On November 8, 2011, the Senate Committee on Health, vice chaired by Senator Nishihara, held an informational briefing to discuss vital medication shortages in Hawaii and nationally.
On October 25, 2011, members of the Senate Committees on Ways and Means (WAM) and Education (EDU) conducted joint site visits in the West Oahu area. The sites visited included the University of Hawaii West Oahu Campus and NewTech at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School. Senators received updates on the progress of school construction and educational initiatives.