Art at the State Capitol - Office of Rep. Kyle Yamashita

"Aizu Dancers" by Kauka de Silva - Ceramic and reed sculpture, 1984

Representative Kyle Yamashita (District 12 - Upcountry Maui) is a big supporter of art education. He is responsible for securing funds for the development of a performing arts and visual learning center at King Kekaulike High School.

The art he selected for his office reflects his appreciation for fine craftsmanship using natural materials, such as this series of ceramic and reed sculptures, each standing 8 to 10 inches tall. De Silva was born and raised in Hawaii but studied art at Waseda University in Tokyo.

Milo Wood Lathe bowl by Robert Yamada 1988

Robert Yamada is a Kauai artist from Kapaa. The lustrous sheen of his milo wood bowl is produced by hand polishing with leaves from the ulu (breadfruit) tree and kukui nut or mineral oil.

"Maui" by Dorothy Saxon Wenger - Oil Painting 1973

Yamashita's district on Maui includes Haleakala, and he was successful in his freshman term in the 2005 and 2006 sessions to acquire funding for the much needed expansion of Haleakala Highway. The painting by Dorothy Saxon Wenger called "Maui" was selected because it seemed to represent the colors of Haleakala - House of the Sun, with its reds and oranges of the volcano, the yellows of the sun, and the greens of Upcountry Maui.

"Red Winged Stiletto" by Garry Greenwood - Leather Sculpture 1984

This unusual leather sculpture never fails to draw attention. Standing only about a foot tall, the piece looks like wood, but is flexible to the touch.

Universal Health Care for Hawaii?

Photo: Rep. Della Belatti, Leslie Gise M.D., U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, Rep. John Mizuno, Rep. Karen Awana

By Rep. John Mizuno

That was the subject discussed on July 7th, as the panel weighed in on a proposed national healthcare system as well as Hawaii's consideration of Universal Health Care.

Congressman Abercrombie supports his colleagues US Reps John Conyers and Dennis Kucinich, authors of HR676 - The United States National Health Insurance Act. The bill creates a publicly financed health care system that ensures that all Americans have access to the highest quality and most cost effective health care service regardless of their income or health status. Dr. Gise confirmed that this would provide health care for everyone in our state, especially those in rural areas, including mental health care.

During the 2007 session, I introduced HB56 which provides health care for all Hawaii residents through a single payer system. The bill did not pass this session but remains alive in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Should both national and state measures pass in 2008, the state measure would yield to the national system. However, the state system could be implemented in 2 to 3 years, while the federal system would probably take 4 to 5 years.

Governor Must Implement the Law

By Rep. Kirk Caldwell - Majority Leader


Now that the override session is over, the legislative process is complete, and we call on the Governor to do what the executive branch is constitutionally mandated to do -- implement the law.

It is our opinion, as well as the opinion of our legal counsel, that the bills the Governor vetoed are not technically or fatally flawed. We did not approach the special session with the mindset that we would override for the sake of overriding to show political muscle. House leadership set specific criteria to determine whether a vetoed bill rose to the level of being overridden, and we discussed each bill thoroughly in our caucuses, as did the Senate. When the House and Senate came together, our two override lists were very similar even though we had discussed the overrides independently. Here are the criteria we used:

• The bill, on third or final reading in each house, should have been passed by at least a two-thirds vote.
• The bill, as much as possible, should not include a general fund appropriation.
• The bill promotes at least one of the following public purposes of major signficance: public safety, public health, and working class protection. Subsequently, in working with the Senate, we added environmental protection/planning and technology to this criteria.

While we probably would have had the votes to override most of the bills on the Governor's potential veto list, we do respect the power of the Governor to veto, and we are willing to work with the administration to resolve differences on certain bills. We will not, however, negotiate with the Governor through the media, as she tried to do at the last minute by claiming that we were uncooperative. That is not statesmanlike, nor does it result in good policy.

Pesticide Exposure at Waimea Canyon Middle School

The legislature passed two pesticides bills this year, HB1646 and HB1641, drawing attention to the increasing problem of pesticides exposure in our neighborhoods and around our schools. In the past year, three schools were forced to close due to toxic fumes from pesticide spraying; the most recent incident was Kahuku High School which closed for several days in May 2007.

Now a group on Kauai, called Maluia-WCMS (Waimea Canyon Middle School), made up of staff, parents, and concerned community members, have created a blog to document an on-going problem with pesticide spraying. Here is the link to their blog, which contains a You Tube video of the spraying activity. The group claims that the press has given the public safety issue facing Waimea Canyon Middle School minimal attention. They also claim that Syngenta, the company that is spraying pesticides on agricultural lands west of the school, has broken their agreement not to spray before 3:30 p.m., while students, teachers and staff are still on campus. They report that since then there have been a number of complaints of symptoms indicative of pesticide exposure.

Of bills, vetoes and overrides

Today, the Governor vetoed 27 bills and the House and Senate came back into special session for one day to override 11 of those vetoes. For the votes, click on the bill number.

Bills that were vetoed and overridden:

HB30 - International trade agreements
HB310 - Broadband task force
HB 718 - Kewalo keiki fishing conservancy
HB1270 - 2050 Sustainability Plan
HB1503 - Dislocated workers
HB1605 - Maui traffic control center
HB1830 - Baby safe haven.
SB932 - Offender re-entry system
SB1066 - Marine containers fee for invasive species
SB1191 - Pedestrian safety
SB1922 - Creative media lease space at Hawaii public television
Related to the override session, Rep. Della Au Belatti has an opinion piece in today's Advertiser on her approach to and consideration of the veto overrides.

Baby Safe Haven Advocates Travel to Hawaii for Override Session

Mike Morrisey, co-founder of Baby Safe Haven in New England, joined Rep. John Mizuno on the KHON2 Morning News show today. Mike and his wife Jean are here from Massachusetts to lobby for an override of HB1830 should the governor veto the bill as expected.

Photo: Kirk Matthews, John Mizuno, Mike Morrisey

Pedestrian Deaths Personalized

The Advertiser's new online database is worth checking out. One that caught my eye, due to the potential veto of the pedestrian safety bill, is the list of pedestrian deaths for 2006 and 2007. Compiled by Rod Ohira, the running log is 47 pedestrian deaths statewide and counting. What is stunning, however, is to see the names, the locations of the accidents, and the age of each victim. Not all are elderly, such as 16-year-old Orem Kauvaka from Hau'ula or 19-year-old Erwin Lauronal from Kona. To see it in this format personalizes the issue.

