WASHINGTON — The proposed federal Water Resources Development Act of 2024 is headed for a final vote in the U.S. House of Representatives with some key Hawaii projects secured by Reps. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda, both D-Hawaii, included in its numerous provisions.

The biennial bill, which cleared the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on a 61-2 vote last month, authorizes projects to improve the country’s ports and harbors, inland waterways, flood and storm protection and other water resource infrastructure.

Projects are performed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal organizations and non-government organizations.

“As Hawaii has seen in increasing frequency, extreme weather events are leaving a trail of destruction and loss behind,” Tokuda said. “From hurricanes to flooding to wildfires, we need to do all we can to protect our local communities from the impacts of sea level rise and natural disasters. I am proud this bill includes projects in four counties to help protect our communities from future disastrous events.”

“In addition, Hawai’s harbors serve as a critical lifeline for residents and businesses,” she continued. “This year’s WRDA includes efforts to maintain the infrastructures that keep products flowing in and out of our state and keep Hawaii moving forward.”

Some of the Hawaii initiatives included in the 2024 WRDA include:

Increased funding for the Maui Environmental Infrastructure authorization: Both Case and Tokuda requested that funding be increased to $50 million from $20 million to assist with wildfire recovery.

Lahaina watershed study: Case and Tokuda also advocated for a study of the Lahaina Watershed that would include the coral reef habitat north of Lahaina. The study would examine the overall impacts of the wildfire with the goal of better protecting the community from flooding and preventing environmental damage from runoff. 

Ala Wai Canal flood risk management project: Case is seeking to expedite the 25-year-old project, which focuses on protecting the homes, businesses and communities of Makiki, Manoa, Palolo and Waikiki.

“We all are facing the real-life evidence every day of the effects of climate change including disastrous flooding, and we must continue our efforts to prevent a catastrophic storm that would impact the watershed and the adjacent canal,” Case said. 

Honolulu Harbor expansion and upgrade: Case proposes to update a previous authorization for a study on expanding and upgrading Honolulu Harbor to reflect “expanded complexity, scope and funding needs, including elements of coastal storm risk management.”

“As the main port of the State of Hawaii, Honolulu Harbor receives and distributes all overseas cargo shipments constituting over 80% of all imports into the state, supports fishing operations and cruise ships and handles federal maritime activity including the U.S. Coast Guard’s 14th District,” said Case, who previously secured $1.5 million in funding for the project via his work on the House Appropriations Committee.

Joining USACE studies of the Pacific Region: Under this provision, Hawaii would be allowed to partner with the Army Corps of Engineers on studies involving cultural resources preservation and environmental restoration. The agency already works with Guam, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas on similar studies of coastal storm risk management and flood risk.

Expanding eligibility for federal assistance for coastal communities dependent on key ports: This amendment would allow for expanded eligibility for coastal communities whose longevity is tied to harbor access. It allows for greater consideration of cultural, social and ecosystem benefits to the local communities in cost-benefit analyses.

Further Hawaii-related provisions include an assessment of the Waialua Watershed to inform efforts to prevent future flooding and climate change impacts; modifications to repair Laupahoehoe Harbor to allow for the repair of the harbor’s breakwater structure; a comprehensive new start Feasibility Study to evaluate sources of flooding and propose solutions to reduce flood damages in the Hanapepe River watershed.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.

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Albert Andrade Mattos

Albert Andrade Mattos, 86, of Hilo died June 23 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Born in Hilo, he was a retired county Public Works supervisor and U.S. Navy veteran. Visitation 9-11 a.m. Thursday (July 11) at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Prayer service at 11 a.m. Burial to follow at East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2. Casual attire; no flowers. Survived by sons, Ernest “Ernie” (Leinani Raymond) Mattos and Ryan (Roxy) Mattos of Hilo; daughters, Andrea (Craig) Yugawa of Mountain View and Audra (Russell) Paiva of Hilo; hanai daughter, Shan Benson of Los Angeles; brother, Alexander “Alec” (Elizabeth) Mattos of Hilo; sister, Agnes Harris of California; nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Alvin G. Borges

Alvin G. Borges, 89, of Hilo died May 19 at a care home. Born in Honolulu, he was a businessman owning a gas station, bar and restaurant, founded Commercial Shelving Inc., a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and recreational golfer. Visitation 10-11 a.m. Friday (June 12) at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Kailua, Oahu. Mass at 11 a.m. Survived by sons, Alvin Borges Jr. and Alan (Lisa) Borges of Honolulu; daughters, Donna (Russell) Montibon of Hilo, Debra Borges of Honokaa and Michelle (Alfred Jr.) Souza of Honolulu; 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.

