Rep. Blake Oshiro Named Governor's Deputy Chief of Staff

Governor Abercrombie stands with Rep. Blake Oshiro, Lt. Governor Schatz, Representatives and Senators and House Chief Clerk Pat Mau-Shimizu.

Speaker Say's statement:

"I congratulate Blake for his appointment as Governor Abercrombie's Deputy Chief of Staff. Although Blake's departure is a big loss to the House, his appointment to a major executive branch policy position represents a much bigger gain for the State of Hawaii. Blake's dedication, intelligence, common sense, and compassion will be great attributes to achieve the betterment of all Hawaii. I will miss Blake as a Majority Leader and colleague. I will miss his daily advice and observations. Most importantly, I will miss his principles, unselfishness, and political courage which, even after 34 years in politics, were an inspiration to me."

Aiea-Pearl City Town Hall Meeting on Kam Drive-In redevelopment and other issues

State lawmakers will hold a Town Hall Meeting to update the community on several issues and projects in Aiea and Pearl City, including an update on the redevelopment of Kam Drive-In into a residential-business area.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2011 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Pearl Ridge Elementary School Cafeteria. Light refreshments will be served.

Discussions will focus on the following topics:


Kam Drive-in Development: Representative Blake Oshiro will talk about the planning and permitting process, specifically with the City and County of Honolulu Planning and Permitting Department and the Honolulu City Council, and provide further updates on the proposed redevelopment by Robertson Properties Group of the old Kam Drive-In site, currently home of the Kam Swap Meet. This is an opportunity for the community to learn how they can get involved.

Robertson Properties Group (Los Angeles, CA) wants to change the property zoning from B-2 Community Business district to BMX-3 Community Business Mixed-Use. If this zoning change is approved, it will allow the property to have residential uses, additional building heights, and commercial uses. The proposed project may include 1500 residential units composed of three 35-story towers, 220,000 square feet of commercial retail space, and a possible 150-room suburban hotel.

Robertson Properties Group held a scoping meeting on May 16, 2011 at Pearl Ridge Elementary School regarding their proposed redevelopment. The company informed the community of its plans to create an Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice. The community was offered the opportunity to submit comments and questions for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, and was informed that PBR Hawaii and Associates Inc. would accept comments and questions until June 6, 2011.


Kaimakani Street: Representative Blake Oshiro and the City and County of Honolulu will discuss the issue of Kaimakani Street, which has a section that requires much improvement because of hazardous conditions during heavy rainfall. The issue is whether jurisdiction and maintenance lies with the City or the State. A resolution passed this session requests DLNR to report findings and recommendations regarding ownership of the road to the Legislature before the start of the 2012 Legislative Session.

Aloha Stadium: Stadium Manager Scott Chan, DAGS Comptroller Bruce Coppa, and DAGS Planning Branch Manager Chris Kinimaka will give presentations on the status of repairs.

New Aiea Public Library: Glenn Miura, a representative from CDS International, the Honolulu-based architectural company working on the new Aiea Public Library, will present updates and answer questions on the progress of the project. The library will be built on the former sugar mill site just above the intersection of Aiea Heights Drive and Halewiliko Street.



The present schematic design captures Aiea's sugar mill heritage, is "open" and relies on natural light, and emphasizes energy conservation. Planned photo-voltaic panels on the roof would generate some of the building's electrical needs. The new library will meet at least the "Silver" designation of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) which is an internationally recognized green building certification system.

The current estimated timetable calls for the schematic design to be finalized in May, the preliminary design in August, the pre-final design in November, and the final design in January, 2012. The estimated construction schedule shows the contract bid in March 2012, contract award in June, begin work in August, and completion in November 2013. Allowing time to move from the existing library, the new library is estimated to open for public use in January 2014.

The meeting is sponsored by Senators David Ige, Donna Mercado Kim and Representatives Blake Oshiro, Roy Takumi, K. Mark Takai and Aaron Ling Johanson.

For more information, please call the office of Representative Blake K. Oshiro at 808-586-6340.

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.

It's always the right time to do the right thing

Majority Leader Blake Oshiro's floor remarks during third reading of Senate Bill 232, relating to Civil Unions, on February 11, 2011.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of SB 232, SD1, HD1.
I rise in honor of all those who stand steadfast against those who assail us merely for wanting their share of justice and equality that is promised in our constitution.

