His political career carried Green to the state House of Representatives from 2005 to 2009 and to the state Senate from 2009 to 2018. As a senator, Green became majority floor leader and chaired the Health and Human Services Committees. He said he is especially proud of his work to pass Luke’s Law to provide care for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and his effort to pass Tobacco and E-cigarette Regulations, which increased the legal age of sale to 21 for tobacco and e-cigarette products.
Green was named Hawai'i Physician of the Year in 2009 and Hawai'i Legislator of the Year in 2013.
Concerning his tenure as Lt. Governor, Green's website says, "In 2018, Josh became Hawai'i’s Lt. Governor, and when he saw the need for real solutions on homelessness, he helped build Kauhale communities and the H4 clinic to provide housing and care for those in need.
Lt. Gov. Josh Green made it official on Thursday. He is running for Hawai'i governor. Photo from Josh Green |
"Just a few months later COVID hit Hawai'i, and as COVID liaison Josh led the largest healthcare response in state history, pulling Hawai'i together to vaccinate over a million people, protect our kupuna, and save thousands of lives."
Green held fundraisers and fielded input on a run for governor for at least six months. He made the official announcement Thursday by email and in media interviews.
The latest campaign spending report filed with the state showed Green with more than $1.1 million in his war chest, having raised more than $774,00 in the last six months of 2021.
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Vera showed participants how to make a Healing Wash solution to paint on the bark of trees. He said it deters harmful insects and pigs and protects the tree from pathogens and weathering. Vera said the solution also increases the pH of the soil and provides calcium, which can regulate nutrient absorption into the plants.
Tony Vera with his Healing Wash for fruit trees. Photo by Katie Graham |
Vera said he developed his solution through studies in tropical agronomy and soil, experience as a farmer in Hawaiʻi, and knowledge gained from his father and local elders from his village in Belize. Ingredients include neem oil, castille soap, turmeric powder, chili peppers, hydrated lime, salt, and achiote oil. However, he emphasizes, "use the stuff that you have on hand."
Vera is known for holding the Hawaiʻi state record in giant butternut squash, cabbage, and pepper. Having grown a 500 pound pumpkin in the past, Vera said he has plans to grow a 1,000 pound pumpkin this year. Vera contended that there are few limits to what can be grown on this island. He claimed success with wheat, peaches, grapes, and apples on his property in Orchidland, which is located at 800 feet elevation. "I try to push the boundaries of what we can grow here," Vera said.
Vera sells a number of his products online and on Wednesdays at the Farmers Market at HI Vibration Hale in Orchidland. His products for sale include the Healing Wash solution, achiote oil, turmeric oil, farm-fresh eggs and produce, and lilikoi curd. To learn more and order online, visit Mayan World Farm on Facebook at facebook.com/MayanWorldFarm or on Instagram at @mayanworldfarmhi.
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THE TROJANS NAILED THE KEA'AU COUGARS IN JV AND VARSITY competition on Thursday evening. In the JV game, Trojans scored the most points in all four quarters with 15 - 8, 18-4, 13-6 and 12-10. The final score was 58-28.
Scoring for the Trojans were: Tyson Junior Kuahuia-Faafia - 24, Jaestin Karasuda - 12, Roger Miguel - 6, Patrick Riehle - 5, Ocean Nihipali-Sesson - 5, Keaka McDonnel - 3, Collen Hanshew - 2 and Jestin Penera - 1.
In Varsity play, Trojans held on to beat the Cougars 45-41. Kea'au took the first quarter 10-7. Kaʻū scored more than Kea'au in the second and third with 12-2 and 13-2. Kea'au rallied in the fourth with 17-13 but Kaʻū came out on top. Scoring for Kaʻū were: Kaimana Manini-Kaupu - 19, Jensen Villa - 8, Cyrus Eder - 4, Jocyiah Mukini - 3, Kealiikoa Reyes-Nalu - 3, Emman Badua - 3, Micah Espejo - 3 and Keenan Toriano - 2.
It was senior night and all of the graduating basketball players received lei.