Senator Brenton Awa (R)

December 2023 Newsletter

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Are Limitations To Property Ownership In Hawaii Starting Here? (Hawai‘i Travel News)

https://beatofhawaii.com/limitations-to-property-ownership-in-hawaii-starting-here/

New Hawaii bill would ban foreigners from buying land on the Islands (ABC News)

https://www.kake.com/story/50428142/new-hawaii-bill-would-ban-foreigners-from-buying-land-on-the-islands#:~:text=New%20Hawaii%20bill,of%20tax%20revenue.%22

Hawaii Considers Ban On Foreign Land Ownership: New Bill Introduced (Blogging Big Blue)

https://www.bloggingbigblue.com/2024/02/08/hawaii-considers-ban-on-foreign-land-ownership-new-bill-introduced/#:~:text=OTHER-,Hawaii%20Considers%20Ban%20On%20Foreign%20Land%20Ownership%3A%20New%20Bill%20Introduced,-By%20Clark%20Baisa

Hawaii Bill Would Block Land Grab by Non-US Buyers (Newsmax)

https://www.newsmax.com/us/hawaii-real-estate-land-grab/2024/02/08/id/1152827/#:~:text=Hawaii%20Bill%20Would%20Block%20Land%20Grab%20by%20Non%2DUS%20Buyers

New Hawaiian bill could ban foreigners from buying property in the state (Irish Star)

https://www.irishstar.com/news/us-news/new-hawaiian-bill-could-ban-32076143#:~:text=New%20Hawaiian%20bill%20could%20ban%20foreigners%20from%20buying%20property%20in%20the%20state

Hawaii Introduces Bill to Ban Foreigners from Buying Land (The Stock Dork)

https://www.thestockdork.com/hawaii-introduces-bill-to-ban-foreigners-from-buying-land/#:~:text=Slideshow-,Hawaii%20Introduces%20Bill%20to%20Ban%20Foreigners%20from%20Buying%20Land,Feb%2008%2C%202024,-A%20new%20bill

Here’s Why Some Hawaii Lawmakers Want To Ban Foreigners From Purchasing Land (Forbes)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesfarrell/2024/02/08/heres-why-some-hawaii-lawmakers-want-to-ban-foreigners-from-purchasing-land/?sh=2693c0205cf3#:~:text=FORBES,may%20spur%20lawsuits

Kahalu‘u community members unite and plant a foundation for future food sources (KITV4)

Originally published by KITV4; click here to read the article on kitv.com.

By Eric Naktin | December 16, 2023 | Updated December 18, 2023

Developing & cultivating local food sources for the future, community members met in Kahalu‘u, near Kahekili Highway on Saturday, planting 70 ulu bread fruit trees & mountain apple trees.

Small project to plant fruit trees along highway seen as big step toward sustainability (Hawaii News Now)

Originally published by Hawaii News Now; click here to read the article on hawaiinewsnow.com.

By Jolanie Martinez | December 16, 2023 | Updated December 16, 2023

After three months of planning and prepping, a Windward Oahu highway is now lined with fruit trees for the first time. Invasive haole koa trees and overgrown guinea grass were removed to make way for ulu and mountain apple trees.

Fatality follows years of assaults on staff at State Hospital (KHON2)

Originally published by KHON2; click here to read the article on khon2.com.

By Gina Mangieri | November 14, 2023 | Updated November 15, 2023

Keeping workers safe, and figuring out a better way for patients to re-enter society, are top concerns after a patient was arrested on suspicion of killing a nurse at the Hawaii State Hospital. The state’s psychiatric hospital has been under scrutiny for decades, with hundreds of millions invested in new facilities, security and beefing up staff.

An initiative begins to restore Hawaiʻi’s ecosystem (KHON2)

Originally published by KHON2; click here to read the article on khon2.com.

By Sandy Harjo-Livingston, Chris Latronic | November 9, 2023 | Updated November 9, 2023

This Saturday, Nov. 11 beginning at 8 a.m., a group of local residents will be in Kahaluʻu where they are instigating a food tree planting project. They will be working with donated machinery and volunteer operators to remove invasive haole koa trees and overgrown guinea grass in preparation for planting of about 70 food trees along Kahekili Highway.

