Environment and Related Appropriations bill funds the U.S. Department of the Interior, including the NPS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service and various independent agencies including the National Endowments on Arts and the Humanities. The bill’s FY 2025 discretionary funding level is $38.5 billion, or $72 million below the FY 2024 enacted level. The bill includes the following CPF requests from Case totaling $2.2 million: · $1,105,800 for the Board of Water Supply to improve the reliability and adequacy of O‘ahu’s water supply by installing control valve assembly and water connections for Manana Wells. · $1,105,800 for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to plan and design long-overdue improvements to Papakōlea’s sewer system. The bill also includes a number of other priorities he requested, including: · $5 million for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s State of the Birds Activities to respond to the urgent needs of critically endangered birds that now face possible extinction. These funds will help save numerous endemic birds in Hawai‘i that have been devastated by climate change and avian malaria. · $45 million for the U.S. Geological Survey Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program. · $13 million to rehabilitate the Mauna Loa Lookout Road at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, which is critical for visitor safety and improve the visitor experience and access to the Mauna Loa Trailhead and views towards Kīlauea Caldera. · $7 million for critical water infrastructure repairs at Haleakalā National Park, which will address critical life, health and safety issues. · $69 million for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Climate Adaptation Science Centers, which includes the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center based out of the University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa. These centers provide regionally relevant scientific information, tools and techniques to resource managers and communities in Hawai‘i in response to our changing climate. · $62 million for State Historic Preservation Offices, which will help preserve Hawaii’s treasured historic properties. · $6 million for the Joint Fire Science Program, which supports a national collaboration of fire science exchanges providing science information to federal, state, local, tribal and private stakeholders. · $4.7 million for Japanese Confinement Site Grants and funding for the Amache National Historic Site, which was one of ten incarceration sites established by the War Relocation Authority during World War II to detain Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their communities on the West Coast. A summary of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations is here. Energy and Water Bill The Energy and Water bill funds the Department of Energy, the USACE’s civil works programs, the Bureau of Reclamation and agencies focused on nuclear energy. The bill’s discretionary funding level is $59.2 billion, a decrease of $494 million from the FY 2024 enacted level. The bill also includes Case’s $600,000 CPF request to fund a Waikīkī Beach Environmental Restoration and Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study. The work will be performed by the USACE. Other energy and water related programs and provisions requested and secured by Case include: · Language directing the USACE to continue building capacity to provide this assistance to vulnerable coastal communities, including tribal, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian communities · $12 million for the USACE’s National Coastal Mapping Program which provides high-resolution elevation and imagery data along the U.S. shorelines on a recurring basis which can provide a better understanding of human uses, issues and constraints in coastal regions · $12 million for USACE’s Coastal Ocean Data System, which funds high-resolution observations and models of coastal ocean waves and shoreline change. · $45 million for flood control and coastal emergencies efforts. · $124 million for hydrogen and fuel cell technology development. · $6 million for aquatic ecosystem restoration. · $450 million for Advanced Research Projects for Energy Technologies Programs. · $112 million for marine power technology development. · $12 million for the USACE’s National Coastal Mapping Program. · $500,000 for the USACE’s beach erosion and hurricane damage reduction activities. A summary of the Energy and Water Appropriations is here. CJS and Related Agencies The CJS and Related Agencies Appropriations bill supports the U.S. Department of Commerce, including the International Trade Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Institute of Standards and Technology; the U.S. Department of Justice; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); the National Science Foundation (NSF) and more. The bill’s discretionary funding level is $80.5 billion, a decrease of $1.3 billion. The bill includes five of Case’s CPF requests totaling $4.1 million. · $1,184,000 for the Division of Aquatic Resources for restoration of the Maunalua Fishpond. · $400,000 for the Division of Aquatic Resources to conduct a survey to identify new invasion sites of invasive octocorals beyond Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. · $350,000 for Hawai‘i Pacific University to replace aging equipment used to support live algae cultures and de-gas incoming acidic seawater at the Oceanic Institute. · $1,184,000 for the Hawai‘i State Climate Commission to establish Fireshed Partnerships, bringing together owners and managers of fire-prone, largely unmanaged lands surrounding the State’s most vulnerable communities. · $999,000 for The Nature Conservancy to conduct reef, reef fish and water quality surveys and conduct coral reef conservation and restoration. “Rising crime, both related and unrelated to gun violence, is of great concern to us all, and must be combatted at all levels of government,” said Case. “State and local law enforcement need increased assistance from our federal government to address crime at the state and local level. The more than $4.2 billion in the bill to help local and state law enforcement will help not only to investigate and prosecute crime but will also go to prevention and education programs to stop crime before it happens.” The FY 2025 funding bill makes major investments in federal, state and local law enforcement programs. These include: · $848 million for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (Byrne-JAG). Byrne-JAG is the leading federal source of criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. The funds can be used to support a range of program areas including law enforcement; prosecution and court; prevention and education; corrections and community corrections; drug treatment and enforcement; planning, evaluation and technology improvement; and crime victim and witness initiatives. · $667 million, for Violence Against Women Act programs. These programs support comprehensive, cost-effective responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. · $670 million for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The COPS program is designed to provide funding directly to law enforcement agencies to hire and/or rehire additional career law enforcement officers to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. · $88 million for grants to help state governments improve their submissions into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for gun purchases. · $52 million for grants to reduce the sexual assault kit backlog. · $51 million for the Anti-Methamphetamine and Anti-Heroin Task Forces. · $36.5 billion for the Department of Justice, including $10.3 billion for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and $760 million for the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Science Provisions “Our funding measure also focuses on our flagship national science programs, which translate into world-leading research and development and science and high-tech engineering projects in our Hawai‘i. “The bill ensures that young people across our country can pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related education to lead innovation and contribute to a better economy back home,” said Case. The FY 2025 bill’s investments in science include: · $250 million for the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, which enhances the research competitiveness of Hawai‘i by strengthening STEM capacity and capability. · $104 million for the Climate Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes program to support the maintenance and needed repairs at the Atmospheric Baseline Observatories, including the Mauna Loa Observatory where the famous Keeling Curve proving rapid climate change was developed. · $89 million for STEM Engagement Programs, to inspire young people to pursue future careers in science and engineering. · $9.3 billion for the NSF, an increase of $200 million above the FY 2024 enacted level. · $7.3 billion for science programs at NASA to continue efforts to explore the solar system, other planets and other solar systems. Among other things, this will support space telescopes and efforts to gain scientific knowledge about the Earth’s changing climate. · $7.6 million for the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop wildland-urban interface risk metrics to mitigate wildfire risk to communities. Oceans Provisions The FY 2025 bill’s investments in the oceans and coastal communities include: · $120 million for the protection, research and management of marine mammals, sea turtles and other ocean species. · $80 million for the Sea Grant Program, which supports coastal and Great Lakes communities through research, extension and education. These funds help support the Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Program at the University of Hawaiʻi that concentrates on promoting healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies and environmental literacy and workforce development. · $40 million for the Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas Program, including the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. · $33 million for the Coral Reef Conservation Program. Commerce Department Provisions The bill also included Case’s requests for several key U.S. Department of Commerce programs, including: · $489 million for the Legal Services Corporation, which help ensure equal access to justice under the law for all Americans by providing funding for civil legal aid through organizations like Legal Aid Hawai‘i to those who otherwise would be unable to afford it. · $175 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. This public-private partnership has centers in all 50 states, including Hawaiʻi, dedicated to serving small and medium-sized manufacturers. · $55 million for the Minority Business Development Agency. This includes $4 million specifically for Native American Business Development Program that awards grants to Tribes and American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian populations to address barriers to economic development. This also includes $5 million for grants to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian entities qualified to provide business, financing and technical assistance. · $420 million for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. · $115 million for the International Trade Commission. A summary of the CJS and Related Agencies Appropriations funding bill is here. These three measures are part of the twelve bills to be taken up by the House Appropriations Committee that will collectively fund the federal government for FY 2025 (commencing October 1, 2024). The proposed total discretionary funding level is $178 billion, a decrease of almost $2 billion from the FY 2024 enacted level. The bills now move on to the full House of Representatives for consideration. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-introduces-bill-provide-more-funding-native-hawaiian-culture-arts,Rep. Tokuda Introduces Bill to Provide More Funding for Native Hawaiian Culture & Arts,2024-07-09,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) introduced a bill to ensure that Native Hawaiian organizations can fully access funding they are entitled to under the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development Program for cultural programming and activities. The Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development Program was created in 1984 to provide grants through the National Park Service for the scholarly study of and instruction in Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian traditional and contemporary arts and culture. The program was also created to help perpetuate Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian traditional and contemporary arts by developing educational centers and degree programs. Since the program started receiving appropriations again three years ago, Native Hawaiian organizations have not been able to access it because of outdated statutory requirements. The Native Arts and Culture Promotion Act would amend the program to allow the National Park Service to award grants to a greater variety of Native Hawaiian organizations doing incredible work to study and promote Native Hawaiian culture and art. Additionally, the bill would remove offensive and unnecessarily restrictive statutory language impacting Alaska Native applicants to increase the program’s accessibility within the Alaska Native community. “I am proud to introduce a bill to modernize the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development Program, which has historically provided support for community-driven efforts to educate, promote, and perpetuate the arts and cultures of Native Hawaiians and Alaska Natives, said Rep. Tokuda. “Ensuring that the program functions as intended will enable more Native Hawaiian organizations to receive their fair share of federal resources for historic preservation and creative development. It is critical that we continue to recognize and promote traditional and contemporary native arts and cultures so that the stories and knowledge of indigenous communities can be treasured and embraced by future generations.” “Alaska Native cultures extend back to time immemorial, but are continuously at risk due to historical policies of erasure and forced assimilation. Our bill invests in the long-term preservation of our peoples’ ways of life and empowers the next generation to be involved in its safekeeping - following the leadership of generations before us who bravely and resolutely held on to the essential tenets of our Native cultures. I am proud to do my part in keeping our Alaska Native ways of living strong for generations to come,” said U.S. Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (AK-AL), cosponsor of the bill. “As a member of our House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, I have worked to expand and fund programs that promote, sustain and honor the culture and art of our nation’s indigenous peoples,” said U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), cosponsor of the bill. “I’m happy to join Rep. Tokuda in this initiative to open up our Native Hawaiian Culture and Arts Development Grant Program to more grant opportunities from more community groups dedicated to those goals for Hawaii’s indigenous people.” The full text of the bill can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-introduces-bill-rename-hawaii-island-post-office-after-vietnam-war,Rep. Tokuda Introduces Bill to Rename Hawaiʻi Island Post Office After Vietnam War Veteran Hero,2024-07-01,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – On Friday, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) introduced a bill to rename the Captain Cook Post Office on Hawaiʻi Island after First Lieutenant John Kuulei Kauhaihao of Hōnaunau, who was killed in action in Vietnam and posthumously awarded the U.S. Army’s second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross. “There are no amount of words to express my sincere gratitude to First Lieutenant Kauhaihao who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and no words can express my deepest condolences to his family for their loss more than 50 years ago. First Lieutenant Kauhaihao exhibited extraordinary courage and heroism as he led and protected his soldiers in Vietnam. For that, he rightfully deserves to be recognized in the community he was born, where he lived, and where his beloved wife and family still reside,” said Rep. Tokuda, member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Our veterans are heroes and role models for the next generation, and we must honor and always remember the sacrifices they have made for our country.” On September 5, 1969, at the age of 27, Kauhaihao was fatally injured during a reconnaissance-in-force operation in Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam. When his platoon came under enemy fire, Kauhaihao launched over 30 grenades in 15 minutes at enemy bunkers while simultaneously drawing fire on himself so that his men could sight enemy gunners. He is survived by his widow and Konawaena High School sweetheart, Shirley, and their four children. “Our ʻohana is so grateful to Congresswoman Tokuda for introducing this bill to honor John's memory and legacy of service to our country,"" said Shirley Kauhaihao, Lt. Kauhaihaoʻs widow. ""It is our sincere hope that naming the post office after John will bring recognition to the service and sacrifice of all Vietnam War veterans who served and died, as well as those who came home and continue to serve their communities and country, especially those from Hawaiʻi. John was an excellent husband, father, and man, and he loved his role as a soldier because he loved his country. He truly was the greatest."" “The Hawaii Army National Guard’s First Lt. John Kuulei Kauhaihao's exemplary bravery and ultimate sacrifice embody the highest ideals of our military. Naming this post office in his honor ensures that his legacy of heroism and dedication to Hawai‘i and our nation will be remembered and will serve as an inspiration for all.” said Major General Kenneth Hara, Adjutant General of the State of Hawai‘i. U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) is an original cosponsor of the bill. If it becomes law, it would be the first time a post office has been named on Hawai‘i Island. The last time a post office was named in the state was 2011. More information on the bill can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3413,Case Wins Approval For Critical Water Infrastructure Projects From Key House Committee,2024-06-30,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=9,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1) today announced that his requests for six critical water infrastructure projects vital to Hawaii’s safety and economy recently won key bipartisan support and will come before the House for a vote in the coming weeks. Case’s requests were included in H.R. 8812, the proposed Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the bill by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 61 to 2. This bill authorizes projects to improve the country’s ports and harbors, inland waterways, flood and storm protection and other aspects of water resources infrastructure that keep our communities safe and strengthens the U.S. economy. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) performs these projects in partnership with federal, local and state agencies, non-government organizations and tribal nations to implement the projects. The six provisions secured by Case in the 2024 WRDA include: 1. Expediting completion of the Ala Wai Canal flood risk management project. “The Ala Wai Flood Risk Management project is focusing on protecting the homes, businesses and communities of central Honolulu from Makiki, Mānoa and Pālolo to the ocean, as well as of Waikīkī, where daily over a hundred thousand residents and visitors live, work and play in the one-square mile engine of our tourism industry,” said Case. “We all are facing the real-life evidence every day of the effects of climate change including disastrous flooding, and we must continue our efforts to prevent a catastrophic storm that would impact the watershed and the adjacent canal.” This project began in 1999, and the USACE recently solicited public comments on a revised plan for the Ala Wai watershed community. 2. Studying how to expand and upgrade Honolulu Harbor. Case previously secured an authorization for this study, but he is seeking to amend the plan to reflect expanded complexity, scope and funding needs, including elements of coastal storm risk management. This update would help continue the project and focus its benefits on disaster resilience and enhanced nation security from improved utilization of the harbor. “As the main port of the State of Hawai‘i, Honolulu Harbor receives and distributes all overseas cargo shipments constituting over 80% of all imports into the state, supports fishing operations and cruise ships and handles federal maritime activity including the U.S. Coast Guard’s 14th District,” said Case. “Providing this additional refined and expanded authorization will ensure our critical harbor is designed for resilience and that this literal lifeline for Hawai‘i remains operational in the face of natural disaster and other contingencies.” Case previously secured $1.5 million of funding for this project through his work on his House Appropriations Committee. 3. Including Hawai‘i in studies involving the Pacific Region. Case also won approval to allow Hawai‘i to partner with USACE when it conducts a broader range of studies in the Pacific, including cultural resources preservation and environmental restoration studies. “This amendment would enable Hawai‘i to work with USACE on studies, such as ecosystem restoration, coastal storm risk management and flood risk projects, which the agency already does in the Pacific with Guam, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas,” said Case. “This change would also help streamline USACE negotiations with the Hawai‘i State History Preservation Office.” 4. Expanding eligibility for federal assistance for coastal communities dependent on key ports. Case secured an amendment allowing for expanded eligibility for coastal communities whose longevity is linked to harbor accessibility. This change allows for greater consideration of cultural, social and ecosystem benefits to the local communities in cost-benefit analyses. “As Hawai‘i imports such large proportions of goods and relies on our harbors, this needed change allows for increased longevity for our harbors and security for our communities,” said Case. 5. Increasing funding for water infrastructure projects for Maui. Case, who remains focused on working with the rest of Hawaii’s Congressional delegation to aid Lahaina in rebuilding following the 2023 wildfires, joined Congresswoman Tokuda (Hawai‘i-District 2) to jointly secure funding for water-related infrastructure projects in Lahaina to help Maui recover from the 2023 wildfire. “This funding would provide another $30 million for Maui County to rebuild damaged infrastructure following the devastating wildfires,” said Case. 6. Authorizing an assessment of Lahaina’s watershed. “This assessment that I requested jointly with Congresswoman Tokuda will identify ways infrastructure can be improved to reduce risks and damage from future natural disasters,” said Case. “It will aid the community in rebuilding and improving damaged infrastructure after the August 2023 wildfires. NOTE: The bill text is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3421,Congressman Case In Floor Remarks On Defense Security Funding,2024-06-28,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=9,scraper,"x-page facebook-page instagram-page youtube-page Press Releases Newsroom Press Releases Congressman Case In Floor Remarks On Defense Security Funding Share on Facebook Share on X Print this Page Share by Email Washington, June 28, 2024 Tags: National Security Related News Case Statement On U.S. Strikes On Iran February 28, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Case Speaks on the 25th Anniversary of the Hawai‘i National Guard’s State Partnership Program September 19, 2025 | Posted in Speeches & Testimony Case Votes Against Initial House Version Of Annual Defense Measure That Fails To Exert Congressional Oversight Of Trump Administration Actions Undermining Our Nation's Military September 10, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases Case Speaks on the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) May 19, 2025 | Posted in Speeches & Testimony Three-Year Anniversary of Russia's Brutal Attack on Ukraine March 25, 2025 | Posted in Speeches & Testimony",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-issues-statement-president-bidens-request-additional-700m-disaster,Rep. Tokuda Issues Statement on President Biden's Request for Additional $700M Disaster Funding,2024-06-28,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) issued the following statement on President Joe Biden’s additional $700 million request to Congress for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program which would help communities nationwide, including Maui, with disaster needs. ""We have been pushing for supplemental disaster funding in Congress since the wildfires took place. Maui continues to grapple with both physical damage and emotional trauma in the aftermath of the deadliest wildfire in a century. Healing for its residents will take generations, which is why Congress must act now and swiftly approve President Biden’s new request to get much needed funds to communities impacted by disaster.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3422,Congressman Case In Floor Remarks On Homeland Security Funding,2024-06-27,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=9,scraper,"x-page facebook-page instagram-page youtube-page Press Releases Newsroom Press Releases Congressman Case In Floor Remarks On Homeland Security Funding Share on Facebook Share on X Print this Page Share by Email Washington, June 27, 2024 Tags: National Security Related News Case Statement On U.S. Strikes On Iran February 28, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Case Speaks on the 25th Anniversary of the Hawai‘i National Guard’s State Partnership Program September 19, 2025 | Posted in Speeches & Testimony Case Votes Against Initial House Version Of Annual Defense Measure That Fails To Exert Congressional Oversight Of Trump Administration Actions Undermining Our Nation's Military September 10, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases Case Speaks on the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) May 19, 2025 | Posted in Speeches & Testimony Three-Year Anniversary of Russia's Brutal Attack on Ukraine March 25, 2025 | Posted in Speeches & Testimony",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-testifies-her-lahaina-national-heritage-area-act,Rep. Tokuda Testifies on Her Lahaina National Heritage Area Act,2024-06-27,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing on the Lahaina National Heritage Area Act – introduced by U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) – which would begin the process of evaluating the Maui town for designation as a National Heritage Area. The Lahaina National Heritage Area Act would direct the National Park Service, in consultation with state and local partners, to study the suitability and feasibility of this designation for Lahaina. These areas are designated by Congress to complement state and local conservation efforts through recognition, federal funding, and technical assistance. “Lele, or Lahaina, as it has become known, has always been a place of immense historical and cultural importance, serving as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi and the birthplace and home to many aliʻi. As we look to rebuild, it is about grounding this place in the history and heritage from which it came,” said Rep. Tokuda during her testimony. “Designating Lahaina as a National Heritage Area would complement and sustain community-driven efforts being led by lineal descendants and local leaders to preserve Lele’s rich history, tradition, and culture for future generations.” Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green also submitted written testimony in support of the bill, along with Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, and Keʻeaumoku Kapu of Nā ʻAikāne o Maui Inc. Cosponsors of the bill include Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01); House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Ranking Member Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO-02); House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Ranking Member Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA-02); Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Rep. Gregorio Sablan (D-MP-AL), Rep. Ed Case (D-HI-01), and Rep. Amata Radewagen (R-AS-AL). There are 62 national heritage areas in the United States but none in Hawaiʻi. Kaʻena Point is currently being studied for designation. The bill will go through a House Natural Resources Committee markup before it can advance to the full House for consideration. Rep. Tokuda’s testimony can be viewed and downloaded here. The text of the measure can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokudas-priorities-included-house-water-resources-development-act,Rep. Tokuda's Priorities Included in House Water Resources Development Act,2024-06-26,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02), announced the referral of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA) to the full House of Representatives. