Policy and Legislation

Safe & Peaceful Neighborhoods

We deserve neighborhoods that are rid of violence, drugs, theft, and excessive noise.  Pedestrians should be able to walk along sidewalks, through parks, and cross streets without fear.  Our public spaces should be free of obstructions, hazards, and waste.  In addition to shepherding legislation to address these matters, Senator Moriwaki works with the community, law enforcement, state and city agencies, and non-profits to attack crime & public nuisance and promote traffic & pedestrian safety.

CRIME PREVENTION

• Introduced legislation to geographically restrict repeat offenders from commercial areas, backed prosecutor’s “Safe and Sound” to focus on Waikiki and enforce restrictions
• Hosted crime-prevention community meetings, continues to join citizen patrols in Ala Moana, Kakaako, and Waikiki, helped to establish a Business Security Watch in McCully
• Increased funding for enforcement at Ala Wai and other small boat harbors
• Worked with residents, businesses, law enforcement, and landowners to find permanent solutions to clear illegal encampments across the district on our sidewalks and parks
• Voted against “get out of jail free” bill (HB1567 [2022]) which passed the legislature but was vetoed by Governor Ige.  The bill would have allowed for the release of dangerous offenders while taking away judicial discretion.
• Helped to pass a bill (HB2171/Act 278 [2022]) establishing a Statewide Department of Law Enforcement

NOISE POLLUTION

• Introduced SB2382/Act 89 (2022) prohibiting the issuance of cabaret liquor licenses to premises in the Waikiki apartment district mauka of Kuhio Ave.  These establishments with often noisy patrons stay open until 4am.
• Introduced SB2125/Act 45 (2022) increasing the maximum fine for violation of liquor control laws from $2,000 to $5,000.  Misbehaving establishments are known to violate allowable noise level rules and other liquor related regulations.
• We continue to work to pass legislation such as SB2124 (2022) which would allow police to enforce noise violations using decibel meters, and SB2126 (2022) which would increase fines for the installation of noisy mufflers
• Senator Moriwaki is also urging the City Council to pass Bill 23 (2022) which bans trash pickup before 6 AM and Bill 43 (2021) which bans amplified sound in Waikiki.

TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

• Responding to pedestrian safety needs – when Kakaako residents asked for a crosswalk at Kolowalu Park, your district legislative team delivered.
• SB2163 / Act 48 (2022) makes 1st degree vehicular negligent homicide a Class A Felony if the defendant has prior DUI convictions
• HB1692 / Act 83 (2022) increases fines for using a phone while driving
• SB2118 / Act 85 (2022) requires moped drivers to be in immediate possession of a license at all times

Affordable Housing and Homelessness

We can’t continue to see current and future generations leaving Hawaii for good because the cost of living is too high.  Residential development should focus on truly affordable housing for residents not “luxury blight” for investors.  Lack of affordable housing and cost of living add to our difficulties with homelessness.  Homeless individuals who need drug and mental health treatment should have free and easy access to services and be put on a path to income, shelter, and affordable housing.  Our criminal justice system should flag cases of homeless individuals and divert them to needed services rather than putting them through a revolving door.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

As a member of the housing committee, Senator Moriwaki worked with Chair Stanley Chang, and House Chair and Vice-Chair Nadine Nakamura and Troy Hashimoto on measures to fund and promote affordable housing. In 2022, the legislature appropriated $1 billion for housing measures including:

• $500-per-month housing subsidy for low-income families
• $300 million for the Rental Housing Revolving fund for low income renters
• $600 million for housing for Native Hawaiians
• Increased support the utilization of Housing Choice Vouchers
• $15 million for the Ohana Zones program to house the homeless
• “Yes In My Backyard” bill created a statewide working group on affordable housing
• $5 million for rehabilitation of public housing units
• Allow the State to more efficiently allocate private activity bonds for housing-relating projects

HOMELESSNESS

Because homelessness is a major concern for all of us, last summer Senator Moriwaki invited state, city and non-profit leaders and experts to ask why we could not end homelessness. The group –pictured left— spent many hours identifying gaps and solutions AND worked together to take action, making possible the major legislation and funding recently enacted and the City programs committed to ending homelessness. Major homelessness related legislation adopted this session includes:

• Act 252 established permanent and independent State Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions
• Act 117 established a program for inmate re-entry so they don’t find their way to homeless camps
• Act 235 funded Ohana Zones for temporary and permanent shelters and wrap-around services
• Act 237 increased housing subsidies for low-income households to increase access to affordable housing and to prevent homelessness
• Act 287 offers landlord incentives so they rent to tenants receiving housing assistance under Section 8
• Act 236 funded $300 million for infrastructure development to build more rental housing
• Act 130 established “Safe Spaces for Youth” program for homeless youth
• Funded homeless triage center to provide one-stop center for homeless services and housing
• Earmarked $1 billion for low income and Hawaiian Homes housing

Preserving Our Shorelines and Open Spaces

Senate District 12 contains the highest density coastal communities in the state.  That is why the effects of climate change and resulting sea-level rise are a priority for Senator Moriwaki.  We must plan now for future resiliency against the rising tides of sea-level rise and keep in mind the importance of preserving beaches, parks, open spaces and our natural environment when considering new development.