Art at the State Capitol - Office of Rep. Clift Tsuji

"Excavation No. 2" by Wayne Miyamoto
Acrylic and enamel on paper

Rep. Clift Tsuji (District 3 - South Hilo, Keaau, Kurtistown) had one criteria in selecting art work for his office at the State Capitol--he wanted to showcase artists from The Big Island. His selection includes work by Hiroki Morinoue, Shirley Hasenyager, Seiichi Osada, Clifford Panis, and others. The painting by Wayne Miyamoto is mounted above Rep. Tsuji's desk. The artist statement says: "One of the reasons for the title of this piece is the many layers of paint on the surface, and the subsequent scraping and digging into the paint to uncover the image."

"Home Sweet Hovel" by Jane Fullerton
Mixed Media


This is a detail from Jane Fullerton's mixed media piece in Rep. Tsuji's waiting area. It depicts images of plantation life in Keaau, including the old sugar plantation store. "The painting is my emotional response to those lost lifestyles and to the people whose lives left an imprint on Keaau," said Fullerton.

Cooperation or Photo Op?

Yesterday, Governor Lingle sent a letter to Senate President Hanabusa and Speaker Say requesting the Legislature to amend 4 bills so that she won't have to veto them. In this morning's editorial, The Advertiser calls upon the Legislature to cooperate. One has to question why the request came down so late when the administration has had 2 and 1/2 months to review and analyze these bills? Why wasn't the request made on or before June 25th when the potential veto list was announced, or, at the very least, a week out so that Hanabusa and Say could talk to their respective caucuses? After all, the entire Legislature worked on these bills for 4 months - members deserve that professional courtesy.

As Majority Leader, I learned of the request, not from the administration, but from the press. That is not the way to reach resolution on anything, let alone legislation on which we disagree. That said, if the Governor felt there was a way to avoid vetoes, I wish she would have approached us even before publishing the potential veto list so that we could have the time required to work on the bills together. For the sake of good legislation that benefits the public, we're all for a "meeting of the minds." Unfortunately, the letter that came down yesterday seemed more show than substance. Knowing that we would have no time to comply, it meant to make us look uncooperative. And, of course, it's always a bit suspicious when the administration calls the media to alert them to exactly when the letter will be delivered to Senator Hanabusa's office, just in case they want to get it on video.


Rep. Kirk Caldwell, Majority Leader

Cost of a special session

The House is poised to return for a special session to override most of the Governor's potential vetoes. (Citing lack of votes, it appears unlikely that the legislature will override HB91- Public Accountancy, SB1004 - Psychologists prescriptive authority, and SB1283 - UH Tobacco Settlement Fund, if vetoed. There may be more.) What is this going to cost taxpayers? Pat Mau-Shimizu, the House Chief Clerk, estimates that a one-day special session will cost approximately $5,000. This includes per diem and airfare for Neighbor Island representatives and senators who must travel to Honolulu. Constitutionally, the legislature must convene the session to override vetoes before noon on Tuesday, July 10th, but the Governor has until midnight to veto bills. Therefore, the legislature may convene, and if needed, go into recess, until the vetoes are delivered.

All Aboard the Tren Urbano

The Tren Urbano - or urban train - is Puerto Rico's new mass transit system, currently covering a 10.7 mile course through the capital city of San Juan. Rep. Marilyn Lee was in Puerto Rico for legislative business and received an invitation to learn more about the project. As Honolulu prepares to develop its own mass transit system, the comparisons between San Juan and Honolulu contained many similarities. Her observations are published today in the Honolulu Star Bulletin. Tren Urbano cost S2.25 billion and an extension is planned. Ridership is lower than projected, but increased 7.5% from 2005 to 2006. General fare is $1.50.

"Recklessness" state of mind added to arson law

With the July 4th holiday tomorrow, and the recent brush fires on Maui and the Big Island, Hawaii residents should be aware of recent changes made to the arson law. HB1158 was one of the first bills to be passed this session, signed into law and effective on April 9th as Act 11. The bill adds "recklessness" as a state of mind, in addition to "knowingly" or "intentionally", as a requirement for any person who commits the offense of arson in the fourth degree. In addition to other penalties imposed, if the act of arson amounts to 10,000 square feet or more of damaged property, the convicted person may be required to pay any costs related to extinguishing the fire, and to perform community service in the area where the fire was set. If the arsonist is a minor, the parents or legal guardian would be responsible for paying a percentage of the costs related to extinguishing the fire, regardless of whether the property is publicly or privately owned.

Next on Kukui Connection - Sundays at 4 p.m.

Rep. Marilyn Lee hosts a television series on Olelo called Kukui Connection, and she has recently focused on doing in-depth interviews with House freshmen. After the 2006 election, the House gained a large freshmen class of 13 -- 11 Democrats and 2 Republicans. The show airs on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. on Channel 54. Coming up in July, Lee interviews Democrat Della Belatti (District 25 - Makiki) on July 8 and 22, and Republican Karen Awana (District 44 - Nanakuli) on July 15 and 29.

Cal Can Cook!

House Speaker Calvin Say won the cook-off with Senate President Colleen Hanabusa in the Flavors of Honolulu charitable event this past Saturday. The two leaders were each given the task of cooking pan fried pork chops and poached salmon (I suppose being so familiar with being in the frying pan and/or hot water?)

House of Reps members and staff cheer on Speaker Say with "Cal Can Cook" signs.

Speaker's recipe for "Palolo Pork Chops" is to pan fry them in garlic and oil, topped with fresh sauteed island vegetables. His poached salmon was cooked Chinese style with hot oil, garlic, ginger, shoyu (soy sauce), green onions and Chinese parsley (cilantro).


Speaker Calvin Say celebrates victory with sons Jared and Geoffrey, wife Cora, and friend/assistant chef Wes Yonamine. In addition to the winning entries, Speaker cooked up two additional dishes: "Local Girls Spam"- cubes of spam fried with fresh island vegetables, and "Poor Man's Sardines" - canned sardines sauteed with garlic and onions on a bed of sauteed watercress.

Art at the State Capitol..."Aquarius" by Tadashi Sato

"Aquarius" by Tadashi Sato

The State Capitol is a wonderful place to view works from the "Art in Public Places" collection of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The art work is located on the grounds and in the offices that are open to the public. On Aloha Fridays, we'd like to share with you some of the pieces that are noteworthy or are favorite selections of the House Majority members. We encourage you to visit the offices of the representatives and enjoy the artwork in person.