Wildfire concerns revive pleas for new emergency evacuation routes on Oahu (Hawaii News Now)

Originally published by Hawaii News Now; click here to read the article on hawaiinewsnow.com.

By Jolanie Martinez | November 7, 2023

Three months since the Maui fires and communities all over Hawaii are re-thinking their own safety plans, including coastal areas on Oahu where thousands of people have no alternate escape routes. Critical areas include the west side, the North Shore, and the Windward side. These communities have different approaches, but the big issues are usually money and permission.

State senator will push to license medical cannabis farms after federal raid (KITV4)

Originally published by KITV4; click here to read the article on kitv.com.

By Kristen Consillio | November 2, 2023 | Updated November 2, 2023

A bill backed by Sen. Brenton Awa would allow the state Health Department to issue licenses to individuals or private entities wanting to grow medical cannabis. The move comes after federal authorities raided Care Waialua, seizing more than 1,000 plants at the medical marijuana farm on Oahu's North Shore.

State-of-the-art emergency shelter facility in the works for Windward Oahu (KHON2)

Originally published by KHON2; click here to read the article on khon2.com.

By Kristy Tamashiro | October 9, 2023 | Updated October 9, 2023

A new state-of-the-art emergency shelter is in the works on the Windward side of Oahu. It comes with a big price tag, but residents and officials said safety should be priceless. Koolauloa stretches from Kaaawa to Kahuku and residents are concerned about what will happen during an emergency. “In a disaster, even a Category 1 our roads will most likely be blocked,” said Dotty Kelly-Paddock, of Hui O Hauula.

Military’s plan to stop using fresh drinking water on Oahu golf course halted by DOH (Hawaii News Now)

Originally published by Hawaii News Now; click here to read the article on hawaiinewsnow.com.

By Eddie Dowd | October 2, 2023 | Updated October 3, 2023

After years of pressure from environmental groups, the military wants to stop using fresh drinking water to irrigate a golf course in Kaneohe. However, environmentalists are skeptical, and the state health department says there are rules to follow. The state Sen. Brenton Awa who represents the area tells us the golf course at Marine Corps Base Hawaii uses about 11 million gallons of fresh drinking water a month.

Decade long water leak being fixed after millions of gallons wasted (KHON2)

Originally published by KHON2; click here to read the article on khon2.com.

By Nikki Schenfeld | October 1, 2023 | Updated October 1, 2023

A decade-long water leak on Oahu’s North Shore is in the process of being fixed. Officials estimate over one million gallons of water was being wasted each month at Dillingham Airfield, which is owned by the Army, and leased by the state.

‘This has got to end’: Pipes leaking millions of gallons of water at Dillingham Airfield still not fixed (Hawaii News Now)

Originally published by Hawaii News Now; click here to read the article on hawaiinewsnow.com.

By Eddie Dowd | September 20, 2023 | Updated September 21, 2023

Leaky pipes at Dillingham Airfield on Oahu’s North Shore have been a problem for years, causing millions of gallons of water to be wasted monthly. The Army owns Dillingham Airfield, but the DOT is currently leasing it. Over the years, HNN has talked to the state lawmakers who represent the area, all reporting the leaks have gone on for at least 10 years.

Tokuda proposes more help for low-income families to buy healthy food (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

Originally published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; click here to read the article on staradvertiser.com.

By Dan Nakaso | August 9, 2023

Even on Oahu, state Sen. Brenton Awa (R, Kaneohe- Laie-Mokuleia) said his constituents have plenty of need for support for healthful food, especially in Kahuku and Kahaluu. “We need it, food assistance,” he said. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic ended, “we’re still doing food drives. People who used to be middle income no longer have savings and can’t afford anything beyond the necessities.”

A $9M roundabout is coming to a busy Windward Oahu intersection, and not everyone is rejoicing (Hawaii News Now)

Originally published by Hawaii News Now; click here to read the article on hawaiinewsnow.com.

By Eddie Dowd | May 30, 2023 | Updated May 30, 2023

The state plans to start construction next week on a $9 million roundabout in Windward Oahu. Construction for the roundabout in Kahaluu is set to start on June 7. The DOT says it’s meant to improve safety in the area, but some residents say the real focus should be improving traffic.