SEA LEVEL RISE RESILIENCY

• Convened a group to work on the sea level rise resiliency plan for Waikiki which included residents, the Waikiki Improvement Assn., the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and the University of Hawaii.
• Funded $400,000 to develop a sea level rise resiliency plan for Waikiki
• Authorized funds for the Waikiki Special Improvement district to be used for environmental improvements and community benefits not only economic development (HB1672 / Act 208 [2022])
• Funded $1.85 million for Waikiki Beach improvements

OPEN SPACES

• Voted against bill to allow 400’ residential towers on Makai land; legislation blocked for two consecutive years, with Attorney General opinion advising bill is unconstitutional “special legislation”
• Introduced resolution calling for alternatives to dense, residential high-rises on Makai land
• Continuing to work with the Hawaii Community Development Authority to urge landowners to work with the community

Caring for Our Keiki and Kupuna

Senator Moriwaki supports funding and policy for our youth to thrive from early learning through college and into careers.  Education and job preparation should allow our future generations to make a living in Hawaii or abroad.  Neither should there be barriers to allow our Kupuna to age in place at home or to have quality care in our facilities.

EDUCATION

• Advocated for tens of millions in capital improvement funds for public school improvements across the district
• Backed digital literacy legislation which established the Digital Learning Center and digital literacy program within HIDOE (Act 233 & Act 232)
• Supported adding $130 million to adjust HIDOE teacher pay schedules so veteran educators can get the pay that matches their years of service.
• Act 257 added $200 million for expanding access to pre-k to through construction of new school facilities and improvement of existing infrastructure
• Workforce development – Act 145 established a Commercial Enterprises Revolving Fund, Act 149 allows HIDOE to use revenue generated from commercial enterprises, Act 143 established a career development success program which allows high schoolers to engage in industry-credential programs, and Act 261 established a workforce readiness program to provide opportunities for students to earn associate degrees, workforce development diplomas, pre-apprenticeship certificates, and other industry-recognized certificates

AGING IN PLACE & LONG-TERM CARE

• As co-convener of the Kupuna Caucus, Senator Moriwaki supported measures that safeguard our seniors who are living in care homes by expanding the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
• Prioritized aging in place by appropriating over $10 million to the Kupuna Care and Caregivers programs to help those in need and those who care for them.
• Included $1.5 million in the current budget for Aging and Disability Resources Centers that provides programs and services to Kupuna.
• Other successes for the Kupuna Caucus include extending the renewal period from two years to four years for drivers licensees who are 72 years of age or older but younger than 80 and establish a statewide retirement savings program for small, private employers.

Efficient and Effective Government

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Government Operations, Senator Moriwaki focused her purview on government efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness examining how government projects can be completed expeditiously and in a manner open to public scrutiny.  When the pandemic shuttered Hawaii and the world in 2020, Senator Moriwaki was appointed to a Special Committee on COVID which brought to the forefront policies, issues and challenges in the government’s response to the crisis.

REFORM

• Act 165 requires ethics training for all government officials
• Act 283 prohibits fundraisers during the legislative session
• Act 181 increases penalties for false campaign finance information
• Funded white collar crime/anti-corruption unit in the office of the attorney general.

EFFICIENCY & TRANSPARENCY

• During the 2021 interim, Senator Moriwaki chaired the Special Committee on State of Hawaii Procurement which came up with several proposals to streamline government purchasing of goods and services and expedite construction processes.  Several measures were adopted during the 2022 legislative session including Acts 173, 174, 175, 176, 180, & 282.
• Act 179 established the Technology Services Consolidation Working Group to develop a five-year plan for the phased consolidation of state executive branch information technology services and staff.
• Act 167 established the position of the State Chief Data Officer and a data task force to develop, implement, and manage statewide data policies, procedures, and standards and to facilitate data sharing across state agencies
• Act 178 allows the efficient transfer of state records for electronic storage and archive