Installation of "Aquarius" in 1970
(photo: Honolulu Star-Bulletin)

Perhaps the most famous art mosaic in the state is located in the Rotunda of the Hawaii State Capitol. "Aquarius" by Tadashi Sato (1923-2005) is a 36-foot circular mosaic inspired by the submerged stones viewed through the depth and reflection of blue ocean waters. The mosaic, made of 6 million tiles imported from Italy, was completed in 1970.

Portrait of Tadashi Sato by Kirk Kurokawa

Sato, an abstract expressionist, was born on Maui and served in World War II. He moved to New York City after the war to pursue his art and worked as a security guard at MOMA. Legend has it that one night, actors Charles Laughton and Burgess Meredith visited Sato's apartment and purchased seven paintings. From that point on, he worked as a full time artist and moved back to Maui in 1960.

Baby Safe Haven and Adoption Circle Come to the Table

The Adoption Circle of Hawaii and Baby Safe Haven advocates sit on opposite sides of an emotional and complex issue. Should mothers be allowed to drop off their unwanted newborn infants at designated safe havens without fear of prosecution? Tomorrow (Friday), the two sides will meet to discuss their respective concerns and differences pertaining to HB1830, the Baby Safe Haven bill. The meeting is sponsored by Rep. John Mizuno, the primary introducer of the bill. The Legislature passed this bill with strong, bi-partisan support. In the House: 48 yes, 2 no, 1 excused. In the Senate: 21 yes, 3 no, 1 excused. Governor Lingle intends to veto the bill.

When: Friday, June 29, 2007 at 12 noon
Where: State Capitol, Room 329

Prisons Committee Goes On the Road

Photo: Maui Community Correctional Center in Wailuku.

The joint legislative oversight committee on prisons will hold community meetings and site visits on all the islands this summer starting July 7th on Maui. The meeting will be held at the Family Living Center, 99 Mahalani Street, in Wailuku, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Rep. Cindy Evans, chairperson of the House Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, reports that the committee will conduct an overview of prison conditions, including prison capacity, staffing shortages, complaints, mental health issues, re-entry and rehabilitation. They will also cover expansion plans for the prison site at Puunene.

On a related matter, the governor's list of potential vetoes includes SB932, the legislature's omnibus bill on a re-entry system for adult offenders, including programs and services that will help inmates to successfully reintegrate into the community. The bill received 25 yes votes in the Senate; 49 yes votes, 1 no, and 1 excused, in the House, making an override likely should there be an override session.

Hanapepe Salt Ponds

Much of the sacred red salt used by kahu and kupuna for blessings and healing comes from the Hanapepe Salt Ponds on the island of Kauai. Freshman Representative Roland Sagum III, who works in planning and development, is afraid that the competing uses and activities in the area may permanently destroy the health of the salt ponds. His opinion piece on the need for a development management plan for the Hanapepe Salt Ponds appears today in the Kauai Garden Island.

The Overriding Question

Should the legislature come back for an override session, and if so, which vetoes would you like to see overridden? Here is an easy way to link to the 33 bills on the governor's potential veto list:

1. HB30 - International trade agreements
2. HB91 - Public accountancy
3. HB310 - Broadband Task Force
4. HB436 - Chiropractic services covered under Medicaid and Quest
5. HB718 - Kewalo Keiki Fishing Conservancy
6. HB855 - Workers Comp medical treatment extension
7. HB1270 - 2050 Sustainability Plan
8. HB1503 - Public disclosure for bankruptcy and reorganization
9. HB1605 - Maui traffic control center
10. HB1659 - Procurement for state trade missions
11. HB1670 - Ingenuity charter
12. HB1746 - VEBA trust extension
13. HB1764 - Revenue bonds for HHSC
14. HB1818 - Filling vacant department head positions
15. HB1830 - Baby safe haven
16. SB46 - UH BOR to publicly disclose proposed compensation for admin positions
17. SB138 - Diamond Head State Monument admission fees
18. SB162 - Friends of Iolani Palance exemption
19. SB613 - Early Learning Educational Task Force
20. SB755 - County Ethics Commissions
21. SB810 - Waimano Ridge funding
22. SB837 - Agriculture land purchase in Ewa
23. SB870 - Bishop Museum online archaeological database
24. SB932 - Prison inmate re-entry program
25. SB946 - Reduce lifetime driver's license revocation for DUI
26. SB1004 - Psychologists prescriptive authority
27. SB1060 - Workers comp rule-making authority
28. SB1066 - Invasive species via marine shipments
29. SB1191 - Pedestrian safety funding
30. SB1283 - Tobacco settlement fund
31. SB1833 - Family leave
32. SB1922 - UH lease to Hawaii Public Television
33. SB1988 - Honey products labeling and advertising

Tina Shelton - Mahalo and Good Luck!

We want to say thank you to Tina Shelton, veteran television news reporter, who is (at least for a few more days) one of the few reporters remaining who have consistently covered the state capitol, and Hawaii politics and government, with knowledge, experience and insight. She is a "pro" and she will be missed. We do, however, expect her to remain a vibrant and talented voice in our community, both in representing the John A. Burns School of Medicine, and on the musical stage.

It has been obvious to many here at the state capitol that news directors and editors, especially in television, do not seem to be as engaged as they once were in what's happening at the legislature. Hawaii has a voter apathy problem, and that is not helped by the dwindling coverage of both the legislative and executive branches of government. Actually, this blog is a result of and response to that problem. We needed another vehicle to get news, information and opinion out to the media and the public. It is a bit deflating to see the shrinking ranks of veteran reporters, but we want to send Tina our thanks, appreciation and best wishes.

Georgette Deemer - House Communications Director

V for Veto

The governor sends down her veto messages today, signaling the bills that she plans to veto. The question for the House and Senate is whether these bills warrant coming back for an override session, and whether there are enough votes to override the veto. The House Majority will caucus on Wednesday to discuss the issue, and House and Senate leadership must also meet, as both sides must agree to come back for the one-day session. In order to override a veto, a two-thirds majority is required. In the House, that means 34 votes of 51 members; and in the Senate, 17 votes of 25 members.

Governor may veto pedestrian safety bill.

Slow down! That's the message we're seeing in more and more neighborhoods as Hawaii residents continue to be hurt or killed in pedestrian accidents. SB1191 strengthens Hawaii's current crosswalk law, but we hear that the Governor intends to veto the bill because funding for the program would be taken out of the state's highway fund. The bill appropriates $1.5 million in 2007-2008, and $1.5 million in 2008-2009 to improve high risk crosswalks and roadways throughout the state, including the installation of more traffic countdown timers. The bill is particularly important to seniors who have difficulty crossing in the time allowed. Pedestrian safety is too critical an issue in our state to quibble over a funding source. The bill should be allowed to become law.

