In preparation for the upcoming session, we have archived 2025 session data. All information related to the 2025 session has been moved to the Archives page. Mahalo for your understanding!

2026 HOUSE AND SENATE SESSION JOB OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE NOW

Act 310, SLH 2025 Nonprofit Grants Program Awards List

Photo of Gregg Takayama

House District 34
Pearl City, Waiau, Pacific Palisades
Room: 404
Phone: 808-586-6340
Fax: 808-586-6341
reptakayama@capitol.hawaii.gov

Since his election to the State House in 2012, Representative Gregg Takayama has been a strong advocate for public safety, kupuna health and correctional reforms.

Gregg represents the Pearl City community, where he has lived for several decades with his wife Linda Chu Takayama and raised their three daughters. He is a proud graduate of Farrington High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a degree in journalism. He is a former award-winning journalist who worked at KHON-TV as a news reporter; served as press secretary to late U.S. Senator Dan Inouye; and communications director for the UH John A. Burns School of Medicine and later for the Manoa Chancellor.

Gregg currently serves as Chair of the House Health Committee and is a member of the House Human Services & Homelessness and Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs Committees.

He authored measures to establish the first-in-the nation Kupuna Caregivers Program to assist family members caring for loved ones; increase gun safety measures; and establish the correctional system oversight commission.

In 2025 Gregg led passage of health laws to improve the prior authorization process; regulate nurse midwives; increase funding for immunization vaccines and viral hepatitis; and improve access to medical cannabis.

Bills authored by Rep. Takayama that became law (2013-present)

Bird nuisances. In his first year, in response to complaints from a Momilani neighborhood, Gregg passed a law to protect neighborhoods from messes created from excessive bird feeding. Act 269, 2013

Dangerous trees: Gregg obtained $1 million for removal of trees on private property that pose dangers to neighbors, starting with a 120-foot albizia tree in Pacific Palisades. Included in 2014 budget

Tanning beds. Makes it unlawful for tanning salon operators to allow use of tanning beds by anyone under age 18 because of their high susceptibility to skin cancer from UV rays. Act 205, 2014

Advance directives: Allows more access for seniors to decide whether they want to prolong their lives through life-sustaining measures, by allowing advanced practice nurses to sign Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms. These forms enable patients to make their wishes known to health providers and loved ones on whether they want their lives extended through artificial means. Act 154, 2014

Facial deformities. To help families of children born with facial deformities, such as cleft lip or cleft palates, this measure requires health insurers to provide coverage for their surgical procedures. Act 213 (Anya’s law), 2015

Small business: Helps small businesses in areas stricken by natural disasters by allotting $328,000 in State funds to be matched by federal funds of $1.15 million, to establish an on-line Business Recovery Center for information on contracts, assistance and loans. Act 210, 2015

Senior services. Appropriates $1.7 million for counties to operate one-stop senior citizens referral services through Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). Also creates position of falls prevention coordinator for the elderly. Act 138, 2016

Firearms safety. Allows police to immediately seize firearms from registered owners certified as seriously mentally ill. Act 110, 2016

Kupuna Caregivers. Established the first-in-the-nation Kupuna Caregivers Program to assist community members in obtaining care for elders while remaining in the workforce and appropriated $600,000. Act 102, 2017

Firearms notification. Requiring police to notify the courts and parole and probation offices if someone under their jurisdiction attempts to obtain a firearms permit. Act 63, 2017

Electronic monitoring. Alleviates prison overcrowding while maintaining public safety by authorizing the Department of Public Safety to use electronic monitoring and surveillance on furloughed inmates. Act 74, 2017

Inmate rehabilitation. Allows the hiring of up to five former inmates as employees in correctional facilities as instructors and mentors in vocational programs, in a three-year pilot project. Act 178, 2018

Alzheimer's Disease plan. Requires the Executive Office on Aging to develop an action plan to update and implement the state plan for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Act 146, 2018

Correctional reform. Established the Correctional Justice Task Force to recommend improvements to Hawaii's incarceration policies, correctional system, and design of future correctional facilities. HCR 85, 2016

Reforms of bail and correctional systems. Establishes the Hawaii correctional system oversight commission, implements pre-trial reforms, and establishes criminal justice data center. Act 179, 2019

Crime victims. Allows payment for mental health services to crime survivors in cases involving a death and for children who witness domestic violence. Act 237, 2019

Kupuna Care funding. Kupuna Care appropriation of $4.1M. Act 123, 2019

Healthy Aging. Appropriated $500,000 for the Healthy Aging partnership program to improve the health and well-being of kupuna. Act 124, 2019

Law enforcement. Allows Harbor Police to use electric guns if they undergo safety appropriate training. Act 187, 2019

State Elderly Board. Changes quorum requirements for the Policy Advisory Board for Elderly Affairs (PABEA). Act 125, 2019

