Hawaii Health System Corporation: Primary Care Training Program

Hawaii Health System Corporation: Primary Care Training Program

On Thursday, January 10, 2013, the Legislative Big Island Delegation invited the Hawai'i Island Healthcare Alliance to present Hawaii Health System Corporation's (HHSC) initiative to increase the number of Primary Care Physicians and Clinicians Practicing on the Big Island. Presenting was Dr. Kristine McCoy, Program Director for Hawaii Health System Corporation. 

According to a 2012 UH Hilo study, in five years, one in three physicians currently practicing on Hawai'i Island will not be doing so. Hawaii Health System Corporation: Primary Care Training Program (HHSC PCPT) would train primary care teams. Teams can care for up to 10,000 patients with one doctor, before one doctor could only manage 2,500. Teams are more cost effective. One family physician costs $25,000 - $300,000 per year to train (residency), nearly one million dollars over the course of the residency. The HHSC PCPT trains a team equivalent to up to 4 physicians for $1.6 million.

Hawai'i State

Projected Physician Shortage

Decline by 2020 Due to Population Growth and Physician Retirement and Relocation

Source: JABOM Workforce Study 2011

Innovation is the key to solving the primary care gap. The new approach includes advanced practice nurses, pharmacist clinicians, and psychologists, as well as family physicians. Training will focus on skills for practicing in smaller communities. More than half of residents trained at rural sites practice in rural areas.

Hawai'i cannot count on the mainland to provide the needed physicians. The United States will need 52,000 additional primary care physicians by 2025. Source: Petterson et al, Annals of Fam Med Nov/Dec 2012

·               33,000 due to population growth

·              10,000 due to aging of our population

·               8,000 due to insurance expansion

HHSC feels new programs must be started in order to fill the gap. Physicians must be trained on site in rural areas. Of the 63 residents trained through the John A. Burns Medical Center:

·              50 stayed on Oahu

·              4 relocated to Maui

·              9 relocated to the Big Island

·              0 relocated to Kauai

Dr. McCoy comments on the projected physician shortage statewide.

Representative Cindy Evans speaks of the importance of innovation in healthcare.

Harold Wallace, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Bay Clinic, Inc. Hilo, Hawai'i comments on the need to increase preventive care.

Richard Taaffe, Executive Director, West Hawaii Community Health Center speaks on the clinic’s commitment to provide healthcare to the uninsured.

Submitted by: Michael Moscati, Communications and Community Outreach Liaison for Rep. Evans

Rep. Richard Onishi to Hold Community Meetings

Public Invited to Community Input Sessions

 with Rep. Richard Onishi

WHAT:            Newly elected State Representative Richard Onishi (District 3 – South Hilo, Keaau, Honuapo) will host Input Sessions for community members to share their ideas and concerns about the district as well as their priorities for the 2013 Legislative Session. Info: 808-586-6120

WHEN/WHERE:         

                        Wednesday, December 5, 7-8 pm – Volcano Art Center

                        Friday, December 7, 7-8 pm – Hilo AJA Hall

                        Sunday, December 9, 7-8 pm – Pahala Community Center

                        Monday, December 10, 7-8 pm – Kea’au Community Center

Hawaii Preparatory Academy Wins Green Ribbon

Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Kamuela, Big Island was named one of seventy-eight Green Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. This was the first year that the Department issued the award, which honors schools that exercise a comprehensive "green" approach in reducing environmental impact, provide a thorough environmental education including sustainability concepts necessary for the growing global economy of the 21st century, and promote health. Ewa Makai Middle School was the only other school in Hawaii to receive a Green Ribbon.

The jewel of Hawaii Prep's green initiative is its Energy Lab Building. The Energy Lab was the only building in the state to receive Platinum-level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Schools 2.0 certification, which is the highest rating a building can receive.

The Energy Lab features sensors that monitor and control energy and water use, CO2 levels, artificial lighting, and natural airflow. The building also uses an innovative radiant cooling system that cools warm spaces during the day with water that is chilled with colder nighttime air. All of the energy for the lab comes from a 24-kilowatt photovoltaic system mounted on its roof.

