Hawaii Future Caucus

From left to right: Rep. Aaron Ling Johanson, Councilmember Stanley Chang, Rep. Beth Fukumoto, Rep. Takashi Ohno, Rep. Kaniela Ing, and Rep. Chris Lee

Young Legislators Establish Hawaii Future Caucus

Bipartisan effort launched to engage young people, increase government transparency

HONOLULU – A bipartisan group of state and county leaders age 40 and under have established the Hawaii Future Caucus (HFC) to increase government openness and participation among young people. The Caucus will facilitate policy discussions between public, private and nonprofit sectors and advance legislative packages within the State House and City Councils.

The Co-chairs are State Representative Beth Fukumoto, a Republican, State Representative Takashi Ohno, a Democrat, and Honolulu City Councilmember Stanley Chang. The three legislators will work together to execute programming and lead policy strategy discussions for HFC.

“Young people are frustrated by the partisanship they see within all levels of government, and as a result, they’re disengaging,” said Fukumoto. “But if the system is going to improve, these are the very people our government needs to involve.”

The Caucus has identified two priorities that it considers barriers keeping young people from participating in government; government transparency and voter participation.

“Improved voter participation and transparency in government are not issues exclusive to any one political party,” said Ohno. “By addressing these obstacles, we make government accessible and appealing to an entire generation of young people and help them transition into roles of active citizenship.”

“At the end of the day, young people just want to see problems getting solved. If we can show that we can work together productively on issues that are important to everyone, it may help restore confidence and encourage engagement in government,” said Chang.

A 2013 Harvard study found that almost half of people (47%) age 18-29 agree that “politics today are no longer able to meet the challenges our country is facing,” and another third (36%) were apathetic to the question. Voter turnout among the same age group dropped from 51% to 45% between the last two national elections.

The Hawaii Future Caucus is working with the Millennial Action Project (MAP), a nonprofit working to move America beyond political gridlock with next generation leadership and innovative, future-focused policy dialogue. MAP recently worked with Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) to form the Bipartisan Congressional Future Caucus with Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL).

"We are extremely proud of Representative Fukumoto, Representative Ohno, and Councilmember Chang for spearheading the Hawaii Future Caucus. Their fresh perspective, innovative ideas, and post-partisan approach is an excellent model of leadership," said Steve Olikara, President and Co-Founder of the Millennial Action Project.

For more information about the Hawaii Future Caucus, please visit its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/HawaiiFutureCaucus. For more about the Millennial Action Project, please visit http://millennialaction.org.

###

Hiring for the 2014 Legislative Session

Interested in working at the Legislature or learning the inner workings of State Government? Then a job at the State House of Representatives might be for you!

We are hiring for the upcoming 2014 Legislative Session from January - May.

More information is available in the attached flyer or on the Capitol website at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hjobs.aspx

2014 House of Representatives Job Flyer by HiHouseDems

STATE HOUSE PASSES MARRIAGE EQUALITY BILL

The Hawaii House of Representatives today voted to pass SB1 HD1, relating to equal rights, on third reading. The measure was approved by a vote of 30 to 18, with three members excused.

The House draft includes amendments, modeled after similar language in Connecticut law, significantly broadening exemptions for religious organizations and clergy performing solemnization. Religious organizations and affiliated nonprofits would be exempted from having to furnish goods, services, or its facilities or grounds for the solemnization or the celebration of solemnizations if it is in violation of its religious beliefs or faith. It also specifies that clergy and religious officers are not required to solemnize if it is against their religious beliefs or faith. The measure also grants immunity from administrative, civil and legal liability to religious organizations and officials for the failure or refusal to provide services, goods, or facilities as described.

The issue was discussed in House committee hearings spanning five days and nearly 57 hours of public testimony. There were 5,184 registered testifiers, with over 1,000 people testifying, and nearly 24,400 written testimonies submitted. As far as House members could recall, the public hearing on SB1 was the longest hearing on a single bill in the modern history of the Hawaii House of Representatives.  Based on concerns and issues raised during the public hearing the bill was amended to expand the religious exemptions for churches and religious organizations that do not want to solemnize same gender marriages.

The bill is now transmitted to the Hawaii State Senate for their consideration. Upon approval of the changes by the Senate, the bill will be transmitted to the Governor for his signature into law.  If the Senate rejects the amendments, the bill will go into conference committee. The Senate is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, November 11, to vote on the amended House bill (SB1 HD1).

More information on the bill is available on the Capitol website at:

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indivSS.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1&year=2013b

State House Approves Bill for Emergency Funding to Kauai Hospitals

STATE HOUSE APPROVES BILL FOR EMERGENCY FUNDING

TO KAUAI HOSPITALS

The Hawaii House of Representatives has passed HB3 HD1, of the 2013 Second Special Session, which will provide $7.3 million in emergency funding to sustain the operations of the Kauai regional health care system. Without this funding Kauai’s two hospitals operated by the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) would have run out of money in January 2014 forcing them to close down—placing the health care of Kauai's residents and visitors in jeopardy.