2021

On-line privacy. Protects students and employees from being required to provide access to their personal on-line internet accounts to their employers or schools, in response to incidents in which passwords have been demanded from students and workers. Act 39, 2021

Firearms safety. Expands the current law which requires owners of firearms to keep them safely locked from access to young people under 16 years of age 18 years. This is aimed at increasing gun safety among teenagers between ages 16-18, who have the highest rates of suicides. Act 148, 2021

Employee protection. Prohibits an employer from requiring an employee to download a mobile application to the employee’s cellphone that enables the employee’s location to be tracked or their personal information revealed. Act 206, 2021

Internet access. Adds the Department of Education and University of Hawaii to the State's Information Technology Steering Committee, which is responsible for planning greater public access to the internet for government services, telehealth purposes, and education. Act 186, 2021

2023

Home renovations. Reduces cost of home renovations by eliminating the need for approval by architect or engineer for projects involving single-story homes costing up to $180,000 (up from $40,000); for two-story homes up to $162,000 (from $35,000). HB 217, Act 177, 2023

Blind and visually impaired services. Establishes Neighbor Island pilot program to supplement existing services for blind and visually impaired; appropriates $93,000. HB870, Act 253, 2023

Prescription labels. Requires pharmacies to provide prescription drug label information in special formats for visually impaired persons upon request. HB218, Act 256, 2023

Anger counseling. Requires certain criminal offenders to complete an assessment and either domestic violence intervention or anger management course as part of their sentence. HB 1344, Act 23, 2023
April 22, 2025

5 ways to change a life with a pair of heels: Hawaiʻi wāhine

Photo of YWCA dress for success collection

“Dress for Success has transformed the lives of countless women by helping them to build confidence and prepare for new job opportunities,” said Rep. Takayama.
“Sometimes, all it takes is one outfit to help someone land a job and take that first step toward independence. We are grateful for the generosity and support shown by lawmakers, staff, and the community for this important cause.”
Link to story
April 2, 2025

Bill Promotes Extra Safety for Area Schools

Photo of Representative Gregg Takayama

Ensuring the safety of Pearl City high School students, teachers and staff is a top concern for pricipal Joe Halfmann. When I met with Halfmann before the start of the 2025 legislative session, at the top of his "wish list" was getting help for his security attendant team. Link to article
March 31, 2025

Lawmakers aim to reduce Hawaii's healthcare shortage by paying off worker's student loans

Photo of Representative Gregg Takayama

"$30 million, that is $15 million in each of the next two years, which pays for the loans that people take out when they study to become doctors, nurses, physician assistants, social workers. This pays back the amount of money they took out in loans up to $50,000," said Rep. Gregg Takayama. Link to video
February 20, 2025

Highland Intermediate Students Win 1st Place for Safety Video



For the 2025 HIKI NŌ on PBS Hawaiʻi Winter Challenge, students at Highlands Intermediate School on Oʻahu received first place in the middle school division for this story about the implementation of red light cameras in Honolulu Link to video
April 2, 2024

Bills Support Kūpuna, Caregivers



Healthy Aging Partnership programs started 20 years ago and have won national recognition for reducing health care costs for Hawai‘i’s seniors and improving quality of life for participants. House Bill 1771 would appropriate $600,000 to continue the Healthy Ag- ing initiative and expand it to more communities.
link to article
March 12, 2024

New State Law Could Bring Peace To Graveyard Plagued By Vandals And ‘Spirits’



by Kirstin Downey in Honolulu Civil Beat 3/12/24

Takayama has been pushing for state action to fix the problems at the cemetery for the last several years. Last year he wrote a resolution that was adopted by the Legislature calling for DCCA to develop a long-term plan for the cemetery, in collaboration with the AG’s office, and this legislation is a result of that collaboration, he said.

He said he believes that the legislation will be approved. It has proceeded steadily through the House and Senate with unanimous support.

“I think, for the very first time, I see real prospects for resolving the ongoing problem at the cemetery,” Takayama said. “We are breaking new ground and clearing a path forward.”
link to article
March 5, 2024

The Sunshine Blog: Hello, Legislator Friends. Your Bills May Be Dead But You're Not



“My message today, especially to our freshman members, is to remember that out of the ashes of failure can spring the seeds of success,” he said and went on to list a bunch of hugely successful people who snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
link to article
February 26, 2024

Hawaii's Bold Move: House Bill 2193 Aims to Tighten Fireworks Regulation



In the heart of the Pacific, a legislative wave is stirring, poised to reshape the way Hawaii approaches fireworks regulation. Among the lush landscapes and vibrant cultures, the state's lawmakers are grappling with a bill that could significantly alter the balance between celebration and safety. House Bill 2193, spearheaded by Rep. Gregg Takayama and championed by an array of Big Island lawmakers, is not just another piece of legislation. It's a testament to the collective resolve to address the perennial challenge of illegal fireworks that shadow the islands' festivities. .
link to article
January 5, 2024

Illegal Fireworks Will Be Back On The Legislative Agenda After A Noisy New Year’s Eve



“With the wildfires in Lahaina, obviously, there’s even more public concern, as well there should be,” Takayama said.

