Hawaiʻi is buzzing with momentum right now. Three major film productions are currently shooting across our islands, creating local jobs and showcasing Hawaiʻi’s beauty to the world while strengthening our creative economy.
At the same time, our communities are showing strong support for compassionate solutions to homelessness — with 9 out of 10 residents statewide supporting kauhale housing, helping people transition from the streets into stable communities of care.
And we’re continuing the fight to end meth addiction in Hawaiʻi. Help is available, and if you or someone you love needs support, resources are on screen. Recovery is possible, and no one has to face it alone.
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Today I ordered the United States flag and the Hawaiʻi state flag to be flown at half-staff at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, all state offices and agencies, and all Hawaiʻi National Guard facilities in honor of former U.S. Representative and Hawaiʻi Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, who passed away on March 5, 2026. Flags will remain at half-staff immediately through sunrise on Monday, March 9, 2026.
Colleen was a proud daughter of Waiʻanae who dedicated her life to serving the people of Hawaiʻi. She broke barriers as the first woman to serve as President of the Hawaiʻi State Senate and represented our state in the United States Congress, always advocating fiercely for her community and working families across our islands.
Her leadership, strength and unwavering commitment to Hawaiʻi leave a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. Jaime and I extend our deepest aloha and sympathy to the Hanabusa ʻohana and all who loved her.
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Maui is rebuilding — and Mayor Richard Bissen is making sure that recovery leads to a stronger, more resilient future for local families.
It was great to be on Maui last night for his State of the County Address, where he laid out real progress and a clear path forward for housing and wildfire recovery.
Under Mayor Bissen’s leadership, Maui County has accelerated housing production dramatically — increasing affordable and workforce housing delivery by 190%, with nearly 3,000 homes projected by 2030.
That kind of momentum matters as Maui continues the long road of recovery after the Maui wildfires. The county is pairing housing construction with major investments in infrastructure — water systems, wastewater, roads and utilities — so communities can rebuild in a way that is safer, more resilient and built to last.
I’m grateful for Mayor Bissen’s partnership and leadership during one of the most challenging chapters in Maui’s history. The state will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the county as we rebuild, expand housing and ensure Maui families have the opportunity to stay, work and thrive in the place they call home.
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Lights, cameras and plenty of action across Hawaiʻi right now!
It was great catching up with Jason Momoa yesterday on the Oʻahu set of Protecting Jared. Right now, our state is hosting three major productions — Protecting Jared, Netflix’s Untamed, and Jumanji 3 — bringing global attention and real economic opportunity to our islands.
These productions create hundreds of jobs for local crew, actors and vendors, while supporting small businesses across our communities — from catering and transportation to equipment, hotels and construction. The film industry is a key part of Hawaiʻi’s creative economy, allowing talented local storytellers and technicians to build careers here at home while sharing the beauty and stories of Hawaiʻi with audiences around the world.
I’m proud to support an industry that keeps our creatives working and continues to showcase Hawaiʻi on screens across the globe.
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