As the 2025 Hawai‘i State Legislature begins its session this week, lawmakers from the Big Island are setting forth their priorities, with a focus on a range of local and statewide issues. From revitalizing public spaces to addressing agriculture-related concerns, representatives aim to address the diverse needs of their constituents.
Sen. Dru Kanuha, representing Kona, Kaʻū, and Volcano and serving as Senate Majority Leader, emphasized the importance of advancing policies that support the community. “This session is a call to action,” Kanuha said. “Our unwavering focus is on delivering impactful policies that uplift our communities, fortify our economy, and protect Hawai‘i’s rich agricultural innovations and unparalleled natural resources.”
Sen. Lorraine Inouye, a member of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, highlighted her continued efforts to improve Wailoa Small Boat Harbor in Hilo, noting that over $3 million had been allocated for dredging in the past year. Inouye also plans to focus on issues such as the foundation for Building C at Waiakea Intermediate School and revitalizing Banyan Drive, an iconic street in Hilo that has seen signs of neglect in recent years.
Sen. Tim Richards, who represents North Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikōloa, and North Kona, is focusing on agricultural issues, specifically addressing crimes such as theft within the agriculture sector. Richards aims to propose increased penalties for such crimes and advocate for the establishment of an agriculture enforcement committee. He is also working on a proposed “stand your ground” bill, which would provide farmers with legal protections against trespassers and thieves.
In light of the deadly fireworks incident on O‘ahu in early January, Rep. David Tarnas, representing areas from Hāwī to Waikoloa, is focusing on illegal fireworks enforcement. Tarnas intends to advocate for more resources for the Illegal Fireworks Task Force and push for stricter penalties for individuals involved in illegal fireworks activities. He is also looking to address public financing of elections and work on criminal justice reform, including pre-trial detention policies and record expungement.
Rep. Sue Keohokapu-Lee Loy, a newer member of the Hawai‘i Island delegation, plans to continue the work of her predecessor, Richard Onishi, by supporting the revitalization of Banyan Drive and promoting STEM education programs for youth. She is also concerned with ensuring responsible management of the state’s finances. “The state budget is billions,” Keohokapu-Lee Loy said, stressing the need for lawmakers to fund positions that lead to concrete outcomes.
Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa, who chairs the Agriculture and Food Systems Committee, is focused on addressing food insecurity and biosecurity. Kahaloa aims to support initiatives that encourage local food production and help reduce food insecurity, particularly on the Big Island, where 40% of households are reported to be food insecure. She is also advocating for the state to purchase more locally grown food for public institutions like schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities.
Lastly, Rep. Greggor Ilagan is working on transportation and infrastructure issues in the Puna district, including addressing traffic congestion and advocating for the restoration of Pōhoiki Boat Ramp, which was destroyed during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. Ilagan is also focused on ensuring that residents in lava zones have access to home insurance.
As the 2025 legislative session unfolds, these lawmakers continue to focus on initiatives they believe will benefit their districts and address key challenges faced by Hawai‘i’s communities.