A new task force seized hundreds of thousands of pounds of illegal fireworks last year, but the sky still lit up on New Year’s Eve and the fire department reported a drastic increase in fireworks-related fires.

Legislators and law enforcement officials say more needs to be done to crack down on the explosives, which are usually imported from the mainland.

One priority this legislative session will be to examine the work of the Illegal Fireworks Task Force, which was formed last year under the Department of Law Enforcement, and decide whether it should be funded into next fiscal year, said Rep. Gregg Takayama, vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee. link to article
January 5, 2024

New nonprofit Friends of Sunset Memorial Park holds first meeting and sets strategy



Takayama plans to co-introduce a bill this upcoming session to give Friends of Sunset Memorial Park that power, and more. Takayama says, "That would provide legal standing for a nonprofit group to not only access the trust funds, but also maintain the cemetery in a way that provides safety for family members and other visitors to the cemetery."

Link to video
January 3, 2024

State report advises against taking over Sunset Memorial Cemetery



State Representative Gregg Takayama (D34- Pearl City, Waiau, Pacific Palisades) is the one who requested the DCCA report.

"I'm pleased the report suggests a way forward and that's for a nonprofit organization in the community to perhaps be allowed the authority to cite trespassers right now because there is no legal ownership," he explained.

Link to video
December 20, 2023

Town Hall Meeting Discusses Future Of Cemetery



"This community group could play key role in the future management of the cemetery."

The special meeting on Nov.16 sponsored by the Pearl City Neighborhood Board attracted about 80 people, many of whom have family members buried at the cemetery.
link to article
May 4, 2023

2023 Legislative Session Ends



"I am really happy with how productive we have been this session, particularly in areas of clean government. We are going to enact a number of bills that will improve transparency and integrity in government," said Rep. Gregg Takayama.

There are also bills that would streamline the procurement process, even allowing quick fix repair jobs if there are not enough qualified vendors bidding on a government project.

The level of exemption hasn't been adjusted since 1979. So now homeowners can save $3,000-6,000 by not having to get architect to sign off on the project - if renovations are below a certain amount," said Takayama.

link to interview
April 24, 2023

LAWMAKERS SUPPORT YWCA WITH SUCCESSFUL CLOTHING DRIVE



During his tenure as Chair of the House Public Safety Committee, Rep. Takayama had the opportunity to work with YWCA's Fernhurst program, a Correctional Work Furlough and Halfway House program for Women Inmates on Oʻahu. The Makiki facility supports women transitioning from incarceration. Rep. Takayama encouraged lawmakers and staff to support this cause by starting what has become a popular collection event at the Capitol.

Link to story
April 19, 2023



Here's a snapshot of how Pearl City public schools would be affected by the proposed House budget:

Pearl City High School's Michael D. Nakasone Performing Arts Center (formerly known as the Pearl City Cultural Center Auditorium) would receive $4 million to replace its lighting and dimmer system, and other electrical improvements.

Highlands Intermediate School would receive $2.2 million for plans, design and construction of a large, covered bus stop and seating area for students.

Pearl City Elementary School would receive $1.1 million to replace campus water lines.

Manana Elementary School would get $1.1 million for planning and construction of restroom facilities for its portable classrooms.

Pearl City Highlands Elementary School would receive $550,000 for electrical upgrades to accommodate air-conditioning and other equipment.

The budget measure (HB 300) is now being considered in the Senate, where items can be deleted or added before we adjourn in early May.

Link to article
January 10, 2022

Older Americans Month Celebration 2021



Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. The theme for 2021 is "Communities of Strength." This years Outstanding Older Americans awards for Hawai'i go to Yoshiko "Dimples" Kano, Russell Maeda, Dr. Mary Trotto, Bob Carroll, Annie Kuamo'o Ka'aukai, Hugh "Nash" Keel, and Rose Leong. Click HERE for video.
April 5, 2021

Art at the Capitol 2021



The annual Art at the Capitol tour is online. It’s a chance to see Hawai'i's public art collection and get a different perspective on lawmakers. This year, legislators chose one of the pieces in their office from the state collection to talk about on video.

