Ignition Interlock Stats

 Hawaii's ignition interlock law, introduced by Rep. Sharon Har, is about to hit the one year anniversary.  How did it do?

The statistics are impressive, and even MADD officials are surprised it has been so successful.  Here is the KHON2 report.

Since the law started on January 1st of this year, the law has prevented drunk drivers with a blood alcohol level over .08 on 466 occasions.

983 drivers have had the ignition interlock device installed in their cars.  

Of those arrested for DUI, about 15% have participated in the program.  Compared to national statistics, that is a very good rate.

Rep. Har says she plans to introduce legislation in 2012 to improve the law.  Currently, the law allows only first time DUI offenders to participate.  Har wants to broaden participation to repeat offenders.

What's going on with UH-West Oahu?

Lawmakers are sponsoring a community meeting with UH-West Oahu Chancellor Gene Awakuni and other UH-WO administrators and faculty to share information on the progress of construction at the Kapolei campus, what programs will be offered at the new campus, and the opportunities for the community to partner with the university.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 21, 2011 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Kapolei High School Cafeteria

The meeting is being sponsored by area legislators Rep. Henry Aquino, Rep. Karen Awana, Rep. Ty Cullen, Rep. Sharon Har, Rep. Jo Jordan, Sen. Mike Gabbard and Sen. Clarence Nishihara.

Rep. Sharon Har's op-ed on Civil Beat:

State, Federal Government Must Collaborate on Monk Seal Protection

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

On September 12, I joined dozens of concerned citizens at a public hearing on the future of Hawaiian monk seal federal recovery actions, currently under review by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fisheries service.

While I appreciate Civil Beat's coverage of this issue of great concern to fishermen, environmental groups and anyone who enjoys our state's natural resources, I would like to take this opportunity to clarify my testimony as the Vice-Chair of the Hawaii State House of Representatives Committee on Water, Land and Ocean Resources, which I believe was misconstrued by the headline "State Lawmakers Threaten to Fight Proposed Monk Seal Protections."

Read more:

State, Federal Government Must Collaborate on Monk Seal Protection

Maintaining Kapolei post office crucial

The following appeared in this morning's Honolulu Star-Advertiser. LInk here. (may require online subscription)

Like many West Oahu residents, I was taken aback by the United States Postal Service's announcement that the Kapolei post station might close, along with three others in Hawaii and nearly 3,650 stations across the country. After all, the continued growth of our "Second City" seemed to distinguish Kapolei from the other communities on the USPS list. As the Star-Advertiser's Aug. 13 editorial maintained ("‘Second city' should have a post office"), it is vital that postal service, in one form or another, remains in our burgeoning community.

However, while maintaining Kapolei's postal service is crucial, it is important to realize that the proposed closures are just another sign of how technology is changing our habits. Just as digital books and online bookstores precipitated Borders' recent closing, our increased reliance on e-mail, online bill payment and other shipping methods have significantly impacted USPS.

As a quasi-independent federal agency, USPS receives no taxpayer-funded appropriations from the U.S. Congress, and instead generates revenue through postage and services. Though the cost of a stamp rose steadily over the last few decades, it has not been enough to turn a profit as the use of services dropped significantly. USPS has also struggled to meet retirement and health care obligations to its employees, all leading to billions in losses in recent years.

In Kapolei, the current station's limited hours and limited parking have made it difficult to adequately meet the community's needs. However, Kapolei may be in better shape than other, more rural areas on the mainland (or the Kalaupapa settlement on Molokai), where the next closest office is at least 20 miles away. The Kalaeloa/Barbers Point post office is less than two miles from the main Kapolei office, and unlike the main station, there is plentiful parking. USPS also owns the Kalaeloa station land, eliminating the expense of costly rents. While hours are currently limited, that could potentially change, particularly if the Kapolei station is closed. Finally, shifting more business to the Kalaeloa location could help boost further economic activity that may accelerate the revitalization of the area.

Another option is a "contract postal unit," in which local businesses offer postal services. Kapolei currently has one small contract postal unit, located in Armac Printing, and depending on the location, size and hours of service of another contract postal unit, these facilities could be a viable alternative to replace the main station or work in partnership with the Kalaeloa station to give better choices to Kapolei businesses and residents.

No matter what type of postal service we envision for our community, it is critically important that we make our opinions known, as the period for public comment draws to a close on Sept. 23. USPS is accepting written comments via mail (District Manager, USPS, 3600 Aolele St., Honolulu, HI 96820), but has received only five letters regarding Kapolei as of this writing. USPS has also mailed a survey to area postal customers, and will host a public meeting on Thursday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Kapolei High School Cafeteria, so I urge area residents and businesses to take advantage of these opportunities to share their thoughts.

