Hawaii Legislature receives top honors for Sergeant-at-Arms and website

Our very own Kevin Kuroda was honored this week for his work as the Sergeant-at-Arms for the House of Representatives. He received the 2012 Legislative Staff Achievement Award from the professional organization National Legislative Services and Security Association (NLSSA), affiliated with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

Kevin has been with the House of Representatives for nearly 16 years. Prior to becoming the Sergeant-at-Arms in 2003, he was the chief clerk for the House Finance Committee. Kevin has been a member of the NLSSA since 2003 and has held the position of chair of region one, which is comprised of western states, and, most recently, as treasurer of the executive committee.

"I am honored and humbled to be recognized by my peers through this award from the NCSL and NLSAA," said Kevin, "but we wouldn’t be able to provide the necessary services and a safe and orderly working environment at the Hawaii House of Representatives without the help of staff members at the House Sergeant-at-Arms. They’re very much a part of helping make our institution function effectively and professionally."

Also this week, the Hawaii State Legislature received the Online Democracy Award at the NCSL's 2012 Legislative Summit in Chicago for having the top legislative website in the nation that makes democracy user-friendly.

The website was redesigned last year and includes a guide for first-time users, feature explanations, citizens’ guide, legislative glossary, and easy and accessible links, such as “Submit online testimony” and “Find your legislator” buttons. The panel of judges also noted the website’s easy-to-use layout, with frequently-used items in the center, search functions on the left, and navigation tools on the right. 

In a press release sent out by the NCSL, Speaker Calvin Say is quoted saying, “As a state comprised of islands, access to legislative information online is critical, and encourages greater participation by the public in the legislative process. We are so proud of our team in being recognized through the Online Democracy award.  Their excellent work in redesigning the website promotes greater openness and transparency.   With rapid changes in technology, we understand that people are constantly seeking information in new ways, and this website has now become an invaluable tool for lawmakers, staff, the media and citizens of all ages." 

Rep Oshiro named Legislator of the Year by Friends of the Library

Representatives from Friends of the Library of Hawaii today surprised Rep. Marcus Oshiro with an announcement that he was selected to receive the organization's Legislator of the Year Award for his support and commitment to Hawaii public libraries.

Susan Li, president of the board, and Byrde Cestare, executive director, visited Rep. Oshiro's office to give him a lei and personally invite him to accept the award on January 12, 2010 during a special ceremony to be held at Washington Place from 8 - 9 a.m.

Rep. Oshiro joins a distinguished group of past award winners. In 2008, Sen. Clarence Nishihara was named Legislator of the Year. And the first person to ever receive the award happens to be newly-elected Governor Neil Abercrombie, awarded in 1985 when he was a Hawaii State Senator.

Photo (from left to right): Susan Li, president of the board of Friends of the Library of Hawaii; Rep. Marcus Oshiro; Byrde Cestare, executive director of Friends of the Library of Hawaii.

HWPC honors Rep. Lee as role model for women

Rep. Marilyn Lee will be honored by the Hawaii Women's Political Caucus (HWPC) at its annual membership meeting and candidates' reception, Aug 12. She is being recognized for serving as a role model for other women seeking public office. Lee has been a registered nurse for over 30 years and has been at the Legislature representing the Mililani area since 1996. She is currently the vice chair of the the House Finance Committee.

Lege recognized for helping HI's film industry

The Hawaii International Film Festival, one of the world's premier international film festivals, announced its 2007 awards yesterday at the Royal Hawaiian.

Speaker Calvin Say accepted the City and County of Honolulu Vision in Film Award, which was presented to the Legislature by Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

The Legislature is being recognized for its long-term efforts in supporting Hawaii's film industry.

Click here for the full list of awards and recipients. Visit HIFF's website for details about the fall film festival happening now through Oct. 28.

Photo (from L to R) - On the red carpet are Jeff Chung, General Manager, KBFD-TV and Chairman of the HIFF Board of Directors; Chuck Boller, HIFF Executive Director; Speaker Calvin Say; Mayor Mufi Hannemann; Walea L. Constantinau, Film Commissioner, Honolulu Film Office. Courtesy of HIFF.

Rep Blake Oshiro Named Co-Chair of National Public Safety and Justice Task Force

The Council of State Governments has appointed Rep. Blake Oshiro, Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Committee and Majority Floor Leader, as the Co-chair of a national task force addressing public safety and justice issues. The task force, which meets twice a year, addresses emerging trends that impact our justice system, particularly criminal and public safety issues. Oshiro co-chairs the task force with Rep. Joan Brady of South Carolina. North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem is the vice-chair.

Karamatsu and Har Named in "Forty Under 40"

Vice Speaker Jon Riki Karamatsu (District 41 - Waipahu, Village Park, Waikele) and freshman Representative Sharon Har (District 40 - Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa) were named in Pacific Business News's "Forty Under 40" list of Hawaii's young business leaders. The list commends Hawaii's young leaders for juggling the responsibilities of family, home, career and community and celebrates their personal and professional accomplishments.

Pacific Business News will host a special event for the honorees on Thursday, June 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the Liliu Theatre on the third floor of the Hawaii Convention Center. The event will be hosted by KHON-2 Sports Director Kanoa Leahey and is sponsored by Bank of Hawaii, Argosy University, JN Automotive Group and the Hawaii Convention Center.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Did you know? The House has 15 members who are under 40, as of this date. They are Della Belatti, Pono Chong, Lynn Finnegan, Josh Green, Sharon Har, Jon Riki Karamatsu, Sylvia Luke, Joey Manahan, Angus McKelvey, Scott Nishimoto, Blake Oshiro, Kymberly Pine, Maile Shimabukuro, K. Mark Takai and Ryan Yamane.