Hawai'i has a law setting aside 1% of new state building construction costs for art. That has allowed the state to acquire some of the finest works of art ever made here, in addition to works by off-island artists. click to play
April 5, 2021

2021 Youth Capitol Commentary



Through 'Ōlelo Community Media's Youth Capitol Commentary, students are given the opportunity to interview lawmakers and community members. These interviews are then aired on 'Ōlelo's cable channels and internet platforms. This year I was interviewed by James Campbell High School student Tiffany Liu. click for video
March 30, 2021



Now that we are more than half way through the session Rep. Gregg Takayama takes a few minutes to review some of the pending legislation. Specifically measures affecting the University of Hawaii, and kupuna care. click for video
February 5, 2021

Talk Story With House Majority - David Lassner & Rep. Gregg Takayama



2021 legislative priorities for the University of Hawai'i System: wins, opportunities, and challenges. click for video
February 5, 2021

Talk Story with House Majority: Rep. Gregg Takayama



House Majority Leader Rep. Della Au Belatti interviews Rep. Gregg Takayama on what's in store for him this session. How can the University of Hawai'i cope with budget shortfalls without compromising the strenght of programs? Is Warrior football moving to Manoa? click for video
February 2, 2021

University of Hawaii stadium on campus will cost $5M



January 28, 2021 HONOLULU (KHON2) — The cost to build a temporary stadium would be $5 million if the University of Hawaii (UH) football team plays its home games at the Manoa campus. Lawmakers would have to approve the funding and some say there are many benefits in the proposal. View full news report
February 27, 2020

The Conversation: Gun Control Bills at the Legislature



by Catherine Cruz

The Honolulu Police Department is advocating for changes to Hawaii's gun laws in light of last month's fatal shooting of two of its officers. Representative Gregg Takayama, chair of the House Public Safety Committee, explains the proposed legislation that will be up for a vote today. Link to page to hear interviews.
February 26, 2020

Police chief makes public plea to lawmakers ahead of votes on tougher gun control measures - Hawaii News Now



By Lynn Kawano

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard publicly pleaded for lawmakers to approve controversial gun control measures ahead of key floor votes in both the House and Senate set for Thursday.

"We're asking them to please, please pass these bills, for law enforcement , for all of our public safety, for the safety of our officers, for the safety of our community,” Ballard said at a press conference Wednesday morning that included Jim Howe, Director of Emergency Services, and Rep. Gregg Takayama. View full news report
February 25, 2020

Youth Capitol Commentary 2020



Student Reporter Cole Yoshimoto of Hawaii Technology Academy was part of the team interviewing legislators for real world journalism experience.
February 21, 2020

Rep Takayama Community Update 2020



Highlights from the 2019 session and January 2020 updates.
February 10, 2020

Our Kupuna, Our Kuleana: Senior Care Crisis in Hawai'i - Hawai'i Business Magazine



Medicaid will cover long-term care but people often have to impoverish themselves to qualify, says state Rep. Gregg Takayama. View full article
April 26, 2019

Taking care of our Kupuna



by Kirstin Downey

The state Department of Public Safety may soon be subject to more effective public scrutiny, improved conditions in the jails for inmates and people suspected of crimes and see much-needed pre- sentencing reforms. View full article
April 16, 2019

Taking care of our Kupuna



HONOLULU (KHON2) - From housing to caregiving, the Kupuna Caucus was formed to advance specific goals for our seniors and to enact legislation to implement those needs. State Representative Gregg Takayama joined us in studio to talk about a couple of bills in legislation to support our seniors. View full article
April 15, 2019

Lawmakers & Staff Donate Clothing for YWCA’s Dress for Success Program -by Big Island Now



“This will be a great help for recently incarcerated women to look their best when applying for and working at a new job,” said Rep. Takayama, chair of the House Public Safety, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. "I want to thank everyone for their compassion and generosity to help these women, especially the members of the Women’s Legislative Caucus." View full article
April 10, 2019

Live at the Legislature 2019 with Rep. Gregg Takayama



Carolyn Tanaka interviews Rep. Takayama about the recent events at Maui Community Correctional Center, prison overcrowding, bail reform, and this year's legislation addressing Public Safety issues. View full article
April 1, 2019

Editorial: Pursue purchase of federal jail - Honolulu Star Advertiser



The state is pursuing plans to build a new jail. A 280-page environmental impact statement recommended building a new facility on the animal quarantine station site in Halawa, and Gov. David Ige wants $5 million to figure out how to finance it. The estimated cost of construction is about $525 million.

Or, as state Rep. Gregg Takayama has proposed, the state could try to buy the FDC. If the federal Bureau of Prisons is amenable, it could be a better solution, and less expensive than the financial and political minefield of a major state construction project.

Takayama introduced House Bill 1177, which would put money on the table to convince the feds that the state is serious about buying the facility. The current administration, he noted, has “not said no.” View full article
March 24, 2019

Volcanic Ash: Hawaii deal for federal jail could be win-win solution



by David Shapiro

We so seldom see fresh ideas from local government that it’s a shame when a good one goes to waste.

Yet that seems the case with Rep. Gregg Takayama’s bill to explore state purchase of the underused Federal Detention Center near the airport to replace the decrepit Oahu Community Correctional Center in Kalihi.

