Thursday, October 6, 2011

Hawaii needs more federal funding for COFA migrants

Today, Representative John Mizuno held an informational briefing to review the human services issues related to migrants living in Hawaii under the Compact of Free Association (COFA), which defines the relationship between the U.S. and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau.

The issue: the inadequacy of federal government funding to pay for COFA migrants’ medical and social services costs.

It was reported in a 2007 Department of the Attorney General study that the cost of providing all state services to COFA migrants was about $100 million a year. The Department of Human Services alone expended $52 million in COFA services in 2010. This year the state received only $11.2 million in grant funds.

Governor Neil Abercrombie is appealing a case that reinstated Med-QUEST for migrant immigrants this past January. The former administration placed COFA migrants in a program called Basic Health Hawaii, a less-costly, less-comprehensive health insurance program. A spokeswoman for the governor, however, has said that the administration will appeal "but has no intention to continue Basic Health Hawaii,” reported the online news publication Civil Beat.

Lawmakers and panelists discussed possible solutions to address the high costs to the state.

"The briefing was informative, however we have much to do as we seek to ensure essential healthcare for the Pacific Islanders while securing our fair share in costs from the federal government," said Rep. Mizuno.

They ideas discussed include:

1.) Seek an amendment of COFA to include greater reimbursement from the federal government.
2.) Work with state, federal, and private agencies for support and funding to invest in dialysis and chemotherapy centers in the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau to allow proper healthcare treatment services for their citizens.
3.) Liberty Dialysis, one of two medical center providers of dialysis services in Hawaii, has indicated their willingness to continue dialysis treatment coverage to COFA citizens if the state no longer pays for such coverage. Not certain how long Liberty Dialysis could sustain such services without pay.
4.) Continue talks with federal medical centers and the U.S. Department of Interior on the possibility of federal hospitals accepting COFA citizens for dialysis and chemotherapy treatment.
5.) Work with the home state government of Marshall Islands, the Federated State of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau on funding options for their citizens in Hawaii.
6.) Work with the state's administration and the Hawaii's congressional delegation on reducing costs and greater funding from the federal government.

Recognizing Hawaii achievers in Nevada

Shawn Toyozaki and Rep. John Mizuno

Rep. John Mizuno presented Certificates of Appreciation to former Hawaii residents who now live in Las Vegas, Nevada, and who have made significant contributions in both states.

Shawn Toyozaki and his wife Racquel Chung-Toyozaki both graduated from the University of Hawaii. Racquel also received a law degree from the U.H. Richardson School of Law. They started a company in Nevada called Advance Pro Remediation Co. - a building inspection business specializing in fire, water and mold restoration, structural dry-downs, and mold removal. Both Shawn and Racquel remain connected to Hawaii's community and contribute to Adult Friends for Youth. This organization works to help youth get out of gangs and directs them to trade school or college.

Rep. John Mizuno, John Wright and Jean Moriki

John Wright and Jean Moriki practice criminal defense law with the law firm of Wright and Weiner in Las Vegas. Rep. Mizuno worked with both Wright and Moriki as law clerks in 1991-1992 at the First Circuit Court, Hawaii Judiciary. Both practiced law in Hawaii before moving to Nevada.

John and Jean do volunteer work by holding educational meetings focusing on the democratic process, the rights of individuals, families, small businesses, and are great advocates for the right to vote to effect social change. John has also served as a per diem judge in Clark County.

Friday, September 30, 2011

October Issue of Prevailing Winds - Rep. Isaac Choy

Prevailing Winds Vol 3 Issue 9 - October 2011

Thursday, September 29, 2011

People's Pulse Summer 2011

Now available online.

Pulse Summer 2011

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

House Finance Site Visit

Photo Credit: Rep. Marilyn Lee

Members and staff of the Hawaii House Finance Committee, chaired by Rep. Marcus Oshiro, are visiting sites around the islands to monitor projects that have received state funding, connect with the community on needs and concerns, and to prepare for next legislative session.

On Tuesday, one of the Oahu sites they visited was Kukaniloko, the Birthing Stones at Wahiawa. You can click on the photo to enlarge. Tom Lenchanko gave the committee a tour and history of this sacred place.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Maui Memorial Helipad Dedication

Maui Memorial Helipad Blessing. Left to right: Dr. Colin Lee, Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz, Rep. Gilbert Keith-Agaran, CEO Wes Lo, Rep. Kyle Yamashita, Anthony P. Takitani

- Photo Credit: Wendy Osher

On Thursday, September 22, 2011, Maui Memorial Medical Center dedicated the opening of a new helipad that will allow for faster transport of patients, especially cardiac patients.

