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Hawaii farmers plan to ask the Legislature to be more aggressive about laws that support the state’s most valuable cash crops.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs got the land a decade ago as part of a deal with the state but says it’s hamstrung without a legislative OK to build housing.

Advocates hope that with a near $2 billion surplus and an influx of new faces, the Legislature will open its purse strings for Hawaii’s public education system. 

Many of those sites were historically used for agriculture and heavy industry and include military installations.

The governor also announced that $50 million in state grant funds will finally be released to Hawaii nonprofits that have waited months for the money.

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke has so far declined to commit to wage increases for early educators this coming session.

Green also announced key appointments to head the state land and agriculture departments as he fills out his Cabinet.

About half of his appointees led departments under Gov. David Ige’s administration.

Commission members urged the public to pay close attention to what the Hawaii Legislature does with the 31 proposals intended to combat corruption, ethical issues and more.

Kurt Fevella remains minority leader in the Senate, where the caucus has doubled in size.