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Josh Green
37.5%
#42 of 50

Josh Green

Hawaii D | 1st term
2022-12-05Took Office 3 yrs, 6 moIn Office 263Metrics Scored 620 / 1653Total Points

Section A: Governance

222/300
74%

Section B: State Outcomes

415/975
43%

Section C: Oath Fidelity

-17 (-378 to +378)

Section A — Governance 222/300

9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.

On-time budget submission
Budgets submitted within constitutional deadlines. FY2026-2027 biennium budget of $19.8B/$19.7B enacted. Line-item vetoed $110M across biennium for fiscal prudence.
HI Constitution Art. VII; Governor's Budget Submissions; HB 300 (Act 250)
2
Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual
Hawaii Council on Revenues provided reduced projections requiring budget adjustments. Revenue tracking within reasonable range. Federal funding uncertainty from Trump administration cutbacks required adaptive budgeting.
HI Council on Revenues Projections; HI DBEDT Economic Forecasts
2
Rainy day fund management
Built rainy day fund to record $1.5B — reduced spending by $1B in 2023 and $500M in 2024 without cutting services. Plans to boost fund to $2B and dedicate ~$66M annual interest to climate change/wildfire prevention. Fund preserved entirely despite Maui wildfire (101 dead, $5.5B damage). $500M+ rollover planned in each of next two fiscal years.
Star-Advertiser Dec 2024; Governor's Budget Message FY2026-2027; Civil Beat Sept 2024
3
State credit rating trajectory
Moody's assigned Aa2 to Hawaii 2024 GO bonds and affirmed Aa2 issuer rating. Fitch AA/Stable. Hawaii Airports System upgraded from A1 to Aa3 by Moody's (Feb 2025) — highest ratings in system history. No downgrades despite Maui wildfire fiscal impact. Credit preserved through record rainy day fund and spending discipline.
Moody's Ratings Nov 2024 — Hawaii GO; Fitch Ratings; HI DOT Airports Bond Upgrade Feb 2025
2
Pension funding ratio trajectory
Hawaii ERS pension funded ratio ~62.3% (FY2022), down from 64.3% (FY2021). 162,601 total members (66,826 active, 56,673 retirees/beneficiaries). 2024 actuarial valuation noted losses from salary increases exceeding assumptions and investment returns below 7% target. Below national average (~72%) but contributions maintained per actuarial recommendations. Structural challenge predating Green.
HI ERS 2024 Actuarial Valuation; ERS ACFR FY2022; ers.ehawaii.gov
2
Debt per capita trajectory
Hawaii ranks among top 3 most indebted states — per capita debt ~$13,682 (total $19.7B, 19.5% of GDP). FY2026 budget includes $1.4B in new GO bonds, FY2027 $432M. Constitutional debt limit constrains borrowing. Wildfire recovery and housing emergency drive additional capital needs. Debt trajectory slightly increasing but constitutional guardrails maintain discipline.
Reason Foundation Gov Finance 2025; HI Dept. of Budget and Finance Debt Limit Statement; Census Population
1
CAFR/ACFR published on time
FY2024 ACFR (July 2023-June 2024) published by Dept. of Accounting and General Services per HRS §40-5 timeline. FY2023 ACFR also published on schedule. Independent financial audit conducted by State Auditor with no qualified opinions on governmental activities.
HI DAGS ACFR FY2024 (ags.hawaii.gov); HI Office of the Auditor Financial Audit 2024
2
Audit findings — material weaknesses
FY2024 statewide financial audit by HI Office of the Auditor found no material weaknesses in governmental activities. Standard findings consistent with prior years. Post-wildfire emergency spending audited without major irregularities despite expedited procurement.
HI Office of the Auditor Financial Audit FY2024; DAGS ACFR FY2024
3
Federal grant fund accounting
Nearly $3B in federal wildfire recovery funds tracked across FEMA Individual Assistance ($56.1M to 7,141 survivors), FEMA Public Assistance ($33.4M infrastructure), SBA disaster loans ($396M+), and $1.3B in mission assignments for debris removal/temp housing. No major federal grant accounting failures despite massive scale.
FEMA DR-4724 Records; mauirecovers.org One-Year Report Aug 2024; USASpending.gov — Hawaii
2
Anti-fraud controls — federal programs
No documented large-scale fraud despite $3B+ in expedited wildfire recovery disbursements (FEMA IA, PA, SBA disaster loans, emergency procurement). Standard anti-fraud controls maintained. State population of 1.4M and small-state government scale limits fraud exposure.
HI State Auditor Reports; FEMA DR-4724 Program Integrity Reviews; Federal Agency Reviews
3
Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment
Budget balanced for FY2026-2027 biennium (~$40B total, $10.53B/$10.58B general funds). Line-item vetoed $110M for fiscal prudence. 2026 State of the State called for pausing scheduled income tax breaks across all income levels to preserve revenue amid federal funding uncertainty. Reduced Executive Branch spending by $1B (2023) and $500M (2024). Revenue growth 1.7% for 2025.
HI DBEDT Revenue Reports; Star-Advertiser Jan 2026 State of State; Governor's Veto Messages
2
Capital budget execution rate
FY2026 CIP budget $3.3B, FY2027 $2.3B — includes housing construction and Maui rebuilding. Emergency housing proclamation expedited permitting for 50,000-unit pipeline (8 projects, 3,683 units authorized by HHFDC as of mid-2024). $500M Maui interim housing plan with 1,200+ temporary units under construction. Island logistics and labor shortages slow execution.
HI State Budget CIP Reports; HHFDC Emergency Proclamation Authorizations; Governing.com Hawaii Housing
2
Vendor/contractor oversight
Standard procurement oversight maintained. Emergency wildfire contracts required expedited processes — FEMA paid up to $1,200/night for hotel rooms for displaced survivors, drawing scrutiny. No major vendor fraud or kickback scandals. $4.037B wildfire settlement negotiated with Hawaiian Electric and other defendants without state procurement irregularities.
HI State Procurement Office Records; E&E News/Politico FEMA Hotel Cost Report; Settlement Records Aug 2024
3
Federal funding maximization
Secured nearly $3B in total federal wildfire recovery aid (FEMA DR-4724): $56.1M Individual Assistance, $33.4M Public Assistance, $1.3B mission assignments, $396M+ SBA disaster loans. FEMA cost-share adjustment (Jan 2025) increased federal share. Lobbied Congress on $50B rural health fund. FEMA extended housing assistance 12 months to Feb 2026. Budget adjusted for Trump federal cutbacks.
FEMA DR-4724 Records; mauirecovers.org; FEMA Cost-Share Adjustment Jan 2025; USASpending.gov
2
Program eligibility verification systems
Standard eligibility verification maintained across DHS programs. Med-QUEST (Medicaid managed care) completed post-pandemic unwinding — enrollment dropped from 468,000 peak to ~406,000 by end of 2024 as eligibility redeterminations completed. SNAP/TANF verification per federal standards. No major eligibility fraud documented.
HI DHS Program Integrity Reports; CMS Medicaid Unwinding Data; Med-QUEST Division Reports
3
Signature legislation enacted
Emergency housing proclamation (July 17, 2023) — 15 sequential 60-day proclamations targeting 50,000 affordable housing units including 24,000 on state lands (7,000 DHHL, 4,000 HHFDC, 12,000 HPHA). 18 'Good Government' ethics bills signed June 2023. EO 25-01 accelerated 100% renewable energy to 2035. $4.037B wildfire settlement (largest in HI history). Wildfire recovery and housing are signature achievements.
Emergency Housing Proclamation July 2023; Good Government Bills June 2023; EO 25-01 Jan 2025
2
Veto override rate
Zero vetoes overridden by Hawaii legislature during entire tenure. Democrats hold supermajorities in both chambers (Senate 24-1, House 43-8) yet chose not to override any of Green's vetoes, including $110M in FY2026-2027 line-item vetoes.
HI Legislature Journal; Veto Records; HI Legislature Composition
3
Bipartisan bills signed
Hawaii legislature overwhelmingly Democratic (Senate 24-1, House 43-8) — limited opportunity for bipartisan distinction. Wildfire recovery legislation passed with near-unanimous support. 18 'Good Government' bills signed June 2023 with broad bipartisan backing on ethics, lobbying, and campaign spending reform (Acts 128-130).
HI Legislature Vote Records; Governor's Good Government Bill Signing June 2023
2
Special sessions called
No special sessions called during tenure. Aug 2023 Maui wildfire emergency (101 dead, $5.5B damage) handled through 15 sequential 60-day emergency proclamations rather than special session — avoided cost and disruption. Regular legislative sessions addressed recovery legislation.
HI Legislature Session Records; Governor's Emergency Proclamations Timeline
3
Executive orders — legal challenges
Emergency housing proclamation challenged by ACLU/Earthjustice coalition. Second Circuit Judge Peter T. Cahill upheld Sixth Proclamation in June 2024 — found emergency powers properly exercised. However, Hawaii Supreme Court later issued mixed ruling (Sept 2025): upheld core authority but found first five proclamations' 'Build Beyond Barriers' working group exceeded emergency management statute scope. No executive orders fully struck down.
Maui Circuit Court June 2024; HI Supreme Court Sept 2025; Earthjustice Press Sept 2023
2
Line-item veto usage
Line-item vetoed $110M across FY2026-2027 biennium (HB 300/Act 250) citing federal funding uncertainty and reduced Council on Revenues projections. Previously cut $1B in FY2023 spending including $460M in one-time Maui/wildfire appropriations. Zero veto overrides by legislature despite Democratic supermajority capable of override.
Governor's Veto Messages; HB 300 (Act 250); Civil Beat May 2024
2
Regulatory burden change
Emergency housing proclamation waived/modified Land Use Commission rules, county permitting requirements, and environmental review processes to accelerate 50,000 housing units. Reason magazine called it 'YIMBY martial law.' 12 kauhale (tiny village communities) fast-tracked — Kama'oku in Kalaeloa built in 6 months (37 homes). Standard regulatory framework maintained for non-housing projects.
Emergency Housing Proclamation; Reason Magazine Aug 2023; HHFDC Certification Records
2
Budget negotiation success
FY2026-2027 biennium budget ($40B total) enacted on time via HB 300 (Act 250). Collaborative relationship with Democratic supermajority legislature (Senate 24-1, House 43-8). Raised formal concerns about 19 bills in June 2025 but signed most. Line-item vetoed $110M — legislature did not override. FY2025 spending reduced $1B through executive discretion.
HI Legislature Budget Records; Tribune-Herald June 2025; Act 250 (HB 300)
2
Bill signing rate on popular legislation
Signed emergency housing proclamations, wildfire recovery legislation, 18 Good Government ethics bills, clean energy bills, and teacher pay increases — all broadly popular. Signed bill allowing School Facilities Authority to develop on/off-campus teacher housing. Controversial items (tax break pause, emergency power scope) addressed legitimate policy disagreements, not popular legislation rejection.
HI Legislature Records; Governor's Signing Records; Star-Advertiser Legislative Coverage
2
Legislative relationship
Productive relationship with Democratic supermajority (Senate 24-1, House 43-8). No gridlock or government shutdown threats. Zero veto overrides despite legislature having supermajority. Legislature supported $40B biennium budget, housing emergency framework, and wildfire recovery. Some tension over 19 bills Green flagged concerns about in June 2025, but cooperative overall.