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee reported the bill as amended by a bipartisan vote of 61 to 2. “As Hawai‘i has seen in increasing frequency, extreme weather events are leaving a trail of destruction and loss behind. From hurricanes to flooding to wildfires, we need to do all we can to protect our local communities from the impacts of sea level rise and natural disasters,” said Rep Tokuda. “I am proud this bill includes projects in four counties to help protect our communities from future disastrous events.” “In addition, Hawaiʻi’s harbors serve as a critical lifeline for residents and businesses. This year’s WRDA includes efforts to maintain the infrastructures that keep products flowing in and out of our state and keep Hawaiʻi moving forward,” she said. The bill includes several top priorities for Hawai‘i secured by Rep. Tokuda, including: an increase in the Maui Environmental Infrastructure authorization from $20 million to $50 million to assist with the wildfire recovery. a study of the Lahaina Watershed on Maui, including the coral reef habitat north of Lahaina, which will examine the mauka to makai impacts of the wildfire to better protect the community from flooding and the coast from runoff. an assessment of the Waialua Watershed on Oʻahu to inform efforts to prevent future flooding and climate change impacts. modifications to repair Laupāhoehoe Harbor on Hawaiʻi Island to allow for the repair of the harbor’s breakwater structure. a comprehensive new start Feasibility Study to evaluate sources of flooding and propose solutions to reduce flood damages in the Hanapepe River watershed. WRDA is a comprehensive bill, which is generally passed by Congress every two years. It provides for the conservation and development of water and related resources and authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct studies, construct projects and research activities that can lead to the improvement of rivers and harbors of the United States. A full summary of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, as reported by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-statement-marking-two-years-scotus-overturned-roe-v-wade,Rep. Tokuda Statement Marking Two Years Since SCOTUS Overturned Roe v. Wade,2024-06-24,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) issued the following statement, marking the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, which eliminated the constitutional right to an abortion. “The Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade remains one of the biggest threats to the health and safety of women across the country. Two years later, the consequences of the Dobbs decision continue to grow, and the impacts are being felt in every aspect of life for women, including their ability to access emergency care and contraceptives. Decisions about a person’s body, life, and future are deeply personal and should remain in their hands, not politicians’. This fight is far from over; we will continue fighting like hell to make sure everyone can access the health care they need and deserve.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-introduces-bill-combat-zombie-guns-support-law-enforcement,"Rep. Tokuda Introduces Bill to Combat ‘Zombie Guns’, Support Law Enforcement",2024-06-17,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — On Friday, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) introduced the ""Restoring Trust in Public Safety Act,"" legislation to address the government’s role in the proliferation of gun violence in communities by providing public agencies, including police departments, with greater resources to fully destroy seized and surrendered firearms. A recent New York Times investigation found that hundreds of cities and towns have turned to private companies that offer to destroy firearms at no-cost to law enforcement agencies. Their inventories include firearms that have been forfeited in buybacks, used in crimes, or replaced by police department upgrades. However, these public-private arrangements have fueled a secondary arms market of “zombie guns,” where guns expected to be fully destroyed are instead recycled and sold online to civilians as individual untraceable parts often used to assemble ghost guns or marketed as repair kits without background checks. The Restoring Trust in Public Safety Act would establish a $15 million grant program to help state, Tribal, and local governments and law enforcement agencies purchase equipment, hire staff, and conduct trainings to ensure the safe and complete destruction of firearms and firearm parts in their possession. “Bottom line, there are too many guns and weapons on our streets and terrorizing our communities,” said Rep. Tokuda. “This bill gives our law enforcement agencies the resources to 100% destroy firearms that are seized, surrendered, or retired, and seeks to remove their reliance on gun disposal companies who have profited off a lack of government funding for proper disposal. This widespread practice of gun recycling is becoming a lucrative industry in our country that only further proliferates the spread of ghost guns in our communities.” Under federal law, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) requires that all unwanted or unserviceable firearms be properly destroyed. In accordance with ATF guidelines, gun disposal companies crush or cut up only the frame or receiver. This is just one component of a few dozen firearm parts, depending on the model, that is destroyed. Often sold without the receiver, the remaining parts are typically sold to the public as gun assembly or repair kits without the need for background checks. Rep. Tokuda and other members of Congress are attempting to close this loophole with the Destroy Zombie Guns Act, which they introduced in March. “It is imperative that law enforcement have the resources to ensure they can safely and completely dispose of firearms recovered in crime without unwittingly supplying the criminal market with firearm components and accessories. Brady is grateful to Representative Tokuda for introducing legislation to provide law enforcement agencies with the funds to facilitate responsible firearm destruction so we can ensure the life cycle of a firearm ends once law enforcement seeks to dispose of it,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady. “Representative Tokuda’s bill would help ensure that communities have the resources needed to properly dispose of seized firearms themselves, eliminating the risk of these weapons being resold. We thank Representative Tokuda for bringing attention to this important gap in funding and policy, and we encourage Congress to pass this important piece of legislation,” said Emma Brown, GIFFORDS Executive Director. The full text of the bill can be found here. Additional cosponsors include Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Dan Goldman, Delia Ramirez, Rashida Tlaib, Jared Moskowitz, Kevin Mullin, Shri Thanedar, Jamie Raskin, Ed Case, Seth Magaziner, Chuy Garcia, Sylvia Garcia, and Joe Neguse. The bill is supported by Brady: United Against Gun Violence, GIFFORDS, March for Our Lives, and Everytown for Gun Safety. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2413,U.S. House Approves Key Priorities Sought By Case In Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act,2024-06-14,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=10,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) announced that the full U.S. House has approved the $883.7 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including four of his floor amendments as well as his priorities on strengthening America’s national security interests in the Indo-Pacific, boosting Hawaii’s economy and continuing to improve the relationship between the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the local community. “This measure is critical as it not only authorizes defense spending for the year, supplementing my Appropriations Committee’s actual funding responsibilities, but also establishes defense policies and restrictions, and addresses organizational and administrative matters related to the DoD,” said Case, who currently serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and previously served on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. As requested by Case, the NDAA authorizes $505 million for a multi-year project by the Navy to build a water treatment plant to treat water from the Red Hill shaft, which would allow the shaft to be reopened and help remove any residual contaminants from the ground surrounding Red Hill. To begin this important project, the NDAA recommends appropriating $90 million for the project in FY 2025. “This water treatment plant is not just another infrastructure project, it is our assurance that those in the service area can be fully confident that the quality of the water they rely on complies with safe drinking standards,” said Case. The bill authorizes further or continued construction projects in Hawai‘i with a combined value of $1.35 billion. This includes: · $1.2 billion for a new dry dock at Pearl Harbor, · $90 million for the Red Hill Water Treatment Plant, · $36 million for an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Wheeler Army Airfield, · $36 million for an Air National Guard Space Control Facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam, and · $33 million for an Aircraft Hangar and Parking Apron at Marine Corps Base Kāne‘ohe Bay. Among the other provisions for which Case advocated and which were included in the measure are: · A pilot program for inclusive playgrounds on military installations for families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. · A study on combat medical support requirements in the Indo-Pacific including Hawaii’s role in that effort, · Maximizing the number of individuals who can enter public shipyard apprenticeship programs. · Having the DoD provide an assessment on wildfire mitigation efforts and interoperability in Hawai‘i. · A study on the Navy’s use of net metering to support efforts by the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum to generate and share the power it generates through its solar panels. · Clarifying that the DoD’s Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation is authorized to support installation and workforce modernization efforts within its grant program and that state and local governments are eligible to apply. This office recently provided a $3.2 million dollar grant to the State of Hawai‘i to establish a Military and Community Affairs Office to determine how to improve the relationship and economic benefit of the defense presence in Hawai‘i. “For me, the NDAA as it came before me for a final vote is a mixed result,” said Case. “While the measure funds many critical national, Indo-Pacific and Hawai‘i priorities for our military infrastructure and veterans which I support, I regrettably had to vote against the measure overall because it reduces funding far below what is needed, including $1.5 billion in cuts to critical military construction projects, shortchanges dedicated funding for Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) cleanup, eliminates climate and military base resiliency efforts, rejects important VA infrastructure funding, rejects diversity advancement initiatives and includes various other culture wars provisions that have no place in a critical national defense measure. I hope and believe that, as in past years, we will correct these deficiencies through the remainder of the legislative process, and I will be able to vote for the final measure.” The bill also includes several provisions to continue the military’s investment in Hawai‘i: · Requires the DoD to provide an assessment on allowing servicemembers with dependents to ship more than one car when they move to or from locations outside the continental United States, to include Hawai‘i. · Creates an initiative to control and combat invasive Rhinoceros Beetles and put protocols in place to prevent introduction and spread of other invasive species The bill continues the DoD’s reinvestment in the Indo-Pacific, including provisions offered by the Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus, which Case co-founded. For example, the bill: · Authorizes $1.2 billion for Pacific Deterrence Initiative construction projects aimed at countering China; · Requires the DoD to study ways to expand the State Partnership Program in the Pacific. The Hawai‘i National Guard partners with the Philippines and Indonesia through this program. · Requires a review of the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to ensure the program is effectively meeting the needs of US Indo-Pacific Command. · Requires the DoD to assess the ability to create a Sentinel Landscape-like program in the Freely Associated States to conserve and protect lands. · Requires the Department to study ways to better integrate chaplains in activities with partner and allied nations in the Indo-Pacific. · Requires the Defense Intelligence Agency to provide assessments on Chinese influence in the Pacific Islands and the impacts that may have on our national security. · Requires the DoD to assess workforce investment opportunities in the Freely Associated States to enable military construction projects on the islands. Other key provisions include: · A 4.5 percent pay raise for military personnel and an additional 15% pay raise for junior enlisted troops. · Increases the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) for qualifying servicemembers to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. The BNA helps military households better afford basic needs. · Increases Basic Allowance for Housing from 95% to 100% of combined housing and utility costs for servicemembers. · Requires the DoD to provide a review of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership Program, in order to find ways to maximize spouse participation and awareness of support available. · Requires the DoD to study ways to increase hiring and retaining childcare employees for child development centers and ways to better partner with childcare centers in the community. A summary of the FY25 NDAA is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-votes-no-national-defense-authorization-act,Rep. Tokuda Votes No on National Defense Authorization Act,2024-06-14,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02), member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 217-199. “Once again, House Republicans have derailed a bipartisan process for this year’s National Defense Authorization Act by adding harmful poison-pill policy riders that attack reproductive rights and health care for our service members and undermine a more diverse and inclusive military for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color,” stated Rep. Jill Tokuda. “I was proud of the bipartisan bill we crafted in committee that addressed so many crucial Hawai‘i priorities that I fought for and made substantial quality-of-life improvements for service members and military families, but the amendments forced onto this bill by far-right Republicans have forced me to sadly vote against passage today. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue to work on this year’s NDAA with colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Capitol to remove these poison-pill riders and protect the many positive provisions we’ve secured to advance our national security and support our service members and military families.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2411,U.S. House Appropriations Committee Supports Case's Requests For Further Funding For Red Hill Closure And Defense of Hawai‘i,2024-06-13,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=10,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – Congressman Ed Case’s (HI-01) U.S. House Committee on Appropriations today approved a key measure funding the Department of Defense for the upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 (commencing October 1, 2024). His Committee also approved another funding measure for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and various agencies focused on financial regulation, consumer protection and law enforcement. “The Department of Defense measure not only funds programs critical to our national security interests in the Indo-Pacific but also continues to recognize the critical role Hawai‘i plays in the region,” said Case, who is in his sixth year on Appropriations and currently serves on its Subcommittee on Defense with jurisdiction over defense and intelligence community funding. “The Financial Services and General Government measure funds programs of federal assistance to small business which are especially relevant to Hawaii’s mix of small businesses.” Among the projects for which Case advocated and which were included in the measure include: · $70 million to continue efforts to replace O‘ahu’s outdated air surveillance radar, critical to ensure the defense and protection of Hawai‘i. · A $27.5 million increase to the President’s budget for Red Hill closure and remediation as well as continuing the Red Hill Clinic. · A $253 million increase for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Native American and Native Hawaiian Affairs to support Native small businesses. · A $7 million increase to the Native American Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Assistance Program that enables Hawaii's Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to support access to capital for Native Hawaiians. “For me, this is a mixed result,” said Case. “While the Defense measure funds many critical national, Indo-Pacific and Hawai‘i priorities for our military which I support, I regrettably had to vote against the measure overall because it reduces funding far below what is needed including $1.5 billion in cuts to critical military construction projects, shortchanges dedicated funding for Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) cleanup, eliminates climate and military base resiliency efforts, and includes divisive and unacceptable culture war provisions. The Financial Services measure similarly contains many solid provisions but ultimately too many unacceptable ones. I’m hopeful that, like past years, the divisive message-only provisions will be removed in the further course of the legislative process and that we will pass measures with provisions that advance our country and Hawai‘i.” Further details follow: Defense The FY 2025 Defense bill, one of twelve total bills funding the federal government annually, proposes to spend $833 billion, an increase of $8.57 billion over the FY 2024 enacted level, for federal agencies and programs in the Department of Defense (DoD) and intelligence community, including the military branches of services, the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. Programs and provisions requested and secured by Case include: · $287.5 million, $32.5 million above the President’s budget, for the decommissioning of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, environmental remediation, state and local community engagement in Hawai‘i and building a more distributive fuel infrastructure for the Indo-Pacific. This is in addition to the $2.2 billion previously secured by Congressman Case and his delegation colleagues. · The bill also affirms the continued support for the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP). The critical $21 billion, multi-year effort to upgrade the Navy’s four public shipyards including the construction of the new Dry Dock #5 at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard remains a priority for Congress. · Funding for one Virginia-class fast attack submarines, which are critical to protecting the Indo-Pacific and will be maintained at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. · $343 million for the Navy’s Environmental Restoration program plus an additional $234 million for the environmental restoration of Formerly Used Defense Sites. These funds will help accelerate efforts to remediate per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination and remove unexploded ordnance and discarded military munitions in Hawai‘i and throughout the nation. · $70 million to advance development of a next-generation radar system to protect Hawai‘i from missile attacks. · $6 million to expand the National Disaster Medical System Pilot Program to provide critical support to military and civilian health objectives. It is advancing national medical innovation, preparedness, disaster response and integration efforts to underserved regions like the Indo-Pacific. · $5 million for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Community Engagement Initiative to strengthen the ties between the military and the local community. · $188 million for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which maintains critical scientific laboratories at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. · $50 million for military campaigning and exercises across the Indo-Pacific. · $197 million for the Sea-Based X-Band Radar, which will help defend Hawai‘i from ballistic missile threats. · $175 million for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI). The DoD created the REPI program in response to land development and loss of habitat in the vicinity of or affecting military installations, ranges and airspace that can lead to restrictions or costly and inadequate training and testing alternatives. Through REPI, DoD works with state and local governments, conservation organizations and willing private landowners to address these challenges to the military mission and the viability of DoD installations and ranges. These projects will preserve and protect cultural, natural, and land resources across the state near four Hawaiʻi - based installations - Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Pōhakuloa Training Area, Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i, and U.S. Army Garrison–Hawai‘i. · $8.1 million for the Asia Pacific Regional Initiative, a key program supporting U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. This program enables the military to execute Theater Security Cooperation activities, such as humanitarian assistance and paying incremental personnel costs of training and exercising with foreign security forces. The initiative is a critical tool for the U.S. military to strengthen relationships throughout the Indo- Pacific region. · Over $243 million for “Civil-Military Programs,” to include support for Hawaii’s Youth Challenge Academy. · $117 million for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, which last year provided $6.8 million to the State of Hawai‘i Department of Hawaiian Homelands on Hawai‘i Island in conjunction with the Army’s Pōhakuloa Training Area to build an emergency operations facility. · $1.1 billion for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP), including $583.5 million for cancer research. The CDMRP fills research gaps by funding high impact, high risk and high gain projects that other agencies may not venture to fund. · Over $70 million or Impact Aid programs, which includes Impact Aid for children with disabilities. Out of a concern for possible discrepancies and inconsistencies, the Committee also called for the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity to submit a report on how local educational agencies receive this funding. · Blocked efforts to change the command and control structure of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. There have been efforts within the department to streamline control of forces under one command structure, which would limit the ability of Navy forces in Hawai‘i to respond quickly to changing threats in the Indo-Pacific region. · Continued military contracting preference language for Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations. · Continued support for providing humanitarian and similar assistance by using Civic Action Teams in Freely Associated States. Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) The bill as passed proposes to spend $23.7 billion to fund the U.S. Treasury Department, SBA, federal courts, the Federal Communications Commission, the Office of Personnel Management and various independent agencies. This is a decrease of $2.6 billion, or 10%, over the current year. Case voted against the bill. For the SBA, the bill provides $997 million, including $299 million for entrepreneurial development programs that assist small businesses with quality training, counseling and access to resources. “Our Hawai‘i is truly Small Business Country, with some 135,000 small businesses making up 99 percent of all businesses in the state and employing some 275,000 of our people,” said Case. “We also have a very unique small business mix, with some of the highest levels of minority, women and veteran-owned small businesses in the country, as well as small business economy. All of this takes unique, targeted assistance, which the SBA provides, and so I focus especially on SBA and other federal programs that benefit our small businesses. “Unfortunately, even with the proposed resources for Hawai‘i, I could not support this measure in its current form,” said Case. “Aside from insufficiently funding the SBA, the bill slashes funding to federal agencies like the Internal Revenue Service which works to ensure that the many that pay their taxes are not shortchanged by the few that don’t, the Consumer Product Safety Commission that protects the public from unsafe products, and the Securities and Exchange Commission that protects the fairness of financial markets.” Case was still able to gain approval in the measure for his funding requests for federal programs and services important for the State of Hawai‘i including: · $35 million for the Native American Community Development Financial Institution Assistance Program, · $5 million for the Native American Outreach Program, · $3 million for the Historically Underutilized Business Zones Program, · $27 million for the Women’s Business Centers Program, · $140 million for Small Business Development Centers, · $109 million for the Drug-Free Communities Program, · $20 million for the State Trade Expansion Program, · $7 million for the Program for Investment in Micro-Entrepreneurs, · $8 million for the Regional Innovation Clusters Program, · $299 million for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program, · $1.5 billion for Defender Services, · $41 million for the Microloan Technical Assistance Program, and · The continuation of an additional federal judgeship for Hawai‘i to handle a high caseload. The bill also provided $276 million for CDFIs, which are specialized community-based financial institutions that promote economic development by providing financial products and services to people and communities underserved by traditional financial institutions, particularly in low-income and minority communities. These two measures are part of the twelve bills to be taken up by the House Appropriations Committee that will collectively fund the federal government for FY 2025 (commencing October 1, 2024). The proposed discretionary funding level is $147.5 billion, a decrease of almost $6.4 billion over the FY 2024 enacted level. The bills now move onto the full House of Representatives for consideration. · Copy of the FY 2025 Defense funding measure is here · Copy of the Financial Services & General Government FY 2025 funding measure is here ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2406,Case Secures Key Funding For The Indo-Pacific Including $2.1 Billion For The U.S. Government's Indo-Pacific Strategy And $60 Million Toward Another Coast Guard Vessel For Honolulu,2024-06-12,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=10,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case’s (HI-01) U.S. House Committee on Appropriations today approved two key measures funding federal homeland security and foreign affairs programs with important ties to Hawai‘i for the upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 (commencing October 1, 2024). Both the homeland security and foreign affairs funding measures included Case’s requests for critical funding for American priorities in the Indo-Pacific, including $2.1 billion for the U.S. government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, $175 million for assistance specifically for Pacific Island countries, $60 million to allow the Coast Guard to base another Medium Endurance Cutter with District 14 in Honolulu and other funds set aside for the Coast Guard’s expanded presence in the Pacific Islands region. Among the other projects for which Case advocated and that were included in the measures are: $19.6 million for the East-West Center in Honolulu. Language requiring the Coast Guard to pursue acquisition of additional pier and related space at Base Honolulu. $1.2 million specifically for the Coast Guard’s Indo-Pacific Workforce Support Project. $3 million for the increased presence of regional Coast Guard advisors in the Indo-Pacific. Report language supporting Indo-Pacific young leaders programs. $43.6 million for the Asian Development Fund. Report language supporting the Peace Corps’ expansion in the Pacific. Through his assignment on the Committee, Case also secured $1.1 million in partial funding for the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) to develop a Community Disaster Preparedness Information Platform for Hawai‘i. This is one of Case’s Member-designated Community Project Funding (CPF) projects that specifically focuses on local needs in Hawai‘i. The project would work to establish an information sharing platform that enables direct collaboration between HI-EMA and local companies, nonprofit organizations and anchor institutions during normal times and in events in disasters. ""This new tool for HI-EMA will ensure accurate, timely and unified messaging in the event of a disaster response,” explained Case. “In the wake of the 2023 Maui wildfires, our Hawai‘i is in need of a statewide unified messaging system to improve coordination with local and county emergency response agencies more than ever.” The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and be subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/services/funding-disclosures.htm. “For me, these bills are a mixed result,” said Case. “While the measures fund many critical national, Indo-Pacific and Hawai‘i priorities which I support, I regrettably had to vote against them overall because it reduces funding far below what is needed, including massive cuts to and prohibitions against funding to key United Nations agencies, and includes harmful partisan policy riders.” “The deep and unfortunate policy differences in Congress on foreign affairs and homeland security can clearly been seen in the drastic cuts to these funding measures,” said Case, who is in his sixth year on Appropriations and currently serves on the Subcommittees on Defense and Homeland Security. “These cuts will further erode our standing with our friends and partners around the world who relied on the United States for global leadership when it comes to the defense of freedom, democracy and human rights and for assistance on critical human needs. They also fail to take a balanced and comprehensive approach to securing our homeland including our borders.” In his remarks during the debate in the Appropriations Committee this morning, Case strongly criticized the funding cuts to foreign aid programs saying in part, “We cannot and will not prevail in the geopolitical challenge we face by military might alone. Authoritarianism is based on might and democracy on values. We stand a far better chance with both might and values.” (See video clip of his extended remarks in Committee here). “I am committed to fixing these problems as we work through the legislative process toward final versions of these bills that can correct these deficiencies, secure bipartisan support and be signed into law.” Further details follow: Homeland Security The FY 2025 Homeland Security bill, one of twelve total bills funding the federal government annually, proposes to spend $65 billion for all programs under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security, an increase of $800 million over the FY 2024 enacted level. When combined with the $22.7 billion in additional funding for major disaster response and recovery, and $6.1 billion for programs offset by fee collections, the bill as a whole provides $93.8 billion to the Department of Homeland Security for FY 2025. The bill supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Coast Guard, the U.S. Secret Service and more. Case is a member of the Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security which is responsible for this bill. The bill provides a critical increase in funding for the Coast Guard, whose 14th District is headquartered in Honolulu and represents the Coast Guard’s largest geographic area of responsibility. “Unfortunately, even with these proposed resources for Hawai‘i and the Indo-Pacific, I could not support the overall measure in its current form because of the areas in which it underfunds critical operations,” said Case. “The proposal generally supports a one-sided approach to immigration policy and does not secure the border by failing to invest in sustainable and critical immigration reform that would both strengthen border security and benefit American families and businesses.” Case was able to secure a number of key programs and provisions for Hawai‘i, including: · $355 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants, which support state and local emergency management agencies like HI‑EMA. $360 million for assistance to firefighter grant programs, which are a major source of funding for county fire departments. $360 million for FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program. $101 million for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, a $10 million increase over FY 2024, which funds University of Hawaii’s National Disaster Preparedness Training Center. $40 million for FEMA’s Next Generation Warning System. $1.2 million specifically for the Coast Guard’s Indo-Pacific Workforce Support Project. Language requiring a report on the opportunity for the Coast Guard to acquire additional pier and related space at Base Honolulu. Language requiring a report on exposure of TSA security equipment to the elements at open air airports. Language requiring a report on an update on the infrastructure at the Coast Guard’s Air Station Barbers Point. $3 million for the increased presence of regional Coast Guard advisors in the Indo-Pacific. The measure also provides the following priorities requested by Case: $14.2 billion for the Coast Guard. $51.1 million for the National Computer Forensic Institute, through which the Honolulu Secret Service Field Office has sponsored 72 state and local officials from nine agencies to attend forensic training courses since 2023. $45 million for the TSA Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement Program. Report language supporting CISA support in the Pacific Islands. Language requiring a report on the Coast Guard’s role in combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. $615 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative under FEMA. Language requiring a report on Coast Guard engagement in the Indo-Pacific. $100 million for FEMA’s Port Security Grant Program. $520 million for the State Homeland Security Grant program, which provides funding to protect against terrorism and other threats. $105 million for the Transit Security Grant Program, which protects critical transportation infrastructure from acts of terrorism. $130 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs The Appropriations Committee approved an overall funding level of $51.7 billion, a cut of $7.6 billion from the FY 2024 level, for the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations. This measure funds (or should fund) U.S. foreign policy programs and agencies, including the Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. contributions to the United Nations and its agencies and more. The bill provides for international diplomatic presence and outreach as well as foreign assistance in public health, basic education, educational and cultural exchanges, climate change and more. “I strongly disagreed with the funding cuts to various important international assistance efforts,” said Case, who spoke on his opposition in Committee. “But the bill also advanced many importance priorities for the Indo-Pacific,” explained Case. “As we continue to focus on the growing influence of China in the Indo-Pacific, our national security interests must also include diplomatic engagement and assistance to promote peace and diplomacy in the region,” said Case. “Continued funding for our East-West Center and other institutions in Hawai‘i helps to support our country’s standing in an area widely seen as the most dynamic and fastest-growing region on earth.” Programs and provisions in the measure secured by Case and related to Hawai‘i and the Indo-Pacific include: $19.6 million for the East-West Center, down from the $22 million final appropriation for FY 2024. $2.1 billion for the implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, which promotes peace, prosperity and democracy in the region. $175 million for the Pacific Islands region, an increase of $25 million from FY 2024. Report language supporting the Peace Corps’ expansion in the Pacific. Report language supporting funding for a flexible fund for Democracy and Governance funding in the Pacific Islands. Report language supporting funding for a Flexible Microfinance Facility launched by the Development Finance Corporation in partnership with USAID, to expand access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Pacific Islands countries. $500,000 for the Global Innovation through Science and Technology Program’s expansion to the Pacific Islands. Report language supporting Indo-Pacific young leaders’ programs. Report language supporting funding for trade capacity building in the Pacific Islands. Report language supporting the U.S. Agency for Global Media in the Pacific Islands. Language requiring an update on a report on efforts to assist the Pacific Islands in transnational crime. Language requiring an update on a report on international engagement with indigenous groups. $1.3 million for the Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Center. Report language supporting funding for the Pacific Islands Infrastructure Initiative. Report language supporting funding for the Quad Investors Network. Language requiring a report on ways to strengthen U.S. trade and investment with Pacific Islands countries. Language requiring a report on engagement with faith-based organizations in the Pacific Islands. $3 million for the Advancing Port Enhancement and Customs Security program in the Pacific Islands. $2.5 million for unexploded ordinance removal in the Solomon Islands. $6 million for the Pacific American Fund, a USAID program that supports projects from Pacific Islands-based organizations that address climate change adaptation and resilience. $43.6 million for the Asian Development Fund. The bill also includes funding for several foreign policy programs supported by Case, although some at unacceptable low levels. Among them are: $411 million for the Peace Corps, a decrease of $68.5 million from FY 2024. $421 million for peacekeeping operations, an increase of $10 million. $1.1 billion to support international peacekeeping activities, a decrease of $299 million. $721 million for educational and cultural exchange programs, which include the Fulbright programs, a decrease of more than $20 million. $270 million for contributions to international organizations, a decrease of $1.3 billion. $1.3 billion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. $915 million for maternal and child health programs. $2.4 billion for migration and refugee assistance, a decrease of $1.5 billion. These two measures are part of the twelve bills to be taken up by the House Appropriations Committee that will collectively fund the federal government for FY 2025 (commencing October 1, 2024). The proposed discretionary funding level is $147.5 billion, a decrease of almost $6.4 billion over the FY 2024 enacted level. The bills now move onto the full House of Representatives for consideration. Attachments: A summary of the FY 2025 funding measure for the Homeland Security bill is here. A summary of the FY 2025 funding measure for the State Department and Foreign Operations bill measure is here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-travels-normandy-80th-d-day-anniversary,Rep. Tokuda Travels to Normandy for 80th D-Day Anniversary,2024-06-06,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Normandy, France – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, paid tribute to members of the military and honored them at the 80th D-Day Anniversary ceremonies at the American Cemetery. “Eighty years ago, tens of thousands of men, including many from Hawaii, put freedom before fear and marked a turning point in the war here on the beaches of Normandy. It has been a humbling honor to remember and pay respect to the brave soldiers where they battled and where so many paid the ultimate sacrifice. At a time when our present mirrors the global turbulence of our past, it is important to remember the heroes who laid the foundation for the freedom we have today and commit to defending them now and into the future,” said Rep. Tokuda. Rep. Tokuda is part of the U.S. House of Representatives bipartisan Congressional Delegation currently in France. In addition to official ceremonies in Normandy, they will travel to Paris for meetings with the French National Assembly. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-accepting-applications-military-service-academies,Rep. Tokuda Accepting Applications for Military Service Academies,2024-06-04,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"(Honolulu, HI) – Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) announced that her office is now accepting applications from students in Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District for Military Service Academies. Qualified applicants must submit their applications no later than Friday, October 25, 2024, at 11:59 pm HST. Every year, members of Congress are given a limited number of candidates to nominate for appointment to these academies. Rep. Tokuda can only nominate a limited number of exceptional students for each vacant academy slot allotted to the Second Congressional District. “In Hawaii, we are fortunate to have hard-working, intelligent, and driven students across our islands who are ready to protect and serve in our military,” said Representative Tokuda, a member of the Armed Services Committee. “With such qualified students, it's challenging to select nominees, but I look forward to seeing and hearing about the diverse talents of Hawaiʻi's future.” To be considered for a nomination, candidates must reside in Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District, meet the basic eligibility requirements established by the academies, and submit a complete nomination application by Friday, October 25, 2024, at 11:59 pm HST, to Rep. Tokuda’s office. For more information on eligibility and the application process, visit bit.ly/tokudanominations or call Rep. Tokuda’s District Office at (808) 746-6220. To apply for a Military Service Academy Nomination through Tokuda’s office, please click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-invited-niihau-celebrate-two-high-school-graduates,Rep. Tokuda Invited to Niʻihau to Celebrate Two High School Graduates,2024-06-01,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Niʻihau – Yesterday, Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) attended the Ni‘ihau High and Elementary School graduation to help celebrate this momentous occasion for two high school students. Along with Rep. Tokuda, State Department of Education Kaua‘i Complex Area Superintendent Daniel Hamada and Kaua‘i County Board of Education Member William Arakaki joined the Ni‘ihau community in congratulating Brianne Kanahele and Jayna Niau Jr. They are the only 2024 graduates from the school, which does not have a commencement event every year and has 20 students. “The invitation to celebrate alongside our Ni‘ihau graduates and their families was a humbling privilege and honor,” said Rep. Tokuda. “Witnessing the culmination of their hard work and how this close-knit community came together to celebrate and support their students was both inspiring and heartwarming. I am so proud of our Ni‘ihau students and I look forward to seeing the contributions they will make to Hawai‘i."" Ni‘ihau High and Elementary is known for its small population of students and is Hawai‘i’s smallest K-12 public school. Ni‘ihau—owned by the Robinson family—is the least inhabited Hawaiian island and has restricted access to the public. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:23:40Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-votes-against-houses-partisan-farm-bill-includes-wins-hawaii-falls,"Rep. Tokuda Votes Against House’s Partisan Farm Bill Includes Wins for Hawai‘i, Falls Short for Working Families",2024-05-24,2024,2024-05,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02), a member of the House Agriculture Committee and the only member of Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation to serve on one of Congress’s agriculture committees, voted against sending the House Republicans’ partisan Farm Bill to the full House of Representatives during a 13-hour markup. The committee reported the bill with a vote of 33-21. “It was important to me that Hawaiʻi has a seat at the table when it comes to developing the Farm Bill. We succeeded in addressing the significant drop in nutrition assistance for Hawai‘i, expanding microgrants to grow small-scale farming, and helping specialty crops iconic to our state in the House Republican draft. However, I could not support in good conscience the harm caused by other provisions in the bill, and I had to vote against it,” said Rep. Tokuda. The $1.5 trillion bill, which dictates agriculture and food policy, includes a drastic cut to the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP). The proposed cut to the TFP would impact several nutrition programs which includes slashing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the country’s largest anti-hunger program, by nearly $30 billion. This would mark the largest reduction in nearly 30 years if this bill became law. “Working families across Hawaiʻi and the country are already struggling with skyrocketing food prices. I cannot support a bill that would slash food benefits for our most vulnerable population and lead to more people going hungry,” said Rep. Tokuda. “The cost of living in our state is already too high, and this reduction would steal valuable resources away from those who need and depend on them the most.” “This bill opens the door to privatizing the jobs of civil servants who currently administer the SNAP program in Hawaiʻi. This is unacceptable, and totally insulting of our local, highly trained government workers. It could lead to Hawaiʻi SNAP recipients having to call an out-of-state call center to receive their benefits. We appreciate Rep. Tokuda's rejection of this damaging provision and her continued support for state workers,” said Randy Perreira, Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association. ""Having Rep. Tokuda on the agriculture committee during a farm bill year has resulted in issues and supports for Hawaii's agriculture industry being included in the House Draft that will now be a part of negotiations with the Senate,"" stated Brian Miyamoto, Executive Director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau. ""Since entering Congress, Rep. Tokuda has held listening sessions with our members, and even hosted a talk story with Agriculture Committee Chair GT Thompson, allowing us to advocate for Hawaii ag at the federal level."" The House’s version of the Farm Bill would also dramatically limit the deployment of solar energy and impact federal investments helping Hawaiʻi and the nation reach our renewable energy goals. “Although the House Republicans’ Farm Bill had some of my top priorities for Hawai‘i and for rural and indigenous communities across our country, the poison pills in this bill would ultimately hurt our hardworking residents more than help them,” continued Rep. Tokuda. “I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Capitol to deliver a Farm Bill that meets Hawai‘i’s needs and priorities.” Here are some of the provisions for Hawaiʻi that Rep. Tokuda advocated for and secured in the House Republicans’ version of the bill: Separates Hawai‘i’s TFP calculation between urban and rural areas to provide additional SNAP, The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) money for those living on the neighbor islands. Separating out our rural areas, as is done for Alaska, ensures the higher food costs on the neighbor islands result in higher levels of food assistance. Increases the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program’s authorization to $30 million, which would respond to the overwhelming demand for the program and increase locally grown food for food-insecure areas. Creates a Tropical Plant Health Initiative within the National Institute of Food and Agriculture dedicated to supporting tropical specialty crops, including kalo, ‘ulu, and ‘uala. Authorizes the noncontiguous areas, including Hawai‘i, to directly purchase local commodities through TEFAP. Reauthorizes the Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program. Reauthorizes the Regional Aquaculture Centers Program. Includes $2.5 billion in mandatory agricultural research facilities, which will help address the deferred maintenance backlog for the University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources’ research facilities. Creates a pilot program for custom meat processing facilities to sell meat products directly to consumers, which could increase Hawai‘i’s meat processing capacity. The bill awaits further action by the House. Rep. Tokuda’s opening statement can be viewed here. The text of the measure can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2380,Hawaii Is Designated For The Most Military Construction Funding Of Any State In The Upcoming Fiscal Year Under U.S. House Appropriations Committee-Approved Measure,2024-05-23,2024,2024-05,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=10,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) reported that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, approved today by the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations, includes over $1.55 billion in military construction projects for Hawai‘i, the most of any state. “This major funding for critical Hawai‘i projects underscores all over again the key role Hawai‘i holds in our national defense as well as the key role of our armed services in Hawaii’s economy,” said Case, who is in his sixth year on Appropriations, previously served on the committee’s Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and currently serves on its Subcommittee on Defense. “By allocating fully 8% of our total national and worldwide military construction budget to Hawai‘i, we are making a generational reinvestment in Hawai‘i in the critical facilities we need to meet the challenges of the Indo-Pacific.” Some $1.2 billion, the largest share of total budget allocated to Hawai‘i, is to continue construction of new Drydock 5 at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, the largest and most expensive project in U.S. Navy history. This state-of-the-art facility and the Shipyard’s some 6,000 civilian employees will have the capacity to perform the highest levels of repair and maintenance on current and next-generation submarines and other vessels. Case has been focused on advancing and funding Drydock 5 since he returned to Congress in 2019. Among the other projects for which Case advocated and which were included in the measure is a $36.6 million space control center at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for the Hawai‘i Air National Guard’s (HIANG) space operations. “The space domain is increasingly critical to our overall national defense, especially in the Indo-Pacific, Hawai‘i is once again key, and our HIANG, the U.S. Space Force and other defense assets require state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to perform their mission,” said Case. The measure also funds the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and various small agencies and programs supporting our nation’s some 19 million veterans, including some 112,000 throughout Hawai‘i, and their families. The bill includes a number of priorities also advanced by Case and critical to Hawai‘i veterans, such as improving Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) veterans’ access to mental health care and increasing outreach to AANHPI veterans. The measure also continued to support the VA Center for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and United States-affiliated Pacific Islander (NHPIUSAPI) that works with the University of Hawai‘i and encourages the VA to partner with universities in the Pacific region focusing on issues unique to the NHPIUSAPI community. The MilCon-VA measure is the first of twelve bills to be taken up by the House Appropriations Committee that will collectively fund the federal government for FY 2025 (commencing October 1, 2024). The proposed discretionary funding level is $147.5 billion, a decrease of almost $6.4 billion over the FY 2024 enacted level. “For me, this is a mixed result,” said Case. “While the measure funds many critical national, Indo-Pacific and Hawai‘i priorities for our military infrastructure and veterans which I support, I regrettably had to vote against the measure overall because it reduces funding far below what is needed including $1.5 billion in cuts to critical military construction projects, shortchanges dedicated funding for Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) cleanup, eliminates climate and military base resiliency efforts, rejects important VA infrastructure funding and rejects diversity advancement initiatives.” Further details follow: Military Construction The bill provides $17.9 billion for Department of Defense (DoD) military construction and family housing, nearly $412 million above the FY 2025 budget request. Besides Drydock 5 and the Space Control Center, other major Hawai’i projects advanced by Case and funded under the measure include $115 million for upgraded aircraft maintenance hangars at Wheeler Army Air Field in Wahiawā, and $204 million for upgraded aircraft maintenance hangars and aircraft parking aprons Marine Corps Base – Kāneʻohe. Other specific military construction programs and provisions requested and secured by Case include: · $66 million specifically for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command projects. · $636 million for the Energy Resiliency and Conservation Investment Program. · $40 million for Air National Guard and $45 million for Army National Guard unspecified minor military construction. · $52 million for defense-wide military construction and family housing. · Directing the DoD to identify the Army’s investment needs in order to support the wildland firefighters located on Schofield Barracks. · Directing the DoD to provide a report on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam infrastructure development plan, to address ongoing concerns of the aging water and wastewater facilities on the installation. · Directing the DoD to assess the aging infrastructure that houses the headquarters of the Marine Corps, Space Force and Special Operations Commands on O‘ahu. Veterans-Related Programs The bill provides $129 billion in discretionary spending for veterans-related programs, $66 million above the FY 2025 budget request. It specifically includes $113 billion for veterans’ medical care, matching the President’s FY 2025 budget request. “Our Hawai‘i veterans and their families make up one of the largest percentages of any state in our nation including in such key areas like women and minority veterans. I continued to focus especially on the often unique challenges of delivering full veterans’ health and other benefits in a diverse island state,” said Case. The bill specifically includes $1.3 billion, an increase of over $300 million from the FY 2024 enacted level, to meet the need for specific care for women veterans and support the Office of Women’s Health, including its childcare initiative. These funds will allow the VA to continue hiring women primary care providers and to increase the number of peer support specialists for women veterans. These efforts have become even more critical as the number of female veterans using VA health care services has increased. Case’s committee included $22.8 billion for the Cost of War Toxic Exposure Fund, which provides funding to implement the Honoring our PACT Act. The PACT Act, which Case supported and helped enact into law, expands health care and benefits for more than five million servicemembers who were exposed to dangerous burn pit fumes, Agent Orange and other toxins during their service. Other specific veterans-related programs and provisions requested and secured by Case include: · $5.8 million for the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program, which is $2.6 million above the FY 2024 enacted level. · $60 million for the VA Grants for the Construction of Veterans Cemeteries, which regularly provides fundings to support Hawaii’s state cemeteries. · $263 million for opioid treatment and prevention efforts, which is $33 million above the FY 2024 enacted level. · $6.4 billion for Telehealth and Connected Care. This will continue expansion of telehealth services and includes additional mental health, primary care and rehabilitation services. · $3.2 billion for Veterans’ Homelessness Program Resources for our nation’s veterans, an increase of $97 million above the FY 2024 enacted level. This funding will enhance homeless veterans service providers ability to provide high demand care such as health services, substance use disorder programs, compensated work therapy and other supportive services. · $337 million for Rural Health Initiatives, which is equal to the President’s budget request. This will improve access and quality of care for the more than 3 million enrolled veterans residing in highly rural areas. · Directing the VA to provide $2.5 million to increase outreach through private organizations, related to mental health care for veterans and their families, through the Whole Family Care Partnership. · Directing the VA to continue supporting the Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islanders (NHPIUSAPIs) Center. · Directing the VA to develop a plan for implementing veterans benefits for veterans living in the Freely Associated States. The bill now moves to the full House of Representatives for expected consideration in June. Attachment: Copy of the FY 2025 MilCon-VA funding measure here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-secures-hawaii-priorities-markup-fiscal-year-2025-national-defense,Rep. Tokuda Secures Hawai‘i Priorities in Markup of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act,2024-05-22,2024,2024-05,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted to send H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, to the full House of Representatives. If enacted into law, this NDAA would mark the 65th consecutive year in which Congress has passed this critical law for national security. The committee reported the bill as amended by a vote of 57 to 1. “Ensuring that the Department of Defense works hard to rebuild trust in Hawai‘i’s communities and helps tackle our shared challenges is my top priority as a member of the House Armed Services Committee,” stated Rep. Tokuda. “I’m especially proud that this bill includes my provisions for the Department of Defense to improve its efforts to combat and control the spread of invasive species in Hawai‘i, especially the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle that has been ravaging our local agriculture.” “As a mom, I am outraged by the abuse or harm of any child, but it especially aggrieves me when it takes place in a federal facility. It is unacceptable that our military families have struggled to get information when their child experiences abuse or harm at a military child care center,” stated Rep. Jill Tokuda. “I know the Department of Defense Inspector General is looking into this, but we absolutely cannot afford to wait for what could be a months-long investigation to yield recommendations that then take months longer to implement. Military families deserve immediate action that gives them peace of mind in knowing their children are safe. My amendment, adopted by the committee, ensures that the Department will act immediately to notify parents and investigate cases of abuse and harm with the proper authorities. And this must be just the beginning to ensuring that our child care centers are the safe and nurturing environments we need them to be. Our children and families deserve nothing less.” “There’s no denial that there’s a tremendous housing challenge right now on Maui in the aftermath of the fires last August,” continued Rep. Tokuda. “This year’s NDAA also includes language directing our Department of Defense to report on how it can provide stable housing supply for personnel on Maui and allowing it to include civilian and contractor personnel in calculating its housing requirements. This would not only support our service member quality of life through housing security but also relieve pressure on Maui’s tight housing market as it works to rebuild.” The bill, as amended, includes several top priorities for Hawai‘i pushed and secured by Rep. Tokuda, including: a new initiative for the Department of Defense to control and combat the spread of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle on military installations in Hawai‘i; a requirement for the Department of Defense to review and implement improvements to its biosecurity protocols in Hawai‘i, including collaboration with State and local entities, to prevent and control the spread of invasive species; the inclusion of civilian personal and defense contractors in the Department of Defense’s availability analysis of suitable housing for rural locations; a briefing requirement to analyze the impacts of the August 2023 Maui fires on the availability and affordability of housing for Department of Defense personnel on Maui and the feasibility of creating privatized or government-owned housing solutions to create stable housing supply for Department of Defense and Coast Guard personnel on Maui; a pilot program to develop an advanced manufacturing facility and associated workforce development program to support Department of Defense needs in the Indo-Pacific region; revisions to safety regulations to require stricter reporting requirements for child abuse and harm at military child development centers, following a Military.com article and Rep. Tokuda’s letter to the Department of Defense urging swift action to address this issue; a requirement for the Department of Defense to evaluate its current calculation methods for cost-of-living allowances, including for locations outside the continental United States like Hawai‘i; a reporting requirement to assess the feasibility of establishing a grant program that supports local community resources and organizations that provide child care, health care, workforce development, and other services for service members and their families; language encouraging the Department of Defense to expand the National Disaster Medical System pilot program to the Pacific to support long-term interoperability between military-civilian health care systems; and a reporting requirement on expanding the current one-vehicle policy for military service members with dependents conducting permanent changes of station to Hawai‘i, Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to improve military spousal employment and retention. This year’s NDAA focuses on addressing quality-of-life issues for military service members and their families, such as pay and compensation, housing, health care, child care, and spousal support. This includes a 19.