Green Radio

It's that time of year when lawmakers are crystalizing new ideas for draft legislation in the upcoming session. How about green radio?

Founded and established in one of the most polluted cities in the world, Jakarta, Indonesia, 89.2 Green Radio is the first Green radio station, with all programming and news on ecology and the environment. Jakarta is reportedly the third largest emitter of carbon dioxide. It faces extreme problems with sanitation, flooding, water contamination, sewage and garbage.

According to this post from the Christian Science Monitor, the station is powered solely by solar panels, and broadcasts up to 10 hours a day.

It is a commercial station, but it refuses advertising from mining and cigarette companies.

The station has been on the air for over a year and seems to be making inroads with greater public awareness on environmental issues. While the city may have a long road ahead in turning awareness into action, station manager Nita Roshita believes they are starting an earth friendly trend.

SCOT MATAYOSHI NAMED PEACE DAY HAWAII 2009 AWARD RECIPIENT

Scot Matayoshi, 25, a law student at the University of Hawaii, was selected as this year's recipient of the Peace Day Hawaii Award for his dedication to guiding Hawaii's youth toward promoting nonviolence. Matayoshi will be presented with the award at the Peace Day Hawaii 2009 Celebration Ceremony, which will be held on Monday, Sept. 21, 2009 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in the State Capitol Rotunda. The public is invited to attend this free event, which will feature special guest speaker Betty Williams, a Nobel Peace Laureate.

Peace Day is the day of global ceasefire and nonviolence held each year on Sept. 21. It is celebrated worldwide, but Hawaii became the first state in the nation in 2007 to officially recognize the occasion.

While a Teach for America corps member from 2006 to 2009, Matayoshi began a Peacemakers Club at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School after picking the minds of colleagues at Waipahu and Aiea High Schools. He sought to curb fighting and make students aware that their actions affect the way the rest of the island views and treats their community. Members of the club wear yellow wristbands to identify themselves. It shows others that they have done some soul-searching to decide between what's right and wrong.

Matayoshi hails from a family committed to serving the public. He is the grandson of former Big Island Mayor Herbert Matayoshi, and his parents are Ron Matayoshi, director of international programs at the UH School of Social Work, and Coralie Matayoshi, CEO of the Hawaii Red Cross chapter.

In 2007, Hawaii became the only state in the nation to officially recognize and annually celebrate the International Day of Peace, which was established by the United Nations as the Day of worldwide ceasefire and non-violence. State Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu introduced a bill on behalf of the members of the Hawaii Federation of Junior Young Buddhist Association. Governor Linda Lingle signed the bill into law on April 17, 2007.

For information on the Peace Day Hawaii 2009 Celebration Ceremony, please call 808-586-8490.

Soda Tax bills still alive

A proposed tax on soft drinks is currently a national issue. Soda consumption leads to obesity, especially child obesity according to the New England Journal of Medicine (although that should be no surprise to anyone.) Lawmakers are considering the tax on soda as one way to pay for healthcare reform. President Obama said it's worth exploring. See this NY Times article on the subject.

The idea is not new in Hawaii. During the 2009 session, Rep. Marilyn Lee introduced HB438 which proposes a tax on all soft drinks containing a certain percentage of sugar (to be determined) sold in the state. This does NOT include diet soda. The money would be used for community health centers and for public awareness on the importance of healthy lifestyles.

Rep. Marcus Oshiro also introduced HB1505 which proposes a tax on soda and syrup, with monies to go into the general fund.

Both bills stalled early in the 2009 session and were carried over to 2010. With the national attention on a soda tax and healthcare reform, the bills may be dusted off for reconsideration.

Hands for Peace

Have you seen the colorful hands doing the waltz with the wind on the kukui tree and a rainbow of pinwheels framing it the Capitol grounds yet? You can find this symbol of peace on Richards Street near the Korean War Veterans Memorial.

The Peace Day Hawaii Committee - comprising state government leaders, peace-education leaders and organizations, and Hawaii students - yesterday hung laminated paper cut-outs of the hands of Hawaii students. The students pondered the question "what does peace mean to you?" and wrote their responses on the hands.

The event was planned to kick off Peace Day Hawaii 2009, which will be celebrated over the weekend and on Monday, September 21. Peace Day is the day of global ceasefire and nonviolence held each year on Sept. 21. All members of the United Nations agreed to stop fighting on that day. It is celebrated worldwide, but Hawaii became the first state in the nation in 2007 to officially recognize the occasion.

Get Olelo video certified!

If you're a staff member of the state legislature or state administration, the video production/certification seminars are free! If you have the time and the desire, I strongly recommend taking Olelo up on its offer to conduct seminars at the Olelo mini-studio located at the State Capitol on the 4th floor, Room 414.

Olelo is taking reservations (8 per class I believe) for each of the 6-day seminars to be held once a month in September, November and December, and two times in October.

The first one coming up will take place on September 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, & 30.

This is an opportunity to learn a new skill and reach many new viewers through public access television and the internet.

For more information and to sign up, call Olelo at the Capitol at 586-7198.

Celebrating Peace Day

The third annual "Peace Day Hawaii: Uniting with Aloha" will be held on Sept. 20 and Sept. 21 at the Hawaii State Capitol. This free, two-day celebration will focus statewide attention on creating a culture of peace by weaving the elements of peace through our schools and communities. Events include an educational forum and Peace Day Hawaii Celebration Ceremony discussing peace, equity and justice as a necessity for community sustainability and environmental awareness. Special guest Betty Williams, who won the Nobel peace prize in 1976 for her dedication to promoting a peaceful resolution in Northern Ireland, will be the keynote speaker for both events.

The forum, "Sustainability in the Schools", will be held on Sunday, Sept. 20 in the State Capitol Auditorium. From 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., schools and community organizations that are associated with the Hawaii School Peace Gardens Consortium will give presentations in the auditorium. From 12 p.m. – 1 p.m., Betty Williams will be the guest speaker. From 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., representatives from the various organizations will briefly talk about what they do in schools or would like to offer in partnering with schools. Informational displays and booths on environmental sustainability will be set up in the State Capitol Rotunda from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Peace Day Hawaii 2009 Celebration Ceremony will be held on Monday, Sept. 21 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the State Capitol Rotunda. The ceremony will include keynote speaker Betty Williams, entertainment, presentation of this year's Peace Day Award and a candle light ceremony and silent prayer.

A partner of Peace Day Hawaii is Victory Over Violence (VOV), a youth sponsored initiative to help young people identify and counteract the root causes of violence in their lives and promote a culture of peace in the community. The Hawaii chapter of the organization has extended nominations for the VOV Aloha Peace Challenge, an annual humanitarian competition in Hawaii that challenges all people to create value in their communities through activities that celebrate and promote peace and nonviolence, until September 14. To participate in the challenge, please visit www.vov.com.

