The Outdoor Circle Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Lawmakers planting an ohia lehua tree

Being "green" has become popular as of late, but it isn't new to Hawai'i. Today, the House helped The Outdoor Circle celebrate its 100th anniversary. The festivities included planting a native ohia lehua tree at the Capitol and honoring the Circle on the House floor.

Lawmakers and members of The Outdoor Circle with the newly planted ohia lehua

The Outdoor Circle is an organization dedicated to keeping Hawaii clean, green, and beautiful by preserving and protecting the environment. They accomplish this goal by planting trees, fighting poor land use planning, and ensuring that Hawaii remains free of billboards. Throughout their century of work, the organization has planted over a quarter of a million trees and successfully lobbied for the passage of many pieces of legislation designed to preserve the beauty of the islands.

Diane Anderson and Susan Spangler of The Outdoor Circle with Majority Leader Chong

"While other cities are plastered with billboards, Honolulu's streets are green with trees because of a century of work by The Outdoor Circle," said Rep. Chris Lee.

Joel Kurokawa, Bob Loy, Betsy Connors, Rep. Chris Lee, Diane Anderson, Susan Spangler, and Rep. Cindy Evans

"Locals and tourists alike continue to appreciate how green Honolulu has become," said Rep. K. Mark Takai. "The Outdoor Circle has kept Hawaii a beautiful place to both live and visit."

Congrats to 2011 Kane Fernandez Award Recipient Rep. Takai

On Saturday, March 3, Rep. K. Mark Takai was honored as the 2011 Kane Fernandez Award recipient at the UH men's basketball game against Utah State at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Rep. Takai is the 11th recipient of the award, which is presented to former UH letterwinners who have made significant, self-less contributions to the community. The award is named in memory of Kane Fernandez, an original member of the UH Letterwinners Club.

Rep. Takai was on the UH swim team from 1985-89, served on the Letterwinners Club Board of Directors, and is currently the 1st Vice President of the Letterwinners Club.

In addition to serving as a State Representative for 18 years, Rep. Takai is also a Major in the Hawai'i National Guard and deployed to the Middle East three years ago.

Rep. Takai featured by Sierra Club Compass

Rep. K. Mark Takai is featured in the current edition of the Sierra Club Compass, the U.S. Sierra Club blog. Read the full interview here.

The post is on Rep. Takai's efforts to transition to alternative energy in his own household. Two years ago, the Takais installed photovoltaic panels on their home roof top. Their electricity bill dropped significantly, from $170/month to about $18/month. In anticipation of getting a Nissan LEAF, he installed 10 more panels.

Since getting the Leaf, Takai estimates that the family saves about $240 per month on gasoline. Rep. Takai represents District 34: Newtown, Waiau, Pearl City, Waimalu. As his average commute is about 50 miles per day, range is a concern, but things seem to be okay as long as the LEAF gets plugged in every evening.

Learn more about this family's efforts in energy conservation.

Rep Takai honored with Distinguished Service Metal

Photo from Hawaii Reporter. L-R: Brig. Gen. John Walsh, vice chair (air) of the National Guard Association of the United States; Representative Mark Takai; and Col. Murray Hansen, chairman of the National Guard Association of the United States awards committee. Photo taken by Ron Jensen

Last week Monday, the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) Distinguished Service Medal was awarded to Representative K. Mark Takai, who is also a Major in the Hawaii Army National Guard. He was presented the award during the 133 NGAUS General Conference at the Frontier Airlines Center in Milwaukee. The award is given to a member of the Armed Forces who has shown exceptionally outstanding service to the United States Government, to the Armed Forces of the United States or to NGAUS.

Here's an excerpt from news release from the NGAUS:

"Maj. K. Mark Takai is a 12-year member of the Hawaii Army National Guard, and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is the current vice president of the Hawaii National Guard Association. He coordinated Hawaii’s winning bid to host NGAUS 2013 in Honolulu.

Maj. Takai is also a 17-year elected Representative of the Hawaii State Legislature and is the Chairman of the National Network of Legislators in the Military. He has served as the NGAUS Congressional Action Contact Officer in Hawaii for six years.