I rise and stand for those of the generations before me, who have fought, whether loudly and proudly, or quietly and strategically, but nonetheless relentlessly for their rights, regardless of categorization, labels or insults, because what truly matters is that when we promote and safeguard the rights of one, we protect and enhance the rights of all.

I rise and literally stand on the foundation of support built by those around and behind me that serves not only to lift me higher but allows me to stand prouder and pump up the volume of my voice.

And, I rise to thank all of my colleagues who regardless of differences in the past, some made more apparent in recent times, are still willing to stand up regardless of the stones and arrows that are slung our way. From my very core being, from the inner most reaches of my soul, I thank you.

Questions have arisen about why this now, why so fast, what about other priorities. To that I answer that it is always the right to do the right thing.

What a difference a year makes after the roller coaster ride that carried this issue from exhilarating highs to stomach churning drops. We now stand on the precipice of another peak.

In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was condemned to repeat forever, the same meaningless task of pushing a boulder up a mountain, only to see it roll down again.

The myth can easily be distinguished by the fact that the passage of the bill before us is not “meaningless.” Punishing at times - yes, and even torment, having to enduring theocratic proselytizing and dogma. But hardly “meaningless.”

For the struggle and fight has helped to galvanize and bolster those in the battle to see done what we believe is right, is just, is fair.

And, it is my hope that we need not live through such heartbreaking and gut-wrenching endeavors again. That instead, we shall not be subjugated to re-living the task for pushing this enormous rock up the hill of trying to re-invent, re-introduce, and repeat over and over again, merely to see it roll back down. Because when it fails, there is no shattering or booming crash as the rock falls back down. Instead, there are merely quiet tears of sadness, gossamer breaths that break, that disintegrate before our very eyes, dissipating like ribbons of smoke.

But I hope that today, instead, we shall see the rock finally break that tipping point, overcome that pinpoint zenith that has long alluded us and see the rock over the edge to the other side. What awaits us all after that point – be it another hill, another struggle and another battle remains to be seen.

The French philosopher Albert Camus analogized Sisyphus and the absurd-ism of human existence. He imagines that truly tragic moment, when the hero finally becomes consciously aware of his wretched condition. And once Sisyphus acknowledges the futility of his task and the certainty of his fate, he is free to realize the absurdity of his situation and reach a state where “one must imagine Sisyphus happy.”

But for all of us who have long waited this day, happiness does not come from the recognition of absurd-ism and futility. Happiness comes by embracing the struggle that is part of the human condition. Happiness comes from that single step, large or small, taken in the advancement of true liberty and equality.

It has been a long pursuit of happiness promised by the Declaration of independence because we seek not just to have it written in words, but to have it realized and effectuated in our daily lives.

Let that long pursuit and chase come to an end, at least for today.

Let us have that day where we can mark in our calendar the overdue respite that has tired many for generations. Let today be a day where we all have that day of being created equally.

And let today be that day where we move ever closer to having justice for all.

Opening Day Speech by Representative Blake Oshiro

INTRODUCTION

Governor Abercrombie, Lieutenant Governor Schatz, Chief Justice Recktenwald, OHA Chair Machado, Mayor Arakawa, other honored guests. Colleagues, family members, and friends – Aloha and Welcome.

As we open the 26th State Legislature, I’m going to borrow a page from the new Administration’s theme, "this is truly a new day" for Hawaii.

Now, of course, I am not going to be even remotely attempting to take any thunder away from Governor Abercrombie and his State-of-the-State on Monday. Heaven knows, the sheer voltage, not to mention the volume, of our new Governor is not anything I can match.

So, what I can humbly offer, is my straight-talk and insights. Please take my enthusiasm with the sincerity of which it is offered and do not take offense with what can sometimes be an "informality" of my tone and words. After 40 years, I've come to learn I am who I am . . . for good or bad and I can't pretend to be something I am not.

And so with this, as the parameters of our "new Day," I first need to recognize those for who it truly is a "New Day." I will let my esteemed Minority colleague have the privilege of introducing his new Republican freshmen. But let me take the opportunity to once again introduce to you the Democratic Freshmen: Dee Morikawa, District 16, Niihau, Lehua, Koloa, Waimea; Mark Hashem, District 18, Kuliouou, Niu Valley, Aina Haina, Kahala; Linda Ichiyama District 31, Moanalua Valley, Moanalua, Salt Lake; Ty Cullen District 41 Waipahu, Village Park, Waikele

NEW DAY


I call this a "new day" for you because you are now at 2nd level of what I call the 3 levels of legislative leadership: 1.) politician – this is what you become that the day you decided to run for office. 2.) legislator – you become that today, when sworn in; 3.) statesman/stateswoman - highest level of our office. It is representing your constituents by doing what is in the best interest for the state and creating policy that is best interest for all.