In 2007, Hawaii became the only state in the nation to officially recognize and annually celebrate the International Day of Peace, which was established by the United Nations as the Day of worldwide ceasefire and non-violence. State Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu introduced a bill on behalf of the members of the Hawaii Federation of Junior Young Buddhist Association. Governor Linda Lingle signed the bill into law on April 17, 2007.

Information on Peace Day Hawaii ceremony: 808-586-8490, Peace Day Forum: 808-956-4244.

Modernization

The Department of Transportation came before the House Committee on Transportation today to provide status reports on all Harbors, Airports and Highways projects. Harbors and Airports divisions have started respective Modernization Plans. This past session bills to authorize a Highways Modernization Plan failed to pass and will carrry over to next session. SB1611. HB1167. The legislation proposes to raise fees and taxes to pay for needed improvements. Given the fiscal climate, the administration proposed to insert a trigger of two consecutive quarters of economic growth prior to assessing the fee/tax increases.

HARBORS

*The Harbors Modernization Plan (HMP) was passed into law as Act 200 in June 2008. It is budgeted at $618 million.

*The HMP is funded by special purpose revenue bonds supported by tariff increases. Industry users understand the need for the increase and support it.

*The HMP project co-managers are Sandy Pfund (ATDC) and Marshall Ando (DOT Harbors).

*First bond issuance of $120 million - First Qtr. FY11:
+Honolulu, Pier 35 improvements for UH SOEST Marine Center
+Hilo, Pier 4 construction
+Kahului Harbor land acquisition/improvements
+Kawaihae Harbor terminal yard improvements

*Second bond issuance of $200 million - FY15:
+KMR deep draft wharfs
+Shipyard relocation, Honolulu Harbor
+Honolulu Harbor, Pier 29
+Hilo Harbor, Pier 4
+Nawiliwili Harbor Pier 2

*Third ($155 million) and Fourth ($143 million) bond issuances after FY15.

AIRPORTS

*$2.3 billion Airports Modernization Program underway

*First bond issuance of $142 million - Second Qtr FY10
+Mauka Concourse Phase I
+HNL safety and security projects
+Ewa Concourse Sterile corridor
+Kona Terminal design
+Kahului Airfield improvements
+Kahului safety and security projects
+Lihue land acquisition
+Hilo Cargo facility

*Second bond issuance of $391 million - Third Qtr FY11
+Mauka Concourse program Phase II

*Photovoltaic projects. The Airports Division is one of the top 3 energy users in the state, with an electricity bill of $2 million per month. Photovoltaic technology has reduced their energy costs by 20%.

HIGHWAYS

*KAUAI, Kuhio Highway - Short term improvements, Highway widening, cane haul bridge widening. Widening expected to be advertised Nov. 2009.

*KAUAI, Kaumualii Highway - Widening, Phase IA from Lihue Bridge to Anonui Street. Processing award for construction.

*MAUI, Honoapiilani Highway - Widening, Aholo to Lahainaluna. To begin shortly.

*MAUI, Honoapiilani Highway - Realignment, Phase IA and IB-1. Started.

*MAUI, Kihei-Upcountry Highway - Design in progress, to be completed late 2009.

*BIG ISLAND, Queen Kaahumanu Highway Widending - Henry St. to Kona Airport. Phase I estimated completion by October 2009. Phase II, preparing to re-advertise project.

*BIG ISLAND, Saddle Road Improvements, MP 19-11. Project awarded September 2009.

*BIG ISLAND, Keaau-Pahoa Road, Shoulder Lane Conversion. Design in progress.

*OAHU, Fort Weaver Road Widening, Expected to be completed December 2009.

*OAHU, North-South Road. Multi-lane roadway from Kapolei Parkway to diamond interchange at H-1. Phase 1A completed. Phase 1B scehduled for January 2010 completion. Phase 1C - Dedication scheduled for October 2009.

*OAHU, Kapolei Interchange. In progress.

*OAHU, H-1 Pearl City and Waimalu Viaduct Repairs. In progress.

*OAHU, H-1 PM Contraflow. Planning.

*OAHU, Middle Street Merge. Environmental Assessment in progress. Proposals late 2010.

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.

September 11th - Patriot Day

During the 2009 session, Rep. John Mizuno introduced a bill, HB274, proclaiming September 11th as Patriot Day. The bill was signed into law as Act 14. A link to the bill is here. It's message is strong and clear:

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

1 SECTION 1. The legislature finds that on September II,
2 2001, more than three thousand people lost their lives after
3 hijacked airplanes crashed into the World Trade Center in New
4 York, the Pentagon in Virginia, and in rural Pennsylvania. The
5 legislature further finds that during the aftermath of these
6 attacks, true heroism was defined by the brave acts of police
7 officers, firefighters, emergency personnel, and ordinary
8 citizens. The purpose of this measure is to honor those who
9 lost their lives on September II, 2001, and to acknowledge the
10 bravery of those who assisted in rescue efforts following the
11 attacks.

12 SECTION 2. Chapter 8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended
13 by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to
14 read as follows:

15 "§8- Patriot Day. September eleventh shall be known and
16 designated as "Patriot Day". This day shall not be construed to
17 be a state holiday."

18 SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

Floria's Anemones

The late Floria Shepherd's pastel drawing of "The Beautiful Princess Ka'iulani," as the artist so appropriately named the piece of art, has been hanging in the House Sergeant-at-Arms office for many years now. Her eyes are captivating, seductively drawing you in to relive through your imagination the history of Hawaiian royalty.

Floria's children recently visited the Hawaii State Capitol to view the drawing of Ka'iulani, one of two original pieces that are now property of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Both drawings are part of the foundation's Art in Public Collection. The other is a pastel drawing of a bouquet of anemones in soft colors that are easy on the eyes.

Floria passed away in late December of 2008 at the age of 82. Her children, who now live on the mainland and on the Big Island, came to Oahu to bury their mother next to their father at Punchbowl Cemetery.

Gary, Lynn, and Joy chattered openly about their past while viewing the drawings. They shared memories and stories about their mother and her dedication to the arts and the Hawaiian culture.

Floria, who originated from New York, was fascinated by the Hawaiian culture and, most notably, by the Princess Ka'iulani.

"I think she was just enamored with it," said Joy. "You know, by the culture. She just loved the islands."

Floria sketched dozens of drawings of Ka'iulani, said her children. Some drawings were even on brown paper bag.

"She adored and was intrigued by the culture and believed in the power of Pele," added Joy.

Not only did Floria love to paint, draw and doodle, she enjoyed all forms of creative expression. While perusing an album of memorabilia made by her children, I noticed a poem Floria wrote, titled "The Mourning," that seemed fitting for the gathering held in memory of the artist Floria Shepherd.


"The Mourning"

I'm mourning for myself today
To be in an abyss without light
is as the wingless bird without flight

Will grief and loss find the Holy Grail?
Can shifting sands be moved
Beyond where I am from?
Shifting sands blow beyond
this loss of nature's seed
To water life's gift that feeds

Tomorrow will birth new wings
I will rise as the bird flies,
Mourning no longer with silent cries

In memory of Floria Shepherd.

