Kauai Volunteer Teacher Recognized at Legislature

Rep. Kawakami, Liliana Perry, Mason Gibson, Rep. Tokioka, and Marilyn 

For more than thirty years, Marilyn Pollock has volunteered her time teaching art in Hanalei School and Kilauea School on Kauai's north shore, assisting inmates at the Kauai Community Correctional Center in earning their associate's degrees, as well as holding art workshops at her home. Today she was presented with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the legislature for her three decades of community service by Kauai Representatives Derek Kawakami and James Tokioka.

Marilyn is known for using art as a medium to introduce children to history, culture, and science. Her latest project has challenged students to investigate the health of the Anini Reef as it suffers from the infestation of black algae by communicating with microbiologists, writing essays, and painting a mural of the reef in an effort to raise public awareness.

As Marilyn unfurled the beautiful mural of the reef in Senate Vice President Kouchi's office, she explained that there was an ulterior motive behind her visit. "We're here to lobby you on behalf of the reef," she told Kauai Representatives Kawakami and Tokioka. Ms. Pollock went on to explain the risk posed by the invasive algae as well as the civics and government lessons her students learned in the process of creating the mural.

The trip from Kauai to Honolulu was made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor who covered the cost of airfare and accommodation for Marilyn, two students and their parents.

"There isn't a person on the island of Kauai whose life, or the life of a loved one, has not been touched by Marilyn Pollock," said Rep. Kawakami. "Her three decades of community service stand out as a prime example of how one individual can make a difference. She personifies the Aloha Spirit and is an inspiration to us all." 

Menehune Makeover

The Menehune Market in Kapahi, Kauai used to have large promotional displays of alcohol products around its storefront.  It wasn't a very healthy atmosphere for young kids and families.  Thanks to the artistic vision and hard work of some Kapaa Middle School and Kapaa High School students, the Menehune Market got an amazing makeover and now has a gorgeous, colorful mural on their outside walls.

As part of a Drug Free Awareness project, the kids altered their community environment to make it more family-friendly.  They were supported by the County of Kauai, Life's Choices, Senator Ron Kouchi, Rep. Derek Kawakami, and Kauai Councilmembers Jay Furfaro and Mel Rapozo.

"This is their place, and we just gotta keep it safe for them," said Rep. Kawakami, who goes on to explain the importance of the project for the residents of Kapahi and Kapaa:



Great job, Kapaa!

Rep. Kawakami Showcases Kauai Products

KITV has been "Island Hopping" this week, and today's focus was the beautiful island of Kauai.  Rep. Derek Kawakami (District 14 - Hanalei, Anahola, Kealia, Kapaa, Waipouli) stopped by the studio this morning to talk story with Jill Kuramoto, and then to present a wonderful array of Kauai products, just in time for last minute Mother's Day shopping.  What a great ambassador for the Garden Island!

Rep. Kawakami and the KITV morning news crew

If you missed it, watch the two segments here:

http://www.kitv.com/news/entertainment/Island-Hopping-Kauai/-/8905032/13059900/-/tvjx16/-/index.html

http://www.kitv.com/news/entertainment/Island-Hopping-Kauai-Products/-/8905032/13059962/-/ntei2uz/-/index.html

KAUA'I: Boys & Girls Club Youths of the Year

Lawmakers honored two youths from Kauai for their commitment and dedication to the Boys & Girls Club of Kaua‘i and being named 2012 Youth of the Year at their respective clubs during a special floor session presentation Thursday, April 5, 2012.

Joseph Camelo, 17, is a senior at Kaua‘i High School and has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Kaua‘i – Lihue Club for seven years. He has demonstrated leadership qualities as a dedicated Leader in Training (L.I.T.), a volunteer as a coach for flag football leagues, and a mentor at Wilcox Elementary School afterschool programs.

Tosha Taylor, 16, is a senior at Kapa‘a High School and has been an active member of the Boys & Girls Club of Kaua‘i – Kapa‘a Club for six years. She has served as a positive role model for younger members by maintaining extraordinary character, leadership, dedication, and a positive attitude throughout the years. She is the current President of the L.I.T. program, and assists with afterschool homework sessions as well as drug, alcohol, and tobacco resistance programs.

"We acknowledge and congratulate the Boys & Girls Club for all of their hard work and accomplishments over the years," said Rep. James Kunane Tokioka (District 15 – Wailua Homesteads, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Puhi, Portion of Old Koloa Town, Omao). “With young leaders like Joseph and Tosha, it's obvious that the future of our community is in good hands."

“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to highlight the achievements of our youth,” Rep. Derek S. K. Kawakami (District 14 – Hanalei, Anahola, Kealia, Kapaa, Waipouli) added. “Young individuals like Tosha and Joseph serve as an inspiration and reminder of why we are here.”

“The ability to serve and give back is noble,” Kawakami said, “and in a day and age where peer pressure plays a huge factor in the decisions that our youth make, it is remarkable that these youths have found the ability to rise above the fray to contribute to their community and their fellow students. It takes a village to raise a child and it is with the support of organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and a supportive family structure that allow our youth to shine.”

Lawmakers Listen to be held on Kaua'i on Wed, April 11

(L-R) Reps. James Kunane Tokioka, Dee Morikawa, Derek Kawakami

Kaua‘i legislators will hold a “Lawmakers Listen” for the public to share their concerns, make suggestions, and provide feedback on issues and legislation important to their community. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at Wilcox Elementary School Cafeteria in Lihue.