HI Legislature Session Reports; Tribune-Herald June 2025; Legislature Composition
2
Implementation of voter-approved measures
Constitutional amendments implemented as required. Hawaii's all-mail voting system (adopted via Act 136, 2019) fully implemented and operational for 2024 elections under Green's administration. No documented failures to implement voter-approved measures.
HI Office of Elections; Act 136 Implementation Records
3
Task force follow-through
Wildfire recovery: tracking 62,000 housing units in development (46,000 affordable). Homelessness reduction: 25 kauhale villages opened providing ~1,000 beds, 30 planned by 2026. Goal to cut homelessness in half by 2026 — ambitious but active progress.
Governor's Office Housing Reports; DBEDT Housing Tracking; Kauhale Village Program Reports
2
Policy reversals under pressure
No major policy reversals despite significant legal pressure. Maintained emergency housing proclamation through 15 sequential renewals despite ACLU/Earthjustice legal challenge. Upheld by Maui Circuit Court (June 2024). Consistent direction on housing, wildfire recovery, and clean energy throughout tenure. Did not reverse tax break pause proposal despite political pushback.
Governor's Executive Orders and Proclamations Timeline; Maui Court June 2024
3
Appointee criminal/ethics issues
No major criminal or ethics issues with gubernatorial appointees across 14 department directors and deputies. Three nominees (Sadayasu/DBEDT, Anderson, Glenn) failed Senate confirmation — policy disagreements, not ethics violations. No appointees charged with crimes or found to have ethics violations.
HI Ethics Commission; HI Senate Confirmation Records; Court Records
3
Agency head vacancy rate
Announced 20 director/deputy director appointments across 14 departments within weeks of taking office (Dec 2022). Key picks: Dr. Kenneth Fink (Health), Cathy Betts (Human Services), Dawn Chang (DLNR Chair), Jordan Lowe (Law Enforcement). Three nominees failed Senate confirmation but replacements seated promptly.
Governor-Elect Cabinet Announcement Dec 2022; HI Senate Confirmation Records
2
State employee turnover
Government sector is largest employer at 19.5% of all jobs. Hawaii workforce 3-4% below pre-pandemic levels (~635,000 employees). 42% of population unable to afford basics. Aging workforce compounds outmigration as younger workers leave for mainland affordability. Teacher vacancy rates improving — lowest since 2019 after 2023 pay increases.
HI DHRD Workforce Data; WIOA Unified Plan PY2024-2027; HI DOE Vacancy Reports
3
Diversity of appointments
Cabinet reflects Hawaii's multiethnic demographics — the most diverse state (no racial majority). Key appointments include Dawn Chang (Native Hawaiian, DLNR), Cathy Betts (DHS), Dr. Kenneth Fink (Health). Green himself born in New York, practiced medicine on Big Island for 20+ years. Cabinet described as 'familiar government faces' with deep local roots.
Governor's Appointment Records; Hawaiʻi Public Radio Dec 2022; Census ACS HI Demographics
2
Judicial appointment quality
Judicial appointments processed through Hawaii's Judicial Selection Commission merit-based system — governor selects from commission-vetted shortlists. No qualification controversies. Hawaii's commission-based system widely regarded as model for reducing political patronage in judicial selection.
HI Judicial Selection Commission; HI Constitution Art. VI §3; State Bar of Hawaii Evaluations
2
State workforce pay competitiveness
Hawaii state employee pay significantly lags extreme cost of living — BEA regional price parity 118-120+ (highest in nation). Minimum wage $16/hr (Jan 2026) yields ~$2,300/mo take-home vs median rent $2,000+. Federal GS locality pay for Hawaii 26%+ above base. Signed teacher pay increases in 2023, reducing DOE vacancies to lowest since 2019, but broader state workforce pay gap persists.
HI DHRD Compensation Studies; BLS OES HI Data; BEA RPP; OPM GS Salary Table 2025-HI
1
Whistleblower protection
No documented retaliation against whistleblowers. Hawaii whistleblower protection statute (HRS §378-62) covers state employees. Green signed 18 'Good Government' bills in 2023 including Act 130 establishing official misconduct as Class C felony — strengthens protection framework. Maui emergency admin who resigned was not a whistleblower case.
HI Ethics Commission; HRS §378-62; Good Government Bills June 2023
3
Inspector General independence
State Auditor Les Kondo operated independently throughout tenure. Ethics Commission achieved record-setting participation in ethics training (2024), highest administrative fines ever issued for ethics violations, and expanded financial disclosure to cover spouses, business partners, employers (effective Jan 2025). AG wildfire investigation conducted independently.
HI State Auditor Office; Ethics Commission 2024 Annual Report; AG Wildfire Report April 2024
2
State employee morale
Morale strained by nation's highest cost of living and post-wildfire recovery workload demands. Teacher morale improved after 2023 pay raises — DOE vacancies at lowest since 2019. Government is largest employer sector (19.5% of jobs). No documented morale crisis or work stoppages, but systemic affordability pressure drives ongoing attrition to mainland.
HI DHRD Employee Engagement Data; WIOA Plan PY2024-2027; HI DOE Reports
3
Nepotism/cronyism
No documented nepotism issues. Cabinet selections described as 'familiar government faces' with deep state government experience — career public servants, not political cronies. Ethics Commission financial disclosure expansion (effective Jan 2025) now covers spouses and business partners of officials, further deterring nepotism.
HI Ethics Commission Records; Hawaiʻi Public Radio Cabinet Report Dec 2022
3
Senior staff criminal charges
No senior staff charged with crimes during tenure. Three cabinet nominees failed Senate confirmation (Sadayasu, Anderson, Glenn) over policy disagreements, not criminal matters. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke faced political controversy in 2026 over financial matters but no criminal charges filed.
Court Records; HI Senate Confirmation Records; Star-Advertiser March 2026
3
Agency performance accountability
Maui Emergency Management Agency administrator Herman Andaya resigned day after wildfire for refusing to activate 80 warning sirens (county, not state appointment). AG report found county officials 'ignored advice, turned down state help.' Green publicly called response 'utterly unsatisfactory to the world.' State-level agencies performed adequately in post-disaster recovery. ETS won NASCIO national IT award (2024).
HI AG Wildfire Report April 2024; NBC/CNN Aug 2023; ETS Awards Dec 2024
2
Disaster declaration timeliness
Immediate emergency declaration Aug 8, 2023 for Maui wildfires (Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke signed while Green was traveling — he returned quickly). FEMA Major Disaster Declaration DR-4724 secured promptly. Green was on-ground in Lahaina within hours of return. Activated National Guard (1,005 service members, 38 requests for assistance). Swift initial response despite catastrophic scale.
Governor's Emergency Proclamation Aug 2023; FEMA DR-4724; HI National Guard Records
3
FEMA Public Assistance secured
Secured FEMA Major Disaster Declaration DR-4724. Nearly $3B total federal recovery: $56.1M Individual Assistance (7,141 survivors), $33.4M Public Assistance, $1.3B mission assignments, $396M+ SBA disaster loans. FEMA cost-share adjustment (Jan 2025) increased federal share. Housing assistance extended 12 months to Feb 2026. $4.037B wildfire settlement with Hawaiian Electric et al. — largest in HI history.
FEMA DR-4724 Records; mauirecovers.org One-Year Report; Settlement Announcement Aug 2024
2
Emergency reserve adequacy
Rainy day fund built to record $1.5B before wildfire struck — reserves fully preserved despite 101-death disaster. Fund built by reducing spending $1B (2023) and $500M (2024) without service cuts. Plans to grow to $2B. $66M annual interest to be dedicated to climate change/wildfire prevention. Reserve adequacy proven by maintaining fiscal stability through costliest disaster in HI history.
HI State Comptroller Reserve Reports; Star-Advertiser Dec 2024; Civil Beat Sept 2024
2
Lives lost — preventable from state failure
102 people died in Lahaina wildfire — deadliest US wildfire in over a century. Hawaii's 400 outdoor warning sirens (largest system in world) were NOT activated. Maui County emergency administrator refused to activate sirens, resigned next day. State emergency management agency had reminded county that sirens could be used for wildfires but county declined. AG report found 'communications breakdowns' left authorities in the dark. While siren responsibility was county-level, state oversight of emergency preparedness was insufficient to prevent catastrophic failure.
HI AG Wildfire Report April 2024; FEMA Disaster Records DR-4724; NBC/CNN/NPR Reporting Aug 2023; Maui Emergency Management Agency Records
0
Post-disaster recovery
As of 2025, approximately 90% of Lahaina burn area residents remain displaced. More than 20% of affected households below poverty line (up from 13% pre-fire). Fire-impacted unemployment ~8% vs island-wide ~3.5%. Rents for affected households 50-60% higher. Recovery inches forward — more than half transitioned to permanent housing by Aug 2025 but progress painfully slow.
UH Maui Wildfire Survey Reports 2024-2025; UHERO Recovery Reports; FEMA Housing Assistance Data
1
Public health emergency response
Post-wildfire public health response led by Green (physician-governor, ER doctor by training). DOH deployed mental health crisis teams; FEMA awarded DHS additional $7.9M for Disaster Case Management Program. Water contamination from burned structures monitored. Dr. Kenneth Fink (Green appointee) led DOH response. Maui community health centers operational within weeks.
HI DOH Wildfire Public Health Response; FEMA DCM Funding Award; CDC Emergency Response Records
2
Infrastructure failure prevention
Warning siren infrastructure existed (400 sirens statewide, 80 on Maui) but was NOT activated during wildfire. Communications infrastructure failed during fire. Power lines (Hawaiian Electric) contributed to fire ignition. Multiple infrastructure failure points. $4B+ settlement reflects infrastructure failures.
Hawaiian Electric Company Reports; HI AG Wildfire Investigation; CPUC-equivalent HI PUC Records
1
National Guard deployment appropriateness
Hawaii National Guard activated via Emergency Proclamation Aug 8, 2023. Responded to 38 requests for assistance with 1,005 service members. Additional 330 members staffed 9 security checkpoints securing Lahaina disaster area. Five months continuous deployment through Dec 31, 2023. Appropriate scale and duration for catastrophic disaster.
HI National Guard Deployment Records; U.S. Army Article Aug 2023; Maui County Guard Appreciation Jan 2024
2
Emergency communication
CATASTROPHIC COMMUNICATION FAILURE. Warning sirens not activated. Cell towers destroyed by fire leaving no secondary alert method. Social media posts insufficient to reach at-risk population. AG report documented 'broad communications breakdown.' State emergency management had the capability but deferred to county which failed to act. 102 deaths partially attributable to inadequate warning.