Photo: Floria's children and other family members with her pastel drawings. From left to right: James Shepherd (cousin) and his wife Cathy, Gary Shepherd (son), Lynn Miller (daughter), Alice Shepherd (granddaughter), and Joy Vasilakis (daughter).

Meeting on highway improvement on Wai'anae Coast

Representative Karen Awana wants to remind Wai'anae Coast residents of a meeting tonight on the proposed improvements to Farrington Highway intersection at Nanakuli Avenue and Haleakala Avenue.

The Department of Transportation will provide an overview of the public.

Residents of the Wai'anae Coast are encouraged to attend to share input.

WHEN:
Thursday, September 10, 2009
7 - 9 p.m.

WHERE:
Nanaikapono Elementary School Cafeteria
89-153 Mano Avenue
Nanakuli, Hawaii

Agriculture Layoffs Will Impact Hawaii Exports

The House Agriculture Committee will hold a second informational briefing on the impact of potential layoffs for agricultural inspectors. Tomorrow, Ag Chair Rep. Clift Tsuji will focus on Hawaii's wide range of exports. You can see it live on Olelo, Ch. 49.

WHAT: The House Agriculture Committee will hold a meeting to gather information on the negative impact of potential agriculture inspector layoffs on Hawaii’s export industry, including plants, tropical flowers, tropical fruits/papaya, macadamia nuts, coffee, and more.


WHEN: Thursday, September 10, 2009
1:00 p.m.


WHERE: State Capitol, Conference Room 325

Money Committees Visit Kauai

State money chairs and Kauai lawmakers to hold "Legislators Listen" for public to share input on Governor's proposals to solve fiscal troubles

Who/What: Given the current economic situation facing the state of Hawaii, the Governor has put forth a variety of proposals, including furloughs, layoffs, and other program reductions. Representative Marcus Oshiro and Senator Donna Mercado Kim, the chairs of the Hawaii State Legislature's budget committees, along with Kauai legislators will hold an informal discussion session on the Hawaii state budget. The purpose of this session is to receive public input on the impact of the Governor's proposals and any other possible solutions to the current budget situation.

Where: Kaua`i Community College Cafeteria
3-1901 Kaumuali`i Hwy.
Lihu`e, HI 96766

When: Wednesday, September 9, 2009
4:30 to 8:00 p.m.

No Child Left Behind Reloaded

It's the day after Labor Day, traditionally a day that marks the end of summer and when kids go back to school. This morning, President Obama spoke to students about taking responsibility for their own learning. The full text of his speech is here.

As well, the September issue of "State Legislatures", the publication of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), zooms in on the controversial No Child Left Behind Act and what a new version of the legislation might look like. The full article is here.

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is considered the most sweeping federal authority over state and local school boards in our country's history. The accountability provisions are considered the most problematic. Key requirements of the act are currently up for reauthorization, and they include:

*Testing all students in grades three through eight, and every year once in high school.

*Requiring schools receiving federal funds for disadvantaged students and schools with a certain percentage of low-income students to make progress in test scores.

*Putting any school failing to make "adequate yearly progess" on a "failing schools list", giving parents the option of sending their children to better peforming schools in the same district.

The criticism of such requirements is that they are unrealistic and impose punishments on schools failing to meet the standard. In addition, educators point to a "one size fits all" initiative imposed upon a diverse population.

It's been seven years since the passage of the NCLB Act; President George W. Bush signed it into law in 2002. While there is consensus that NCLB shines a light upon areas that need help - schools serving minority and poverty districts for example - there is also agreement that it's not working the way it should.

If and when the law is reauthorized, there are essentially two main concerns lawmakers around the country are raising:

*Control. States want more control, or at least more input, than they do now.

*Lack of resources. Schools don't have the resources to accomplish the mandated goals. If federal funds are reduced or elminated, some states have passed laws enabling them to opt out of the federal program.

How are we doing in Hawaii? The latest information can be found in a July 2009 news release on the subject from the Department of Education.

From Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto (at right):

“Over the past eight years, we have celebrated the steady gains made by students in reading and math. The progress made by our schools is evidence that student achievement is improving.

However, fulfilling the mandates of the federal No Child Left Behind Act continues to be an uphill battle for a majority of schools.”

“While today’s results only serve as one measure of how a school is performing, the need to close the achievement gap in Hawaii’s public schools still exists. We will break through the Adequate Yearly Progress ‘glass ceiling’ by implementing additional interventions tied to results, raising educational standards, demanding accountability, and redesigning our school day and instructional delivery system.“The truest measure of our efforts will be that our students successfully perform in the 21st century global economy because we delivered the high quality education they deserved.”

The results from the 2009 Hawaii State Assessment, used to determine a school's status under No Child Left Behind, are summarized in the news release with links to the full report.

Kukui Connection - September Guests

Rep. Marilyn Lee will host two new guests during the month of September on her Olelo public access televised series, "The Kukui Connection". The show airs regularly on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. on Oceanic Cable channel 54.

On September 6 and 20, Al Santoro of Poamoho Organic Produce will be the special guest. This is one you won't want to miss. He will explain the concept of organic farming and show us some of the methods he uses in his work. You can find their organic produce at Whole Foods, Umeke Market, Alan Wong's and The Pineapple Room, Turtle Bay Resort, and Celestial Natural Foods in Haleiwa. Just look at these organic mangoes! Go to the website for more information.

Organic mangoes from Poamoho Organic Produce

On September 13 and 27, Rep. Lee's guest will be Mike Story, Sports Manager from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Mike will talk about tourism marketing, the various areas they have targeted for future business, including Oceania.

Reps Weigh in on Hoopili

The Honolulu Star-bulletin published two op-eds on the Hoopili project, one by Rep. Chris Lee and the other by Rep. Rida Cabanilla. We've posted them here:

Hoopili project doesn't fit Hawaii's renewed focus on sustainable economy
by Rep. Chris Lee

People seem to either love the Ho'opili development, or hate it. And I can understand that. I'm 28, and will soon be looking for my first affordable home. On the other hand, I'm 28, and my generation and I will have to live with the consequences of poor planning for decades to come.

Fortunately, Ho'opili offers more than a vision of houses stretching across the Ewa Plain; Ho'opili has given Hawaii the opportunity to rethink our future priorities, today.

Last Friday the decision to rezone 1,500 acres of prime agricultural land to "urban" came before the state Land Use Commission. The commission was created by the Legislature specifically to address concerns about "the development of Hawaii's limited and valuable land for short-term gain for the few while resulting in long-term loss to the income and growth potential of our state's economy ... and the conversion of prime agricultural land to residential use ... "

While done on procedural grounds, the Land Use Commission rightfully rejected the request from Ho'opili's developers.