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted service members, increases to the Basic Allowance for Housing, and more. A full summary of the FY 2025 NDAA, as reported by the House Armed Services Committee, can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-tax-relief-bill-support-disaster-victims-includes-rep-tokudas,House Passes Tax Relief Bill to Support Disaster Victims Includes Rep. Tokuda’s Efforts to Help Those Impacted by Maui Fires,2024-05-21,2024,2024-05,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House passed the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023, cosponsored by Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02). The measure would make it easier for Maui Fire victims to deduct disaster-related losses by eliminating the minimum 10 percent loss threshold and the requirement to itemize deductions to receive this tax benefit. It would also exempt qualified wildfire disaster relief payments received between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025. “This bill makes sure that every dollar meant to help disaster victims goes towards recovery and rebuilding. Sadly, we know there will never be enough to replace all that people lost, but anything we can do to lighten the tax burdens they face will go a long way to restoring hope,” said Rep. Tokuda. The legislation includes the tax deduction loss parts of Rep. Tokuda’s bill, the Natural Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023, which she introduced last October in response to stories shared by Maui wildfire survivors. “Since then [October], too many people continue to struggle with recovery costs that no one could ever budget for, reaching deep into their savings and going into debt to feed their keiki, cover their mortgage, pay for education and health care costs, and rebuild their homes, businesses, and livelihoods,” said Rep. Tokuda on the House floor. Today’s vote follows the House’s previous action in January to pass disaster survivor tax relief through the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, which also included parts of Rep. Tokuda’s disaster tax relief bill. For the full video of her remarks on the House floor, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:12:30Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-announces-winner-2024-congressional-art-competition,Rep. Tokuda Announces Winner of 2024 Congressional Art Competition,2024-05-18,2024,2024-05,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Home Media Press Releases May 18, 2024 Rep. Tokuda Announces Winner of 2024 Congressional Art Competition Print Email Share Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2375,"Case Praises New Partnerships Among Twenty Federal, State, Local and Non-Governmental Entities And Congress To Help Conserve Two Million Acres In Hawai‘i",2024-05-15,2024,2024-05,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=10,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) announcement today the designation of two million acres throughout the State of Hawai‘i as a Sentinel Landscape, a federal program that makes these lands eligible for millions in funding to support conservation efforts. The program creates partnerships between federal agencies, state and local governments, private landowners, land managers and non-profits to preserve sensitive lands and resources near military bases. “This designation for Hawai‘i strengthens military and other federal efforts against threats to our recreational and agricultural lands, native forests and critical habitats, including sea level rise and extreme weather conditions such as drought that could bring on wildfires,” said Case, a member of the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense with jurisdiction over the Department of Defense (DOD), as well as of the House Natural Resources Committee. The new Hawai‘i Sentinel Landscape spans over two million acres, featuring priority conservation, agricultural and DOD lands on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Islands. The designation will apply to lands around several military installations across Hawai‘i, including the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kaua‘i; Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i, Joint-Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and the U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i on O‘ahu, and the Pōhakuloa Training Area on Hawaiʻi Island. The program does not bring any new lands into federal ownership, but: 1. Provides landowners and land managers with effective management tools and protection measures to support threatened and endangered species populations. 2. Supports a landscape that is resilient to the impacts of increased severe weather events, sea level rise and wildfire. 3. Develops initiatives that foster the sustained well-being of Hawaii’s conservation areas, working lands and local communities. 4. Promotes land use near military bases that is compatible with DOD mission by safeguarding and maintaining open lands that support agriculture, conservation and recreation. Through legislation, meetings, regular oversight and other actions, Case actively worked in Congress to support the Sentinel Landscape designation. “My amendment in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act enabled more federal agencies to participate in the Sentinel Landscape Program, expanding the resources the federal government can bring to our state to conserve lands for future generations,” said Case. In 2021, Case joined with the other members of the Hawai‘i Congressional delegation in a letter to the federal agencies that oversee the program to support a proposal to designation. The delegation advocated for the federal government to “reduce incompatible development located near existing installations, foster collaboration won the unique habitat concerns for listed species, maintain resilience in the face of climate change, and preserve Native Hawaiian cultural activities, practices and historic sites.” · See details of the Hawai‘i Sentinel Landscape here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-approves-faa-reauthorization-legislation-including-rep-tokudas-bill,"House Approves FAA Reauthorization Legislation, Including Rep. Tokuda's Bill Addressing Air Safety Concerns",2024-05-15,2024,2024-05,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House overwhelmingly approved the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act, which includes improved air safety standards as well as an increase in workforce and consumer protection. The legislation authorizes more than $105 billion in appropriations for the FAA through Fiscal Year 2028, including $66.7 billion for key safety programs. It addresses air traffic controller shortages by requiring the FAA to implement better staffing standards to help fill thousands of vacant positions. The bill will not change the mandatory pilot retirement age which remains at 65. Approval of this bill also means the passage of the Air Tour and Sport Parachuting Safety Improvement Act of 2023, which Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) introduced alongside Sen. Brian Schatz (HI). It increases safety standards for skydiving and commercial air tour operators, following the 2019 Mokulē‘ia crash on Oʻahu that killed 11 people. In Hawai‘i, at least 85 people have died in air tour crashes since the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) began keeping records – the highest number of any state. “We can never let the Mokulē‘ia tragedy ever happen again. Incidents in the skies are unacceptable and we must do better to protect passengers. With the passage of this bill, we will ensure better aviation safety requirements and save lives,” said Rep. Tokuda. “As a frequent traveler between Capitol Hill and the different counties I represent in Hawaiʻi, I have also experienced issues with canceled or delayed flights. I have heard so many heartbreaking stories of people missing medical appointments and family milestone events. This legislation will give consumers more rights and ensure airlines are held accountable for their actions.” As part of the FAA Reauthorization Act, travelers will have the right to a hassle-free refund if a flight is canceled or delayed three hours domestically and six hours for international flights. The U.S. Senate passed the bill last week. The legislation now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-colleagues-seeks-answers-department-defense-policies-reporting,"Rep. Tokuda, Colleagues Seeks Answers on Department of Defense Policies for Reporting Abuse and Harm at Child Care Centers",2024-05-09,2024,2024-05,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) led 21 of their colleagues in seeking urgent answers from the U.S. Department of Defense in response to an April 10, 2024 article from Military.com detailing systemic failures to report child abuse and harm at military child care centers. That article included shocking details of one military family’s experiences at the Ford Island Child Development Center near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawai‘i. “The Department’s child care programs are critical to supporting military families, with direct impacts on mission readiness, morale, and recruitment and retention,” wrote the lawmakers. “Ensuring the safety and well-being of children on military installations is of paramount importance to the trust between service members, their families, and the Department of Defense, with significant implications for ongoing recruitment and retention issues.” Representative Tokuda serves as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and its Subcommittee on Military Personnel, which has jurisdiction over the Department of Defense’s child care policies. She previously asked the Secretary of the Army, Christine Wormuth, several questions regarding the Army’s child care reporting policies during an Army budget posture hearing on April 16, 2024. The full letter can be found here. Other signatories of the letter are Representatives Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Matt Cartwright (PA-08), Jason Crow (CO-06), Don Davis (NC-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Susie Lee (NV-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Terri Sewell (AL-07). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2354,Case Announces Winners Of His 2024 Congressional Art Competition,2024-05-03,2024,2024-05,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=10,scraper,"(Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1) announced the winners of his 2024 Congressional Art Competition during an awards ceremony at the Bishop Museum, where entries have been on public display. “Forty-six art pieces were entered this year from fourteen schools throughout my district (Urban Honolulu),” said Case. “All of this year’s contestants earned our respect for participating in a contest that featured so many quality art pieces and made it so difficult for our judges to select the winners.” “The quantity, quality and diversity of the artwork presented was inspiring and truly showcased the range of artistic talent across my district. I’ll be very proud to highlight the winners’ work in the U.S. Capitol and in my Congressional offices,” said Case. Each spring since 1982, the Congressional Institute has sponsored a nationwide high school visual arts competition to recognize and encourage artistic talents in each Congressional district. Most U.S. House offices participate. The winners for Case’s event this year are: 1st Place Emily Yanos Grade 12 Moanalua High School Title: “Land of Love” Medium: digital art She and a guest will receive a round trip for two on Southwest Airlines to attend the National Awards Competition in Washington, D.C., among other prizes. Her image representing Hawai‘i’s 1st Congressional District will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year along with those of the winners in other districts. 2nd Place Kai Yara Grade 11 Punahou School Title: “Weaving Tradition – Lei” Medium: acrylic on canvas His image will be displayed in the Washington, D.C. Office of Congressman Case for one year, along with a certificate. 3rd Place Amelia Sofos Grade 12 Punahou School Title: “Thank you for growing with us” Medium: alcohol markers on paper Her image will be displayed in the District Office of Congressman Case in downtown Honolulu for one year, along with a certificate. Honorable Mentions Lingyan Chen Grade 12 Farrington High School Title: “Calm” Medium: photography Ariel Young Grade 11 Kalani High School Title: “July 7th, 1898” Medium: photography Vheronica Jane Reinares Grade 12 Farrington High School Title: “Dysmorphia” Medium: photography Sophie Chan Grade 10 Punahou School Title: “Reframing Tropical Theatrics” Medium: oil paint “I want to especially thank our panel of judges who reviewed the works and made some very tough decisions,” said Case. The judges were: - Dwayne Adams Local artist and art instructor focusing on watercolor painting. He resides in Kailua and his work focuses primarily on Hawaiian art, featuring scenes in and around Kailua, Honolulu, and other locations throughout the Hawaiian Islands. - Kelly Ciurej Artist and photographer born and raised on Chicago’s Southside. Through the use of photographs, performance, artificial materials, and digital printing processes, she is interested in the ways in which photographs distort memories and instead create invented realities. She is a lecturer in photography at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. - Atis Puampai Atis Puampai grew up in Pearl City and started his photographic endeavors documenting his local skate crew. He is currently interested in depicting various perspectives of time utilizing alternative capture methods with homemade or modified equipment. Puampai is currently teaching at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and resides in Honolulu. - Josephine Wu-Vuylsteke Wu-Vuylsteke was a professional broadcaster in Taipei, Taiwan before becoming a full-time advocate for women's participation in civil society. She is currently a board member for both the Asia-Pacific Liberal Women Association and the International Network for Liberal Women. She is an active member and past president (2019-2020) of the North American Taiwanese Women's Association (NATWA), Hawaii Chapter, and is also an advisor and Asian Liaison to the Druk Foundation, a non-profit supporting the preservation of sacred arts in the nation of Bhutan. Attachments: Picture of 1st place winner - Emily Yanos, Senior, Moanalua High School. Picture of 1st place entry - “Land of Love” (digital art) Group photo with Congressman Case, students who submitted entries, and judges. Video clip of event – one with 1st place winner Yanos announced. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-seeks-study-establish-lahaina-national-heritage-area,Rep. Tokuda Seeks Study to Establish Lahaina as a National Heritage Area,2024-05-02,2024,2024-05,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – To recognize Lahaina’s historical, cultural, and ecological value, Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) introduced the Lahaina National Heritage Area Act yesterday, which would begin the process of potentially designating the Maui town as a National Heritage Area. The Lahaina National Heritage Area Act would direct the National Park Service, in consultation with state and local partners, to study the suitability and feasibility of this designation for Lahaina. “Lele, or Lahaina, as it became known, has always been a place of historic, cultural, and ecological importance. As we look to rebuild, this designation would make clear the need to renew and revive the tradition and culture of this place that once was home to aliʻi and served as the capital of the kingdom of Hawaii,” said Rep. Tokuda. “We need to do all we can to support community-driven efforts to recognize special places like Lahaina for generations to come, and this designation would allow the federal government to do its part through available matching funds.” National Heritage Areas are designated by Congress to support state and local conservation efforts through recognition, federal funding, and technical assistance. The National Heritage Area designation would unlock federal funding to help rehabilitate important sites, develop information tours, establish interpretive exhibits and programs, increase public awareness, or sponsor special events to highlight the area’s historic, natural and cultural heritage. ""Lahaina town represents a deep and rich plethora of historical, cultural, and natural resources that clearly illustrate the heritage of Lahaina's community,"" said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen. ""We mahalo Representative Tokuda in her efforts to establish Lahaina as a National Heritage Area, which will support the delicate preservation of Lahaina's unique and diverse cultural fabric."" ""Mahalo for all the great efforts being done by Representative Jill Tokuda in steer heading this process at a national level to give reverence to Lahaina which is well deserved and very much overdue, highlighting the history and cultural integrity, creating a sense of place that was almost forgotten, allowing it to rise from these ashes and bringing hope to the people of Hawaii and abroad. We have one chance to do this right as a National Heritage Area,” said Ke’eaumoku Kapu of Na’Aikane o Maui Inc. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01), House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Ranking Member Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Ranking Member Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) are original cosponsors of the bill, along with, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Gregorio Sablan (D-MP-AL) and Rep. Ed Case (D-HI-01). “A National Heritage Area designation, especially in the Lahaina area, will bring about important economic development and speed up recovery after the area was affected by the catastrophic Lahaina fire,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “Residents and businesses are supportive of the initiative and the benefits that this designation would bring. I recently joined Congresswoman Tokuda in her district to see the devastation of the fire, and I agree that this feasibility study is an important first step to this process.” There are 62 national heritage areas in the United States but none in Hawaiʻi. Kaʻena Point is currently being studied for designation. National Heritage Areas are not federally owned and do not restrict or infringe on the rights of any property owners. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:12:30Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-statement-house-passing-95-billion-foreign-aid-package,Rep. Tokuda Statement on House Passing $95 Billion Foreign Aid Package,2024-04-20,2024,2024-04,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) issued the following statement after the House passed more than $95 billion in foreign aid funding: “Today, after months of needless delay, the House finally voted to send critical security and humanitarian assistance to our allies and partners around the world. My votes today are about putting peace, democracy, and human rights at the center of our foreign policy. I am proud to stand with our Ukrainian partners who have waited far too long for additional U.S. aid to defend against Vladimir Putin’s illegal and brutal invasion. The future of European and trans-Atlantic security and democracy depends on our unwavering commitment to Ukraine and its self-defense. As one of Hawai‘i’s representatives to Congress, I also know that the funding provided to the Indo-Pacific today will send a clear signal to China and North Korea that we stand with our allies and partners against any efforts to upend regional peace and security. I also joined dozens of my colleagues in voting against additional offensive military aid to Israel as it plans future military operations in Rafah, the last refuge for over a million civilians. For months, I have called for an immediate ceasefire to stabilize and improve the humanitarian situation for over two million people on the brink of famine in Gaza. Like any nation, Israel has a right to self-defense, including after the heinous attacks by Hamas on October 7 and Iran’s recent attack on Israel. But we cannot continue to provide unconditional support for Israel’s conduct and prosecution of this war that has been marked by extraordinary levels of civilian casualties, especially of women, children, aid workers, and journalists, often inflicted by U.S.-provided weapons. We must forge a new path forward, one that creates real, lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians and between Israel and its neighbors. It is clear to me now that we are at a critical inflection point. History will judge us – either for our complicity in creating a more dangerous world or for our steadfast devotion to a better future. Yes, the world is watching, but more importantly, so are our children. We must lay the foundation of peace and prosperity now, so our keiki and theirs can live in a better world in which democracy and human rights are uplifted. My votes today reflect my commitment to all our children and the future we want for them.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-applauds-federal-action-expand-background-checks-firearm-sales,Rep. Tokuda Applauds Federal Action to Expand Background Checks for Firearm Sales,2024-04-11,2024,2024-04,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) issued the following statement after the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) announcement on final regulations to expand required background checks for firearm sales: “Too many people have bypassed background checks to obtain firearms and our people and communities have paid the price with their lives. Today we closed a dangerous loophole that allowed firearms to be sold and purchased online and at gun shows without a background check. The ATF’s newest regulations will keep guns out of the hands of people who should not own them, and it is an important step towards universal background checks. We must continue to act with urgency and I will not stop until we end gun violence and restore safety to our communities.” Rep. Tokuda has been a strong advocate for expanding background checks for firearms sales. In December 2023, she sent a letter to ATF alongside her colleagues on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, expressing strong support for the agency's efforts to finalize these “engaged in the business” regulations. Last year, she also helped introduce the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, common sense legislation to prevent dangerous individuals from acquiring a firearm and to require that every sale of a firearm include a background check. She also signed onto a discharge petition with 208 of her colleagues to force the bill to the floor for a vote. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2347,Case Urges Federal Construction Of Transitional Housing For Maui Fire Victims,2024-04-10,2024,2024-04,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=10,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security, with oversight and funding responsibility over the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), today called on the federal agency to expand efforts to provide transitional housing for the thousands left homeless following the wildfires that devastated Lahaina last August. During a Subcommittee hearing this morning on the Fiscal Year 2025 budget of the Department of Homeland Security, which includes FEMA, Case urged Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to build transitional houses instead of relying on relocating victims from hotels and other post-emergency dwellings to existing homes or apartments. Case said relying only on rehousing is extremely difficult given the severe shortage of homes on Maui that already existed before the disaster that left some 12,000 people homeless. During his questioning of Mayorkas, Case said “despite many positive areas of progress, the one missing piece is housing.” “The very unique circumstances of the Maui housing market make it very difficult for you to follow your standard approach” when it comes to assisting those who lose their homes through disasters. Case said that the Department of Homeland Security usually pursues both a rehousing and rebuilding approach, but in the case of Lahaina, FEMA has focused largely on trying to find housing in existing inventory which has negatively skewed the Maui ownership and rental market. “That is not going to be all of the solution here,” said Case. “You actually need some form of rebuilding to pull this off over time.” Case asked Mayorkas to accelerate consideration of FEMA building some transitional housing and/or the infrastructure necessary for homes on land made available by the State of Hawai‘i. He also asked Mayorkas to consider a waiver that would allow those victims previously disqualified for rehousing to be granted access to temporary housing. Case earlier met with Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, who attended Case’s Subcommittee hearing. A five-minute video of Case’s questioning of Secretary Mayorkas is here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-applauds-fema-35-million-rebuild-maui-public-housing-after-fires,Rep. Tokuda Applauds FEMA for $35 Million to Rebuild Maui Public Housing After Fires,2024-04-03,2024,2024-04,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Honolulu, HI – Today, Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) commended the announcement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of more than $35 million in federal funding for the State of Hawaii associated with the August wildfires on Maui. The first award provides $20,891,921.32 to the state’s Public Housing Authority for damage to the nine buildings of the David Malo Circle housing facility. The second award will provide $14,120.421.86 in federal funding to the state’s Piilani Elderly Homes and Community Center. The Homes were comprised of three buildings. “There are few things more important than the security that comes with stable housing, a place you can call home. This federal funding will help rebuild facilities and create homes for residents who are still displaced nearly eight months after the deadly Maui fires,” said Rep. Tokuda. “I understand the urgency and remain strongly committed to helping Maui recover and rebuild and will continue to make sure Congress and our nation does not forget the collective responsibility it has to help our Maui ohana move forward.