Oprah Supports Baby Safe Haven Law

Oprah Winfrey is calling for the passage of Baby Safe Haven laws in the remaining states without such laws -- Hawaii, Nebraska and Alaska. Yesterday, the Oprah show presented the case of 15-year-old Jessica Coleman who gave birth to and abandoned her unwanted baby. The baby was found 6 months later, in a duffle bag filled with stones, in the bottom of a river. For years, the community only knew him as Baby Hope. Jessica confessed to the crime 6 years later, and is now serving time in prison. She says she had no one to turn to for help, and that had there been a safe haven option, she believes she would not have committed the crime.

Rep. John Mizuno introduced HB1830 to create baby safe haven laws in Hawaii. He believes that the Governor will veto the bill, as she has done in the past. Linda Smith, senior policy advisor, has stated that Hawaii does not have many cases of abandoned babies and that things in Hawaii are different from the mainland, where the concept of "ohana" encourages taking care of children in extended families. However, there have been three high-profile abandonment cases in the past few years. In 2005, a baby was found dead in a shallow grave in Kalihi. In 2001, a baby was found dead in a rice bag. In 1999, a dead baby was found in a shoebox on Tantalus. Rep. Mizuno states that if just one baby's life is saved by this bill, the law is justified.

Bureau of Conveyances Investigation Begins

The joint Senate-House Investigative Committee on the management and operations of the Bureau of Conveyances held its first hearing today. The committee adopted rules to govern the proceedings of the committee, approved the hiring of investigator Hilton Lui, approved to issue a subpoena of a representative of the Hawaii State Ethics Commission to report on the findings of their investigation of the BOC, and approved a list of future subpoenas, primarily of BOC and Department of Land and Natural Resources personnel. (Photo from left to right: Senators Mike Gabbard, Russell Kokuban, Co-Chair Jill Tokuda, Co-Chair Joseph Souki, Representatives Cynthia Thielen, Karl Rhoads, James Kunane Tokioka and Sharon Har.)

(Photo Right: Investigator Hilton Lui being interviewed by media.)

The next meeting is scheduled for July 5, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. at the State Capitol, Room 329

DLNR Enforcement Receives Emergency Vehicle Status

Summer is here and more folks are camping out at state beaches and parks, hiking on state trails, fishing, and enjoying Hawaii's natural resources. Please be aware of a new law, HB714, that allows Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) conservation enforcement vehicles to mount red and blue lights and to be authorized as emergency vehicles. The bill was introduced by Rep. Mele Carroll (District 13 - Kahoolawe, Molokini, Lanai, Molokai, Keanae, Wailua, Nahiku, Hana.) Lawmakers believe that the use of the red and blue lights will help deter criminal activity on state lands, and will help the public to identify the DOCARE (Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement) officers as law enforcement personnel who have full police powers.

Silent March to Honor Tyran Vesperas-Saniatan

The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Rep. John Mizuno will co-host a silent march tomorrow to honor slain 14-year-old Tyran Vesperas-Saniatan. The purpose of the march is to create greater awareness on the issue of domestic violence, which often goes unreported by victims.

When: Tuesday, June 19th at 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: State Capitol - Marchers will gather at the Father Damien statue

On June 11th, Tyran was allegedly stabbed in the neck and killed by his father, Tyrone Vesperas, while trying to save his mother, Cheryl-Lyn Saniatan. Cheryl-Lyn, who was pregnant with a near term fetus, was stabbed in the abdomen. She survived the attack; the baby did not.

This year, the Legislature recognized that sexual violence and domestic abuse are not only law enforcement issues, but social issues that must be addressed in multiple ways.

HB500, the budget bill, provides $1,076,217 in general funds for fiscal years 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 for the Statewide Sexual Violence Services program through the Department of the Attorney General. It also increases funding for domestic violence shelters throughout the

State by authorizing an additional $762,500, statewide, for each year of the biennium.

Happy Father's Day

Rep. Ryan Yamane (District 37 - Waipahu, Mililani) with son Daniel.

Happy Father's Day to all of Hawaii's hard working dads. This year, the legislature passed several measures that recognize the important role that fathers play in the lives of their children and families. SB1174 appropriates funds to support programs that strengthen the bonds between children and their incarcerated parents. One such successful model is the SKIP program (Strengthening Keiki of Incarcerated Parents) which works with fathers at the Waiawa correctional facility. Hawaii has approximately 3,163 incarcerated parents of 6,665 children within the state's prison system. In addition, SB249 makes the State Commission on Fatherhood permanent by removing the sunset date on the establishing legislation.

"When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years." – Mark Twain

Legislative Investigation of Bureau of Conveyances to Begin

The joint Senate-House committee to investigate the management and operations of the State Bureau of Conveyances will hold its first public meeting on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 10:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 329. The committee will investigate the security of recorded documents, private computer access and tampering of documents. This first meeting appears to be organizational in nature for the purpose of adopting rules, and discussing procedures for securing witnesses, the production of documents, and the issuance of subpoenas. No public testimony will be accepted.

Senator Jill Tokuda and Rep. Joseph Souki serve as Co-chairs. Members are Senators Carol Fukunaga, David Ige, Russell Kokubun, and Mike Gabbard, and Representatives Sharon Har, Karl Rhoads, James Kunane Tokioka and Cynthia Thielen. For background information, see SCR 226, which passed this session following the failed confirmation of the Chairperson of the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Incentive to Convert Leasehold to Fee

SB600 generated lively debate in the House this session. The bill, which was signed into law on Friday, June 8th, allows a 100% capital gains tax exemption from 2008 - 2012 on the sale of leased fee interest to condominium lessees through associations of apartment owners or residential cooperative corporations. Essentially, this provides an incentive for lessors to sell the fee interest in their residential properties. The new law is considered a victory for condo dense districts such as Makiki, shown above.

Tough Nut to Crack

Hawaii's macadamia nut industry had reason to celebrate over the Kamehameha Day weekend. The governor signed HB1628 into law on Friday, June 8th, requiring that macadamia nut product labels state the percentage of Hawaiian-grown mac nuts contained in the package. The bill was introduced by Big Island Rep. Bob Herkes who shepherded it through the legislative session.

