Hawaii Health System Corporation: Primary Care Training Program

Hawaii Health System Corporation: Primary Care Training Program

On Thursday, January 10, 2013, the Legislative Big Island Delegation invited the Hawai'i Island Healthcare Alliance to present Hawaii Health System Corporation's (HHSC) initiative to increase the number of Primary Care Physicians and Clinicians Practicing on the Big Island. Presenting was Dr. Kristine McCoy, Program Director for Hawaii Health System Corporation. 

According to a 2012 UH Hilo study, in five years, one in three physicians currently practicing on Hawai'i Island will not be doing so. Hawaii Health System Corporation: Primary Care Training Program (HHSC PCPT) would train primary care teams. Teams can care for up to 10,000 patients with one doctor, before one doctor could only manage 2,500. Teams are more cost effective. One family physician costs $25,000 - $300,000 per year to train (residency), nearly one million dollars over the course of the residency. The HHSC PCPT trains a team equivalent to up to 4 physicians for $1.6 million.

Hawai'i State

Projected Physician Shortage

Decline by 2020 Due to Population Growth and Physician Retirement and Relocation

Source: JABOM Workforce Study 2011

Innovation is the key to solving the primary care gap. The new approach includes advanced practice nurses, pharmacist clinicians, and psychologists, as well as family physicians. Training will focus on skills for practicing in smaller communities. More than half of residents trained at rural sites practice in rural areas.

Hawai'i cannot count on the mainland to provide the needed physicians. The United States will need 52,000 additional primary care physicians by 2025. Source: Petterson et al, Annals of Fam Med Nov/Dec 2012

·               33,000 due to population growth

·              10,000 due to aging of our population

·               8,000 due to insurance expansion

HHSC feels new programs must be started in order to fill the gap. Physicians must be trained on site in rural areas. Of the 63 residents trained through the John A. Burns Medical Center:

·              50 stayed on Oahu

·              4 relocated to Maui

·              9 relocated to the Big Island

·              0 relocated to Kauai

Dr. McCoy comments on the projected physician shortage statewide.

Representative Cindy Evans speaks of the importance of innovation in healthcare.

Harold Wallace, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Bay Clinic, Inc. Hilo, Hawai'i comments on the need to increase preventive care.

Richard Taaffe, Executive Director, West Hawaii Community Health Center speaks on the clinic’s commitment to provide healthcare to the uninsured.

Submitted by: Michael Moscati, Communications and Community Outreach Liaison for Rep. Evans

Hawaii Preparatory Academy Wins Green Ribbon

Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Kamuela, Big Island was named one of seventy-eight Green Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. This was the first year that the Department issued the award, which honors schools that exercise a comprehensive "green" approach in reducing environmental impact, provide a thorough environmental education including sustainability concepts necessary for the growing global economy of the 21st century, and promote health. Ewa Makai Middle School was the only other school in Hawaii to receive a Green Ribbon.

The jewel of Hawaii Prep's green initiative is its Energy Lab Building. The Energy Lab was the only building in the state to receive Platinum-level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Schools 2.0 certification, which is the highest rating a building can receive.

The Energy Lab features sensors that monitor and control energy and water use, CO2 levels, artificial lighting, and natural airflow. The building also uses an innovative radiant cooling system that cools warm spaces during the day with water that is chilled with colder nighttime air. All of the energy for the lab comes from a 24-kilowatt photovoltaic system mounted on its roof.

"Hawaii Prep understands the demand for expertise to support the growing "green economy" and the production of energy," said Rep. Cindy Evans (North Kona, South Kohala). "I applaud the school for investing in our children and our future by providing a classroom building which displays sustainability, innovation and technology."

The Energy Lab, which opened in January, has already been awarded the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Honolulu Award of Excellence, AIA Honolulu Jack C. Lipman Members' Choice Award, AIA New England Honor Award, AIA New Hampshire Excellence in Sustainable Design and Development Award, Boston Society of Architects Honor Award, Learning by Design Grand Prize, and the Merit Award for Integrated Design/Integrated Development.

Honoka‘a Jazz Band Performs at the Capitol

Hailing from the Big Island's Hamakua Coast, the Honoka‘a Jazz Band is in the middle of its Big City Tour of Oahu. The tour, which coincides with National Jazz Appreciation Month, made a stop at the Capitol this morning. As a special surprise, jazz aficionado, Governor Neil Abercrombie issued a proclamation declaring April 20th, 2012 as Honoka‘a Jazz Band Day!

