Hawaii Health Connector Executive Director Coral Andrews on the next Kukui Connection

On the next episode of Kukui Connection, Rep. Marilyn Lee talks with Coral Andrews (left), executive director of the Hawaii Health Connector, a state-based health insurance exchange. Andrews will discuss the Hawaii Health Connector and what it will do for healthcare in Hawaii, the timeline of establishing the Connector before the Jan. 1, 2012 launch date, and how you can get more information throughout its development.

In July 2011, Governor Neil Abercrombie signed into law a measure outlining the establishment of a health insurance exchange, which is mandated by the federal government’s Affordable Care Act.  A health insurance exchange is an electronic marketplace where uninsured people can compare and purchase health insurance and receive federal subsidies for the cost. Andrews likens it to the buying of airline tickets on travel aggregator websites such as Kayak.com. 

Hawaii was the first state to declare its intent on developing a health insurance exchange, and most recently, has  issued a request for proposals for construction of the online marketplace.  

Learn more about Coral Andrews and the Hawaii Health Connector by watching the Kukui Connection on the following air dates on Oceanic 'Olelo Channel 54: 

Friday, August 17, 2012 – 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 19, 2012 – 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 26, 2012 – 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 2, 2012 – 4:00 p.m.

You can also learn more now by visiting www.hawaiihealthconnector.com.

Kukui Connection: Adrianna Ramelli

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In observance of this designation, Rep. Lee welcomes Adrianna Ramelli, Executive Director of the Sex Abuse Treatment Center of Hawaii, on the next episode of Kukui Connection.

In the episode, Ms. Ramelli provides some background on the treatment center, gives a rundown of the services they offer, and talks about what constitutes sex abuse. Started in 1976, the Sex Abuse Treatment Center of Hawaii offers 24/7 crisis care, medical services, counseling, legal support, a 24-hour hotline, and provides a host of prevention tools and information on their website.

Rep. Lee and Ms. Ramelli end the episode on a lighter note, discussing Adrianna's unique background and interesting personal story.

The episode can be seen on Olelo Channel 54 on the following dates and times:

Friday, May 4 at 8:30pm

Sunday, May 6 at 4:00pm

Sunday, May 13 at 4:00pm

Kukui Connection: Kata Issari

On this week's episode of Kukui Connection, Rep. Marilyn Lee welcomes Kata Issari, Hawaii Regional Director of the Joyful Heart Foundation.

The Foundation was created by Mariska Hargitay, of the television show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, in 2004. Joyful Heart's mission is to heal, educate, and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse and shed light into the darkness that surrounds these issues.

Rather than only address the trauma itself, Joyful Heart places its focus on holistic healing and the overall wellness of survivors. This progressive approach continues to services designed to help staff cope with the stress and trauma that comes with dealing with such sensitive issues on a daily basis.

Ms. Issari notes that Joyful Heart works with other organizations in dealing with the issues of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Collaborating with other entities, rather than working independently, results in the highest level of service for clients.

To learn more about the Joyful Heart Foundation, please visit www.joyfulheartfoundation.org.


The episode can be seen on Olelo Channel 54 on the following dates and times:

Friday, April 20 at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 22 at 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 29 at 4:00 p.m.

Kukui Connection: Heather Giugni

On the next episode of Kukui Connection, Rep. Marilyn Lee welcomes newly appointed Rep. Heather Giuni.

Rep. Giugni's path to the Legislature has been unconventional to say the least and she brings a breadth of experience that enhances and enriches the House. Born in Hawai'i, Heather and her family moved to Washington DC in the 1960s in order for her father to work for Senator Inouye. Rep. Giugni reflects on growing up in our nation's capital in the 1960s as well as her exposure to Hawaiian legends including Patsy Mink and Spark Matsunaga.

After earning her degree in journalism from the University of Maryland, Heather returned to Hawai'i and began a career in media. In 1986, Rep. Giugni started her own production company, Juniroa Productions, which she still owns and operates today.

Reps. Lee and Giugni discuss the merits of Speaker Say's policy of placing freshman lawmakers on the Finance Committee. Rep. Giugni also identifies her top legislative priority for the session: appropriating funding for the Aiea Library.

Rep. Giugni with Speaker Say shortly after being sworn in to office on February 21st

The episode will air on Olelo Channel 54 on the following dates:

                                                            Friday, March 16 at 8:30pm
                                                            Sunday, March 18 at 4:00pm
                                                            Sunday, March 25 at 4:00pm
                                                            Sunday, April 1 at 4:00pm

Kukui Connection: OMPO Director Brian Gibson

On the next installment of "Kukui Connection," Representative Marilyn Lee sits down with Brian Gibson, the new director of the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rep. Lee is the chair of the organization's Policy Committee. Gibson comes from North Dakota and has 9 years of experience in transportation planning. He has been at OMPO for 15 months. 