Now, whether I, or anyone else who is in the body meets the qualifications to be called a statesman, is entirely a subjective test.

And, during your careers, trust me, you will be called MANY MANY things. But in this time, as we head into the coming days of the session, what we sorely need, are statesmen.

Because statesmen shall be willing to work together, work collaboratively and cohesively to overcome some of the harshest realities.

Statesmen will be needed to help us address a $700 mil. budgetary deficit where we must look for creative approaches that still preserve services but not unduly burden private sector and residents.

This is after we closed a $2.1 billion budget shortfall in 2009 and $1.2 billion in 2010 without increasing the general excise tax rate, without increasing income taxes on 97% of residents, and without taking the counties' hotel tax share.

Statesmen will be needed to balance the needs of our fragile economy – one that likely has hit bottom and is only beginning a slow rehabilitation, to ensure that when the recovery happens, that we are poised to make the most of it.

And as statesmen must be able to see these positive signs on the horizon

We must continue our commitment to working with our Hawaii Tourism Authority to see that the steady gains and improvements in our #1 industry continues
• We have already seen the data that visitors total spending in November 2010 rose 30.4 percent, or $227.8 million
• Total expenditures for the first 11 months of 2010 were $10.3 billion, a 16 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to preliminary statistics released today by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.
• And for the third consecutive month (since September 2010) total visitor spending increased by double digits on all islands.

We must also do our part to protect jobs and keep people working by continuing support more construction, especially for the public sector projects to make up for what may be lacking in the private sector.
• Our state is on the verge of beginning one of the largest public works projects in our history. Honolulu’s mass transit project will secure jobs, modernize our transit system, and shape our island’s growth for generations to come;
• key to this will be responsible land use planning – ensuring we "keep the country country," and create a more energy efficient, sustainable urban core.

And we must look at ways we can continue to diversify our economy -- looking at burgeoning industries like renewable energy, film, agriculture, and high tech. We must continue to offer and develop jobs that keep our college graduates here in Hawaii.

NEED FOR STATESMEN

The urgent need for statesmen is no more exemplified than the tragedy in Arizona. I’d like to quote President Obama, who made the following remarks on the recent shootings/violence:

“As we discuss these issues, let each of us do so with a good dose of humility. Rather than pointing fingers or assigning blame, let's use this occasion to expand our moral imaginations, to listen to each other more carefully, to sharpen our instincts for empathy and remind ourselves of all the ways that our hopes and dreams are bound together.”

This tragedy reminds us of the importance for us all to aim and achieve the highest level -- shine past the vitriol and venom of political rhetoric; work hard and develop skills at becoming a legislator; raise the level of discussion and discourse to engage and inspire.

Finally, a preview of the session would be somewhat inaccurate and misleading if we did not deal with the obvious and contentious issue of civil unions.

Here, I cannot speak on behalf of the majority, for this is truly an issue that is not delineated nor designed by party affiliation or by our caucuses. Instead, what I can say is that we must go back to being the statesmen/women -- we must allow ourselves to have an honest and open debate on this topic, to avoid labels and rhetoric -- and to find what is ultimately just and not let justice become subjugated by economics.

For to be "Just" - guided by truth, reason, and fairness, to get beyond our personal conflicts or past political expediency or re-electability – that is what we must seek as our north star, our constant point when we navigate through new and unexplored territories of policy, when we ride thru waves of uncertainty. We must hold fast to our gut belief in what is just. And so long as we do so on the floor, in hearings with the administration before us -- or sometimes, even in our own caucus -- we can look back and know that we did what we needed to do and what we were elected to do. Thank you.

Rep. Blake Oshiro weighs in on Arizona shooting

Rep. Blake Oshiro talks about his own experience with threats and personal attacks, meeting Rep. Gabrielle Giffords as legislative colleagues, and the political climate in the wake of the shooting in Arizona.

Local Leaders Weigh In On Rhetoric In Wake Of Shooting - Honolulu News Story - KITV Honolulu

Lee Cataluna Interviews Rep. Blake Oshiro

In case you missed it, here's a link to Lee Cataluna's Sunday column in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser profiling Rep. Blake Oshiro.