Gary Washburn, school music director, created the Honoka‘a Jazz Band in 1988 and changes the musical repertoire annually to reflect the evolving personality of the band as students graduate. The band has earned distinction as one of the preeminent school musical programs in the nation. In 2010, Honoka‘a's music program beat out more than 22,000 other schools to be awarded one of the top 138 music programs in the United States. Last year, the band received the coveted Grammy Signature Schools Enterprise Award and Gary Washburn received the National Society of High School Scholars' Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award. This year, the band performed at the Ilikai Hotel in Honolulu for the Edison Learning Convention and will be featured in the June edition of Hana Hou Magazine.

Big Island Lawmakers Reps. Cindy Evans, Mark Nakashima, and Sen. Malama Solomon enjoying the show

“With all of the emphasis on math and science, it is crucial to always remember that it is music and the arts that provide us with inspiration,” said Rep. Nakashima, (District 1 - North Kohala, South Kohala, Hamakua, North Hilo, South Hilo).

“Music, drama and the arts provide our students with the opportunity to exercise their creativity, act on their inspiration, and imagine the possibilities,” he added. “Teachers like Mr. Washburn provide students with the venue to explore this realm and to contribute profoundly to our quality of life.”

Governor Abercrombie providing lead vocals

This year's repertoire includes music going back to the 1940s as well as contemporary hits. You can hear the band's take on music by Christina Aguilera, Brazil 66, Ruth Brown, Michael Buble, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Maceo Parker, Paul Simon, and a special Cuban song, "Mis Dos Pequenas." 


The remaining stops on the Honoka‘a Jazz Band's Big City Tour are listed below.

A Night of Jazz at the Arcadia

Friday, April 20, 2012 from 7-8p.m.

1434 Punahou Street

(808) 983-1808

YMCA Healthy Kids Day at the Bishop Museum

Saturday, April 21, 2012

9:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. Event Time

FREE Admission for Kama'aina and Military with ID.

Out-of-state guests and those who wish to enter Bishop Museum 

after 2:00 pm will be charged the normal entry fee.

(808) 946-0292

Twilight Jazz at Helumoa

Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki

Saturday, April 21, 2012

7p.m. Honoka’a Jazz Band

8p.m. Kit Ebersbach Combo with Starr Kalāhiki

FREE and Open to the Public

Earth Day Beach Cleanup and Celebration

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Makapu'u Meadows at Sea Life Park

9:30a.m.-12p.m. Cleanup 9:30a.m. – 12p.m.

12-5p.m. Celebration

12-1p.m. Honoka’a Jazz Band Performs

Contact: Lindsey Kesel, 303-952-0452

www.sustainablecoastlineshawaii.org

Cultural Gems

Submitted by the Office of Rep. Tom Brower:

During the interim, Rep. Brower has been keeping busy with site visits to learn about our cultural gems across the island, which he often views from the perspective of Tourism Chair.

A. APEC Sites

Today, he joined the House International Affairs committee to visit the Honolulu International Airport, East-West Center and the Hawaii Convention Center and assess their "APEC readiness.

Of particular importance were the airport upgrades with moving walkways, healthier food and beverage concessions, and 1800-stall parking structure, part of the $2.3 billion modernization program approved in 2006 to improve passenger service and increase security and operational efficiencies.

(From Left): SMG General Manager Joe Davis with Reps. Evans, Brower, Awana and McKelvey. The Hawai‘i Convention Center has received its 13th consecutive Prime Site Award from Facilities & Destinations magazine.

B. Legacy Lands

This interim, Rep. Brower has joined Senate Vice-Chair of Hawaiian Affairs, Pohai Ryan, to visit Fong Plantation (Kaneohe), Sunset Ranch, Turtle Bay, and Hawaii Agricultural Research Station (Waipahu).

The Dept. of Land and Natural Resources "Legacy Land Conservation Program" (LLCP) provides grants to local organizations and agencies seeking to purchase and protect lands having these unique and rare valuable resources.

The 700-acre Fong Plantation, which is filled with tropical fruit, palms, ferns, and fragrant flowers, originally belonged to King Lunalilo. Former Senator Hiram L. Fong, who purchased it in 1950, is well-known for being the first Asian American presidential candidate (1964).

(From Left): Reps. Hashem and Brower, Hiram Fong Jr., Sen. Ryan and guest at the Plantation.

