HONOLULU – On Monday, January 27, 2025, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memo requiring all federal agencies to review their financial assistance programs to see how they might be affected by President Trump’s orders. According to the memo, federal agencies must temporarily stop all activities related to giving out federal funds, including but not limited to assistance for foreign aid, nonprofits, diversity programs, gender policies, and environmental initiatives tied to the Green New Deal. The memo also directs a pause on the distribution of federal funds starting at 5:00 p.m. on January 28, 2025.
The Hawai‘i State Legislature’s leadership issued the following statements responding to the president’s recent order that jeopardizes vital federal financial assistance programs across the nation:
“This latest directive from the federal level comes at a time when many communities are already facing hardships, and it threatens to disrupt the distribution of critical resources to individuals, businesses, and organizations that rely on federal financial assistance,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (Senate District 8 – Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau). “These programs – spanning healthcare, education, infrastructure, housing, and more – are lifelines for our Hawai‘i residents as well as millions of Americans, and the temporary suspension of these funds will only exacerbate challenges that are already straining our communities.”
"We are closely monitoring the situation by the hour and appreciate Governor Josh Green, M.D., and Attorney General Anne Lopez's immediate action to challenge the federal administration’s decision. This freeze is deeply concerning as it could jeopardize critical services that Hawai‘i’s communities depend on, including education, healthcare, social services, wildfire recovery, and essential federally funded programs. Furthermore, it undermines the progress we have made in ensuring representation and support for our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. The Hawai‘i House of Representatives stands committed to working with our federal counterparts to evaluate the full impacts and ensure continued support for the people of Hawai‘i," said Speaker of the House Nadine Nakamura (House District 15 – Hā‘ena, Wainiha, Hanalei, Princeville, Kīlauea, Anahola, Keālia, Kapa‘a, portion of Wailua, Kawaihau).
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