KAUAI — The Senate Ways and Means, or WAM, Committee visited Kauai on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of its biennial Neighbor Island Tour. The tour aims to highlight the ongoing developments of each island and gather information on community concerns, as well as how government and non-government organizations plan to address them.
While here, the group met with various government agencies and community leaders to discuss and receive updates on the development of Hawaii’s latest food and product innovations, healthcare systems, education and workforce development pathways, biosecurity efforts, and language access.
A complete 20-page summary of the group’s destinations and findings can be accessed through the website https://bit.ly/47wCzaU.
“Our site visits to Kauai provided the Committee with a deeper understanding of the innovations taking place across the state to address some of Hawaii’s most pressing challenges,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (D-17, portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipio Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawa, Whitmore Village).
“From tackling homelessness by creating a continuum of housing to advancing education, workforce readiness, and economic opportunity, we’ve seen firsthand how local partnerships are turning ideas into impact,” Dela Cruz said. “Initiatives like the Food and Product Innovation Network demonstrate how investments in education and entrepreneurship can strengthen Hawaii’s economy and support homegrown industries. At the same time, the cultural preservation efforts at Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha underscore the importance of protecting the voices and values that make our communities unique. These insights will be critical as we continue to shape policies and allocate resources that build a more resilient and equitable future for all of Hawaii.”
The WAM’s visit to Kauai highlighted the vital work and progress being made by various state and public organizations, allowing the Committee the opportunity to see the real-life impacts of the policy decisions they craft and deliver to the public, the 20-page summary said.
“It is always meaningful when the Senate comes to Kauai to see the incredible work our local communities, educators, and organizations are doing every day to tackle statewide challenges,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (D-8, Kauai and Niihau). “From efforts to increase affordable housing and address homelessness, to supporting workforce development and preserving Olelo Niihau, these initiatives reflect the deep commitment of our people to building a stronger Hawaii. I’m grateful to the Senate Ways and Means Committee for taking the time to engage directly with the people and projects that are making a real difference on the ground.”
Source: The Garden Island
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