It is important to realize that today, Hawaii imports nearly 90 percent of our food. This dependency siphons billions from our economy each year, and as the cost of oil and shipping continue to rise, so too will prices at the grocery store. So it's concerning that Ho'opili's 11,750 new homes would be built over 14 percent of Oahu's best agricultural land, which is a major contributor to our local food supply and critical to a viable agriculture industry.

Back in 1997 when the plan for more homes in Ewa was originally developed, it may have been good policy at the time. However, since then available farmland in Hawaii has declined by more than 22 percent and the cost of shipping food to the islands has skyrocketed. As a result, in the last decade there has been a paradigm shift in public policy with a new focus on diversifying our economy and redeveloping local agriculture.

The goal is to create new jobs, reduce food prices and sustain Hawaii for the long-term. We have realized there is limited space on Oahu to build new homes — and new strategies for "smart growth" have revolutionized urban planning, and will redevelop old industrial areas such as Kakaako, instead of building over endangered farmlands.

We have to think ahead. Ho'opili is not important because it will build homes or create jobs. Construction crews couldn't begin work until well after the City and County grants approval, potentially many months or years from now, and there are already plans for tens of thousands of other new houses in the Ewa area and thousands of more apartments, condos and lofts planned for urban Honolulu.

What does make Ho'opili important is that it is a clear-cut case of competing uses. The choice pits fertile agricultural land, home to several outstanding local farms, against another 11,750 homes. In this era of new sustainable policy, Ho'opili's rejection or approval will determine whether or not the state is serious about properly managing growth and planning ahead for the long term. It will force our leaders to follow through with commitments to smart growth, renewing local agriculture and diversifying our economy — or to proceed with short-term thinking and business as usual.

Ultimately, the plan for another 11,750 homes on agricultural land is the same urban sprawl that has paved over Oahu for the past 50 years. Hawaii's population keeps growing, and the question is not whether we need new homes. We have to have new homes. The question is where we choose to build them.
———
Chris Lee is state representative for House District 51 (Lanikai, Waimanalo).

Rebuild rundown urban Oahu instead of paving prime Ewa farmland

By Rep. Rida Cabanilla

It is very difficult to accept the permanent changes that are about to occur in Ewa in the near future. As a representative of the people, I continually made my objections known to the Land Use Commission for the last two years regarding the development of Ho'opili, a planned residential community on Ewa farmlands. Although some of my constituents support the intent of the development, working at the state Capitol and hearing the different concerns of my colleagues, I can't help but consider not only regional impacts but also statewide impacts of this massive land development.

I recently had a meeting with Bob Stanfield of the City & County Building and Permitting Department, who is in charge of the Ewa Development Plan. His main arguments against my objections of the housing plan stem from the question, "Where else can we build more homes?"
Although a hypothetical question, I have some real answers that the city should take into consideration.

Before Hawaii starts building more homes in Ewa, creating more traffic and depleting the islands of our valuable agricultural lands, we need to redevelop the rundown areas of urban Honolulu. We need to stop sacrificing our limited precious resources.

In Kakaako, there are acres of undeveloped land with adequate underground infrastructure already in place. Last session we passed legislation mandating a certain percentage of affordable housing depending on the land area being developed.

Areas around Kapiolani, Moiliili and McCully are, for the most part, populated by very old, two-story walk-up apartment buildings. The Building and Permitting Department can remove the three-story height limitation on these areas and allow us to go vertical. Going vertical will improve the Honolulu skyline, provide fulfillment of the affordable housing need and create housing options for those who work in Waikiki and downtown Honolulu and even provide off-base living options for our military men and women who work at Pearl Harbor, Hickam and Fort Shafter.

With home prices rising and land area diminishing, the dream of a single-family home on a 5,000 square foot piece of land is difficult to achieve. Going vertical will help preserve our precious agricultural lands. We need to emulate European ideas on infrastructure. Their cities are contained, and they leave the rural areas for agriculture. The argument that we can move these Ewa farmlands elsewhere is just as absurd as saying we can move this housing development within urban Honolulu.

These areas I have suggested for development are blighted communities. Why is there not a push to modernize these slummy downtown areas so that we can be proud of our urban core?
Sustainability, self-sufficiency and food security are goals that the Legislature and the state are working toward. Today we import 90 percent of our food. Without our farmlands it would be impossible to reduce our dependency on outside resources or fulfill our goals.

The state tourism count continues to diminish daily. By building houses on the entire island, we will see even fewer tourists coming to Hawaii. Tourists vacation in Hawaii to enjoy tropical scenery and hospitality, not panoramic views of urban sprawl.

The more houses we build, the more out-of-state people will come to Hawaii to purchase homes, driving the cost of homes through the roof. I know that increasing supply will decrease the prices of homes — but, figuratively speaking, only for a day. As soon as the prices become reasonable, residents of the contiguous 48 states will be here driving the prices up again.

We cannot build more housing complexes without sufficient transportation infrastructures in place. Consider the city's light rail project. If they did not build all these houses in Kapolei, then there would have been no need for the rail. Building more, such as Ho'opili, will create more traffic woes and require more infrastructure, not just the rail.

Supporters of Ho'opili contend that it will bring more jobs to the region, thereby decreasing the amount of commuters to town. How many jobs will there be? Can the project bring more than 2,000 jobs to the region? My answer is no, and if there are jobs, the jobs will probably not pay enough to support a mortgage of these new homes.
———
Rida Cabanilla is state representative for House District 42 (Waipahu, Honouliuli, West Loch and Ewa).

Prevailing Winds: Burglaries and NSW

This month's edition of Rep. Isaac Choy's "Prevailing Winds" focuses on a recent rash of neighborhood burglaries. Here's an excerpt from his monthly newsletter:

Concerned constituents recently brought up the subject of a growing problem in our neighborhood. The issue is burglaries. As the economy worsens, there is a rise in home break-ins. Our district of Manoa, University area, McCully & Moiliili, has seen an exponential rise in the crime rate. Now is the time that we all must step up and be on the look out for ourselves and our neighbors. We all want to feel safe and secure in our homes, and by sharing this concern with others around us, we can effectively police our own communities.

We can all be proactive by forming Neighborhood Security Watches (NSW) in our areas. Our office has put together a fact sheet (attached) which outlines how our community can initiate NSW’s. Attend your monthly neighborhood board meetings where there is present a Community Affairs Representative of HPD to report on the monthly crime statistics of the neighborhoods, and it is there that you will be able to voice your concerns. By working together on this serious problem, hopefully, we will be able to prevent further incidences.

Community Happenings: Aiea Book Sale

Have you recently purchased an Amazon Kindle and now wondering what to do with your books that are so last year? If so, I'm sure we can point you in the right direction.

Aiea Public Library will be holding a book sale Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is asking Hawaii residents to donate their unwanted books. You can drop them off at the library or call Representative Blake Oshiro's office at 808-586-6340 to schedule a pick-up.