HI AG Wildfire Report April 2024; FCC Investigation of Communications Failures; CNN/NBC Reporting
0
Interagency coordination
AG report found county emergency officials 'ignored advice, turned down state help in early hours of disaster.' State-county coordination broke down at critical moments. Interagency coordination improved post-disaster but initial response had serious gaps.
HI AG Wildfire Report April 2024; Hawaii News Now Investigation Nov 2023
1
Pandemic response metrics
Green took office Dec 2022 post-pandemic. As Lt. Governor and ER physician, was Hawaii's de facto public health spokesperson during COVID. Post-pandemic: tourism-related jobs recovered to 94.5% of pre-pandemic levels by Q3 2024. Unemployment fell from 3.2% to 2.5% by Sept 2025. Med-QUEST unwinding completed — enrollment from 468K peak to 406K without coverage gaps.
HI DOH COVID Data; DBEDT Economic Reports Q3 2024; BLS LAUS — Hawaii
2
Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure
Lahaina wildfire (August 2023) exposed critical preparedness failures — outdoor warning sirens not activated during deadliest US wildfire in over a century. 101 deaths. $5.5B+ in damages. Post-disaster recovery and $4B settlement facilitated, but prevention systems failed catastrophically. Subsequent wildfire mitigation receiving increased attention.
Maui Emergency Management; Hawaii AG Wildfire Report; FEMA
1
FOIA/open records compliance
Hawaii UIPA (Uniform Information Practices Act, HRS Ch. 92F) compliance standard. FY2025 UIPA Log Report compiled data from 201 state agencies and 100 county agencies. Green directed AG Anne Lopez to ensure agencies make records 'as easily accessible as possible.' No major court orders for noncompliance during tenure.
HI Office of Information Practices FY2025 Log Report; Civil Beat March 2023 Green Transparency Interview
2
Governor's schedule availability
Schedule published through governor.hawaii.gov. Green maintained active public schedule including Maui recovery visits, State of the State addresses (Jan 2024, Jan 2025), Maui Economic Recovery Commission meetings, and regular media availability. Launched Engage.Hawaii.gov (Connect Kakou) portal for civic engagement.
governor.hawaii.gov; Engage.Hawaii.gov; Governor's Public Schedule
2
Campaign finance compliance
No campaign finance violations documented. During 2022 campaign, opponents Cayetano and Kahele questioned Green Health International LLC finances and donor address discrepancies, but no Campaign Spending Commission violations found. Signed Act 128 banning lobbyist contributions during legislative sessions. No post-election violations.
HI Campaign Spending Commission Records; Star-Advertiser July 2022; Act 128 (2023)
3
Financial disclosure
Financial disclosures filed as required. Signed Act 129 (2023) amending filing deadlines and penalties for unauthorized release of confidential disclosure info. Ethics Commission expanded disclosure requirements effective Jan 2025 to cover spouses, business partners, employers, and lobbyist clients paying legislators $5,000+.
HI Ethics Commission Financial Disclosure Filings; Act 129 (SB182, 2023); HB 141 (2024)
2
Open meetings compliance
No major Sunshine Law (HRS Ch. 92) violations documented during tenure. Office of Information Practices provides training materials and compliance monitoring. Emergency housing proclamation 'Build Beyond Barriers' working group meetings subject to Sunshine Law scrutiny — no violations found despite expedited processes.
HI Office of Information Practices Sunshine Law Records; OIP Training Materials
3
Open data portal
Hawaii open data portal (data.hawaii.gov) maintained with datasets across state agencies. DBEDT released 2024 State of Hawaii Data Book. Enterprise Technology Services launched myHawaii citizen identity platform for single-login access to state services. ETS earned A- grade in 2024 Digital State Survey.
data.hawaii.gov; DBEDT 2024 Data Book; ETS Annual Report FY2024
2
Budget transparency
Budget documents published through budget.hawaii.gov and DBEDT. FY2026-2027 biennium budget ($19.8B/$19.7B general funds) publicly detailed including $3.3B/$2.3B capital improvements and $1.4B/$432M GO bonds. Line-item veto messages published. Civil Beat noted need for more accessible budget presentation.
budget.hawaii.gov; DBEDT; Hawaiʻi Appleseed Budget Primer 2024-25
2
Lobbying disclosure
Lobbying disclosure maintained per HRS Ch. 97. Green signed Act 128 (2023) banning lobbyist contributions during legislative sessions. Ethics Commission investigated Hawaiian Electric for failure to register employee lobbyists — enforcement action demonstrates system integrity. Commission achieved highest administrative fines ever in 2024. Disclosure expanded to cover more relationships effective Jan 2025.
HI Ethics Commission Lobbying Enforcement 2024-2025; Act 128 (SB1493, 2023)
2
IG report publication
State Auditor reports published on schedule. AG Anne Lopez released Lahaina Fire Comprehensive Timeline Report (April 17, 2024) documenting communications failures and county emergency management breakdown. Phase 2 report (UL FSRI fire analysis) published Sept 2024. Reports demonstrated transparency — even when findings were unfavorable to government response.
HI State Auditor Website; AG Report April 2024; UL FSRI Phase 2 Report Sept 2024
2
Legislative audit cooperation
Full cooperation with legislative audits. AG wildfire investigation requested and published transparently (Phase 1 April 2024, Phase 2 Sept 2024). State Auditor FY2024 ACFR audit completed with executive cooperation. 18 Good Government bills (2023) expanded audit and enforcement tools including Act 130 creating official misconduct felony.
HI Legislature Audit Requests; AG Investigation Reports; Act 130 (2023)
2
Press conference accessibility
Held frequent press conferences during August 2023 wildfire crisis and recovery period. Delivered three State of the State addresses (Jan 2023, 2024, 2025). Appeared on national media (NBC, CNN) during wildfire. Monthly governor's messages published. Media accessibility rated positively by Hawaii press corps. NGA Executive Committee election raised national profile.
Governor's Office Media Schedule; NBC/CNN Wildfire Coverage Aug 2023; NGA July 2025
2
State contract transparency
Standard contract transparency per HRS Ch. 103D. Emergency wildfire procurement used expedited processes — FEMA-reimbursed contracts for debris removal, temporary housing ($1,200/night hotel rooms drew scrutiny from E&E News/Politico). $4.037B settlement with Hawaiian Electric and co-defendants publicly announced Aug 2024. Procurement oversight maintained despite emergency speed.
HI State Procurement Office Records; E&E News FEMA Hotel Report; Settlement Records Aug 2024
3
Court order compliance
Full compliance with court orders. Emergency housing proclamation upheld by Second Circuit Judge Peter T. Cahill (June 2024). Hawaii Supreme Court mixed ruling (Sept 2025) — upheld core authority but narrowed scope of first five proclamations. Green complied with court limitations. No contempt findings or noncompliance orders during tenure.
Court Records; Maui Circuit Court June 2024; HI Supreme Court Sept 2025
3
Personal criminal charges
No criminal charges, grand jury investigations, or DOJ inquiries against Green during tenure. Clean record as physician-governor. 2022 campaign opponents questioned Green Health International LLC finances but no law enforcement action resulted.
Court Records; DOJ; HI Campaign Spending Commission
3
Ethics complaints — substantiated
No substantiated ethics complaints against Green. Ethics Commission achieved record administrative fines in 2024 and expanded disclosure requirements — enforcement active but no complaints touched the governor. Green signed Act 130 (2023) making official misconduct a Class C felony.
HI Ethics Commission Records; Ethics Commission 2024 Annual Report; Act 130 (HB986)
3
Gift/travel disclosure
Gift and travel disclosures filed as required per HRS Ch. 84. Green's travel included Maui wildfire recovery visits, NGA meetings (elected to Executive Committee July 2025), and national media appearances. No undisclosed gifts or unreported travel flagged by Ethics Commission.
HI Ethics Commission Records; NGA Executive Committee Election July 2025
2
Conflict of interest
No documented conflicts of interest. Green is a physician (ER doctor, Big Island, 20+ years) — recused from direct healthcare business decisions. Green Health International LLC (pre-gubernatorial) not involved in state contracts. 2022 opponents questioned GHI finances but no Ethics Commission findings. Signed Act 129 expanding financial disclosure requirements.
HI Ethics Commission Records; Act 129 (SB182, 2023); Campaign Finance Records
3
State resources for political purposes
No documented misuse of state resources for political purposes. Jan 2025 offer to house LA fire survivors in Hawaii's empty hotel rooms drew criticism from displaced Maui survivor Frank Perry and others — perceived as insensitive while 90%+ of Lahaina residents still displaced. However, offer involved private hotel capacity, not state resources. Ethics Commission found no violation.
HI Ethics Commission Records; KITV Jan 2025; Media Reports Jan 2025
3
Truthfulness in official statements
No documented false official statements. Called former Maui emergency manager's response 'utterly unsatisfactory to the world.' Land purchase comments distorted by social media but original statements were accurate.
Governor's Public Statements; Poynter/PolitiFact Fact Checks Aug 2023
3
Protection of ethics infrastructure
Green signed 18 Good Government bills (June 2023) including: Act 128 (ban lobbyist contributions during sessions), Act 129 (expanded financial disclosure), Act 130 (official misconduct = Class C felony). Ethics Commission expanded disclosure effective Jan 2025 to cover spouses, business partners, employers. Record administrative fines issued in 2024. Record ethics training participation.
Good Government Bills June 2023; HI Ethics Commission 2024 Annual Report
2
Emoluments/self-dealing
No self-dealing documented. Green is a physician who practiced ER medicine on Big Island for 20+ years — recused from direct healthcare business decisions where appropriate. Green Health International LLC (pre-gubernatorial) not involved in state contracts. No Ethics Commission findings of financial self-dealing.
HI Ethics Commission Financial Disclosures; Governor's Recusal Records
3
Campaign donor to state contract pipeline
No documented donor-to-contract pipeline. Green signed Act 128 (2023) banning lobbyist contributions during legislative sessions, reducing pay-to-play risk. $4B wildfire settlement involved defendants (Hawaiian Electric, Maui County) — not campaign donors. Emergency procurement oversight maintained.
HI Campaign Spending Commission; Procurement Records; Act 128 (SB1493, 2023)
3
Foreign influence
No foreign influence concerns. Hawaii's strategic military significance (Pearl Harbor, INDOPACOM headquarters, Schofield Barracks — largest Army installation in Pacific) heightens scrutiny. No FARA registrations connected to governor's office. Green's engagement with military leaders (Army Secretary Driscoll re: Pohakuloa Training Area) reflects legitimate state-federal relations.
DOJ FARA Database; INDOPACOM; Army Secretary Meeting 2025
3
Sexual harassment claims
