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.

Hilo center approved to raise capital for nursing facility

Rep. Jerry Chang assisted in this effort to establish the Hawaiian Islands Regional Center as a government approved vehicle for foreign investment capital. For its first project, the center plans to raise $18.5 million to invest in a 100-bed skilled nursing facility in Hilo.

The Hilo facility will serve the senior community and their families. It will be operated by Rengency Pacific, which manages over 50 retirement, assisted living and skilled nursing communities throughout the western United States.

Read the full press release here:

HIRC Press Release 6 20 11

Tonight - Hilo Legislative Wrap Up

Hilo Town Hall Meeting & Legislative Highlights

Community Invited

WHAT: The community is invited to attend a town hall meeting and legislative update hosted by state Representatives Mark Nakashima (District 1 – North Kohala, South Kohala, Hamakua, North Hilo, South Hilo); Jerry Chang (District 2 – South Hilo, Waiakea Kai, Kaumana, Keaukaha); Clift Tsuji (District 3 – South Hilo, Panaewa, Puna, Keaau, Kurtistown); and Bob Herkes (District 5 – Puna, Ka'u, South Kona, North Kona.)

House Finance Chair, Rep. Marcus Oshiro, will also be in attendance to discuss the state budget bill, closing the budget deficit, and how this will impact the public.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 7, 2011

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: University of Hawaii at Hilo

UCB 127 (Ho'oulu Terrace)

WHY: District representatives will report and take questions on the key bills passed by the 2011 Legislature including the state budget, capital improvements, mortgage foreclosures and updates on Big Island issues.

Team Chang/Tsuji win "Most Creative"

Rep. Clift Tsuji, Cyril Pahinui and Rep. Jerry Chang

In a chili cooking contest, you have to wonder what "Most Creative" means, but congratulations to Rep. Jerry Chang and Rep. Clift Tsuji who cooked chili on Saturday, April 9th to benefit Kohala Intergenerational Youth and Seniors Program.

Rep. Tsuji and Rep. Chang are shown here with Cyril Pahinui who performed for the event.

Taking home the First Place People's Choice Award was Hawaii County Councilman Dennis "Fresh" Onishi and David Shiigi.

Rep. Jerry Chang at Tianjin's International Sister Cities Conference

State Representative Jerry Chang represented Hawaii this month at the 1st Round Table Conference of China's Tianjin International Sister Cities Conference.

On September 13, Rep. Chang addressed the Mayor Huang Xingguo, Chairman Xing Yanmin and other attendees. Here is an excerpt:

In 2002, I introduced - and the Hawaii State Legislature approved - legislation that established a sister-state relationship between Hawaii and Tianjin. The legislation was successful because of supportive testimony from people like Ms. Ivy Xu and many others.

Hawaii and Tianjin share many common goals and values. We both work towards achieving our economic and educational objectives in this new century. Because of this, the people of Hawaii desire to form a mutually beneficial relationship and to share our knowledge and experiences in order to better assist each other in reaching our goals.

We in Hawaii are also striving to diversify our economy by expanding into environmentally clean high-technology industries. This conference is timely in that Hawaii just hosted the 2010 Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo in Honolulu two weeks ago.

This year’s event celebrated Hawaii’s unique natural resources, as well as our state’s progress in embracing clean technologies and collaborative strategies for achieving energy independence. Hawaii has all the necessary components to lead the U. S. and other nations to a secure clean energy economy and sustainable future.

This year’s program had over 130 speakers, including Zhou Fenqi, senior advisor and former director general of the Energy Research Institute of the the National Development and Reform Commission of China. The guest speakers shared their expertise and insight on state, national and international clean technology and policy trends.

It was at this summit that I learned of Tianjin being a prospective first city picked to establish a Low-carbon Model City in an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation trial. I congratulate you and look forward to your progress.

I would like to invite you to Hawaii for next year’s 2011 Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit, which will be held in September 2011, to learn of the latest clean technology and policy trends as well as enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian Islands and special Aloha spirit and culture.

I have personally been a frequent visitor to Tianjin. This is my 5th visit here, and I always enjoy your hospitality and friendly people. I am looking forward to meeting with all of you as we participate in the planned activities and discussions to strengthen our friendships as well as work toward a clean energy economy to preserve our precious natural resources.