Ultimately, though, our changing habits mean that a full-service postal office in every community may be a thing of the past. It is also clear that the post office still is an important part of many communities, including Kapolei. Though the only certainty is that tomorrow's postal service will not look like yesterday's, or even today's, now is the time to speak up about the best way to keep essential postal services available in Kapolei.

Help for State Facilities Upkeep

The state-owned Kamamalu Building, located on the corner of Richards St. and King St., is one of the facilities that might benefit from the new law.

New Law Encourages Renovation of State Buildings through Public/Private Partnerships

Honolulu, Hawaii. A new law will make it easier for the state to repair, renovate and maintain state facilities. Governor Abercrombie signed House Bill 1505 into law as Act 231. The measure creates a state facility renovation partnership program which provides the State with the ability to enter into public-private partnerships while allowing the State to retain the land under the building and charge lease rent via a ground lease on the property.

"As we have entered a new day in Hawaii, I am pleased that Governor Abercrombie has signed HB1505 into law because this bill provides the State with the ability to engage in 'out-of-the-box' financing for the repair and maintenance of our state buildings," said Rep. Sharon Har, the bill's introducer. "These types of public-private partnerships work in other states and will assist the State of Hawaii in moving forward with our ailing building infrastructure."

The state facility renovation partnership program will be administered by the Department of Accounting and General Services. The department is now responsible for conducting a comprehensive review of all state office facilities and to compile a list of priority facilities best suited for the program.

The department may then enter into an agreement with a private investor for the sale of the facility. The private investor would renovate, maintain or construct the facility, and lease the facility to the state. The state would maintain ownership of the land beneath the facility. The state would have the option to purchase the facility back from the private investor.

"The condition of our state facilities is a reflection on state government," added Rep. Har. "Act 231 provides the state with another tool to keep our state facilities safe, clean, and a source of pride for the people of Hawaii."

Update - Jordan's Journal with Rep. Sharon Har

Olelo has added two more viewing dates for the "Jordan's Journal" episode with guest Rep. Sharon Har. The series is hosted/produced by Rep. Jo Jordan. One is coming up this weekend - Sunday, June 26th at 3:00 p.m. Olelo Ch. 54. The other repeat date is Tuesday, June 28th at 10:30 p.m.

Dont' forget, Rep. Har will hold a Transportation Issues community meeting in Kapolei next Thursday. June 30th, Kapolei High School Cafeteria, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Traffic is a serious issue for residents in West Oahu. Come to the meeting to hear the latest on transportation developments and voice your concerns.

Rep. Sharon Har Next on "Jordan's Journal"

View on Olelo Community Media, Channel 54 (Views)

6/18/11 Saturday - 5:00 p.m.

6/19/11 Sunday - 2:00 p.m.

6/20/11 Monday - 1:00 p.m.

6/21/11 Tuesday - 8:30 p.m.

Rep. Sharon Har (District 40 - Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa) will be Rep. Jo Jordan's guest on the next episode of "Jordan's Journal."

Har, a land use attorney, is Vice Chair of the House Committee on Water, Land & Ocean Resources. She talks about her decision to run for office, the growth of the "Second City", and pressing issues of the district such as traffic and building new roads.

Jordan (District 45 - Waianae, Makaha, Makua) and Har discuss areas that their two communities have in common such as the future of the landfill, and the promising developments in digital media.

Coming Up: Community meeting on Traffic and Transportation Issues

Rep. Har will hold a Kapolei area community meeting on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at Kapolei High School Cafeteria, 7:00 t0 8:30 p.m. More details to follow.

Update on "Jordan's Journal" with Rep. Marcus Oshiro

This show repeats this weekend:

6/18/11 Saturday - 4:30 p.m.

6/19/11 Sunday - 10:30 a.m.

Rep. Har to Sponsor Kapolei-Area Graffiti Paint-Out

Kapolei-Area Graffiti Paint-Out

Rep Har on fine-tuning ignition interlock law

Rep. Sharon Har, who introduced the ingition interlock bill, had an article printed in the Star Advertiser recently addressing some of the issues brought up with the new law that went into effect Jan. 1, 2011.