No sexual harassment claims filed against Green or senior staff. Green's medical background (ER physician for 20+ years) and clean professional record. No DHRD complaints related to governor's office.
HI DHRD Records; HI Ethics Commission
3
Records preservation
No documented records destruction or improper disposal. State Archives records retention schedules followed. AG wildfire investigation report (April 2024) relied on preserved communications records, confirming retention compliance during crisis period.
HI State Archives Records Retention; AG Wildfire Report April 2024
3
Revolving door
No major revolving door violations. Hawaii post-employment restrictions per HRS §84-18 (one-year cooling-off). Three failed cabinet nominees returned to prior sectors without incident. Ethics Commission lobbying enforcement includes investigation of Hawaiian Electric for failure to register employee lobbyists — demonstrates active oversight.
HI Ethics Commission Records; HRS §84-18; Civil Beat Ethics Enforcement Reports
3
Fraud losses in state programs
No major fraud losses documented. Despite expedited $3B+ wildfire recovery disbursements and emergency procurement, no systemic fraud identified by State Auditor or federal oversight. Population of 1.4M and small-state scale limits exposure. FEMA disaster case management program ($7.9M expansion) included fraud prevention protocols.
HI State Auditor Reports; Federal Program Reviews; FEMA DR-4724 Program Integrity
3
Program integrity — eligibility verification
Standard program integrity across DHS programs. Medicaid managed care (Med-QUEST) completed pandemic unwinding — enrollment from 468K peak to 406K by end of 2024 with proper eligibility redetermination. SNAP and TANF programs verified per federal standards. No IG or OIG findings of systemic eligibility fraud.
HI DHS Program Integrity Reports; CMS Medicaid Unwinding Records; HI State Auditor
3
IT system modernization
Named Christine Sakuda (Transform Hawaii Government director) as CIO replacing Doug Murdock. ETS earned A- grade in 2024 Digital State Survey. Launched myHawaii citizen identity platform for single-login state services. Won NASCIO national award. IT consolidation achieved operational cost savings. Held data/AI and digital government summits in 2024.
HI ETS Annual Report FY2024; ETS IT Awards Dec 2024; StateScoop CIO Report 2024
2
Permit processing timeliness
Emergency proclamation waived Land Use Commission rules and county permitting for housing — HHFDC authorized 8 projects (3,683 units) under expedited process. Kauhale tiny villages built in ~6 months (Kama'oku, Kalaeloa: 37 homes). Standard non-housing permits still slow. Signed bill creating School Facilities Authority for teacher housing. Mixed: fast-track housing vs normal permitting delays.
HHFDC Emergency Proclamation Authorizations; Grassroot Institute July 2024; HI DBEDT Permitting Data
2
Child welfare system
Hawaii failed third consecutive federal Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) — did not meet federal thresholds for seven safety outcomes including 'children are first and foremost protected from abuse and neglect.' Working with ACF on Program Improvement Plan. However, no state has ever passed a CFSR. Systemic issues predate Green's tenure.
ACF CFSR Round 4 Results — Hawaii; Imprint News 2024; HI DHS CWS Statewide Assessment
2
Medicaid program management
Hawaii's 1974 Prepaid Health Care Act (first employer health mandate in nation) provides near-universal coverage — uninsured rate ~4-5% (among lowest nationally). Green is physician-governor (ER doctor). Med-QUEST enrollment managed at ~406,000 post-pandemic unwinding. Life expectancy among highest in nation. Rural/neighbor island access persists as challenge.
CMS Reviews — Hawaii; HI MedQuest Division Data; healthinsurance.org Medicaid Hawaii
2
Environmental program
EPA-delegated programs meeting standards. Green signed clean energy bills in 2024 and issued Executive Order 25-01 (Jan 2025) accelerating 100% renewable electricity for Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui counties by 2035. Goal: 50,000 rooftop solar installations by 2030. Hawaii was first state with 100% renewable energy mandate (2015). Fought Trump EPA rollbacks.
EPA State Program Evaluations — Hawaii; EO 25-01 Jan 2025; governor.hawaii.gov Clean Energy Bills
2
Transportation project delivery
Honolulu rail transit (HART) cost ballooned 136% from $5.122B to $12.45B — 11 years behind schedule. Three financial bailouts (2015, 2017, 2021). City-managed but state funding involved. Maui roads devastated by wildfire — rebuilding ongoing. Green negotiated with Army Secretary Driscoll on Pohakuloa Training Area lease (expires 2029). Island infrastructure aging across all counties.
HART Project Reports; Hawaii Business Magazine; FHWA — Hawaii; HI DOT Annual Reports
1
Unemployment insurance system
UI system functional. Unemployment rate declined from 3.0% (2023) to 2.9% (2024) to 2.5% (Sept 2025) — 10th lowest in nation. Non-ag jobs grew 12,200 in 2025 (+1.9%). Tourism-related jobs recovered to 94.5% of pre-pandemic levels by Q3 2024. Maui fire-impacted areas still show elevated ~8% unemployment vs island-wide ~3.5%.
HI DLIR UI Performance Data; BLS LAUS — Hawaii; DBEDT Economic Reports Q3 2024
2
Veterans services
Hawaii hosts INDOPACOM headquarters (Camp H.M. Smith), Schofield Barracks (largest Army installation in Pacific), Pearl Harbor Naval Station, Hickam AFB, Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay). Military spending is major economic driver. Green engaged Army Secretary Driscoll on Pohakuloa Training Area lease. BAH rates among highest in nation reflecting extreme housing costs. Veterans services adequate for significant military community.
HI OVS Annual Reports; VA State Grant Data; INDOPACOM; Army Secretary Meeting 2025
2
Housing program effectiveness
Hawaii has chronic housing crisis — among highest costs nationally. Maui fire displaced thousands, exacerbating crisis. Emergency proclamation accelerated ~7,000 units but crisis far from resolved. 90% of Lahaina burn area residents still displaced. Rents 50-60% higher for fire-affected households.
HI HHFDC Housing Reports; UH Wildfire Survey 2025; Census Building Permits — Hawaii
1
Corrections system
Hawaii corrections system has chronic overcrowding — approximately 1,000+ inmates housed at Saguaro Correctional Center (private facility, Arizona) since 1995. Recent surge of mainland transfers during Halawa facility renovations. HB1376 (2025) introduced to phase out mainland transfers by 2030. Correctional System Oversight Commission active. Systemic overcrowding and facility conditions predate Green.
HI Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation; HB1376 (2025); HCSOC; Prison Legal News
1
Federal funding captured
Secured nearly $3B in federal wildfire recovery: $56.1M FEMA Individual Assistance, $33.4M Public Assistance, $396M+ SBA disaster loans, $1.3B mission assignments. FEMA extended housing assistance 12 months to Feb 2026. AG budget increased $4M to cover 27 multi-state lawsuits against Trump administration. Elected to NGA Executive Committee July 2025.
FEMA DR-4724 Records; USASpending.gov — Hawaii; NGA Executive Committee July 2025
2
Federal corrective action plans
No major federal corrective actions or funding suspensions for state programs. Hawaii CWS has ongoing CFSR improvement plan (standard — no state has ever passed). FEMA cost-share adjustment provided more funds to Hawaii for wildfire recovery. No EPA enforcement actions or Medicaid CMS sanctions.
Federal Agency State Reviews; FEMA Cost-Share Adjustment Jan 2025; CMS Reviews — Hawaii
3
Interstate cooperation
AG Anne Lopez joined 19-state coalition challenging Trump EO 14248 (voting restrictions). Hawaii joined 27 multi-state lawsuits against Trump administration — AG budget increased $4M to cover litigation costs. Elected to NGA Executive Committee July 2025. Active in Western Governors' Association. Trump administration sued Hawaii preemptively to block state climate lawsuit against fossil fuel companies.
HI AG Multi-State Coalition; NGA Executive Committee July 2025; Star-Advertiser AG Budget Aug 2025
2
Local government relations
Cooperative with four county governments. Maui wildfire exposed state-county tensions — AG report found county emergency officials 'ignored advice, turned down state help.' Maui emergency admin resigned. Green publicly called county response 'utterly unsatisfactory.' Maui Economic Recovery Commission convened jointly with Mayor Bissen (3 meetings, 2024). $4B settlement negotiated across state/county/private parties.
County-State Relations; AG Wildfire Report April 2024; Maui Economic Recovery Commission 2024
2
Federal litigation costs
AG budget increased $4M specifically to cover 27 multi-state lawsuits against Trump administration. Costs shared with coalition states. Trump administration preemptively sued Hawaii to block state climate litigation against fossil fuel companies. $4.037B wildfire settlement resolved potential state litigation exposure. No excessive solo federal litigation.
HI AG Litigation Reports; Star-Advertiser AG Budget Aug 2025; Climate Lawsuit Records
2
Constituent inquiry response
Governor's office maintained constituent services through UIPA request portal and Engage.Hawaii.gov (Connect Kakou) civic engagement platform. Post-wildfire: FEMA case management expanded with $7.9M additional funding. Direct rental assistance for 5,600+ displaced Maui residents. Monthly governor's messages address constituent concerns.
Governor's Office Records; Engage.Hawaii.gov; FEMA DCM Funding Award
2
Town halls held
Maui Economic Recovery Commission convened 3 meetings (Jan-Sept 2024) with Mayor Bissen, including cultural, economic, agricultural, nonprofit, healthcare, and education leaders. Delivered State of the State addresses Jan 2024 and Jan 2025 focusing on Maui recovery. Monthly governor's messages published. Regular visits to Maui disaster area and neighbor islands.
Governor's Office Schedule; Maui Economic Recovery Commission Records; governor.hawaii.gov
2
Constituent satisfaction
Morning Consult: 63% approval (July 2025), 5th most popular governor nationally. Democrats 77%, independents 57%, Republicans 46%. Disapproval fell from 37% to 27% (Q4 2024 to mid-2025). Jan 2025 offer to house LA fire survivors in Hawaii hotels criticized by Maui survivors still displaced — Frank Perry and others questioned priorities. Exploring 2028 presidential run perceived as premature by some constituents.
Morning Consult Pro Governor Approval July 2025; KITV Jan 2025 LA Offer Coverage; Star-Advertiser
2
ADA compliance
Standard ADA compliance maintained across state facilities and services. Post-wildfire recovery included accessible temporary housing for disabled Maui survivors. MyHawaii digital platform designed for accessibility. No DOJ ADA enforcement actions against state during tenure.
HI Disability Rights Center; DOJ ADA Reviews; ETS myHawaii Platform
3
Electoral accountability
Won 2022 general election 63.2%-36.8% over Republican Duke Aiona — highest percentage for a Hawaii gubernatorial winner since at least 2002. Defeated Vicky Cayetano in Aug 2022 Democratic primary. First term — 2026 reelection ahead. Morning Consult: 63% approval (July 2025), 5th most popular governor nationally. Exploring 2028 presidential run. Elected to NGA Executive Committee.
HI Office of Elections 2022 Results; Morning Consult Pro July 2025; NGA July 2025
2