The helicopter will begin trial landings on Monday, September 26, 2011. It is expected to save between 10-15 minutes over the previous landing site at the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku. The Maui delegation worked collectively to secure funding through the state legislature, approximately $3 million.

According to MMMC CEO Wes Lo, Maui is now the only neighbor island that is able to treat emergency heart attack victims. Lawmakers praised Wes Lo's vision for the project and his efforts to make it a reality for Maui residents.

See video and more photos at MauiNow.com.

DHS Confidentiality Policy

Pat McManaman, Director of Human Services, testifies before House Human Services Committee Chair, Rep. John Mizuno

Yesterday, Human Services Director Pat McManaman testified before the House Committee on Human Services on the department's confidentiality policy related to child welfare. At issue was the recent case of an unexplained death of a 9-month-old Hau'ula boy while in state custody.

The child, Jayvid Waa-Ili, was taken from a relative into state custody on August 10, 2011 and then died on August 26th.

Director McManaman defended the current policy to not release information in fatal cases. A full story appeared in today's Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Read here.

Chair John Mizuno has been critical of the previous administration's director Lillian Koller for releasing information on the state's website on fatal cases after seeing first hand how families and friends of the victims are impacted. Yesterday, he said that he liked where the current director is heading, noting that the confidentiality policy allows for flexibility when warranted.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Rep. Marcus Oshiro on Record Breaking CSGWest Meeting

George Kam, Brother Noland, Rep. Marcus Oshiro after the Opening Program at the CSGWest 64th Annual Meeting, Sheraton Waikiki

Next up on Jordan's Journal, Rep. Marcus Oshiro, who is the current presiding Chair of Council of State Governments - WEST, talks about the planning and successful completion of the CSGWest 64th annual meeting held in Honolulu July 29 - August 2, 2011.

Jordan's Journal is produced and hosted by Rep. Jo Jordan. The show airs on Olelo Ch. 54 at the following dates/times:

Monday, September 26, 2011 at 1 p.m.

Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

Monday, October 3, 2011 at 1 p.m.

CSGWest is comprised of government officials from the 13 western states. It covers the three branches of government - legislative, executive and judicial. The annual meeting rotates between the western members; the last time the meeting was held in Honolulu was in 2003 when Senator Brian Taniguchi was chair.

Rep. Oshiro shares with us all that went into the extensive planning and preparation to host about 680 registrants, a new attendance record for the organization. Much thought went into ensuring that the aloha spirit was present throughout the meeting, starting with the theme of the conference - Halawai - where leaders gather, and the spectacular opening presented by George Kam, ambassador of Aloha, Brother Noland and the Chinky Mahoe halau.

Hawaii's private sector, including many in Hawaii's agriculture industry, were involved in highlighting local food and products throughout the three-day event.

Chair Oshiro will now be handing over the baton to Wyoming Rep. Rosie Berger who will Chair next year's meeting.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Waianae Town Hall on Education on Olelo

For those unable to attend Rep. Jo Jordan's Town Hall Meeting on Education, held on August 17, 2011, you can watch it on Olelo at the following dates/times:

Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 12 p.m. (noon) on Ch. 49 FOCUS

Friday, September 30, 2011, 4:00 p.m. on Ch. 54 VIEW

Here's the original post on the meeting. Special guests include Lisa DeLong Department of Education Complex Area Superintendent of Nanakuli and Waianae, and Dee Jay Mailer, Kamehameha Schools Chief Executive Officer.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Liz Chun to appear on Kukui Connection - Focus on Early Childhood Education

Elisabeth "Liz" Chun, Executive Director of Good Beginnings Alliance, will appear next Sunday on Kukui Connection, the weekly talk show hosted by Rep. Marilyn Lee. The show airs at 4 p.m., Sunday, September 25th on Olelo Ch. 54. (Repeats on 10/9 and 10/23)

Liz Chun has been with Good Beginnings Alliance for 14 years, but her connection to and experience in early childhood education goes back many years before that. Her education and training is in education, she worked at Headstart, ran a private business for 13 years on consulting with families on how to work with young children, joined the Governor's Office of Children and Youth in 1993, worked at the Department of Human Services in 1996, and then began with Good Beginnings Alliance in 1997.

Good Beginnings is what is called an "intermediary organization". They don't do direct service, but bring community concerns to others who do policy making. Their role is to encourage good policy for young children (0-8), and to help increase resources for this age group. They look at the full spectrum of safety and health, and how well children are ready to succeed in school. This includes prevention of child abuse.

Hawaii has good access to health care for young children, although there are still gap groups. Hawaii does poorly, however, in dental health.

Liz talks about how the poor economy has resulted in great cutbacks which have impacted children's care dramatically. They are working to provide continued support for children through other resources, including starting the children's advocacy project "Be My Voice".

