Many of the House Majority members have a Facebook presence. Here's what we were able to find as of this date. Please let us know if there are others we may have missed:
Rep. John Mizuno has 2 accounts
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
NCSL press conference on Main Stream Fairness Act
Mahalo to The Thicket for sharing this information.
The ability for states to collect sales tax, or in Hawaii's case, the general excise tax on internet purchases has been an issue across the country. The National Conference of State Legislatures held a news conference at the 2011 annual meeting to encourage Congress to pass a federal streamline sales tax through legislation called the Main Street Fairness Act. Twenty-four states have passed state legislation to collect internet sales tax, but even those states are having a difficult time enforcing the law. Here's what several lawmakers have to say about it:
In the video below, NCSL's Neil Osten explains what the Main Stream Fairness Act is all about and why Congress needs to pass it:
In the video below, NCSL's Neil Osten explains what the Main Stream Fairness Act is all about and why Congress needs to pass it:
State, Federal Government Must Collaborate on Monk Seal Protection
Rep. Sharon Har's op-ed on Civil Beat:
State, Federal Government Must Collaborate on Monk Seal Protection
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On September 12, I joined dozens of concerned citizens at a public hearing on the future of Hawaiian monk seal federal recovery actions, currently under review by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fisheries service.
While I appreciate Civil Beat's coverage of this issue of great concern to fishermen, environmental groups and anyone who enjoys our state's natural resources, I would like to take this opportunity to clarify my testimony as the Vice-Chair of the Hawaii State House of Representatives Committee on Water, Land and Ocean Resources, which I believe was misconstrued by the headline "State Lawmakers Threaten to Fight Proposed Monk Seal Protections."
Read more:
State, Federal Government Must Collaborate on Monk Seal Protection
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
CSGWest Fashionistas
Click on photo to enlarge
That's Speaker Calvin Say in front with Miss Hawaii Lauren Cheape. CSGWest Chair Rep. Marcus Oshiro and incoming Chair, Rep. Rosie Berger, from Wyoming stand right behind them. The four are backed by members of the Hawaii House and Senate in their official CSGWest aloha wear, provided by Iolani Sportswear. The photo was taken at the CSGWest annual meeting held in Hawaii in July/August 2011, on the steps of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel leading to the famous Coconut Grove.
Back row left to right: Sen. Clarence Nishihara, Rep. Derek Kawakami, Rep. Karl Rhoads, Rep. Isaac Choy, Rep. Pono Chong, Rep. Aaron Johanson, Rep. Scott Nishimoto, Sen. Brickwood Galuteria.
Middle row left to right: Rep. Henry Aquino, Rep. Ty Cullen, Rep. Kyle Yamashita, Rep. Gil Riviere.
Front row left to right: Rep. Ryan Yamane, Rep. Jo Jordan, Sen. Brian Taniguchi, Sen. Michelle Kidani, Rep. Karen Awana, Rep. Marcus Oshiro, Rep. Barbara Marumoto, Rep. Mark Nakashima, Rep. Linda Ichiyama, Rep. Corinne Ching with daughter, Sen. Pohai Ryan, Rep. Faye Hanohano.
Very front row left to right: Miss Hawaii Lauren Cheape, Speaker Calvin Say, Rep. Rosie Berger - Wyoming.
Annual Senior Fair at Pearlridge Uptown
More than fifteen non-profit and government organizations - including AARP, the City & County Elderly Affairs Division, St. Francis Healthcare Systems and the State Executive Office on Aging - will be at Pearlridge Centerstage Uptown to provide information on senior living in Hawaii.
WHEN: Saturday, September 17, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
PARTICIPANTS: AARP, American Medical Response, The Caregiver Foundation, Catholic Charities Hawaii, City & County Elderly Affairs Division, Hawaii State Public Library; Library for the Blind, Hospice Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank, In Concierge Service, Long Term Care Advisors, Mobile Notary, St. Francis Healthcare Systems, State Executive Office on Aging, and more.
WHEN: Saturday, September 17, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
PARTICIPANTS: AARP, American Medical Response, The Caregiver Foundation, Catholic Charities Hawaii, City & County Elderly Affairs Division, Hawaii State Public Library; Library for the Blind, Hospice Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank, In Concierge Service, Long Term Care Advisors, Mobile Notary, St. Francis Healthcare Systems, State Executive Office on Aging, and more.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Council Chair Ernie Martin on Kukui Connection
Honolulu Council Chair Ernie Martin
Next up on the Kukui Connection, Rep. Marilyn Lee talks with Honolulu Council Chair Ernie Martin. The show airs on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 4 p.m. on Channel 54. It repeats on 10/2 and 10/16 at the same time/channel.