Waikoloa Talk Story

Waikoloa Talk Story with Rep. Evans and Sen. Green

New Law establishes process for deployed military on child custody

Rep. Cindy Evans

Governor Lingle today signed into law HB2061 which establishes a process by which family court can resolve matters related to custody and visitation for active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserves, and National Guard when deployed.

At issue is the military-readiness of parents who are faced with child custody and visitation matters when deployed, and also the well-being of the affected children. The measure provides for the court a legal process to address custody and visitation matters.

“This new law reflects the changing needs of our military families, and I’m pleased we are now able to have a positive impact on the children of active members of the armed forces,” said Rep. Cindy Evans, who introduced the bill.

Some of the provisions include:
· Allowing an already deployed parent to participate in a custody hearing through electronic means such as telephone, video conference, or other means that the court deems reliable.
· Clarifying that deployment shall not be the sole factor in determining custody and that awarding custody shall be in relation to all factors.
· Requirements related to visitation and contact.
· Delegation of the deployed parent’s contact rights.

The new law goes into effect on August 1, 2010.

House bills support veterans and military servicemen and women

Photo Attached: From Left to Right, Rep. Cindy Evans, Rep. Angus McKelvey, Rep. K. Mark Takai, Dennis Egge, Rep. Barbara Marumoto

House lawmakers today presented a package of military appreciation bills that have been introduced this 2010 legislative session in the House of Representatives.

Rep. Angus McKelvey, chairman of the House Committee on Economic Revitalization, Business and Military Affairs (EBM), was joined by committee member Rep. Cindy Evans and Dennis Egge, chairman of the Oahu Veterans Council's Legislative Committee.

The package includes 14 bills and one resolution that propose to help as well as recognize veterans and military men and women currently serving their country. One bill would prevent courts from using a parent's extended absence due to military service or other public duties to alter or affect awards of child custody and visitation. Another would require that the National League of Families' prisoner of war/missing in action flag to be flown with the United States and Hawaiian flags to honor American prisoners of war and military personnel who are missing in action.

"These bills will help to strengthen the relationship that the state of Hawaii has with the military and help to stimulate more federal investment to Hawaii through the defense spending the military has committed to Hawaii," Rep. McKelvey said, noting that President Obama's proposed budget being sent to Congress has about $708 billion marked for defense spending, which will have important implications for Hawaii.

"These bills introduced on the House side bring attention to issues affecting our military, which are servicemen and their families, "said Rep. Cindy Evans. “With over 55,000 troops in Hawaii, we embrace the military as part of our ‘ohana.”

"All the bills that we are supporting benefit veterans and military personnel who live and work in our great state, and the Oahu Veterans Council sincerely thanks the legislature for offering them," said Dennis Egge.

"The spectrum of benefits from supporting the bills runs from the flying of the POW flag to the proper burial of indigent veterans,” added Egge. “One bill that I feel very strongly about is the bill that will assure voting rights for our veterans and deployed service personnel."

HB437, Relating to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund
Extends the maximum age for EUTF health benefits coverage for dependent beneficiaries who are unmarried full-time students and are called to active duty in federal service with the National Guard or military reserves.

HB1899, Relating to Military and Overseas Civilian Absentee Voters
Implements voting provisions for uniformed services and overseas absentee voters, as recommended by Federal Voting Assistance Program.

HB1900, Relating to Military Personnel
Recognizes the designations of prisoner of war and missing in action as valid descriptions of casualty status and category classification for military personnel.

HB1942, Relating to Veterans Court
Establishes a temporary Hawaii Veterans Court within the Judiciary to help address prison overcrowding.

HB1943, Relating to Veterans
Requires the director of the office of veterans' services to act on behalf of deceased veterans found to be indigent at the time of death and without surviving immediate family members to ensure the burial of the veteran's remains in a state veterans cemetery.

HB1945, Relating to License Plates
Requires applicants for special member plates for military service to submit proof of honorable discharge from the military.

HB2061, Relating to Children
Provides that in child custody proceedings, courts shall not give undue weight to a parent's absence away from the child, when such absence is due to service in the military. Requires courts to make a reasonable effort to expedite proceedings or use electronic communication systems to facilitate a parent's participation in a proceeding when an affected parent is a substantial distance away from the court.

HB2273, Relating to Civil Service
Specifies which veterans qualify for civil service hiring preference.

HB2348, Relating to a Veterans' Memorial
Provides for the development of veterans' memorials to honor the veterans of the Persian Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm, Afghanistan-Iraq War, as well as for women veterans of World War II.

