May 26, 2022
New law supports traditional kalo cultivation
On Wednesday, May 25, Governor Ige signed House Bill 1768 into law. I introduced HB 1768 this year
to address the legal hurdles faced by kalo farmers seeking to exercise traditional and customary
cultivation practices. The bill passed with the committed advocacy of the kalo farming community on
Kaua'i, support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and legal guidance from the University of Hawai'i
Native Hawaiian Law Clinic and Ka Huli Au Center of Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law.
The new law exempts farmers practicing traditional kalo cultivation from State water leasing
requirements. You can read more about this legislation and its impact, as reported in The Garden
Island, by clicking
HERE.
May 20, 2022
Community engagement process to guide plans for Pololu Valley Trailhead & Lookout
Courtesy: DLNR, 2021
With $500,000 of State Capital Improvement Project funds secured during the 2019 Legislative Session, the
Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will begin a community engagement process to inform
planning for the future of the Pololu Valley Trailhead and Lookout. The planning and design for trail
restoration, restrooms, and parking will determine potential solutions to address public health, safety,
and environmental issues resulting from the area's overuse by visitors and lack of appropriate facilities.
Please see the recent articles from
KHON and
Civil Beat for more details.
May 5, 2022
2022 Legislative Session a "Banner Year"
The 2022 Legislative Session has adjourned in what former Governor John Waihe'e called a "banner year,
a billion-dollar year" for Native Hawaiians, and what advocates have recognized as a groundbreaking session
for State investments in workers, families, natural resources, and fiscal security.
An
article from Big Island Now reports the session's highlights
along with perspectives from legislators, the Governor, and advocates.
For the full list of bills approved in the 2022 session, please click
here.
April 27, 2022
$3.2M CIP funds released for Hapuna Beach Park improvements
On Monday, April 24, Governor David Ige announced the disbursement of $4.5 million in State Capital
Improvement Project funds to finance improvements at Hawai'i's State Parks. Hāpuna Beach State Recreation
Area received $3.2 million of the funds which will go a long way to repair and upgrade the potable and
irrigation water system at the park. With these upgrades, par to plan, design, and construct the replacement
of the park's potable and irrigation water infrastructure. Hāpuna is a treasure for our community, island,
and State. Mahalo to the legislature, the Governor, and the Division of State Parks for supporting this project.
The full press release can be found
here.
April 14, 2022
CIP funds released for Puakō sewer system
Today Governor David Ige announced the release of $1.5 million in State Capital Improvement Project (CIP)
funds to support the planning and design of a sewer system in Puakō, Hawaii. This project has been a top
priority of mine for more than 25 years, dating back to my first term as a State Representative in 1994-1998.
My goal in securing these public funds is to protect the Puakō nearshore area's water quality and coral reefs,
both of which are extremely valuable to our community.
The full press release can be found
here.
March 11, 2022
10-million-gallon water reservoir pump storage in Lālāmilo receives CIP funding
Governor David Ige announced the release of $8.75 million in state Capital Improvement Project (CIP)
funds on March 10 to help fund the construction of a 10-million-gallon water reservoir for the Lālāmilo
water system. This project will assist the Department of Water Supply, the County of Hawai'i, and the
State of Hawai'i in achieving their shared goal of a more sustainable and resilient future, thanks to
this significant investment of CIP funds.
The full press release can be found
here.
March 11, 2022
Congratulations to Judge Darien W.L. Ching Nagata
I would like to congratulate Judge Darien W.L. Ching Nagata of the Third Circuit District Family Court for winning the Hawaii Women L
awyers' Outstanding Judicial Achievement Award for 2021. I was grateful for the opportunity to join other legislators and the
Hawaii Women Lawyers for the award ceremony on International Women's Day, March 8.
Click here to see the Hawaii Women Lawyers 2020/2021 Awards recipients.
February 28, 2022
February 2022 Legislative Update
In this newsletter, I discuss priority bills that I have introduced and co-sponsored this session that are being reviewed by the Legislature. I also highlight priority bills that were approved by the Water and Land Committee.
Please
click here to view the newsletter.
January 27, 2022
State CIP Funds Released for Kanu O Ka 'Āina New Century Public Charter School
On Monday, January 24, Governor David Ige released $1.8 million in State Capital Improvement
Project funds to finish a multifunctional building at Kanu o Ka 'Āina New Century Public
Charter School. The 2021 Legislature appropriated these funds to cover design, construction,
and equipment for the facility. The school kitchen will increase the Waimea community’s
resilience by enhancing capacity to provide fresh and nutritious food to students who need
it the most. To read more about this project, please click
here.