Councilmember Martin represents District 2 - Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, North Shore to Heeia. It's the largest council district on Oahu. Martin was first elected in 2010 after spending 20 years in the city administration. He talks about the differences between being in the executive branch vs. being an elected official, the biggest difference being a greater presence in and working directly with the community.
He talks about his family. His father served in the military at Schofield. He was the middle child in a family with 9 kids. He is married with 3 kids of his own and 2 dogs.
Council Chair Martin also covers working more closely with the state and legislature in order to leverage resources, and the 2 big issues facing his district, Agriculture and Development.
This is a show you won't want to miss.
Civil Beat's story on "Ernie Martin's Rapid Rise to Power" can be read here.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Legislature's Special Session After 9/11
After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Hawaii legislature convened for the third special session of 2011 to pass legislation in response to the tragic event. Many of the bills addressed changes to law that would help the state's economic recovery. There were also resolutions expressing sympathy to the families of Hawaii residents who lost their lives in the attacks on New York, Pennsylvania, or Virginia. The legislature was is session from 10/22 to 11/02 of that year. Here are the bills that passed:
Appropriates $1,000,000 for grants-in-aid to the office of community services to provide food for Hawaii's needy, and $1,000,000 to the housing and community development corporation of Hawaii to provide financial assistance that addresses the housing needs of Hawaii's needy, in light of the recent economic turmoil created by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
HB9 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN INTEGRATED MARKETING PLAN TO MARKET AND PROMOTE THE STATE OF HAWAII AS A VISITOR DESTINATION.
Appropriates funds for CIP. Appropriates funds for debt service. Amends the GO bond declaration to conform to such appropriations.
Raises small purchase procurement exception dollar ceiling temporarily. Provides a state resident preference for certain public contracts.
Provides temporary health insurance for unemployed persons who lost their health insurance on or after September 11, 2001.
Creates a temporary program providing additional benefits to unemployed workers by extending their unemployment insurance benefits.
Increases the filing thresholds for taxpayers filing withholding, general excise, use, transient accommodations, and rental motor vehicle and tour vehicle surcharge tax returns
Imposes the general excise tax, instead of the public service company tax, on transportation service providers.
Amends hotel construction and remodeling tax credit. Provides a residential construction and remodeling tax credit.
Appropriates funds to strengthen security at state airports, state harbors, and state highways. Appropriates funds for other improvements at state airports.
Appropriates tobacco settlement moneys to the Emergency Budget and Reserve Fund to meet increased public health, safety, and welfare needs during the economic emergency caused by the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Authorizes the construction of a new health and wellness center, including a new medical school facility on Oahu. Authorizes the University of Hawaii to issue $150,000,000 in revenue bonds to pay for the facility. Earmarks twenty-eight per cent of the tobacco settlement moneys to the University revenue-undertakings fund to pay principal and interest on revenue bonds to construct the health and wellness center. Appropriates $150,000,000 in private donations and other moneys held by the University of Hawaii to construct the health and wellness center.
Authorizes the governor to declare an economic emergency during the period from 9/11/01 to 4/30/02. Empowers the governor to suspend certain statutes, rules, or orders and adopt rules to provide relief to residents of the State to facilitate continuity of business activity and services, minimize employee layoffs, and prevent endangerment of public health, safety, or welfare. Empowers the governor to suspend, waive, or defer, certain contract obligations owed to the State. Authorizes the governor to waive landing fees and airport system support charges. Requires the governor to convene an advisory committee composed of the president of the senate, the speaker of the house, and the minority leaders of both houses, to inform the public and the legislature of actions taken during an economic emergency. Requires public notices and detailed monthly reports to the legislature of any power exercised.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Appointees named to Native Hawaiian Roll Commission
Rep. Faye Hanohano and other House and Senate members today joined Gov. Neil Abercrombie at a press conference to announce the five appointees to the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission.
They are: former Governor John D. Waihe'e (At-Large), Lei Kihoi (Hawai'i), Mahealani Perez-Wendt (Maui), Na'alehu Anthony (O'ahu), and Robin Puanani Danner (Kaua'i).
Act 195, signed into law in July, requires the Commission to create a roll of qualified Native Hawaiians, as defined by state law, who would eventually be able to participate in the organization of a Native Hawaiian government.
Read more about it at KITV4.
Safe America
September is National Preparedness Month. The following is a public safety PSA that Rep. Rida Cabanilla taped for the National Foundation of Women Legislators 2011 Conference in Des Moines, Iowa last month. Rep. Cabanilla is the Hawaii State Chair for NFWL for the current membership year. Learn the text message shorthand to use in emergencies:
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Happy Ending
A young family who lives in the bushes at Keaau Beach will be going to live in Washington state where the husband will be given work and the mother and child will get the health services they need.Rep. John Mizuno has been working with Help the Hawaii Homeless, a non-profit organization helping to get services for homeless families and individuals. Together, they have been able to raise funds to purchase one-way airline tickets for 12 homeless people who have a place to stay on the mainland. The latest is this family of three: the mother, age 35, who suffers from fibromyalgia, the husband, and the 4 year old daughter who is autistic.