“Lawmakers Listen” is an outreach program by the House of Representatives to give residents an opportunity to ask questions and interact with House leaders, committee chairs, and their state representatives.

Kaua‘i lawmakers Representatives Derek Kawakami, Dee Morikawa, James Tokioka, and Senator Ronald Kouchi will be joined by Majority Leader Pono Chong; Majority Floor Leader Cindy Evans; Vice-Speaker Joey Manahan; Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro.

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House members, staff go head-to-head in Kickball fundraiser for P.A.R.E.N.T.S

House Majority Kickball Team

House Majority and Minority members and their staff went at it head-to-head in a kickball tournament fundraiser held by the non-profit organization P.A.R.E.N.T.S at the Kaneohe District Part this past Saturday. The competition was fierce with the teams battling to a 4-4 tie after the allowed 6 innings. The umpire allowed another inning to break the tie but neither team scored. With minutes to go before getting kicked off the field for other teams to play, the umpire ruled the first team to score as the victor. The House Minority went to kick first and brought in the final point. It was a fun day, and all for a good cause. Like Rep. Tom Brower said after the game, "Everybody was a winner!" (Check out the awesome photos from Star Advertiser's Dennis Oda)

P.A.R.E.N.T.S. Inc. is dedicated to strengthening Hawaii's families by providing services to prevent and stop child abuse and neglect. This was its first annual Kickball fundraiser.

Kauai: Lawmakers out and about

 

Photo by Dennis Fujimoto/ The Garden Island

Rep. Derek Kawakami was at the groundbreaking of Pa'anau Village on July 7, 2011.  This is the second phase of the project and will allow 50 families to rent affordable housing on the South Shore. You can read the entire article at The Garden Island. In the photo, Rep. Kawakami chats with Gary Mackler of the county Housing Agency.

Governor signs SB1025

Reps Derek Kawakami, Ty Cullen, Henry Aquino and Ryan Yamane with County Fire Chiefs and Water Safety Officials

Governor Abercrombie today signed SB1025, one of the most important bills affecting County government. One part of the bill adds the assault of firefighters and water safety officers to the offense of assault in the 2nd degree. The other part of the bill creates a class B felony for unauthorized entry in a dwelling based on the occupant's age and level of incapacity.

SB1025 is part of the Hawaii Association of State Counties 2011 legislative package. Here are some photos of the ceremony today:

Next on Kukui Connection - Meet our newest member

Rep. Kawakami greets Rep. Mark Takai and members of the House on his first day.

Rep. Derek Kawakami was sworn in April 5th and is the newest member of the House of Representatives. As is her tradition, Rep. Marilyn Lee interviews members of the freshman class on Kukui Connection so that the public can get to know the new legislators, their history and their views for the future.

This Sunday, April 24th, 4:00 p.m. on Olelo Channel 54, viewers will meet Kauai Rep. Kawakami (District 14: Hanalei, Anahola, Kealia, Kapaa, Waipouli).

Rep. Kawakami is not a stranger to public service. He served on the Kauai County Council from 2008 to April 2011 when he was sworn into the State House of Representatives. He also served on the County of Kauai Charter Commission in 2007-2008, and has served on the Kauai Economic Development Board from 2007 to the present.

Rep. Kawakami is also no stranger to the House. His late Uncle Richard served as Speaker of the House, and his Aunt Bertha is a former State Representative.

Learn more about Derek Kawakami's family, his decision to enter public service, and his thoughts about serving in the legislature given the significant time spent away from his family and his business on Kauai.

Rep. Kawakami is the Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, the Committee on Water, Land & Ocean Resources, the Committee on Housing, and the Committee on Finance. He can be reached at 808-586-8435 or repkawakami@capitol.hawaii.gov.

The show repeats on Sunday, 4:00 p.m. on May 1st and 8th.

Rep. Kawakami is sworn in

Representatives James Kunane Tokioka, Derek Kawakami and Sharon Har

Welcome and congratulations! Kauai Rep. Derek Kawakami was sworn in by Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald yesterday. He is now the Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection and serves on the committees of Finance, Housing and Water, Land & Ocean Resources. He was joined on the podium by his wife, daughter and family members, including his aunt, former Rep. Bertha Kawakami.

Derek Kawakami appointed to House

Photo: The Garden Island

Derek Kawakami, former Kauai County Councilmember, has been appointed as the newest member of the Hawaii House of Representatives. Kawakami was appointed by Governor Neil Abercrombie to fill the vacant seat of former Representative Hermina Morita, District 14 – Hanalei, Anahola, Kealia, Kapaa, Waipouli, with a term expiring November 6, 2012. Morita stepped down after the Governor appointed and the State Senate confirmed her as the Public Utilities Commission Chair.

"I am pleased to welcome Derek Kawakami to the House of Representatives," said Speaker of the House Calvin K.Y. Say. "Mr. Kawakami joins the legislature during a critical session, with our main focus on balancing the budget and revitalizing the economy. He has already proven his dedication to the public good through his service on the Kauai County Council.

Rep. Kawakami is scheduled to be sworn in on Wednesday by Chief Justice Recktenwald at the 12 noon floor session.