HHSC is a public benefit corporation of government of the State of Hawaii providing patient-centered, integrated-care systems throughout the islands and is the fourth largest public health system in the country. On Kauai, the organization operates two critical access hospitals, the only inpatient psychiatric unit on the island, long-term care, and three physician clinics. The two operating hospitals are West Kauai Medical Center and Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital.

The bill, submitted by the Governor’s office, initially requested an appropriation of $2.5 million. After consideration of testimony from HHSC and the community, the House Finance and Health Committees raised the funding to $7.3 million to cover operations until March 2014.

Finance Chair Sylvia Luke (Makiki, Punchbowl, Nuuanu, Dowsett Highlands, Pacific Heights, Pauoa) and Health Chair Della Au Belatti (Makiki, Tantalus, Papakolea, McCully, Pawaa, Manoa) thanked the Representatives from Kauai, “for their diligence in bringing this matter to our attention and for educating all of us on the importance of passing this bill. We are glad that we had the opportunity to recapitalize the system before the public was put at risk,” they said.

In applauding the passing of the bill, the Kauai delegation stated, “We are extremely appreciative to the members of the Health and Finance Committees for understanding the critical need of this emergency request and for increasing the amount to a level that would sustain our public health system on Kauai. It is no secret that the neighbor islands and rural districts require additional assistance to provide even the basic level of healthcare and we will continue to work towards improving the health care delivery system for the people of Kauai.”

The bill now moves to State Senate for their consideration. Senate Vice President Ronald D. Kouchi (Kauai, Niihau), a member of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, pledged his support for the bill and its passage stating, “the emergency appropriation for Kauai’s two HHSC hospitals, in Waimea and Kapaa, is necessary to ensure that all residents of Kauai are afforded access to health care services.”

Kauai Representatives Contact Information:

            Derek S.K. Kawakami (Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kapaa, Wailua)

            808-586-8435

            Repkawakami@capitol.hawaii.gov

            Jimmy Tokioka (Wailua Homesteads, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Puhi, Old Koloa Town, Omao)

            808-586-6270

            Reptokioka@capitol.hawaii.gov

           

            Dee Morikawa (Niihau, Lehua, Koloa, Waimea)

            808-586-6280

            Repmorikawa@capitol.hawaii.gov

SB1 Special Session JUD/FIN Hearing Procedures

HOUSE JUDICIARY AND FINANCE COMMITTEES TO TAKE TESTIMONY
UNTIL MIDNIGHT AT OCTOBER 31 PUBLIC HEARING
ON SB1 RELATING TO EQUAL RIGHTS

Honolulu, Hawaii – To accommodate the expected high numbers of people wishing to testify on SB1 and to allow testifiers to plan their time accordingly, the House Judiciary and Finance Committees plan to begin the public hearing at 10am and end at midnight. At that time if there are people who signed up to testify still waiting to speak, the hearing will be continued on Friday, November 1 at a time to be determined.

Due to the anticipated high volume of testifiers for the October 31, 2013 House hearing on SB1 relating to equal rights, the Judiciary and Finance Committees will assign registration numbers to people who submit testimony and wish to testify in-person. Those who submit testimony online and wish to testify at the hearing will receive an email prior to the hearing with their registration number. Those who submit their testimony in person should go to the House Chief Clerk’s Office (Room 027) where they will be assigned a number at that time.

Online testimony can be submitted at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/submittestimony.aspx.

The numbering system is being implemented to more efficiently assist the flow of people and their testimony during the hearing. It will also allow testifiers to know where they are on the testimony list and plan their presence accordingly.

The committees are waiving the 24 hour deadline for submission of testimony which will be accepted before and during the October 31 hearing.

For additional assistance on the day of the hearing, an information booth will be available outside of the capitol auditorium.

The hearing notice is available at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/splsession2013b/Hearing_JUD-FIN_10-31-13_.pdf

State House Honors Youth Football Program

 State House Honors Youth Football Program

Today the House honored the Coaching Boys Into Men (CBIM) program, created by Futures Without Violence and implemented in Hawaii by the non-profit Ala Kuola. The program equips athletic coaches with strategies, scenarios and resources needed to build attitudes and behaviors among young male athletes that promote respectful, healthy relationships. Coaches have numerous opportunities to teach early and often that violence has no place in relationships. 

The event was organized by Edwin K. Flores, Ala Kuola and Vice Speaker John Mizuno. The following athletic directors and coaches were in attendance: 

Athletic Directors:  Blake Moritsugu (Aiea H.S.), Mark Brilhante (Kalaheo H.S.), Gregory Van Cantfort (Kalani H.S.), Kelly Jack Sur (Radford H.S.), Thomas Correa (Waiakea H.S.), Sondra Lundvick (Hilo H.S.)