Section B — State Outcomes 415/975

13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.

DBEDT: Hawaii economy grew 2.7% in first three quarters of 2025 vs same period 2024. Unemployment 2.2% (Dec 2025, not seasonally adjusted) — among lowest nationally. Total non-agricultural employment reached 661,800 jobs (+1.0% YoY). Visitor expenditures rose 5.7% in 2025 but arrivals fell 0.6%. Jan 2026: 874,358 visitors (+10.4%), $2.3B expenditures (+19.0%). Information sector expanded 40.0%, Professional/Scientific/Technical Services 27.4%, Healthcare 14.7%. Maui tourism still recovering — only 60% of pre-fire workers retained jobs. Military spending ~$8B annually remains major economic driver. DBEDT projects 1.5% growth for 2026.
Census: Hawaii population 1,446,146 (Jul 2024), declined by 2,100 between 2024-2025 — one of only 5 states losing population. Losing average 11 people per day to net migration, offset partially by natural increase of 6/day. Net migration loss of ~20,000 from Jul 2020 to Jul 2024. 65+ population grew from 19.3% to 21.5% (2020-2024), outpacing US increase from 16.4% to 18.0%. Maui wildfire displaced thousands, exacerbating outmigration pressure. High cost of living and limited housing driving residents to mainland — young workers and families disproportionately leaving. International migration partially offsets domestic losses.
Built record $1.5B rainy day fund — reduced spending $1B (2023) and $500M (2024) without service cuts, plans to grow to $2B. $66M annual interest dedicated to climate change/wildfire prevention. AA+ credit rating maintained. FY2026-27 biennium budget $19.8B/$19.7B general funds with $3.3B/$2.3B capital improvements and $1.4B/$432M GO bonds. Line-item vetoed $110M across biennium for fiscal prudence. However: high per capita debt (~$8,000+), pension funding ~62-64% (below average). Wildfire recovery costs ongoing — $4.037B settlement with Hawaiian Electric provides recovery funding but does not cover all losses. Mixed fiscal picture — strong reserves offset by structural challenges.
FBI UCR 2024: Hawaii violent crime rate 218 per 100K — 39.4% below national average, ranked 42nd. Violent crime down 6.2% year-over-year, overall crime down 8.8%. Crime composition: 62.5% aggravated assaults, 19% robberies, 17.9% rapes, 0.73% murders. However, property crime 1,947 per 100K — 10.6% above national average (theft-heavy due to tourism). 102 deaths in Maui wildfire (Aug 2023) — deadliest US wildfire in over a century. 400 outdoor warning sirens (largest system in world) were NOT activated during fire. Emergency admin refused to activate, resigned next day. AG report found 'communications breakdowns.'
NAEP: Hawaii scores near or slightly below national averages in reading and math. Single statewide school district (only state with this structure) serves ~180,000 students — creates unique governance challenges. Teacher morale improved after 2023 pay raises — DOE vacancies at lowest since 2019. Per-pupil spending moderate (~$15,000-16,000). Teacher recruitment extremely challenging due to nation's highest cost of living (median home $800K+). Maui schools disrupted by wildfire — some temporarily relocated. Green's budget prioritizes education within constrained fiscal environment. ETS earned A- grade in 2024 Digital State Survey for educational technology infrastructure.
Hawaii's Prepaid Health Care Act (1974, first employer health mandate nationally) provides near-universal coverage — uninsured rate <10% (among lowest nationally, down from 30% before PHC Act). Life expectancy among highest in US. Green is a physician (emergency medicine) — healthcare is personal priority. UH report to legislature: persistent physician shortage statewide — Maui has 35% primary care shortfall (double statewide level). Post-wildfire mental health crisis: DOH Maui CMHC expanded crisis services, mental health impacts 'go far beyond the burn zone.' Rural/neighbor island access challenges persist despite telehealth expansion. Infant mortality remains low.
FHWA: Roads in moderate condition for island state. Honolulu rail (HART) cost ballooned 136% from $5.122B to $12.45B — 11 years behind schedule with three financial bailouts (2015, 2017, 2021). City-managed but state funding involved. Maui infrastructure devastated by Aug 2023 wildfire — roads, power lines, water systems destroyed. Hawaiian Electric power lines contributed to fire ignition. 400 outdoor warning sirens (largest system in world) existed but NOT activated during fire. Island infrastructure aging across all four counties. Green negotiated with Army Secretary Driscoll on Pohakuloa Training Area lease (expires 2029).
BEA RPP: Hawaii has highest regional price parities in nation (118-120+). Housing costs extreme — median home price $800K+. Post-wildfire rents for affected households 50-60% higher. 90% of Lahaina burn area residents remain displaced. BLS CPI: inflation on top of already highest-in-nation baseline. Food costs highest in nation due to 2,400-mile shipping distance from mainland. Military BAH rates among highest nationally reflecting extreme costs. Government is largest employer sector (19.5% of jobs). Emergency housing proclamation authorized 8 HHFDC projects (3,683 units) but crisis far from resolved. Kauhale tiny villages built in ~6 months — innovative but small-scale response.
Hawaii UIPA (HRS Ch. 92F) compliance standard. FY2025 UIPA Log Report compiled data from 201 state agencies and 100 county agencies. Green directed AG Lopez to ensure agencies make records 'as easily accessible as possible.' AG published Lahaina Fire Comprehensive Timeline Report (Phase 1 Apr 2024, Phase 2 Sept 2024) — transparent even when findings unfavorable. Ethics Commission achieved record administrative fines in 2024 and expanded financial disclosure effective Jan 2025 to cover spouses, business partners, employers. Green signed Acts 128/129/130 (2023) — 18 Good Government bills strengthening lobbying disclosure, financial transparency, and official misconduct enforcement.
102 deaths in Maui wildfire — warning sirens never activated. AG report found communications breakdowns. 90% of Lahaina residents still displaced. Offer to house LA fire survivors criticized as insensitive to Maui survivors. Land purchase comments distorted by conspiracy theories. Presidential exploration divides attention from state governance. Overall: wildfire response is defining and challenging legacy issue.
9th governor of Hawaii, succeeds David Ige (who held 22% approval in 2021 while Green as Lt. Gov. had 63%). First physician-governor in Hawaii (ER doctor, Big Island, 20+ years). Maui wildfire (102 deaths, Aug 2023) is historically significant — deadliest US wildfire in over a century occurred on his watch. Facilitated $4.037B settlement with Hawaiian Electric and co-defendants (Aug 2024). Built record $1.5B rainy day fund, plans to grow to $2B. Emergency housing proclamation (Build Beyond Barriers) authorized 8 HHFDC projects (3,683 units). Elected to NGA Executive Committee (Jul 2025). Legacy defined by wildfire response — 90% of Lahaina residents still displaced. Explored 2028 presidential run, dividing attention.
Won 2022 election with 63% of vote. As Lt. Gov. had 63% approval (Apr 2021) while predecessor Ige had 22% — reflecting strong constituent confidence entering office. Post-wildfire approval mixed — initial sympathy with Green's physician-led response followed by frustration over recovery pace (90% of Lahaina still displaced). Offer to house LA fire survivors in empty Hawaii hotels (Jan 2025) criticized by displaced Maui survivor Frank Perry as insensitive. Presidential exploration perceived as premature by some Hawaii constituents while state faces ongoing crisis. Morning Consult approval in moderate range. NGA Executive Committee election (Jul 2025) demonstrates national peer confidence.
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Section C — Oath Fidelity -17 (-378 to +378)

126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.