"Hawaii Prep understands the demand for expertise to support the growing "green economy" and the production of energy," said Rep. Cindy Evans (North Kona, South Kohala). "I applaud the school for investing in our children and our future by providing a classroom building which displays sustainability, innovation and technology."

The Energy Lab, which opened in January, has already been awarded the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Honolulu Award of Excellence, AIA Honolulu Jack C. Lipman Members' Choice Award, AIA New England Honor Award, AIA New Hampshire Excellence in Sustainable Design and Development Award, Boston Society of Architects Honor Award, Learning by Design Grand Prize, and the Merit Award for Integrated Design/Integrated Development.

Honoka‘a Jazz Band Performs at the Capitol

Hailing from the Big Island's Hamakua Coast, the Honoka‘a Jazz Band is in the middle of its Big City Tour of Oahu. The tour, which coincides with National Jazz Appreciation Month, made a stop at the Capitol this morning. As a special surprise, jazz aficionado, Governor Neil Abercrombie issued a proclamation declaring April 20th, 2012 as Honoka‘a Jazz Band Day!

Gary Washburn, school music director, created the Honoka‘a Jazz Band in 1988 and changes the musical repertoire annually to reflect the evolving personality of the band as students graduate. The band has earned distinction as one of the preeminent school musical programs in the nation. In 2010, Honoka‘a's music program beat out more than 22,000 other schools to be awarded one of the top 138 music programs in the United States. Last year, the band received the coveted Grammy Signature Schools Enterprise Award and Gary Washburn received the National Society of High School Scholars' Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award. This year, the band performed at the Ilikai Hotel in Honolulu for the Edison Learning Convention and will be featured in the June edition of Hana Hou Magazine.

Big Island Lawmakers Reps. Cindy Evans, Mark Nakashima, and Sen. Malama Solomon enjoying the show

“With all of the emphasis on math and science, it is crucial to always remember that it is music and the arts that provide us with inspiration,” said Rep. Nakashima, (District 1 - North Kohala, South Kohala, Hamakua, North Hilo, South Hilo).

“Music, drama and the arts provide our students with the opportunity to exercise their creativity, act on their inspiration, and imagine the possibilities,” he added. “Teachers like Mr. Washburn provide students with the venue to explore this realm and to contribute profoundly to our quality of life.”

Governor Abercrombie providing lead vocals

This year's repertoire includes music going back to the 1940s as well as contemporary hits. You can hear the band's take on music by Christina Aguilera, Brazil 66, Ruth Brown, Michael Buble, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Maceo Parker, Paul Simon, and a special Cuban song, "Mis Dos Pequenas." 


The remaining stops on the Honoka‘a Jazz Band's Big City Tour are listed below.

A Night of Jazz at the Arcadia

Friday, April 20, 2012 from 7-8p.m.

1434 Punahou Street

(808) 983-1808

YMCA Healthy Kids Day at the Bishop Museum

Saturday, April 21, 2012

9:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. Event Time

FREE Admission for Kama'aina and Military with ID.

Out-of-state guests and those who wish to enter Bishop Museum 

after 2:00 pm will be charged the normal entry fee.

(808) 946-0292

Twilight Jazz at Helumoa

Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki

Saturday, April 21, 2012

7p.m. Honoka’a Jazz Band

8p.m. Kit Ebersbach Combo with Starr Kalāhiki

FREE and Open to the Public

Earth Day Beach Cleanup and Celebration

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Makapu'u Meadows at Sea Life Park

9:30a.m.-12p.m. Cleanup 9:30a.m. – 12p.m.

12-5p.m. Celebration

12-1p.m. Honoka’a Jazz Band Performs

Contact: Lindsey Kesel, 303-952-0452

www.sustainablecoastlineshawaii.org

Mobile Medical Van Brings Healthcare to Big Island Rural Communities

On March 10, there was a ceremony held in Kona for the blessing of a new mobile medical van, Kaa Hoola (Hawaiian for vehicle of revitalization and well-being), that will benefit rural communities in Hawaii County that are currently without any medical services. The event was the culmination of 10 years of effort by Rep. Bob Herkes, the legislature, Kona Community Hospital and HMSA. 


