Rep. Aquino's School Supply Drive on Saturday

Rep. Henry Aquino (District 35 - Pearl City, Waipahu) will hold his 2nd annual school supply drive this Saturday. The details are below.

Many children are at a disadvantage in learning because they lack even the most basic tools - pencils, paper, rulers, etc.  The children are responsible for bringing their own supplies, and some families just can't afford them.  Parents are still struggling during the economic recovery, and some may still be looking for work.  Public schools do not subsidize this expense.  If you can help, please consider donating these supplies and more.

WHAT:           State Representative Henry Aquino will be holding his 2^nd Annual School Supply Drive to collect school supply donations for the students of August Ahrens and Waipahu Elementary Schools. Items needed: wide-rule folder paper, wide-rule marble composition books, #2 pencils, 4 oz. glue, portfolios, 24- or 48-count crayons, 12-inch rulers. Info: 808-586-6520.

WHEN:           Saturday, July 21, 2012

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE:         Waipahu Town Center, fronting CVS/Longs Drugs

2012 Hawaii National Guard Legislative Day

Yesterday, Reps. Henry Aquino and Ty Cullen, Chair and Vice Chair of the House Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, hosted Hawaii National Guard Legislative Day at the Capitol. Representatives from several Hawaii Army National Guard and Air National Guard units were present to inform lawmakers and the general public about what they do.

Rep. Yamane checking out a UAV in front of the Capitol

"Hawaii National Guard Legislative Day provides us with an understanding of the capabilities of our state's military and, I have to admit, it's pretty incredible," said Chair Aquino. "Soldiers and Airmen from the Hawai'i National Guard are operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), conducting mobile forensic chemical and biological analysis, transporting equipment and personnel across the globe, and so much more."

Rep. Cullen with CPT Kim and SFC Yuen of the Hawaii marksmanship team

The event was an unbridled success, allowing the Hawaii National Guard to showcase its diverse war fighting capacity. Lawmakers and the general public left informed, impressed, and thankful to have these men and women doing what they do to defend us all. Mission accomplished! Photos from the event can be viewed here. 

Waipahu Elementary Visits the Capitol

This morning, students from Waipahu Elementary School came for a tour of the Capitol. Rep. Henry Aquino (Pearl City, Waipahu), a Waipahu Elementary School alumnus, gave them a tour of the House chamber and answered questions about the legislature and his role as a representative.

The students' questions ranged from wondering where Rep. Aquino sits during session to how much legislators are paid. "Uncle Henry" cheerfully answered every question the children had for him. He stressed the importance of education, encouraging the students to pursue higher education to open up doors for them in the future.

Rep. Aquino still remembers visiting the Capitol back when he was a student at Waipahu Elementary. Perhaps, someday, one of these youngsters will be giving a tour themselves. 

House Finance Passes Military Package

Left to right: Rep. Ty Cullen (Vice Chair, Public Safety & Military Affairs), Laurie Crehan (Regional Liaison, Department of Defense), Rep. Marcus Oshiro (Chair, Finance) and Rep. Henry Aquino (Chair, Public Safety & Military Affairs)

The House Committee on Finance on Thursday, February 23, 2012, approved a legislative package supporting the military in Hawai’i. The adoption of five bills supporting the overall military presence in the state as well as military members and veterans are as follows:

HB 2410 Relating to the Military.  HB 2410 requires the Governor to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Defense to provide continued support for the military’s presence in Hawai’i.

“Tourism and the military are the two pillars of our economy.  House Bill 2410 will further bolster the relationship between the state of Hawai’i and the U.S. Department of Defense, ensuring continued cooperation moving forward,” said House Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs Chair, Rep. Henry J.C. Aquino.

HB 2409 Relating to Consumer Protection.  House Bill 2409 authorizes the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) to enforce existing federal laws protecting military members and their families.  The John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 limits the terms of credit that may be applied to military members and their dependents.  The act is designed to protect military members and their families from unfair lending practices that are commonly used by issuers of payday loans, vehicle title loans, and tax refund anticipation loans.  There is no federal enforcement mechanism for the legislation, and HB 2409 will authorize the DCCA to take action in the state of Hawai’i.

“The federal government has acknowledged the fact that military members and their families are targeted by predatory lenders and passed laws protecting those who protect us," said Rep. Aquino.

HB 2258 Relating to Professional and Vocational Licensing

HB 2639 Relating to Higher Education

House Bill 2258 allows professional and vocational licensing authorities to accept military training, education, and service towards licensing requirements.  House Bill 2639 authorizes the University of Hawai’i system to grant military members with college credits for military experience.  Military members currently receive college credits for military training, but not for professional experience while serving. The bill will establish a learning assessment to determine college-level learning gained during military service.