The family does not want their faces or names revealed as the biological father of the child has been stalking them. The mother recently re-united with her half-brother, whom she hasn't seen in 18 years, through a people-finder site on the internet. The brother offered to house the family and give the husband a job in construction if they were able to fly to Washington state.
Rep. Mizuno has two Facebook accounts - one has 3K followers, the other has 5K followers. He put out a media advisory for a press conference today to ask the public for assistance with airline tickets. He also put it up on Facebook, and early this morning they received a generous donation for the airline tickets and travel expenses. The donor lives on the mainland but is from Hawaii.
The family was forced to live in the bushes after a beach sweep earlier this year. The mother says that the hardest part of taking care of her child is meals. With fibromyalgia, it's difficult to make a fire to cook the meals and keep food from going bad so that she can feed her family.
Watch for news coverage tonight on a very happy ending for this family.
Maintaining Kapolei post office crucial
The following appeared in this morning's Honolulu Star-Advertiser. LInk here. (may require online subscription)
Like many West Oahu residents, I was taken aback by the United States Postal Service's announcement that the Kapolei post station might close, along with three others in Hawaii and nearly 3,650 stations across the country. After all, the continued growth of our "Second City" seemed to distinguish Kapolei from the other communities on the USPS list. As the Star-Advertiser's Aug. 13 editorial maintained ("‘Second city' should have a post office"), it is vital that postal service, in one form or another, remains in our burgeoning community.
However, while maintaining Kapolei's postal service is crucial, it is important to realize that the proposed closures are just another sign of how technology is changing our habits. Just as digital books and online bookstores precipitated Borders' recent closing, our increased reliance on e-mail, online bill payment and other shipping methods have significantly impacted USPS.
As a quasi-independent federal agency, USPS receives no taxpayer-funded appropriations from the U.S. Congress, and instead generates revenue through postage and services. Though the cost of a stamp rose steadily over the last few decades, it has not been enough to turn a profit as the use of services dropped significantly. USPS has also struggled to meet retirement and health care obligations to its employees, all leading to billions in losses in recent years.
In Kapolei, the current station's limited hours and limited parking have made it difficult to adequately meet the community's needs. However, Kapolei may be in better shape than other, more rural areas on the mainland (or the Kalaupapa settlement on Molokai), where the next closest office is at least 20 miles away. The Kalaeloa/Barbers Point post office is less than two miles from the main Kapolei office, and unlike the main station, there is plentiful parking. USPS also owns the Kalaeloa station land, eliminating the expense of costly rents. While hours are currently limited, that could potentially change, particularly if the Kapolei station is closed. Finally, shifting more business to the Kalaeloa location could help boost further economic activity that may accelerate the revitalization of the area.
Another option is a "contract postal unit," in which local businesses offer postal services. Kapolei currently has one small contract postal unit, located in Armac Printing, and depending on the location, size and hours of service of another contract postal unit, these facilities could be a viable alternative to replace the main station or work in partnership with the Kalaeloa station to give better choices to Kapolei businesses and residents.
No matter what type of postal service we envision for our community, it is critically important that we make our opinions known, as the period for public comment draws to a close on Sept. 23. USPS is accepting written comments via mail (District Manager, USPS, 3600 Aolele St., Honolulu, HI 96820), but has received only five letters regarding Kapolei as of this writing. USPS has also mailed a survey to area postal customers, and will host a public meeting on Thursday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Kapolei High School Cafeteria, so I urge area residents and businesses to take advantage of these opportunities to share their thoughts.
Ultimately, though, our changing habits mean that a full-service postal office in every community may be a thing of the past. It is also clear that the post office still is an important part of many communities, including Kapolei. Though the only certainty is that tomorrow's postal service will not look like yesterday's, or even today's, now is the time to speak up about the best way to keep essential postal services available in Kapolei.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Rep Takai honored with Distinguished Service Metal
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| Photo from Hawaii Reporter. L-R: Brig. Gen. John Walsh, vice chair (air) of the National Guard Association of the United States; Representative Mark Takai; and Col. Murray Hansen, chairman of the National Guard Association of the United States awards committee. Photo taken by Ron Jensen |
Here's an excerpt from news release from the NGAUS:
"Maj. K. Mark Takai is a 12-year member of the Hawaii Army National Guard, and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is the current vice president of the Hawaii National Guard Association. He coordinated Hawaii’s winning bid to host NGAUS 2013 in Honolulu.