"Through his hard work and inspired vision, Maj. Takai has been steadfast in his support for the military. Much of what he has done for the military and the community goes far beyond his role as an Army officer,” said retired Maj. Gen. Gus L. Hargett, the president of NGAUS..."

"I am deeply touched and humbled by this award,” Takai said. “Citizen-soldiers throughout the country have assumed the call of duty. We proudly serve our nation in times of war, and serve our states during manmade and natural disasters. Being part of the Hawaii Army National Guard has been and continues to be rewarding.”

Aiea-Pearl City Town Hall Meeting on Kam Drive-In redevelopment and other issues

State lawmakers will hold a Town Hall Meeting to update the community on several issues and projects in Aiea and Pearl City, including an update on the redevelopment of Kam Drive-In into a residential-business area.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2011 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Pearl Ridge Elementary School Cafeteria. Light refreshments will be served.

Discussions will focus on the following topics:


Kam Drive-in Development: Representative Blake Oshiro will talk about the planning and permitting process, specifically with the City and County of Honolulu Planning and Permitting Department and the Honolulu City Council, and provide further updates on the proposed redevelopment by Robertson Properties Group of the old Kam Drive-In site, currently home of the Kam Swap Meet. This is an opportunity for the community to learn how they can get involved.

Robertson Properties Group (Los Angeles, CA) wants to change the property zoning from B-2 Community Business district to BMX-3 Community Business Mixed-Use. If this zoning change is approved, it will allow the property to have residential uses, additional building heights, and commercial uses. The proposed project may include 1500 residential units composed of three 35-story towers, 220,000 square feet of commercial retail space, and a possible 150-room suburban hotel.

Robertson Properties Group held a scoping meeting on May 16, 2011 at Pearl Ridge Elementary School regarding their proposed redevelopment. The company informed the community of its plans to create an Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice. The community was offered the opportunity to submit comments and questions for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, and was informed that PBR Hawaii and Associates Inc. would accept comments and questions until June 6, 2011.


Kaimakani Street: Representative Blake Oshiro and the City and County of Honolulu will discuss the issue of Kaimakani Street, which has a section that requires much improvement because of hazardous conditions during heavy rainfall. The issue is whether jurisdiction and maintenance lies with the City or the State. A resolution passed this session requests DLNR to report findings and recommendations regarding ownership of the road to the Legislature before the start of the 2012 Legislative Session.

Aloha Stadium: Stadium Manager Scott Chan, DAGS Comptroller Bruce Coppa, and DAGS Planning Branch Manager Chris Kinimaka will give presentations on the status of repairs.

New Aiea Public Library: Glenn Miura, a representative from CDS International, the Honolulu-based architectural company working on the new Aiea Public Library, will present updates and answer questions on the progress of the project. The library will be built on the former sugar mill site just above the intersection of Aiea Heights Drive and Halewiliko Street.



The present schematic design captures Aiea's sugar mill heritage, is "open" and relies on natural light, and emphasizes energy conservation. Planned photo-voltaic panels on the roof would generate some of the building's electrical needs. The new library will meet at least the "Silver" designation of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) which is an internationally recognized green building certification system.

The current estimated timetable calls for the schematic design to be finalized in May, the preliminary design in August, the pre-final design in November, and the final design in January, 2012. The estimated construction schedule shows the contract bid in March 2012, contract award in June, begin work in August, and completion in November 2013. Allowing time to move from the existing library, the new library is estimated to open for public use in January 2014.

The meeting is sponsored by Senators David Ige, Donna Mercado Kim and Representatives Blake Oshiro, Roy Takumi, K. Mark Takai and Aaron Ling Johanson.

For more information, please call the office of Representative Blake K. Oshiro at 808-586-6340.

2010 Hawaii Outstanding Advocates for Children and Youth

Twelve outstanding advocates for children and youth and one outstanding parent friendly business were recognized today at a special luncheon held at Washington Place.