The van will be owned and operated by the Kona Community Hospital and funded by HMSA for the first two years. The 32 1/2 foot van has an exam room, indoor and outdoor reception areas, a lab, and refrigerated storage areas. 


The initial use for the van will be to provide screening, testing, preventative education, physical examinations, and vaccinations for school children in Ka'u, beginning at Pahala Elementary. The project will eventually offer these services to all members of the communities. 

The launching of Kaa Hoola is a testament to what years of sustained efforts by a coalition of dedicated individuals can accomplish. The people of South Kona finally have access to medical services.

Big Island Bikers Rock n Roll for Hawaii Keiki

Photo: Rep. Jerry Chang rode with his Rock and Roll Motorcycle Club to help Santa deliver presents and good cheer to the Waianae homeless shelter. (2009)

Big Island residents should plan on heading to the Naniloa Volcano Resort Crown Room on Saturday, November 12 for the 6th Annual "Rock and Roll Revival" benefit concert put on by The Rock and Roll Motorcycle Club, Hilo Chapter. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m. and ending at 11:30 p.m.

Money raised from the concert will be used to purchase toys, which will be distributed to local and state organizations that help disadvantaged children. Toys and other gifts will also be collected and purchased for a Toys for Tots Rally that will be held on December 11 at 10 a.m. at Aunt Sally's Luau House.

Representative Jerry Chang, of the Big Island, is a member of the The Rock and Roll Motorcycle Club, which is one of the few biker clubs in the state that is a 501c3 non-profit corporation. Chang explained in an article in the Big Island Weekly that the club's primary purpose is to support underprivileged children. "Riding is secondary to working on community service projects," he said.

“The concert started in 2005 because we were looking for other ways to support and raise funds for our Toys for Tots Motorcade and Rally that we put on every year," Chang explained in the article. "We wanted it to be fun and showcase our local talents with the original idea of a "Battle of the Bands," which was popular back in the good old days, but in discussing the concept with the bands, it became obvious they liked the idea of contributing their time and talents to the cause, but did not want to compete in a competition. I believe that was a good idea, as it would have put a different feel to the event. It has grown in popularity not only with bikers and their families but all types who love music and dancing. They look forward to this event, especially this year we will be back in the newly renovated Crown room.”

Rep. Chang (far right)with other members of the Rock and Roll Motorcycle Club

Performers will include Grammy Award winner Pauline "Abong" Wilson, and dance bands such as Friday Night Band 2, Crescent City Band, and The Spin and Vizion 20/20.

Purchase tickets for the Rock n Roll Revival Concert at Ellsworth's Custom Cycles located at 969 Kinoole Street, across from Furnitureland. For more info, call 808-935-5519.

Honaka'a Jazz Band to perform with Royal Hawaiian Band

Jazz Month

In honor of National Jazz Month, the 32-member Honoka’a Jazz Band from the Big Island has scheduled a “Big City Tour” of Oahu with several performances and appearances from April 14-17. Rep. Mark Nakashima, District 1 - North Kohala, South Kohala, Hamakua, North Hilo, South Hilo, who graduated from Honoka’a High School and is a big fan of jazz music, arranged for the group to open for the Royal Hawaiian Band on the grounds of the Iolani Palace on Friday, April 15, 2011. The group will play from 11:10 - 11:40 a.m. Rep. Mark Nakashima will give the opening remarks.

The Honoka’a Jazz Band is the pride and joy of Honoka‘a High. In 2010, the music program at Honoka'a High School was selected by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation (NAMM) as one of 138 schools in the United States with an outstanding music program and commitment to music education. They are also the recipients of the prestigious 2011 Grammy Signature Schools Enterprise Award. Gary Washburn, the band director, recently received the 2011 Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award from the National
Society of High School Scholars.