HB2351, Relating to Veterans
Requires an applicant for a veteran's license plate to include a copy of the applicant's most recent discharge paper or separation document that indicates an honorable discharge or general (under honorable conditions) discharge from active duty.

HB2383, Relating to Flags
Recognizes and requires the prisoner of war/missing in action flag to be flown with the U.S. and Hawaiian flags.

HB2662, Relating to Commercial Driver's License
Extends the exemption from requirement to obtain a commercial driver's license to certain former military personnel no longer on active duty who previously operated commercial motor vehicles for military purposes, provided that they met relevant minimum federal requirements that meet or exceed state requirements to operate those vehicles.

HB2930, Relating to Special Number Plates
Provides that veterans of operation enduring freedom or operation Iraqi freedom may apply for special number plates.

HB2931, Relating to Special Number Plates
Provides that applicants for special number plates for military service may pay an optional fundraising fee for a military service veterans group. Makes appropriation to counties as State's share of cost of mandated program.

HCR3, Awarding the Hawaii Medal of Honor to United States Military Service Members, with Hawaii Connections, Killed in Action While Serving in Dangerous, Volatile, and Unstable Areas of the World, Including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lawmakers and Twitter: A match made in Twitterville?

Representative Della Au Belatti posted a question on Twitter yesterday asking her followers what they thought of a Yahoo! article criticizing tweeting politicians who use 140-character tweets to communicate with the public.

The article references Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's unintelligible tweets, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's TwitVids (Twitter videos) – specifically, the one of him wielding a large knife, and other national lawmakers who write about ballet, golf and other commonplace occurrences.

Rep. Belatti proposed this discussion topic:

DAuBelatti: Thoughts on politicians & twitter - do you agree w/Yahoo article? http://tiny.cc/A71tB DAB: I admit to tweeting about daily activities.

I was able to find responses from four of her followers. Here is what they had to say:

Susan Jaworowski, an assistant professor and program director of the Legal Education Department at Kapiolani Community College, opined on the ways lawmakers should tweet, sans faux pas.

lavasusan: To @DAuBelatti Ways to do it right: make decisions transparent to public, keep them informed. Even human touches good if not the majority.

lavasusan: To @georgettedeemer @DAuBelatti: legislators can be as stupid or wise on Twitter as any other medium. Tweetcongress.org mostly gets it right.

Gene Park, a former Star-Bulletin reporter, complimented Rep. Belatti on her 140-character tweeting skills and gave her the green light on tweeting personal commentary – as long as knife-wielding isn't part of the package.

genepark: @DAuBelatti I think you do a fine mix of personal and work related tweets. Mundane tweets humanizes the personality.

genepark: @DAuBelatti And tweeting on the job is not much of a timesink. The Arnold knifeholding thing is pretty weird though. Don't do that. :-)

The voice behind Makiki Talks, an on-line gathering place for everything Makiki, tweeted views that are shared amongst many social media critics. He/she suggests that elected officials are too careless when using new media.

MakikiTalks: @DAuBelatti I don't understand y elected officials who use trad [traditional] media so carefully, so strategically forget themselves in SoMe-social media.

MakikiTalks: @DAuBelatti People still scrutinize DECISION MAKING, & ultimately PERSON making decision. Don't want to see lack of judgment or inattention

MakikiTalks: @DAuBelatti ..to the big decisions the people trust & give responsibility to make. Twitter is still earning credibility as a com tool.

A handful of Hawaii's elected officials, including Reps. Della Au Belatti, Jon Riki Karamatsu, Angus McKelvey, Cindy Evans and other capitol tweeps, are posting their thoughts and activities on the social-networking phenomenon that has recently found its way into the mainstream.

What are your thoughts on the Twitter etiquette of elected officials? Should they tweet about the mundane? Should they be tweeting at all? Is Twitter the appropriate medium to respond and discuss serious issues?

Rep. Evans on Olelo

Rep. Cindy Evans has two new shows coming up on "Now What?", a show on 'Olelo Community Television. One will be on bees in Hawaii and the other on Equal Pay Day, which is held annually in April to signify the point into the year that women must work to earn the same amount of money a man made the previous year.