Kelly Kalei Loo Sr.

Kelly Kalei Loo Sr., 91, of Waipio Valley died June 2 at home. Born in Waipio Valley, he worked for Hawaiian Irrigation Co., a subsidiary of Hamakua Sugar Co., and was presented an award for dedicated services, was also recognized for special service rendered to the National Weather Service by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, worked as a Waipio Valley Shuttle driver and taro farmer, member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Honokaa Ward and U.S. Army National Guard and Reserve veteran. Visitation 9-11 a.m. Saturday, July 13, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Honokaa Ward. Funeral service at 11 a.m. Casual attire. Burial to follow at Kukuihaele County Cemetery. Survived by spouse, Norma P. Loo of Waipio Valley; children, Annazette P. (John) Reed of Waipio Valley and Prantiss N. (John) Bannister of Waimea; son-in-law, Burt Kaha of Paauilo; brother, Ainslie (Anita) Loo of Kukuihaele; sisters, Violet Loo of Honokaa and Barbara Wright of Hilo; brothers in-law, Jerry Alip of Utah and Henry Leong; sisters-in-law, Adele Loo, Abby Loo and Elaine Loo of Waimea, Geraldine Loo of Honokaa, Phoebe Loo and Eva Loo of Utah; 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Edward Wroblewski Jr.

Edward Wroblewski Jr., 80, of Hilo died June 8 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Pahala, he was a retired state Highways Division supervisor. Private services held. Survived by children, Cully Wroblewski and Lori (Steven) Kiyonaga of Hilo, Melonee (Richard) Young of Oklahoma, Rhema (Nien) Tran of Keaau; brother, Joel (Loretta) Wroblewski of Hilo; sister, Tricia (Rikey) Tobosa of Pepeekeo; sisters-in-law, Shirley Wroblewski of Kailua-Kona and Phina Wroblewski of Pahala; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; nephews, nieces and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Patrick Kahiliopua
Bush Jr.

Patrick Kahiliopua Bush Jr., 88, of Kailua-Kona formerly of Honolulu, died June 22 at Hospice of Kona’s Nakamaru Hale in Holualoa. Born in Kai Malino, South Kona, he was a retired resident manager of The Continental Apartments in Honolulu, former construction laborer and U.S. Army veteran. Private service to be held. Survived by son, Patrick (Cora) Bush III of Kailua-Kona; daughters, Lala (Sam) Lee and Nalani Bush of Kailua-Kona; seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandsons. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary and Cremation Services of West Hawaii.

Masakatsu “Masa” Tsukahara

Masakatsu “Masa” Tsukahara, 95, of Captain Cook died April 26. He was a retired electrician for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 1186 and member of Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Private services held. No koden (monetary gifts). Survived by wife, Chikae Tsukahara; children, Curt Tsukahara and Annette “Anne” (Stephen) Ho; two grandchildren and a great-grandson. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Paul David Chang

Paul David Chang, 69, of Kailua-Kona died June 16 at home. Born in Hilo, he was a land manager for Puuwaawaa Ranch. Services at a later date. Survived by wife, Patricia Warhola of Kailua-Kona; daughter, Grace Chang of Kailua-Kona; son, Glen (Shaniah) Chang of Germany; brother, Lawrence (Paulette) Chang of Waikoloa; a granddaughter; a nephew; cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Hawaii soon will no longer be the only state without a fire marshal, thanks to legislation that was signed into law Friday.

But it may take up to a year to set up an Office of the State Fire Marshal and hire for the position, Hawaii County Fire Department Chief Kazuo Todd said at a press conference in Honolulu at the State Capitol.

That’s in part because the county fire departments are preparing for the peak of Hawaii’s fire season next month.

Todd, one of many people involved with the crafting of Senate Bill 2085, called the fire marshal position “crucial.”