Are you more of a movie and music buff? Aiea Community Association, the group organizing the book sale, is also collecting CDs and DVDs to sell.

Reps in the News

DOE Reconstituting Schools

Rep. Roy Takumi, chairman of the House Education Committee, weighed in on the issue of the Department of Education "reconstituting" schools. This means that the DOE would have the authority to replace principals and teachers in low performing schools. The Honolulu Advertiser story is here. Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto says that she will seek authority again (legislation failed in 2009) this year to reconstitute schools, knowing that it is an unpopular direction. Here's an excerpt from The Advertiser article today:

Rep. Roy Takumi, chairman of the House Education Committee, said he supports the school reconstitutions and noted that Hamamoto has made it clear that it would be an extreme measure.

"It's just a tool in the tool box that you may or may not use. The superintendent is not going to waltz into every school that is not (performing). ... You need to look at every school on its own merits," he said.

Takumi said the bill ran into roadblocks with the labor unions last session.

"Should we have it as an option? I believe we should and today we don't," he said.


Hoopili

Rep. Rida Cabanilla. Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu and Rep. Maile Shimabukuro all opposed the proposed housing development called Hoopili which came before the Land Use Commission on Friday. The LUC denied the permit request. Here is the Honolulu Star Bulletin article. Here is The Advertiser article on the hearing and the decision. Quotes from the article include:


Shimabukuro, D-45th (Wai'anae, Makaha, Makua), said she was surprised when running for office to find out the chief concern for area residents was traffic. "It really is a daily nightmare for people who live on the West side trying to go to and from work," she said.

Cabanilla, D-42nd ('Ewa, Waipahu, Honouliuli) and chairwoman of the House Housing Committee, said urban development should be focused on areas such as Kaka'ako, McCully and Mo'ili'ili where small buildings can be redeveloped with high density.

Auction-rate securities

Rep. Karl Rhoads is concerned about the fact that the state has $1 billion tied up in auction-rate securities that are currently frozen. Here is the Advertiser article.

"It is disturbing that we have that much money tied up in something like that," said Rep. Karl Rhoads, D-28th (Palama, Downtown, Lower Makiki), who learned of the frozen assets from a constituent. "We knew or should have known it could have become illiquid."

Rhoads said he was concerned about the state's reluctance to write down the investments and wonders if the state should be more aggressive in seeking redress.
"If we've lost $114 million, how come we're not suing to get some of that back because Lord knows, we need the money right now," Rhoads said.

Rep. Rida Cabanilla feature on GMANews TV, a Filipino news channel

Rep. Cabanilla was featured on GMANews TV during one of their segments called "Pinoy Abroad". The story is here. It highlights her accomplishments since emigrating to the U.S. when she was 17 years old.

Replacing a United States Senator

With the passing of U.S. Senator Edward M. (Ted) Kennedy, the State of Massachusetts will be considering new legislation that would allow a speedy replacement for the Senator's seat. Laws covering vacancies in the U.S. Senate vary from state to state. Massachusetts law allows for a special election to fill the seat between 145 and 160 days following the vacancy, with no temporary appointment by the governor.

Here's a chart comparing the replacement process by state.

Hawaii is one of three states, joining Utah and Wyoming, where the governor appoints a temporary replacement who serves until the next regularly scheduled general election. The governor chooses from a list of three names submitted by the political party of the prior incumbent.

Work to begin on Windward Oahu bridge

Representative Jessica Wooley yesterday attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the South Punaluu Stream bridge-replacement project. The current bridge is 83 years old and must be replaced to meet vehicular load, safety and seismic standards. The $15.3 million project will be totally funded with federal dollars under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Work on the bridge is expected to start next month and be completed by September 2011.

Takin' it to the streets

Volunteers and Pearl City community members took to a new street this month to remind drivers to slow down.

In 2004, Rep. Blake Oshiro's office, the Honolulu Police Department, and community members concerned about speeding vehicles in their neighborhoods launched a sign-waving campaign, "Community Traffic Awareness Partnership" (CTAP), to remind drivers to slow down.

Members of the community one day a month wave traffic safety signs on Halawa Heights Rd near Iwaiwa Street where speeding is a problem.

The traffic awareness campaign was expanded to Kaonohi St. after a State Farm agent shared concerns with Rep. Oshiro about a speeding problem in her neighborhood. State Farm agents and employees joined the team on the Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009 waving signs with messages like "No need to speed" during the early evening drive hour.

Last night the traffic safety crew released another wave of signs at its usual stomping ground on Halawa Heights Rd. Jacce Mikulanec, a staff member from Rep. Oshiro's office, said that they "had a great turnout" and "got lots of shakas and ‘mahalos’ from the neighbors in the area too."

Next month's schedule is:

KAONOHI ST.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
4 - 5 p.m.
Kaonohi St. & Iho Pl. near park


HALAWA HEIGHTS DR.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
4 - 5 p.m.
Halawa Heights Dr. & Iwaiwa St.

Photo by State Farm and taken from The Honolulu Advertiser.

Community Happenings: Waianae 7th graders hold yard sale fundraiser

Wai'anae Intermediate School (WIS) 7th graders will sell donated items at a yard sale to raise funds for 'Ai Pohaku Workshop, a free, 9-week student program that weaves together Hawaiian cultural, aina-based practices, and academic skill-building. It also offers an after-school program and a Garden Club to any WIS student. The funds raised will help to cover program costs, staff wages and supplies. For more information contact Vince Dodge at 808-478-6492 or email him at aipohaku@hotmail.com.

WHEN:
September 19 and 20, 2009
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE:
86-024 Glenmonger St. (corner of Pokai Bay St. and Glenmonger St.)

Reps in the News

The NELHA gate has been re-opened, allowing access to the beach at Kohanaiki. Rep. Denny Coffman and Sen. Josh Green held a public meeting on the issue a few weeks ago. Here's a report by Hawaii247.org. Here's the previous story by Hawaii247 on the meeting.

Speaker Calvin Say comments on Enterprise's new venture - purchasing a fleet of hybrid rental cars such as the Honda Civic and Insight, and the Toyota Prius.

Lahaina News writes an editorial thanking Rep. Kyle Yamashita and Sen. Shan Tsutsui for helping to keep the Friday Night Lights on for Maui high school football.

Fifty years of legislative history at your finger tips

In celebration of our State's 50th anniversary, the House and Senate clerk's offices created a website that compiles brief summations of the five-decade history of the Hawaii State Legislature. It is called "Fifty Years of Legislative History," and a link can be found on the Legislature's main website.

You'll learn about the most important policy issues of each era.

You'll browse through lists of the men and women who have served in the House and Senate.

You'll read about the challenges faced and accomplishments achieved during each decade.

The website will take you on a journey through time, from August 21, 1959 -- the date President Dwight Eisenhower signed the proclamation naming Hawaii the 50th state of the union -- until the new millennium.