Now What w/ Rep Evans: Bees in Hawaii
All on Channel 52
6/4/09 Thu 9:00 pm
6/11/09 Thu 10:00 am
6/18/09 Thu 9:00 pm
6/25/09 Thu 1:00 pm

Now What w/ Rep Evans: Equal Pay Day
6/4/09 Thu 8:30 am Channel 54
6/10/09 Wed 8:30 am Channel 54
6/24/09 Wed 8:00 pm Channel 49
6/26/09 Fri 5:00 pm Channel 54

Kona Lawmakers to hold End of Session "Talk Story"

The public is invited to a town meeting held by Majority Floor Leader Cindy Evans and Representative Denny Coffman, vice chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection. Lawmakers will brief community members on legislation approved this session. Community members are encouraged to come with questions, concerns, and suggestions for bill proposals for next year.

When: Thursday, May 28, 2009
6 – 8 p.m.

Where: Kealakehe High School Cafeteria
74-5000 Puohulihuli St
Kailua Kona, HI 96740

Rep. Evans talks tourism with former Gov. Ariyoshi

Representative Cindy Evans' TV show, "Now What", on 'Olelo will feature former Governor George Ariyoshi.

They will discuss tourism issues, specifically how the former governor dealt with tourism during his administration and how he views tourism today.

Here is a schedule of the upcoming air times:

Now What: Talk Story with Governor Ariyoshi

4/28/09 Tue 5:00 pm Channel 54

4/29/09 Wed 5:00 pm Channel 54

5/10/09 Sun 11:00 am Channel 49

6/1/09 Mon 12:00 pm Channel 54

Photo: Former Governor George Ariyoshi

US Army Environmental Initiatives for Big Island

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health, Addison "Tad" Davis, IV, met with Hawaii legislators today at the State Capitol to discuss three U.S. Army environmental initiatives on the Big Island.

"Hydrogen Highway" – The Army is working with the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute and the Environmental Protection Agency to implement recommendations from the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative. One initiative is working to establish a hydrogen fueling station at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

"I am excited about the possibility of the County of Hawaii and Hawaii state government to partner with the Army to allow and enable our local government fleet to fuel up at a hydrogen fuel station,” said Representative Cindy Evans, a former vice chair of the House Energy & Environmental Protection committee. “As more county and state vehicles turn to hydrogen fuel, not only will we decrease our dependency on foreign oil, but we will also see significant savings in the future. My hope is that this first station will be one of many that will dot a 'hydrogen highway' where private and public vehicles can tap into the benefits of this renewable energy source in the future."

Sustainable Military Complexes ­ - Wind turbines and photovoltaic solar panels will help the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) and the Kilauea Military Camp (KMC) become completely self-sustainable complexes on the Big Island.

"We are pleased that the Army's sustainability initiatives are in line with the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan which was the result of the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Task Force convened by the Hawaii State Legislature in 2005 and submitted its report in 2008," said Rep. Evans.

Depleted Uranium Update – Deputy Assistant Secretary Davis gave an update on the Army's continuing assessment on Depleted Uranium (DU) at the Pohakuloa Training Area and Schofield Barracks:

There is a continuing assessment of health risks and data from air monitoring stations to measure levels of DU at PTA. In the near future, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission will review and set restrictions, limits, and mitigation measures on DU levels at Pohakuloa. Currently, based on historical usage and ground assessments, there are 950 acres that will no longer be used.

"The money being spent by the military to insure public safety is important to safeguard and preserve our quality of life on the Big Island," added Rep. Evans.

For more information, visit the Army's website at www.imcom.pac.army.mil/DU .

Hawaii Heritage Caucus unveils 2009 Legislative Package

The 2009 Legislative Heritage Caucus unveils a package of ten bills and resolutions this session that targets the preservation of Hawaii's historic infrastructure and the move toward creating a niche market of heritage tourism.

Created in 2006, the bi-partisan Heritage Caucus has over 35 members dedicated to cultural preservation. The Heritage Caucus seeks to identify, protect, and preserve the state's cultural resources and foster widespread appreciation of Hawaii's cultural heritage and built environment.

"The Heritage Caucus provides an opportunity for legislators to create partnerships with our community, business, academic institutions and industry. The scale and complexity of the challenges confronting historic preservation today cannot be solved by institutions alone. I'm thankful for the support on this important issue. Understanding our history connects yesterday's accomplishments with tomorrow's possibilities." said Representative Cindy Evans, chair of the 2009 Legislative Heritage Caucus.

"Now more than ever, this economy presents us with unique opportunities and obligations for preserving what makes Hawai'i special. Heritage can be a win-win for visitors and locals alike and that’s precisely what this Caucus is committed to accomplishing." said Chair Corinne W.L. Ching, vice-chair of the 2009 Legislative Heritage Caucus.

