Capitol News & Highlights with Representative Mahina Poepoe
Essential Rural Medical Air Transportation Takes Flight
Last year, I introduced a bill to create the Essential Rural Medical Air Transportation Pilot Project (ERMAT) to provide dependable air transportation to residents of Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i to access non-emergency medical care off-island and to bring providers in to provide on-island care. The bill died in the Senate; however, I was able to successfully advocate for funding in the State budget so the program could still move forward.
After extensive meetings with stakeholders, including a town hall on Lāna‘i, the State Department of Health issued a joint award worth $545,600 to Pūlama Ka Heke (based on Moloka‘i) and Lāna‘i Kinaole who will partner to administer the program on Lāna‘i. I am confident this initiative will directly improve access to healthcare for Lānaʻi residents and grateful that community-rooted organizations have stepped up to lead the way. Getting this done was a rollercoaster — But we did it!
Critical Upgrade for Lāna‘i High & Elementary
A significant safety improvement is on the way for Lāna‘i High and Elementary School, as $2.5 million in state funding has been released to install a new fire alarm system on campus. The new system will replace the school’s outdated system with a modern, reliable solution that will better protect students, staff, and visitors in the event of an emergency. These funds were appropriated by the state legislature and released by the Governor.
State Budget Supports Lāna‘i Programs and Infrastructure
This year’s state budget includes several major investments for Lāna‘i, which are now awaiting the Governor’s approval. These include:
Lānaʻi Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA) will receive a $25,000 Grant-in-Aid to continue offering performing arts classes, music production, and youth camps, helping to ensure our youth have access to creative outlets and opportunities.
Kaumalapau Harbor will receive nearly $2 million for capital improvement program projects that aim to provide safer and more efficient use of existing and additional operational areas throughout the harbor. This project is considered necessary to qualify for federal aid financing and/or reimbursement.
Lānaʻi Community Hospital will benefit from a portion of a $6 million appropriation to repair, renovate, and modernize health facilities across Maui County. This funding supports better care, more reliable services, and long-term improvements for healthcare in our rural communities.
Lānaʻi Airport will receive over $4.5 million in operating funds to ensure continued service and infrastructure upkeep.
House of Representatives Honors Vice-Principal Pimentel at the State Capitol
During Education Week at the Capitol, I had the privilege of recognizing Ms. Jennifer Hera Pimentel, Assistant Principal at Lānaʻi High & Elementary School, who was named Hawaiʻi's 2024 National Outstanding Assistant Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). This prestigious award honors her exceptional leadership, dedication, and heartfelt commitment to her students and community. Congratulations and mahalo nui to Ms. Pimentel for her outstanding service to the youth and families of Lāna‘i!
Looking Ahead
Over the next several months, I will be visiting communities across District 13 and am looking forward to meeting with residents to hear firsthand about the issues that matter most to your ‘ohana and discussing solutions that support the well-being and resilience of our rural communities. I encourage you to reach out anytime to share your thoughts via phone, email, Zoom, or to arrange an in-person meeting the next time I am on Lāna‘i. You can contact me by phone at (808) 586-6790 or by email at reppoepoe@capitol.hawaii.gov. Me ke aloha, Mahina.