The measure sailed unanimously through the House and had the support of the Ige administration and Oahu Democratic Party but was abruptly killed in Senate committee with little explanation. View full article
March 21, 2019

Prison reform frustrations: Bills to address overcrowding stalls in Senate



Overcrowded jails in Hawaii is a problem that has at least one State lawmaker claims the legislature this session is doing nothing about.
Representative Gregg Takayama fears more riots like last week's case at the Maui Community Correctional Facility will continue to happen if nothing gets done to reduce the state's prison population.
The House passed two bills this session that could've addressed the issue according to Takayama but both were shot down by the Senate this week.

(video no longer available)
March 12, 2019

Hawaii immigrant sanctuary bill dies in state Legislature.




March 12, 2019
Associated Press
A bill that would have made Hawaii the third so-called sanctuary state for immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally has died at the state Legislature.

The state Senate passed the bill and sent it to the House. But Rep. Gregg Takayama, the chairman of the House Public Safety Committee, said Tuesday he won’t be hearing it in his committee. That effectively kills the bill.

Takayama said that because most law enforcement occurs at the county level, he believes it would be more appropriate for the counties and not the state to consider creating sanctuaries. He noted local jurisdictions on the mainland have done so. View full article
View PDF file

March 4, 2019

The Roadblocks Are Rising For Much-Touted Bail Reform: Despite passing the Hawaii House with unanimous support, the bill may face a rockier time in the Senate.




by Kirstin Downey

. . . In an interview, [Rep. Gregg] Takayama said that holding people in jail who are “obviously not dangerous to the community” is costing Hawaii millions of dollars a year, at an average cost of $180 per inmate per night, money that he thinks could be better spent elsewhere.

CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC

Takayama said he isn’t sure what will happen with the legislation but he hopes it will pass.

“I think we have talked about bail reform for far too long to put it on a back burner now,” he said. View full article

March 4, 2019

Here’s What’s Not Passing The Hawaii Legislature This Year




by Kirstin Downey

Only about 10 percent of bills usually pass, however, and that means most measures won’t make it this year — although they do carry over to the 2020 session. It’s even possible some bills may be resurrected before session ends May 2.

For now, here’s a rundown of important legislation that did not make the cut. View full article

February 22, 2019

Hawaii Could Really Use This Federal Prison That Has Plenty Of Empty Cells




State Rep. Gregg Takayama, chairman of the House public safety committee, has a big idea.
He wants the state to buy the underutilized Federal Detention Center in Honolulu, a plan he thinks could save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and provide a quick fix to Hawaii’s overcrowded corrections system.
Hawaii’s eight jails and prisons are jammed to the rafters, forcing the state to ship more than 1,400 people to the mainland to a private for-profit prison. Meanwhile, the Federal Detention Center, a modern high-rise built in 2001 near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, houses only 400 prisoners but has capacity for 1,200, according to Takayama. View full article

February 7, 2019

‘It’s A Crime’: Will Legislature Fix Hawaii’s Broken Bail System?




Many people sit in jail awaiting trial on fairly minor offenses simply because they can’t afford to get out. This may be the year that changes. View full article

February 6, 2019

Addressing Drug Addiction Key In Improving Safety


Nothing prepares you for the shock of returning home to find that your private space has been invaded, plundered and left in disarray. That happened to me and two other nearby Pearl City homes on the same November weekday...
View full article

January 28, 2019

Federal Detention Center eyed to replace Oahu Community Correctional Center

by Kevin Dayton
State Rep. Gregg Takayama hopes to convince the federal government to sell the Federal Detention Center next to the Honolulu airport to the state to use as a replacement for the aging Oahu Community Correctional Center in Kalihi. “It’s in good shape, and it’s in good shape largely because it’s mostly unused,” Takayama said. The website for the facility indicates it is holding about 400 prisoners today, he said, but about 160 of those are Hawaii inmates who are being held in leased beds at FDC because there is no room for them in OCCC. “In view of that, and with Congress passing a federal prison reform act that is expected to reduce the population of their prisons and jails, I think it makes sense for us to put money on the table and offer to buy it,” Takayama said.
View full article

January 24, 2019

Bill Proposes Purchase of Honolulu Federal Jail

“The federal jail is very under-utilized, while OCCC is tremendously overcrowded and in need of replacement,” said Rep. Takayama, chair of the House Public Safety, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.
View full article

February 23, 2018

The Conversation: Options for Addressing School Shootings




February 23, 2018
By Chris Vandercook & Catherine Cruz
After last week’s mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida students, parents, and officials across the nation are all proposing steps to prevent future incidents. What should be done here in Hawaii? Our panel addresses school safety and some of the proposals improving security. Link to panel discussion
January 19, 2018

Hearing on False Missile Alert - Hawaii News Now Jan 19, 2018



January 3, 2018

Kupuna Caregivers Program A Shining Example - Civil Beat

Credit Hawaii leaders for creating social infrastructure for our future. This first-in-the-nation program has captured the attention of national experts and media, with the New York Times, MSNBC and the Washington Examiner running lengthy pieces on the new initiative. The national praise for the program tends to focus on the innovative approach to supporting family caregivers and kupuna, but it is also worth celebrating the strategic coordination from Hawaii’s legislative leaders as a case study in making progressive change.
View full article