The 2009 Heritage Caucus Package consists of the following bills and resolutions:

HB503 RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION.
Changes the requirement for archival photographs for permits allowing the demolition, construction, or other major alteration of a historic building to photographs in any format. Provides that if the State Historic Preservation Division does not act upon a plan submission within 30 days, the proposal is treated as accepted.

HB504 RELATING TO TOURISM. Mandates that signs identifying state landmarks convey interpretive information.

HB505 RELATING TO HISTORIC PLACES. Increases criminal penalties for trespass upon and vandalism of properties on the Hawai`i Register of Historic Places.

HB506 RELATING TO A MUSEUM ARTIFACT AND ARCHIVAL CONSERVATION SUMMIT. Directs the department of accounting and general services to organize a museum artifact and archival conservation summit.

HB507 RELATING TO HISTORIC BUILDINGS. Establishes a task force to identify obstacles to the use of alternative or renewable energy systems on state historic buildings or purchase by state historic buildings of power generated from alternative or renewable energy systems located on adjacent properties and ways to permit sellers to claim a tax deduction. Requires report to the legislature in 2010 and 2011.

HB888 RELATING TO TOURISM. Establishes a working group to investigate the feasibility of creating a niche market in the tourism industry for riflery, archery, and hunting activities.

HB889 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PARKS. Makes farmers' markets a permitted use in an agricultural park.

HCR22 Requesting Congress to designate the Hawaii Capital Cultural District as a National Heritage Area

HCR23/HR25 Urging the Heritage Tourism Community to collaboratively work to, among other things, create a Heritage Tourism Marketing Plan for use by the Hawaii Tourism Authority Heritage tourism; marketing plan

HR24 Requesting Congress to designate the Hawaii Capital Cultural District as a National Heritage Area

9 Advocates of Children and Youth Recognized

Coaches and managers of the Waipio Little League team who championed the 2008 World Little League Series took a break from lunch to take a photo with state lawmakers (back left to right) Rep. Lyla Berg, Rep. John Mizuno, Speaker Calving Say, Rep. Cindy Evans, and Sen. Norman Sakamoto.

The Keiki Caucus, McDonald's Restaurant and Hawaii Children's Trust Fund honored Outstanding Advocates for Children and Youth today at a luncheon at Washington Place.

The winners:

Adult Friends for Youth has provided therapeutic, preventive, intervention, educational, and individual and group mental health support services to high-risk youth across racial divides for over 22 years to break the cycle of violence, despair and unhealthy lifestyles that are often passed down from generation to generation. AFY was nominated by Jean McIntosh.

Natasha Garcia has been an advocate for a diabetes cure over the past 7 years since being diagnosed with Type 1 or Juvenile Diabetes at 6 years old. She has participated in several awareness campaigns to educate people on this incurable condition and is driven to empower others to keep the fight and search for a cure alive. She helps to connect newly diagnosed families with veteran families to develop support networks. Garcia was nominated by Manya Levin, executive director of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Principal Myron Monte (Dole Middle School) has been a visionary leader for education and has created a culture of achievement by using student-based education that instills in his students the confidence to excel in school and life. He was recognized as the 2008 recipient of the Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership because of his extraordinary leadership and commitment to students and staff. Principal Monte was nominated by Keith Besario.

Minna Sugimoto volunteers as a coach for Special Olympics. She is a mentor and friend to children athletes, helping them discover their inner potential and self-worth. She was nominated by Zahid Arab.

The First Tee of Hawaii organization promotes youth development and education by its Life Skills curriculum through the game of golf. The program is free to 40 percent of participants who come from low-income families. Other participants pay only $25 annually. Since the chapter's founding in 2004 it has made a significant impact on approximately 800 of Hawaii's youth between the ages of 7-18 on Oahu, Molokai and Maui. The non-profit was nominated by Ken Zitz, Executive Director.

The Kalihi Education Coalition provides ten $1,000 scholarships annually to well deserving students from schools in the Kalihi District. The non-profit also sponsors the "Kids-in-Sports" program, which requires 5th graders to complete an academic assignment in order to participate in special volleyball, basketball and softball tournaments. Erwin Gabrillo nominated the organization.