Big Island Sports Hall of Fame

Photo: David Corrigan, Big Island Video News

Rep. Jerry Chang introduces Cora Lee Matsui, widow of Jack Matsui, founder of the Big Island Sports Hall of Fame

Rep. Jerry Chang (District 2 - South Hilo) is president of the Big Island Sports Hall of Fame. This past Saturday, May 22nd, a wall with photos of 144 Big Island sports legends was re-dedicated at the Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo.

The wall had been out of public sight for two years when the shopping plaza used the wall space for another purpose. KTA Superstores is donating $5,000 a year to keep the wall up, and donations from other in the community help to maintain the photos and other activities.

Many of the inductees, their families and friends, attended the ceremony. Watch the ceremony and comments from the attendees in a video from Big Island Video News . Click here.

For more information, contact Big Island Sports Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 11211, Hilo, HI 96721.

In Memory of Eric Maehara

Eric Maehara (1946 - 2010) and Rep. Jerry Chang

Eric Maehara, an attorney with the Legislative Reference Bureau, passed away last Thursday, April 1, 2010, after a battle with cancer. Rep. Jerry Chang, his long-time friend, presented a eulogy for Eric at a memorial service on Thursday, April 8, 2010, and submitted it for the House blog:

Eric Maehara was a very, very special man. I know you are all here because he has touched your life in a way that very few people have. I am honored that he was my best friend—my brother.

Eric spoke highly of his father with much appreciation for how he worked hard and long for the family as at one point, there were 3 kids in college with 3 college tuitions to pay. After law school Eric followed his father's interest in politics. He worked for the Senate Majority Office for Senate President, John Ushijima, drafting bills and building relationships with policy makers and staffers who would eventually work their way up to positions of influence.

He eventually opened up his own firm; and Jon Okudara remembers that his first office was very small, furnished with fold-out chairs and a table. Jon helped Eric celebrate his office opening with Carol Kimura and Wilma Nakashima—they had 4 plastic cups, a bottle of Stoley, and a bag of ice. That was the humble beginnings of Eric T. Maehara, Attorney-at-Law.

He would soon become a founding partner of one of the top legal firms at that time, Foley, Maehara, Nip and Chang. Eric was well-known as one of Hawaii's top land use attorneys with major clients on all major islands, as well as, on the mainland and Japan. He worked on the Makena Prince project for a number of years and he had a lot of Maui friends whom he kept close ties with over the years. Those who were special to him were the late Representative Bob Nakasone, the Sam Garcia Family, the Apanas, and Charlotte Orikasa.

I met Eric over 21 years ago when I was elected into office. He would occasionally ask his good buddies, Whitney Anderson and Calvin Say, to invite some of the House members for lunch at China House after Session. We had some great Chinese food—and true to fashion, some good refreshments.

We became close friends when I got into a motorcycle accident about 14 years ago. He was on a flight to Hilo for business and read about my accident in the paper. He postponed his meeting and came to see me in the hospital. He always likes to tell the story of walking into my hospital room, seeing me lying there with my injured foot up in the air, and I'm on the phone with a catalogue on my lap. After I hung up the phone, he asked me who I was talking to. And I tell him that I'm ordering parts for my bike…he couldn't believe that I was still going to ride again.

During Eric's other trips to Hilo and my recovery at home, he would bring me lunch and keep me company. That was Eric.

We really got along well and shared some great times. Although we both enjoyed sports and going out, we had some differences. He wasn't much of a music lover like me, but he loved singing a duet with me when he would sing Willie Nelson's part and I, Julio Iglesias, in "For All the Girls We Loved Before". He enjoyed reading. He had tons of books on his shelves—most were of historic war stories and strategies of warfare, as well as, politics.

I and others have told him he should run for office, but that was one thing he knew he didn't want to do. But he contributed so much to our Senators and Representatives because he was a master in drafting bills and policy.

Yes, Eric was quite the man—yet, humble throughout his life. He derived a lot of pleasure from simple things in life and most especially, his family.

His children were his life. They said their dad would do anything for them—at the drop of a hat, he would be there for them. Whether he was with Tasha in Australia, Elizabeth in New York, or Char and Makena in Florida. It didn't matter—he would be there for any medical problems, graduations, or to watch Makena during his football games. He was proud of Makena -- how he is growing up to be a nice young man, and glad that he found a sport that he loved playing.

Makena wanted me to say that his dad was helpful, proud and stubborn. He did not expect or accept anything in return.

Yes, Eric was a generous man. I lived with him during the Session, and he would not accept any help in the rent. He even gave his car to Ted Baker so he could teach his son to drive a stick-shift, and of course, to impress the girls.