Maj. Takai is also a 17-year elected Representative of the Hawaii State Legislature and is the Chairman of the National Network of Legislators in the Military. He has served as the NGAUS Congressional Action Contact Officer in Hawaii for six years.
"Through his hard work and inspired vision, Maj. Takai has been steadfast in his support for the military. Much of what he has done for the military and the community goes far beyond his role as an Army officer,” said retired Maj. Gen. Gus L. Hargett, the president of NGAUS..."
"I am deeply touched and humbled by this award,” Takai said. “Citizen-soldiers throughout the country have assumed the call of duty. We proudly serve our nation in times of war, and serve our states during manmade and natural disasters. Being part of the Hawaii Army National Guard has been and continues to be rewarding.”
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Judged
Nakasone earned her law degree from Boston University. She has served as a deputy public defender since 1996, and before that as a law clerk to the Hawaii Appeals Court Judge Simeon Acoba Jr.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Kukui Connection: OMPO Director Brian Gibson
On the next installment of "Kukui Connection," Representative Marilyn Lee sits down with Brian Gibson, the new director of the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rep. Lee is the chair of the organization's Policy Committee. Gibson comes from North Dakota and has 9 years of experience in transportation planning. He has been at OMPO for 15 months.
You can watch the episode on the following Sundays at 4 p.m. on Olelo Channel 54: August 28, September 4, and September 11
On the show, they discuss the roles of the three committees of OMPO, which are the Citizen Advisory Committee, Technical Advisory Committee, and Policy Committee.
Gibson also shares what he believes to be his biggest challenge in transportation planning on Oahu, and suggests that we may be seeing more planning organizations on the neighbor islands if the 2010 census shows a larger population growth. Maui and Hilo were very close to the threshold in the 2000 census, he said.
The Federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1973 requires the formation of a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for any urbanized area with a population greater than 50,000. This mandate was based on the need to ensure that existing and future expenditures for transportation projects and programs were based on a comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing (3-C) planning process. Federal funding for transportation projects and programs are channeled through this planning process.
You can watch the episode on the following Sundays at 4 p.m. on Olelo Channel 54: August 28, September 4, and September 11
On the show, they discuss the roles of the three committees of OMPO, which are the Citizen Advisory Committee, Technical Advisory Committee, and Policy Committee.
Gibson also shares what he believes to be his biggest challenge in transportation planning on Oahu, and suggests that we may be seeing more planning organizations on the neighbor islands if the 2010 census shows a larger population growth. Maui and Hilo were very close to the threshold in the 2000 census, he said.
The Federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1973 requires the formation of a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for any urbanized area with a population greater than 50,000. This mandate was based on the need to ensure that existing and future expenditures for transportation projects and programs were based on a comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing (3-C) planning process. Federal funding for transportation projects and programs are channeled through this planning process.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Rep Chris Lee: Getting Women Equal Power Where It Counts
Getting Women Equal Power Where It Counts
Seventy percent of Hawaii’s elected officials are men. Women have been shortchanged in our government, and many issues important to women I know hardly get the attention they deserve. But this is not about why women should be more equally included in Hawaii’s critical decision-making — this is about how to get them there.
We are fortunate to have strong women representing us in Congress, but local politics is overwhelmingly male-dominated. Only 21 percent of elected county officials are women. Thirty-three percent of the State House is female, but women disproportionately hold just two of 10 Democratic leadership positions and chair only four of 20 House committees.
Many are already working to engage more women to vote and participate, which is positive. (Hawaii Women and Politics — A Sore Subject, August 1) However, if the real goal is more equal representation in government, then the solution goes far beyond reaching out to engage women — more women must step forward to run for office.
With limited resources, reaching out to engage anyone in the political process is extremely difficult. Despite our best efforts, political participation has continued to decline among both sexes, and a shrinking focus on civic education, social studies and history in our schools will soon exacerbate the problem.
People often have more pressing concerns than getting involved. While a 2010 survey sponsored by the Patsy T. Mink Political Action Committee found that 36 percent of Hawaii’s single mothers are not registered to vote, state data shows that 67 percent of single parents cannot afford basic food, healthcare, and housing without government assistance. In fact, 72 percent of all women surveyed showed more concern with daily issues than involvement with politics.
Can we really expect to overcome people’s focus on daily survival in these tough times? Even if we could, will engaging more women actually lead to electing more women?
Probably not.
Women are already more politically engaged than men, and more women vote than men in every election. Women under 35 are the most active, and 7 percent more show up to the polls than their male counterparts.
Engaging more women will lead to electing more women only if women predominantly vote for female candidates. While the Patsy T. Mink PAC survey found that 63 percent of women say they would vote for a female candidate over a male candidate — in reality this is not so clear.
