Jose Alberto Clemente

The meeting began with the reading of the mission statement, followed by introductions of the commissioners and executive support staff. A significant portion of the agenda focused on a legislative update, specifically concerning bills related to marijuana and gambling from the 2025 legislative session. A special guest, former representative Marcus Oshiro, discussed the dangers of expanding recreational marijuana use, equating it to 'big tobacco,' and expressed opposition to gambling expansion, citing social costs and the continued existence of black markets. Discussions also touched upon the misconception that medical marijuana is entirely harmless and the associated increase in youth usage. The issue of gambling addiction being equated to the opioid epidemic was raised, and attendees were encouraged to participate in upcoming task force discussions regarding gaming slated for December 2025.

The meeting commenced with the reading of the mission statement, followed by introductions from Commissioners Alan Suneo, Alan Cardenas Jr., Anthony Mendez, Jeff Esmond, and John Strimel, detailing their motivations for service, which included addressing fatherlessness, advocating for protective parents in family courts, supporting special needs children, and supporting veteran fathers. Non-voting members, including representatives from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health, also introduced themselves and their commitment to supporting fathers and families. The commission then heard testimony from guest speakers, Kathy, the interim executive director of Protective Makua, and Sophia, a survivor mom client. Their presentation focused on addressing the alleged constitutional custody crisis within the family court system, highlighting concerns about gender bias, the unjust stripping of custodial rights without due process, and the exclusion of evidence related to domestic abuse, which they claim leads to forced reunification between children and abusers. A suggestion was made to amend the agenda to prioritize guest speakers due to a Commissioner's early departure.

The meeting began with introductions of Commissioners, Ex Officios, and guests, where Commissioners shared their perspectives on the significance of their roles. Key discussion points involved Commissioner Cardinas highlighting the link between fatherlessness and increased homicides in his community, and Commissioner Austin discussing research into how different commissions operate across states and the importance of providing clear information to fathers and families. Updates were provided by Ex Officios regarding departmental activities, including progress on filling a newly approved Secretary position within Human Services, and continued emphasis on influenza and COVID-19 immunizations from Health Services. The agenda also covered commissioner updates, including a discussion led by Commissioner Matos on appropriate ways Commissioners represent the commission both formally and informally.

This report from the Business Revitalization Task Force details the challenges faced by Hawaii's business climate, citing high costs and burdensome regulations. It proposes a framework to enhance the state's economic competitiveness, culminating in the Hawaii Business Competitiveness Bill. This initiative commits the State of Hawaii to achieving a top-ten national business climate ranking by 2045, supported by a working group that will annually develop targeted policies across areas such as regulation, workforce development, business costs, access to capital, and innovation.

This report assesses the economic performance of Hawai'i's Targeted and Emerging Industries Portfolio, covering sectors such as Technology, Creative, Agribusiness, Health and Wellness, and Education. Utilizing a Dynamic Deterministic Shift-Share (DDSS) model, it analyzes changes in employment, productivity, and earnings per job over the long-term period of 2014-2024 and the post-pandemic recovery period of 2021-2024. The report highlights progress in economic diversification, innovation, and long-term resilience, while also identifying structural challenges and areas of competitive strengthening across various industry groups and counties within Hawai'i.