Rep Takamine questions B&F on release of funds for HCEOC

Rep. Dwight Takamine is trying to help the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council (HCEOC) in getting the Lingle administration to release funds for their transportation program. He sent out a news release yesterday explaining that he has written to Georgina Kawamura, Director of the Department of Budget and Finance, reminding them that the legislature appropriated $227,651 in 2007 for this needy program.

On the Big Island, public transportation does not provide services off the highway. HCEOC operates a transportation program that helps the low-income elderly, the disabled, dialysis patients, and low-income pre-school children with transportation needs.

To date, the administration has released $100,000 of the total amount, and this is creating such a hardship that the program is in jeopardy. The director of the Council has been working at three-quarters salary since February and may be forced to start layoffs.

“As House Finance Chair during the economic crisis of the 1990's and post September 11, I understand the hard decisions that need to be made when faced with an economic downturn," said Rep. Takamine. “But I believe we should always look out for the most vulnerable of our citizens. HCEOC acts as the lifeline for these people, and we need to support their efforts."

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.

To: Rep. Dwight Takamine

Happy Birthday! Have a good day, a productive session, and successful year.