In 2010, six men and one woman ran for Lieutenant Governor in Hawaii’s Democratic Primary Election. The only female candidate finished fifth with just 8 percent of the vote, and did little better when controlling for the amount of money each candidate spent. If gender mattered at all, it took a back seat to other things.
Other elections suggest the same conclusion. Of the 95 races for the state legislature in the last two General Elections, four had male vs. female opponents running for open seats with no incumbent. These seats were won by two women and two men, but political party – not gender – was the deciding factor for voters. In these districts the candidate matching the predominant political demographic easily won by large margins. Democrats won Democratic strongholds and a Republican won a Republican stronghold.
In the 31 other legislative races with male-female matchups, the incumbent won every time, regardless of gender. In fact, of all 95 legislative races, only five incumbents lost. Incumbency and basic demographics trump nearly every other factor that determines election outcomes except one — which candidates choose to run in the first place.
Of the 191 candidates who chose to run in these 95 legislative races, 70 percent were men. Most importantly, 22 men, but just four women, ran for the 13 key seats with no incumbent where newcomers have a real chance of winning.
It is not that women have trouble winning elections – it is that there are not enough women running to begin with.
Social, cultural and economic barriers still make it hard for some women to consider running for public office, but women who can run must step forward – it will take their help as elected leaders to ultimately break these barriers down.
Women like Patsy Mink demonstrate that Hawaii can benefit tremendously from female leadership in public office. If we are going to live up to the diversity and equality on which Hawaii prides itself, then women must be more equally included in the critical decisions that shape the future of our state. Engaging more women to vote is not enough — women must run for office in greater numbers.
So, if you are a woman and you care about Hawaii – then why not you?
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
State Capitol named energy finalist; reduces energy use for three consecutive months
This article is the first of many more guest blogs from the House Majority Staff Office (HMSO).
by Brandon Masuoka of HMSO
The Hawaii State Capitol recently earned special recognition in an ongoing, national energy savings competition that features more than 200 entrants.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency named the Capitol as an energy-saving finalist in the office category in the 2011 National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings, according to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism State Energy Office.
The national competition features 245 buildings across 33 states and the District of Columbia in an energy-saving competition. The building that sheds the most energy waste will be declared the winner in November.
"We've received strong support from EPA's ENERGY STAR program and look forward to even greater success in the remaining months of the competition," said Estrella Seese, Acting Energy Program Administrator for the State Energy Office, in July.
Hawaii's state departments are poised to save millions of dollars with energy conservation this year, and those savings can be used to bring services to the people of Hawaii.
The Capitol recently reduced its energy use for three consecutive months in February, March, and April compared to the same timeframe in 2010, according to the most current state data available.
The Capitol has cut its energy use through a variety of strategies, including mechanical, lighting, and plumbing upgrades, efficient operations, and an occupant behavior change campaign, according to the State Energy Office.
In June, officials with the Hawaii iConserve Energy Initiative -- a conservation program highlighting state employees using personal energy-saving behaviors at work -- celebrated with a Capitol rally that drew hundreds of conservation advocates. Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz, House and Senate members, department heads, media reporters, 50 Green Champion energy-conservation volunteers, and clean energy businesses, among others, attended the rally.
The iConserve Initiative -- spearheaded by the Department of Accounting and General Services, energy service company partner NORESCO, and the State Energy Office – has encouraged Capitol employees to change their daily routines to cut electricity, such as:
• Turning off unnecessary lights;
• Hibernating or shutting down computers when leaving for long periods;
• Turning off, unplugging, or removing personal energy-guzzling devices; and
• Closing office doors.
Last year, in partnership with DBEDT's Lead by Example energy efficiency program, state departments cut total electric consumption by 2.8 percent from 2009 and saved more than $20 million in energy costs statewide. The challenge is to surpass that $20 million amount this year in an effort to bring more services to the people of Hawaii, according to Gov. Abercrombie.
The state's energy efforts have been documented by several news outlets. Here are the Web links:
http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2011/05/06/hawaii-buildings-competing-in-epa.html
http://blogs.starbulletin.com/inpolitics/battle-of-the-buildings/
http://www.greenmagazinehawaii.com/6.30.11_iconserve.html
http://thegreenleaf.honadvblogs.com/2011/06/28/the-iconserve-rally/
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/15001027/state-capitol-rally-promoting-energy-efficiency?clienttype=printable
http://www.enigin.com/about/enigin-plc/news/-/enigin-news-hawaii-s-capitol-enters-energy-efficiency-battle
Also, here's the list of top contenders and complete midpoint results for all competitors in the 2011 National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings. For additional information please go to the Hawaii State Capitol Building Facebook Page or http://www.noresco.com/hi.
by Brandon Masuoka of HMSO
The Hawaii State Capitol recently earned special recognition in an ongoing, national energy savings competition that features more than 200 entrants.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency named the Capitol as an energy-saving finalist in the office category in the 2011 National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings, according to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism State Energy Office.