Prevailing Winds: Special Edition

Representative Isaac Choy's most recent issue of Prevailing Winds is available online. This special edition is a legislative report outlining the accomplishments of the 2009 Legislature.

The following is a message from the Manoa representative:

To this freshman legislator, the words, “sine die” (no further delays) had such a sweet sound. It was a difficult and arduous time, it was survival at best, and I believe it was the best we could have done. Of course, the state budget took center stage this session; although we did balance in the end. For a first experience, I would say, it was “trial under fire”. As the state, nation and world faces very difficult times, we faced a $2.1 billion dollar revenue shortfall at the start of our session and continue to struggle with the gloomy financial forecast. BUT, we will persevere and work to be fiscally responsible and accountable to the citizen taxpayers who entrusted us with this job. Not all the news is dismal, even with the economy in dire straits; we must look to the future, with measures that will ensure affordable healthcare, energy self-sufficiency, improved public education and protecting our environment. I hope you will take some time to familiarize yourself with what has been enacted this legislative session, as it may affect you and your family, friends and neighbors. We must be ready to move ahead as soon as our economy begins an upward swing. I would like to thank you for allowing me to work and serve you these past few months and I hope you will continue to support me so that I may work for and be an integral part of the community and state. Please feel free to contact me at anytime if I may be of service to you. Your trust in me is indeed a humbling experience.

Aloha,

Isaac W. Choy

Blake's Community Bulletin

Aiea residents can view Representative Blake Oshiro's August 2009 Community Bulletin online. Blake highlights some of the upcoming community events such as town meetings, neighborhood board meetings, book sales and traffic awareness events.

Blake also provides a link to the City and County of Honolulu's Draft 2009 Oahu Bike Plan. The plan, which focuses on improved bicycle safety, greater bicycle amenities, and increased connectivity, has been released for public review and comment. You will have until August 31, 2009 to submit comment.

MA'O Ma Town Fundraiser, Sept. 5, 2009

Representative Maile Shimabukuro is putting a call out for donations of items or services for an auction being held to raise money for Wai'anae youth to attend college while learning about agricultural sustainability and community development.

The fundraiser, 5th Annual MA'O Ma Town, is scheduled for September 5, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hawaii State Art Museum. The event boasts an epicurean feast, grown by MA'O Organic Farms and prepared by Downtown chefs, live entertainment, and silent and live auctions.

Individual tickets are $125. A table for 8 people with bottomless wine is $2,000 and a table for 8 with bottomless wine, champagne and more is $5,000. While individual tickets are selling out quick, event planners say table tickets are still bountiful.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to a special fund that will provide scholarships for students enrolled in the 2-year Youth Leadership Training (YLT) College Internship Program at MA'O. Most of them are first in their family to attend college and earn a degree. The monies will also be used for farm land expansion which will in turn help to nurture more young agriculture enthusiasts.

"MA'O Farm is teaching youth how to create a sustainable future – one based on organic agriculture, being good to our bodies and good to the earth," said Rep. Maile Shimabukuro, (D45-Wai'anae, Makaha, Makua), who is a member of the planning committee.

The program offers youth a unique way to start their college careers. While working toward an Associate of Arts degree with a certificate in community food systems at Leeward Community College, interns devote hours to cultivating the farms and learning the trade while participating in Farmer's Markets throughout the year.

During a special report on Hawaii Public Radio, Cheryse Sana, one of 27 student interns, talked about her experience on the farm. "This morning I woke up at 5 o'clock," she said, "We put on our pants, grabbed our hats, than at 6 o'clock the assistant farm manager sends us out to pick the vegetables that we need for the day."

"I actually grow stuff in my backyard from what we grow on the farm and I give it to my whole family," added Jonathan Abell, 19, another student intern. "I take them (the vegetables) to church, and even the people around in my community, and they're like 'eh, you get salads?' and I say, ‘oh yeah, I get’, and I cut them (salads) and give it to them (community members). So, yeah, it's actually getting around."

Last year, the auctions raised $15,000 to support scholarships for MA'O youth to enroll at the college, attend conferences in San Jose and Philadelphia, as well as hold their own conferences for other island youth on Oahu. In total, the event raked in over $34,000. More than $100,000 has been raised in previous events over the years.

"Like fine wine, each year this event just keeps getting better and better," quipped Rep. Shimabukuro.

In order for this year's fundraiser to have the same success, MA'O Ma Town is seeking donations of items or services to be auctioned off. Those who would like to donate items or purchase tickets can contact Wei Fang at wei@maoorganicfarms.org or call 808-397-0960 for more information. Credit transactions accepted.

Hawaii helping Micronesia

Over the weekend, Representative Glenn Wakai helped load two 40-foot containers with medical and educational supplies from Shriner's Hospital. The donated items will be sent to two islands in Micronesia, Pohnpei and Palau. Reach out Pacific, a non-profit organization of which the representative is president, will send the items to hospitals in great need of supplies. Reach out Pacific services the Association of Pacific Island Legislature nations.

Some of the equipment donated include a stainless steel kitchen counter, industrial refrigerator, and AC units. All of these items will help hospitals in Micronesia provide their patients with better care.

Check out the story on KHNL News 8.

See you in 25 years

House members and staff today loaded a tiny silver time capsule full of memorabilia representing the past and present of the Hawaii House of Representatives. The House's pill is only one of 50 time capsules that will be buried in different locations statewide. They will be opened on the State's 75th anniversary in 2034.

The following are some of the items that were packed into the capsule:

• 1959 and 2009-2010 House member composite photos
• Photo of the House Freshman Class of 2009
  
• 2009 House staff directory
• 2009 legislative pocket directory
• Lapel pin from SAA inventory
• Sample bill, resolution, committee report, and certificate
• House Journal excerpts from 2009 Opening Day, Joint Session for Statehood, and 2009 Adjournment Sine Die day
• Personal letters from Speaker Emeritus Joe Souki, Speaker Calvin Say, and the six freshmen lawmakers
• Star Bulletin - Aug. 17, 2009 issue and Jan. 21, 2009 (Obama Inauguration issue)
  
• Pacific Business News - dated Aug. 14, 2009
• 2009 Budget and Fiscal information and Plans
• Menus from favorite eateries frequented by House members and staff
• Civil unions (HB444) documents and photos
• Hamakua Sugar - last sugar producation processed Sept. 1994 (courtesy Rep. Barbara Marumoto)
• "No Coqui Frogs" fan from Rep. Clift Tsuji

House members also included in the capsule their business cards with a short message written on the back. Some quoted famous authors, others addressed the citizens of the state, and a few even wrote endearing messages to their family members.

Rep. Roy Takumi: Remember what a privilege it is to serve...

Rep. Joey Manahan: I am truly grateful to be able to serve the people of the 29th House district and the people of the State of Hawaii. My decisions are made with you in mind always. Mabuhay.

Rep. Ken Ito: To my grandchildren Tyler, Kerry, James & Daniel. Hope all in good health and productive citizens working to make Hawaii and the world a better place. Love, Grandpa.

