Good evening, Hawaii. Here are the significant stories we’ve been following today.
In weather news, breezy trades are forecasted to strengthen, especially over the weekend into early next week. Expect limited clouds and brief showers primarily in windward and mauka areas.
**City’s Homeless Outreach Program Expands to Old Stadium Park**
The City’s Homeless Outreach and Navigation for Unsheltered Persons program has recently expanded its efforts to Old Stadium Park, located in the McCully-Moiliili area. This initiative, overseen by the Department of Community Services, was established in December 2019 and aims to provide immediate shelter and support to Oahu’s homeless population.
Staff implemented the HONU facility at Old Stadium Park on June 2, with intakes commencing on June 9. The facility is set to remain operational at this location until the end of September, with an option to extend this timeline if necessary.
Currently, the mobile triage and shelter houses approximately 45 beds, accommodating single males, single females, couples, and families in need of support.
**Schatz Criticizes Military Deployments and Legislative Agenda**
In political news, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, representing Hawaii, intensified his critique of the Trump administration during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing. He questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine regarding the deployment of National Guard and U.S. Marines to manage protests in Los Angeles.
Schatz openly called for Republicans to abandon what he referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” during a passionate speech delivered on the Senate floor. He pressed Caine about whether the U.S. is facing an invasion or a rebellion, which Caine clarified by stating that he did not observe any state-sponsored invasion, acknowledging that there are frustrated individuals participating in protests.
During the hearing, Schatz further criticized the military intervention, suggesting that the real motive behind these deployments was to divert public attention from a GOP-led legislative package. He argued that this package would ultimately undermine Medicaid and jeopardize food assistance for vulnerable families while providing extensive tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans.
Schatz highlighted the potential consequences: “Sixteen million Americans, including 60,000 residents of Hawaii, could lose their Medicaid coverage, which means they may avoid hospital visits and necessary medications due to cost, turning instead to emergency care.”
He declared, “We will fight as hard as we can. We’re currently at 47 votes and need four Republicans to join us and say enough is enough.”
**Hawaii’s Foster System in Crisis**
Meanwhile, a report by Honolulu Civil Beat has revealed troubling statistics concerning Hawaii’s foster care system. Over the past two years, more than two dozen children reportedly have been forced to sleep in offices or hotels due to the inability of families, guardians, and the foster care system to cater to their basic needs.
Although these numbers seem small, they underline a significant failure of a system that struggles to address the complex needs of young people facing various challenges, including mental health issues and developmental disabilities.
Venus Kauʻiokawēkiu Rosete-Medeiros, CEO of Hale Kipa, a nonprofit youth shelter, described the situation as a profound failure to protect and uplift vulnerable children, noting, “To me, it represents a profound failure in our collective kuleana.”
In response to the issues raised, Ryan Yamane, the new director of the Department of Human Services, has called for the establishment of an internal task force to explore solutions to the crisis. Daisy Hartsfield, Administrator of the DHS Social Services Division, stated, “We’re going to be working together trying to figure out how we can best address this issue here in Hawaii.”
**Senator Padilla’s Removal from DHS News Conference**
On the national stage, an incident involving Senator Alex Padilla from California has attracted attention. The senator was forcibly removed by federal agents from a news conference featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles.
Video footage captured Padilla being escorted out while expressing his need to ask questions regarding the situation. California Governor Gavin Newsom quickly condemned the actions, labeling them as outrageous and a threat to democratic accountability.
Noem stated that Padilla had not formally requested a meeting with her and criticized his interruption at an event at FBI headquarters. Subsequent footage showed Padilla on the ground, handcuffed.
Democratic representatives, including Jimmy Gomez, voiced their outrage over the incident, emphasizing the importance of oversight and accountability. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus has called for an investigation into the actions taken during the news conference.
**A Special Invitation: Meet WWII Veteran John Gleeson**
In community news, Pacific Historic Parks is inviting the public to meet John Gleeson, a 100-year-old World War II Army veteran, at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. This event is part of the celebration of the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday and aims to honor members of the Greatest Generation.
Gleeson recently visited Normandy, France, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, marking a rare opportunity for attendees to engage with a living witness to a vital part of history. The event will include the chance to receive a pre-signed commemorative U.S. flag certificate from Gleeson.
In addition, military members from the U.S. Army (active duty, reserves, retirees, and veterans) and their dependents are invited to participate in a commemorative boat tour to the USS Arizona Memorial on June 14 and 15. Participants should gather at Bell Court at 3:30 p.m. for a program starting at 3:45 p.m., with each tour accommodating 145 guests.
**Congressional Vote on Military Construction and Veteran Affairs Bill**
In further developments, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee voted on a proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. U.S. Representative Ed Case of Hawaii voiced his opposition to the bill, citing its inadequate response to pressing military infrastructure needs in the Indo-Pacific and Europe and its further push towards the privatization of veterans’ healthcare.
Despite some positive provisions within the bill, Case expressed his concerns about the deferral of essential infrastructure projects and the elimination of funding for climate resilience efforts. He noted that only one military construction project in the Indo-Pacific was funded, which is particularly troubling given the rising influence of China in the region.
He stressed the need for improved infrastructure funding in Europe as part of NATO’s efforts to counter Russian aggression. His comments underscore the importance of delivering comprehensive healthcare services to veterans in Hawaii and addressing the unique challenges they encounter in a diverse island state.
**House Approves Funding Cuts Targeting NPR, PBS, and Foreign Aid**
Lastly, in a controversial move, the House of Representatives voted to cut approximately $9.4 billion from spending previously approved by Congress. This decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s request to eliminate funding for foreign aid programs as well as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
This vote, which passed by a narrow margin of 214-212, was met with criticism from Democrats who argue that such cuts undermine the U.S.’s international standing and could lead to harmful consequences.
Republicans defended the proposal, framing it as a necessary step to eliminate wasteful spending, with Rep. Lisa McClain asserting that it represents significant savings for taxpayers. The administration is utilizing a rarely invoked tool allowing the president to request the cancellation of previously appropriated funds, commencing a process with a 45-day review period for Congress.
As these stories develop, Hawaii remains vigilant and engaged on various fronts, from community support to political discourse. Stay tuned for updates.
image source from：https://spectrumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/evening-briefing/2025/06/12/hawaii-evening-briefing–june-12–2025