One of the recipients is one of our very own! Congratulations Rep. K. Mark Takai! In 2002, Rep. Takai discovered an obscure provision that has since helped to secure over $40 million in federal impact aid for the Dept. of Education. Rep. Takai also created a free internet-based program, Student Online Achievement Resources –SOAR, for Hawaii's children. This website focuses on math, reading and language arts.

(L-R) Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, Rep. K. Mark Takai, Tofi Mika, Jr, Rep. John Mizuno

2010 Outstanding Advocates for Children and Youth Recipients

Tofi Mika, Jr. co-founded a music and mentoring program called "Hope through music" that works with at-risk youth of public housing and a non-profit called "About Aloha without Borders," which helps needy youth in Cambodia and the Philippines. Both use music, art and photography to inspire and motivate children. Nominated by Joanne Tachibana.

Hawaii Electric Company has been a visionary youth and family leader in Hawaii, establishing the Astronaut "Lacy Veach Day of Discovery" to share the history and education of Astronaut Lacy Veach and the importance of caring for the precious islands. HECO has also initiated the Hawaii Robotics program, which led to Hawaii teams winning international championships and elevates Hawaii's youth in life skills, team work, problem solving, critical thinking and time management. Nominated by Art Kimura.

Project D.A.T.E. provides a series of social service fairs, offering free transportation for families coming from shelters around the island, to allow children to enjoy games, storytelling, and activities. It partners with service providers to assist the parents with housing information, employment and medical services. The organization also provides onsite children care and computer classes for education and employment purposes to properly assist the homeless. Project D.A.T.E. creates a positive support service through their friendship, guidance and support to help needy children and their families achieve independence. Nominated by Wenona Harris.

Margarette Pang is the founder of Dyslexia Tutoring Center of Hawaii, which provides essential skill services to children with dyslexia. The focus is on building self-esteem by working on easing the difficulty of reading, spelling, and handwriting for children with dyslexia. Nominated by Rep. Sharon Har.

Hawaii Youth Services Network is a coalition of youth-service organizations that works to improve the well-being of youth and strengthen  families and communities by providing leadership. HYSN recently secured a $5 million grant to work on Teen Pregnancy Prevention. Nominated by Jaque Kelley-Uyeoka.

Adopt–A-School Program – The Hawaii Jaycees are the organizers of Adopt-a-School, a statewide effort to bring needed attention and resources to Hawaii's schools. Since its inception in 2008, 12 schools were helped, in 2009 the number schools helped increased to 40, and in 2010 over 70 school improvement projects were planned. Participating organizations include civic clubs, local business, faith-based groups and non-profits working with a school's improvement wish list. Nominated by Sen. Norman Sakamoto.

Waikiki Health Center and Hale Kipa's Youth Outreach Program is a local non-profit sponsored by Waikiki Health Center and Hale Kipa. It is a drop-in center for homeless, runaway and street youth, which offers free meals, hot showers, clothing, internet access for employment and education, hygiene supplies and GED classes, vocational skills, job searching, and housing referrals. Nominated by Kiana Rivera.

Mary Vorsino is Honolulu Star Advertiser journalist and reporter. She is a well-respected and high-profile news reporter who has touched the lives of many in Hawaii with her empathy and passion, especially when featuring stories directly affecting Hawaii's youth on issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, violent crimes, healthcare, education, and safety issues for Hawaii's Keiki. Mary's stories are captivating and educational and displays compassion yet remains objective. Nominated by Alika Malabey.

Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Malakie has been the Senior Army Instructor for Kealakehe JROTC for the last 15 years. Under Lt. Colonel Malakie's direction, his cadets continue to secure scholarships to colleges nationwide. As a Scout Leader, Lt. Malakie received the District Award of Honor and the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award in the Aloha Council spanning the Pacific. For Boy Scouts, only 2% become Eagle Scouts, yet 95% of the Boy Scouts under Lt. Malakie's guidance become Eagle Scouts. Nominated by Rep. Cindy Evans.

Melanie Bailey is a mother of a public school student and an advocate for education. In the pass legislative session, Melanie was instrumental in passing HB2486, which mandates the days of school per year and gradually increases the hours of instructional time per day to be deemed in line with the rest of the nation. Nominated by Zsuzsa Bakonyi-Rodgers.