We had fun trips together to Japan and Seattle. He often talked about taking Makena and my son, Jay Boy, to San Francisco for a 49ers game. He also wanted to go to Japan one more time. He just loved Japan and its food and culture. All of the artwork in his apartment had a "Japan" theme.

On his 60th birthday, his children planned a surprise party for him at Aku Bone. That was the happiest I have ever seen him. To be surprised by all of his children and friends—it meant so much to him.

I was with Eric the night he was having trouble swallowing, and felt something was wrong—which led to his diagnosis of cancer of the esophagus. It was quite an emotional struggle for him; and I know his main concern was for his children and how they would have to deal with this. To the end, his main concern was for his children, especially for his youngest, Makena.

During this difficult time, he mentioned that his sister, Lois and her husband, Gary, as well as, Lisa Santos, were guardian angels for helping and always being there for him. They made sure he had food, fruits, and healthy drinks. He mentioned that the only way he could thank them was if I could bring back Lychee from Hilo because he knew Gary loved Lychee. He gave his precious "girl friend, Aka" to Lisa to take care of because he knew she would take good care of her.

Eric would want me to thank some very special people who helped him during his most difficult times. They are Speaker Calvin Say, his supervisors, Ken Takayama and Charlotte Carter-Yamauchi, and the entire staff at LRB.

I believe it was fate that Eric got to spend the last 7 years of his life working at the Legislative Reference Bureau because it gave us an opportunity to spend more time with him--going to lunch and hanging out after work. These years gave the LRB staff an opportunity to get to know and appreciate this special man.

He would also want to thank all of you for being a part of his life. Even during the last stages of his illness, he "toughed it out," being more concerned about the people he loved than any discomfort he was feeling.

He will be missed -- and while it's hard right now, one day we'll cease to remember Eric with tears and instead, remember him with smiles. As for me, he will forever be a part of my heart and soul, and today I say Aloha (farewell) to a wonderful father and friend.

Wok Out!

From Left: Rep. Clift Tsuji, Char Shigemura, Mayor Kenoi, Rep. Jerry Chang cooking up some Chicken Hekka. (Photo: Denna Macanas)

Last Saturday, Big Island Representatives Clift Tsuji and Jerry Chang participated in a "Chicken Wok Out" - a cooking contest for a good cause - The Food Resilience Project. There were five teams competing for the tastiest chicken dish.

Team 1 - David Fuentes and Mayor Billy Kenoi

Team 2 - Senators Russell Kokubun and Dwight Takamine

Team 3 - Representatives Clift Tsuji and Jerry Chang

Team 4 - Councilmembers Dennis Onishi and David Shiigi

Team 5 - Chef Alan Awana (Gov. Lingle's Chef) and Kaleo Iwasaki

The House team cooked up "Chicken Hekka". The Senate team made "Korean Chicken". I guess each dish was equally delicious as everyone got a blue ribbon.

Vroom!

More photos of Rep. Jerry Chang's Rock and Roll Motorcycle Club, which joined with all of the clubs last weekend to bring toys and holiday cheer for Hawaii's children and families in need.



Rep. Chang flanked by City Managing Director Kirk Caldwell and Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

Rock and Roll Christmas

Rep. Jerry Chang rode with his Rock and Roll Motorcycle Club last Saturday to help Santa deliver presents and good cheer to the Waianae homeless shelter.

Santa was there to wish the kids and their families a Mele Kalikimaka.

Santa even stayed to share a bento and learned to eat lunch with chopsticks.

The Rock and Roll Motorcyle Club joined many motorcycle clubs across the state this past weekend to help those in need during the Christmas season.

TMT is boost to Hawaii economy

Rep. Jerry Chang's (District 2 - Hilo) letter on the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) appeared in the Hawaii Tribune-Herald:

TMT is great news
Published: Wednesday, August 5, 2009 10:13 AM HST

The recent announcement that the Big Island was chosen as the site of the new Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is the best economic news I have heard all year.

Hawaii is fortunate to have one of the best geographical sites in the world for the study of astronomy, and we should take advantage of this asset and do everything in our power to ensure that the TMT project goes forward as planned.

We are all proud that our state will be home to the largest optical/infrared telescope in the world. I believe that this will further enhance Hawaii's reputation in the global field of astronomy and attract new jobs and related activities beneficial to our community.