+3Exemplary +2Strong +1Adequate 0Neutral -1Concerning -2Failing -3Hostile

Protection of Life

Declaration of Independence; 5th/14th Amendments
Score: 8 Range: -93 to 93 Items: 31
Violent crime rate trend
Hawaii violent crime rate well below national average and generally stable or declining. Among safest states in the nation. Rate approximately 250-280 per 100K vs national ~380. Green has maintained low-crime environment.
FBI UCR/NIBRS; HI AG crime data
+1
Homicide rate relative to national average
Hawaii homicide rate approximately 2.5-3.5 per 100K — roughly 40-55% below national average of ~6.3. Among lowest homicide rates nationally. Consistent with historical trend.
FBI UCR/NIBRS; CDC WONDER
+2
Homicide clearance rate
Hawaii homicide clearance rate above national average, approximately 55-65%. Small case numbers allow more intensive investigation. HPD and county police maintain adequate clearance rates.
FBI UCR; HI law enforcement data
+1
Law enforcement staffing adequacy
Hawaii law enforcement staffing near national average. Honolulu Police Department is primary force. Recruitment challenging due to cost of living — officers face same housing affordability crisis as residents. Average staffing levels.
FBI LEOKA; HPD staffing data; BLS
0
Drug overdose death rate trend
Hawaii drug overdose death rate below national average but increasing. Methamphetamine remains primary concern (historically) with fentanyl emerging. Rate approximately 15-20 per 100K. Geographic isolation provides some buffer against mainland drug trafficking patterns.
CDC WONDER; NCHS; HI ADAD
0
Emergency management preparedness
Maui wildfire (Aug 8, 2023) exposed catastrophic emergency management failures. Hawaii has 400 outdoor warning sirens (largest system in world) — NONE were activated during Lahaina fire. State emergency management oversight insufficient. While siren responsibility was county-level, state EMD failed in oversight role.
HI EMA; AG wildfire investigation; FEMA
-2
Preventable mass-casualty event response
Maui wildfire killed 102 people — deadliest US wildfire in over a century. Warning sirens NOT activated. AG report found communications breakdowns. 90% of Lahaina residents still displaced as of 2025. $4.037B settlement with Hawaiian Electric. Catastrophic preventable failure — sirens existed but were never used. Worst mass-casualty response outcome of any governor in this evaluation.
AG wildfire report; FEMA; Hawaiian Electric settlement; NTSB
-3
Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions
Hawaii infrastructure at moderate levels. Island roads face unique challenges (tropical weather, volcanic terrain). Some structurally deficient bridges. Federal infrastructure funds being deployed. Average for island state.
FHWA NBI; HI DOT; ASCE
0
Water and dam safety compliance
Hawaii water systems meet most EPA standards. Dam safety adequate — limited dam inventory. Some aging water infrastructure on older islands. No major water contamination events during tenure. Standard compliance.
EPA SDWIS; HI DOH; NID
0
Healthcare access — uninsured rate
Hawaii has among the lowest uninsured rates nationally — approximately 3-4%. Prepaid Health Care Act (1974, first employer mandate nationally) provides near-universal coverage for legal residents. Medicaid expansion operational. Physician-governor prioritizes healthcare access.
Census ACS; KFF; HI DHS; Prepaid Health Care Act
+3
Maternal mortality rate
Hawaii maternal mortality rate below national average. Generally 15-20 per 100K live births. Healthcare access through Prepaid Health Care Act provides broad coverage. Green as physician has emphasized maternal health.
CDC WONDER; NCHS; HI MMRC
+1
Infant mortality rate
Hawaii infant mortality rate among lowest nationally — approximately 4.5-5.5 per 1,000 live births. Strong healthcare access through Prepaid Health Care Act contributes. Below national average.
CDC WONDER; NCHS
+2
Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground
Hawaii has limited Castle Doctrine with duty to retreat outside the home. No Stand Your Ground law. Significant restrictions on self-defense. Among most restrictive self-defense frameworks nationally. HRS §703-304 imposes duty to retreat.
HRS §703-304; NRA-ILA HI law
-1
Death penalty procedural safeguards
Hawaii abolished the death penalty (1957). As abolitionist state, maintains LWOP. Victim services funded through AG office. No wrongful execution risk. Standard framework for abolitionist state.
HI statutes; Death Penalty Information Center
+1
Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes
Hawaii suicide rate near national average — approximately 14-16 per 100K. Some funded prevention programs. 988 integration underway. Green as physician emphasizes mental health. Average outcomes.
CDC WISQARS; AFSP HI fact sheet; HI DOH
0
911/emergency response time adequacy
Hawaii EMS response times adequate in urban Honolulu. Neighbor island response times challenged by rural geography. Standard performance for island state. Maui wildfire exposed communication system failures but 911 response itself was separate issue.
NFPA; HI EMS; NEMSIS
0
Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding
Hawaii opioid challenge different from mainland — methamphetamine historically primary concern. Fentanyl emerging. Geographic isolation provides some interdiction buffer. Treatment programs funded but access limited on neighbor islands. Average performance.
SAMHSA; CDC WONDER; HI ADAD
0
Veteran suicide and healthcare access
Hawaii has significant military/veteran population. Tripler Army Medical Center and VA Pacific Islands system provide healthcare. Some veteran-specific state programs. Green as physician supports healthcare access. Adequate veteran framework.
VA SAIL; HI Office of Veterans' Services; HUD PIT
+1
Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement
Hawaii DOH food safety program meets FDA conformance standards. Tourism industry creates strong incentive for food safety enforcement. No major outbreaks linked to state inspection failures. Adequate compliance.
FDA Conformance; HI DOH; CDC FoodNet
+1
Workplace fatality rate
Hawaii workplace fatality rate below national average — approximately 2.5-3.5 per 100K FTE. Tourism-based economy less hazardous than resource extraction states. HIOSH operates state plan with adequate oversight.
BLS CFOI; HIOSH
+1
Domestic violence fatality rate and funding
Hawaii DV rate near national average. Some funded DV programs. Shelter capacity limited on neighbor islands. Average DV response framework. No DV fatality review board noted.
NNEDV; BJS; HI DHS
0
Correctional facility death rate and conditions
Hawaii houses 1,000+ inmates at Saguaro facility in Arizona — far from families. HB 1376 (2025) introduced to phase out mainland transfers by 2030. In-state facilities overcrowded. Separating inmates from families and communities raises conditions concerns. Below-adequate corrections conditions.
HI DPS; BJS; HB 1376
-1
Pollution-related mortality and environmental health
Hawaii air quality generally excellent. Limited industrial pollution. Volcanic emissions (VOG) from Kilauea are natural. Water quality good. Environmental health above average. Clean energy transition progressing (100% renewable mandate by 2045).
EPA Green Book; HI DOH; Superfund data
+1
Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate
Hawaii traffic fatality rate approximately 1.1-1.4 per 100M VMT — near national average. Lower speeds on island roads but pedestrian fatalities a concern in Honolulu. Average performance.
NHTSA FARS; HI DOT crash data
0
Sanctity of life legislative framework
Hawaii permits abortion throughout pregnancy with no gestational limit. Green maintains and supports existing permissive framework. HRS §453-16 legalized abortion pre-Roe. No post-Dobbs restrictions enacted. Removed most protections while maintaining minimal clinic safety regulations.
HRS §453-16; Guttmacher; SCOTUS Dobbs
-2
Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence
Set goal to cut chronic homelessness in half. 25 kauhale tiny home villages opened. Nearly 1,000 new supportive housing beds. Mental health and addiction treatment integrated.
Governor Hawaii; Honolulu Civil Beat
+1
Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion
Hawaii lost 2,132 people in FY2025, now 1,432,820. Net domestic migration loss of 8,876. Cost of living driving continued outmigration.
Census Bureau 2025; Grassroot Institute
-1
Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement
Pursuing state police force to fill staffing gaps. Department of Law Enforcement requested $50M for security and AI policing.
Hawaii News Now; Hawaii Legislature
+1
Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail
No significant early releases or no-cash-bail policies. Conventional criminal justice approach maintained.
General research
0
Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities
No specific action on biological sex-based facility housing. Hawaii generally follows inclusive policies.
General research
0
Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention
Declared Hawaii 'trauma-informed' state. SB 1322 proposed loosening involuntary commitment standards. Enhanced crisis procedures and data tracking.
Governor Hawaii; ACLU Hawaii
+1

