Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The Hawaiʻi State Legislature is set to convene on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, and the House Majority Caucus has outlined its top priorities for the upcoming session.
“As we begin the 33rd Legislature, our focus remains on tackling the cost of living and improving the quality of life for Hawaiʻi’s residents. Local families deserve to not only live in Hawaiʻi but thrive here. To achieve this, we are focusing on critical areas such as housing, homelessness, infrastructure, economic development, public safety, agriculture, and biosecurity,” said House Majority Leader Sean Quinlan (D-47, Waialua, Hale‘iwa, Kawailoa Beach, Waimea, Sunset Beach, Waiale‘e, Kawela Bay, Kahuku, Lā‘ie, Hau‘ula, Punalu‘u, Kahana)
The House Majority Caucus, comprised of 42 House Democrats, has identified the following areas as their legislative priorities for 2025:
Housing
The House Majority is committed to increasing affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income families, including building more workforce housing. We will revisit residential development requirements and continue oversight of the $600 million allocated through Act 279 to deliver housing for native Hawaiians on the waitlist. Our goal is to ensure these funds are maximized to benefit as many native Hawaiian families as possible.
Homelessness
The House Majority recognizes the urgent need to expand access to mental health services, enhance crisis response efforts, and provide housing solutions for our most vulnerable populations. We will continue to bolster investments in kauhale and supportive housing. By focusing on mental health care and streamlining treatment pathways, we aim to give individuals and families the support they need to be sheltered and rebuild their lives.
Infrastructure
Aging and neglected infrastructure impacts both our environment and daily lives. We need proactive solutions to address deferred maintenance and explore how the state can better assist residents with necessary upgrades. Investing in infrastructure improvements is essential to protecting our ‘āina and supporting Hawaiʻi’s future.
Economic Development
Creating quality job opportunities in Hawaiʻi is imperative to retain local talent in Hawaiʻi and ensure economic opportunities for future generations. Expanding training and internship programs will prepare students for public and private sector career paths. Additionally, we are examining strategies to recruit and retain public workers in the State of Hawaiʻi as we face workforce retirements and prepare for upcoming vacancies. Ensuring that working families have access to affordable childcare is a critical component of this effort, as it directly impacts the cost of living and the ability of parents to join and remain in the workforce.
Public Safety
When we build safer communities, our local families can thrive. The House Majority aims to explore a holistic approach to public safety, balancing investments in law enforcement with efforts to rehabilitate and support individuals. Public safety is a collective effort, requiring strong collaboration between public safety officers, community organizations, and residents to create safer and resilient communities.
Agriculture/Biosecurity
The House has made significant investments in biosecurity to protect our land and natural resources, emphasizing the urgency of safeguarding our environment against invasive pests that endanger Hawaiʻi's native species, communities, and economy. Now more than ever, proactive measures are essential to strengthen the defense of our lands and shores, preserve our natural habitat, and ensure the well-being of our state.
For more information on the House Majority, visit www.hawaiihousedemocrats.com
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Cathy S . Lee
Director of Communications
Hawaiʻi House of Representatives
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