2012 Hawaii Medal of Honor

Speaker Say delivers the opening address

This was the seventh year that the House and Senate convened in a joint session, along with the Governor, to award the Hawaii Medal of Honor to families of service members with Hawaiian ties who lost their lives overseas. Twenty-four Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines were honored in this year's ceremony. Their names are listed below in order by date of death:

United States Army Corporal Andrew C. Wilfahrt

United States Army Staff Sergeant Mark C. Wells

United States Army Sergeant Kevin W. White

United States Army Private First Class Thomas C. Allers

United States Army Specialist William S. Blevins

United States Army Private First Class Andrew M. Krippner

United States Army Staff Sergeant Kristofferson B. Lorenzo

United States Marine Corps Private First Class Josue Ibarra

United States Army Private First Class Joshua L. Jetton

United States Army Specialist Levi E. Nuncio

United States Army First Lieutenant Dimitri A. Del Castillo

United States Army Staff Sergeant Nigel D. Kelly

United States Army Specialist Kevin J. Hilaman

United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Christopher L. Camero

United States Army Staff Sergeant James M. Christen

United States Army Sergeant Jacob Molina

United States Army Sergeant William B. Gross Paniagua

United States Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Kraig M. Vickers

United States Marine Corps Corporal Nicholas S. Ott

United States Army Sergeant First Class Houston M. Taylor

United States Army Staff Sergeant Christopher R. Newman

United States Army Sergeant Christopher L. Muniz

United States Army Specialist Ronald Wildrick

United States Army Staff Sergeant Joseph J. Altmann

"The sacrifices of these brave warriors will forever set the strength and fire of future generations and their loyalty and dedication will always be engraved in our hearts and mind," said Rep. Henry Aquino, Chair of the House Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs. 

It was a somber afternoon, where state leaders, military members, and loved ones gathered together to honor the brave servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

The Air Force Honor Guard finished the ceremony with a three-volley salute 

Women's Caucus Unveils its 2012 Legislative Package

Last Thursday afternoon, the Women's Legislative Caucus was joined by constituents, community organizers, military representatives, and a special guest to announce its legislative package for the session. This year's legislation is dedicated to women veterans and a disabled female veteran, Chelsea Ann K. E. Fernandez, attended the press conference, where she was recognized for her service. 

Chelsea Ann K. E. Fernandez 

Supporting women veterans begins with ensuring women can serve our nation proudly, in an environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual assault, but it does not stop there. Female veterans need help transitioning into the civilian workforce when they return home, medical coverage for service-related injuries, and to be made aware of what benefits are available. 

In addition to championing female veterans, this year's package proposes legislation dealing with issues that affect all women in Hawai'i. While we may be ahead of the rest of the nation when it comes to women's rights, we are certainly not where we need to be. Women represent 34% of our legislature, which is well above the national average of 23%, but still falls woefully short of reflecting the fact that half of our population is female.

Rep. Marilyn Lee served as the master of ceremonies, with Rep. Cindy Evans, Rep. Linda Ichiyama, and Rep. Cynthia Thielen sharing personal stories and explaining the proposed legislation. The comprehensive legislative package, which includes bills ranging from funding for cervical and breast cancer screenings to prohibiting medical personnel from performing a pelvic examination on an anesthetized or unconscious patient (yes, it's currently allowed), can be viewed in its entirety at the Capitol website. 

As progressive as the state may be when it comes to women's rights, the war is far from over. The Women's Caucus press conference allowed us to look at how far we have come, yet still make us aware of how much work is left to be done in the name of equality for all of the people of Hawai'i, regardless of gender. 

Veteran's Day 2009

The following was originally posted on Veteran's Day 2007.

It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protestor to burn the flag.
Father Denis Edward O'Brien/USMC

To all of America's veterans, we say "thank you", even though we know words alone cannot express our appreciation for your service to our country. We join the rest of the nation on this day to remember the fallen and honor the sacrifices of 25 million veterans from the United States. On behalf of the Hawaii House of Representatives, we would also like to salute the veterans currently serving in our State Legislature:

The House of Representatives

Rep. Rida Cabanilla - Army Reserve Officer - Lt. Colonel
Rep. Jerry Chang - SGT E-5, U.S. Army, 7th Special Forces (Airborne)

Rep. Isaac Choy - U.S. Marine Corps
Rep. Ken Ito - U.S. Air Force, 1962 - 1966 (Veteran - Honorable Discharge)
Rep. Marilyn Lee - Navy Nurse, Full Lieutenant (ret.)
Rep. Joe Souki - U.S. Army
Rep. K. Mark Takai - Captain, Hawaii Army National Guard
Rep. Roy Takumi - Hawaii Air National Guard, 1970-1977
Rep. Gene Ward - Vietnam Veteran, Translator-Interpreter

The Senate

Sen. Robert Bunda - U.S. Air Force, Texas Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard

Thank you Lon (that's Mr. Cupcake to you) Paresa, veteran and House Asst. Sgt-at-Arms, for sharing the above quote.