Rep. John Mizuno: I love Hawaii!

Rep. Mark Nakashima: Dear Friends, I hope that history will be kind to us...finding that Hawaii is in a better place as a result of the leadership and foresight provided by those of us here today.

Rep. Clift Tsuji: Aloha. Ag sustainability and security. Hope the fruits of our initiatives today will satisfy your palates 50 years from now. "Buy Local, Buy Fresh."

Chief Clerk Pat Shimizu: It has truly been an honor to serve the state House, its members and staff.

Asst. Chief Clerk C.J. Leong: "To know what is right and not to do it is the worst cowardice." -- Confucius

Much mahalo to the staff from the House Chief Clerk's Office for collecting and filling the capsule of items we won't be seeing again for 25 years!

Make strides for breast cancer

Representative Marilyn Lee has started a team to walk for a cure for breast cancer, and she's calling on legislators, capitol people and others interested to join in.

Funds raised from the Making Strides project, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, will be invested in breast cancer research and related initiatives throughout the state of Hawaii and Guam.

The Inaugural 5-Mile Walk is on Saturday, October 3, 2009 in Honolulu, from Richardson Field to Ford Island.

With each step, walkers have the opportunity to honor breast cancer survivors, remember people who have been lost, and raise funds and awareness to help end the disease.

For information, call Rep. Lee's office at 586-9460. To learn more, visit http://cancer.org/stridesonline.

The Helene H. Hale State Gymnasium

Photo: David Corrigan, Big Island Video News. Left to right: Mayor Billy Kenoi, Senator Russell Kokubun, former Rep. Helene Hale, Rep. Faye Hanohano, Principal Dean Cevallos

Former State Rep. Helene Hale is 91 and has been involved with local politics for over 50 years. From the time she served on the Hawaii County Council through her years as a state representative (2000-2006), she fought for a state gymnasium at Pahoa High School. In fact, Principal Dean Cevallos was quoted as saying that Governor Burns promised the Class of 1972 that the school would get a new gym. Thirty seven years later, there was a groundbreaking.

Big Island Video News has a video clip of the groundbreaking here. The Hawaii Tribune-Herald story (via The Advertiser) is here. You can also view many photos of the groundbreaking on Damon Tucker's blog here.

Rep. Hale was able to attend the groundbreaking of the building that will be named in her honor. And Mayor Kenoi promised to hoist her up so that she can shoot the first basket.

Community Happenings: Waipahu Cane Haul Run and Festival

You can run. You can walk. Or you can just show up for the food. Whatever. The thing is that you are not allowed to forget about the big event happening on August 23, 2009 at Hawaii's Plantation Village in Waipahu. Get it? Got it? Good.

Here's the 411 on the 1st Annual Waipahu Cane Haul Run and Festival.

The celebration includes a 5k Waipahu Cane Haul Run/Walk that will begin at 7 a.m.

The festival will follow the run/walk. It will start at 10 a.m. What to expect? Good food, live entertainment, and plantation tours.

Representative Henry Aquino will be there, and he wants you to come and join him in learning about the sweet and rich history of Waipahu and its people.

Proceeds from this event will be used to support the Waipahu Community Coalition in providing Drug Free events for families and children in the Waipahu Community.

Visit www. canehaulrun.blogspot.com to download registration forms for the race (don't let me beat you to it) or call 808-354-3663 for more information.

The House Time Travelers

Standing left to right: Gil Keith-Agaran, Mark Nakashima, Denny Coffman, Henry Aquino. Sitting: Isaac Choy, Jessica Wooley, Chris Lee.

Next week, Hawaii celebrates its 50th anniversary of statehood. To mark the date, the House of Representatives will fill a time capsule with various items reflecting the work of its members, the staff, the session, the legislation, and capitol life. One of the items to be placed in the capsule will be a photo above of the House Freshman Class of 2009.

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.

Reps in the News

Rep. Joe Souki sounds the alarm for Maui agriculture and the island's vulnerability to alien species should state inspectors be laid off. Maui news story here.

Rep. Jessica Wooley was interviewed by KHON2 over the weekend on how Windward Oahu is bracing for Felicia. Story by Olena Heu here.

Rep. Marcus Oshiro is featured in a story on prohibiting employers' use of credit history checks for hiring/firing decisions. Hawaii is one of two states to adopt the policy - more states may follow. Story here.

Rep. Kyle Yamashita donated money to help the Maui Interscholastic League so that they can continue playing school football games at night. This allows more of the players' families, friends and supporters to attend the games. Story here.

Retired Justice Souter on the dangerous state of civic education

Retired Supreme Court Justice David Souter spoke to the American Bar Association on August 1, 2009, on the importance of reviving civic education in America. He spoke of his alarm from survey results that 2/3rds of the people in the United States cannot name all three branches of the national government. "This is something to worry about," said Justice Souter. His address to the Opening Assembly can be viewed here.




Here are some highlights from his approximately 18-minute speech. If you have some time, I can highly recommend viewing the video.

Growing up as a boy in New Hampshire, Justice Souter recalls going to the annual town meetings, which he describes as "probably the most radical exercise in American democracy you can find, in which all the voters of the town who want to get together show up to form the town's legislative assembly.

He learned three basic things from the town meetings:

(1) "Although we talk about the government, the government of the town was in fact a divided power. There was a clear sense of the line between the legislative power - the power of the things the town meeting could do - and the power to put the works of the town meeting into effect, the executive power."

(2)"There was also a vertical line - the powers between the town and the state. There was a practical appreciation between local power to affect our town, and state power to affect many towns.

(3)"The people who had the power in the town were expected to treat everyone else decently as they used their power. It didn't matter whether someone was rich or poor, young or old, sensible or foolish, everybody got the same chance to have a say."

Today, if the majority of people do not understand these basic principles, the division of powers, they will not see the importance of preserving an independent judiciary.

"A judge's very job is often to take the unpopular course, to take action at odds with the legislative and executive branches, at odds with the popular will of the moment."

Over 200 years ago, as the story goes, a woman asked Benjamin Franklin what kind of government the new constitution proposed - a monarchy or a republic? "He answered, 'a republic, if you can keep it.' He understood that a republic can be lost, and one way it may be lost is by a kind of erosion in the minds of the people."

"Your president (Obama) is ready - he has pledged himself to support a committee charged with establishing working groups to look into the condition of civic education in each of the 50 states, and to support the legislation and the administration needed, state by state, to ensure that a rising generation will not duplicate the dangerous state of civic knowledge today."

The late judge Richard Arnold made the best case for why we must preserve judicial independence in just seven words: "There has a to be a safe place."

Basic Health Hawaii not good enough

Congressman Neil Abercrombie joined state legislators at the Capitol Friday, August 7 to rally against the governor's new medical plan that will be offered to 7,500 Pacific islanders in lieu of its Quest insurance program.