December 19, 2017

One of the smartest ideas for balancing work and life just went into effect in Hawaii



Hawaii, the US state with the longest life expectancy, is the first in the US to implement this type of direct subsidy for long-term care. Germany, Austria, Japan, and a handful of other industrialized nations have developed universal insurance programs for their elderly’s long-term care.
View full article

December 5, 2017

Hawaii prepares to deliver New Year's present to caregivers - Washington Examiner

After 21 years of trying to pass long-term care legislation, Hawaii this summer became the first state to pass a bill that gives funding to caregivers who assist family members who have become disabled as they age or have cognitive challenges as their brains succumb to dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
View full article

November 8, 2017

‘Preferred’ Jail Site Currently Houses Animal Quarantine Station - Civil Beat


“The reason that I think it’s important to build a drug rehabilitation facility as part of OCCC is that, in the long term, it will help reduce recidivism rate of our drug offenders,” [Representative] Takayama said. “Right now, they’re not able to access drug treatment programs because of limitations in program space, and this will enable us to move forward in a constructive way.”
View full article




February 24, 2017

Task force and legislators rethink new jail

A 13-member task force led by Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Michael Wilson is recommending that the state hold off on its plans for building a new jail on Oahu until the group can issue a final report at the end of the year that provides a road map for reforming the state’s correctional system. View full article


2017 Youth Capitol Commentary



July 19, 2016

Star Advertiser 2016 Interview


I’ve served my community by getting on my knees to plant grass for a new playground while also fighting for more than $30 million for improvements to Pearl City schools in the past four years. Our district needs someone willing to invest “sweat equity” and be an effective advocate.
View full article

October 17, 2014

Hawai'i Herald : Gregg Takayama

It was a smooth transition from covering politics to becoming a politician for freshman State Representative Gregg Takayama. “Listening and communicating to people is what journalism is all about, and it’s essential for elected officials,” said Representative Takayama, a former award-winning news reporter at KHON-TV and former aide to the late U.S. Senator Dan Inouye.
View full article


March 31, 2014

Takayama: From Observer to Participant

MIDWEEK- Gregg Takayama seems both too old and too traveled to be a freshman legislator. Yet there he was last week, sitting in the State House on opening day, beginning his second session as the representative from Oahu's 34th District (Pearl City, Waimalu, Pacific Palisades).

He is, in fact, 61 years old, and he has indeed been around.

I first met Takayama when he was a young reporter for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, I a newly minted assistant professor at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu.

View full article


April 16, 2013

A New Hat for Gregg Takayama

For virtually every day of his life since graduating from college in 1974, Takayama either covered government as a reporter, or worked as a spokesperson for some of the state's most visible government leaders. Last fall, he decided to pursue a different view of government - from the inside - working on behalf of his neighbors in the newly created state House District 34 (Pearl City, Waimalu and Pacific Palisades) and articulating his own concerns. View full article


February 14, 2013

Older Isle Residents Unprepared for Cost of Long-Term Care

(AARP Hawaii) A new survey exploring the views of older Hawaii residents on long-term care shows that nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of people 50+ are not confident they can afford to pay for one year in a nursing home. Fifty percent of respondents say they are not confident they can afford the cost of care for one year in their home. The survey of 800 residents statewide-more than half of whom reported annual household income of less than $75,000-is the latest evidence that many residents are unsure how they'll pay for their care needs as they get older.
View full article


February 11, 2013

Gregg Takayama: Bird Feeding Bill

(Hawaii News Now) - Representative Gregg Takayama introduced a bill that would allow people to sue each other for injury or property damage from the birds... more specifically the poop. He joined Steve on Sunrise to discuss it in more detail.
Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL


February 11, 2013

Lawmakers amending bill to ban pigeon feeding


A bill to make it illegal to feed feral pigeons is heading through the Hawaii Legislature, although not everyone agrees on the dirty details.

Neighbors living near people who feed pigeons say they are being held hostage by the birds and their droppings. Now a group from Pearl City has teamed up and is trying to help write the law.
View full article


February 11, 2013

Pigeon problem pits neighbor against neighbor in Pearl City


Pigeon poop and feral feathers flying! It's a mess that's pitting neighbor against neighbor in Pearl City.

Residents say two nearby homeowners won't stop feeding, what's become, a daily flock of pigeons. It's a chronic, decade-long problem that they've tried to solve on their own - to no avail. The neighbors in question say: all these complaints - are for the birds.
View full article


February 11, 2013

Hawaiian panel OKs public LTC plan bill

Lawmakers in Hawaii are moving ahead with a public long-term care insurance (LTCI) program study measure.

Members of the Hawaii House Consumer Protection & Commerce Committee voted 10-0 Wednesday to approve an amended version of House Bill 1.