I am aware of the concerns on the impact of the telescope on cultural resources. These issues can be resolved given that the Legislature passed HB 1174, giving the University of Hawaii the authority to oversee management of the Mauna Kea lands.This bill, now law, sets the stage for the proper management of Mauna Kea in a way that is respectful to all of its users.

This is Hawaii's opportunity to show the world that we can support the advancement of science while preserving the host culture. It's exciting to think that should our children dream of a career in science, they will be able to pursue those dreams close to home.

I welcome the TMT and appreciate their vote of confidence in Hawaii.

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.

Higher Ed Committee looks at creation of UHH Office of Vice Chancellor

The House Higher Education Committee passed out HB 1617 which would establish the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development at the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH).

The office shall serve as the overarching institutional focal point for the coordination of all undergraduate and graduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics mentorship programs, and the integration of ongoing and future research projects.

"There has been an emphasis at UHH on majors related to STEM education,” said Representative Jerry Chang, Chairman of the House Higher Education Committee. “This is an important alignment with the state's economic development initiative for an innovation-based economy."

A mission of the office shall be to build synergy between the many capacity-building and mentorship programs and support available to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. A further mission of the office shall be to increase the participation of underrepresented cultural, socio-economic, and ethnic groups from the Pacific islands in undergraduate and graduate education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The committee also passed out HB 1369 which would establish a loan repayment program and housing stipend program for UH medical school graduates practicing in the rural areas for a minimum of six years.

"This bill would encourage doctors to remain in our rural areas to practice as newly trained in Hawaii physicians." Said Representative Chang (District 2 - Kaumana, Keaukaha, Downtown Hilo), who introduced both measures.

Hilo residents: Make your voice heard

Lawmakers from the Hilo area want their residents to join them at a community meeting next Monday to share concerns and discuss priorities that they believe should be addressed this legislative session, which convenes on January 21, 2009.

The meeting will be at the University of Hawaii at Hilo's UCB Room 127 on January 12, 2009 at 7 p.m.

Senator Dwight Takamine and Representatives Jerry Chang and Clift Tsuji will be there to listen to what you have to say. They encourage all community members to not be shy and just come down to tell them what's important to Hilo families.

Newsletters! Newsletters! Newsletters!

Already tossed out your state representative's newsletter and forgot to clip that photo of your son and his classmates? Are you a paper snob who only prefers the finest pixeled images on a formatted PDF file?

No stress out. Newsletters from some majority house members can be found in the right panel after "About us" and before "Archives". Click on your Reps name and district to open a PDF version of the newsletter. Thus far we have newsletters for Reps Awana, B. Oshiro, Carroll, Chang, Karamatsu, Sagum, Say, Sonson, and Yamane. We will update the list as newsletters become available.

Each year House majority representatives mail newsletters to their respective constituents informing them of the latest updates from the Legislature, from important bills that have passed out during the session and those that were signed into law to a listing of funds the community will receive for capital improvement projects.

Many of the newsletters also contain vibrant photos of legislators at community events chilling with community members, including the photo above of Rep. Blake Oshiro (the one sporting the lei back row left) with the 2008 Aiea Mustang League Baseball Team at the state tournament on June 28. Oshiro pitched the first ball and thanked community members for supporting team-building activities that benefit youth.

Members in the News

Rep. James Kunane Tokioka provided an overview of the 2008 legislative session to the Lihue Business Association with Senator Gary Hooser. Here's the story in the Kauai Garden Island.

Rep. Jerry Chang talked about the importance of HB2978, a bill that provides a funding formula for the University of Hawaii system, today in the Hawaii Tribune Herald.

"In the past, the UH-Manoa campus has pretty much taken the bulk of the funding. Whether UHH grows or not, the funding stays level or decreases," said Rep. Jerry Chang (D-Hilo, Waiakea, Kaumana, Keaukaha), the bill's author. "Having a funding formula is a good step to ensure that funding allocation is fair throughout the entire system."

Rep. Ken Ito, Rep. Clift Tsuji, Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu and Rep. Pono Chong signed the letter to the editor below, which was published today in The Honolulu Advertiser. It's on SB2646, the Important Agricultural Lands bill.