This year the band’s repertoire includes the music of Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, Dusty Springfield, Miles Davis, Bobby Timmons, Michael Buble, Patsy Cline, Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin and a special arrangement of Pachelbel's "Canon in D".

“Honoka’a High School’s music program demonstrates that with dedicated staff, parental and community support our children in rural Hamakua can compete and be recognized nationwide,” said Rep. Nakashima.

Honoka’a Jazz Band “Big City Tour 2011” Schedule

Thursday, April 14th, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Shriner's Childrens Hospital Special Luncheon
1310 Punahou Street, Honolulu

Thursday, April 14th 7-8 p.m.
Dots Thursday Night Fellowship Jazz with Steve Lucas and Friends
Family Friendly Jazz with No Cover Charge
Dots in Wahiawa
139 Mango Street
(more)
Page 2 – Honaka'a Jazz Band to perform with Royal Hawaiian Band


Friday, April 15th 7-8a.m.
Peace of the Rainbow “Power of Jazz” hour
Broadcast LIVE:
* Statewide on OC16 Television
* and on the Morning Drive of AM 1080 Radio
* also Global on www.oc16.tv
Panel: Gary Washburn, Rep. Mark Nakashima, Chuck James
Panel discussion – The power of Jazz, what makes jazz unique, role of jazz in education, does jazz create better people, the story of Honoka’a Jazz Band, Pride of Honoka’a
www.peaceoftherainbow.com


Friday, April 15th - 11:10-11:40 a.m.
Opening for the Royal Hawaiian Band at Iolani Palace

Friday, April 15th - 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Windward Mall Center Stage
Saturday, April 16th - 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Ala Moana Shopping Center Stage

Saturday, April 16th - 6p.m.
Twilight Jazz at Helemoa Royal Grove at the Royal Hawaiian Center. Opening for Paul Shimamoto performing from his debut release "All That Hawaiian Jazz" a multi Na Hoku Nominee and Kekauoha The Jazz Project

Sunday, April 17th - 12:15 p.m. -1:15p.m.
Honolulu Academy of Arts
Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday: The Big 84

The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History has led the initiative for Jazz Appreciation Month, or JAM, “to draw public attention to the glories of jazz as both an historical and a living treasure.” According to the Smithsonian’s website, during the month of April musicians, concert halls, schools, colleges, museums, libraries, and public broadcasters are encouraged to offer special programs on jazz.

Hawaii International Micro Robot Conference, Tournament on the Big Island

The 1st Hawaii International Micro Robot Conference and Tournament will be held at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center at the University of Hawaii at Hilo from July 16-19, 2010.

The effort is being led by the Waiakea High School Robotics Club and the Hawaii Space Grant Consortium, two groups that have provided many opportunities for science students and teachers in the field of robotics and technology.

Art Kimura, Education Specialist at the Hawaii Space Grant Consortium, said this event is being held to jumpstart the conversation on how the Big Island can benefit from micro mechanisms. The event will allow community leaders to talk to industry experts and learn about the advantages and possibilities of a micro mechanisms and robotics industry rooting from the islands.

"The exciting thing about this endeavor is the idea that the Big Island could become a center for the development of micro mechanisms research and development and a micro-robotics industry in the pacific," Kimura said.

Because of this tournament, Hawaii students will now have the opportunity to compete without paying high costs to fly elsewhere for the same experience.

The goal of the conference is to stimulate high technology education and assist in the creation of a technically capable workforce by developing the infrastructure and skill sets necessary to support high technology robotics based activities.

"Once this is in place,” said Rep. Nakashima, a supporter of the effort, “the next step will be identifying the real world potential and application for this growing technology as we invite new industries to the Big Island to take advantage of our newly skilled work force.”

A public event featuring an origami presentation and bipedal robot demonstration will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2010, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center.

• Origami presentation by Hidenori Ishihara, a robotics professor from Kagawa University.