Temporary visas for WWII Fil-Am Veterans

Photo: Rep. Angus McKelvey with WWII Fil-Am Veterans and their wives.

Members of the WWII Filipino-American Veterans - Hawaii Chapter (FAV) yesterday testified in support of a HCR 298/HR 270, which urges the adoption of a proposed federal law that would allow family members of the Filipino American Veterans to obtain temporary visas in order to visit and be with their family members in Hawaii.

Representative Angus McKelvey, chair of the Economic Revitalization, Business & Military Affairs Committee, passed the resolution out of committee noting that "given that these honorable men and women sacrificed so much for our country, to allow them to have their family members with them as they pass is a very small token that the federal government can do for all they sacrificed."

In Photo: Members of the Economic Revitalization, Business & Military Affairs Committee with Filipino-American WWII veterans who testified on HCR 298/HR 270.

Rep Marcus Oshiro to MC Wahiawa Veterans Day Parade

Rep. Marcus Oshiro will be the master of ceremonies for the Wahiawa Lion's 63rd annual Veterans Day Parade tomorrow. The parade, themed "Thanking our Veterans and Service Members", will start at Kaala Elementary School at 10:00 a.m. then proceed up California Avenue to Wahiawa District Park. Started in 1947, this perennial parade honors and supports U.S. veterans and current servicemen and women in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.

Mililani resident and Vietnam veteran Yoshiaki "Aki" Kakazu, 75, will serve as Parade Grand Marshal. The Honolulu Advertiser has a good story about Kakazu, including his benevolent efforts to assist our troops, and the parade's program and guest speakers.

In Honor of Veterans Day

The following was sent as a Veterans Day message by the Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association (ASMBA), courtesy of Lon Paresa, our House Assistant Sgt.-at-Arms.

"What is a Veteran?"

"They are men and women who, for many reasons, donned the uniform of our country to stand between freedom and tyranny; to take up the sword of justice in defense of the liberties we hold dear; to preserve peace and to calm the winds of war.

Your mothers and fathers, your grandparents, your aunts and uncles, your neighbors, the shop owners in your community, your teachers, your favorite athlete, a Hollywood star, and your political leaders... each one could be a veteran.

But as much as they may differ by gender, race, age, national origin, or profession, they share a common love for our great nation; a love great enough to put their very lives on the line, if need be, to guarantee the way of life we enjoy today, and to secure that way of life for tomorrow's generations.

The title “veteran” must be earned. It is a title endowed by a grateful nation on citizens whose shoulders were broad enough to carry the weight of our common defense.

It is a title that speaks of courage and sacrifice in the face of mortal danger.

It is a title that speaks of compassion and heartbreak in the wake of the terrible cost of war.

And it is a title that speaks of love of country, and of a belief in America’s goodness, and our strength.

In each of America’s struggles, heroes in uniform emerged to inspire and spur us on to victory. Our veterans’ steadfast resolve to stand and fight for the American way of life is a constant reminder that the righteousness of our destiny overarches the anguish of our losses.

America’s servicemen and women, who became our nation’s veterans when they set their uniforms aside and resumed their civilian lives, distinguished themselves through their willingness to risk life and limb in defense of the freedoms we all cherish.

Those who have served our nation in uniform are the best people our society has to offer. We owe them our full support, and our sincerest thanks."

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.

Veterans invited to share concerns with lawmakers

Lawmakers will hold a series of "Talk Story" community meetings with Hawaii veterans across the state. Rep. Cindy Evans, Public Safety and Military Committee Chair , and other legislators will kick off the series of meetings in Maui.

Rep. Evans organized the meetings to allow veterans to share their concerns and problems with state lawmakers, who will get a better idea of veteran needs and apply the information to next year's legislative session.

“Our veterans have served our country and deserve the very best we can provide in services and support," Evans said. “These meetings will help us understand the needs of today's veterans better so we can educate the legislature for next year's budgets and legislative agenda."

The meetings will focus on issues such as the efficiency of the Hawai'i Office of Veterans Affairs and whether or not veterans could be better served in another state agency, as well as homelessness, unemployment and access to health care.

Maui
May 5
9-11 a.m.
J.W. Cameron Center, 95 Mahalani St.

Hilo
May 6
9-11 a.m.
UH at Hilo Room UCB-1

Moloka'i
May 7
5:30 p.m -7:30 p.m.
Molokai Veterans Compound

Kauai
May 8
5-7 p.m.
Kauai Veterans Center, 3-3367 Kuhio Hwy, #101

Kona
May 13
9-11 a.m.
Kona Veterans Cemetery

Leeward Oahu
May 17
9-11 a.m.
Kapolei High School, 91-5007 Kapolei Pkwy.

Windward Oahu
May 17
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Ko’olau Golf Club