[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6621521,"mediaKeyId","2801804-b27826665c1490666f0121861521e046","parentId",2801804,"title","Proposal for annual ‘Climate Week’ in Hawaii public schools draws partisan floor debate","audioSeconds",180,"startMs",4603000,"endMs",4783000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2801804-b27826665c1490666f0121861521e046&start=4603&end=4783","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2801804-b27826665c1490666f0121861521e046/thumbnail_4603000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6621521/Hawaii/Proposal-for-annual-Climate-Week-in-Hawaii-public-schools-draws-partisan-floor-debate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6621521-f585cf39a6e16d8ee1a8784641ab2e24/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174862&Signature=S2iCQMmvExX52-oCO0SJbzs~cE2sEPAWOCu9LsoD6LhSJFE5Y9PXs~1jjZZ2p4xp~h0CQWhRvmETOQptxh62sf8xWHdJTYGJD89bg17azdUfPgHZ0Dit1SXuxae-g8Cw4nJk1o~4k1U3SftRZZzTDGFtE3xBUBceByQeoDwDke9hTVIvD6Ydnh14PBlIJXZrsByqM32yPQLZWfBkH~~q~t9TIp43Bc2S0B82WGFnSZ7xf9szzUH~yt5fi-Ur2ML-xK7aasSkZIlxUOqen6Qh24MLJKxs08iigfM-wtf5JI-1P~dtslernR2UwQUdRjFA47gkbygc2rKLtV7TN4LbyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hawaii Legislature","date","2025-03-27T23:24:08.107Z","article","A resolution urging the Department of Education to establish an annual “Climate Week” in public schools prompted back‑and‑forth remarks on March 27 about curriculum priorities and the role of schools in addressing real‑world problems.

One representative opposing the measure argued the Department of Education should “focus on reading, writing, and arithmetic, not climate change,” and said the state should address longstanding issues such as low test scores and staffing shortages before adding whole‑week observances to the school calendar.

Representative Kerri Coppella spoke in strong support, noting the resolution “was drafted, in conjunction and mainly came from students,” and she said student involvement motivated the proposal: “my, Keiki caucus intern who is very passionate about supporting our environment and making sure that her and her peers are also working towards climate awareness in school and just in life because they are inheriting this planet.” Representative Peruso likewise argued that real‑world problems like climate change engage students and can reinforce learning in reading, writing and arithmetic.

A former Department of Education science teacher who spoke in support said that teaching climate science and real‑world problems can improve student engagement and learning outcomes. Opponents countered that schools are already underresourced and should prioritize improving basic skills and test performance.

The committee report containing the resolution was adopted as part of a block of standing committee reports; members’ positions (support, opposition, reservations) were recorded for the journal and some representatives requested their floor remarks be entered in writing.

Why it matters: The resolution touches on curriculum priorities and how educators engage students on environmental issues. Supporters argue climate education is part of authentic, problem‑based learning; opponents said resource constraints and basic‑skills gaps merit focus first.