If passed as written, H.B. 1 would require the director of the state's executive officer of aging to hire actuaries to analyze the idea of setting up a "limited, mandatory, public" LTCI program for Hawaii's workers, according to the state legislative tracking system.
View full article

2026 Committee Member of
 2026 Allowance Report
Expenditure Report
 Measures Introduced in 2026
Measure and Title
HB31
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB32
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB33
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB34
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB35
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB36 HD2
RELATING TO EXCITED DELIRIUM.
HB69
RELATING TO A COMPENSATORY TIME CASH-OUT PILOT PROGRAM.
HB71
RELATING TO CANNABIS.
HB102 HD1
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
HB104
RELATING TO CANDIDATES.
HB123
RELATING TO FISHERIES.
HB127 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO PRETRIAL RELEASE.
HB128 HD1
RELATING TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM.
HB129 HD2
RELATING TO YOUTH FEES AND FINES.
HB130
RELATING TO FEES FOR PUBLIC RECORDS UNDER CHAPTER 92F.
HB136
RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB138
RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB144
RELATING TO MAUNA KEA.
HB146 HD1
RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY'S ‘ŌLELO HAWAI‘I INITIATIVES.
HB156
RELATING TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
HB169 HD1
RELATING TO MOPEDS.
HB185
RELATING TO CARE HOMES.
HB198
RELATING TO TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS.
HB204
RELATING TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
HB210
RELATING TO STATE BOATING FACILITIES.
HB211 HD1
RELATING TO STREAM MAINTENANCE.
HB212 HD2 SD1
RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.
HB213 HD1
RELATING TO LOAN REPAYMENT FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.
HB214 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO GOVERNMENT.
HB215
RELATING TO MEDICAL INFORMED CONSENT.
HB216
RELATING TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.
HB217
RELATING TO MARIJUANA.
HB218
RELATING TO HOSPITALS.
HB220 HD1
RELATING TO MOPED INSURANCE.
HB221
RELATING TO MEDICAL SCHOOL TUITION.
HB223 HD1
RELATING TO PHARMACY.
HB224 HD1
RELATING TO PROPERTY RIGHTS.
HB225 HD1
RELATING TO SQUATTING.
HB238 HD1
RELATING TO EARLY CHILD CARE.
HB239 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO CHILD ABUSE.
HB240
RELATING TO OVERDOSE PREVENTION.
HB244 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.
HB246
RELATING TO STATE LICENSED CARE FACILITIES.
HB247
RELATING TO THE HAWAII ABLE SAVINGS PROGRAM.
HB248
RELATING TO MEDICAL RECORDS.
HB251
RELATING TO SOCIAL WORK.
HB276 HD1
RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.
HB278 HD1
RELATING TO POLICING.
HB279
RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB299 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO THE HAWAII INVASIVE SPECIES COUNCIL.
HB301
RELATING TO DOMESTIC ABUSE PROTECTIVE ORDERS.
HB303 HD2 SD2
RELATING TO HEALTHCARE PRECEPTORS.
HB307 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO SPECIAL NUMBER PLATES.
HB309 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO FISHPONDS.
HB353
RELATING TO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS.
HB354
RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
HB357
RELATING TO HURRICANE SHELTERS.
HB358 HD1
RELATING TO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS.
HB424 HD2
RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.
HB425
RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT.
HB428 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO FARM TO FAMILIES.
HB429 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO EARLY LEARNING.
HB432 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO THE RENTAL HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.
HB433 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.
HB436
RELATING TO ENTERPRISE ZONES.
HB438 HD2
RELATING TO DUE PROCESS PROTECTIONS.
HB444
RELATING TO CRIMES AGAINST SENIORS.
HB448 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO TECHNOLOGY ENABLEMENT.
HB455 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO SMALL BUSINESS LOANS.
HB472 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO DIGITAL IDENTIFICATION.
HB473
RELATING TO VOTER REGISTRATION.
HB498 HD2
RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CRIMES.
HB503 HD1
RELATING TO THE HAWAII FIRST RESPONDERS MEMORIAL.
HB507
RELATING TO CESSPOOLS.
HB531 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO SPECIAL NUMBER PLATES.
HB536
RELATING TO FRESHWATER WATERWAYS.
HB539
RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
HB547 HD2
RELATING TO THE SPAYING AND NEUTERING OF ANIMALS.
HB549 HD3 SD1
RELATING TO AN EARLY LEARNING APPRENTICESHIP GRANT PROGRAM.
HB553 HD1
RELATING TO INSURANCE.
HB556 HD1
RELATING TO COLORECTAL CANCER.
HB557 HD2
RELATING TO TELEHEALTH.
HB558
RELATING TO NUCLEAR ENERGY.
HB560 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY.
HB561
RELATING TO PHARMACISTS.
HB562
RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.
HB563 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII'S SPACE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING INITIATIVE.
HB581
RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.
HB593
RELATING TO TREATMENT FOR MENTAL ILLNESS.
HB606 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOMELANDS.