Rep Blake Oshiro Named Co-Chair of National Public Safety and Justice Task Force

The Council of State Governments has appointed Rep. Blake Oshiro, Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Committee and Majority Floor Leader, as the Co-chair of a national task force addressing public safety and justice issues. The task force, which meets twice a year, addresses emerging trends that impact our justice system, particularly criminal and public safety issues. Oshiro co-chairs the task force with Rep. Joan Brady of South Carolina. North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem is the vice-chair.

"America's Most Wanted" case inspires Identity Theft legislation

Rep. James Kunane Tokioka has been closely following the trial of Henry Calucag, aka Hank Jacinto. Tokioka introduced HR198 which requests the Attorney General and the Identity Theft Task Force to improve the process of notarizing documents in order to reduce identity theft. The resolution is based on the true case of John Elwin, a Kauai resident, whose remains were found in the Philippines on May 14, 2006. Investigators believe Elwin may have been the murder victim of Henry Calucag, who allegedly forged a document to assume title of a Kauai property previously owned by Elwin. Calucag is charged with first degree identity theft, first degree theft, and forgery. The case was featured on "America's Most Wanted" in November 2006.

Rep. Tokioka became involved with the case because his parents were neighbors of Elwin. He hopes that HR198 will minimize the crime of identity theft so that no other Hawaii citizen falls victim and pays for such crime as Mr. Elwin did. The trial began on May 18, 2007. The jury began deliberation on June 6th.

Waiting for gas prices to drop...

Come July 1, consumers should be looking at a 14-cent drop in gas prices, not the 10-cents discussed while the legislature was in session.

The legislature passed HB1757 which exempts the sale of alcohol fuels, including ethanol -blended gasoline, from the general excise tax at 4.5%. The bill requires that the tax savings be passed on to the consumer. Now that gas prices have risen to over $3.00 per gallon, $3.00 X 4.5% = 13.5 cents. The bill also increases the fuel tax by 1 cent per gallon.

Today, a quick look around Honolulu puts gas prices about $3.30 per gallon. At this price, if the bill were to become law, the cost savings to consumers would be around 13.8 cents. ($3.30 X4.5% = 14.85 cents - 1 cent).

However, as of this date, the Governor has not signed the bill into law.

Youth Suicide Prevention Bill Becomes Law

In researching his Youth Suicide Prevention Bill, Rep. John Mizuno came across an alarming statistic - that within Hawaii's general population, there is one suicide death every 2.8 days. The bill, HB55 was signed into law on June 4 as Act 124. It establishes educational and early intervention and prevention programs within the Dept. of Health to deal with the rising rates of youth suicide for both females and males, and among all ethnic groups. In Hawaii, suicide is the second leading cause of death among persons 15-24 years old.

Good News, Bad News for Makaha Beach users

Rep. Maile Shimabukuro joined Jimmy Keaulana, son of legendary waterman "Buffalo" Keaulana, and Melvin Pu'u to publicly thank the City and County of Honolulu for replacing the makai showers at Makaha Surfing Beach. The bad news, however, is that you still have to cross a very dangerous highway to get to the only bathroom at the park. "People die and accidents happen all the time due to this," said Rep. Shimabukuro. "I've seen makeshift memorials at the beach from grieving family members." DOT's position is that realigning the road is not feasible and that it is too expensive.

"The community can't understand why the decision was made to crop a highway down the middle of the most popular beach on the coast,"Shimabukuro continued. "The highway's location is in contradiction to the Makaha Master Plan, which calls for the road to be located mauka of the halau."

Caldwell vs. Smith on 'Island Insights'

House Majority Leader Kirk Caldwell faces off with Governor Lingle's Senior Policy Advisor Linda Smith on the next "Island Insights". The show airs on PBS Hawaii, Monday, June 4th at 7:30 p.m. Dan Boylan moderates the panel, which also includes the Star-Bulletin's Richard Borreca. According to producer Colette Fox, "Island Insights" will soon expand to a one-hour live broadcast.

Bill to Save Kahuku Hospital Becomes Law

Rep. Michael Magaoay (District 46 - Kaena Point, Schofield, Mokuleia, Waialua, Haleiwa, Waimea, Pupukea, Sunset, Kahuku, Kunia, Laie) announced that a bill to prevent the financially troubled Kahuku Hospital from closing was signed into law today. Introduced by Rep. Magaoay, the measure represents the second piece of a two-part effort to save the North Shore's only hospital.

House Bill 843 allows the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, an operator of 12 community hospitals for the state, to acquire the private hospital. The bill also provides that the Director of Health will assume a facilitating role during the transition period. With the Governor's signature, the bill became Act 113 this afternoon.

In March, a companion bill was signed into law and became Act 04. Senate Bill 1260 allotted $950,000 in emergency funds to Kahuku Hospital to continue its operations through the end of the legislative session, preserve its hospital license, retain its certificate of need and critical access hospital designation, reorganize, and settle its debts. The two measures are intended to ensure the continuation of emergency medical care, acute care, and preventive health services in rural Oahu.

Kahuku Hospital is the only critical access medical facility between Kane'ohe and Wahiawa, serving over 22,500 people in the Ko'olauloa district. After facing the loss of millions of dollars over the last six years, the 25-bed facility announced in November that it would be forced to close its doors. It filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February as part of an agreement between the hospital and the state to transfer hospital operations to the state hospital system.

For a complete list of bills signed into law (by bill number) click here.

Photo: Rep. Magaoay, along with Director of Health Chiyome Leinaala Fukino, hospital administrators, and community leaders, spoke with the press in March about legislative efforts to save Kahuku Hospital.

Hawaii Rx

Letter to the Editor By Rep. Kirk Caldwell
Majority Leader
District 24 - Manoa

The Advertiser's 5/30/07 story on the State's discount drug program was excellent reporting. Hawaii Rx has been frustrating for legislators who have been working hard to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for Hawaii seniors. I appreciate the fact that Derrick DePledge not only had the facts right, but demonstrated a true understanding of the history of the legislation and the push and pull between the parties. This session, we vowed that we could no longer accept the excuses of the Lingle administration, and we are instructing them to enter into negotiations with the drug companies.

We often complain that the news media does not cover the Legislature as fully as they should, for the public's sake. In this case, you provided a tremendous service by bringing the story to the people's attention and in explaining the issue of getting low-cost drugs for Hawaii residents as the bill intended.

Bills to Help the Filipino Community

The Filipino Caucus, chaired by Rep. Michael Magaoay, today announced the passage of several bills and resolutions of importance to the Filipino community.