Here's an excerpt:

This session, I will be introducing another bill to address issues that have arisen as we put ignition interlock into practice. For instance, language should be added to the law to give repeat offenders the ability to petition to restore their registration, so that they may have the privilege of installing an interlock device -- currently, their registrations and license plates are automatically revoked without the possibility of an ignition interlock. It is important to remember that driving is a privilege, not a right, and until we do pass further legislation, repeat offenders -- for whom I have little sympathy -- should be grateful that we are working to allow them the opportunity to install ignition interlocks and have a second chance to prove they are now responsible citizens.

The implementation of ignition interlock represents why every one of us should remain engaged with what our government does. When we see something wrong, we do have the power to work together to address it. That's why it is so important to remember that your lawmakers are there to serve you. It can take perseverance to get things right, but ultimately it is well worth the effort to do something that impacts our entire state, for the better.

Read the entire article at the Star Advertiser website.

Lawmakers at Royal Kunia Community Center Grand Opening

Several lawmakers attended the grand opening and blessing of the new Royal Kunia Community Center (RKCA) to congratulate and recognize the Royal Community Association and Kunia Residential Partners. The new center, serving the approximately 2,000 homes of Royal Kunia, features a multi-purpose room, community association offices, restrooms, a kitchen and barbecue lanai for the use of Royal Kunia residents and their guests, marking a major milestone in the community, more than 20 years after the first homes were built.

Photo (from left to right): Rep. Ty Cullen (District 41-Waipahu, Village Park, Waikele, Waikele); Mike Freeman, the RKCA Board President; Sen. Mike Gabbard  (District 19 - Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, Portions of Waipahu and Ko 'Olina); Rep. Sharon Har (District 40 - Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa). 

House staff member will be on Jeopardy!

Melissa Nilles (Rep. Har's office manager) will be on Jeopardy! on Wednesday.

Don't miss Melissa Nilles, Representative Sharon Har's office manager, on Jeopardy! Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. on Hawaii KGMB 9. Melissa said that she taped the show in September but was not allowed to tell anyone about it. She also can't tell us if she won. We tried to pry it from her. No such luck. But you can check out Melissa's "howdy" piece on the show's website.

Q and A with Melissa Nilles

What did you do to prepare?

Once the taping got closer, I made sure to record and watch Jeopardy every day, using a pen as my “buzzer” and trying to remember to yell out the answers in the form of a question! I also studied a few books of general knowledge and tried to stay up-to-date on current events, but basically decided that I could only cram so much and had to rely upon what I already knew well.

What would you say was the toughest subject for you? What was the easiest?

I honestly can’t remember all the categories I saw, but in general I’m pretty strong on political facts, music, pop culture, literature and sports. I’m much less confident on ancient history, art, science and world geography.

We know you can’t tell us if you won, so can you tell us what it was like to meet Alex Trebek?

It was very surreal to meet Alex Trebek – you don’t meet him until right before the taping starts and then he’s over there reading the clues for the rest of the game, until you “chat” at the end. He takes a picture with each contestant during a commercial break, and spends a lot of time answering the questions of the audience during the other breaks. (He only thinks some of the Saturday Night Live Celebrity Jeopardy skits are funny, for what that’s worth )

Were you nervous?

I was more nervous at the in-person audition I did in Washington DC than I was at the taping, for some reason. Once I got up on stage I just did my best to focus and figure out how to work the buzzer. You can definitely tell what an advantage the returning champions have, as they are that much more experienced and relaxed than their brand-new opponents!

How would you sum up your experience?

This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it will be very exciting to re-live it when it broadcasts this week. Appearing on Jeopardy is definitely one of those ‘bucket-list’ items and I consider myself very, very fortunate to have checked it off of my list

Drunk drivers will have breathalyzers installed in vehicles

Representative Sharon Har has one more thing to celebrate this New Year. A bill she introduced requiring drivers convicted of drinking under the influence of alcohol to have a breathalyzer installed in their vehicles will become law on Saturday, January 1, 2011. Rep. Har was inspired to introduce the legislation after being injured in a 2007 head-on collision in which a multiple-conviction drunk driver smashed into her car.

“After several years of hard work, I am so pleased that the ignition interlock program will finally be law in our state,” said Rep. Har. “As a victim of a repeat drunk driver, I will feel safer knowing that these devices will now be used in Hawaii, and I also hope their existence serves as an important reminder to not drive while intoxicated in the first place. By deterring drivers from getting behind the wheel while drunk, ignition interlock devices are certain to save lives on our state’s roads.”