Next steps: The resolution will continue through the committee and calendaring process for any statutory or policy action by the Department of Education.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Chamber - Thu Mar 27, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 40","oneSentenceSummary","The House debated a resolution urging an annual climate‑change awareness week in public schools, with supporters saying such programming engages students in real‑world learning and opponents urging a focus on core academic skills.","taxTitle","House of Representatives, Legislative , Hawaii","taxId",25702,"location","Hawaii","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6621527,"House floor splits over federal Medicaid cuts resolution as members dispute scale and likelihood of cuts",231,3586000,3817000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2801804-b27826665c1490666f0121861521e046&start=3586&end=3817","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2801804-b27826665c1490666f0121861521e046/thumbnail_3586000.jpg","/articles/6621527/Hawaii/House-floor-splits-over-federal-Medicaid-cuts-resolution-as-members-dispute-scale-and-likelihood-of-cuts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6621527-3cac84baf7189d4c95efb96614d32687/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174862&Signature=Lm-wB~L1zMsuit9t6fmyCW09BrZTcvFBu6gkCkG3~-KvrXRrJ~EsdRI88HA8zt9ek0GsRADMVoWZ0bbZxyRmaY71-sY4TW4U69Kb2Uj0opr~NFYq6p7YF1Fdl7EFL0~lOB6glMYM4m6SkvnoRiwL7UTDX2qJAdDGiEZbka~LEVqaHfpwd0blxMaGE35gXKu9mv8K3l1AVFMsOeqVBAHq4vYruDiufNDva30VdliZ6IP2ueWiZaXL~DzzKPrb4wOIU~m61j89IqqVAamlIN8xO9WwEeHw0v8CC70GdD0HXAuDPP2e2uypTFJ4chKMNrh1floxAm5VEBBZn6NhJtZuQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hawaii House debated a resolution on March 27 addressing potential federal reductions to Medicaid and other safety‑net programs. The measure’s discussion drew robust floor comments on both sides about whether cuts are imminent and how the state should respond.

Representative Matt Shimizu said he opposed a declaration that federal action represented a “public health emergency,” arguing the statement overstated the situation: “to say that this is a dire threat to public health and declare it as a public health emergency, I feel that that's going a little beyond what, is the situation,” he said on the floor.

Representative Garcia expressed opposition to framing the issue around media narratives and presidential statements, asserting that “the president has said publicly and openly, time and time again during the campaign and since he was sworn in, that services which go directly to people, Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE, Social Security will not be touched. Period.” Garcia called the social‑media and news accounts predicting cuts “inaccurate.”

Representative Patrick Bellotti (floor comments entered as strong support) said the resolution should not rely solely on presidential statements but should instead respond to federal budget blueprints and congressional proposals that could lead to cuts. Bellotti argued the chamber should “stand up and also register and tell our governor to start planning because the federal cuts that are coming will likely come in September and we need to be ready as a state.”

Representative Souza reiterated that funding losses had already occurred for some programs, saying “federal funding cuts have already been happening,” and cited impacts to organizations such as the East‑West Center and certain native Hawaiian nonprofits. That statement drew a point of order from another member who questioned whether the remarks were germane to Medicaid specifically.

Representative Shimizu said his opposition was rooted in concern about proposed cuts to Medicaid and said, “what I oppose is the belief that there will be cuts to Medicaid, which I believe at this time it is untouchable.” He also said that, as a member of the minority caucus, he would “strongly voice my opposition to any administration that would be considering cuts to Medicaid benefits.”

Members repeatedly raised points of order during the exchange and the debate included partisan pushback about the motives for the resolution and the facts underpinning claims of federal action. The chair allowed comments, recorded members’ positions (support, opposition, reservations), and then moved on as the block of standing committee reports advanced by voice vote.

Why it matters: Medicaid funds a large share of health services for low‑income residents. Debate on whether federal actions will reduce Medicaid funding affects state planning, potential budget tradeoffs, and local health‑care delivery.