• Bipedal robot demonstration by Risa Saito, a Japanese high school student who won the bipedal competition in the 2009 Micro Robot Contest at Nagoya University, and Hideaki Matsutani, a Japanese technical education teacher who conducts bipedal workshops in Nagoya for middle school students.

Seating for this event is first come, first served.

Lawmakers Explain How the Budget was Balanced

WHAT:

The House of Representatives Finance Committee will make a presentation to the Hilo community on the 2010 state budget bill and how they resolved a $1.2 billion shortfall. Information will also be provided on major capital improvement projects for East Hawaii.

WHEN:

Wednesday, June 16, 2010
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:

UH Hilo UCB 127 (Ho’oulu Terrace)


WHO:

House Finance Chair Rep. Marcus Oshiro will be joined by Rep. Jerry Chang, Rep. Clift Tsuji, Rep. Faye Hanohano, and Rep. Robert Herkes.

You can view a pie chart and corresponding tables for more information on how the budget was balanced HERE.

Lawmakers approve measure to protect Mauna Kea Lands

The Hawaii State Legislature last week approved a measure giving the University of Hawaii System rule-making authority to better manage public and commercial activities on Mauna Kea lands on the Big Island. The Mauna Kea lands referred to in this bill include the Mauna Kea Science Reserve, Hale Pohaku, the connecting roadway corridor between these two locations, and any other lands the University leases from the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

The measure, House Bill 1174, seeks to protect Mauna Kea's unique cultural and natural resources from prohibited activities that may damage historically and culturally significant sites. A number of various groups, from tourists to Hawaiian cultural practitioners to scientists to astronomers to researchers and educators, frequent Mauna Kea every year. Because improper care of these lands will have disastrous impacts on the future of one of Hawaii's most precious places, lawmakers, UH officials and Big Island community members collaborated to remedy this problem by allowing the University, through the Office of Mauna Kea Management (OMKM) and the Mauna Kea Management Board (MKMB), the authority to regulate all activities.

"There is no argument that Mauna Kea, particularly the summit region, is a special place," said Representative Jerry Chang (D-2, S. Hilo, Waiakea Kai, Kaumana, Keaukaha), chairman of the House Committee on Higher Education. "This bill complies with the state auditor's two reports in 1998 and 2005 on the management of Mauna Kea, which called for the University and not the Department of Land and Natural Resources to seek rule-making authority and implement rules to protect our precious resources on Mauna Kea."

The UH Board of Regents (BOR) will have the authority to charge fees and enter into lease agreements for the Mauna Kea lands, adopt rules to regulate any recreational activities on the lands, and access fines for rule violations. The BOR must hold at least one public hearing, in addition to the public hearing at which decision-making on the proposed rule is made, on the island of Hawaii.

The measure will provide for a comprehensive management plan and enable officials to enforce rules and assign consequence. First time violators would have to pay as much as $2,500 for an offense. A second offense within five years of the previous violation could get a person a fine as much as $5,000, and a third violation as much as $10,000.

Currently, without the authority to adopt or enforce specific rules, the OMKM and its rangers can only ask violators to stop restricted activity such as desecration of sites, prohibited entry into archaeologically or environmentally sensitive sites, littering, graffiti, and unsafe or improper operation of recreational, off-roading, or any other motor vehicle.

”The University has acknowledged the shortcomings of its stewardship of the Mauna Kea lands," said Rep. Mark Nakashima (D-1, N. Kohala, S. Kohala, Hamakua, N. Hilo, S. Hilo), vice chairman of the House Committee on Higher Education. "This measure is the first step in addressing the concerns expressed by the community to protect the mountain’s valuable resources."

The bill also requires the University, in establishing administrative rules, to work with and hear from the community, particularly the Big Island community, and consult with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. In addition, as a checks and balances system, the UH BOR must report back to the Legislature prior to the start of each legislative session with an annual report on the Mauna Kea lands activities, current and pending lease agreements and fees, the status of current and pending administrative rules, and income and expenditures of the special fund.