“Our commitment to military members does not end with their service to our country," said Rep. Aquino.  "Mandating that the University of Hawai’i, as well as professional and vocational licensing authorities, to recognize military training is a key step in helping veterans transition to the civilian work force."

HB2798 Relating to a Veterans Treatment Court.  HB2798 establishes a Veterans Court that will allow Hawai’i to join more than a dozen states across the country in taking into account the impact returning home from combat has on veterans when administering justice.  The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have caused a spike in veterans going through the court system. The Veterans Treatment Court is a system that recognizes the psychological effects of deployments and gives veterans a degree of justice commensurate with their service.

“The passage of these five pieces of legislation shows the commitment to and appreciation of the military, service members, and their families that is consistent with the values and priorities of the state of Hawai’i,” said Rep. Aquino.

What's going on with UH-West Oahu?

Lawmakers are sponsoring a community meeting with UH-West Oahu Chancellor Gene Awakuni and other UH-WO administrators and faculty to share information on the progress of construction at the Kapolei campus, what programs will be offered at the new campus, and the opportunities for the community to partner with the university.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 21, 2011 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Kapolei High School Cafeteria

The meeting is being sponsored by area legislators Rep. Henry Aquino, Rep. Karen Awana, Rep. Ty Cullen, Rep. Sharon Har, Rep. Jo Jordan, Sen. Mike Gabbard and Sen. Clarence Nishihara.

Are you ready for a disaster?

Reps Aquino and Cullen Hold Disaster Preparedness Meeting

Rep Aquino holds School Supply Drive

State Representative Henry Aquino will be holding a School Supply Drive to support the students of August Ahrens and Waipahu Elementary Schools. The drive will be held on the following dates and times outside the Longs Drugs at Waipahu Town Center:

Saturday, July 30, 2011 8:00 A.M. to 12 Noon

Saturday, August 6, 2011 8:00 A.M. to 12 Noon

"Many families going through difficult times are unable to provide basic school supplies for their children," said Rep. Aquino (District 35 – Pearl City, Waipahu.) "As a father with a young child, I know how important it is for students to have the supplies they need in order to do their homework and to learn effectively. We want to see every child going to class well prepared, so we are coming together, as a community, to help give them a good start."

The desired items include:

Wide-rule folder paper

Wide-rule composition books

#2 pencils

4 oz. glue

Portfolios

24 or 48-count crayons

12-inch rulers

For more information, call Rep Aquino's office at 586-6520.

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Governor signs SB1025

Reps Derek Kawakami, Ty Cullen, Henry Aquino and Ryan Yamane with County Fire Chiefs and Water Safety Officials

Governor Abercrombie today signed SB1025, one of the most important bills affecting County government. One part of the bill adds the assault of firefighters and water safety officers to the offense of assault in the 2nd degree. The other part of the bill creates a class B felony for unauthorized entry in a dwelling based on the occupant's age and level of incapacity.

SB1025 is part of the Hawaii Association of State Counties 2011 legislative package. Here are some photos of the ceremony today:

New law expands licensing violations to all contractors who hire illegal workers

Governor Lingle Wednesday signed into law HB2897 which expands licensing violations to all contractors who hire illegal workers. The measure, now Act 185, subjects a contractor to the revocation, suspension, or nonrenewal of its license for knowingly or intentionally employing a person on any project or operation who is not eligible to work in the United States under federal law.

A previous law, Act 145, Session Laws of Hawaii of 2009, subjected only contractors working on public work construction projects affiliated with a government agency to licensing penalties for hiring employees ineligible to work in the United States.

“The new law provides a fair and level playing field for contractors hiring legally-employable workers,” said Vice Speaker Michael Magaoay, a co-introducer of the bill. “When dishonest contractors exploit illegal labor for their personal gain, they are hurting our local construction workers.” Magaoay represents House District 46 - Kaena Point, Schofield, Mokuleia, Waialua, Haleiwa, Waimea, Pupukea, Sunset, Kahuku, Kunia Camp, Poamoho, Wheeler, and Laie.

“I’m pleased the governor decided to sign this important bill,” said Rep. Henry Aquino, a member of the House Labor and Public Employment Committee and co-introducer of the bill. “It makes unscrupulous contractors accountable for their actions and ensures our local workers have job opportunities, especially during a weak economy.” Aquino represents House District 35 - Pearl City, and Waipahu.

Thoughts from a new Dad on Father's Day - Rep. Henry Aquino

Rep. Henry Aquino, wife Cynthia and newborn son Ethan at 2 1/2 weeks.

"Being a new dad is such a tremendous blessing for my wife and I. Having our son reminds me of how precious life is. So far, we have endured and experienced a lot.