HB611
RELATING TO ASSISTED REPRODUCTION.
HB614
RELATING TO HATE CRIMES.
HB623
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB624 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS.
HB627 HD1
RELATING TO SCHOOL SAFETY.
HB628 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB640 HD3
RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE.
HB641
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB642 HD1
RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE RULES.
HB643 HD2 SD1
RELATING TO THE COCONUT RHINOCEROS BEETLE PROGRAM.
HB646 HD1
RELATING TO SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME.
HB647
RELATING TO MARRIAGE OF MINORS.
HB656
RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF VETERANS' SERVICES.
HB664 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION.
HB665
RELATING TO DATA SHARING.
HB668
RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE.
HB669
RELATING TO NUISANCE ABATEMENT.
HB675
RELATING TO BAIL.
HB676
RELATING TO YOUTH AND ADULT CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES.
HB677 HD1
RELATING TO IDENTIFICATION.
HB683 HD2
RELATING TO STUDENT TRANSPORTATION.
HB687
RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
HB694
RELATING TO A CHILD TAX CREDIT.
HB697 HD2 SD1
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
HB701 HD3 SD2
RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB702 HD1
RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES.
HB704
RELATING TO FOOD SECURITY.
HB711
RELATED TO DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE.
HB714 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
HB715 HD1
RELATING TO VITAL STATISTICS.
HB716 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB717
RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.
HB719 HD1
RELATING TO ANIMAL FUR PRODUCTS.
HB728
PROPOSING A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM.
HB729 HD2
RELATING TO MARRIAGE OF MINORS.
HB730 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB731 HD1
RELATING TO MINORS.
HB737 HD1
RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION.
HB738 HD2
RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION.
HB753 HD1
RELATING TO THE HOUSEHOLD AND DEPENDENT CARE SERVICES TAX CREDIT.
HB755 HD2
RELATING TO PAID FAMILY LEAVE.
HB756 HD2
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB757 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB763 HD1
RELATING TO CIVIC EDUCATION.
HB780
RELATING TO DESALINATION.
HB782 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
HB784 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB808
RELATING TO THE PROCUREMENT CODE.
HB811
RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY.
HB814
RELATING TO CANNABIS.
HB816 HD1
RELATING TO EMERGENCY RESPONSE.
HB817
RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.
HB818 HD2
RELATING TO THE WAIAKEA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT.
HB819
RELATING TO DISABILITY HEALTH DISPARITY.
HB820
RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE.
HB840 HD1
RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII ATHLETICS.
HB841 HD2
RELATING TO RETIRED TEACHERS.
HB843 HD1
RELATING TO THE COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESILIENCE.
HB847 HD1
RELATING TO HAWAII RETIREMENT SAVINGS ACT.
HB856
RELATING TO THE COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES.
HB857
RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE.
HB866 HD1
RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.
HB868
RELATING TO DISABILITIES.
HB875
RELATING TO TOURISM.
HB876
RELATING TO HEALTHCARE PRECEPTORS.
HB877 HD1
RELATING TO ENCAMPMENTS.
HB894
RELATING TO GOVERNMENT.
HB900 HD2
RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE SERVICES.
HB903 HD1
RELATING TO STUDENT HEALTH.
HB935
RELATING TO DIGITAL EQUITY.
HB942
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB952 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO PARKINSON'S DISEASE RESEARCH.
HB953
RELATING TO MEDICAL CANNABIS.
HB954
RELATING TO PRIOR AUTHORIZATION.
HB955
RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX.
HB963 HD2
RELATING TO CRIMES AGAINST ELDERS.
HB966 HD2
RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL TOURISM.
HB1183 HD2
RELATING TO ALLOWANCE ON SERVICE RETIREMENTS.
HB1186
RELATING TO BED BUGS.
HB1188 HD2
RELATING TO TEACHER WORKFORCE HOUSING.
HB1247 HD1
RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS.
HB1268
RELATING TO FAMILY LEAVE.
HB1274
RELATING TO THE STATE AUDITOR.
HB1279
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB1286 HD1
RELATING TO PEDESTRIAN SAFETY.
HB1287
RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT.
HB1288
RELATING TO RARE DISEASES.
HB1289
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB1334 HD3 SD1
RELATING TO MEAT DONATION.
HB1342
RELATING TO OFFENDER REENTRY PROGRAMS.
HB1343 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB1349 HD1
RELATING TO MEDICAID.
HB1381
RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE SERVICES.
HB1382 HD1
RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE SERVICES.
HB1384 HD1
RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
HB1388 HD1
RELATING TO RETIRANTS.
HB1389 HD1
RELATING TO FERAL ANIMALS.
HB1416
RELATING TO CANNABIS.
HB1452
RELATING TO BIRTH CERTIFICATES.
HB1476
RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS.
HB1488
RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.
HB1489
RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.