Rep. Oshiro invites you to Opening Day Festivities

Kicking off the new year, Rep. Blake Oshiro mailed out invitations to Opening Day of the 2008 Legislative Session and presented several bills that he will introduce. This is what he had to say:

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Happy New Year! This has been a banner year for Hawaii -- and if we've learned anything from our UH Warriors, it's the power of what the word "BELIEVE" can mean. Likewise, the Legislature is getting ready for another session where we want everyone to "BELIEVE" in the opportunities that can be brought to our state -- diversifying our economy, strengthening our educational system, bringing down our crime statistics even lower, and improving the quality of life for everyone.

As I embark on my eighth year in the State House, you can count on me to do whatever I can to help address the needs of our beautiful community and State in the coming year. Our road to improvement begins on the Opening Day of the 2008 Legislative Session. I hope that you will be able to join me, my family, and my staff for Opening Day Festivities:

When: Wednesday, January 16, 2008, noon
Where: State Capitol, Room 422

It continues to be my honor to be your voice in the Legislature. Together, we can accomplish anything. Please feel free to post suggestions in the blog comment box on how lawmakers can better our communities. My door is always open to your thoughts and suggestions. I hope to see you soon and wish you all the best in 2008!

Aloha,
Representative Blake K. Oshiro (Aiea, Halawa Heights, Pearlridge, Red Hill, Waimalu)

A few of the bills I intend to initiate in the 2008 Legislative Session:

• Aiea Library Relocation: Obtain funds for planning, construction and relocation costs to move the Aiea Library from its current location to a parcel of land already owned by the state near the old sugar mill property.
• Road Safety: Require automatic driver license revocation proceedings for any driver who gets more than 3 infractions within a 5 year period. Increase fines for speeding in construction zones.
  
• State purchases of agricultural products: Clarify and refine laws so that locally grown agricultural products get a preference in bulk-purchases by state and government agencies.
  
• Journalist shield law: Ensure that the Freedom of Press protections in the First Amendment have meaning by providing a privilege for journalists so that they are not forced to reveal their sources.
  
• Prescription medications in emergency: Allows people to fill prescriptions early in state of emergency regardless of any "refill" limits. Also establishes an Emergency Prescription Database between physicians, pharmacists and health insurers to confirm validity and facilitate filing of prescriptions.