HONOLULU (KHON2) — With the opening day for the 2025 legislative session just around the corner, the Hawaii Senate Majority released the top priorities they hope to focus on this year.
For 2025, state officials hope to focus on education and workforce development, housing and homelessness, general governance and constitutional rights, environmental sustainability and infrastructure and agricultural innovation and infrastructure.
“Our unwavering focus is on delivering impactful policies that uplift our communities, fortify our economy, and protect Hawaiʻi’s rich agricultural innovations and unparalleled natural resources,” said Senate Majority Leader Dru Mamo Kanuha (District 3 – Kona, Kaʻū and Volcano).
Officials emphasized they are committed to shaping a brighter future for every Hawaii resident through the following topics.
Education & Workforce Development
The Senate will touch on topics to improve public school infrastructure, integrate advanced technology among campuses, support career and technical education and create a curriculum that aligns with workforce needs.
Officials will also consider proposals to address the state’s critical job vacancies for educators and staff, hoping to improve retention.
Long-time challenges for the University of Hawaii such as student housing shortages, revenue-generating programs and athletics department improvements will also be discussed.
Housing, Homelessness & Stabilizing Hawaiʻi’s Property Insurance Market
An emphasis will be placed on advancing affordable housing initiatives, such as kupuna housing, and addressing community concerns relating to housing development projects.
Homeless efforts such as increasing support for mental health services, expanding access to detox programs and securing funding for the “Return-to-Home” program will be the main focus.
“A key focus of the Senate in 2025 is stabilizing Hawaiʻi’s property insurance market by providing homeowners with better access to hurricane and property insurance.”
General Governance & Constitutional Rights
The Senate will revisit laws to strengthen the election process, address business losses due to theft and reform state programs to protect Hawaii’s ecosystems and agricultural industries from invasive species and pests.
Legislators also hope to address improving disaster preparedness, especially for wildfires and enhance planning efforts for vulnerable areas.
Reproductive rights and legal immigration rights for all Hawaii residents remain a Senate commitment.
Environmental Sustainability & Infrastructure
The state will evaluate measures to combat the issue of illegal fireworks, focusing on enhancing enforcement and strategies to prevent them from entering public hands.
Officials hope to continue prioritizing the use of recycled water and improvements in water infrastructure.
Agricultural Innovation & other Revenue Streams
State leaders said they will stay committed to finding alternative revenue streams to focus on agricultural innovation and the sustainability of essential state services.
Protections against theft and trespassing on agricultural lands, increasing local food security and boosting local products in local markets will also be considered.
“Furthermore, the Senate supports the responsible legalization of recreational marijuana, with a focus on addressing any impacts on Hawaiʻi’s communities.”
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“Guided by these discussions, we are committed to addressing the critical challenges facing our state,” said Senate Majority Leader Kanuha.
During the 2024 legislative session, 260 bills were brought to Governor Green’s desk with 97% of them being signed into law.