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-introduces-bill-increase-conservation-financial-assistance-farmers,Rep. Tokuda Introduces Bill to Increase Conservation Financial Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers,2024-04-01,2024,2024-04,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI) introduced the bipartisan Eliminating Access Barriers to Conservation Act to promote the use of voluntary conservation practices among agricultural producers in high-cost localities. The bill would grant the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) the authority to eliminate payment caps for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in Hawaiʻi, Alaska, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. EQIP is the USDA’s premier conservation program that assists farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in implementing proven effective conservation practices on agricultural lands. The program provides technical and financial assistance to help producers improve water and air quality, reduce soil erosion and water runoff, increase soil health, and expand wildlife habitat. However, the current funding cap limits the effectiveness and reach of the program in higher cost, non-contiguous areas like Hawai‘i. “Agricultural production and the responsible stewardship of our natural resources go hand in hand,” said Rep. Tokuda, a member of the House Agriculture Committee. “But things cost more in Hawaiʻi, and I’ve met with countless farmers and ranchers across our islands who want to invest in sustainable agriculture practices to improve production but they need more resources to do so. My bill will give our local producers a fighting chance to be effective in both protecting our ‘āina and building resilience to market disruptions and the impacts of climate change.” “Hawai‘i’s ranchers are innovative and always looking for ways to improve their practices to leave the land better than they found it. The high cost of goods is a barrier for places like Hawai‘i, and removing the payment limitation through this Act will ensure that ranchers can get support on practices that are impactful on a large scale,” said Nicole Galase of the Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council. The Eliminating Access Barriers to Conservation Act was co-introduced by Delegate Jim Moylan (R-GU) and Rep. Ed Case (D-HI). The text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2342,U.S. House Approves $1.2 Trillion Funding Measure To Keep Federal Government Open,2024-03-22,2024,2024-03,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=10,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee responsible for allocation of federal funding, announced that the U.S. House today passed, on a bipartisan vote of 286-134 a $1.2 trillion measure for the current fiscal year that prevents a partial shutdown of the federal government. The bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, which includes the last six of Congress’ normal twelve annual appropriations bills, contains billions Case requested for Hawai‘i. It follows enactment last month of a $565 billion measure covering the first six of the normal twelve funding bills; see here. “Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle once again worked together to avoid a government shutdown and fund programs critical to our country, our state, our communities and our families,” said Case. “I don’t agree with parts of the measure, but on balance it is a bill that is good for our country and our Hawai‘i.” Some of the provisions of special interest to Hawai‘i and for which Case advocated throughout the FY 2024 appropriations process include: · $106 million to continue work to close the Red Hill fuel tank facility and remediate concerns related to the water crisis; · $5 million for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Community Engagement Initiative to strengthen ties between the military and the local community; · $46 million for the Native Hawaiian Education Program; · $22 million for the East-West Center; · $1 billion for the Small Business Administration (SBA); · $27 million for the Women’s Business Centers Program; · $173 million for adult employment and training activities; · $320 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants; which support state and local emergency management agencies like the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA); and · $12.3 billion for Head Start, an increase of $275 million. “I was also able to provide $1.4 million to fund a backup generator in case of a disaster or other emergency need for the Pali Momi Medical Center in ‘Aiea,” said Case. “This worthy local community project would have difficulty securing funds if not for specific and direct funding from Congress.” Community Project Funding (CPF) enables Members of Congress to fund specific projects in their districts. The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member, and is subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here. Case submitted fifteen CPF requests this year and gained approval of all of them for a total of almost $50 million. Congress is working to enact its final annual funding bills before the end of the week and prevent a partial government shutdown. Today’s package includes six bills: Defense; State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs; Financial Services and General Government; Labor, Health and Human Services and Education (Labor-HHS); Homeland Security; and the Legislative Branch. It now moves to the Senate for consideration and expected approval and enactment by the President by this weekend. A summary of other Case-requested and supported provisions in the major sections of the funding measure follows: Defense The FY 2023 Defense Appropriations sections of the bill provide $824.5 billion for federal agencies and programs in the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community, including the military branches of services, the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. “My Committee on Appropriations is continuing its focus on the Indo-Pacific and Hawaii’s central role in the region,” said Case, a member of the Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense with jurisdiction over defense and intelligence community funding. “The Committee included my request for continued funding to address the Red Hill fuel crisis which will be needed for the foreseeable future.” Military related programs and provisions requested and secured by Case include: · Over $106 million towards the decommissioning of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, environmental remediation, state and local community engagement in Hawai‘i and building a more distributive fuel infrastructure for the Indo-Pacific. This is in addition to the $2.1 billion previously secured by Congressman Case and his delegation colleagues; · Funding for two Virginia-class fast attack submarines, which are critical to protecting the Indo-Pacific and will be maintained at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard; · $410 million for the Navy’s Environmental Restoration program, which is $75 million over the President’s budget request, plus an additional $232.8 million for the environmental restoration of Formerly Used Defense Sites. These funds will help accelerate efforts to remediate per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination and remove unexploded ordnance and discarded military munitions in Hawai‘i and throughout the nation; · $40 million to advance development of a next-step radar system to protect Hawai‘i from missile attacks. · $5 million for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Community Engagement Initiative to strengthen the ties between the military and the local community; · $196 million for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which maintains critical scientific laboratories at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam; · $178 million for the Sea-Based X-Band Radar, which helps defend Hawai‘i from ballistic missile threats; · $200 million for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI), $20 million above the President’s request. The DoD created the REPI program in response to land development and loss of habitat in the vicinity of or affecting military installations, ranges and airspace that can lead to restrictions or costly and inadequate training and testing alternatives. Through REPI, DoD works with state and local governments, conservation organizations and willing private landowners to address these challenges to the military mission and the viability of DoD installations and ranges. For 2023, REPI will provide $10 million for four projects in Hawai‘i, which will be coupled with $18.5 million in partner contributions. These projects will preserve and protect cultural, natural, and land resources across the state near four Hawaiʻi-based installations including the Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Pōhakuloa Training Area, Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i, and U.S. Army Garrison-Hawai‘i; · $11 million for the Asia Pacific Regional Initiative, a key program supporting U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. This program enables the military to execute Theater Security Cooperation activities, such as humanitarian assistance and paying incremental personnel costs of training and exercising with foreign security forces. The initiative is a critical tool for the U.S. military to strengthen relationships throughout the Indo-Pacific region; · Over $295 million for “Civil-Military Programs,” to include support for Hawaii’s Youth Challenge Academy; · $100 million for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, which last year provided $2.5 million to the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources on Hawai‘i Island in conjunction with the Army’s Pōhakuloa Training Area; · Over $70 million for Impact Aid programs, which includes Impact Aid for children with disabilities. Out of a concern for possible discrepancies and inconsistencies, the Committee also called for the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity to submit a report on how local educational agencies receive this funding; · Blocked efforts to change the command and control structure of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. There have been efforts within the department to streamline control of forces under one command structure, which would limit the ability of Navy forces in Hawai‘i to respond quickly to changing threats in the Indo-Pacific region; · Continued military contracting preference language for Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations; and · Continued support for providing humanitarian and similar assistance by using Civic Action Teams in the Freely Associated States of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. The measure also includes: · $300 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This is in addition to $9 billion to replenish United States stocks of equipment sent to Ukraine, provided by the recent Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act; · $22 million for the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). The NSIN is a government program office that collaborates with major universities and the venture community to develop solutions that drive national security innovation and has small business participants in Hawai‘i; · $1.2 billion investment in drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, including increased funding for counter-narcotics support and the National Guard Counter-Drug Program; and · Full funding necessary to support the proposed 5.2% military pay raise. A summary of the Defense Appropriations bill from the House Democratic Appropriations Committee staff is here. State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs The Appropriations Committee approved an overall funding level of $51.5 billion, a cut of $8.2 billion from the FY 2023 level, for the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations. This measure funds U.S. foreign policy programs and agencies, including the Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. contributions to the United Nations and its agencies and more. The bill provides for international diplomatic presence and outreach as well as foreign assistance in public health, basic education, educational and cultural exchanges, climate change and more. “I strongly disagreed with the funding cuts to various important international assistance efforts, but the bill also advanced many importance priorities for the Indo-Pacific” explained Case. “As we continue to focus on the growing influence of China in the Indo-Pacific, our national security interests must also include diplomatic engagement and assistance to promote peace and diplomacy in the region,” said Case. “Continued funding for our East-West Center in Hawai‘i helps to support our country’s standing in an area widely seen as the most dynamic and fastest-growing region on earth.” Programs and provisions in the measure secured by Case and related to Hawai‘i and the Indo-Pacific include: · $22 million for the East-West Center; · $2.2 billion for assistance and $1.2 billion for diplomatic engagement in support of the implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, which promotes peace, prosperity and democracy in the region; · $175 million for the Pacific Islands region, an increase of $25 million; · Report language supporting funding for the Young Pacific Leaders Program, a Department of State program for emerging young leaders from Hawai‘i, Guam, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Islands and other Pacific nations; · Report language encouraging the Department of State to increase the number of scholarships available for Pacific Islanders to study in the United States, many of whom study at the University of Hawai‘i; · $431 million for the Peace Corps; · Language in support of expanding the U.S. diplomatic presence in the Pacific Islands and expanding the programming of the U.S. Agency for Global Media in the region; · Report language requiring the Department of State to create a strategy on trade capacity building in the Pacific Islands; and · Report language recommending the expansion of the International Law Enforcement Academy to the Pacific Islands and supporting the Pacific Islands in their efforts to combat transnational crime. The bill also sustains or increases funding for several foreign policy programs supported by Case including: · $421 billion for peacekeeping operations, a decrease of $40 million; · $1.3 billion to support United Nations international peacekeeping activities, a decrease of $180 million; · $741 million for educational and cultural exchange programs, which include the Fulbright programs, a decrease of more than $36 million; · $1.5 billion for contributions to international organizations; · $1.5 billion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; · $915 million for maternal and child health programs; · $970 million for basic education, an increase of $810 million; and · $3.9 billion for migration and refugee assistance, an increase of $1 billion. A summary of the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations bill from the House Democratic Appropriations Committee staff is here. Financial Services and General Government The bill provides $13.7 billion to fund the U.S. Treasury Department, federal courts, the Federal Communications Commission, the Office of Personnel Management and various independent agencies. For the SBA, the bill provides $1 billion, including $316.8 million for entrepreneurial development programs that assist small businesses with quality training, counseling and access to resources. “Our Hawai‘i is truly ‘small business country,’ with some 135,000 small businesses making up 99 percent of all businesses in the state and employing some 275,000 of our people,” said Case. “We also have a very unique small business mix, with some of the highest levels of minority, women and veteran-owned small businesses in the country, as well as small business economy. All of this takes unique, targeted assistance, which the SBA provides, and so I focus especially on SBA and other federal programs that benefit our small businesses.” Case gained approval in the measure for his funding requests for federal programs and services important for the State of Hawai‘i including: · $28 million for the Native American Community Development; Financial Institution Assistance Program; · $5 million for the Native American Outreach Program; · $4 million for the Historically Underutilized Business Zones Program; · $27 million for the Women’s Business Centers Program; · $24 million for the Healthy Food Financing Initiative; · $140 million for Small Business Development Centers; · $109 million for the Drug-Free Communities Program; · $20 million for the State Trade Expansion Program; · $9 million for the Regional Innovation Clusters Program; · $299 million for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program; · $41 million for the Microloan Technical Assistance Program; · A provision directing FinCEN to report on its ongoing efforts to counter money laundering in Hawai‘i and the U.S. Pacific territories to promote national security; and · Continuation of an additional federal judgeship for Hawai‘i to handle a high caseload. The bill also provided $324 million for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). CDFIs are specialized community-based financial institutions that promote economic development by providing financial products and services to people and communities underserved by traditional financial institutions, particularly in low-income and minority communities. A summary of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill from the House Democratic Appropriations Committee staff is here. Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education The Labor-HHS sections of the bill provide for significant investments in key federal programs that increase public health research and capacity, expand access to education and childcare, address labor market demands, improve health outcomes and bolster our nation’s responses to current and future public health threats. The discretionary funding level is $194.4 billion. “Our $194.4 billion Labor-HHS bill helps families and communities with the high costs of living, trains Americans for American jobs, supports workers, and strengthens our health care infrastructure,” said Case. The bill addresses our nation’s labor shortages and supports workers with: · $1.8 billion for Job Corps, which provides career development services for youth; · $173 million for adult employment and training activities. · $948 million for youth training; · $285 for the Registered Apprenticeship Program; · $115 million to provide ex-offenders with training and credentials in fields that prepare them for successful reintegration into society; · $105 million for the YouthBuild program to provide at-risk youth with basic education and job skills training in the construction field; · $66 million for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program; and · $557 million for AmeriCorps State and National Grants. The bill helps Hawai‘i and the nation respond to current and future health threats with: · $47.1 billion for the National Institutes of Health, to support a wide range of biomedical and behavioral research; · $1.5 billion for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health within the Department of Health and Human Services, to accelerate the pace of scientific breakthroughs for diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and cancer; · $1.9 billion for Community Health Centers, to provide high quality cost-effective health care to predominantly low-income and medically underserved communities; · $350 million for public health infrastructure and capacity nationwide; · $286 million for the Title X Family Planning Program; and · $12 million for firearm injury and mortality prevention research. The bill invests in public education, school safety and childcare with: · $18.4 billion for Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies (low income schools); · $12.3 billion for Head Start, an increase of $275 million above the FY 2023 enacted level; · $8.7 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, an increase of $725 million above the FY 2023 enacted level; · $2.2 billion for Career, Technical and Adult Education; · $1.2 billion for the Federal TRIO Program, to provide academic support to low-income individuals, first-generation college students, veterans and individuals with disabilities; · $315 million for Preschool Development Grants; · $70 million for Teacher Quality Partnerships, to support teacher preparation and residency programs; · $125 million for McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program, which provides homeless youth with the health services and academic support they need to succeed in and out of the classroom; · $65 million to continue and expand Strengthening Community College Training Grants, which offer training to workers in in-demand industries at community colleges and four-year institutions to help meet local labor market needs; · $18 million for youth violence prevention; and · $23 billion for federal student aid programs to provide $6,335 for the maximum Pell Grant award. The bill supports our Native Hawaiian community with: · $60 million for Native American job training programs authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014; · $38 million for Native American Nutrition and Supportive Services grants to promote the delivery of nutrition and home and community-based services to Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Kūpuna; · $46 million for the Native Hawaiian Education Program; · $25 million for the Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Program. These funds will support tutoring; mentorships, internships, faculty development and other activities to support Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students at the collegiate level; · $27 million for the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems, with $10 million being included for Papa Ola Lōkahi; · $4 million to establish a Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Health Research Office within the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. These funds will be used to address Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander health disparities as well as supporting research being done by Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander investigators; · $4 million for the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity within the Office of Minority Health to advance Indigenous solutions to achieve health equity and encourage the Department of Health and Human Services to partner with universities in these efforts; and · $3.8 million for the Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program, which provides grants to Native American-serving organizations and federally recognized tribes to sustain indigenous heritage, culture and knowledge through museum-related services. A summary of the Labor, HHS and Education bill from the House Democratic Appropriations Committee staff is here. Homeland Security The FY 2024 Homeland Security bill includes $61.8 billion for all programs under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security. The bill supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement ,the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Secret Service and more. Case is a member of the Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security which is responsible for this bill. “The U.S. Coast Guard is ramping up its presence in the Indo-Pacific, which is good news not only for Hawai‘i but for the island nations in the South Pacific that depend our assistance,” said Case, a member of the Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security with jurisdiction over this bill. “My colleagues and I recognize the U.S. Coast Guard’s critical mission in this region of the world, and I will continue to see what I can do to reinforce support for the U.S. Coast Guard as it plans to expand its deployments in the coming years.” Other programs and provision include: · $320 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants, which support state and local emergency management agencies like the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency; · $324 million for assistance to firefighter grant programs, which are a major source of funding for county fire departments; · $10 million for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, which provides citizenship preparation resources, support and information to immigrants and immigrant-serving organizations; and · A provision directing FEMA to report on its strategies to respond to the unique challenges posed by disasters in Hawai‘i and other non-contiguous areas. The measure also provides the following priorities requested by Case: · $200 million for the acquisition of at least two additional Coast Guard Fast Response Cutters, which will support U.S. Coast Guard operations in the Indo-Pacific; · $91 million for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, which funds University of Hawaii’s National Disaster Preparedness Training Center; · $468 million for the State Homeland Security Grant Program, which provides funding to protect against terrorism and other threats; and · $95 million for the Transit Security Grant Program, which protects critical transportation infrastructure from acts of terrorism. A summary of the Homeland Security bill from the House Democratic Appropriations Committee staff is here. Case’s Appropriations Committee is responsible for allocating over $1.7 trillion in funding to federal government agencies, departments and organizations on an annual basis. Case and his Appropriations Committee are already working on the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations process. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-votes-pass-second-government-funding-package-fiscal-year-2024,Rep. Tokuda Votes to Pass Second Government Funding Package for Fiscal Year 2024,2024-03-22,2024,2024-03,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda voted to pass the second and final package of government spending bills for Fiscal Year 2024, providing critical funding for federal programs that support working families in Hawai‘i and across the country. The package, which includes funding for roughly 70 percent of the federal budget, including the Department of Education, the Department of Defense, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Health and Human Services, passed by a vote of 286 to 134. “These two packages funding the federal government for Fiscal Year 2024 reflect bipartisan agreements that ultimately help address the cost of living, invest in our communities, support our working families, protect reproductive and LGBTQI+ rights, reinforce our national security and global leadership, and fight climate change,” said Rep. Tokuda. “Democrats successfully prevented the most harmful cuts and removed dozens of harmful policy riders proposed by Republicans to attack reproductive and LGBTI+ rights, ban diversity and inclusion programs, and undermine our efforts to tackle the climate crisis. We once again provided the votes necessary to keep government open and working for the people, and I will continue to ensure Hawai‘i’s priorities are met as we begin work on Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations.” The spending package included the last of Rep. Tokuda’s 15 Community Project Funding requests: $1,440,000 for Hāna Health to support facilities expansion activities. The rest of Rep. Tokuda’s requested projects were funded through the first appropriations package passed and signed into law two weeks ago. In total, Rep. Tokuda has helped secure over $134 million in direct funding for community projects across Hawai‘i’s Second Congressional District in her first year in Congress. Among the most significant victories for working families in Hawai‘i and across the country included in the package are: $21 billion for Child Care and Head Start programs, a $1 billion increase from last year; $18.4 billion for Title I Grants, an increase of $20 million from last year, to preserve and strengthen education and job training; $7 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), a $1 billion increase from last year, and $33 billion for child nutrition programs; $1.4 billion for Health Workforce Training programs, including Nursing Programs and Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education; and $365 million for Rural Health Programs, an increase of $12 million from last year. Rep. Tokuda secured $4 million to establish the first-ever Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Health Research Office within the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. The two appropriations packages also included funding for federal programs that support Native Hawaiian communities: $27 million for the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program; $45 million for the Education for Native Hawaiians Program; $24.5 million for the Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Program; $22.3 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program; $2 million for the Native Hawaiian Resource Center on Domestic Violence; As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Tokuda also fought for programs to help local Hawai‘i agricultural producers. The final funding bills included $5 million for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions to educate the next generation of Native Hawaiian agricultural leaders and $5 million for the Micro-Grants for Food Security program to promote the quality and quantity of locally grown food. For full summaries and text of the final Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bills, please see here (first package) and here (second package). This second and final appropriations package now heads to the Senate for consideration and is expected to be signed into law by President Biden as soon as possible. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-and-colleagues-urge-congressional-leadership-include-supplemental,Rep. Tokuda and Colleagues Urge Congressional Leadership to Include Supplemental Disaster Recovery Funds in Government Funding Deal,2024-03-13,2024,2024-03,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=7&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda led a bipartisan group of 25 Members of Congress in urging Congressional leadership to include supplemental disaster recovery funds in the next package of government funding bills or the next legislative vehicle. “Communities across the country require additional support to sustain their recoveries,” wrote the Members. “Last October, President Biden submitted a supplemental appropriations request that included over $23 billion in disaster relief based on estimates of need in affected communities at that time. Since then, over a dozen additional major disasters have been declared across the country, illustrating how the needs have only grown.” “We know that the road to recovery is going to be a long and challenging one for our Maui ‘ohana,” stated Representative Tokuda. “In speaking and working with my colleagues, Democratic and Republican, representing disaster-affected communities across the country, I know we share many of the same needs. We cannot do this without federal support, and the sooner Congress provides that funding, the faster we can plan and provide some much-needed certainty on the way ahead for our people and communities.” Alongside Representative Tokuda, signatories of the letter include Representatives Doug LaMalfa, Katie Porter, David Valadao, Kevin Mullin, James Moylan, Steven Horsford, Elissa Slotkin, Jimmy Panetta, Ro Khanna, Dina Titus, Jared Moskowitz, Becca Balint, Al Green, Andrea Salinas, Darren Soto, Juan Vargas, Salud Carbajal, Sara Jacobs, Scott Peters, Val Hoyle, Linda Sánchez, Mike Levin, Ed Case, Terri Sewell, and Seth Magaziner. The full text of the letter can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-leads-delegation-introducing-bill-extend-disaster-unemployment,Rep. Tokuda Leads Delegation in Introducing Bill to Extend Disaster Unemployment Assistance,2024-03-11,2024,2024-03,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=8&,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Representative Jill Tokuda led the Hawaii congressional delegation in introducing the Hawaii Wildfire Disaster Unemployment Assistance Continuity Act to extend the availability of federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits for residents impacted by the Maui wildfires. Following the major disaster declaration issued by President Biden, workers, business owners, and self-employed individuals who had been impacted by the wildfires could receive DUA benefits beginning the week of August 13, 2023. Eligible individuals included those who were unemployed or had their work hours reduced or interrupted as a direct result of the August 8th wildfires and could not otherwise qualify for regular unemployment insurance. DUA benefits expired on February 10, 2024. “DUA benefits have offered critical financial relief to workers whose opportunity to earn income or a paycheck had been severely impacted because of the devastating fires. Seven months later, I continue to hear from workers and families across Maui still trying to recover and rebuild their lives with no clear end in sight,” said Representative Jill Tokuda. “We’ve come a long way, but our people still require assistance and support. Extending these benefits is crucial to giving Hawaii workers and their families some breathing room as they get back on their feet.” “Life for the people of Maui is still nothing close to normal after the fires, and they need continued help from the federal government,” said Senator Schatz. “Extending the duration of Disaster Unemployment Assistance will provide them with much-needed financial support and stability as they get back on their feet.” “DUA benefits have been critical to many members of the Maui community as they continue to recover after the wildfires,” said Senator Hirono. “With much uncertainty still surrounding where people can live, work, or care for their families, it’s important we do everything we can to help ensure Maui’s communities have the support they need. I’m proud to join the rest of the Hawaii congressional delegation in introducing this bill to extend DUA benefits for those impacted by the devastating wildfires.” “After the wildfires ravaged Maui, the federal government delivered on extensive disaster assistance for all those who lost so much, and we undertook to keep that assistance coming,” said Representative Ed Case. “This is just one part of that effort to continue federal contributions to the long road to recovery.” If enacted, the Hawaii Wildfire Disaster Unemployment Assistance Continuity Act would extend the duration of DUA benefits from 26 to 39 weeks, and benefits would be applied retroactively for qualifying individuals. According to the State of Hawaii Unemployment Insurance Department, as of March 3, 2024, over 1,000 Maui County residents received a total of $7.8 million in DUA benefits. Individuals’ weekly benefit amounts varied between a minimum of $283 and a maximum of $763. DUA benefits are generally paid for up to 26 weeks and federally funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Representative Ed Case is an original cosponsor of the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. Senators Schatz and Hirono introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. The text of the legislation can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2341,Case Statement On The President's State Of The Union Address,2024-03-07,2024,2024-03,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=10,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) released this statement on President Biden’s State of the Union speech tonight: “President Biden delivered a very strong and direct State of the Union to the American people and to the world. He spoke honestly about the challenges American families face, the progress we’ve made, and the opportunities we have to advance much further together. “For me the best parts of his speech were in acknowledging this difficult time in our history, the forks in the road we face and the consequences of the choices we make, in calling on us all to seize the future together rather than retreat into the past, and in telling our friends and adversaries abroad that America will not walk away from our commitment to international leadership.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2336,House Approves $565 Billion Funding Measure To Keep The Federal Government Open,2024-03-06,2024,2024-03,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=10,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, announced that the U.S. House today passed, on a bipartisan vote of 339 to 85, a $565 billion measure for the current fiscal year that prevents a partial shutdown of the federal government. The bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, which includes six of Congress’ normal twelve annual appropriations bills, contains billions in Case-requested assistance for Hawai‘i, including $49 million directed to fourteen specific needs under Community Project Funding (CPF). “Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle worked together to avoid a government shutdown and fund programs critical to our country, our state, our communities and our families,” said Case. Some of the provisions of special interest to Hawai‘i and for which Case advocated throughout the FY 2024 appropriations process include: • $1.4 billion to continue constructing a new dry dock at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Hawaii’s largest industrial employer with some 6,000 local employees. • $713 million, an increase of $13 million above FY 2023, for Violence Against Women Act programs. • Legislative language directing the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop wildland-urban interface risk metrics to mitigate wildfire risks. • $22.3 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant (NHHBG), which supports the building, acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable homes. • $33 billion for child nutrition programs, a $4.5 billion increase over FY 2023 for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Programs and other important programs. • $4.8 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s State of the Birds Activities to help protect critically endangered birds that face potential extinction. • $3.1 billion for veterans’ homelessness programs. • $4.7 million for Japanese Confinement Site Grants and funding for the newly authorized Amache National Historic Site, which was one of ten World War II incarceration sites used to detain Japanese Americans. • $50 million for the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative, which supports partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve to address violence intervention and prevention programs, including gang and gun violence. • $67 million for the Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas Program, including the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. “I was also able to provide millions for fourteen worthy local community projects that would have difficulty being completed if not for specific and direct funding from Congress.” Case’s CPF projects are listed below: • $8.7 million for pedestrian safety improvements in Waipahu, Kalihi, urban Honolulu and Wai‘anae • $1.3 million for food storage equipment and various repairs at The Pantry Food Bank. • $1.5 million for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii’s new headquarters. • $1.9 million for renovations at the Hale Aloha apartment building that helps single mothers with children who need stable and affordable housing. • $963,000 for the University of Mānoa Department of Public Safety’s Community Safety Network Integration. • $700,000 for limu cultivation research and development at the Ānuenue Fisheries Research Center. • $959,757 to the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources for deep water monitoring wells in Wai‘alae East and Wai‘anae. • $959,757 to the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a statewide water security audit of over 50 public water systems. The audit will help small systems identify and address efficiency issues, including leak detection, water meter testing and calibration, water meter replacement and meter installation for unmetered systems. • $959,757 for the Honolulu Board of Water Supply for Kahilinai Place and ‘Aiea Heights Drive Area Water System to help replace 3,900 linear feet of critical aging potable waterline infrastructure segments at the end of their useful life. • $5.4 million to begin initial work to build a new air traffic control tower to support Wheeler Army Airfield and general aviation in central O‘ahu. • $23 million for a drinking clearwell and booster pump at Fort Shafter. • $1 million for the Honolulu Career and Learning Center for Goodwill Hawai‘i • $940,600 for an outdoor multi-purpose community facility for Special Olympics Hawai‘i. • $500,000 for the Waikīkī Beach Environmental Restoration and Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. “In preparing my own CPF requests, I consulted with Hawai‘i state and county governments and non-profits, applied my own knowledge and beliefs as to district needs, considered whether a project could obtain federal funding through other means, and made some difficult decisions given my limited number of CPF requests.” The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member, and is subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/media/funding-disclosures.htm. The bill would also enact new Compacts of Free Association with the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The measure further includes provisions to extend federal benefits to citizens from these countries who reside in Hawai‘i and elsewhere in the United States. These provisions are from the Compact Impact Fairness Act, a bill co-introduced last year by Case and Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR-03) that, along with a companion measure by Senator Mazie Hirono, called for the restoration of a range of federal benefits that provide relief to states like Hawai‘i with large communities of Freely Associated States (FAS) citizens. For information, please read Case’s recent press release here. The House is working to enact its twelve annual funding bills before the end of the month. Today’s package includes six bills: Agriculture-Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS); Energy and Water; Interior and Environment; Military Construction-Veterans Affairs (VA) and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It now moves to the Senate for consideration and expected approval and enactment by the President by this weekend. Next week the House is expected to consider the remaining six appropriations bills. A summary of other Case-requested and supported provisions in the major sections of the funding measure follows: Military Construction and VA The FY 2024 Military Construction, VA and Related Agencies Appropriations sections of the bill fund construction and maintenance of our defense facilities throughout the country and world, our national cemeteries and battle monuments, the VA and various small agencies and programs supporting our nation's some 19 million veterans and their families. The discretionary funding level is $153.9 billion, a decrease of $248 million over the FY 2023 enacted level. Military Construction The bill provides $18.6 billion for Department of Defense (DoD) military construction and family housing, more than $2 billion above the FY 2024 budget request. The bill includes two CPF requests from Case that will support the military in Hawai‘i - $5.4 million to begin initial work to build an air traffic control tower supporting Wheeler Army Airfield and general aviation in central O‘ahu, as well as $23 million to upgrade the drinking water clearwell and booster pump at Fort Shafter. The bill provides an additional $2.3 billion for the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), an increase of $164 million above the FY 2024 budget request. SIOP is a $21 billion multi-year effort to upgrade the Navy’s four public shipyards, including Pearl Harbor. The bill specifically includes $1.4 billion to construct a new dry dock at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Hawaii’s largest industrial employer with some 6,000 local employees. “Keeping SIOP on track and fully funded is one of my top priorities on my Appropriations Committee,” said Case. Specific military construction programs and provisions requested and secured by Case include: · $1.6 billion for infrastructure related to the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and $131 million specifically for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command projects. · $548 million for the Energy Resiliency and Conservation Investment Program. · $63.1 million for Air National Guard and $73 million for Army National Guard unspecified minor military construction. · $49 million in planning and design funds for a new facility to provide better working conditions for the Pearl Harbor shipyard workforce. · Directing the DoD to address underfunded and dilapidated Army infrastructure on O‘ahu via the Hawai‘i Infrastructure Readiness Initiative. · Directing the Comptroller General to conduct an audit and provide recommendations to improve the management and oversight of SIOP. · Directing the Navy to assess how to best utilize SIOP to prepare public shipyards for conflict. · Directing the Navy and Air Force to develop a plan to address the infrastructure backlog on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. · Requesting the results of the Defense Health Agency’s Hawai‘i Market Facilities Master Plan. · Directing the DoD to assess military construction and associated infrastructure needs to maximize the effectiveness of an enhanced posture in and alliance with the Philippines. Veterans-Related Programs The bill provides $182.3 billion for veterans-related programs, $15 billion above the FY 2024 budget request. It specifically includes $138.1 billion for veterans’ medical care, matching the FY 2024 budget request. “With some 112,000 veterans in Hawai‘i and their families making up one of the largest percentages of any state in our nation including in such key areas like women and minority veterans, I focused especially on the often-unique challenges of delivering full veterans’ health and other benefits in a diverse island state,” said Case. Under the bill, the VA could also provide services to veterans residing in the FAS, including through direct care from VA providers, such as via telehealth, or through contracts with community providers; shipping medications to the FAS; and reimbursing veterans for travel from their home countries to the United States. The bill specifically includes $990 million to meet the need for specific care for women veterans and support the Office of Women’s Health, including its childcare initiative. These funds will allow the VA to continue hiring women primary care providers and to increase the number of peer support specialists for women veterans. These efforts have become even more critical as the number of female veterans using VA health care services has increased. Other specific veterans-related programs and provisions requested and secured by Case include: • $287 million for the Board of Veterans Appeals, which is $2 million above the prior FY and requires quarterly reporting on all pending appeals. • $3 million for the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program, which assists Native Hawaiian veterans with housing needs and is $1.3 million above the FY 2023 enacted level. • $60 million for the VA Grants for the Construction of Veterans Cemeteries Program. • $715 million for opioid treatment and prevention efforts, which is $52 million above the FY 2023 enacted level. • $5.1 billion for Telehealth and Connected Care. This will continue the expansion of telehealth services and includes additional mental health, primary care and rehabilitation services. • $3.1 billion for the Veterans’ Homelessness Program Resources Programs for our nation’s veterans. This funding will enhance homeless veterans service providers ability to provide high demand care such as health services, substance use disorder programs, compensated work therapy and other supportive services. • $110 million for the Veterans Justice Outreach and Legal Services for Veterans Programs. • $342 million for Rural Health Initiatives, an increase of $5 million above the FY 2023 enacted level. This will improve access and quality of care for the more than 3 million enrolled veterans residing in highly rural areas. • Directing the VA to build upon and establish new community partnerships with counseling and wellness providers and marriage and family therapy for veterans and their families. • Continuing rigorous reporting requirements to track each regional VA office’s performance on claims processing and appeals backlogs. • Encouraging the VA to include veteran benefit usage into its annual suicide prevention report to enable a better understanding of the correlation between benefit use and suicide and allow for more effective programs to assist veterans. • Directing the VA to provide a report describing an outreach plan to extend the time limit for accepting initial and revised applications for a sufficient period to ensure all eligible, living WWII Filipino Veterans can apply for and receive the benefits they are entitled to receive. • Noting the success of the tiny home village model by multiple veterans service organizations and encouraging VA to support this work and facilitate the creation of additional villages of tiny homes within VA’s existing Grants Per Diem Program. • Requesting a report on a plan to improve access of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) veterans to mental health care and increase outreach to AANHPI veterans who have a lower use of VA and non-VA mental health services. • Directing the Office of Rural Health to increase efforts to improve transportation mobility for veterans and to allocate funding to enhance rural access and transportation services and to ensure the new beneficiary travel system is user-friendly and that staff are trained to provide assistance. • Urging the VA to implement mandatory lethal means safety trainings for all VA employees who regularly interact with veterans to be prepared to have a conversation that could save a veteran’s life. A summary of the Military Construction-VA and Related Agencies Appropriations is here. Transportation-HUD and Related Agencies The Transportation-HUD and Related Agencies Appropriations bill supports HUD, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and Department of Transportation, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This bill’s FY 2024 discretionary funding level is $103 billion or $1.7 billion above the FY 2023 level. “My Appropriations Committee confronted the everyday challenges this bill covers across our country and provided the funds necessary to address our crumbling infrastructure as well as the lack of affordable housing,” said Case. The bill also includes Case’s CPF requests to fund six projects in his Congressional district totaling more than $15 million including: • $1.5 million for Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii’s new headquarters building. • $1.9 million for renovations at the Hale Aloha apartment building that helps single mothers with children who need stable and affordable housing. • $1.0 million for the Honolulu Career and Learning Center for Goodwill Hawai‘i. • $8.7 million for the pedestrian safety improvements in Waipahu, Kalihi, urban Honolulu and Wai‘anae • $940,600 for a new outdoor multi-purpose community facility for Special Olympics Hawai‘i. • $1.3 million for food storage equipment and various repairs at The Pantry Food Bank. Other transportation and infrastructure programs and provisions requested and secured by Case include: · $941 million for the Maritime Administration, including $318 million for the Maritime Security Program, $120 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program and $8.8 million for assistance to small shipyards like Kalaeloa/Barbers Point. · $60.8 billion for the Federal Highway Administration to improve the safety and long-term viability of our highways. · $16.6 billion for the Federal Transit Administration. · $20.1 billion for the FAA, including $12.7 billion to fully fund air traffic control operations and allow the FAA to hire 1,800 air traffic controllers to replace the retiring workforce. The bill includes the following provisions to improve access to affordable housing: · $22.3 million for the NHHBG, which supports the building, acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable homes. · Language directing HUD to provide technical assistance to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in developing and executing plans to meet the housing needs of low-income Native Hawaiians. · $16 billion for project-based rental assistance. · $6.7 billion for the Community Development Fund. · $4 billion for the Homeless Assistance Grants. · $60 million for the Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity Program. · $1.3 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to support building and rehabilitating affordable housing. · $10 million for core housing research partnerships with Native Hawaiian serving institutions among other minority serving institutions. A summary of the Transportation, HUD and Related Agencies Appropriations is here. Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies This bill would provide $26.3 billion, a 3 percent increase, for the Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies Appropriations sections of the bill. These funds support the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Farm Credit Administration, Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the FDA. “My Committee’s agriculture funding bill recognized that dangers that invasive species pose to our Hawaii’s unique ecosystems, natural resources and agricultural communities,” said Case. “The bill provides resources and the federal focus needed to help Hawai‘i combat Coffee Leaf Rust, the Coffee Berry Borer, the Avocado Lace Bug and other invasive species.” Case was able to secure a number of programs and provisions including: · $1.2 billion for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, including $215 million for combating specialty crop pests. · $35.5 million for Agriculture Quarantine Inspections to prevent infestations of pests and diseases. · $15 million for the Minor Crop Pest Management Program to provide expert assistance to minor and specialty crop producers. · $3.5 million for Agricultural Canine Detection and Surveillance of invasive species and diseases, an increase of $500,000. · $122 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. · $33 billion for child nutrition programs, a $4.5 billion increase over FY 2023, which includes the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and Summer Food Service Programs · $389 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which provides food to low-income seniors. · $5 million for Micro-Grants for Food Security, which assists our state in increasing the quantity and quality of locally grown food. · $123 million for the USDA Wildlife Damage Management Program. · $50 million for loans authorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. · $24.6 million for Rural Cooperative Development Grants, including $11.5 million for the Value-added Agricultural Product Market Development Grant Program. · $10 million for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. · $7 million for the Grassroots Source Water Protection Program that is designed to prevent water source pollution. · $2 million for aquaculture research programs and recognition of the essential role the program plays in regional aquaculture centers. · $3.5 million for the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program for geographically disadvantaged farmers. · $1.6 billion for the Rental Assistance Program. · $90 million in ReConnect funding to meet continued strong demand to provide loans, grants and loan-grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. · Maintenance of funding for coffee research to address the threats of Coffee Leaf Rust and Coffee Berry Borer on our iconic coffee industry. · Recognition of the critical need for continued tropical and subtropical crops research. · Maintenance of funding for research on the macadamia felted coccid. · $5 million for Education Grants for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions, the first increase for this vital program in years. This program addresses the educational needs of food and agricultural sciences-related disciplines and prepares low-income students for careers related to food, agricultural and natural resources. The measure also provides: · Provides $90.6 million for the Economic Research Service. · Recognizes the importance of continuing to support combatting invasive species in the Indo-Pacific. · Protects the current funding level for the macadamia tree health research initiative. · Directs the Agricultural Research Service to ensure each of its facilities housing animals are adhering to the Animal Welfare Act at all times. · Continues to support coordinated research efforts to address the impact of the Avocado Lace Bug. · Supports strategies to mitigate the impact of axis deer on native forests. A summary of the agriculture section of the bill is here. Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Bill The Interior, Environment and Related Appropriations bill funds the U.S. Department of the Interior, including the National Parks Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service and various independent agencies including the National Endowments on Arts and the Humanities. The bill’s FY 2024 discretionary funding level is $38.9 billion, or $1.5 billion below the FY 2023. The bill includes the following CPF requests from Case totaling $2.8 million: • $959,757 to the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources for deep water monitoring wells in Wai‘alae East and Wai‘anae. • $959,757 to the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a statewide water security audit of over 50 public water systems. The audit will help small systems identify and address efficiency issues, including leak detection, water meter testing and calibration, water meter replacement and meter installation for unmetered systems. • $959,757 for the Honolulu Board of Water Supply for Kahilinai Place and ‘Aiea Heights Drive Area Water System to help replace 3,900 linear feet of critical aging potable waterline infrastructure segments at the end of their useful life. The Interior bill also includes the following funding requested and secured by Case: · $5 million for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s State of the Birds Activities to respond to the urgent needs of critically endangered birds that now face possible extinction. These funds will help save numerous endemic birds in Hawai‘i that have been devastated by climate change and avian malaria. · $45 million for the U.S. Geological Survey Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program. · $33 million for a long-deferred water infrastructure project at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. · $9 million for the NPS to replace aging fuel tanks in Kalaupapa National Historic Park. · $63 million for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Climate Adaptation Science Centers, which includes the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center based out of the University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa. These centers provide regionally relevant scientific information, tools and techniques to resource managers and communities in Hawai‘i in response to our changing climate. · $3 million for the NPS American Indian and Native Hawaiian Art and Culture Grants Program. · $62 million for State Historic Preservation Offices, which will help preserve Hawaii’s treasured historic properties. · $5 million for Japanese Confinement Site Grants and funding for the newly authorized Amache National Historic Site, which was one of ten incarceration sites established by the War Relocation Authority during World War II to detain Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their communities on the West Coast. A summary of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations is here. Energy and Water Bill The bill’s Energy and Water section funds the Department of Energy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) civil works programs, the Bureau of Reclamation and agencies focused on nuclear energy. The bill’s discretionary funding level is $58.2 billion, a decrease of $2.6 billion from the FY 2023 enacted level. The bill also includes Case’s $500,00 CPF request to fund a Waikīkī Beach Environmental Restoration and Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study. The work will be performed by the USACE. Other energy and water related programs and provisions requested and secured by Case include: · Language directing the USACE to assist indigenous communities in coastal areas, including Native Hawaiians, as well as other vulnerable coastal communities to address coastal resiliency and flooding. · $10 million for USACE’s Coastal Ocean Data System, which funds high-resolution observations and models of coastal ocean waves and shoreline change. · $35 million for flood control and coastal emergencies efforts. · $50 million for hydrogen and fuel cell technology development. · $8 million for aquatic ecosystem restoration. · $460 million for Advanced Research Projects for Energy Technologies Programs. · $141 million for marine power technology development. · $10 million for the USACE’s National Coastal Mapping Program. · $1 million for the USACE’s beach erosion and hurricane damage reduction activities. A summary of the energy and water provisions is here. CJS and Related Agencies The CJS and Related Agencies Appropriations section of the bill supports the U.S. Department of Commerce, including the International Trade Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Institute of Standards and Technology; the U.S. Department of Justice; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); the National Science Foundation (NSF) and more. The bill’s discretionary funding level is $81.8 billion, a decrease of $2.4 billion. The bill includes Case’s CPF request to fund a state project to support native limu restoration efforts. This project will maintain a repository of culturally and ecologically important limu for seed stock. Case was also able to secure a funding to help the University of Hawai‘i with a program to ensure the safety and security of the more than 18,000 students on its Mānoa campus. This project will allow the university to build a platform that will integrate security camera feeds, alarms and emergency notifications from surrounding areas and community partners. “Rising crime, both related and unrelated to gun violence, is of great concern to us all, and must be combatted at all levels of government,” said Case. “State and local law enforcement need increased assistance from our federal government to address crime at the state and local level. The more than $4.5 billion in the bill to help local and state law enforcement will help not only to investigate and prosecute crime but will also go to prevention and education programs to stop crime before it happens.” The FY 2024 funding bill makes major investments in federal, state and local law enforcement programs. These include: · $924 million for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (Byrne-JAG). Byrne-JAG is the leading federal source of criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. The funds can be used to support a range of program areas including law enforcement; prosecution and court; prevention and education; corrections and community corrections; drug treatment and enforcement; planning, evaluation and technology improvement; and crime victim and witness initiatives. · $713 million, an increase of $13 million above FY 2023, for Violence Against Women Act programs. These programs support comprehensive, cost-effective responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. · $665 million for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Grants. The COPS program is designed to provide funding directly to law enforcement agencies to hire and/or rehire additional career law enforcement officers to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. · $50 million for the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative, which supports partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve to address violence intervention and prevention programs, including gang and gun violence. · $88 million for grants to help state governments improve their submissions into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for gun purchases. · $52 million for grants to reduce the sexual assault kit backlog. · $51 million for the Anti-Methamphetamine and Anti-Heroin Task Forces. · $38 billion for the Department of Justice, including $11 billion for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and $844 million for the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Science Provisions “Our funding measure also focuses on our flagship national science programs, which translate into world-leading research and development and science and high-tech engineering projects in our Hawai‘i. “The bill ensures that young people across our country can pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related education to lead innovation and contribute to a better economy back home,” said Case. The FY 2024 bill’s investments in science include: · $25 million to support facilities like the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope on the Island of Maui, the world’s most advanced solar observatory. · An increase of $1.2 million to support the maintenance and needed repairs at the Atmospheric Baseline Observatories, including the Mauna Loa Observatory where the famous Keeling Curve proving rapid climate change was developed. · $144 million for STEM Engagement Programs, an increase of $7 million above the FY 2024 enacted level, to inspire young people to pursue future careers in science and engineering. This includes $45 million for NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project, which funds Hawai‘i STEM programs. · $9 billion for the NSF. · $8 billion for science programs at NASA to continue efforts to explore the solar system, other planets and other solar systems. Among other things, this will support space telescopes and efforts to gain scientific knowledge about the Earth’s changing climate. · Language directing the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop wildland-urban interface risk metrics to mitigate wildfire risk to communities. Oceans Provisions The FY 2024 bill’s investments in the oceans and coastal communities include: · $175 million for the protection, research and management of marine mammals, sea turtles and other ocean species. · $80 million for the Sea Grant Program, which supports coastal and Great Lakes communities through research, extension and education. These funds help support the Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Program at the University of Hawaiʻi that concentrates on promoting healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies and environmental literacy and workforce development. · $67 million for the Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas Program, including the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. · $34 million for the Coral Reef Conservation Program. Commerce Department Provisions The bill also included Case’s requests for several key U.S. Department of Commerce programs, including: · $560 million for the Legal Services Corporation, which helps ensure equal access to justice under the law for all Americans by providing funding for civil legal aid through organizations like Legal Aid Hawai‘i to those who otherwise would be unable to afford it. · $175 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. This public-private partnership has centers in all 50 states, including Hawaiʻi, dedicated to serving small and medium-sized manufacturers. · $70 million for the Minority Business Development Agency. This includes $5 million specifically for Native American Business Development Program that awards grants to Tribes and American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian populations to address barriers to economic development. · $455 million for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, an increase of $35 million. · $122 million for the International Trade Commission, an increase of $12 million. A summary of the CJS and Related Agencies Appropriations funding bill is here. Case’s Appropriations Committee is responsible for allocating some $1.7 trillion in funding to federal government agencies, departments and organizations on an annual basis. Case and his Appropriations Committee are already working on the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations process. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-approves-14-community-projects-secured-representative-tokuda-sends-them,"House Approves 14 Community Projects Secured by Representative Tokuda, Sends Them to the Senate for Final Passage",2024-03-06,2024,2024-03,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=8&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Jill Tokuda voted to pass an appropriations package of six bills for Fiscal Year 2024 that includes 14 community projects she requested to support Hawai‘i’s Second Congressional District. The package, which includes funding for federal agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Transportation, and many more, passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 339 to 85. “I’m proud to have fought for and helped to secure over $133 million in Community Project Funding that will benefit communities across our district and state,” said Representative Tokuda. “These projects will support direct needs related to disaster resiliency, transportation, youth services, nutrition, and environmental protection. Working to bring home support is a team effort for our congressional delegation, and I am grateful for the collaboration that led to us securing project funding for our district.” The 14 projects championed by Representative Tokuda are: $1,050,000 to ‘Aha Punana Leo for the Hawaiian Immersion School Infrastructure Improvement Project $676,000 to Māla‘ai to replace the garden pavilion in Māla‘ai at Waimea Middle School $1,300,000 to Sustainable Moloka‘i for the Moloka‘i Food Hub Expansion Project $959,757 to the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources for Deep Monitoring Wells in Wai‘alae East and Wai‘anae $1,500,000 to the Hawai‘i Land Trust for the Education and Cultural Learning Center Project at Waihe‘e Refuge $2,400,000 to the County of Maui for the Bus Transportation Base Yard Project $3,000,000 to Residential Youth Services and Empowerment (RYSE) to support the construction and renovation of facilities for at-risk homeless youth $625,000 to Island of Hawai‘i YMCA for the Community Center Expansion and Land Acquisition Project $1,526,031 to the County of Maui for the Haiku-Kauhikoa Water Tank Modernization Project $2,000,000 to Child and Family Service for the construction of the Hilo Community Crisis Services, Counseling, and Resource Center $3,200,000 to the State of Hawai‘i for Kukui Street and Olohena Road Improvements Project $5,399,000 to Hui o Hau‘ula to support the development of the Ko‘olauloa Community Resilience Hub $900,000 to the State of Hawai‘i for the construction of the Mana Plains Educational Center $109,000,000 for the Water Reclamation Facility Compliance Upgrade at Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i For more information on each individual project, please visit Representative Tokuda’s website here. Under the House’s rules for Community Project Funding, each Member of Congress can request up to 15 projects across various accounts for specific purposes. For more information on Community Project Funding or to submit a request for Fiscal Year 2025, please visit this page on Representative Tokuda’s website. The appropriations package now heads to the Senate for consideration and is expected to be signed into law by President Biden later this week. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2335,Congress On The Verge Of Approving Compact Of Free Association (COFA) Agreements Vital To Relationship Between The United States And Pacific Island Nations,2024-03-04,2024,2024-03,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=11,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (D-HI-01) said today that a five-year effort to renew agreements with the Freely Associated States (FAS) -the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands - are included in the $460 billion federal funding measure now before the House for a critical vote this week. Case said while approval of the funding measure will prevent a partial government shutdown, the measure also includes provisions to extend federal benefits to FAS citizens who reside in the United States and its Territories in the Pacific. Those provisions are from the Compact Impact Fairness Act (CIFA), a bill co-introduced last year by Case and Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR-03) which, along with a companion measure by Senator Mazie Hirono, called for the restoration of a range of federal benefits that provide relief to states like Hawai‘i with large communities of FAS citizens. “It is fundamentally unfair for our federal government to ignore its obligations under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) that are national in interest and scope and then impose the responsibility for providing basic services to FAS citizens on state and territorial governments,” said Congressman Case. “The CIFA provisions in the $460 billon funding measure will extend to FAS citizens the same basic federal benefits provided to other legal permanent residents and thus pay for basic services that the states and territories are now forced to provide themselves.” Case continued: “There is also no reason that federal law should distinguish between FAS citizens and other legal resident non-citizens in eligibility for these key social safety net federal programs. FAS citizens are important members of our communities that contribute to our economies and deserve the same support from our federal government. “The CIFA, which we first introduced in the 116th Congress (2019-2021), would correct this omission in the 1996 welfare reform law and ensure FAS citizens legally working and residing in the United States are treated basically the same as any other legal resident non-citizen for these purposes.” Approval of the funding measure would restore eligibility for FAS citizens to receive public benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Services Block Grants (SSBG), education assistance, and other programs that they were restricted from accessing as part of the 1996 welfare reform law. The vote on the funding measure comes after Case and Womack and 46 other House colleagues sent a letter urging House Speaker Mike Johnson in a bipartisan effort to facilitate Congressional approval of their Compact of Free Association (COFA) Amendments Act of 2023 at the earliest opportunity. “The Compacts are central not only to our longstanding relationships with Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, but to our country’s standing in the broader Pacific,” said Case. “The delay in providing Congressional approval is being used to sow doubt as to whether we can be trusted to stand by our commitments to our Pacific partners. The necessary legislative measure is fully vetted and ready for final approval in the House and should be approved now.” This letter builds on Case’s and Womack’s longstanding bipartisan work to support FAS citizens who reside in the United States, many who live in Hawai‘i and Arkansas, and to strengthen the partnerships between the U.S. and countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Attachment: letter to Speaker Johnson ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-announces-2024-congressional-art-competition-calls-submissions-high,"Rep. Tokuda Announces 2024 Congressional Art Competition, Calls for Submissions from High School Students",2024-03-01,2024,2024-03,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=8&,scraper,"(Hawaiʻi) – Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) announced that her office is accepting submissions for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition and encourages participation from high school students across Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District to demonstrate their artistic talents. “Throughout Hawaiʻi, we have young, talented, artistic students who are eager to share their perspectives on the world and what is happening around them,” stated Rep. Tokuda. “Contests like the Art Competition are the perfect opportunity to invest in our students’ passions and to give them a chance to showcase their abilities and points of view – not only to our community – but our nation.” The winning artwork of our district’s competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol’s Cannon Tunnel, which Members of Congress use every day as well as thousands of visitors. The winning artwork will also be featured on House.gov’s Congressional Art Competition page and Congresswoman Tokuda’s website and social media pages. In 2023, the winner of the Congressional Art Competition for Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District was Cailyn Omuro from Maui High School. Students interested in participating in the Congressional Art Competition should visit Rep. Tokuda’s website: tokuda.house.gov/services/art-competition to learn more about the submission process. All completed submissions are due by 5:00 pm HST on Friday, April 19, 2024. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2328,"Case, Womack Urge Immediate Congressional Approval Of Agreements Vital To Relationship Between The United States and Pacific Island Nations",2024-02-22,2024,2024-02,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=11,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (D-HI-01) and U.S. Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR-03) are leading a bipartisan effort to urge U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to endorse and facilitate approval by the U.S. Congress of their Compact of Free Association (COFA) Amendments Act of 2023 at the earliest opportunity. The two, both of whose serve on the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations, headed a letter (copy attached), co-signed by 46 other Democratic and Republican House members including many members of the Appropriations Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Natural Resources Committee on which Case also serves with jurisdiction over the Compacts, and the Pacific Islands Caucus which Case co-chairs, urging the Speaker to include the COFA amendments in the next available legislative vehicle. “Congress must approve the recently renegotiated Compacts of Free Association as soon as possible,” said Case. “The Compacts are central not only to our longstanding relationships with Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, but to our country’s standing in the broader Pacific. “The delay in providing Congressional approval is being used to sow doubt as to whether we can be trusted to stand by our commitments to our Pacific partners. The necessary legislative measure is fully vetted and ready for final approval in the House and should be approved now.” “The Compacts of Free Association got the bipartisan stamp of approval from the House Natural Resources Committee in November for a reason—these agreements are vital to our national security and our community in Northwest Arkansas,” said Womack. “The next step is House passage, and there’s no time to waste. We must immediately approve this crucial legislation to instill confidence in our ability to uphold our commitments to critical security partners, longtime friends, and allies.” The legislative vehicles immediately before the House and Senate in which Case and Womack and their colleagues are aiming to include their Compacts approval legislation are the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations measures. Congress returns to session next week with the goal of addressing those measures. This letter builds on Case’s and Womack’s longstanding bipartisan work to support the citizens of the Freely Associated States of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau who reside in the United States, many in Hawai‘i and Arkansas, and to strengthen the partnerships between the U.S. and countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Attachment: letter to Speaker Johnson ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-tokuda-kiggans-lead-bipartisan-effort-invite-japanese-prime,"Representatives Tokuda, Kiggans Lead Bipartisan Effort to Invite Japanese Prime Minister Kishida to Address Congress",2024-02-16,2024,2024-02,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=8&,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) led 44 of their House colleagues in a bipartisan letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives urging him to invite the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, to address a joint meeting of Congress during his upcoming official visit in April 2024. “For over seven decades, the U.S.-Japan alliance has been the anchor of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the representatives wrote in the letter. “In this era of strategic competition, our alliance is more important than ever before in preserving regional peace and stability.” “The invitation for foreign dignitaries to address a joint meeting is one of the rarest honors the Congress reserves,” the letter continues. “Prime Minister Kishida’s upcoming official visit is an opportunity for the Congress to extend that honor and in doing so strengthen the critical U.S.-Japan alliance, emphasize our shared bonds, and demonstrate our enduring commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.” The full letter can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2324,"Case Releases Guide To Federal Resources And Assistance To Prevent, Mitigate And Respond To Further Wildfires",2024-02-09,2024,2024-02,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=11,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – Six months after the devastating Maui wildfires, U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) today released a comprehensive guide to federal resources to assist Hawai‘i in preventing, mitigating and responding to continuing wildfire risks across the state. Case’s Hawai‘i Wildfire Prevention/Mitigation/Response: Guide to Federal Resources and Assistance (copy attached) identifies twelve key federal, state, county and non-government organizations responsible for wildfire risk and response, along with ten key existing federal programs offering financial and technical assistance. It also outlines specific further Congressional action items, from increased annual appropriations to greater military participation and changes to federal programs to improve federal participation and focus on specific needs. “For the last six months, I have joined my Hawai‘i Congressional delegation partners in fully focusing on assuring our federal government does all it can to respond fully at all levels to the tragic Maui wildfires,” said Case, a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations and of its Subcommittee on Homeland Security with jurisdiction over operation and funding of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the federal government’s principal disaster prevention and response agency. “We have made good progress, including an estimated billion dollars of federal assistance spent or obligated to date, but this will be a continuing years-long effort. “But as critical as that effort will remain, it is equally critical to recognize that the Maui wildfires were not an isolated occurrence over the past decade-plus, as we have seen since above Mililani Mauka. They also exposed vulnerabilities in our preparedness for disaster across our state. “We must learn and act on the lessons of Maui now, including the immediate need to fully review where we face similar risks elsewhere in our state; identify, coordinate and mobilize resources for wildfire risk prevention, mitigation and response; and take full action now to prevent another such tragedy and to mitigate and respond to further wildfires as they may occur. “Our federal government has a major role to play in this effort, one we must be sure to maximize and coordinate. “To that end, my office, working with state and county partners, created this guide identify the major federal, state, county and community organizations responsible for addressing wildfire risk along with the major federal programs which provide funding and other assistance to address wildfire risk and response, as well as some specific federal initiatives that will improve these efforts. I will use this plan as a guide for my own efforts in Congress.” Case provided his guide to his state and county government partners and asked that they “review it especially for opportunities to work with me to expand federal funding and other assistance and otherwise coordinate our state, local and community efforts with our federal government.” The principal federal programs which Case highlighted to his state and county colleagues are administered by three U.S. Departments: Interior, Agriculture and Homeland Security. Case said he is focused on improving and funding these programs as he works now in Appropriations on preparing the federal budget for upcoming Fiscal Year 2025 (commencing October 1st of this year). Attachment: 2024 Wildfire Guide ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jill-tokuda-votes-expand-child-tax-credit-and-provide-targeted-tax-relief,Rep. Jill Tokuda Votes to Expand Child Tax Credit and Provide Targeted Tax Relief for Maui Victims,2024-01-31,2024,2024-01,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=8&,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Representative Jill Tokuda voted to pass the bipartisan H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, which passed the House with 357 votes. This bill is a significant step forward in reducing child poverty and would help families in Hawaiʻi and across the nation afford essentials like food, rent, and child care. The bill also includes an important provision based on legislation authored and supported by Rep. Tokuda to allow more disaster-affected individuals to claim a personal casualty loss by eliminating the requirement to itemize deductions and removing the 10 percent loss requirement to qualify. The measure would also exclude wildfire relief payments, as result of a federally declared wildfire disaster, from taxable income. The bill also fixes an issue caused by the Trump tax cuts that has harmed companies throughout Hawai‘i and the country seeking to invest in innovation. In cutting taxes for large corporations, the Trump tax cuts forced companies to cover certain research and development expenses, significantly increasing their tax burden. This bill would fix this issue and support businesses at the forefront of innovation and research. “I voted to pass the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act because while it should have gone even further to expand the Child Tax Credit, anything we can do to reduce child poverty will help families in Hawaiʻi and across the nation,” said Representative Jill Tokuda. “According to estimates, 48,000 keiki in Hawaiʻi benefit from the expanded child tax credit in the first year alone. That’s real money in a family’s pocket to cover essentials like food, rent, and childcare. “I am especially proud to see that the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 includes an important provision I championed based on the Natural Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023, which would help victims of the Maui fires and other natural disasters reduce their tax burden and penalties as they seek to recover and rebuild,” said Representative Jill Tokuda. “Having the cash and financial resources they need goes a long way in giving people hope and a path to recovery for themselves and their families.