Next steps: The committee report that included the resolution was adopted as part of a block of standing committee reports; members’ comments and reservations were entered for the record. Additional legislative or administrative steps would be required for any concrete state‑level response to federal funding changes.","A resolution warning about potential federal cuts to Medicaid prompted heated debate. Supporters urged preparation for projected federal reductions; opponents said claims of imminent cuts are inaccurate and criticized media-driven fear.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6621531,"House members debate ‘sanctuary pilot’ proposal for homelessness; concerns raised about scope and faith-based contracting",295,3258000,3553000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2801804-b27826665c1490666f0121861521e046&start=3258&end=3553","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2801804-b27826665c1490666f0121861521e046/thumbnail_3258000.jpg","/articles/6621531/Hawaii/House-members-debate-sanctuary-pilot-proposal-for-homelessness-concerns-raised-about-scope-and-faith-based-contracting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6621531-1b40d895f41e369030258249eabd2d9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174862&Signature=kb4uAFJVz~YQjlNQu4s4pCaLCiMCb6wuSBQTi19DZLhDgGmZkhwazboRonDS5IT3XcwbMMn-Gv056FznjVhe-ZAYrxMwIKkYYaKyRTixgFZGNGcYNqv31CqyU~R1LNHfYdNdESAK0F2YVbggtCsCrpgy~RZSrZ3KYSZU7XYef8JBpv7~50uTKKC5vLPE5RAGKdy8OSvlcEHvn66Lal6LVKGXrsaccYp5iQqiab3OX2EyX2SxWoZ9j3~~i6LuS08CLOyMYiYOTg2yrnefV4OjTf~mbdL9~DI9QwZx0DoP~BehzksR5H~pwg4bKApfDCT6gZxPlYmPLQfMPEK8p~UsoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Hawaii House of Representatives debated a resolution on March 27 that would direct the governor’s coordinator on homelessness to help establish a “sanctuary pilot” — a semi-permanent location to provide shelter and services to people experiencing homelessness. The measure, discussed during the floor’s standing committee report segment, prompted questions about whether it duplicates existing programs and whether it could raise constitutional concerns.

Representative Keli Souza rose in question to the resolution, saying “on the first page it talks about, sanctuary locations. So it's unclear whether this resolution is meant to create locations or just 1 location,” and she said the resolution asks the governor’s coordinator on homelessness to designate a specific location on state or county land and “contract with qualified churches as one of the entities,” which she said raised issues with the establishment clause.

Representative Matt Shimizu spoke in strong support and described the proposal as “just an idea and, a vision of ... helping our homeless population and providing a place where they would be cared for and attended to, instead of them having to find places that they think are safe.” Shimizu said the resolution would create a tool and an option and emphasized it was intended as a two‑year pilot to test whether a more permanent sanctuary site could work.

Representative Garcia urged the chamber not to dismiss faith‑based organizations from the list of potential partners, noting that “the state of Hawaii has for decades worked with nonprofit organizations, and they receive both federal and state grants to address homelessness. Many churches do, and I think we should continue working with our nonprofit entities, which includes faith based organizations.”

Shimizu said the sanctuary pilot is “not” the same as the HONO model (a mobile, temporary model that moves from place to place). He described the proposal as “a 2 year pilot program, something that ... is really an experiment to see, is this something that will work?” and said he had discussed potential improvements with law‑enforcement and HONO‑project personnel to learn lessons from prior efforts.

Opponents and those urging caution asked for clarity about whether the resolution duplicates existing efforts such as the HONO project and sought more specifics about site selection, contracting authority, and potential constitutional limits on working with churches. Several members asked for the measure’s language to be clarified in committee; on the floor the chair recorded the committee report and registered members’ comments and reservations.

Why it matters: The measure would direct state coordination on homelessness toward a pilot that could create a semi‑permanent shelter model on public land and explicitly contemplates partnerships with faith‑based groups. That raises practical questions about where sites would be located, how contracts would be structured, and how the state would avoid establishment‑clause challenges while working with nonprofits and churches.