Hawaii native Iam Tongi wins ‘American Idol’ (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

Originally published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; click here to read the article on staradvertiser.com.

By John Berger | May 22, 2023

State Sen. Brenton Awa, who took the lead in organizing the “welcome home” convoy that took Tongi from Kahuku High School to the Turtle Bay Resort where he headlined a free concert for a crowd estimated at almost 14,000 people on Tuesday, said Tongi’s win would inspire younger residents of the district and Hawaii in general.

Kahuku-born Iam Tongi will compete for top spot on ‘American Idol’ (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

Originally published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; click here to read the article on staradvertiser.com.

By John Berger | May 21, 2023

Tongi was back on Oahu and riding as the guest of honor in a “welcome home” convoy that took him from Kahuku High School to the Turtle Bay Resort, where he headlined a free concert for the community. The homecoming events were first envisioned by state Sen. Brenton Awa and quickly grew with the active support of other community members.

Town Hall coming up to discuss how to preserve Kamehameha Highway in Windward Oahu (KITV4)

Originally published by KITV4; click here to read the article on kitv.com.

By Diane Ako | April 28, 2023 | Updated April 28, 2023

A years-old problem gets another look from the community in the near future. Elected officials from Windward Oahu are hosting a town hall to discuss what to do about the erosion on Kamehameha Highway.

Committee endorses Hawaii attorney general nominee (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

Originally published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; click here to read the article on staradvertiser.com.

By Dan Nakaso | April 13, 2023

The lone vote against recommending Anne Lopez’s confirmation by the full Senate came from Sen. Brenton Awa, who disagrees with Lopez’s position that the U.S. Constitution prohibits Hawaii from barring real estate sales to people and companies from out of state.

Some Government Reform Measures Are Emerging From The Darkness (Honolulu Civil Beat)

Originally published by Honolulu Civil Beat; click here to read the column on civilbeat.org.

By The Sunshine Editorial Board | April 21, 2023

Republican Brenton Awa is a Senate conferee on HB 727, even though he voted against the bill on its third reading during session. Awa said he had been told that senators that vote “no” can’t serve on a conference committee, which is a reason many vote “WR” – with reservations, which amounts to a yes vote. Turns out, he said, that that is not the case.

Honolulu inflation shrinks to 3.3% (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

Originally published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; click here to read the article on staradvertiser.com.

By Dave Segal | April 13, 2023

Honolulu consumers may be finding prices more affordable as inflation continues to ease under the weight of the Federal Reserve’s aggressive campaign to increase interest rates.

Senator’s social post questioning switched votes misrepresents the facts, lawmakers say (Hawaii News Now)

Originally published by Hawaii News Now; click here to read the article on hawaiinewsnow.com.

By Jolanie Martinez | April 4, 2023 | Updated April 5, 2023

Senator Awa’s social media post caused hundreds of people to comment, questioning the legislative process.

Ownership of historic Waiāhole Valley up for debate after proposed 600% rent increase (Hawaiʻi Public Radio)

Originally published by Hawaiʻi Public Radio; click here to read the article on hawaiipublicradio.org.

By Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi | March 23, 2023

Rent lease negotiations between the state and nearly 100 tenants in Waiāhole Valley are sparking conversations about the future of this rural, agricultural community.

In Kahaluu, a giant tree that fell into the stream has residents worried about the next big rain (Hawaii News Now)

Originally published by Hawaii News Now; click here to read the article on hawaiinewsnow.com.

By Jolanie Martinez | March 12, 2023

State Sen. Brenton Awa said the Department of Land and Natural Resources confirmed that the tree is on private property, but there is a statute that allows the city to go into the stream and remove the tree.

Plenty Of Legislators Support Term Limits. So Why Won't They Let The Public Vote On Them? (Honolulu Civil Beat)

Originally published by Honolulu Civil Beat; click here to read the article on civilbeat.org.

By Richard Wiens | March 12, 2023

Civil Beat surveyed many of Hawaii’s 76 lawmakers or researched their positions on term limits.