The plan, Basic Health Hawaii, starting September 1, will cover up to 12 outpatient doctor visits, ten hospital days, six mental health visits, and five generic prescription drugs a month.

The services it does not cover are what concerns lawmakers, health center officials and patients.

These patients, who originate from Chuuk, Palau, the Marshall islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia, will not receive preventive care such as regular dialysis and chemotherapy treatments.

Without preventive care, the governor is putting people's lives in danger said Rep. John Mizuno.
Patients with kidney disease would only be able to receive dialysis treatment at an emergency room when their conditions become critical.


In addition, lawmakers are worried about the cost hospitals will absorb when emergency rooms become flooded with Basic Health Hawaii patients. Community health centers will continue to service patients, but they will not be reimbursed. The cost of an emergency room visit is almost three times the cost of a regular dialysis treatment.

Lawmakers and community members are urging Gov. Linda Lingle to release $12 million in general funds to secure federal matching medicaid funds (SB 423), which can be used to cover dialysis and chemotherapy treatments for all those under the Basic Health Hawaii plan.

Eh, you somebody?

Indeed, he is! That's Neal Shigemura, House Accountant and Xtreme UH sports fan. He's featured in the window of the new Rainbowtique store on Fort Street Mall, scheduled to open next Friday, August 14th. He'll be signing autographs from 11 am - 1 pm.

Community Happenings: Malama 96744

It's that time again, Kaneohe residents! Gather your neighbors and families to help rid the Kaneohe District Park (skate park) of trash and grafitti.

Join Representative Jessica Wooley Saturday, August 8, 2009 from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. to care for your community. Refreshments will be provided. Don't forget your sunblock!

If you would like to volunteer, call the PACT Kaneohe Community Family Center at 235-7747.

Watch Kukui Connection in August

In August, Rep. Marilyn Lee's "Kukui Connection" will focus on two important community issues - safe biking in Hawaii and caring for the terminally ill. The series airs every Sunday at 4 p.m. on Olelo, Channel 54 (Oahu.)

On Sunday, August 9th, Rep. Lee interviews Natalie Iwasa, shown above, known throughout Honolulu as "Bicycle Mom". The show repeats on August 23rd.

On Sunday, August 16th, Rep. Lee hosts Ken Zeri, president of Hospice Hawaii. The show repeats on August 30th.

TMT is boost to Hawaii economy

Rep. Jerry Chang's (District 2 - Hilo) letter on the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) appeared in the Hawaii Tribune-Herald:

TMT is great news
Published: Wednesday, August 5, 2009 10:13 AM HST

The recent announcement that the Big Island was chosen as the site of the new Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is the best economic news I have heard all year.

Hawaii is fortunate to have one of the best geographical sites in the world for the study of astronomy, and we should take advantage of this asset and do everything in our power to ensure that the TMT project goes forward as planned.

We are all proud that our state will be home to the largest optical/infrared telescope in the world. I believe that this will further enhance Hawaii's reputation in the global field of astronomy and attract new jobs and related activities beneficial to our community.

I am aware of the concerns on the impact of the telescope on cultural resources. These issues can be resolved given that the Legislature passed HB 1174, giving the University of Hawaii the authority to oversee management of the Mauna Kea lands.This bill, now law, sets the stage for the proper management of Mauna Kea in a way that is respectful to all of its users.

This is Hawaii's opportunity to show the world that we can support the advancement of science while preserving the host culture. It's exciting to think that should our children dream of a career in science, they will be able to pursue those dreams close to home.

I welcome the TMT and appreciate their vote of confidence in Hawaii.

State Seal

Work crews have been re-installing the two refurbished state seals, in time for the 50th anniversary of statehood on August 21, 2009. This is a photo of the state seal located on the makai side of the capitol, near the Queen Liliuokalani statue.

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.

Town Hall Meeting at WCC - Aug. 13

Windward Oahu lawmakers will be holding a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, August 13, 2009 from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Windward Community College in Hale 'Akoakoa 105.

Come and share your concerns on state issues with Representatives Pono Chong, Ken Ito, Chris Lee and Jessica Wooley and Senators Jill Tokuda and Clayton Hee. Legislators will also discuss the outcome of the 2009 Legislative Session.

Your state leaders are gearing up for the 2010 Legislative Session. Windward residents with ideas for possible legislation should plan to attend the meeting. Let's set the agenda for the next legislative session. Tell your lawmakers what you want to be priority.

Dr. Martin Luther King Address to 1959 Legislature

A photo of Dr. Martin Luther King on the historic freedom march from Selma to Montgomery, 1965. He and his supporters wore lei to symbolize peaceful intentions. Photo taken from Hawaiian Independence Blog.

Dr. Martin Luther King visited the newly formed Hawaii State Legislature on September 17, 1959. His remarks can be found in the House Journal from that year. The text has been retyped in full here.

The focus of his speech was on race relations, and where we were, as a nation. He includes his observations on Hawaii's accomplishments in this area.

Dr. King's speech reveals his work on and approach to solving the problems on racial disharmony, both nationally and internationally, in the decade prior to the turbulent 1960's.

Here are some excerpts:

"I come to you with a great deal of appreciation and great feeling of appreciation, I should say, for what has been accomplished in this beautiful setting and in this beautiful state of our Union. As I think of the struggle that we are engaged in in the South land, we look to you for inspiration and as a noble example, where you have already accomplished in the area of racial harmony and racial justice, what we are struggling to accomplish in other sections of the country, and you can never know what it means to those of us caught for the moment in the tragic and often dark midnight of man’s inhumanity to man, to come to a place where we see the glowing daybreak of freedom and dignity and racial justice."

****

"Just four months ago, I traveled throughout India and the Middle East and talked with many of the people and leaders of that great country and other people in the Middle East, and these are the things they talked about: That we must solve this problem if we are to stand and to maintain our prestige. And I can remember very vividly meeting people all over Europe and in the Middle East and in the Far East, and even though many of them could not speak English, they knew how to say ‘Little Rock.’

And these are the things that we must be concerned about – we must be concerned about because we love America and we are out to free not only the Negro. This is not our struggle today to free 17,000,000 Negroes. It’s bigger than that. We are seeking to free the soul of America. Segregation debilitates the white man as well as the Negro. We are to free all men, all races and all groups. This is our responsibility and this is our challenge, and we look to this great new state in our Union as the example and as the inspiration. As we move on in this realm, let us move on with the faith that this problem can be solved, and that it will be solved, believing firmly that all reality hinges on moral foundations, and we are struggling for what is right, and we are destined to win.

We have come a long, long way. We have a long, long way to go. I close, if you will permit me, by quoting the words of an old Negro slave preacher. He didn’t quite have his grammar right, but he uttered some words in the form of a prayer with great symbolic profundity and these are the works he said: ‘Lord, we ain’t what we want to be; we ain’t what we ought to be; we ain’t what we gonna be, but thank God, we ain’t what we was.’ Thank you.”