“This has been something that we’ve been lacking for almost four decades now,” he said. “This position will make a difference in our local situation by allowing us to have someone at the state level focused in on these problems that are currently plaguing our state.”

The bill signing in the governor’s fifth floor ceremonial room was one of two press conferences Friday that saw nearly 20 bills enacted. On Wednesday Gov. Josh Green approved 12 bills regarding agriculture, biosecurity and land management.

This week’s flurry comes ahead of Wednesday’s deadline for the governor to sign, veto or let bills from the 2024 Legislature become law without his signature.

The fire marshal bill along with several related measures were very much top of mind as the state nears the one-year anniversary of the Aug. 8 wildfires that killed at least 102 people on Maui. Green noted that, at one point, the state had more than 3,000 households living in area hotels due to the loss of homes.

“This morning it was four households and 13 people,” he said. “So that’s 99.99%.”

Green also said that, of the 4,000 properties and other structures that were destroyed, 88% of the debris has now been removed from residential lots.

The fire marshal bill was one of four fire-related fire bills. A second gives law enforcement and fire officials more authority to inspect premises to ensure compliance with the state’s Fireworks Control Law.

A third bill establishes a language access coordinator so that emergency management officials can help people whose first language is not English.

And a fourth fire bill creates the offense of charitable fraud during a state of emergency to crack down on deceptive acts or practices. Civil Beat reported on possible fraudulent fundraising efforts after the fires.

The governor said that anyone found violating the new law would be penalized harshly.

Sen. Angus McKelvey, who represents Lahaina, championed the bill.

“I can’t reiterate what the governor said enough — that if you come into Hawaii with fraud as an intention, you will pay the price,” McKelvey said. “We’ve seen so many families who have suffered so much absolute hell. And when people give money, they’re relying on the fact that the money they give is going to be in the hands of the very victims, not elsewhere. It’s not going to enrich those for other purposes.”

McKelvey, who lost his home in the fire, said charitable fraud ends up diminishing the fundraising work of reputable groups because it makes some donors think their contributions would be wasted.

Public Safety

At a second bill-signing event, Green approved two measures relating to traffic and public safety.

House Bill 2526 increases to a class C felony a third or subsequent offense involving unauthorized driving or operation of motor vehicles. The vehicle used in the offense could also be subject to forfeiture. 

HB 2526 was inspired by the 2023 traffic death of a McKinley High School student. But last month the governor said he might veto it because it could increase caseloads for prosecutors, law enforcement, the Judiciary, the Hawaii Public Defender’s Office and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation without providing additional funding for enforcement.

Green said he changed his mind after speaking with the author of the bill, House Speaker Scott Saiki.

Saiki said at the press conference that some 9,000 people a year are believed to drive in Hawaii without licenses.

“Sadly, there are just too many people in Hawaii who die or are seriously injured while they are a passenger in a vehicle, on a sidewalk, or even in a crosswalk,” said Saiki, who represents the district where the fatality occurred. “This year, the Legislature made it a priority to work on pedestrian and traffic safety. We know that something has to change in Hawaii.“

Green also signed Senate Bill 2347, which establishes the offense of habitual violent crime. It was opposed by the Public Defender’s Office, the Community Alliance on Prisons and the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii, which generally argued the bill was unnecessary.

Not so, said Sen. Sharon Moriwaki.

She said that many of her Waikiki constituents have complained about multiple assaults in her district.

Kauhale Updates

The Friday flow of press conferences began with Green and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi holding a media briefing on an emergency shelter and housing facility on Kapiolani Boulevard.

Waikiki Vista, a former educational facility, was purchased by the City and County of Honolulu two years ago for $37.5 million. Blangiardi said it was the largest acquisition in the history of the city.

But the mayor said his administration recognized the property’s potential to develop both emergency and workforce housing.

In addition to being home to the Royal Hawaiian Band, Waikiki Vista has provided emergency shelter and transitional housing to 21 families including 37 adults and 41 children.

Housing Solutions is the property manager for the building, and manages five floors of affordable housing studio units. And Catholic Charities Hawaii administers a program known as Hale Imi Ola, meaning “to seek life,” in offices on four floors.

Full occupancy is expected by the end of the summer.

State and city officials said more help for the homeless is coming later this year, including a new facility on North King Street to provide medical triage services and a kauhale village of tiny homes.