Ke Ala Hou, A New Path Forward May 2024 Governor’s Message

In April, my administration continued to make strides toward expanding health care, providing housing for our Maui 'ohana, and protecting our environment. We celebrated the groundbreaking for the expansion of the Hilo Benioff Medical Center, blessed new modular housing units at Ka La'i Ola, for our Maui wildfire survivors, and announced the appoint­­ment of Charles "Chip" Fletcher, Ph.D., as Special Advisor for Climate and Resilience and David Karl, Ph.D., as Chair of the Governor's Advisory Committee on Marine Affairs.

Our state departments have been making significant efforts to protect our indigenous species, shift to sustainable energy sources, and maintain our 'aina. The stories shared in this newsletter provide just a glimpse of the state departments' efforts to establish a more eco-friendly Hawai'i.

As we dive into the bill-signing season, the state remains committed to Maui's recovery, increasing access to affordable housing, providing assistance to those experiencing home­lessness, improving healthcare services, and addressing the urgent need to combat climate change. These are com­plex challenges that require our utmost attention and cooperation, and I am dedicated to doing everything in my power to ensure that the people of Hawai'i can continue to live and stay in Hawai'i.

Mahalo,