On May 25, Act 100 was signed into law. The measure requires the Office of Veterans' Services, at the request of a survivor or interested party of a deceased World War II Filipino veteran, to make payment directly to a mortuary or crematory for funeral and burial services, and to transport the veteran's remains to the Philippines.

Other measures help caregivers by exempting recipients of social service payments from the scope of employment related laws, establish the Pineapple Workers and Retirees Housing Assistance Fund for displaced Del Monte workers, call for a state-province relationship between the State of Hawaii and the province of Cagayan, and ask the US government to repay Filipino WWII veterans by enacting Filipino family reunification, or similar legislation, granting priority issuance of visas to Filipino veterans' children with approved immigration petitions.

There are 7,000 total Filipino veterans in the United States, 2,000 of whom reside in Hawaii.

For a list of all bills in the Filipino Caucus package, click here.

Photo: Members of the caucus met with leaders in the Filipino community in March to gather feedback and discuss topics such as veterans' benefits, diabetes and other health issues, and language interpretation services. From L: Reps Magaoay, Manahan, Finnegan, Mizuno.

Karamatsu and Har Named in "Forty Under 40"

Vice Speaker Jon Riki Karamatsu (District 41 - Waipahu, Village Park, Waikele) and freshman Representative Sharon Har (District 40 - Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa) were named in Pacific Business News's "Forty Under 40" list of Hawaii's young business leaders. The list commends Hawaii's young leaders for juggling the responsibilities of family, home, career and community and celebrates their personal and professional accomplishments.

Pacific Business News will host a special event for the honorees on Thursday, June 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the Liliu Theatre on the third floor of the Hawaii Convention Center. The event will be hosted by KHON-2 Sports Director Kanoa Leahey and is sponsored by Bank of Hawaii, Argosy University, JN Automotive Group and the Hawaii Convention Center.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Did you know? The House has 15 members who are under 40, as of this date. They are Della Belatti, Pono Chong, Lynn Finnegan, Josh Green, Sharon Har, Jon Riki Karamatsu, Sylvia Luke, Joey Manahan, Angus McKelvey, Scott Nishimoto, Blake Oshiro, Kymberly Pine, Maile Shimabukuro, K. Mark Takai and Ryan Yamane.

An Open Letter to the Honolulu Weekly

By Georgette Deemer
Director of Communications

In the May 23-29 issue of the Honolulu Weekly, editor Chris Haire wrote an article entitled "Holy Cowards" that was, in my opinion, a low-point for Hawaii journalism. As a staff person at the Legislature, I have seen lawmakers and leadership take hits from the media, and while we may not always agree with their position, most are professional, most write of issues and not personal attacks, and most are, at the very least, civil.

Mr. Haire insulted individual legislators at a very personal level, called them names, and got downright crude with his descriptors. In the aftermath, I hope advertisers will question their association with this publication and ask themselves if this is the kind of newspaper they want to support. If a newspaper is going to go on the attack, at least let it be for the purpose of making things in Honolulu better, not nastier.

In this week's issue, there is a letter from Senator Jill Tokuda which responds to a number of inaccurate statements made about the Senate. On the House side, Mr. Haire did not even speak to either Tommy Waters or Jon Riki Karamatsu prior to his ranting, nor has he ever covered first hand the issues of civil unions or the back story of the state jet bill.

It is our belief that Honolulu benefits from an alternative newspaper--the more voices out there the better. However, The Honolulu Weekly lacks political credibility when it repeatedly gets the facts wrong, and it brings everyone down when it stoops to personal attacks in order to get attention.

Free Trees!

Mark Hanson, president of the nonprofit Hawaiian Reforestation Program in Pahoa, chose the State Capitol as a site to give away over 800 seedlings of kukui, kamani and milo trees this morning. Representatives and staffers turned out to hear Hanson speak and to receive small bundles of green seedlings.

One of the Legislature's biggest accomplishments this session was the passage of House Bill 226, which aims to curb statewide greenhouse gas emissions to below 1990 levels by the year 2020.

Wearing a t-shirt that read "You Can Stop Global Warming," Hanson spoke about the importance of planting trees to ward off the harmful effects carbon dioxide over-production.

Hanson, who is from the Big Island, gave away 5,000 oak trees and 110 cherry trees during Earth week on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.

Our assistant communications director picked up a young kukui tree (right).

Education Committee to hold info session on UH Athletics

The House Higher Education Committee and Senate Education Committee will hold an informational briefing tomorrow on the state of the University of Hawaii Athletics Department with Athletics Director Herman Frazier, UH-Manoa administrators, and coaches in their respective sports.

WHEN: Monday, May 21, 2007
2:00 PM

WHERE: Hawaii State Capitol, Room 309
Honolulu, HI 96813

Lawmakers will request Athletics Director Herman Frazier, University of Hawaii at Manoa's administrators, and coaches in their respective sports to update committee members on the state of the Athletics Department, including but not limited to its athletic programs, facilities and operations, sources of revenues and the use and distribution of such revenues, as well as, issues or concerns for improvements that the Legislature could address.

Rep. Karamatsu's Op-Ed: Fundamental Needs

Rep. Jon Karamatsu, Vice Speaker of the House, has an Op-Ed in today's Honolulu Advertiser about the legislature balancing both sustainability and affordability during the last session. "As the youngest member of the House of Representatives," he writes,

I may view the successes and failures of the legislative session from a different perspective than some of my colleagues. For most people my age in Hawai'i, sustainability is important, but affordability is the immediate concern — being able to afford the basics such as housing, healthcare and education, for themselves and their young families.

...It's important to recognize that our state's well-being will depend on keeping Hawai'i affordable. The world around us is also changing, becoming interconnected and more competitive. While my generation is trying to solve one set of issues, our kids will face a brand new set of problems. We are aiming to develop an economy that will provide the kinds of jobs needed to first afford, and then sustain, quality of life.

Here is a link to the article.

[update, 5/18/2007]

Correction: The op-ed lists Rep. Karamatsu's gas expenses as $3,000 for one year, commuting from Waipahu to Honolulu. Rep. Karamatsu later realized he had made a mistake in the calculations. The following is a breakdown of his actual car expenses:

Car Expenses
Fuel: $2,111.70
Insurance: $864.00
Registration: $165.25
Service: $754.19
Auto Miscellaneous: $103.03
Total: $3,998.17

Enough Populism, How About Some Real Planning

By Rep. Kirk Caldwell
Majority Leader
District 24 - Manoa

Recently, the Governor’s senior policy advisor, Linda Smith, published a viewpoint piece that contradicts itself, seems to directly tag the legislature with shortcomings that originate in the executive branch, and rings of an appeal to populism over intellectual honesty. I cannot let it go un-countered.