Melinda Mullis is a small business owner of Orange Roc, a marketing company based in Hawaii. Melinda donates her time and expertise to the Missing Child Center-Hawaii and created the Friends of the Missing Child Center-Hawaii website as a one-stop shop for information on missing children. Melinda also revised the Keiki ID Kit to maximize information about a child in the event that child goes missing. Nominated by Charlene Takeno.

2010 Outstanding Parent Friendly Business Award - Maui Family Support Service, Inc.

Rep. Mark Takai awarded National Medal of Civil Honor

Last week, the NCSL awarded Representative Mark Takai and 14 other state lawmakers and one staff member the National Medal of Civic Honor for putting “their state and country before themselves.”

During the 2009 Legislative session, while serving as the state representative of the 34th District, which includes Aiea and Pearl City, Rep. Takai deployed to Kuwait with the 29th Brigade Unit of the Hawaii Army National Guard.

Cooking Takai

I love finding gems like this beauty discovered amid the clutter social networking sites serve on their news feeds. 

In an examiner.com article, Representative Mark Takai shared two family recipes, the first recipe is his mother's tomato-less brown stew and the second is his wife's lemon bars.

UH Sustainable Saunders

Rep. Chris Lee (left) and Rep. K. Mark Takai (right) welcomed the University of Hawaii students spearheading the award winning "Sustainable Saunders" clean energy project. The House of Representatives presented the group with a certificate of appreciation on March 15th.

Leaders

Leaders. That was the word of the day. The capitol was bustling with the leaders of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Leaders of Hawaii Past and Present

During special floor presentations in their respective chambers, Senate and House lawmakers honored the efforts and bravery of the soldiers of the Hawaii Army National Guard, the Hawaii Army Reserve, and the Airmen and Airwomen of the Hawaii Air National Guard on their recent deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Rep. K. Mark Takai and Rep. Tom Brower sponsored the resolution honoring the soldier. Takai is a major in the Hawaii Army National Guard and served with the 29th Brigade Combat Team in Kuwait for six months beginning in February of 2009.


Leaders of Hawaii Future

More than 45 middle and high school students who were selected for their winning essays shadowed state representatives and senators. The students wrote about a historic place and explained why it is significant to their community. They were also asked to propose a plan, as an elected official, to ensure the protection and preservation of that site. Over 300 essays were submitted. The event is coordinated annually by Rep. Lyla Berg and her office staff.

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 in the Military

Photo: NewtownEstates.org. Rep. Takai center.

Rep. K. Mark Takai is featured in this story on lawmakers in the military. The story appears in the September 2009 issue of State Legislatures, a publication of NSCL. Here is the write up on Rep. Takai:

Hawaii Representative K. Mark Takai, in his latest survey of state legislators who also serve in the military, noted that there are no federal laws prohibiting state lawmakers from serving on active duty with the military, but there are rules dealing with what official actions lawmakers can perform while on active duty.

The Department of Defense early last year amended rules covering reserve military personnel and whether they can serve as elected officials while under military deployment. The new directive prohibits a full-time military service member on active duty from holding or exercising functions of state office.

But members of the reserve who are deployed for less than 270 days are allowed to hold and exercise civic functions as long as there is no interference with their military duties.
For those called to active duty for more than 270 days, members can hold a civil office, but cannot exercise the functions of a civil office.

Takai’s surveys, conducted with assistance from the National Conference of State Legislatures, led to the creation of the National Network of Legislators in the Military, which Takai chairs.

The purpose of the network is to provide information and guidance to lawmakers who will be activated or deployed, to share “best practices” and model legislation, and to provide an opportunity for organizations supporting the military to work with the network’s members.
This year’s survey has been completed and will be published later in the year when Takai returns from Kuwait.

In addtion, here is the Department of Defense directive, issued in 2008, which covers political activity by members of the military.

4.5.1. Paragraph 4.5. applies to a civil office in a State; the District of Columbia; a territory, possession, or commonwealth of the United States; or any political subdivision thereof.

4.5.2. A regular member may not hold or exercise the functions of civil office unless otherwise authorized in paragraph 4.5. or by law.