January 20, 2022
State investment in firefighting a top priority in 2022 Legislative Session
Courtesy: DLNR, 2021
In recent decades, wildland fires in Hawaii have increased fourfold, posing a major challenge
for fire prevention, suppression, and postfire restoration. This legislative session, the
Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife is requesting $1.1
million in State funds to support its wildfire program, including hiring 19 additional
firefighters, contracting with helicopter operations, and investing in vital equipment upgrades.
Rep. Tarnas discusses this top funding priority in a Civil Beat article here.
July 2021
Legislature makes significant progress to protect natural and cultural resources
A total of
239 bills passed by the 2021 Legislature have now become law, with the Department of
Land and Natural Resources
calling 2021 a "banner year" for new legislation to promote natural and
cultural resource protection. Governor Ige held signing ceremonies to celebrate the enactment of 9
bills as part of a
package focused on marine resource protection (watch) and seven bills as part of
a package to support the State's sustainability (watch). Significant measures included new steps to
allow adaptive management of public trust resources; develop funding sources to enhance resource
enforcement and conservation programs; promote sustainable fisheries; support reforestation and
green jobs; and more. DLNR's press statement and an accompanying video interview with Chair Tarnas
provide more details about how this new legislation will support the State's natural and cultural
resource management goals.
May 4, 2021
Live at the Legislature features Water and Land Committee highlights
I joined 'Olelo Community Media and Representative Bob McDermott for a recap of the 2021 Legislative
Session for the House Committee on Water and Land. Please view the briefing
here.
April 30, 2021
2021 Legislative Session Adjourns Sine Die
The State Legislature has concluded the 2021 session with the successful passage of over 200
measures addressing public health, environmental protection, and a sustainable reopening of the
economy. Please read my update and summary of highlights of the 2021 legislative session
here.
April 12, 2021
HB243 addresses sea level rise
A Honolulu Star Advertiser article examines
HB243, a measure that I introduced this session
that addresses the impact of sea level rise on public infrastructure and requires the Office
of Planning to identify facilities vulnerable to sea level rise, flooding impacts and natural
hazards, assess options to mitigate impacts to these facilities, and submit annual reports
to the Governor, Legislature and the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
Commission.
Legislation addressing this issue is especially timely due to the $2 trillion infrastructure
plan recently introduced by President Biden which could help Hawaii with its coastal
infrastructure problems. Having a State plan that specifically addresses these infrastructure
issues is an important step towards securing federal funding for these areas of concern. To
read the full article and to learn more about this issue,
please click here.
Having passed out of both the House and Senate with amendments, HB243 now goes to Conference Committee, where legislators
from both chambers will need to come to an agreement on a final version for the bill to become law. To learn more about
the bill, check the status of this measure, and read previously submitted testimony, please visit the bill status page
here.
March 22, 2021
Talk Story with House Majority
Last week, I joined House Majority Leader Della Au Belatti, and DLNR Chair Suzanne D. Case for Talk Story with
House Majority, an 'Ōlelo Community Media live broadcast. I shared information about the House Water and Land
Committee's work this legislative session, and we discussed other important issues related to Hawai'i's natural
resources. To watch the full video, please click
here.
March 15, 2021
HB247 addresses agricultural land challenges
A Civil Beat article examines the impact of "fake farms" on Hawaii's agricultural industry and cites HB247,
a measure that I introduced this session, as one initiative addressing the challenges Hawaii's farmers face.
To read the full article and learn more about this issue, please click here.
HB247 adopts the recommendations of the State Office of Planning to address the
construction of housing
developments on lands zoned for agriculture. To learn more about the bill, check the status of this measure,
and read testimony, please visit the bill status page here.
February 23, 2021
The Legislature Passes First Lateral Deadline
February 19, 2021 was the State House's First Lateral deadline. By this date, House Bills need to
have received a hearing and been passed by the second-to-last subject matter committee to which
they were referred.
As Chair of the House Committee on Water and Land, I am responsible for considering legislation on
a range of issues related to Hawai'i's land, water, fisheries, and marine resources. My legislative
priorities for the Water and Land Committee this session include integrating sustainability into
State land use decision making, adapting to climate change, managing sustainable fisheries, and
combatting invasive species.