The breathalyzer, known widely as ignition interlock, forces a driver to blow into it to start the vehicle. The system will not allow the car to start if the the alcohol concentration on the breath is .02 or higher. To deter tampering with the device, a camera mounted on the windshield will record who is blowing into the device. In addition, frequent retests - monitored by vendors and reported to the state - are administered throughout the duration of the drive.

What you should know about the new law:

•  Taxpayers will not be paying for bill; DUI offenders will have to pay $84 for installation and a monthly $89 leasing fee.
• First-time DUI offenders will have their license revoked for a year but may continue to drive with an interlock device.
• Two-time DUI offenders will have their license revoked for 18 months but may continue to drive with an interlock device.
• Three-time DUI offenders will have their license revoked for two years but may continue to drive with an interlock device. 
• Offenders arrested for DUI more than three times will have their license revoked for five to 10 years and will no longer be able to drive. 
• It will be a crime to refuse a breath or blood alcohol test, offenders will be charged with a petty misdemeanor instead of an administrative violation.
• Drivers who refuse to a submit to alcohol testing will have their license revoked for a year but may drive with an interlock device.

Appropriate as one of the final blog posts of 2010, it should serve as a reminder to all of us to celebrate safely and drive cautiously as we ring in the New Year. Hau'oli Makahiki Hou from the House Blog team!

Ignition Interlock Law - A Strong Deterrent

he Lieutenant Governor today signed SB2897 RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY, pertaining to Hawaii’s Ignition Interlock law. The following is a statement from Rep. Sharon Har (District 40 – Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa), who introduced the original legislation on this issue in 2008.

“Hawaii has the highest percentage of alcohol-related fatalities in the United States. This new law sends a message that drunk driving will no longer be tolerated, even in those cases where no innocent bystanders are harmed.

We must all accept individual responsibility by drinking responsibly and urging others to do the same. The ignition interlock program will help us in the state of Hawaii by creating a cultural, systemic change in the often cavalier way we perceive drinking and driving. The program not only addresses the immediate issue of getting drunk drivers off our roads, but will assist the state in determining whether an individual has an alcohol abuse problem and should be forced into treatment.

I introduced legislation on this issue after I was hit head-on by a drunk driver. I was fortunate to survive my accident, but thousands of lives are senselessly cut short every year. I strongly believe that this bill will make a significant difference and save lives.”


HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

· An ignition interlock is a breathalyzer device that will be required to be installed to the ignition of the vehicle of a driver once arrested for drunk driving. In order to start his or her vehicle, the driver must blow into the device, and if the driver is over the legal blood alcohol content limit, the car will not start. A small camera ensures that the offender does not tamper with the device or have someone else blow into it.

· In 2008, Rep. Har introduced legislation (HB2377) on the ignition interlock device after she was hit head-on by a drunk driver; it was enacted as Act 171.

· Act 171 provided the basic framework for an ignition interlock system in Hawaii and created a task force to address the implementation and administration of the program.

· In 2009, the legislature passed HB981, which incorporated the recommendations of the task force; that bill was enacted as Act 88.

· SB2897 makes final changes that will allow ignition interlock to go into effect on January 1, 2011.

· Among other provisions, SB2897 makes refusal to take a breathalyzer test a misdemeanor. It also requires the installation of an ignition interlock device on any vehicle operated by the offender.

POW MIA Flag

This Saturday, the third Saturday in May, is Armed Forces Day. If you see this flag flying in honor of our armed forces, here's why.

One of the first bills signed into law this year was Act 40, or HB2383 SD2 RELATING TO FLAGS. Introduced by Rep. Sharon Har (District 40: Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa), the Act allows the National League of Families' POW/MIA (prisoner of war/missing in action) flag to be flown with the United States and Hawaiian flags at the State Capitol and on the grounds of the State Department of Defense on specific days to honor American prisoners of war and military personnel who are missing in action.

The days are:

*Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday in May)

*Memorial Day (the last Monday in May)

*Flag Day (June 14)

*Independence Day (July 4)

*National POW/MIA Recognition Day (the third Friday in September)

*Veteran's Day (November 11)

Here is a link to the Act 40/HB2383.

POW-MIA flag will fly at Capitol

The National League of Families’ Prisoner of War and Missing in Action (POW-MIA) flag will now be flown with the U.S. and Hawaii state flags at the state capitol and on the grounds of the headquarters of the state department of defense on certain holidays.

House Bill 2383 HD1 SD2, introduced by Representative Sharon Har (District 40 – Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa), was signed into law as Act 040 on April 20, 2010, becoming law upon approval.