4.5.3. A retired regular or Reserve Component member on active duty under a call or order to active duty for more than 270 days may hold─but shall NOT exercise─the functions of a civil office as set out in subparagraph 4.5.1., as long as:

4.5.3.1. The holding of such office is not prohibited under the laws of the State; the District of Columbia; a territory, possession, or commonwealth of the United States; or any political subdivision thereof.

4.5.3.2. The Secretary concerned grants permission after determining that holding such office does not interfere with the performance of military duties. The Secretary concerned may NOT delegate the authority to grant or deny such permission.

4.5.4. A retired regular or Reserve Component member on active duty under a call or order to active duty for 270 days or fewer may hold and exercise the functions of civil office provided there is no interference with the performance of military duties.

4.5.5. Any member on active duty authorized to hold or exercise, or not prohibited from holding or exercising, the functions of office under paragraph 4.5. is still subject to the prohibitions of subparagraph 4.1.2.

Major Takai and the 29th Brigade

Photo: Wyoming National Guard via Honolulu Star-Bulletin

The Honolulu Star Bulletin carried a story today on the 29th Brigade officially transferring operation duties in Kuwait to the Wyoming National Guard. Rep. K. Mark Takai is currently serving in the 29th Brigade unit, and is featured in this photo celebrating the transfer. The full story is here.

Parks without ´ōpala: Blaisdell

A message from Majority Leader Blake Oshiro:

On Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, the office of Representative Mark Takai and I combined forces with community members to clean up Blaisdell Park.

Nearly 50 people worked from 9 a.m. to 12 noon picking up trash and debris from around the park and surrounding bike path to fill more than 50 bags.

Volunteers included members of the Aiea, Pearl City, Waipahu, and Halawa Lions Clubs, Boy Scout Troop 176, Aiea Community Association, and members of the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation.


While at the park, I noticed many community members enjoying their weekend. It was nice to see the park being used by so many residents for a variety of activities, including: hula practice, birthday parties, barbecue picnic, hulihuli chicken distribution, ministry, biking, etc.

Thanks to everyone who donated his or her time on Saturday!

Mahalo,

Majority Leader Blake Oshiro

Photo (top): A group shot of the community volunteers who help to clean up Blaisdell Park.

Photo (bottom) : Representative Blake Oshiro with Claire Tamamoto, a member of the Aiea Community Association.

Rep. K. Mark Takai Deployed to Middle East

Rep. K. Mark Takai (District 34 - Aiea, Pearl City) announced today that he will be serving for six months in Kuwait with members of the Hawaii Army National Guard's 29th Brigade Combat Team.

"It is an honor to serve our country," Takai said in a news release." Although these next few months will be challenging, I look forward to serving with our soldiers from Hawaii."

Takai will be the very first Hawaii state legislator to be deployed during a regular session of the Hawaii State Legislature. He will miss most of the 2009 legislative session which opens on January 21, 2009. Takai will be activated on February 4, 2009 and will travel to Fort Benning, Georgia on February 6, 2009. About a week later, he is expected to travel to Kuwait.

While activated, Takai will rely on Senator David Ige, Rep. Roy Takumi, and Rep. Blake Oshiro to cover some of his legislative duties.

"We have a great team in Aiea and Pearl City, and our constituents are well served by our legislative team," said Rep. Takai. Additionally, Takai's legislative staff, led by his Office Manager Lisa Vargas, will continue to work on constituent requests and with community issues, such as traffic and transportation.

This is the second time Rep. Takai has been called to active duty during his 14-year legislative career. From May-November 2005, Takai was called to six months of active duty to serve as the Deputy state surgeon while the National Guard brigade was deployed.

There are no Hawaii State or U.S. laws that prohibit Hawaii state lawmakers from serving on active duty with the military. Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, revised on February 19, 2008, allows reserve component members on active duty service for 270 days or less to "hold and exercise the functions of a civil office provided there is no interference with the performance of military duties."

Takai is the civil affairs officer for the Hawaii Army National Guard. He and his wife Sami are parents of two school-aged children.