A total of 160 House bills were referred to the Water and Land Committee this session. We held
hearings for 79 House Bills and passed 64 bills before the First Lateral deadline. Those bills are
now being considered by their final subject matter committee. Bills which are approved by their
final committee and pass Third Reading in the House before March 11 will then cross over for
consideration in the Senate. The House Water and Land Committee will also consider legislation that
has been passed by the Senate and sent to the House.
To view a full list of bills have been passed by the Water and Land Committee this session, click
here.
To learn more about the legislative process and upcoming deadlines, please visit the Public Access Room website
here.
I encourage you to subscribe to my e-newsletter for up-to-date information regarding the session as well as key community events and resources. Please also feel free to reach out to my office with your questions and input.
January 19, 2021
2021 Legislative Session Begins
On January 20, 2021, the Hawai'i State Legislature will convene for the 31st legislative session. This
legislative session, we face new challenges as we address the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic
and consider legislation to best serve Hawaiʻi. As a State Representative and as Chair of the House
Committee on Water and Land, I look forward to working on important issues that affect our state.
Due to COVID-19, the Capitol remains closed to the public. As a result, the Legislature has developed
an improved system to allow testifiers to provide live video testimony remotely, in addition to written
testimony. This change provides more opportunities for you to get involved in the legislative process
without having to travel to the Capitol. For detailed instructions on how to testify remotely, please click
here.
I encourage you to engage in the legislative process this session. For more information on how to create a
personal account, track legislation, access committee hearings online, and more, please visit the Public
Access Room website
here
, email
par@capitol.hawaii.gov, or call (808) 587-0478
As the House District 7 representative, I'm always grateful to hear from district residents and members
of the community. Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or input that you may have.
April 21, 2020
Legislative Office Remains Operational During COVID-19 Crisis
During the legislature's suspension to curb the spread of COVID-19, Rep. Tarnas and his staff
continue to work remotely to serve House District 7 and our community. The best way to reach
us during this time is via email. We are also regularly checking messages left on the office
phone and will return your call.
Please find the latest updates, resources, and information regarding COVID-19 response efforts,
legislative matters, and House District 7 in Rep. Tarnas' regular email newsletter.
You can sign up to receive these updates
here. Mahalo!
March 17, 2020
COVID-19 Update: Legislative Session Suspended Until Further Notice
Beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020, the Legislative Session is suspended until further notice
to protect public health and prevent the spread of COVID-19, in light of recommendations of
the Centers on Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH).
The Legislature plans to take up all currently pending legislation upon resuming at a later date.
Rep. Tarnas' office remains open, and he and his team continue to provide updates and respond to
constituent concerns.
The public is urged to take action to protect yourself and our community from COVID-19. For the
latest official guidance, sign up for daily COVID-19 updates from the Department of Health
here.
Accurate, detailed information can also be found online from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
here.
Mahalo!
February 26, 2020
Rep. Tarnas Shares Legislative Updates at Community Meetings
During the Legislature's mid-session recess, Rep. Tarnas shared legislative
updates at community meetings in Waimea (Feb. 20), North Kohala (Feb. 24),
and Waikoloa (Feb. 25). The handout distributed at the community meetings,
available to download here, highlights a selection of bills moving through
the Legislature (as of February 19, 2020) on which Rep. Tarnas was the first
primary sponsor or a co-sponsor. For more information, please see the
February 2020 Legislative Updates.
February 26, 2020
Greenhouse Construction Bill Passes Third Reading in House
HB 2192 HD1, introduced by Representative David Tarnas (North Kona, South Kohala,
North Kohala), proposes to increase the maximum area, from 20,000 to 60,000 square
feet, for each agricultural shade cloth structure, cold frame or greenhouse that
is qualified for an exemption from building permit and building code requirements.
View full article from Big Island Now
February 26, 2020
Funds Released for Kohala Hospital Upgrade
State Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds totaling $175,000 were released to design a centralized
administrative and business office, and private employee dining area at Kohala Hospital.
View full article from
Big Island Now
February 10, 2020
Representative Tarnas' Remarks in HCR37 Hearing
Rep. Tarnas acknowledged testifiers' frustrations and emphasized the importance of appropriate
processes that are generated from within the Native Hawaiian community.
February 10, 2020
Rep. Tarnas' Decision-making Statement on HCR37
Rep. Tarnas acknowledged diverse views within the Native Hawaiian community and emphasized the State's
responsibility to work with Native Hawaiians to develop a path forward.