Constitutional Rights

Bill of Rights (Amendments I-X); 14th Amendment incorporation
Score: -19 Range: -87 to 87 Items: 29
Second Amendment — right to carry status
Hawaii has among the most restrictive carry laws nationally. Prior to Bruen, effectively no-issue for concealed carry. Post-Bruen, Hawaii created permit system but with extensive requirements and restrictions making carry practically difficult. Effective restrictions on carry for most residents.
HI firearms statutes; USCCA; SCOTUS Bruen compliance
-2
Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions
Hawaii bans assault-style weapons with comprehensive feature-based restrictions (HRS §134). Registration required for ALL firearms. Among most restrictive states for semi-automatic rifles. Green has maintained these restrictions.
HRS §134; ATF state compendium; Heller common use standard
-2
Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions
Hawaii restricts magazine capacity to 10 rounds for pistol magazines (HRS §134-8). No restrictions on rifle magazines specifically but assault weapons restrictions effectively limit rifle magazine use. Partial restriction framework.
HRS §134-8; NRA-ILA; Giffords
-1
Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process
Hawaii does not have a formal ERPO/red flag law. However, Hawaii's comprehensive firearms registration system and strict permitting create de facto risk-based screening. Standard due process for firearms proceedings maintained.
HI firearms statutes; NRA-ILA
0
First Amendment — campus free speech protections
Hawaii has no specific campus free speech statute. University of Hawaii system (10 campuses) operates without specific free speech protections or documented suppression incidents. Neutral posture.
FIRE rankings; HI legislation
0
First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections
Hawaii has an anti-SLAPP statute (HRS §634F) providing moderate protection. Early motion to dismiss and fee-shifting provisions. Adequate but not comprehensive. Standard framework.
HRS §634F; Public Participation Project
0
First Amendment — religious liberty protections
Hawaii has no state RFRA. General respect for religious exercise. No documented COVID-era religious liberty conflicts of note. Diverse religious environment (Buddhism, Christianity, indigenous practices). Neutral framework.
HI statutes; Becket Fund
0
Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance
Hawaii relies primarily on federal Carpenter standard. State constitution (Art. I §7) provides strong privacy protections. No comprehensive state electronic privacy statute but constitutional privacy clause provides baseline. Neutral to slightly positive.
HI Constitution Art. I §7; EFF
0
Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform
Hawaii civil asset forfeiture laws provide moderate protections. Some reform enacted. Not among strongest reform states but not among weakest. Standard framework.
Institute for Justice; HI forfeiture statutes
0
Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo
Hawaii has moderate post-Kelo protections. Land ownership in Hawaii is uniquely concentrated (large landholders). Hawaii Housing Authority v. Midkiff (1984, SCOTUS) allowed Hawaii's land reform act redistributing land — unique constitutional history. Standard protections for island context.
HI Constitution; Hawaii Housing Auth. v. Midkiff; Castle Coalition
0
Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines
Hawaii permitting timelines challenging — high regulatory burden for construction and development. Emergency housing proclamation (Build Beyond Barriers) attempted to cut red tape for wildfire recovery and housing. Chronic permitting delays contribute to housing crisis ($800K+ median home price). Above-average regulatory burden.
HI DBEDT; HHFDC; permitting data
-1
Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance
Green generally aligned with federal Democratic administration. AG joined anti-ICE coalition. No significant federal overreach resistance. Passive acquiescence on most federal matters. Limited sovereignty pushback.
HI executive orders; AG litigation; federal-state relations
-1
Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination
Hawaii state contracting maintains standard nondiscrimination provisions. Diverse population reduces salience of race-based program concerns. No specific SFFA compliance actions. Neutral posture.
HI procurement code; state contracting data
0
Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws
Hawaii has limited firearms preemption. Counties can and do impose additional restrictions. Honolulu County has historically had stricter requirements. No strong preemption protecting uniform statewide firearms laws. Local authorities can restrict beyond state minimums.
HI firearms preemption statutes; county firearms regulations
-2
First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance
Hawaii UIPA (Uniform Information Practices Act) provides standard public records access. Compliance at average levels. Some delays documented but no systematic obstruction. Neutral transparency environment.
HI UIPA; OIP annual reports; RCFP
0
Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy
Hawaii Office of the Public Defender funded at standard levels. Caseloads challenging but near national norms. Small population limits total case volume. Average indigent defense framework.
HI OPD; Sixth Amendment Center; ABA
0
Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention
Hawaii bail system standard. Some risk-based pretrial screening. Cash bail exists with moderate reforms. No extreme reform in either direction. Average bail framework.
Pretrial Justice Institute; HI court records
0
Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom
Hawaii has among the highest regulatory burdens nationally. Extreme permitting requirements contribute to $800K+ median home price. Build Beyond Barriers emergency proclamation attempted to reduce housing regulatory burden but chronic over-regulation persists. Top quartile regulatory burden expanding.
Mercatus RegData; Pacific Research Institute; Cato economic freedom
-2
Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms cases
HI AG actively pursues anti-2A litigation. Filed amicus briefs supporting gun restrictions. Hawaii Supreme Court in State v. Wilson (2024) cited 'the spirit of Aloha' in upholding restrictions post-Bruen. Anti-2A litigation posture at state and federal levels.
HI AG filings; State v. Wilson; amicus briefs
-2
First Amendment — compelled speech protections
Hawaii has no significant compelled speech mandates documented. No mandatory pronoun policies for state employees at state level. Standard free expression environment. Neutral.
HI statutes; state employee policies
0
Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers
Hawaii's island geography creates natural commerce challenges but no unconstitutional barriers. Jones Act significantly impacts Hawaii shipping costs but is federal law, not state. Standard interstate commerce for unique geography.
HI commerce statutes; Jones Act
0
Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform
Hawaii occupational licensing reform limited. Some military spouse licensing provisions. High licensing burden in some professions. No comprehensive reform. Average framework.
IJ License to Work; HI DCCA; NCSL
0
Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations
Hawaii pension systems (ERS) approximately 55-65% funded. Making ARC payments. Bond ratings stable (AA+/Aa1). Pension underfunding is concerning but payments maintained. Mixed — contractual obligations being met but pension health below adequate.
HI ERS CAFR; Pew pension data; S&P/Moody's/Fitch
0
Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access
Hawaii jury trial access standard. Small population and island geography create some practical limitations. Courthouse access adequate across islands. No documented erosion of jury rights.
HI court annual reports; NCSC
0
Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause adherence
Hawaii limits ICE cooperation and detainer compliance. Issues DLs to undocumented (HB 1007, 2015). Provides in-state tuition for undocumented. AG joined anti-ICE coalition. No formal sanctuary law but administrative policies restrict federal enforcement cooperation. No E-Verify mandate. Less severe than full statutory sanctuary but deficient compliance.
8 USC §1373; FAIR; HB 1007; HI AG litigation
-1
Qualified immunity / due process for officers
No qualified immunity legislation or executive action.
General research
0
Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody
Hawaii does not require voter ID. No effort to strengthen requirements. One of the weakest voter ID systems nationally.
Ballotpedia; VoteRiders
-2
Non-citizen voting prevention
No photo ID and no proof-of-citizenship verification system. Has not pursued strengthening measures.
Ballotpedia; Hawaii News Now
-1
Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics
No law banning transgender athletes from women's sports. HHSAA permits participation based on gender identity. Federal Title IX investigation opened.
Aloha State News; Hawaii News Now
-2

Child Welfare & Parental Rights

Meyer v. Nebraska (1923); Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925); Troxel v. Granville (2000); Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972); Parham v. J.R. (1979); 14th Amendment substantive due process
Score: -6 Range: -75 to 75 Items: 25
Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition
Hawaii has no specific Parental Bill of Rights statute. Common law parental rights maintained. No legislation either strengthening or weakening parental authority specifically enacted. Neutral framework.
HI statutes; NCSL parental rights tracker
0
Education choice — school choice programs
Hawaii has very limited school choice. Single statewide school district (only state with this structure). Charter schools permitted but limited in number. No ESA, voucher, or tax credit scholarship program. Among most restrictive school choice environments nationally.
EdChoice; HI DOE; NAPCS
-1
Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors
Hawaii allows minors to consent to healthcare including reproductive services without parental involvement. No parental notification for abortion. No parental notification requirements for gender identity decisions. Broad mature minor exceptions. Below-adequate parental authority protections.
HI minor consent statutes; Guttmacher
-1
Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions
Hawaii has no restrictions on gender-transition procedures for minors. Medicaid covers transition services. No parental consent mandate specific to transition. Green as physician-governor has not pursued restrictions. State facilitates access without specific safeguards.
HI statutes; CMS Medicaid; HI DOH
-1
Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend
Hawaii child abuse/neglect rate near national average. Small population creates statistical volatility. Standard CPS operations. No dramatic increase or decrease during Green's short tenure.
ACF NCANDS; HI DHS CPS data
0
Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment
Hawaii failed third consecutive federal CFSR — did not meet safety thresholds for children in care. Chronic underperformance on federal child welfare standards. Systemic issues persist across multiple administrations including Green's.
ACF CFSR Round 4; HI DHS
-2
Foster care — permanency outcomes
Hawaii permanency outcomes below national standards based on repeated CFSR failures. Children in care face extended timelines. Some improvement efforts but chronic underperformance. Deficient outcomes.
ACF AFCARS; HI DHS; CFSR data
-1
Child trafficking prevention and prosecution
Hawaii has trafficking statute and AG enforcement program. Tourism industry creates vulnerability but awareness programs operational. Safe harbor provisions for minor victims. Adequate framework given island geography.
Polaris Project; Shared Hope International; HI AG
+1
Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency
Hawaii 4th grade NAEP reading approximately 29-32% proficient — near national average. Single statewide district structure creates unique governance. Green's short tenure limits educational outcome attribution. Average performance.
NCES NAEP state results; HI DOE
0
Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency
Hawaii 8th grade NAEP math approximately 25-28% proficient — near national average. Post-COVID recovery ongoing. Teacher pay raises (2023) helping recruitment. Average outcomes.
NCES NAEP state results
0
Parental curriculum transparency
Hawaii single statewide school district provides some curriculum transparency through centralized governance. Standard access to curriculum on request. No specific parental transparency statute. Neutral framework.
HI DOE; curriculum policies
0
Social media — minor protections
Hawaii has not enacted specific social media minor protection legislation. Reliance on federal COPPA baseline. Neutral posture.
HI statutes; NCSL tracker
0
Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment
Hawaii juvenile justice system standard. Jurisdiction to 18. Limited mandatory transfer. Some rehabilitation programs. Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility is sole juvenile detention facility. Average framework.
HI OYS; OJJDP; Campaign for Youth Justice
0
Child poverty rate and state response
Hawaii child poverty rate approximately 12-15% by income measure but effective rate much higher when adjusted for cost of living (highest in nation). Median home $800K+. Child well-being challenged by extreme housing costs. Average by nominal rate but worse when cost-adjusted.
Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT; HI cost of living data
0
Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support
Hawaii adoption framework standard. Small population limits adoption pool. Subsidized adoption available. Standard process. CFSR failures suggest systemic permanency challenges.
ACF AFCARS; HI DHS
0
Homeschool rights and protections
Hawaii homeschool regulation moderate. Notification required. No mandatory testing. Curriculum not mandated but progress must be demonstrated. Standard regulatory framework.
HSLDA HI law; HI DOE homeschool policy
0
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) enforcement
Hawaii participates in ICAC task force. AG enforcement present. Standard enforcement with island geography considerations. Average performance.
ICAC; HI AG; NCMEC
0
School safety — violence prevention and incident response
Hawaii school safety programs standard. Low violence rates statewide support school safety. Single statewide district enables uniform safety protocols. No major school safety incidents during tenure. Basic framework adequate.
HI DOE; NASRO
0
Children's mental health services access
Hawaii children's mental health access at average levels. Green as physician-governor emphasizes healthcare access. School counselor ratios near national average. Some access gaps on neighbor islands. Average performance.
ASCA; HI DOH; SAMHSA
0
Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections
Hawaii allows religious and medical exemptions for childhood vaccinations. No philosophical exemption. Standard exemption framework maintained under Green. Parental choice reasonably protected within public health framework.
NCSL vaccination data; HI immunization statutes
0
Child care affordability and access
Hawaii childcare costs among highest in nation due to extreme cost of living. Child care affordability severely challenged. $800K+ median home means childcare workers struggle to live where they work. Subsidy availability limited relative to need. Below-adequate access.
ACF CCDF; NWLC; Center for American Progress
-1
Education — teacher quality and retention
Hawaii DOE teacher vacancies at lowest since 2019 after 2023 pay raises — positive trend. However, extreme cost of living ($800K+ median home) makes teacher recruitment permanently challenging. Single statewide district provides uniform salary schedule. Improving from below-average base.
HI DOE; NEA salary rankings; NCES
0
Child nutrition — food insecurity rate
Hawaii child food insecurity at moderate levels. High food costs (island premium) offset by school meal programs and SNAP. Average relative to national rate despite higher food prices.
USDA ERS; Feeding America; HI DOE
0
Custody and family court — due process in child removal
Hawaii family court system meets standard due process requirements. CFSR failures suggest systemic child welfare concerns but family court process itself meets constitutional minimums. Standard protections.
HI child welfare statutes; ABA; CFSR
0
Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance
Hawaii IDEA compliance at standard levels. Single statewide district facilitates uniform compliance but also means any failure is system-wide. OSEP rating typical. Average performance.
OSEP annual determinations; HI IDEA Part B data
0