Coaches: Wendell Say (Aiea H.S.), Greg Taguchi (Kalani H.S.), Fred Salanoa (Radford H.S.), Darren Hernandez (Kapolei H.S.), Bryon Moku Pita (Waiakea H.S.), David Baldwin (Hilo H.S.), Cal K. Lee, (Kalani H.S.), Bronson Leafa (Radford H.S.), Keala Pule, Sr. (Hawaii Football Club).

Representative John Mizuno Selected For NCSL Executive Committee

VICE SPEAKER SELECTED FOR NCSL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Honolulu, Hawaii– The National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) has selected Vice Speaker John M. Mizuno to join the NCSL Executive Committee for 2013 to 2014. The Executive Committee provides overall direction on operations of the NCSL. Vice Speaker Mizuno is the only member of the Hawaii State Legislature serving on the Executive Committee.

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of all 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. NCSL, which is composed of legislators and staff from across the country, provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for lawmakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. It is also an effective and respected advocate for the interests of state governments before Congress and federal agencies.

"Vice Speaker Mizuno is an energetic legislator who serves the people of Hawaii and his community with enthusiasm." said Speaker Joseph M. Souki. "His commitment to caring for those in need has made him a compassionate advocate for the underserved, struggling families."

"The NCSL is the premier organization providing communication among state legislatures resulting in improved quality and effectiveness for all states." said Vice Speaker Mizuno. "I am extremely honored and humbled to be able to serve on such an important committee."

Representative Roy Takumi to Serve as Vice Chair of National Education Commission of the States

HOUSE EDUCATION CHAIR SELECTED AS SECOND IN COMMAND OF

NATIONAL EDUCATION COMMISSION

Representative Roy Takumi to Serve as Vice-Chair of the Education Commission of the States

The Education Commission of the States (ECS) elected Hawaii State Representative Roy Takumi as the next ECS Vice-Chair at the National Forum on Education Policy held in Atlanta recently. He will serve a two-year term.

ECS was created in 1965 when states and territories made a commitment to work together to tackle tough education problems. Through ECS, state policymakers and education leaders exchange information, ideas and experiences to improve public education. ECS supports their work by providing nonpartisan and unbiased research, analysis, and technical assistance on education issues from Pre-K to postsecondary.

“I look forward to working with ECS Chair, Governor Brian Sandoval of Nevada, and the other ECS commissioners to continue to push for education reform that provides opportunities for students across the nation,” said Takumi.

“ECS thanks Representative Takumi for his willingness to be part of our leadership team. We are looking forward to working with him to advance states’ educational priorities and improve student achievement across the country,” ECS President Jeremy Anderson said.

ECS is the only nationwide, nonpartisan organization that works directly with governors, legislators, chief state school officers, higher education officials and other leaders across all areas of education, from Pre-K to college and the workforce. We track policy, translate research, provide advice and create opportunities for state policymakers to learn from one another. ECS is located in Denver and maintains the nation’s most extensive clearinghouse on education policy.

See: http://www.ecs.org/html/aboutECS/ECS_exec_mgt_bios.htm

Alahou Clean and Sober Honored

ALAHOU CLEAN & SOBER HONORED

Received a $30,000 Grant-in-Aid from State Legislature

Alahou Clean & Sober, the only long-term housing facility on the Big Island for individuals with a dual diagnosis of addiction combined with mental illness, was honored in Kona for its work with at-risk individuals. The facility is unique in that half of the Board of Directors is comprised of Alahou residents. There is also a Residents Council made up of residents who monitor each other for suspected drug or alcohol use. Alahou is an ohana of 60 family members where everyone participates and supports each other.

"When Po'ailani pulled out they left 72 residents, several who were severely mentally ill, who would have become homeless if we had not stepped in." said Sandi McCoy, Executive Director of Alahou Clean & Sober. "We were left with nothing as Po'ailani took all the toilet paper, soap, cleaning supplies, everything so we literally rose from ashes just like the phoenix which is our symbol. Alahou means New Beginning."

"Alahou performs a crucial function in the Kona community providing a safe, sober and stable environment for some of our most at-risk individuals," said Representative Nicole Lowen (Kailua-Kona, Holualoa, Kalaoa, Honokohau). "Sandi has done a terrific job at Alahou which is more like one big ohana where everyone looks after each other."

"The grant-in-aid funds from both the State and the County were necessary due to the loss of funds from an annual grant from Shipper's Wharf and lower funding from United Way." said Vice Speaker John Mizuno who, along with Rep. Lowen, presented Sandi McCoy with a certificate recognizing her achievements. "It is so important to keep facilities like Alahou open to help individuals who would have no other option than homelessness."