For example, in the most basic area of tax and spend, the Governor's senior policy advisor says the legislature should have spent millions of more tax dollars AND provided greater tax relief. This from a governor who, when she entered office, was railing against state spending and what she described as fiscal irresponsibility. Ms. Smith suddenly seems less concerned with managing the purse strings than she is with making a headline. That is not a new and better politics. It's hypocrisy.

The Governor's senior policy advisor also calls for more from the legislature in the area of agricultural land reform. By that I presume she means ensuring ag-zoned lands are used for island sustainability, be it in food production or the nascent ag-to-energy business.

This is a critical area. It crosses the responsibility of at least four different state departments, and it raises very complex issues. Pulling together a comprehensive plan among those departments is the Governor’s responsibility. It begs for real planning by the administration, not Monday morning quarterbacking by the Governor's spokesperson.

Now, Ms. Smith, you've made your complaint. Where is the Governor’s coherent plan with a stamp of approval from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the Public Utilities Commission? And let us not forget that the Tax Department and the Department of Budget and Finance are also involved, for they all too frequently provide testimony that weakens the proposals of the Governor’s other department heads. Rather than blame the legislature for the Governor’s own planning inadequacies, please do something to address these concerns. They are real, need to be addressed immediately, on an ongoing basis by the State’s top executive, the Governor.

Ms. Smith also asks for the legislature to "improve the management of state" agencies. Yet she decries work done by the State Senate to ensure the best management capabilities at the top of State government through the process of advice and consent. Again, you can blame the legislature or you can do a better job of selecting your management team.

On a more personal level, after listening to the Governor’s inaugural address prior to the start of the session in which she asked that the Legislature work with her, I heeded her call and scheduled an appointment with Ms. Smith to talk about the Governor’s package for the upcoming legislative session. I shared with her and with the Director of Finance what I thought the House’s focus would be, with the desire for more collaboration. Ms. Smith, in turn, explained that the Governor had not yet formulated a package, that the push had been on the Governor’s reelection and her inauguration. The request to work together proved hollow.

There is a growing pattern in all this. Governor Lingle is increasingly opting for a style of politics where she takes a minimum of risks, makes few comprehensive proposals and then blames everyone else for the lack of progress.

Governor Lingle had some good proposals this past legislative session, and we worked with her administration on them. A good example is the Innovation package. We always will look for ways to work with the Governor, and we expect the same from the Governor’s office.

But the fact is that no one in the State government has more political power than Governor Lingle. No one is even close. And she has it every day, 24/7, twelve months a year, not just for a legislative session. Let's see some real planning, not more weathervane politics.

Lawmakers Budget $31M for UH-West Oahu Campus

Today, Rep. Sharon Har (District 40 - Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa) announced the inclusion of $31M in the House Budget for construction of a U.H.-West Oahu campus. Another $100M will be put in a special fund for land purchase. The long-awaited appropriation will fund phase one of the project, which will occupy 500 acres in Kapolei just makai of the H-1 Freeway.

The construction of a West Oahu campus has long been a desire of the University of Hawaii. U.H.-West Oahu, which is currently operating out of portable classrooms adjacent to Leeward Community College, offers degrees in the liberal arts and professional studies. It is the only four-year university on the leeward side. The proposed campus will have a small-town feel and will host a student population roughly the size of U.H.-Hilo.

Supporters of the project anticipate that the completed U.H.-West Oahu campus will help to relieve traffic congestion in West Oahu and overcrowding at the University's Manoa campus, and will further Kapolei's development as Oahu's "Second City."

An article in The Honolulu Advertiser has more on legislation and funding for projects in up-and-coming West Oahu: "West Oahu about to get a whole lot better."

Photo: U.H.-West Oahu Chancellor Gene Awakuni, Speaker Calvin Say, Majority Leader Kirk Caldwell and other members of the House majority leadership were present to show their support for the project.

Bill to Create 'Aha Moku Councils goes before Governor

Rep. Mele Carroll (District 13 - Kahoolawe, Molokini, Lanai, Molokai, Keanae, Wailua, Nahiku, Hana) announced that the legislature has passed SB 1853, establishing an ‘aha kiole advisory committee to advise the legislature in creating an ‘Aha Moku Council Commission to assist in the formation of regional 'aha moku councils. These councils shall give advisory assistance to the Department of Land and Natural Resources on all matters regarding the management of the State's natural resources. The bill is awaiting the Governor's signature.

The purpose of this Act is to create a system of best practices based on the indigenous resource management practices of moku (regional) boundaries, acknowledging the natural contours of land, the specific resources located within those areas, and the methodology necessary to sustain resources and the community.

The ‘aha moku council system will foster understanding and practical use of knowledge, including native Hawaiian methodology and expertise, to assure responsible stewardship and awareness of the interconnectedness of the clouds, forests, valleys, land, streams, fishponds, and sea. The council system will include the use of community expertise and establish programs and projects to improve communication, education, provide training on stewardship issues throughout the region (moku), and increase education. This measure also appropriates funds for the advisory committee to carry out its duties.

Rep. Carroll serves as the chair of the legislature's Hawaiian Caucus, and is Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection.

Photo courtesy of gohawaii.about.com.

Rep. Caldwell on Separation of Powers

In response to recent questions about legislation concerning the UH Board of Regents and legislative vacancies, Majority Leader Kirk Caldwell has an Op-Ed in today's Honolulu Advertiser about maintaining the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches in state government. Read what he has to say in his commentary, "Separation of power must be maintained."

House collects thousands of dollars, cans of food for Hawaii Foodbank

The House of Representatives proudly presented a check for $6,854 along with 5,656 lbs of canned goods to the Hawaii Foodbank this week. Legislators and staff in representatives' offices and the different House agencies collected money and cans of food to earn "points" over a six-week period. Rep. John Mizuno's office coordinated this year's drive.

Coming in at first place with the most overall points for all House Agencies and Representatives was the House Sergeant-At-Arms with 534,850 points and House Chief Clerk's Office with 162,101 points as runner-up. Freshmen Representative Karl Rhoads (District 28 - Palama, Downtown, Chinatown, Sheridan) topped the competition among Representatives, collecting a grand total of 112,415 points along with Representative Hermina Morita (District 14 - Hanalei, Anahola, Kealia, Kapaa, Waipouli) for second place with 18,202 points.