Illegal hikers in Hawaii may have to pay for their own rescues, after many are saved from this popular hike (USA Today)

Originally published by USA Today; click here to read the article on usatoday.com.

By Kathleen Wong | March 10, 2023 | Updated March 10, 2023

The bill just passed its first reading and has crossed over to the House, according to Senator Brenton Awa, who represents Kaneohe, the area where the trail is located.

“When you go into the wilderness, there’s responsibility that comes with it,” he said. “I would never go into another state and expect to be saved by anybody…”

Waiahole Valley tenants get reprieves over rent (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

Originally published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; click here to read the article on staradvertiser.com.

By Andrew Gomes | March 10, 2023

A state agency trying to increase ground-lease rents in Waiahole Valley for about 100 residential and farm tenants with decades-old low rates made several moves Thursday to defuse the tense situation where some fear evictions.

Big changes coming to popular North Shore beach (KHON2)

Originally published by KHON2; click here to read the article on khon2.com.

By Jenn Boneza | March 7, 2023 | March 8, 2023

According to the plan, the re-alignment project would have space for up to 90 cars to park on the makai side close to the ocean

Sen. Brenton Awa, (R) Kahuku to Mokuleia said it’s been a long time coming.

“It’s something that we on the North Shore know needs to happen. Because when there’s traffic, it’s hours of our lives are wasted. Families cannot pick up their kids from school,” Awa explained.

Advocates look to change the name of iconic Hawaii landmark (KHON2)

Originally published by KHON2; click here to read the article on khon2.com.

By Sam Spangler | March 5, 2023 | March 5, 2023

“We been battling that for a long time because that’s not Chinaman’s Hat this is Mokolii,” Hawaiian educator and activist Calvin Hoe said. “That’s how we grew up. This is Mokolii…”

Bid to make every day ‘Aloha Friday’ in Hawaii Senate chamber fizzles (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

Originally published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; click here to read the article on staradvertiser.com.

By Andrew Gomes | March 4, 2023

An effort to exhibit more aloha spirit in one chamber of Hawaii’s Legislature didn’t go over well on “Aloha Friday…”

Bill would require officers to stop, report excessive force (Spectrum News)

Originally published by Spectrum News; click here to read the article on spectrumlocalnews.com.

By Michael Tsai | February 27, 2023

Sens. Karl Rhoads, Mike Gabbard and Brandon Elefante voted in favor of recommending the bill without amendments. Sen. Brenton Awa was the lone dissenting vote.

Lawmakers unreceptive to moratorium on Waiahole Valley rent increases (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

Originally published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; click here to read the article on staradvertiser.com.

By Andrew Gomes | February 26, 2023

A legislative committee has declined to support a five-year block on the state raising ground-lease rents for about 100 residential and farm tenants in Waiahole Valley, where tension exists over potential evictions.

Hawaii Senator Votes ‘No’ Then ‘Yes’ To Legalize Marijuana (Honolulu Civil Beat)

Originally published by Honolulu Civil Beat; click here to read the article on civilbeat.org.

By Blaze Lovell | February 16, 2023

At a joint hearing, Republican Sen. Brenton Awa first voted “no” then voted “yes” on a bill that would legalize marijuana in Hawaii.

New Tax Credit Proposed For Selling Homes To Hawaii Residents (Honolulu Civil Beat)

Originally published by Honolulu Civil Beat; click here to read the article on civilbeat.org.

By Alex Melendez | February 13, 2023

Sen. Brenton Awa is proposing a new tax credit for people who sell their homes to Hawaii residents who may often find themselves fighting out-of-state homebuyers for housing.

New bill proposes an outright ban to riding in truck beds (KHON2)

Originally published by KHON2; click here to read the article on khon2.com.

By Jenn Boneza | February 9, 2023 | Updated February 9, 2023

Senate Bill 1410 passed its second reading, with only one senator opposing: Sen. Brenton Awa.

“As a local from the country, we don’t want the government stepping into our business,” Awa explained. “I know this one is about safety, but as a responsible driver, you’ve got your license. Your family, whoever’s riding in the back, there’s already rules, follow it, keep people safe…”

Kamehameha Highway collapse in Hauula elicits concerns (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

Originally published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; click here to read the article on staradvertiser.com.