Reps in the News

University of Hawaii: In The Honolulu Advertiser, Rep. Mark Takai predicts that the state courts will order the University of Hawaii to release the list of all the people who traveled to the Sugar Bowl on state money. Sen. Colleen Hanabusa, Rep. Mark Takai and UH regent Kitty Lagareta urged UH officials to release the documents, which they believe are of public record since state funds were used to pay for the airline tickets of employees and their families.

Rep. Takai commented on the need for a written travel policy of approved persons able to attend a bowl game...

Such a policy, which would be subject to public comment and regents' approval, would have helped the university avoid the type of "questions and terrible decision-making that followed the Warriors being invited to the Sugar Bowl," Takai said.
"It was as if they were creating policy on the fly," he said. "I have said publicly many times that I believe that UH erred in sending some UH employees, and the spouses and children of workers."

Strawberry Guava: In the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Rep. Clift Tsuji defends the organization of a public meeting on the Big Island to share information and answer questions regarding a proposed plan to release a scale insect to slow down the spread of the strawberry guava, an invasive weed. The meeting was not an open debate, however the public was able to submit questions to a panelist of officials, scientists and experts who support the plan.

"I thought it was a very prudent idea to have those who were in the field to come and explain their position on this," Tsuji replied. "Whether you agree with their position or disagree with their position, you came to listen.

A second environmental assessment plan will be released later this summer for public comment.

Rep. Takai addresses UH Football and Coach June Jones

Rep. K. Mark Takai (District 34-Aiea/Pearl City) is very concerned about the future of UH Football and Coach June Jones. After attending the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, he wrote a letter to the University of Hawaii President and Chancellor. This is what he has to say about UH issues:

On January 2, 2008, I wrote a letter to UH President David McClain and UH-Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw urging them to get involved in the negotiations to keep Coach June Jones at the helm of the UH Warrior Football Team. This issue is too important to Hawaii, and I just hope that it's not too late. The Honolulu Advertiser reported that there have been no discussions or proposal between Leigh Steinberg and the University. We must make every effort to keep Coach Jones on board.

This amazing season has showed Hawaii how far Coach Jones has brought the football program -- without a doubt, this year is only the beginning of greatness. The football program has a come a long way, but there are still miles to traverse and it would be a shame to not complete them with Coach Jones in the lead.

I also touched on issues regarding repairs and maintenance at the University of Hawaii. The legislature has provided the university with more than $40 million in repair funds this past year. However, we have not specified where this money is to be spent. In the past, the Legislature would line item these repair projects. This year, I’m working with my legislative colleagues to line-item $25 million in construction funds to renovate Cooke Field, the coaches’ offices, and the locker room and training room facilities.

What’s the replacement cost of losing Coach Jones? In mere football terms, the costs are considerable, but for the University and for the entire State of Hawaii, it’s priceless. Are we going to take a quantum leap into the University’s second century? Or are we going to falter and sputter and not take advantage of this unique opportunity?

I urge everyone concerned about the fate of the UH Warrior Nation and the Coach Jones situation to call David McClain at (808) 956-8207 or email him at david.mcclain@hawaii.edu AND to call Virginia Hinshaw at (808) 956-7651 or email her at virginia.hinshaw@hawaii.edu.

Mahalo, K. Mark Takai

You can download a PDF file of Rep. Takai's letter HERE.

Lawmakers in the Military

The September online issue of State Legislatures highlights the work of Hawaii Rep. K. Mark Takai who recently conducted a survey of state lawmakers serving in the military. Here are the results:

There are 68 legislators who serve in the military. Out of that number, 23 have been deployed while serving in their respective legislatures, or are currently deployed.

Fifteen legislators served on extended activation, which is a period of more than 139 days.

Thirty-four legislatures have at least one member serving in the military. South Carolina leads with 6, Iowa has 5, and Massachusetts and Texas both have 4.

The Army has 44 legislators, the Air Force and Marine Corps both have 8, and the Navy has 7.

Rep. Takai is the Commander of the Medical Company for the Hawaii Army National Guard and is the chairman of the National Network of Legislators in the Military.