Rep. Blake Oshiro honored by JACL

The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) will award its Distinguished Service Award to Rep. Blake Oshiro at the Annual General Membership Meeting and Luncheon this coming Saturday, October 2, 2010. The Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii will also be a recipient of the award. More info can be found here.

Rep. Blake Oshiro wins HSBA award

The Hawaii State Bar Association named Rep. Blake Oshiro as one of the recipients of the Champion for Social Justice Award 2010.

According to the HSBA, this new award "recognizes an attorney for courageous legal work in the face of public controversy that helps promote the interests of justice and preserves the integrity of the judiciary.

The other 2010 Champion for Social Justice Award recipients are retired justice Steven Levinson and William S. Richardson School of Law Professor Linda Krieger. More information on the HSBA awards can be found here.

Gov. Lingle playing politics with federal spending bill

"Gov. Linda Lingle's criticism of the emergency $26 billion jobs bill signed by President Barack Obama on Tuesday is a sad statement that puts her political agenda above helping Hawaii's residents.

First, the bill will support classroom education in Hawaii. We always talk about the importance of education, and when we are being given funds to build and improve education, the governor responds with unproductive criticisms.

Second, we are getting necessary funds to improve access to provide basic health care for low-income and disabled residents.

Third, the bill injects money from out of state into our local economy.

Last, the bill is deficit neutral. Congress made difficult decisions to cut money from other programs to fund this bill.

Gov. Lingle talks about the need to tackle the federal deficit, but she does nothing to urge Congress to rescind the Bush tax cuts for the most wealthy upper 2 or 3 percent of income earners.

The economic recovery and job growth remain fragile. Continuation will require responsible, reliable and effective leadership that seeks positive, balanced solutions."

Rep. Calvin Say, speaker of the House
Rep. Blake Oshiro, House majority leader
Rep. Marcus Oshiro, House finance chairman

This letter was printed in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser 8-13-10

House Not Calling for Special Session to Override Vetoes

Speaker Calvin Say today announced that he would not call the House of Representatives into special session on July 6, 2010 to override Governor Linda Lingle's vetoes. The state constitution authorizes the Legislature to convene a special session by noon 45 days following the end of regular session – the final day that the Governor has to veto any previously passed bills.
Speaker Say, in concurrence with members of House Leadership, cited four considerations for deciding why the bills on the governor’s veto list did not warrant an override, including:

• The bill does not appear to have the requisite two-thirds vote in both chambers necessary to override a veto;

• The bill does not rise to a sufficient level of statewide concern to warrant the extraordinary action of a legislative override;

• The Governor's preliminary objections to the bill have sufficient merit deserving of further evaluation;

• Although the bill was intended to enhance state revenue to balance the budget when passed during the session, it is now no longer necessary because of the Council on Revenue's improved revenue projection.

"It's my personal belief that simply because we have the legislative super-majority to override is not justification for us to do so. Partisan politics should not be a consideration or basis for any policy decision. The House should be proud of the work accomplished during the regular session – including balancing the state's budget without increasing the general excise tax, without increasing income taxes on low- and moderate-income families, and without scooping the counties’ hotel tax share," said Speaker Calvin Say.

On June 21, 2010 the Governor released to the Legislature her list of 39 bills that were intended for veto. The list included bills on public safety, civil union, homelessness, education and more.

Civil Unions and the Courts

This is an excerpt from the press conference video recorded on Monday, 6/21/10. It pertains to the topic of how the civil unions issue may play out based on judicial rulings on the state or federal level. Featured are Majority Leader, Rep. Blake Oshiro and Speaker of the House, Rep. Calvin Say talking with Hawaii journalists.

House Leaders Respond to Potential Veto of HB 444: Civil Unions

Speaker Calvin Say and House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro yesterday met with reporters to talk about the governor's list of potential vetoes. She has until July 6 to make a decision on 39 bills being considered for veto. The list includes legislation regarding civil unions, the board of education, tax caps and more. You can see the entire list and the governor's explanation for potential veto here.

What's happening with the old Kam Drive-In site?

Photo: Honolulu Advertiser

The Aiea Neighborhood Board will hold a meeting tonight, Monday, May 10, 7:30 p.m. at Pearl Ridge Elementary School to address a proposal by Robertson Properties Group (Los Angeles based) to redevelop the former Kam Drive-In site. The preliminary plans for the site include three, thirty-story, towers with an estimated 1000 residential units, as well as 150,000 square feet of retail space.