L-R: Brandon Masuoka, Paulette Abe and Merissa Sakuda are the
building coordinators for the iConserve Energy Initiative Hawaii.
The national competition features 245 buildings across 33 states and the District of Columbia in an energy-saving competition. The building that sheds the most energy waste will be declared the winner in November.
"We've received strong support from EPA's ENERGY STAR program and look forward to even greater success in the remaining months of the competition," said Estrella Seese, Acting Energy Program Administrator for the State Energy Office, in July.
Hawaii's state departments are poised to save millions of dollars with energy conservation this year, and those savings can be used to bring services to the people of Hawaii.
The Capitol recently reduced its energy use for three consecutive months in February, March, and April compared to the same timeframe in 2010, according to the most current state data available.
The Capitol has cut its energy use through a variety of strategies, including mechanical, lighting, and plumbing upgrades, efficient operations, and an occupant behavior change campaign, according to the State Energy Office.
In June, officials with the Hawaii iConserve Energy Initiative -- a conservation program highlighting state employees using personal energy-saving behaviors at work -- celebrated with a Capitol rally that drew hundreds of conservation advocates. Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz, House and Senate members, department heads, media reporters, 50 Green Champion energy-conservation volunteers, and clean energy businesses, among others, attended the rally.
 | ||||
L-R: Brandon Masuoka, 4th floor coordinator; Paulette Abe, Overall and Chamber Coordinator; and Merissa Sakuda, 3rd floor coordinator of the Capitol building iConserve Energy Initiative Hawaii.
The iConserve Initiative -- spearheaded by the Department of Accounting and General Services, energy service company partner NORESCO, and the State Energy Office – has encouraged Capitol employees to change their daily routines to cut electricity, such as:
• Turning off unnecessary lights;
• Hibernating or shutting down computers when leaving for long periods;
• Turning off, unplugging, or removing personal energy-guzzling devices; and
• Closing office doors.
Last year, in partnership with DBEDT's Lead by Example energy efficiency program, state departments cut total electric consumption by 2.8 percent from 2009 and saved more than $20 million in energy costs statewide. The challenge is to surpass that $20 million amount this year in an effort to bring more services to the people of Hawaii, according to Gov. Abercrombie.
The state's energy efforts have been documented by several news outlets. Here are the Web links:
http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2011/05/06/hawaii-buildings-competing-in-epa.html
http://blogs.starbulletin.com/inpolitics/battle-of-the-buildings/
http://www.greenmagazinehawaii.com/6.30.11_iconserve.html
http://thegreenleaf.honadvblogs.com/2011/06/28/the-iconserve-rally/
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/15001027/state-capitol-rally-promoting-energy-efficiency?clienttype=printable
http://www.enigin.com/about/enigin-plc/news/-/enigin-news-hawaii-s-capitol-enters-energy-efficiency-battle
Also, here's the list of top contenders and complete midpoint results for all competitors in the 2011 National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings. For additional information please go to the Hawaii State Capitol Building Facebook Page or http://www.noresco.com/hi.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Who is Dr. Cole?
"Who is Dr. Cole and what happened to him?"
Like many others who walked by the makai side of the Hawaii State Capitol today, that's exactly what I was wondering after picking up lunch and seeing a large flower memorial for a Dr. Cole near the pool of brackish water surrounding the building.
Little did I know that the ABC television series, "The River," was filming at the Hawaii State Capitol today.
Ah, that's who Dr. Cole is.
According to a Honolulu Star Advertiser article:
"The River" stars [Bruce] Greenwood as Dr. Emmet Cole, who travels the world to film a popular nature television show. He goes missing in the Amazon, and his family, friends and crew set out to find him. "The shocking truth about his disappearance is out there, somewhere, just waiting to be discovered," says a statement released by the studio.The pilot was shot in Puerto Rico before production was relocated to Hawaii.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Ordnance Reef Hawaii - Part 2
In part 2 of the Ordnance Reef Hawaii shows on Jordan's Journal, Rep. Jo Jordan talks with Dr. Eric DeCarlo, Professor of Oceanography at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Robert O'Conner, Fishery Information Specialist.
Dr. DeCarlo and Mr. O'Conner discuss follow up efforts to determine what effects there have been after the initial removal project. This project will surely serve as a model for other areas of the world where munitions have been left by the military.
This episode airs on:
Monday, September 12, 2011 at 1 p.m.
Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Monday, September 19, 2011 at 1 p.m.
Rep. Jo Jordan represents District 45 - Waianae, Makaha, Makua.
To learn more about the project and see some stunning photos, you can find and "like" the Ordnance Reef Hawaii Facebook page here.