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:46:48Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-jill-tokuda-hi-02-andrea-salinas-or-06-introduce-bill-increase-mental,"Reps. Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06) Introduce Bill to Increase Mental Health Support for Firefighters",2024-01-23,2024,2024-01,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=8&,scraper,"Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) joined Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06) in introducing the Peer Support for Firefighters Act to expand access to mental and behavioral health care services for firefighters. “I am proud to join my friend and colleague, Rep. Salinas, in introducing this important bill to address the mental and behavioral health needs of firefighters. The Peer Support for Firefighters Act would ensure existing federal grants to assist firefighters can be used toward peer support initiatives and to provide mental health and substance abuse services,” said Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02). “Every day, firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to save lives and respond to crises, such as the devastating fires on Maui. Yet, their essential and difficult work often leaves a long-term impact that can increase their risk of mental illness, substance misuse, and suicide. This bill goes a long way to supporting the health and well-being of our brave firefighters so they, in turn, can continue keeping our communities safe.” “Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. Sadly, many firefighters and first responders suffer from depression, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health issues due to the difficult and traumatic nature of their work,” said Rep. Salinas. “Peer support programs are a great tool for high stress professions like firefighting because they offer a chance to talk to someone who understands exactly what you’re going through. That’s why I’m so proud to introduce the Peer Support for Firefighters Act in Congress. My bill would establish the importance of peer support programs under federal law and ensure more firefighters can get the help they deserve.” A 2018 study reported that public safety personnel are five times more likely to suffer symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression than their civilian counterparts. Additionally, it is estimated that 30 percent of first responders will develop a behavioral health condition including depression. From 2014-2020, more firefighters died by suicide than in the line of duty. Firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than the average person. Fire departments can already obtain federal funding for a variety of equipment, training, and other needs through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). However, this legislation would explicitly include peer support programs such as AFG-eligible activities, essentially codifying the need to address mental health and substance use disorders among firefighters under federal law. The legislation is also endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the National Council on Mental Illness (NAMI). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:46:48Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jill-tokuda-announces-winner-congressional-app-challenge-second,Rep. Jill Tokuda Announces Winner of the Congressional App Challenge for Second Congressional District,2024-01-18,2024,2024-01,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=8&,scraper,"(Honolulu, Hawaiʻi) – Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) is proud to announce the winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for Hawaiʻi’s Second District. “I am pleased to congratulate Mazzy McCloud as our winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for Hawaii’s Second Congressional District and extend my sincerest gratitude to all students who have participated,” stated Rep. Jill Tokuda. “This year’s Congressional App Challenge showcased talented youth with a passion for creativity in coding and technology, and their great potential for future careers in STEM-related fields.” Mazzy McCloud, an 11th grader from Island Pacific Academy, earned first place for her app, “Capitals Quiz,” which she designed to test users’ knowledge on capital cities around the world. She was inspired to create this app because of her own passion for geography and coding. “Capitals Quiz is an interactive educational app designed by me to test users’ knowledge about the capital cities of all the countries in the world,” said Mazzy McCloud. “When launched, the app presents the user with the name of a capital city and prompts them to correctly identify its matching country in a drop-down menu. The user then is immediately shown if their answer was correct or incorrect, helping them learn and refine their knowledge. After ten incorrect answers, the game concludes. It's a fun challenging game to test your worldly knowledge.” Danielle Okimoto and Bostyn Tsukamoto, also enrolled in Island Pacific Academy, earned second place for their app, “Manor Escape Room.” This app is designed for users to exercise critical thinking and deductive skills across multiple rooms filled with numerous challenges. “The app will be a way for people to use critical thinking and deductive skills across multiple different rooms filled with numerous challenges,” said Danielle Okimoto and Bostyn Tsukamoto. “Our target audience are any kids or even adults that just want to play a fun game when they’re bored. They could spend an hour on it or five minutes. It will be an exciting and mind-jogging game that relays on the player to pay close attention to previous clues around the rooms. The difficulty level will be moderate to accommodate for the various age ranges that may play the game.” The Congressional App Challenge is an annual nationwide competition that allows students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to create an application or “app” for mobile, table, or computer devices. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:46:48Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-jill-tokuda-applauds-united-states-department-agricultures,Representative Jill Tokuda Applauds the United States Department of Agriculture’s Announcement to Review Food Price Data for the State of Hawai‘i,2024-01-18,2024,2024-01,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=8&,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Jill Tokuda commended the announcement from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service to collect information on food price data for the State of Hawaiʻi as a whole. Tokuda led Members of the Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation in highlighting the significant disparity between the cost of food on O‘ahu and in rural communities on the neighbor islands in Hawai‘i. The USDA currently uses food cost data from the City and County of Honolulu and does not account for the higher cost of food for those living in the other counties when evaluating the Thrifty Food Plan, which determines the maximum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP ) benefit, for the state. Rep. Tokuda introduced legislation in July to separate the Thrifty Food Plan study in Hawai‘i between urban and rural communities, which would better account for the cost of local food and help more families in Hawai‘i afford healthy and nutritious food. “I am pleased that the USDA recognizes the gross miscalculation that has been occurring in only considering food costs in Honolulu,” said Rep. Jill Tokuda. “It has been unacceptable to me that SNAP benefits for Hawaiʻi have been calculated in a way that ignores every island other than O‘ahu which is contributing to a reduction of SNAP benefits for Hawai‘i families. When I fly throughout my district, I walk through grocery store aisles and see the higher prices and often empty shelves. Our ʻohana in the Second Congressional District deserve better, and I encourage the local food industry and research community to participate in the USDA’s Request for Information and submit comments on the price of food across our state.” The public can submit comments to the USDA online through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov; follow the online instructions for submitting comments electronically. Comments may also be submitted via email to fns.foodplans@usda.gov or mailed to: Kevin Meyers Mathieu, Economic Advisor, Nutrition Guidance and Analysis Division, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1320 Braddock Place, Fourth Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314. All comments received in response to this notice will be a matter of public record. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:46:48Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-jill-tokuda-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-expand-workforce,Representative Jill Tokuda Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Workforce Training in Rural Communities,2024-01-18,2024,2024-01,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=8&,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Representative Jill Tokuda introduced the bipartisan Creating Access to Rural Employment and Education for Resilience and Success (CAREERS) Act to address the skills gap and workforce shortage in rural communities. This legislation is co-led with Representative Nick Langworthy (NY-23). “Hawai‘i has one of the highest costs of living in the country, which means that too many of our people are getting priced out of paradise. We need sustainable career pathways that lead to well-paying jobs that make it possible for our people to work, live, and thrive in rural and remote America. I am pleased to co-lead the CAREERS Act with my colleague Rep. Nick Langworthy to expand workforce training programs and create career pathways in our rural communities. By providing grants in key sectors such as public utilities, child care, agriculture, health care, manufacturing, and more, we will strengthen rural America’s ability to support and uplift their communities and our nation as a whole,” said Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02). “Many businesses in rural areas, like those I represent in Western New York and the Southern Tier, are facing a challenge in finding skilled workers — resulting in too many vacancies and too few applicants,” said Congressman Langworthy (NY-23). “The CAREERS Act aims to close the skills gap by investing in pathway training programs and creating meaningful partnerships with private sector stakeholders across sectors — from manufacturing to healthcare. If enacted, this legislation will work to bolster rural economies and innovation, making them more competitive and sustainable well into the future.” Specifically, the CAREERS Act would: Allow the Secretary of Agriculture to allocate funds within the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grant Program (Title VI of the Farm Bill) to support career pathway programs or industry or sector partnerships in key industry sectors, including public utilities (telecommunications, broadband, water, wastewater, disposal, and electric supply services), conservation practices and management, health care, child care, manufacturing, agribusiness, and others. Grant amounts are awarded competitively, with a minimum of $500,000 and a maximum grant amount of $2,000,000 to eligible entities. The Secretary has the flexibility to add additional sectors if a local workforce board deems that sector to be in high demand. Require the grant awardee to provide a report to the Secretary on the activities funded with the grant, including performance measures during the project period. This legislation is supported by stakeholders across the country. “The greatest challenge facing equipment dealers is the lack of skilled service technicians,” said Daniel B. Fisher, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Associated Equipment Distributors. “AED commends Congresswoman Tokuda and Congressman Langworthy for introducing the CAREER Act and addressing the persistent skills gap in rural communities. Their legislation will help create the pathways necessary to develop the workforce that businesses need to grow and prosper.” “The unsustainable strain on our healthcare workforce is a critical issue for our nation, and we at the ATA and ATA Action support efforts to reduce the burden on our system and lend our support for the CAREERS Act. This funding would support career pathway programs to expand skills development for healthcare workers in rural communities, which would greatly benefit patients in these underserved communities. Our thanks to Representatives Tokuda and Langworthy, co-leads on this legislation, for their commitment to improving access to care for rural populations,” said Kyle Zebley, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, American Telemedicine Association (ATA), and Executive Director, ATA Action. “Recent broadband investment opportunities create a tremendous need to develop skilled telecommunications professionals to deploy networks. The Creating Access to Rural Employment and Education for Resilience and Success (CAREERS) Act expands access to workforce development opportunities into the telecommunications industry through USDA’s existing RISE Grant Program. NTCA applauds Congresswoman Tokuda and Congressman Langworthy for introducing this legislation. We hope this bill and focus on this critical issue will help in developing skilled workforces based in and committed to rural communities,” said Shirley Bloomfield, CEO, NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association. ""Grant opportunities to strengthen workforce training and development are essential to supporting quality employees and clinicians in places like the nation's 5,400 Rural Health Clinics,"" said Sarah Hohman, Director of Government Affairs for the National Association of Rural Health Clinics. ""We commend Rep. Tokuda and Rep. Langworthy for their leadership in taking tangible steps to address these significant challenges."" “The U.S. dairy industry supports more than 3 million American jobs that generate $42 billion in direct wages. In order to continue to grow and remain globally competitive, we need a strong, well-trained workforce. The CAREERS Act can help serve as a vehicle to train and develop people to be part of the dairy workforce of the future. IDFA is grateful to Reps. Tokuda and Langworthy for leading this effort to better prepare tomorrow’s workforce to support the United States’ vibrant dairy manufacturing sector,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association. “Workforce development boards recognize the critical role of a skilled workforce in sustaining the economic vitality of our nation's communities. The CAREER Act offers a powerful bridge to closing skills gaps in rural communities. The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) is grateful for the introduction of this legislation, which will provide greater opportunity for more workers and learners in rural America to acquire the skills necessary for success in today’s fast-changing and dynamic economy,” said Bradford Turner-Little, CEO, National Association of Workforce Boards. “We applaud Representatives Tokuda and Langworthy for their leadership in advancing policies like the CAREERS Act, which will help encourage rural Americans to explore family-sustaining careers and vocational opportunities beyond a traditional college education, like those available in the equipment manufacturing industry,” said Kip Eideberg, Association of Equipment Manufacturers Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations. “This additional support will help ensure both youth and adult learners in rural America have access to educational programs that match what their communities need and foster greater collaboration across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.” ""Rural communities face particular challenges in preparing a skilled workforce to meet the diverse needs of their local economies. The CAREERS Act would help the industries within these communities support career pathway programs and sector partnerships to address the workforce development obstacles in rural America. ACTE is proud to endorse the bill and offer our support toward fostering growth across critical sectors of the American economy. We applaud the efforts from Representatives Tokuda and Langworthy for their commitment to the prosperity of skilled workers and rural communities nationwide,"" said LeAnn Curry, Association for Career and Technical Education Executive Director. ""I commend Representatives Tokuda and Langworthy and for their leadership in introducing the CAREERS Act,"" said National Rural Water Association Chief Executive Officer Matt Holmes. ""This legislation is a timely response to the urgent need for skilled water and wastewater operators in rural America. By expanding the RISE program, the CAREERS Act will offer comprehensive training resources and enhance the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ability to bridge critical workforce development gaps. NRWA fully endorses this initiative, and we are eager to assist in its implementation to attract, train, and retain water and wastewater operators for small and rural communities throughout the nation, such as through our Registered Apprenticeship Program.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:46:48Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-fy24-national-defense-authorization-act-and-enacts-key-priorities,House Passes FY24 National Defense Authorization Act and Enacts Key Priorities for Hawai‘i Led by Rep. Tokuda,2024-01-14,2024,2024-01,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=8&,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Representative Jill Tokuda voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill, which the Senate passed earlier this week, passed with a 310-118 vote in the House and will be sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Tokuda fought for and secured provisions that would advance key priorities for Hawai‘i, for service members and their families, and for national defense. “This year’s NDAA carries critical priorities to support Hawai‘i and the role we play in the Indo-Pacific region, and I will continue fighting above all to ensure that the Department of Defense understands and fulfills its responsibilities and obligations to the people of Hawai‘i” stated Representative Jill Tokuda. “While this is by no means a perfect bill, Democrats fought hard to remove far-right, extreme provisions that targeted health care for women, transgender service members, and the Department of Defense’s ability to recruit and retain a diverse workforce. This final product ultimately reflects Congress’s bipartisan commitment to support our service members and their families, stand by our allies and partners, invest in our domestic industrial base, and strengthen our national defense.” Select priorities secured and supported by Rep. Tokuda in this year’s NDAA are listed below. Fighting for Hawaii Requires an updated joint Housing Requirements and Market Analysis to comprehensively assess military housing needs and impacts on local rental supply in Hawai‘i. Directs an annual report on federal programs and research related to petroleum exposure in the context of the Red Hill fuel spill and a feasibility study on an epidemiological health outcomes study of individuals impacted by the Red Hill fuel spill. Requires the designation of a senior official to coordinate and lead negotiations with the State of Hawai‘i regarding military land leases. Directs the development of a master plan for the State of Hawai‘i to modernize critical defense infrastructure, including electrical grids, drinking and wastewater systems, and communications systems. Requires a strategy to acquire and develop an integrated air and missile defense architecture for Hawai‘i and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Directs the Government Accountability Office to study the cost-of-living allowance (COLA) for service members in the continental United States, Hawai‘i, Alaska, and at overseas locations to ensure equity and fairness in the process for determining COLA. Directs military installations with Native Hawaiian or other indigenous interests in the surrounding area to designate an appropriate liaison to those communities. Authorizes $134.5 million for the construction of a new Wastewater Reclamation Facility at Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i (Kāne‘ohe Bay). Authorizes over $1.3 billion to support the Dry Dock 3 replacement and $60 million for planning and design of the Waterfront Production Facility at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. Supporting Service Members, Civilian Personnel, and Their Families A 5.2 percent pay raise for service members and an authorization for monthly bonuses to junior enlisted service members due to adverse economic conditions. Expanded eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance to support food, housing, and other necessities for junior service members. Authorizes the use of various funding streams for the replacement of substandard enlisted barracks and requires enlisted housing to meet the same basic standards regardless of whether they are privatized or government owned. Authorizes $301 million in military construction for new child development centers and $60 million for planning and design to accelerate future child development center replacements. Includes consideration of military service when determining family and medical leave eligibility for federal employees. Creates career opportunities for spouses by expanding the noncompetitive appointment authority to spouses of DoD civilian personnel and the eligibility for reimbursement for licensure, certifications, and business relocation costs when military spouses transfer locations. Strengthening National Security Authorizes $14.7 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and establishes the Indo-Pacific Campaigning Initiative to support increased frequency and scale of exercises and operations in the region and deter aggression by the People’s Republic of China. Authorizes the sale of up to three Virginia-class submarines to Australia and the joint training of shipyard workers in support of AUKUS. Authorizes $3.6 billion for the European Deterrence Initiative and $300 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to support Ukraine’s continued self-defense and deter further Russian aggression against European allies and partners. Prohibits the suspension, termination, or withdrawal from NATO except by and with the advice and consent of the Senate or by an Act of Congress. Authorizes increased funding to invest in critical technologies, including quantum computing, artificial intelligence, fuel cells, and more. A full summary of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act can be found online here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:46:48Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jill-tokuda-announces-class-2028-nominees-united-states-service-academies,Rep. Jill Tokuda Announces Class of 2028 Nominees to the United States Service Academies,2024-01-12,2024,2024-01,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=8&,scraper,"Hawaiʻi – U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) announced the nomination of 11 Hawaiʻi students to U.S. military service academies for the Class of 2028. The academies will now consider the students’ applications for final selections. “I am honored to nominate an inspiring and dedicated group of young people to our nation’s military academies. Their strong commitment to service and to advancing our shared principles leaves me confident that they will represent Hawaiʻi with the highest honor,” said Rep. Jill Tokuda. “Growing up in one of the most strategic locations in the Indo-Pacific, these students possess a unique perspective that will allow them to contribute significantly to our nation in the future. I am eager to see what they accomplish.” Today’s announcement includes Rep. Tokuda’s nominations for the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy uses a separate application process. Rep. Tokuda convened a Congressional Military Service Academy Nomination Panel composed of notable service members from Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District to review applicants and provide feedback on those who would best represent Hawaiʻi and thrive in a Military Academy environment. Prospective students were measured on their scholastic achievement, leadership experience, school involvement, athletic and extra-curricular activities, community contributions, and volunteer or employment experiences. Nomination does not guarantee appointment. The nominees will be advanced for consideration by each academy’s director of admissions. Representative Tokuda’s Class of 2028 Academy Nominations are as follows: U.S. Naval Academy Jesse Baker— Maryknoll High School Lily Barrett— King Kekaulike High School Christopher Choy— Saint Louis High School Isaac Funtanilla— Waimea High School Novalee Lackey— Kalaheo High School Ryan Leclair— Leilehua High School Amelie Loomis— Kalaheo High School Michael Salehi— Saint Louis School U.S. Air Force Academy Lily Barrett— King Kekaulike High School Christopher Choy— Saint Louis High School Isaac Funtanilla— Waimea High School Ryan Leclair— Leilehua High School Amelie Loomis— Kalaheo High School Melia Okamoto— Yokota High School in Japan Koby Oku— University Laboratory School of Hawaiʻi Nicki Silva— Kamehameha Schools Maui U.S. Military Academy at West Point Jesse Baker— Maryknoll High School Christopher Choy— Saint Louis High School Isaac Funtanilla— Waimea High School Novalee Lackey— Kalaheo High School U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Christopher Choy— Saint Louis High School Isaac Funtanilla— Waimea High School ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:46:48Z https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jill-tokuda-visits-molokai-and-hilo-focused-services-veterans-and-access,Rep. Jill Tokuda Visits Molokaʻi and Hilo Focused on Services to Veterans and Access to Healthcare and Mental Health Services,2024-01-08,2024,2024-01,Democrat,House,HI,Jill N. Tokuda,T000487,tokuda.house.gov,tokuda,https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=8&,scraper,"(Honolulu, HI) – Representative Jill Tokuda had meetings and toured sites on Molokaʻi and in Hilo this week with a focus on veterans and access to healthcare and mental health services in our rural and remote communities. In Hilo, Rep. Tokuda toured the site of Hale Na Koa ‘O Hanakahi, a 92-unit affordable housing development for veterans and their surviving spouses. The site will include a community center and future plans include the addition of an outpatient clinic on the adjoining property. She later visited the Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) and a potential building site for a new, larger CBOC in Hilo. On Molokai, Rep. Tokuda met with the Molokaʻi Veterans Caring for Veterans Board to discuss the long-standing challenges they’ve faced in getting much-needed services for veterans to the island. “It breaks my heart when a veteran tells me the war is over, but they are still fighting—for recognition, for services, for the support they need and more than deserve,” said Representative Jill Tokuda. “We have a responsibility to take care of those who took care of us.” While in Hilo, Rep. Tokuda also toured the Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and met with the Hawaiʻi Provider Shortage Crisis Task Force to discuss various challenges, including staffing shortages and inadequate Medicare reimbursement to healthcare providers. During these meetings, Rep. Tokuda talked about her co-sponsorship and support for crucial legislation that can help to address some of the hardships providers are facing, including the Equitable Payments for Skilled Nursing Facilities Act of 2023, the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act, the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act, and the Preserving Seniors’ Access to Physicians Act of 2023. On Molokai, Rep. Tokuda held a talk story with local advocates focused on increasing access to care, especially for kupuna and in the area of mental health and suicide prevention. Statistics have long shown that suicide rates have been higher on the neighbor islands and in Hawaii’s rural communities, where access to mental health services and professionals are severely lacking. “Access to healthcare and mental health services is a right that must not be based on where you live. We’ve got to acknowledge that Hawaii has been in a state of crisis when it comes to taking care of the physical and mental health needs of our people,” said Tokuda. “This is a matter of life or death, and I have heard too many heartbreaking stories of what happens when people and communities cannot access the care they need. We need to act with urgency to support both our public and private providers, strengthen our workforce pipeline, and remove barriers to access, from transportation to broadband. It’s with this sense of urgency that I set out to relaunch and co-lead the Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus in Congress. Sadly, this is a crisis plaguing communities across our country, and we need to advocate for policies and take action that will improve the delivery of healthcare and mental health services in rural and remote America.” Photos of Rep. Tokuda’s visits can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:46:48Z