By Mark Ladao and Rosemarie Bernardo | February 8, 2023

A portion of Kamehameha Highway in Hauula collapsed, prompting more discussion about what to do about the ocean erosion and sea level rise affecting the highway and nearby communities.

Affordable housing proposal that would go after non-residents deemed unconstitutional (Hawaii News Now)

Originally published by Hawaii News Now; click here to read the article on hawaiinewsnow.com.

By Chelsea Davis | February 7, 2023

Senate Bill 34 was deferred and deemed unconstitutional on Tuesday.

Senator Awa’s idea was to go after the Hawaii Real Property Tax Act. That means 7.25% of any profit made by nonresidents on Hawaii real estate must go to the state. Awa wanted 75% of the profit to go to the state instead.

Freshman lawmakers aim to rebuild Hawaii’s GOP (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

Originally published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; click here to read the article on staradvertiser.com.

By Dan Nakaso | January 25, 2023

Freshman state Sen. Brenton Awa — who is embroiled in a stalemate with the Senate’s only other Republican over who will lead their two-member caucus — wants to reinvigorate and rebrand Hawaii’s Republican Party by helping disenfranchised, working-class families in his rural district on the Windward side of Oahu.

Proposal aims to tackle Hawaii’s affordable housing crisis by targeting non-residents (Hawaii News Now)

Originally published by Hawaii News Now; click here to read the article on hawaiinewsnow.com.

By Chelsea Davis | January 18, 2023 | Updated January 19, 2023

Day one of the new Hawaii State Legislature means fresh faces and innovative ideas.

One idea includes tackling Hawaii’s affordable housing crisis by going after non-residents.

“The problem that we’ve seen over the pandemic was the home prices went up $400,000,” said Minority Floor Leader Sen. Brenton Awa.

Meet some of the fresh faces at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature (Hawaiʻi Public Radio)

Originally published by Hawaiʻi Public Radio; click here to read the article on hawaiipublicradio.org.

By Sabrina Bodon | January 17, 2023

Former television anchor Sen. Brenton Awa doesn’t quite see himself as a first-term lawmaker. He’s been in these halls reporting in the past, and he’s placed himself in the shoes of a lawmaker during his campaign.

The Republican Awa unseated Democrat Gil Riviere to represent District 32, which encompasses the north and east sides of Oʻahu.

He continues to report in a different way. Even last week, Awa used his Instagram platform to publish a story on rents rising in Waiahole.

Hawaii bill proposed to offer backpay to those terminated over vaccine mandates (KITV4)

Originally published by KITV4; click here to read the article on kitv.com.

By Shanila Kabir | January 16, 2023 | Updated January 18, 2023

More than 1,400 state jobs were lost from July 2021 to June 2022. However, state legislators said how many of those jobs are COVID-19 related is still unconfirmed.

"A number of things happened during the pandemic where you had a majority of people seeing things one way and a minority of voices that were so weak. Now that we're in office, we're going to make sure they're represented," Awa said.

Efforts underway to address worsening erosion on Kamehameha Highway (Hawaii News Now)

Originally published by Hawaii News Now; click here to read the article on hawaiinewsnow.com.

By Eddie Dowd | January 11, 2023

Concern mounts as residents say cracks on Kamehameha Highway in Hauula are only getting worse.

In 2020, the state Department of Transportation spent $2 million on emergency repairs to stabilize and support the ocean side of Kamehameha Highway after a section of road fell into the water.

A Conversation With Hawaii’s Newest GOP State Senator (Honolulu Civil Beat)

Originally published by Honolulu Civil Beat; click here to read the article on civilbeat.org.

By Chad Blair | January 1, 2023

Brenton Awa won’t officially be sworn in as a Hawaii state senator until Jan. 18, but — like many state senators and representatives — he’s already on the job and working from an office at the Capitol.

A former news anchor for KITV, he narrowly defeated Democratic incumbent Gil Riviere to win the District 23 seat (Kaneohe, Kahaluu thru Laie, Kahuku to Mokuleia, Schofield Barracks and Kunia Camp) in November.

Awa, 36, is the youngest state senator and one of only two Republicans in the 25-member chamber.