The community is urged to attend Monday night's meeting to hear additional details of the planned redevelopment and to have an opportunity to voice related concerns and questions. Residents living along Ka'onohi Street and Kamehameha Highway have previously raised questions about what this project will mean for the already congested traffic near the 14-acre site.

Representative Blake Oshiro, who drew attention to the proposed development back in February (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2010/Feb/12/bz/hawaii2120352.html), notes that his office receives calls regularly from area residents concerned with the redevelopment project. Concerns have focused mainly on traffic congestion, possible retailers, and the eventual impact on swap meet vendors.

"Monday's meeting will provide a chance for the community to hear the Group's plans and ask important questions regarding the project's impact on existing roads, infrastructure, and other quality of life issues," said Oshiro. "An additional 1000 or more cars and people in this area would have a noticeable impact on the community, and we need to know the developer's plans for mitigating such impacts."

The development is touted as being an example of transit-oriented development (TOD) that will tie into the city's future mass transit project.

An agenda for the May 10th Aiea Neighborhood Board meeting can be found at the Neighborhood Commission website: http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb20/10/20mayag.htm

Session Wrap-Up on Kukui Connection

Rep. Marilyn Lee's special guest on Kukui Connection this Sunday, May 9, is House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro. Tune in at 4 p.m., Olelo Channel 54. The show repeats on May 16 and 23.

Rep. Oshiro and Rep. Lee agree that 2010 was one of the hardest, most challenging sessions in both their legislative careers, due to the financial deficit and the task of balancing the state budget. They cover the following topics:

*The targeted approach to balancing the budget
*The openness of the budget process, availability of the budget online
*Using the Hurricane Relief Fund to provide money to end student furlough Fridays
*Will Hawaii soon change to an appointed Board of Education?
*The Barrel Tax and its importance to our energy and food security
*Use of the Rainy Day Fund for critical social services
*Fireworks legislation
*Veto Overrides
*HB444 - Civil Unions

The following op-ed was printed in The Honolulu Advertiser, May 7, 2010

Link here.

State Republicans' spin on 'yes' is misleading
In reality, House GOP members voted yes to bills they now decry

By Rep. Blake Oshiro, House Majority Leader

Rep. Lynn Finnegan's recent commentary was inaccurate and misleading ("State Republicans claim 'yes' title," May 5).

The House Republicans' "yes" positions are nothing more than rhetorical exaggerations and partisan "spin," rather than meeting any obligation to the state of Hawai'i and its people.
In fact, it is ironic that she characterizes the positions as "yes" or "no" since by and large, even on the budget, the House Republicans voted in favor of a vast majority of all bills (fiscal and otherwise), and if anything, only provided "reservations."

To address the $3.3 billion deficit, one of the largest in the state's history, the Legislature approved a balanced budget for fiscal years 2009-2011 that relied on cuts and lapses to make up 50 percent of the shortfall last year, and more than 57 percent this year. This was all done without any increases to the general excise tax.

Any tax increases were targeted to affect less than 3 percent of the population, and made up only 10 percent of the shortfall last session, and 4 percent this session. To be clear, tax increases made up one of the smallest portions to balance the budget.

To take Finnegan's "yes" position on their "balanced" budget, means that the state:

• Must continue furloughs or cut employees' pay by 5 percent for two more years after 2011 (without this having ever been negotiated).

• Would have taken $100 million from the counties' share of the hotel room tax (which would have likely meant increases in property taxes or cuts in county services).

• Would not have restored critical positions in child protection services, adult mental health services, and occupational safety and health services.

These are untenable and unacceptable affects of the Republicans' proposals.

That, in sum, is the difference between the Democratic and Republican parties in the Legislature. The majority is tasked with the responsibility to ensure the state meets its obligations, provides for its citizens, and protects those who need it the most. The Republicans only have to concern themselves with taking "popular" positions and catering to those interests.

My hope is that in the future, partisan bickering can be put aside to work in the best interest of the state; that collaboratively, the Democrats and Republicans will come up with a cohesive plan.
I thought that the fact that the House Republicans all voted "yes" for the budget, despite some long-winded "reservations," was a sign of movement in that direction. However, as long as statements and inaccuracies like Rep. Finnegan's commentary continue, those days are apparently far away.