"We want the Mauna Kea lands issue and this legislation – and all legislation – to be about transparency and collaboration," said Rep. Chang. "Public participation and checks and balances are of utmost importance to promote accountability and public trust."

All rent, fees and charges, fines collected from violators, and monies appropriated from the legislature will be deposited into the Mauna Kea lands management special fund. No funds were appropriated from the legislature this year. The proceeds from the special fund can be used for management of the Mauna Kea lands and enforcement of adopted rules.

"This gives the Legislature and the University assurance that funds will always be available for the proper management and protection of Mauna Kea," added Rep. Chang.

The measure has been transmitted to the governor for signature.

Big Island girls do it better

Photo: (L-R) Courtney Campbell, Danette Haas-Campbell, Kayla Greenberg, Akela Quin are members of HAAS Productions who shot b-roll during their trip to the Capitol.

A student film crew from the Hawaii Academy of Arts and Sciences, a small public charter school in Pahoa on the Big Island, visited the Hawaii State Capitol today to interview House and Senate members from their island. The Capitol film project will air on Na Leo Public Access TV once completed.

HAAS Productions launched just six months ago under the direction of Gloria Baraquio, and in this short period of time the all-girl film crew has accomplished numerous achievements. They were able to win at the E Malama Aina Film Festival in Hilo with a short film on sustainability, produced a short Christmas segment for Na Leo Public Access TV, and submitted a short film on underage drinking to the HMSA video contest. In addition to their Capitol project, the production team is working on entering two other film contests with E Ola Pono and Na Leo TV.

Photo: (L-R) Thula Martin, Bailey Wooldridge, Kayleigh Moccio, Gloria Baraquio, Racheal Rivera are members of HAAS Productions who did interviews with Big Island lawmakers for a Capitol film project.

Rep. Takamine Invites Public to "Lawmakers Listen" in Hilo

A few weeks prior to end of the 2008 Legislative session, Rep. Dwight Takamine (N. Kohala, S. Kohala, Hamakua, N. Hilo, S. Hilo) will bring House leaders and committee chairs together for a "Lawmakers Listen." Big Island residents will have the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and interact with lawmakers before the legislature adjourns, scheduled for May 1st.

The meeting will give community members a chance to meet one-on-one, prior to the critical conference period when final decisions are made.

WHEN:

Saturday, April 12, 2008
4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Honokaa High School Cafeteria
45-527 Pakalana St
Honokaa, HI 96727

WHO:

Vice Speaker Pono Chong; Higher Education Chair Jerry Chang; Public Safety and Military Affairs Chair Cindy Evans; Consumer Protection & Commerce Chair Bob Herkes; Water, Land and Ocean Resources & Hawaiian Affairs Chair Ken Ito; Energy & Environmental Protection Chair Hermina Morita; Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro; Education Chair Roy Takumi; Agriculture Chair Clift Tsuji; Tourism & Culture Chair Ryan Yamane; and Economic Development & Business Concerns Chair Kyle Yamashita will join Rep. Takamine at the meeting.

Reps Address Big Island Prison Issues

Rep. Cindy Evans and Sen. Will Espero flew to Hilo last Thursday to tour Kulani Correctional Facility, Hale Nani and Hilo Jail and discuss prison conditions at those facilities. Rep. Evans is Chair of the House Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs.

The group held two information sessions, one in the afternoon which was video-conferenced to Waimea and Kona, and one in the evening. Rep. Clift Tsuji attended the afternoon session and Rep. Jerry Chang participated in the evening session.

Besides Big Island prison conditions, the group also discussed the movement of Hawaii inmates from mainland prisons to local ones, prison guard recruitment, reintegration and visitations. The evening session attracted between 20 to 30 people.

Rep. Evans and others to visit Hilo on Thursday

The public is invited to join Rep. Cindy Evans (Chair, Public Safety & Military Affairs), and State Senator Will Espero (Chair, Public Safety), along with other legislators, and representatives from the Department of Public Safety to discuss the conditions of Big Island correctional facilities.