Angela Thomas is a dedicated worker with the Good Beginnings Alliance Organization. She has coordinated many programs that help Hawaii children. As project leader for the Baby Steps Program, Thomas has been instrumental in the success of the Baby Basket Program on the Big Island, which provides new mothers and their infants with a start-up basket of essential newborn items. She was nominated by Representative Cindy Evans (D7-N. Kona, S. Kohala).

Gloria Tumbaga, a registered nurse and third-year medical student, is an active volunteer with Aloha Medical Mission, an organization that provides free medical treatment to underserved areas abroad and in Hawaii. She has been on goodwill missions to Micronesia, Laos,
Bangladesh, Philippines and Papua New Guinea. Tumbaga was nominated by Joanne Tachibana, President of United Nations Association Hawaii Division.

Waipio Little League 2008 managers and coaches, Timo Donahue, Kiha Akua and Gregg Tugawa, took their team of little leaguers straight to the world championships. They have been inspirational role models to our youth and have nurtured the confidence, skills and sportsmanship of their team. Ty Diaz Cullen nominated the coaches and managers.

Hawaii residents in armed forces exempt from car weight tax

A bill introduced by Reps. Cindy Evans and Sharon Har, which expands a federal vehicle tax exemption to include Hawaii residents who are in the military, was signed into law last week as Act 141.

The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2004 only provided a tax relief on non-commercial vehicles to non-resident service members in Hawaii, excluding many local military members in the National Guard, Coast Guard and reserves from the economic benefit.

Rep. Har inserted these words, in strong support of the bill, into the House Journal during third reading of the legislative session:

"This measure provides equity for National Guard members who reside in Hawai'i. Other states have recognized the commitment of these servicemen to the state and the country. Given our isolation from the continental United States, in the event of a major disaster or emergency the Guardsmen deployed here are the primary support to first responders. This measure would not only provide the recognition that National Guard members receive from other states; it would also come at a very minimal cost. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to support this measure."

Mililani Veterans Talk Story

Photo (Center Left to Right, Back to Front ): Reps. Ryan Yamane, Marilyn Lee, Cindy Evans and Marcus Oshiro met with veterans in Mililani yesterday, bringing an end to a statewide initiative aimed at getting feedback from Hawaii veterans on how to improve the quality of veteran services.

Members in the News

Rep. James Kunane Tokioka was quoted in The Honolulu Advertiser and KHON-TV2 on the UH Athletics Department decision to allow UH employees an opportunity to reimburse the school for Sugar Bowl trip expenses. The decision was prompted by the upcoming release of names of those who received expense-paid trips to New Orleans in response to a Freedom of Information request from Hawaii media.

"I know we can't go back and change what happened, but I think it is an embarrassing situation now for the athletic department at that time not to think about what the policy was or was going to be," state Rep. James Tokioka, D-15th (Lihu'e, Koloa) told KHON yesterday. "I feel sorry for the employees who, in my mind, were innocent in the whole process."

Rep Cindy Evans was interviewed by Wayne Yoshioka, HPR News, at a meeting held with Windward veterans. Rep. Evans, Chair of the House Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, is holding statewide meetings this month to talk with veterans about the quality of services, especially medical services, in Hawaii. Hear the entire story here.

"When there's cuts in personnel, it's the neighbor islands that have suffered the most. Maybe you have to have a roaming counselor, someone to come out and provide services based on appointments, medical care, scheduling appointings, all of their services - it's kind of inconsistent and sometimes very difficult for them, and very frustrating for neighbor island people."

"Showing the respect for veterans will go a long way with young people. It's like, why would you want to enter the service if that's how they are going to treat you when you get out?"

Veterans invited to talk story with lawmakers

The Hawaii House of Representatives' Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs invite all veterans and concerned community members to a "Talk Story Session" with lawmakers to discuss how the state can improve services and address veteran concerns, including but not limited to homelessness, job retraining and employment, post traumatic stress syndrome, domestic abuse and access to healthcare for disabled veterans.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 28
10:00am – 12:00pm

WHERE: Mililani Recreation Center III
95-281 Kaloapau Street
Mililani, Hi 96789

The meeting is part of a statewide initiative called upon by a resolution introduced by Rep. Cindy Evans, Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to address the concerns of Hawaii veterans on all islands and to commence dialogue on ways that state and private agencies can be more effective in meeting the needs of all veterans.

Read a past post here about one of the meetings on Maui.

Please call the Office of Representative Cindy Evans at 808.586.8510 for more information.