Rep. Blake Oshiro, D-33rd ('Aiea, Hālawa Valley, 'Aiea Heights), is majority leader of the state House of Representatives. He wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.

Community Meeting on disaster preparedness and H1N1 flu

Elected officials from Aiea and Pearl City will be hosting a community meeting on disaster preparedness and H1N1 flu issues. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 15, 2010 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Waimalu Elementary School Cafeteria.

The Department of Defense will explain how to prepare effectively for disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, etc. In addition, the Department of Health will discuss issues related to the H1N1 flu, including its symptoms, outcomes, and preventive measures.

Lawmakers are holding this meeting so that community members stay informed about the types of issues and events that affect their lives; preparing for a disaster being at the top of the list given the recent tsunami scare.

On February 26, 2010, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile's southern coast, triggering a large tsunami that potentially could have been disastrous for the Hawaiian Islands the following day. Fortunately, scientists overstated the tsunami threat and surges of small waves were the only indicators of a tsunami.

The NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Ewa Beach quickly advised the state to prepare for a tsunami, sounding tsunami sirens and advising people to move inland and stay away from beaches and off the roads. With the help of news broadcasts and social media tools, such as Facebook and Twitter, tsunami experts and government officials encouraged people to prepare for the worst. People flooded grocery stores stocking up on water, food and other emergency kit necessities.

"Although Hawaii wasn't hit by a tsunami, it was evident that the State was sufficiently prepared for a possible disaster," said Representative Blake Oshiro. "However, we need to keep our residents informed and help them be prepared for another type of disaster alert."

Another issue affecting the community is the H1N1 flu. The potentially fatal virus is known to spread from person-to-person through close contact. According to an MSNBC report on February 12, 2010, "57 million U.S. illnesses, 257,000 hospitalizations and 11,690 deaths, including 1,180 children were recorded." Since May 3, 2009, Hawaii reportedly has around 2,220 cases and approximately 13 deaths. Because preventive measures are so crucial to stopping the spread of the virus, holding town meetings for residents to stay informed and ask questions are part of the State's awareness plan.

Sponsoring legislators include Senator David Ige, Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Senator Norman Sakamoto, Representative Blake Oshiro, Representative Roy Takumi, and Representative Mark Takai.

Rep. Blake Oshiro rings in the new laws

Representative Blake Oshiro sat down with Steve Uyehara of Hawaii News Now to talk about a few of the laws that will go into effect when the clock strikes twelve tonight. View the segment here.

Most bills that survive a legislative session go into effect upon approval or on July 1. A few like the ones below are lucky enough to ring in the New Year.(We mentioned a couple others in a previous blog.)

HB1415 HD1 SD2 CD1 (Act 158)
RELATING TO SERVICE OF PROCESS. Report Title: Service of Process; Condominiums; Planned Community Associations; Cooperative Housing Description: Requires condominium associations, planned community associations, and cooperative housing corporations with properties inaccessible to the public to establish a policy to provide access for a person authorized to serve civil process. Sunsets on July 1, 2012. (HB1415 CD1)

HB1512 HD1 SD1 CD1 (Act 159)
RELATING TO TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS. Report Title: Temporary Restraining Order; Household Animals Description: Authorizes family court to authorize the issuance of a temporary restraining order in certain circumstances involving an animal identified to the court as belonging to a household. Effective 1/1/10. (HB1512 CD1)

SB166 SD1 HD1 CD1 (Act 168)
Requires health insurance providers to provide health insurance coverage for all chemotherapy treatment, including orally administered chemotherapy, at the same copayment percentage or relative coinsurance amount as is applied to intravenously administered chemotherapy. (CD1)

SB420 HD2 (Act 22)
Amends the title of chapter 455 to "naturopathic medicine" and amends references therein; defines "naturopathic medicine"; changes the name of the board of examiners in naturopathy to the board of naturopathic medicine and authorizes the board to make rules; authorizes temporary license to licensed out-of-state naturopathic physicians in a declared public health emergency.

Keiki Identification Drive in Pearl Kai

Majority Leader Blake Oshiro's October community bulletin for Aiea and Pearl City is now online. One of the upcoming events parents may be interested in is the Keiki ID Drive at McDonald's Pearl Kai for children 12 years old and younger. Keiki must be accompanied by an adult. On the keiki identification card will be a photo, fingerprints and important contact information. The drive, which is being held in celebration of Children and Youth Month, will be on Saturday, October 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will also find a list of other activities for children and parents that are going on this month.

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.