Next steps: The committee report was adopted as presented during the block of standing committee actions; members’ reservations and floor comments were entered for the record and the measure will continue through the committee and calendaring process for any further refinement.","Legislators debated a resolution proposing a two-year sanctuary pilot program for people experiencing homelessness that could use state or county land and contract with churches and nonprofits. Supporters described it as a distinct, semi-permanent pilot; opponents warned about establishment-clause issues and premature site valuation.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6621535,"House adopts broad slate of committee reports, advances several Senate bills to third reading",2357,2942000,5299000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2801804-b27826665c1490666f0121861521e046&start=2942&end=5299","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2801804-b27826665c1490666f0121861521e046/thumbnail_2942000.jpg","/articles/6621535/Hawaii/House-adopts-broad-slate-of-committee-reports-advances-several-Senate-bills-to-third-reading","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6621535-208196e6658f55b88cd590ae6540a84b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174862&Signature=FLr7fy6g2Vj7~xH1LEovXjrz5uR976lGyI0V5i4jvt-OiTOxlTwquBb4IY3eCh5gvA2nhVW3dN4P4gspwcItmS9C8hy1234QuFV0-PmdJsPGcP~jYCySLhm8fDeiDom-wYX5bOKVczcSITicHzCJBaeb-5ueRsVmNOiHyCk5-SkExBLo~9-kMwbKwpVfsMuswmmFCUeeLsSfCI1syae-eIp3xGwdVTX4uDm3ucs8aQGDysdC3AF7Mc0durAujsPrXCprIfVaU-8SJMOyWbv9sN5XTon7k8bxWPjTGC5975fie4a5ExFO533HGklqCCENimQtiTuRgsHhWBhRdDk2eQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hawaii House of Representatives on March 27 adopted a large set of standing committee reports by voice vote and advanced several Senate bills to third reading, House leaders said during a day of routine and contested business.

House Majority Leader Representative Justin Todd moved to “adopt standing committee report numbers 1564 through 1628,” and Representative Lauren Morikawa seconded the motion; the clerk recorded the motion and the chair announced the reports were adopted by voice vote. Representative Todd later moved to adopt additional blocks of committee reports—including numbers 1629 through 1654 and 1655 through 1658—and to place accompanying Senate bills on the calendar for third reading; each motion was seconded and carried by voice vote or consent.

A separate motion to suspend the rules so the House could consider specified Senate bills for third reading by consent was moved by Representative Morikawa and seconded by Representative Garcia; the motion carried by voice vote. Later, Representative Todd moved to adopt standing committee report numbers 1659 through 1661 and to pass the accompanying Senate bills on third reading; Representative Morikawa seconded the motion and the chair announced the bills passed third reading.

Not all measures were uncontroversial. Several committee reports prompted members to register reservations, opposition, or ask for comments before the voice votes. For example, Representative Shimizu voiced reservations about bills that she said would establish monetary values for past actions and about items she argued were better left to counties. Representative Garcia and other minority members sometimes recorded formal opposition or listed members who voted no on particular measures when the House moved to recorded statements on the floor.

Where a roll-call style accounting was given, the House reported the following on-the-record: on motions to consider measures before the chamber, “all majority members vote aye,” and Minority Leader Representative Garcia announced that minority members largely voted aye with named exceptions on specific items (she listed representatives who voted no on certain measures). In most other cases the chair announced the motion carried following the chamber’s voice vote.

The House took the following procedural steps during the session:

- Adopted numerous standing committee reports (blocks cited on the floor, including 1564–1628; 1629–1654; 1655–1658; 1659–1661). Motions were made and seconded on the floor; outcomes were announced as carried by voice vote or consent.
- Suspended the rules to consider certain Senate bills for third reading by consent after a successful motion to suspend.
- Passed specific Senate bills on third reading under the consent calendar after the House adopted the related committee reports.

The chamber recessed periodically during the session and concluded by adopting final blocks of committee reports. The House adjourned, setting its next meeting for 12:00 noon the following day.

Votes at a glance (procedural actions announced on the floor):
- Motion to adopt standing committee report numbers 1564–1628: moved by Representative Justin Todd; seconded by Representative Lauren Morikawa; outcome: adopted (voice vote).
- Motion to adopt standing committee report numbers 1629–1654: moved by Representative Justin Todd; seconded by Representative Lauren Morikawa; outcome: adopted (voice vote).
- Motion to adopt standing committee report numbers 1655–1658 and place companion Senate bills on the calendar for third reading: moved by Representative Justin Todd; seconded by Representative Morikawa; outcome: adopted (voice vote).
- Motion to suspend the rules to consider certain Senate bills for third reading by consent: moved by Representative Morikawa; seconded by Representative Garcia; outcome: adopted (voice vote).
- Motion to adopt standing committee report numbers 1659–1661 and pass the accompanying Senate bills on third reading: moved by Representative Justin Todd; seconded by Representative Morikawa; outcome: adopted (chair announced bills passed third reading).