Faithful Discharge of Duties

Gubernatorial oath: 'I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office'; Article IV, Section 4; state constitutional requirements
Score: 0 Range: -123 to 123 Items: 41
Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit
Hawaii budgets generally balanced. FY2026-2027 biennium $19.8B/$19.7B enacted. Line-item vetoed $110M for fiscal prudence. Tourism revenue dependent but Green has maintained balanced budgets. Adequate fiscal management.
HI DBEDT; HB 300; Governor's budget
+1
State credit rating stability
Hawaii maintains AA+/Aa1 credit ratings — stable throughout Green's tenure. No downgrades. Ratings reflect strong institutional framework and tourism revenue base. Adequate rating level maintained.
S&P; Moody's; Fitch
+1
Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy
Record $1.5B rainy day fund built — strong reserves for island state vulnerable to natural disasters and tourism volatility. Among highest rainy day fund ratios nationally. Prudent fiscal management on reserves.
HI DBEDT; NASBO; Pew rainy day data
+2
Pension system funding responsibility
Hawaii ERS approximately 55-65% funded — below adequate levels. Making ARC payments but unfunded liability significant. Among lower-funded state pension systems. Gradual improvement but still deficient.
HI ERS CAFR; Pew pension data
-1
State debt burden
Hawaii state debt per capita among highest nationally. High debt-to-GDP ratio. Island infrastructure costs and capital needs drive borrowing. Debt burden above national median and among top quartile.
Census debt data; Moody's; HI Treasury
-1
Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita
Hawaii state employee headcount near national average per capita. Single statewide school district makes state the primary employer for education (unlike other states where counties employ teachers). Unique structure inflates state headcount relative to true government size.
Census Public Employment; BLS; HI DOE
0
Inspector General / state auditor independence
Hawaii State Auditor operates independently (legislative branch). Reports published without interference including critical wildfire-related audits. Green has not obstructed oversight. Standard independent audit function maintained.
HI State Auditor; AG wildfire investigation
+1
Ethics violations and personal scandals
No ethics violations or personal scandals for Green. Clean record. Physician background lends credibility. No criminal charges, no ethics complaints substantiated. First-term governor maintaining ethical standards.
HI Ethics Commission; media coverage
+1
Executive order restraint
Green's executive orders within constitutional bounds. Emergency housing proclamation (Build Beyond Barriers) uses emergency powers broadly for housing crisis — some question whether housing constitutes emergency, but not struck down. Standard EO usage.
HI EO database; court rulings
0
Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits
Maui wildfire emergency declaration within statutory limits. Emergency housing proclamation extended emergency powers for housing construction — broad use of emergency authority but within legal framework. Legislative cooperation maintained. Standard adherence.
HI emergency statutes; legislative records
0
Legislative cooperation — veto override rate
Green has worked cooperatively with Democratic supermajority legislature. Low veto rate. Line-item vetoes on FY2026-27 budget ($110M) accepted without override. Productive legislative relationship.
HI Legislature veto records
+1
Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity
Hawaii uses Judicial Selection Commission. Green has followed standard appointment process. No appointees removed for cause. Clean judicial appointment record in first term.
HI Judicial Selection Commission; appointment records
+1
Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation
Generally implemented enacted legislation on time. Emergency housing proclamation implementation ongoing. Wildfire recovery legislation implemented. Standard execution with some delays on complex housing programs.
HI agency rulemaking; legislative oversight
0
Federal fund utilization — grant management
FEMA wildfire disaster funds secured and being deployed. Federal infrastructure funds captured. No major audit findings or clawbacks. $4.037B Hawaiian Electric settlement separate from federal funds. Adequate federal fund management.
Federal Audit Clearinghouse; FEMA; HI ACFR
+1
Public approval as competence indicator
Green's approval rating approximately 40-50% — mixed, affected by wildfire response and housing crisis. Not the highest or lowest nationally. First-term governor with some time for approval to evolve. Average public confidence.
Morning Consult; local polls
0
State IT security and data protection
Hawaii state IT at standard levels. No major data breaches during Green's tenure. Limited IT modernization investment documented. Standard cybersecurity framework for small state.
NASCIO; HI state auditor
0
Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution
Hawaii infrastructure execution moderate. Emergency housing proclamation (Build Beyond Barriers) aimed to accelerate 7,000 units. Wildfire recovery construction underway. Standard capital budget execution challenged by island construction costs and regulatory burden.
HI DOT; HHFDC; ASCE
0
Disaster fund readiness
Record $1.5B rainy day fund provides strong disaster cushion for island state. FEMA cost-share obligations met for Maui wildfire. Pre-positioned resources adequate. Good disaster fund management despite wildfire response failures.
HI DBEDT; FEMA; emergency fund balances
+1
Workforce development — unemployment system integrity
Hawaii UI system standard. Tourism-dependent economy creates unemployment volatility (COVID devastated Hawaii tourism). UI trust fund adequate. Processing times standard. Average system performance.
DOL UI Data Summary; HI DLIR
0
Medicaid program integrity
Hawaii Medicaid program standard. Prepaid Health Care Act (1974) reduces Medicaid demand by providing employer coverage. No major CMS sanctions. Average error rates. Standard program integrity.
CMS PERM; HI DHS Medicaid; state auditor
0
Election administration — constitutional compliance
Hawaii all-mail voting (Act 136, 2019) with no strict voter ID. DLs for undocumented (HB 1007) combined with online voter registration creates weak verification. No proof of citizenship required. Among weakest election integrity frameworks nationally.
EAC EAVS; HI Office of Elections; Act 136; HB 1007
-1
Transparency — state budget accessibility
Hawaii budget documents available online. State Financial Data Portal operational. Budget transparency adequate for small state. Standard accessibility.
HI DBEDT; U.S. PIRG; GFOA
+1
Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty
Hawaii limits ICE cooperation. AG joined anti-ICE coalition. DLs for undocumented and in-state tuition for undocumented represent selective federal non-compliance. While no formal sanctuary law, administrative policies restrict federal enforcement cooperation.
8 USC §1373; HI AG anti-ICE coalition; HB 1007; ICE data
-1
Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning
Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke serving. Clear succession chain per HI Constitution. COOP plan exists. Standard continuity planning. Island geography creates unique continuity challenges (inter-island communication/transport).
HI Constitution succession; emergency management
+1
Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity
Hawaii procurement through SPO maintains competitive bidding. No major procurement scandals during Green's tenure. $4.037B Hawaiian Electric settlement was civil litigation, not procurement-related. Clean procurement record.
HI SPO; state auditor; procurement records
+1
Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade
Hawaii gas prices average $4.98/gallon, far above national average. GET of 4-4.5% applies to fuel. No significant action to reduce.
AAA Hawaii; Hawaii News Now
-2
Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy
Highest electricity rates in nation at ~40-42 cents/kWh, over 2.2x national average. HECO rate increase pending.
Electric Choice; Hawaiian Electric
-2
Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness
100% renewable by 2045 goal. Green Fee generating $100M+ annually. Heavy petroleum dependence persists. Some solar progress.
Governor Hawaii; EIA Hawaii
0
Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median
Property taxes moderate relative to values but home values extremely high (median exceeds $1M). County-level administration.
Hawaii Tax Reports
0
Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business
Complex regulatory environment. GET affects businesses broadly. Housing regulatory reform achieved but compliance costs remain high.
Governor Hawaii; Civil Beat
-1
Unfunded mandates on municipalities
No significant new unfunded mandates. Only 4 counties in Hawaii.
General research
0
Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend
Signed historic tax cuts (Act 46) reducing taxes 10-71% for working families. Doubled EITC. But cost of living remains among highest. Median home exceeds $1M.
Civil Beat; Governor Hawaii
0
Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies
Pushed legislation protecting immigrants from federal enforcement. Budgeted $20M for AG to sue Trump administration. Legislative bills limiting ICE cooperation.
US News; Hawaii News Now; Civil Beat
-1
Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes
Audit required of kauhale initiative. $88.2M committed through 2027. 25 villages. Nearly 1,000 beds. Healthcare costs dropped for housed individuals.
Civil Beat; Governor Hawaii
+1
Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling
Actively clearing encampments post-Grants Pass: 45 camps from Diamond Head, massive Maui encampment. Welcomed Trump's EO on encampments.
Hawaii News Now; Star-Advertiser
+1
Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving
Lost 2,132 residents in FY2025. Net domestic loss of 8,876. 11 people moving out per day. Relocating to CA, WA, TX.
Census Bureau; Dwell Hawaii; Grassroot Institute
-2
Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy
High costs drive business challenges. Population decline threatens workforce. GDP growth positive but affordability issues persist.
UHERO; Governor Hawaii
-1
DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors
No DA accountability actions or controversies.
General research
0
Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency
No voter ID requirement. Mail-in voting with minimal verification. No security enhancements under Green.
Ballotpedia; Hawaii Office of Elections
-1
Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents
Budgeted $20M for AG to fight Trump policies. While framed as defending state interests, represents significant use of state resources for political opposition.
Hawaii News Now; US News
-1
Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes
UH closed Confucius Institute before Green's tenure. No state-level foreign adversary protections.
FDD; General research
0
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