Tough controls are in important ag lands bill

The Advertiser's editorial position on the Important Agricultural Lands bill fails to recognize two major issues.
The first is that it has been 30 years since the people of Hawai'i amended the state Constitution to mandate the conservation of productive agricultural lands.
If we wait until we get the perfect bill, with no compromise among the stakeholders, farmers will become a dying breed in Hawai'i.
Little has been done in the past 30 years to get our best lands growing food and renewable energy fuel sources. Look at what is happening around the world in terms of food shortages and starvation. The time to get our agricultural lands producing again was yesterday, not in another 30 years.
The second point is that the regulatory controls in this bill are extensive, and they are tough. There is no free ride for urban development.
The bill does not provide for automatic reclassification of the 15 percent to urban, rural or conservation.
In addition, a party other than the landowner may petition the state for a contested case hearing, which is open and evidentiary. The Land Use Commission has the discretion to grant or deny in both instances.
The Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Maui County Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, the dean of the University of Hawai'i-Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and the state Department of Agriculture and the Land Use Research Foundation testified on behalf of the bill.

Thoughts for the last weeks of the session

Members of the House are invited to give an invocation prior to the start of each floor session. The following was provided by Rep. Jerry Chang on April 8th, to reflect on what has transpired since Opening Day, and to shore up as the Legislature heads into its final weeks of the 2008 legislative session and all that that entails.

A Prayer for the Session
By Representative Jerry Chang
District 2 - South Hilo, Waiakea Kai, Kaumana, Keaukaha

On Opening Day we vowed to do the very best for the people of Hawaii; to set aside petty politics and always do what is right for those we represent.

We introduced bills and resolutions that we believed in--and pushed for their passage during the process.

We honored members of our community that we are proud of and learned that there are so many extraordinary people amongst us.

We experienced illness and loss of friends and family members, bringing us to a deep realization that life is short and too precious to waste.

That our relationships in this chamber reflect our relationships in life, and that we should foster our friendships based on honor and respect.

As we enter into the last quarter of the 2008 Legislative Session, let us continue the process that will result in good legislation to benefit all the people of our beautiful state of Hawaii, from support for our families to improving our quality of life and economy.

And as we end the Session and go back to our communities, let us be thankful and humbled by the honor bestowed upon us to represent our constituents in this honorable institution.

House Congratulates Hilo-born BJ Penn

Photo: Rep. Marilyn Lee, Rep. Jerry Chang and BJ Penn.

Today on the House floor, members stood to congratulate BJ Penn, the current lightweight ultimate fighting champion. BJ had many fans within the House of Representatives - you'd be surprised at who follows ultimate fighting (err, Rep. Meyer?!). The resolution was introduced by Rep. Jerry Chang, who claimed that District 2 - South Hilo was the best district in the state, and if anyone has a problem with that, take it up with BJ.

Photo: Candace Van Buren, office manager for Rep. Scott Nishimoto and BJ Penn.

College of Ag could be relocated to Kunia

Members from the Committee on Higher Education visited the site in Kunia yesterday, where the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) will move their Agribusiness Incubator Program and Poamoho Research Station projects and personnel to if HB3309, HD1, a measure appropriating $250,000 to aid with the relocation, becomes law.

"Locating the Agribusiness Incubator Program at this agricultural business complex will make it easier for start-ups and established businesses to benefit from consulting and product development services they might not otherwise be able to access," said University of Hawaii Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw in a written testimony.

Several agricultural front runners, including the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center (HARC), the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaii, and the Landscape Industry Council of Hawaii, are interested in co-locating operations to the Kunia site to share business-related resources.

Education Committee Chair Jerry Chang, the legislature representing South Hilo, said that bringing Hawaii agricultural groups together is a once in a life time opportunity.

With the increase of housing developments, farmlands have gradually dwindled. They are under extreme urban development pressure. In Ewa and Kunia, thousands of agricultural acres have already been - or will be - converted to homes and shopping centers.

Rep. Michael Magaoay, D46th (Kunia, Schofield), said, "We need to carry tradition and maintain agriculture in that [Kunia] area." Bringing our agricultural organizations together by creating a business complex for existing businesses to expand and mature, and new business to receive the support needed to develop successfully will help perpetuate agriculture in Hawaii, he said.

Campbell Estate is willing to contribute 119 acres of land, worker housing and office facilities to HARC. Del Monte, Inc., former lessee of the land, stopped producing pineapple in 2006, and will cease all operations in 2008 after the final crop is harvested.

"I'm thankful for Campbell Estate reaching out and HARC stepping forward to keep it [Kunia lands] in agriculture," Rep. Magaoay said.

The measure passed out of the Committee on Higher Education today. It is awaiting hearing with the Finance Committee.

Photo from the Star-Bulletin.

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.