Below is great footage of collecting munitions from the ocean floor. You can see all the video from the Ordnance Reef Hawaii project on YouTube.
Rep. Marilyn Lee - New President of NCSL Women's Legislative Network
Congratulations to Rep. Marilyn Lee (right), elected to serve as the new President of the National Conference of State Legislatures Women's Legislative Network. Above she stands with Rep. Rosie Berger, Wyoming, past president of the Women's Legislative Network and incoming chair of CSG-WEST.
Learn more about the Women's Legislative Network here.
Here is Rep. Lee's travel report to the NCSL annual meeting:
Ordnance Reef Hawaii
On the next episode of Jordan's Journal, Rep. Jo Jordan speaks with J.C. King, Assistant for Munitions, Dept. of the Army, and John Coughlin, Director, Engineering and Army Sciences for ARA.
Rep. Jordan represents District 45 - Waianae, Makaha, Makua. On the next episode, Part 2 on Ordnance Reefs, she'll be talking with Eric DeCarlo and Rob O'Connor.
Get a first hand account of the project to retrieve projectiles and other munitions from the ocean floor on the Waianae Coast. This show, which is the first episode of two shows on the subject of ordnance reefs, airs on:
Monday, August 29, 2011 at 1 p.m.
Sunday, September 4, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Monday, September 5, 2011 at 1 p.m.
Rep. Jordan represents District 45 - Waianae, Makaha, Makua. On the next episode, Part 2 on Ordnance Reefs, she'll be talking with Eric DeCarlo and Rob O'Connor.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Ka Pua Project
Rep. Jordan talks with Kaiulani Sodaro (center) and Maile Keliipio-Acoba (right) from the Kamehameha Schools Ka Pua Project
Currently running on Jordan's Journal, the public access television series produced and hosted by Rep. Jo Jordan (District 45 - Waianae, Makaha, Makua) is an episode on Kamehameha Schools, specifically the Ka Pua project.
The Ka Pua project is an outreach program through Kamehameha Schools to provide greater assistance for Native Hawaiian children throughout the state. The coordinators of the project found that the greatest concentration of Native Hawaiian children in need is on the Waianae Coast.
Rep. Jordan interviews Kaiulani Sodaro, Director, Enterprise Planning & Sustainability, and Maile Keliipio-Acoba, Project Manager for Ka Pua.
Together they discuss the three spheres of activity:
1)Partnership with the Department of Education P-20.
2)Race to the Top
3)New delivery model for education
You won't want to miss the final airing of this show on Sunday, August 21, 2011 at 7:30 p.m., Olelo channel 54.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Rep Mizuno Awarded Citizen Improving America Award
Rep. John Mizuno accepts the Citizen Improving America Award last week at NCSL. The award, below, was presented by the Honey Brown Hope Foundation in San Antonio, Texas, for "exceptional leadership abilities, career achievement and positive impact upon our nation." Rep. Karen Awana and Senator Brickwood Galuteria (back row) are there for support.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Aloha CSG West
Futurist Joel Kotkin is interviewed by David Adkins, Executive Director/CEO of CSG
Chris Watley, Director, CSG Washington DC Office interviewed by HPR's Wayne Yoshioka
CNN Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley delivers Keynote Address on 8/1/11
Candy Crowley and Rep. Marcus Oshiro, CSGWest Chair
Here are the links to news coverage of the CSGWest conference held in Honolulu July 30 to August 2, 2011:
Honolulu Star-Advertiser - Hawaii isn't Switzerland
Honolulu Star-Advertiser - Lawmakers Gather
KHON2 - Conference draws lawmakers
Honolulu Star-Advertiser - APEC
Honolulu Star-Advertiser - Fahrenkamp Award
Hawaii Public Radio - Debt Limit
Hawaii Reporter - Crowley Keynote
Hawaii Reporter - Fiscal Challenges
Civil Beat - Joel Kotkin
Hawaii Reporter - Joel Kotkin
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Charter School Task Force
co-chairs of the Charter School Governance, Accountability and Authority Task Force.