Ethan at 6 weeks

The sleepless nights, which are still on-going by the way, finding creative ways to stop the crying, changing his (and my) first diaper, and singing lullabyes (I don't sing, either), are all part of our new roles as parents. Although I'm learning everyday of the parenthood adventures that lie ahead, I know two things for sure -- I'll never sleep the same again, and I love being a new dad!"

Note: Rep. Aquino and his wife became parents during the final days of the 2010 legislative session.

Graffiti bill advances out of conference committee

House and Senate negotiators in conference committee yesterday advanced a bill that would make those convicted of graffiti damage more accountable for their actions.

The bill, House Bill 2129 H.D. 1 S.D. 1, would require a person convicted of criminal property damage involving graffiti to remove the graffiti within 30 days of sentencing and to perform community service over a time period that cannot exceed 2 years. With this bill, judges can require perpetrators to remove any graffiti within 100 feet of the offense.

The bill was introduced by State Representative Henry Aquino (35 - Pearl City, Waipahu). The freshman lawmaker represents a district on Oahu where graffiti is rampant and for years has been an everyday battle.

"This measure sends clear messages of deterrence and accountability,” said Rep. Aquino. “If you break the law, you will invest a lot of time and effort in paying for the crime. The community has tolerated this for quite some time, and we are now getting tougher on graffiti-related crimes. I believe this will help to decrease the number of incidents in our neighborhoods."

The bill will go before the House and Senate floor next week for a full vote, and, if passed, will go to the governor for signing. The bill will become law upon approval.

Halawa Correctional Facility Site Visit

House and Senate finance members/staff visited the Halawa Correctional Facility this morning. The money committees have been touring facilities statewide to become better informed of the issues facing public safety.

Elected officials left to right: Rep. Marilyn Lee (House Finance Vice Chair), Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Senate Ways and Means Chair), Rep. Tom Brower (Finance Member), and Rep. Henry Aquino (House Public Safety Vice Chair).

An Even More Thankful House

Continued from yesterday's post, more responses from House members and their staff about the things they are thankful for.

Maureen Andrade, Office Manager, and Rep. Henry Aquino, D-35 (Pearl City, Waipahu)

"Rep. Aquino is off island but I know that he is thankful for the Lords Blessings and for the Love from his family and friends and that although times are hard, we still find ways to share with the less fortunate…sharing ALOHA always! As for me, I’m most thankful that the Lord has blessed my kids and grandkids with love and respect and that he has blessed us with more time to share with my dad…who could ask for anything more!!!!"


Gil Keith-Agaran, D-9 (Kahului, Wailuku, Puunene, Spreckelsville, Paia)

"I'm thankful for my Maui family, law partners and staff, friends and clients who supported me this past Session on Oahu, although I'm tired of being reminded I didn't have many billable hours for nearly five months this past year."

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And to send you off to a joyous Thanksgiving Day spent having lunch or dinner with family and friends, Rep. Roy Takumi gives us an anonymous poem to think about before diving into the bowl of mashed potatoes and gravy!

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
- Unknown

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE HAWAII HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES!!

Community Happenings: Waipahu Cane Haul Run and Festival

You can run. You can walk. Or you can just show up for the food. Whatever. The thing is that you are not allowed to forget about the big event happening on August 23, 2009 at Hawaii's Plantation Village in Waipahu. Get it? Got it? Good.

Here's the 411 on the 1st Annual Waipahu Cane Haul Run and Festival.

The celebration includes a 5k Waipahu Cane Haul Run/Walk that will begin at 7 a.m.

The festival will follow the run/walk. It will start at 10 a.m. What to expect? Good food, live entertainment, and plantation tours.

Representative Henry Aquino will be there, and he wants you to come and join him in learning about the sweet and rich history of Waipahu and its people.

Proceeds from this event will be used to support the Waipahu Community Coalition in providing Drug Free events for families and children in the Waipahu Community.

Visit www. canehaulrun.blogspot.com to download registration forms for the race (don't let me beat you to it) or call 808-354-3663 for more information.

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.

Freshmen on Hawaii Public Radio

Wayne Yoshioka, Hawaii Public Radio, interviewed 5 of the 6 majority freshmen last week and filed a report that aired last Thursday. The interview is on the KHPR website here. Following are some highlights from the story about their experiences as a new legislator so far...

Isaac Choy: "The learning curve is very steep here. It's worse than college."

Jessica Wooley: "We may not be able to succeed all the time, but we're going to see what we can do."

Denny Coffman: "I use the example of Mauna Kea eggs (not made in Hawaii)...We need to look at the brand names and make sure they meet the definition of made in Hawaii."

Henry Aquino: "I'm getting married, believe it or not, 11 days before Opening Day. That was one of the things my financee told me, I'll support you, but she's not going to consider changing the wedding date."

Chris Lee: "Here in the legislature, it takes more than one person, it takes a majority of votes to get anything done. I approached it from that angle and hope to work with everyone here."