House members in the news

Today, Rep. Hermina Morita in the Kauai Garden Island on whether to hold a Constitutional Convention:

“It is my personal belief that a con-con is not warranted,” Morita said. “I don’t believe there are any pressing issues that can’t be resolved on the ballot.”

Morita wondered what was so flawed with the Constitution to need a review in 2010. As an example, she pointed out that in the 221 years the U.S. Constitution has been around, not too many changes have been made to that document.

“I just haven’t heard too many compelling arguments as to what is wrong with our constitution,” Morita said. “We have to ask, ‘What needs to be fixed that goes beyond putting a question on the ballot?’ If it isn’t broken, what is there that needs to be fixed?”

Equality of rights and the right to privacy are articles in the constitution that Morita sees as “take away.”

“If we open the constitution for review at this time, it’s not to enhance any rights, it’s to take away rights,” she said. Other protections Morita is concerned may be taken away are term limits in the Legislature, education rights, Native Hawaiian rights, collective bargaining and water resources.

Morita said the state Constitution is a unique document and should be an enduring document of “what ought to be.”

“We should be proud of the document,” Morita said. “We need to look at the purpose of why there should be a con-con.”

Last week, Rep. Cindy Evans and Rep. Mele Carroll in the Molokai Times on their meeting with veterans in Kaunakakai:

“I introduced a resolution that said I want to go out, throughout the whole state, and I want to talk to the veterans,” said Rep. Cindy Evans, to the roughly 50 veterans at the meeting. “This is the third meeting; I’ve been to Maui, I’ve been to Hilo, and I’ve learnt so much.”

“I’d rather just talk story with the people, I’d rather the ideas come from the people,” said Rep. Carroll, who co-introduced the resolution. “So when I’m over there and advocating on your behalf … we push what you want us to do.”

Saturday, Rep. Blake Oshiro in The Advertiser on the signing of HB3040, the electronic enticement bill:

State Rep. Blake Oshiro, D-33rd ('Aiea, Halawa Valley, 'Aiea Heights), the vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee, said lawmakers were persuaded when they heard that many people convicted of electronic enticement were essentially getting a "slap on the wrist."

"By no means is this meant to be the panacea," Oshiro said. "I think what we really want to do is show that, you know, when we see all of these horrendous stories on the news, that these guys aren't going to be walking away with just one year or probation, they're going to be walking away with a really stiff penalty that fits the crime."

Veterans' voices

Hawaii veterans told lawmakers yesterday on Moloka'i that they want to see more technical support from government agencies to assist with completing and submitting necessary paperwork to access entitled benefits and services. Due to the high volume of work and small numbers of service providers, some veterans have had to wait as long as five years before receiving any benefits.

"This is ludicrous that the current system can take up to five years...," said Rep. Mele Carroll, State Representative of E. Maui, Kaho'olawe, Lana'i and Moloka'i. "It's time that we take action and provide the essential services our veterans deserve."

Yesterday was the first meeting of a statewide initiative to address the concerns of Hawaii veterans on all islands and to commence dialogue on ways that state and private agencies can be more effective in meeting the needs of all veterans.

More than 50 veterans were joined by Reps. Cindy Evans, Committee on Public Safety & Military Chair, and Mele Carroll, co-introducers of a resolution that called for the statewide meetings. Rep. Evans will be hosting several meetings across the state.

"It is important that legislators hear from the veterans so we can determine if, through law or advocacy, we can make a difference for those who served our country," said Rep. Evans.

One of the questions that lawmakers want answered is whether the Hawaii State Office of Veterans Services is doing an effective job in handling the affairs of Hawaii veterans and whether their responsibilities should be transferred to another state agency.

Obtaining timely support from service officers was a repetitive concern throughout the meeting. One suggestion was to add an accessible hotline number with a live person on the other end, assisting and providing customer service. Director of the Office of Veterans Services Mark Moses said that the agency is currently training roving service officers to visit Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i on set schedules to offer on-the-spot outreach and technical support.

Housing for veterans experiencing hardship and displacement was another major topic of interest at the meeting.

Other veteran suggestions included providing legal services to appeal the process, offering veterans Hawaii collegiate scholarships, replacing deteriorating cement headstones with bronze or marble headstones, and housing veterans experiencing hardship and displacement.

Photo (top right): Rep. Mele Carroll on Moloka'i discussing ways to improve Hawaii's veteran service system with island veterans.

Photo (top left): Rep. Cindy Evans addresses a group of veterans on Moloka'i and listens to their concerns regarding state agency service in Hawaii.