Senator Lorraine D. Inouye
Senate District 4 – Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona
Senate Committees: Water & Land (Chair); Transportation (Vice Chair); Ways & Means
PRIORITIES
- Wastewater treatment in Kona. She is working with Hawai’i County Mayor Mitch Roth. She recommended looking at a public-private partnership (“P3”) to develop the plant. Under P3’s, a not-to-exceed cost can be established to prevent cost overruns. Because a P3 was not established with the Honolulu rail, despite her advice, we [Hawaii residents] are all paying for Honolulu’s rail with TAT (transient accommodation tax) dollars.
- Transportation – freight charges. Senator Inouye is concerned about the steep increase (46%) in rates charged by Young Brothers, especially for Big Island shipments. After 2-1/2 years of study, a Transportation Working Group has prepared a report on rates set by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), which can change rates any time without limitation.
- Cattle industry and industrial lands in East Hawaii. After becoming Chair of the Senate Water and Land Committee when Senator Kai Kahele was appointed to the U.S. Congress, Senator Inouye has been working with various state agencies such as Parks, Small Boat & Harbors, Bureau of Conveyances, and DLNR, and with Rep. Tarnas, addressing land leases to the cattle industry and industrial lands in east Hawaii. The cattle industry should be part of food sustainability. Under the Department of Agriculture, cattle ranchers would qualify for loans and other programs that are not available under DLNR. The Big Island has the most cattle in the state.
January 4, 2022 @ 11 AM via ZOOM