January 21, 2020
Supporting ranchers to fight invasive two-lined spittlebug
In a Jan. 14 briefing at the Capitol, Rep. Tarnas listened to legislative priorities from the Hawaii
Cattlemen's Council, including funding and research to address the devastating effects of the two-lined
spittlebug on Hawaii's beef and milk industry. The two-lined spittlebug saps nutrients from pasture
grasses, causing cattle forage to be replaced with other invasive plants. Between 2016 and 2020, the pest has
spread to an estimated 150,000 acres of pasture in West Hawaii.
View full article from Hawaii
News Now
December 2, 2019
Action for coral reefs and climate
Coral bleaching continues across the Hawaiian Islands this fall. Here are some steps we are
taking to combat coral reef loss and climate change, and what you can do to help.
View full article online
or click here for PDF
April 26, 2019
Legislature approves funding for lifeguards at Kua Bay
Mahalo nui to Rep. Nicole Lowen and others who have supported this bill to increase public safety
at Kua Bay.
View full article
February 6, 2019
HB297, Relating to Mosquito Vector Control, passes the Legislature
Rep. Tarnas' bill directs the Department of Agriculture to review using Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes
with Wolbachia bacteria for landscape-scale mosquito control.
View full article
June 26, 2019
West Hawaii Regional Fishery Management Area: Two decades of community-based fishery management
In 1998, Rep. Tarnas authored Act 306, which established the West Hawai'i Regional Fishery Management
Area for the purpose of effectively managing fishery activities to ensure sustainability, enhance
nearshore resources, and minimize conflicts of use. This report provides insights into the status of
West Hawaii's marine ecosystems, two decades after this legislation was enacted.
View full article
February 19, 2021 was the State House's First Lateral deadline. By this date, House Bills need to
have received a hearing and been passed by the second-to-last subject matter committee to which
they were referred.
On January 20, 2021, the Hawai'i State Legislature will convene for the 31st legislative session. This
legislative session, we face new challenges as we address the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic
and consider legislation to best serve Hawaiʻi. As a State Representative and as Chair of the House
Committee on Water and Land, I look forward to working on important issues that affect our state.
During the legislature's suspension to curb the spread of COVID-19, Rep. Tarnas and his staff
continue to work remotely to serve House District 7 and our community. The best way to reach
us during this time is via email. We are also regularly checking messages left on the office
phone and will return your call.
During the Legislature's mid-session recess, Rep. Tarnas shared legislative
updates at community meetings in Waimea (Feb. 20), North Kohala (Feb. 24),
and Waikoloa (Feb. 25). The handout distributed at the community meetings,
available to download here, highlights a selection of bills moving through
the Legislature (as of February 19, 2020) on which Rep. Tarnas was the first
primary sponsor or a co-sponsor. For more information, please see the
February 2020 Legislative Updates.
HB 2192 HD1, introduced by Representative David Tarnas (North Kona, South Kohala,
North Kohala), proposes to increase the maximum area, from 20,000 to 60,000 square
feet, for each agricultural shade cloth structure, cold frame or greenhouse that
is qualified for an exemption from building permit and building code requirements.
View full article from Big Island Now
In a Jan. 14 briefing at the Capitol, Rep. Tarnas listened to legislative priorities from the Hawaii
Cattlemen's Council, including funding and research to address the devastating effects of the two-lined
spittlebug on Hawaii's beef and milk industry. The two-lined spittlebug saps nutrients from pasture
grasses, causing cattle forage to be replaced with other invasive plants. Between 2016 and 2020, the pest has
spread to an estimated 150,000 acres of pasture in West Hawaii.
View full article from Hawaii
News Now
Coral bleaching continues across the Hawaiian Islands this fall. Here are some steps we are
taking to combat coral reef loss and climate change, and what you can do to help.
Mahalo nui to Rep. Nicole Lowen and others who have supported this bill to increase public safety
at Kua Bay.
Rep. Tarnas' bill directs the Department of Agriculture to review using Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes
with Wolbachia bacteria for landscape-scale mosquito control.
In 1998, Rep. Tarnas authored Act 306, which established the West Hawai'i Regional Fishery Management
Area for the purpose of effectively managing fishery activities to ensure sustainability, enhance
nearshore resources, and minimize conflicts of use. This report provides insights into the status of
West Hawaii's marine ecosystems, two decades after this legislation was enacted.