The bill’s intent is to recognize and honor the extraordinary heroism of the brave men and women who risked or sacrificed their lives or their freedom in the past, as well as those who place their lives in harm’s way on a daily basis in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The flag will be flown on Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May); Memorial Day (last Monday in May); Flag Day (June 14); Independence Day (July 4); National POW-MIA Recognition Day (third Friday in September); and Veterans Day (November 11).

On any other days, the POW-MIA flag may be flown. At any time, if the U.S. and Hawaii state flags are flown on the same halyard, then the POW-MIA flag must be flown under the Hawaii state flag. If they are on separate halyards, the POW-MIA flag must be flown under the U.S. flag.

"I strongly believe that flying the POW-MIA flag at the state capitol and state department of defense headquarters on these holidays will demonstrate to our veterans, active military members and military families our appreciation for their sacrifices," said Rep. Har. "As the POW-MIA flag itself states, 'You are not forgotten,' and the display of this flag serves as an important reminder of the sacrifices that have been made by our veterans and military in defense of our freedom."

Talk Story with Representative Sharon Har

Representative Har will be holding a Talk Story to hear concerns from community members. The meeting will be in the teacher's lounge of Kapolei High School Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.

Catch up on what's been going on at the Capitol and in District40 - Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa at Rep. Har's newsletter website.

You'll find it at hawaiihouseblog.googlepages.com/repsharonhar or on the left column of our blog in the links section.

Lawmakers and staff give Easter baskets to needy families

Rep. Sharon Har, Kapolei lawmaker, gives one of the ornately decorated baskets of goodies to Kate Bepko, IHS Public Relations and Volunteer Manager

The Women's Legislative Caucus lined up vibrant Easter baskets, containers and even backpacks filled with essential items for needy families at the chamber level turnaround of the Hawaii State Capitol. The items were be picked up by the Institute of Human Services (IHS).

Each year, the caucus holds an Easter Basket Project and puts out a call for Easter baskets or plastic storage containers filled with personal hygiene items, toiletries and non-perishable snacks to benefit clients of IHS. The Easter Basket Project was organized by Rep. Marilyn Lee's office.

Rep. Sharon Har Helps Parties Reach Kalaeloa Agreement

Navy and Ford Island Properties Reach Tentative Agreement on Kalaeloa Parcels

Rep. Sharon Har informs that the U.S. Navy and Ford Island Properties announced that an agreement between the U.S. Navy and Ford Island Properties on 499 acres of Kalaeloa property has been reached. Prior to the agreement, a group of stakeholders met and addressed community concerns about the operations of three facilities located on the site in question.

The Navy agreed to transfer the land to Ford Island Properties under a long-term lease with an option to purchase the property. The agreement, however, stipulates that Ford Island Properties will not be required to take possession of the property for up to four months. Prior to the agreement, the community had been worried that they would no longer be able to use a bowling alley, a child development center, and baseball and recreational fields. In addition, the status of the three facilities and who to contact regarding their usage during the six-month interim period was unclear. Earlier, the Hawaii Community Development Authority and Ford Island Properties officials have agreed to work together to do all that they can to ensure that the three facilities remain open and available for use even as the Navy is transitioning out of the district.

Rep. Har called a meeting between all parties last Friday, September 26, 2008 to discuss possible options between the Navy and Ford Island Properties, to ensure that operations at the Barbers Point bowling center, child development center, and recreational fields would continue. Based on preliminary discussions between stakeholders at that meeting, the agreement between the Navy and Ford Island Properties sets into motion a plan to ensure that the three facilities will survive the transition and remain operational.

“We are pleased that the Navy and Ford Island Properties were able to come to an agreement on the disposition of the 499 acres at Kalaeloa because it has truly been a win-win not only for the landowners but for the West Oahu community," said Stanford Yuen, Executive Assistant for Intergovernmental Affairs, Navy Region Hawaii. "It is clear that the recreational fields, bowling center, and child development center will continue to exist, and we remain committed to ensuring a seamless transition.”

Here is the status of three facilities:

Recreational and Baseball Fields: The City and County (C&C) agreed to continue operating the fields under a license agreement with the Navy. As the agreement between the Navy and Ford Island Properties goes forward, Ford Island Properties will honor any outstanding license agreements during the interim period until a formal agreement between Ford Island Properties and the C&C can be executed. The fields will remain open and all leagues may continue to utilize the Kalaeloa fields under their permits issued by the C&C.