Why it matters: Adopting committee reports and moving bills to third reading are routine but decisive steps in the legislative process; they determine which measures move closer to final passage. Although most actions were handled by voice vote, several items drew substantive floor comments and recorded reservations from members, signaling continued debate in committee or on future floor calendars.

The chair closed the session after announcing the motions were carried and set the next legislative session for noon the following day.","The Hawaii House of Representatives approved multiple standing committee reports by voice vote on March 27, advancing companion measures and placing some Senate bills on the calendar for third reading. Members debated a handful of resolutions during the roll call-and-report session but most measures were adopted without roll-call tallies.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6621516,"Native Hawaiian initiatives draw floor support and opposition after gaming language appears in committee report",64,4279000,4343000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2801804-b27826665c1490666f0121861521e046&start=4279&end=4343","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2801804-b27826665c1490666f0121861521e046/thumbnail_4279000.jpg","/articles/6621516/Hawaii/Native-Hawaiian-initiatives-draw-floor-support-and-opposition-after-gaming-language-appears-in-committee-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6621516-5fdd964ea07f99aba828d677536fcd05/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174862&Signature=AKonkCV-Hp9D-2a-cDRlqaBeOrPWxLOKBPZ8Y4YQNaeFjmqMEqWYyEZk1W9EuT0QnOX5~HTedCTlMN5VZnxJ4Sj-OW9WX0CDzPfVsHuBW0jw9RyZLY~UZ6EH9u7c~iW31ibwfh4trcxvRa~zvXlIfuo0LAYgK6jqwYk6aseZm4oBRUuTTffVC~tJ4MkYtXnbCwGhbtS0H5nzQ8IzZA0pnboGKM2UeRnigejlp1MFip0Bol3RwiLfaKx20pIohccwEymj0VWbpSnIsZVO~VHNZ0EcaSMIvGcmVAKh24dbTFxk3DBtLcrFU1JrH2Z~GZhtF0Zq3BNM21mlAUkMUK4EWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A floor discussion on March 27 touched on legislation seeking to support Native Hawaiian programs; the committee report drew support for study and concern from members who objected to language referencing gaming.

Representative Marisa Shimizu said she supported studying ways to improve outcomes for Native Hawaiians but that she was “totally against gaming” and “believe that that should be taken out of the resolution.” She added that while she supported investigating options to help the community, she opposed the inclusion of gaming as a possible mechanism.

Other members voiced support for studying ways to “improve the quality of life” for Native Hawaiians and requested clarifications and reservations to be entered in the journal. Representative Perrick and Representative Matayoshi requested their reservations and comments be included. The chair recorded the committee report, noted members’ remarks, and adopted the report as part of the block of standing committee reports.

Why it matters: The discussion highlights tension between exploring revenue or programmatic options for Native Hawaiian initiatives and whether certain funding mechanisms, such as gaming, are appropriate to include in legislative proposals.

Next steps: The committee report was adopted as part of a block; members’ statements and reservations were entered for the record. The inclusion of gaming language was specifically questioned and may be subject to amendment in subsequent committee consideration.","A resolution to support programs for Native Hawaiians prompted both support for study and opposition to language referencing gaming; several members said they supported improving quality of life while rejecting gambling as a funding or program option.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Proposal for annual ‘Climate Week’ in Hawaii public schools draws partisan floor debate

House floor splits over federal Medicaid cuts resolution as members dispute scale and likelihood of cuts

House members debate ‘sanctuary pilot’ proposal for homelessness; concerns raised about scope and faith-based contracting

House adopts broad slate of committee reports, advances several Senate bills to third reading

Native Hawaiian initiatives draw floor support and opposition after gaming language appears in committee report