You can watch the episode on the following Sundays at 4 p.m. on Olelo Channel 54: August 28, September 4, and September 11

On the show, they discuss the roles of the three committees of OMPO, which are the Citizen Advisory Committee, Technical Advisory Committee, and Policy Committee.

Gibson also shares what he believes to be his biggest challenge in transportation planning on Oahu, and suggests that we may be seeing more planning organizations on the neighbor islands if the 2010 census shows a larger population growth. Maui and Hilo were very close to the threshold in the 2000 census, he said.

The Federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1973 requires the formation of a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for any urbanized area with a population greater than 50,000. This mandate was based on the need to ensure that existing and future expenditures for transportation projects and programs were based on a comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing (3-C) planning process. Federal funding for transportation projects and programs are channeled through this planning process.

Majority Leader Blake Oshiro next on Kukui Connection

Rep. Blake Oshiro, who serves as House Majority Leader, will be Rep. Marilyn Lee's next guest on "The Kukui Connection."

They'll be talking about:

*Balancing the budget as the legislature's top priority for 2011.

*Noteworthy bills such as temporarily eliminating the GET exemption for certain businesses who currently don't pay it, employee retirement benefit reform, mortgage foreclosure reform, and more.

*Changing to an appointed school board.

*Developing infrastructure for broadband technology.

*The upcoming APEC meeting. (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation)

*His job as House Majority Leader and what that entails.

Tune in this Sunday at 4 p.m. on Olelo channel 54. The show repeats on the following Sundays, June 5 and June 12.

Next on Kukui Connection

Rep. Marilyn Lee interviews two freshmen legislators on her cable access television show, "Kukui Connection" during the month of March. The show airs every Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. on Channel 54.

Meet Rep. Henry Aquino - March 1, 15, and 29. Rep. Aquino represents District 35 - Pearl City, Waipahu. He was elected in 2008 to the seat formerly held by Alex Sonson.

Meet Rep. Denny Coffman - March 8 and 22. Rep. Coffman represents District 6 - North Kona, Keauhou, Kailua-Kona and Honokohau. He was elected in 2008 to the seat formerly held by Senator Josh Green.

Reps Wooley and C. Lee on Kukui Connection

Rep. Marilyn Lee will talk with two freshmen House lawmakers, Reps. Jessica Wooley and Chris Lee, in the next episodes of "Kukui Connection" on 'Olelo. These shows are part of a series of shows introducing and talking story with new members of the Majority of the House of Representatives.

Rep. M. Lee opens both shows with the one question every constituent wants to know. Why did you run for office? The future of Wooley's children was a motivating factor in her joining the political game. Lee attributed the beginning of his political career to his experience as a staff member at the Legislature, being in the right place at the right time and able to devote all his energy to making a difference in the community as a young man with no major commitments as of yet.

Find out more about their background, districts, and priorities for the 2009 Legislative Session by tuning in to 'Olelo, Channel 54 in February. Here's the schedule.

Rep. Wooley: Sunday, February 1 and Sunday, February 15,
Rep. C. Lee: Sunday, February 8 and Sunday, February 22

Upcoming guests on The Kukui Connection

Representative Marilyn Lee will talk with newly-elect senator, Michelle Kidani (District 17 - Mililani, Mililani Mauka, Waipi'o) on "The Kukui Connection" Sunday, Nov. 16 at 4 p.m. on Olelo, Channel 54.

Leah Marx from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will join Rep. Lee the following week, Sunday, Nov. 23, to discuss the new interlock ignition law enacted last session (HB3377).

Rep. Lee's January guests on Kukui Connection

This month on Kukui Connection, Rep. Marilyn Lee will cover the Hawaii Medical Reserve Corps and the Hawaii Foods Website, Nutrition with Aloha. Guests include Dr. Kate Gaynor of the Dept. of Health, Dr. Kristine Qureshi of UH School of Nursing, and Dr. Ann Caprio Shovic, a registered dietitian from the University of Hawaii. Kukui Connection airs each Sunday at 4:00 p.m. on Olelo, Oceanic Cable Channel 54.

Rep. Lee's January guests on Kukui Connection

This month on Kukui Connection, Rep. Marilyn Lee will cover the Hawaii Medical Reserve Corps and the Hawaii Foods Website, Nutrition with Aloha. Guests include Dr. Kate Gaynor of the Dept. of Health, Dr. Kristine Qureshi of UH School of Nursing, and Dr. Ann Caprio Shovic, a registered dietitian from the University of Hawaii. Kukui Connection airs each Sunday at 4:00 p.m. on Olelo, Oceanic Cable Channel 54.