House Agency Offices were also divided into teams. The Red Team, comprised of Sergeant-At-Arms and the House Majority Staff Office, came in first place with 545,220 points. The Blue Team, comprised of House Chief Clerk, Accounting, and Printshop, came in second place with 165,271 points. The Yellow Team, comprised of Public Access, House Minority Staff Office, and Legislative Reference Bureau, came in third place with 18,671 points.

Different offices also competed for points in a door decorating contest in March. Rep. Joe Bertram (District 11 - Makena, Wailea, Kihei) won first place for his office's decorations. The House Print Shop scored second place for their design, and Rep. Karl Rhoads took third place.

The House also held a Chili Cook-Out Contest to raise money for the Foodbank. In that competition, Rep. Angus McKelvey (District 10 - Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua, Maalaea, Kihei) and Rep. Barbara Marumoto (District 19 - Waialae Iki, Kalani Valley, Waialae Nui, Diamond Head, Kahala) tied for first place. Rep. Gene Ward (District 17 - Kalama Valley, Queen's Gate, Hawaii Kai) came in at second place and Rep. Tom Brower (District 23 - Waikiki, Ala Moana) won third place.

The winner of the door design contest -- Rep. Bertam's office. Made with real fruit and leaves!

Second place -- door of the House Printshop.

Third place went to Rep. Karl Rhoads's office for their creative design.

Rep. Karl Rhoads on Saving Kukui Gardens

Freshman Representative Karl Rhoads has a piece in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin today about the need for the state to save Kukui Gardens, a 22-acre affordable housing complex on the edge of Chinatown. He writes:

Putting 2,500 people out on the street not only would result in a number of Kukui Gardens residents becoming homeless, but it also would drive up prices for the rest of us. Estimates to build 857 units from scratch fall in the $350-$400 million range. Thus, even though the $131 million [starting] price is substantial, it is much cheaper than the alternatives.

If Hawaii is going to continue to have a middle class, we are going to have to figure out a way to provide workforce housing and housing for our kupuna. While we need to provide more housing, we cannot afford to lose the inventory we already have.

HB667, introduced by Rep. Rhoads, authorizes the state to issue $25 million in general obligation bonds to acquire an interest in the land and improvements of the Kukui Gardens property. Read the rest of the piece here.

Students Bring Peace Day to Hawaii

Vice Speaker Karamatsu credits student members of the Hawai`i Federation of Junior Young Buddhist Association with the recent passage of a bill creating "Peace Day" in Hawaii. House Bill 345 was signed into law as Act 023 by the governor yesterday, April 18, 2007. The law establishes September 21 annually as Peace Day in Hawaii to promote peace programs, improve international relations, and increase educational awareness of peace.

Rep. Karamatsu was inspired to introduce this bill after being approached by Hawai`i Federation of Junior Young Buddhist Association members, who presented a similar resolution to their state council. He chose September 21 because it was already designated as the International Day of Peace by the United Nations. Similar Peace Days are celebrated by more than 200 countries worldwide and include many events and observances such as candlelight vigils and tree planting.

Hawaii now becomes the first state in the country to celebrate a Peace Day holiday. The day will not be an officially-recognized state holiday and will not carry any financial impact to the state.

"In this tumultuous world today, the idea of peace seems far out of reach," said Jonathan Gates, a senior at Kaimuki High School and member of the Hawai`i Federation of Junior Young Buddhist Association. "Peace Day will help to open the doors to facilitate more cooperation in the name of peace education and outreach, which will benefit us all."

House Congratulates 2007 Grammy Winners

Today, the legislature congratulated the artists and producers who participated in the production of Legends of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar-Live from Maui, the winner of the 49th Annual Grammy award for Best Hawaiian Music Album of the Year. Rep. Mele Carroll introduced the resolution, which can be viewed online here.

Reps Carroll and John Mizuno got a chance to hold the Grammy.

Legendary Eddie Pu honored by Legislature

Rep. Joe Bertram (District 11 - Makena, Wailea, Kihei) presented fellow Maui resident Eddie Pu with a certificate of recognition for a lifetime of contributions as a park ranger, life guard and spiritual and cultural leader.

Pu, who is in his 70s, is perhaps most famous for his yearly 200-mile trek around the island of Maui on foot. He has been doing the every year for the last 30 years.

Click here to view a copy of the resolution honoring Eddie Pu.

Keep Our Hawaii Litter-Free!

By Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu
Vice Speaker
District 41 - Waipahu, Village Park, Waikele

The 2006 Hawaii State Legislature passed HB 1955 which was signed into law as Act 158 by Governor Lingle. It increases the mandatory fines for littering violations, including littering from a motor vehicle, littering in public, and criminal littering. You can help in alleviating the waste in our neighborhoods and landfills in the following ways:

#1 - RECYCLE & REDEEM BOTTLES & CANS
FOR MORE INFORMATION

Kunia Park & Ride, 94-640 Kupuohi Street
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Redemption Center information, call 586-4226, or check link www.hi5deposit.com
Recycling information, call 692-5410, or check link: http://envhonolulu.org/solid_waste

Waipahu Redemption Center (Next to Times Supermarket)
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Waipahu Town Center, 94-050 Farrington Highway
Hours: Monday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

#2 - REPORT ILLEGAL DUMPING

FOR MORE INFORMATION

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS -- Hazardous Waste Dumping and Spills (chemicals, hazardous waste):
Call to have the Fire and/or Police Department contain the area - 911
Abandoned Vehicles: City and County of Honolulu Motor Vehicle Control Section - 733-2530

ILLEGAL DUMPING – You witnessed illegal dumping and have information (i.e. license number, vehicle description, name of suspected violator:

State Attorney General's Investigation Division, 586-1240

Solid Waste Dumping on City and County Property (streets, parks):

City and County of Honolulu's Environmental Services Department, 692-5656

Solid Waste Dumping (household waste, appliances, construction debris): Department of Health Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch, 586-4226

Let's work together to keep our community clean!

Xiaweiyi huanying ni!
(Hawaii welcomes you!)

House lawmakers pose with members of a delegation from Beijing who arrived with the China Blue-sky Children's Arts Troupe. The delegation was specially selected by the Chinese government to promote the 2008 Beijing Olympics around the world.

The Blue-sky dancers performed traditional Chinese cultural dances...

... and some not-so-traditional numbers at the Capitol rotunda this morning.