Liz is encouraged that Governor Abercrombie has appointed Terry Lock to be the Early Childhood coordinator, and hopes this may lead to the development of an Early Childhood Education office.

Strategies include community mobilization, social media, and having people speak up and "be a voice."

There are 80,000 children under 5 years in Hawaii, and they can't speak for themselves. These organizations strive to be their voice.

The Good Beginnings website is here.

The Be My Voice campaign website is here.

In 2008, Liz Chun testified on Early Education in Washington DC before the House Committee on Education and Labor. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono introduced her in this video:

What's going on with UH-West Oahu?

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

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

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

Friday, September 16, 2011

Lawmakers held summit on substance abuse

Representative John Mizuno, Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, Representative Faye Hanohano and the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition today at the Capitol held a legislative summit and panel discussion on substance abuse.

Topics discussed included adolescent substance abuse, prevention, treatment, intervention, and the criminal justice system.

Panelists included Dr. William Haning, Professor of Psychiatry at UH Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine; Janice Bennett, Hawaii Drug Court Administrator; Linda Rich, Executive Director of The Salvation Army Family Treatment Services; Alan Shinn, Executive Director of the Coalition for A Drug Free Hawaii; JoAnn Yukimura, Vice Chair of the Central Drug Prevention on Kauai; and a person recovering from drug addition and their family member.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Facebook Presence

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. Henry Aquino

Rep. Karen Awana

Rep. Della Au Belatti

Rep. Gilbert Keith-Agaran

Rep. John Mizuno has 2 accounts

Rep. James Kunane Tokioka

Rep. Jessica Wooley

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:

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."

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.

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.

You can view all the measures introduced here. View the list of Acts passed here.

Here are the bills that passed:

HB1 Relating to Social Welfare

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.

HB14 Relating to Capital Improvement Projects

Appropriates funds for CIP. Appropriates funds for debt service. Amends the GO bond declaration to conform to such appropriations.

HB15 Relating to the Emergency Environmental Workforce

Establishes the Emergency Environmental Workforce

HB16 Relating to Procurement

Raises small purchase procurement exception dollar ceiling temporarily. Provides a state resident preference for certain public contracts.

SB2 Relating to Temporary Health Insurance for Unemployed Persons

Provides temporary health insurance for unemployed persons who lost their health insurance on or after September 11, 2001.

SB3 Relating to Unemployment

Creates a temporary program providing additional benefits to unemployed workers by extending their unemployment insurance benefits.

SB5 Relating to Filing Thresholds for Certain Taxes

Increases the filing thresholds for taxpayers filing withholding, general excise, use, transient accommodations, and rental motor vehicle and tour vehicle surcharge tax returns

SB6 Relating to Taxation of Transportation Service Providers

Imposes the general excise tax, instead of the public service company tax, on transportation service providers.

SB8 Relating to Income Tax Credits

Amends hotel construction and remodeling tax credit. Provides a residential construction and remodeling tax credit.

SB10 Making an appropriation for marketing and promoting the safety of and increased security at state airports

SB11 Relating to Transportation

Appropriates funds to strengthen security at state airports, state harbors, and state highways. Appropriates funds for other improvements at state airports.

SB12 Relating to the Emergency Budget and Reserve Fund

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.

SB13 Relating to State Finances

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.

HB17 Relating to Economic Emergency

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

Rep Choy's Prevailing Winds, September 2011 issue

Prevailing Winds Vol 3 Issue 8 - Sept 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

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

Last week Monday, the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) Distinguished Service Medal was awarded to Representative K. Mark Takai, who is also a Major in the Hawaii Army National Guard. He was presented the award during the 133 NGAUS General Conference at the Frontier Airlines Center in Milwaukee. The award is given to a member of the Armed Forces who has shown exceptionally outstanding service to the United States Government, to the Armed Forces of the United States or to NGAUS.

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

The Senate will tomorrow hold a special session to take a final vote on the nomination of Deputy Public Defender Karen Nakasone to a 10-year year term as a Oahu Circuit Court Judge. She testified and answered questions from members of the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee, who today voted 4-0 to approve her nomination.

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.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Rep Chris Lee: Getting Women Equal Power Where It Counts

The following article from Rep. Chris Lee was published on Civil Beat yesterday

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.

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

News Release on Rep. Lee's Election as WLN President

WLN Board Officer Press Release 2011-2012

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:

Representative Lee's NCSL-Legislative Summit Travel Report

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.

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.

You can view more video footage on YouTube here. (OrdnanceReefHawaii). Here's a sample:

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.

Rep. Pono Chong on NCSL Exec Committee

NR NCSL Exec RepChong

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.