Two meetings will be held this Thursday, September 27. The first will be at 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Hilo County Council Office, next to Ben Franklin Store, and will be video-conferenced to the Waimea and Kona County Council Offices. The second meeting is at 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Office on Rainbow Drive.

Community input is welcome.

WHEN September 27, 2007
12 noon to 1 p.m.
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE: 12 noon to 1 p.m. (Island-Wide Videoconference)

Hilo County Council Office: Ben Franklin Building, Rm. 209
333 Kilauea Ave.
(T) 961-8255

Waimea County Council Office: Holomua Center
64-1067 Mamalahoa Hwy., Ste. C-5 (Next to Waimea Feed Store)
(T) 887-2069

Kona County Council Office: Kailua Trade Center
75-5706 Hanama Pl., Ste., 109 (Behind Big Island Grill)
(T) 327-3638

5 p.m to 7 p.m.
Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council
47 Rainbow Dr., Hilo, HI 96720

WHO: Sen. Will Espero, Chair, Senate Committee on Public Safety
Rep. Cindy Evans, Chair, House Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs
Members of the House and Senate Public Safety committees
Clayton Frank, Director, state Department of Public Safety
Tommy Johnson, Deputy Director for Corrections

For more information, please call Rep. Evans' office toll free from the Big Island at 974-4000 ext. 68510.

House committees focus on Big Island farmers and businesses

By Rep. Clift Tsuji

Three House of Representatives committees that make up the economic development bracket will visit Big Island farms and businesses over a three-day period. Starting Wednesday, the Agriculture, Economic Development & Business, and Tourism & Culture committees will meet with Hawaii island communities to talk about issues, problems and concerns, and needed legislation for the next legislative session.

The more information we have about the Big Island, the better we'll be able to introduce meaningful bills that will help our farms and businesses. As chair of the House Agriculture Committee, I'm very proud of our innovative, hard working people, and I want to ensure that the Legislature recognizes their contributions and importance to our state economy. We are scheduled to visit the following locations:

Wednesday – September 5, 2007
Kona Coffee Living History Farm – Captain Cook
Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii – Kailua Kona
Kamuela Vacuum Cooling Plant – Kamuela
UH – College of Tropical Agriculture, Mealani Station – Kamuela

Thursday – September 6, 2007
Waipio Valley
Hawaiian Vanilla Company – Paauilo
Hamakua Springs Country Farms – Pepeekeo
UH – College of Tropical Agriculture, Ag complex - Stainback Highway

Friday – September 7, 2007
Waiakea High School – Robotics Team
Shipman Industrial Park
Puna Geothermal Ventures
Greenpoint Nurseries – Mountain View

Finance Committee Tours Big Island

The House Finance Committee will conduct a site visit on the Big Island, August 21-24, 2007, to tour various locations that have received state funding or may require funding for the future. Committee members will also discuss issues pertinent to Big Island residents with county and community leaders. Site visit highlights include:

Tuesday, August 21st
Kona International Airport to receive Department of Transportation updates
Mookini Heiau to tour heiau and discuss earthquake damage
Kona Community Hospital to tour facility and discuss health-related issues

Wednesday, August 22nd
Natural Energy Lab of Hawaii to discuss on-going operations and future expansion with NELHA tenants and management
Kamuela Vacuum Cooling Plant to meet with area farmers
North Hawaii Education Center to meet with educators and farmers
Hamakua Energy Partners to tour energy facility
Hamakua Springs County Farm to tour farm and discuss sustainability, ag tourism and alternative energy

Thursday, August 23rd
Rainbow Falls Connection Kitchen to tour kitchen and meet with Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council
UH Hilo to tour campus and discuss programs
Hawaii Community College and Manono Campus, Hilo
Hilo Courthouse to view status of construction
Pacific Aquaculture Resource Center to tour facility and discuss aquaculture industry

Friday, August 24th
Keaau Middle School to discuss school renovations, discuss Big Island specific education needs including infrastructure and programs
Meeting with Mayor Kim