Task Force members are:
Robert Campbell
Tammi Chun
Don Horner
Megan McCorriston
Robert McKeague
Lisa Okinaga
Steve Sullivan
Ruth Tschumy
Gene Zarro
Establishing legislation: Act 130/SLH2011. Requires charter school budget requests for needs-based facilities funding to include a detailed explanation as to the formula used and the funding request breakdown by school. Allows charter schools to appeal denied reauthorizations to BOE. Requires charter schools and their local school boards to develop internal policies and procedures consistent with ethical standards of conduct. Requires the charter school review panel to conduct a multi-year evaluation of each charter school every six years, instead of every five. Establishes a task force to address issues on charter school governance, accountability, and authority. (CD1)
Task Force Objectives:
1) Develop legislation or administrative rules that clearly and definitively designate the
governance structure and authority between and among key charter school organizations and
the department of education, the board of education, and the office of the governor;
2) Identify how the governance structure connects and relates to the state education agency
and local education agency;
3) Identify oversight and monitoring responsibilities of the charter school review panel, the
charter school administrative office, and the local school boards and develop a process for
enforcement; and
4) Discuss funding-related issues, including but not limited to appropriate funding levels for the
charter school administrative office.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Minnesota's Automated House Chamber
From the land that first brought us scotch tape and Wheaties cereal, Minnesota's House Communications Office has put together a series of videos on YouTube about their history and innovations over the years. The Minnesota House Chamber has had a form of electronic voting since the 1930's. The electric voting boards are the original ones installed in the House and Senate from that time. Amazing!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Illegal Critters
Rep. Clift Tsuji moderated a panel on "Invasive Species" at the recent CSG-WEST conference, and as part of the presentation, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture brought some conviscated, illegal critters for "show and tell."
Leopard Gecko
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
Bearded Dragon
Bearded Dragon
Ball Python
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Australia's National Broadband Network - Worth the Watch
David Lassner, University of Hawaii's Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, shared this video on Australia's National Broadband Network with attendees at the recent Council of State Governments - WEST conference. His presentation was on what Hawaii has accomplished in the past few years on achieving access to broadband for Hawaii residents and businesses. Lassner served as Chair with Rep. Kyle Yamashita on the Hawaii Broadband Task Force. Yamashita chaired the CSG-WEST session on economic development.
This is a well done, informative and engaging piece on the benefits of broadband and how it will benefit your activities at home:
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Fact Sheet on Liberty Dialysis Merger
Fresenius Medical Care-Liberty Dialysis Holdings Merger Fact Sheet
1. Fresenius Medical Care, through its acquisition of Liberty Dialysis Holdings, will provide dialysis care to over 158,000 patients across the United States and continue its position as the largest provider of dialysis services in the nation.
2. The combined total number of clinics will be 2,086 across the United States.
3. In Hawaii the combined number of dialysis facilities will be 24:
Liberty Dialysis Hawaii Clinics:
i. Liberty Dialysis Hawaii –Kona, 78-6831 Ali'I Dr.
ii. Liberty Dialysis- North Hawaii, 67-1123 Mamalahoa Hwy
iii. Liberty Dialysis Hawaii –Hilo, 140 Rainbow Dr.
iv. Liberty Dialysis Hawaii- Liliha, 2226 Liliha St.
v. Liberty Dialysis Hawaii – Kahana, 10 Hoohui Rd.
vi. Liberty Dialysis Hawaii- Kailua, 25 Kaneohe Bay Dr.
vii. Liberty Dialysis Hawaii- Kauai, 3224 Elua St.
viii. Liberty Dialysis Hawaii- Leeward, 91-2137 Ft. Weaver Rd.
ix. Liberty Dialysis Hawaii- Maui, 105 Maui Lani Pkwy.
x. Liberty Dialysis Hawaii- Maui Home, 105 Maui Lani Pkwy.
xi. Liberty Dialysis Hawaii-Molokai, 28 Kamoi St.
xii. Liberty Dialysis Hawaii-Sullivan, 2230 Liliha St.
xiii. Liberty Dialysis Hawaii- Waianae, 86-080 Farrington Hwy.
xiv. Liberty Dialysis Hawaii- West Kauai, 4643A Waimea Canyon Rd.
xv. Liberty Dialysis Hawaii- Kaimuki, 3625 Harding Ave.
xvi. Liberty Dialysis Hawaii-Waipahu, 94-450 Mokola St.
Fresenius Medical Care Facilities:
i. Fresenius Medical Care- Honolulul Dialysis, 226 North Kuakini St.
ii. Fresenius Medical Care- Aloha Dialysis, 1520 Liliha St.
iii. Fresenius Medical Care-Kapahulu Dialysis, 750 Palani Ave.
iv. Fresenius Medical Care- Windward Dialysis, 45-480 Kaneohe Bay Dr.
v. Fresenius Medical Care- Pearlridge, 98-1005 Moanalua Rd.
vi. Fresenius Medical Care- Ko'olau, 47-388 Hui Iwa St.
vii. Fresenius Medical Care-Kapolei, 555 Farrington Hwy.
viii. Fresenius Medical Care- Wahiawa, 850 Kilani Ave.
4. In Hawaii, Liberty Dialysis is a joint venture with St. Francis and a majority of the nephrologists. Only one shareholder is changing; the rest are staying on. In addition, the local management team will continue. The bottom line is that Liberty Dialysis - Hawaii will continue after the merger with its strong local connections and high quality dialysis care that have served the community for years.
5. The combined total number of patients cared for in Hawaii will be 2900.
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