Bowling Center: The Navy's Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) division will shut down the Bowling Center on September 30, 2008, but is currently working with entrepreneurs Linda Painter and Bev Brennan on executing a concessionaires’ agreement. The concessionaires' agreement allows Painter and Brennan to operate the Bowling Center on a temporary basis and to take over the bowling center as soon as possible while a formal lease agreement can be worked out. Upon the expiration of the concessionaires’ agreement, Ford Island Properties intends to enter into an agreement with Painter and Brennan to ensure that the Bowling Center will remain open. Assuming Painter and Brennan qualify as suitable operators, MWR is hoping to execute the concessionaires’ agreement in the next few weeks. If all goes according to plan, the bowling center will be back in operation in about a month and authorized users will be able to continue using the bowling center as they were prior to the Navy-Ford Island Properties conveyance.

"We are thankful to the Navy and Ford Island Properties for giving us the opportunity to come in as a potential lessee and operator of the bowling center," said Linda Painter. "We recognize the need for the bowling center to continue in Kalaeloa and look forward to working with the community to ensure its success. We would also like to thank Rep. Sharon Har for facilitating the September 26, 2008 meeting on behalf of all the stakeholders to ensure that the parties were aware of their respective options as we all have the community’s best interests in mind.”

Child Development Center: The Navy will continue operating the Child Development Center into the foreseeable future with the goal of having a seamless transition with the next operator. Kama`aina Kids has expressed an interest in operating the facility, similar to another center which they took over at Iroquois Point. Kama`aina Kids, the Navy, and Ford Island Properties remain committed to work together towards this goal. As the Navy will continue to operate the Child Development Center, authorized users of the Navy may continue to utilize the Child Development Center.

It is the intent of the Navy, Ford Island Properties, the Hawaii Community Development Authority, and all potential lessees/operators to allow all three facilities to remain operational and in service to authorized users of the community.

Background: In anticipation of an agreement with the Navy and Ford Island Properties, the Navy's Morale Welfare and Recreation division had decided to close down the bowling center effective October 1, 2008. This prompted a negative reaction from the community with numerous complaints sent to Rep. Har and the Kapolei-Makakilo Neighborhood Board. As there were no representatives from the Navy or Ford Island Properties at the last neighborhood board meeting on September 24, 2008, this escalated the community's concern. Rep. Har quickly put together the stakeholder's meeting on September 26, 2008. The agreement between the Navy and Ford Island Properties allows the transition plan crafted at the stakeholder's meeting to go forward.

Rep. Sharon Har Defends Kapolei Growth and Planning

Responding to a criticism of the Kapolei Master Plan, Rep. Sharon Har (District 40 - Kapolei, Makakilo, Royal Kunia, Kalaeloa) wrote a letter to the editor that appeared in the Advertiser today.  According to Har, 25,000 jobs were created in Kapolei by 2005.  By 2025, jobs are expected to reach about 70,000, and the residential population is expected to double from 85,000 to 172,000.  The point being - Kapolei is living up to its promise as a major job center for Oahu.  (I, for one, am jealous that they are getting Target!)

Preventing senseless deaths with 2 new laws

Two very important bills were just signed into law today by the Governor. Both bills strive to prevent senseless deaths and keep Hawaii residents safe.

The first law, known widely as the Ignition Interlock Bill during the legislative session, will establish a task force to make recommendations to the Legislature on issues pertaining to administration and implementation of the ignition interlock. The law allows Hawaii judges to use ignition interlock installation as a DUI sentencing tool. The offender would have to pay the installation fee of about $75 and a monthly charge for data collection of about $75. Rep. Sharon Har, the lawmaker who introduced the bill, said in a recent news article that the task force will look into establishing an indigent funds for those offenders who cannot afford the devise. Kekai Seabury, a Kauai resident whose father died after being hit by a drunk driver, received an honorary copy of the signed bill.

The second law makes it a violation to to leave an unattended child in a vehicle for more than 5 minutes and require that people know about the law to pass the state driver's license test. Rep. Marilyn Lee made adding this violation to our law books a priority this legislative session and she was instrumental in working with concerned organizations and lawmakers to develop a strong bill to pass out of the legislature. Deona Ryan, a mother who lost her child after a nanny left the infant in the car to go shopping, received an honorary copy of the signed bill for her efforts and support of the initiative.

Photo (Top L-R): Arkie Koehl, Chairman of Public Policy MADD Hawaii; Rep. Sharon Har; Governor Linda Lingle; Kekai Sebury; Carol McNamee, Founder MADD Hawaii

Photo (Bottom L-R): Deona Ryan; Rep. Marilyn Lee