Aiea-Pearl City Town Hall Meeting on Kam Drive-In redevelopment and other issues

State lawmakers will hold a Town Hall Meeting to update the community on several issues and projects in Aiea and Pearl City, including an update on the redevelopment of Kam Drive-In into a residential-business area.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2011 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Pearl Ridge Elementary School Cafeteria. Light refreshments will be served.

Discussions will focus on the following topics:


Kam Drive-in Development: Representative Blake Oshiro will talk about the planning and permitting process, specifically with the City and County of Honolulu Planning and Permitting Department and the Honolulu City Council, and provide further updates on the proposed redevelopment by Robertson Properties Group of the old Kam Drive-In site, currently home of the Kam Swap Meet. This is an opportunity for the community to learn how they can get involved.

Robertson Properties Group (Los Angeles, CA) wants to change the property zoning from B-2 Community Business district to BMX-3 Community Business Mixed-Use. If this zoning change is approved, it will allow the property to have residential uses, additional building heights, and commercial uses. The proposed project may include 1500 residential units composed of three 35-story towers, 220,000 square feet of commercial retail space, and a possible 150-room suburban hotel.

Robertson Properties Group held a scoping meeting on May 16, 2011 at Pearl Ridge Elementary School regarding their proposed redevelopment. The company informed the community of its plans to create an Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice. The community was offered the opportunity to submit comments and questions for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, and was informed that PBR Hawaii and Associates Inc. would accept comments and questions until June 6, 2011.


Kaimakani Street: Representative Blake Oshiro and the City and County of Honolulu will discuss the issue of Kaimakani Street, which has a section that requires much improvement because of hazardous conditions during heavy rainfall. The issue is whether jurisdiction and maintenance lies with the City or the State. A resolution passed this session requests DLNR to report findings and recommendations regarding ownership of the road to the Legislature before the start of the 2012 Legislative Session.

Aloha Stadium: Stadium Manager Scott Chan, DAGS Comptroller Bruce Coppa, and DAGS Planning Branch Manager Chris Kinimaka will give presentations on the status of repairs.

New Aiea Public Library: Glenn Miura, a representative from CDS International, the Honolulu-based architectural company working on the new Aiea Public Library, will present updates and answer questions on the progress of the project. The library will be built on the former sugar mill site just above the intersection of Aiea Heights Drive and Halewiliko Street.



The present schematic design captures Aiea's sugar mill heritage, is "open" and relies on natural light, and emphasizes energy conservation. Planned photo-voltaic panels on the roof would generate some of the building's electrical needs. The new library will meet at least the "Silver" designation of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) which is an internationally recognized green building certification system.

The current estimated timetable calls for the schematic design to be finalized in May, the preliminary design in August, the pre-final design in November, and the final design in January, 2012. The estimated construction schedule shows the contract bid in March 2012, contract award in June, begin work in August, and completion in November 2013. Allowing time to move from the existing library, the new library is estimated to open for public use in January 2014.

The meeting is sponsored by Senators David Ige, Donna Mercado Kim and Representatives Blake Oshiro, Roy Takumi, K. Mark Takai and Aaron Ling Johanson.

For more information, please call the office of Representative Blake K. Oshiro at 808-586-6340.

HHSC - Update on New Electronic Medical Records System

Dr. Bruce Anderson, President and CEO of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) sent out the following message yesterday. HHSC is our state's public hospital system.

July 14, 2011

MEMORANDUM

FROM: Bruce S. Anderson

President and Chief Executive Officer

TO: HHSC Employees and Medical Staff

SUBJECT: ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS UPDATE

I am extremely pleased to announce that the HHSC Corporate Board of Directors, during its monthly meeting held at the Kona Community Hospital today, Thursday, July 14, 2011, unanimously approved a motion that allows management to enter into a contract with Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. for a new Electronic Medical Record system.

The board approval is the outcome of a comprehensive process that involved extensive discussion and collaboration among the HHSC regions and corporate office representatives from a range of functions, including: physicians, nursing, pharmacy, imaging, laboratory, therapies, revenue cycle, information technology, contracting, legal, administration, etc. Equally important, the selected vendor was able to respond effectively to the unique needs of our community-hospital system that provides acute, critical access, and long-term care to our island communities.

EMR is the new way that all hospitals, including all HHSC facilities, are required to keep patient records. The project involves bringing technology to HHSC in a manner that will drive excellence and automation in all of our operations. The EMR system will keep track of our patients' health and medical history in a computerized electronic format. All patient files, including history, diagnosis, medications, and other important information will be kept electronically and safely secured.

The HIS/EMR contract will include the following HHSC regions: West Hawaii - Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital; Maui – Maui Memorial Medical Center; Kula Hospital, and Lanai Community Hospital; Oahu – Leahi Hospital, Maluhia, and Kahuku Medical Center; Kauai – West Kauai Medical Center and Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital.

The HHSC East Hawaii region – Hilo Medical Center, Ka'u Hospital, and Hale Ho'ola Hamakua – started its switch to EMR in May 2010, and will join the other regions in utilizing the accompanying Health Information System (HIS) function for some of its financials (i.e., patient accounting, order entry, admitting, etc.)

At this point, HHSC management is examining various funding options, and hopes to finalize a five-year contract with Siemens Medical Solutions, USA, Inc. by the end of July 2011.

Your regional leadership and I will be sure to keep you abreast on any new developments, including when the contract is finalized and details of the first phase of implementation.

On behalf of the HHSC Corporate Board of Directors, my sincere appreciation goes out to all of the HHSC hospital and Medical Staff, who have actively participated in this on-going effort up to this point, and who remain committed to making this implementation a success!

Help for State Facilities Upkeep

The state-owned Kamamalu Building, located on the corner of Richards St. and King St., is one of the facilities that might benefit from the new law.

New Law Encourages Renovation of State Buildings through Public/Private Partnerships

Honolulu, Hawaii. A new law will make it easier for the state to repair, renovate and maintain state facilities. Governor Abercrombie signed House Bill 1505 into law as Act 231. The measure creates a state facility renovation partnership program which provides the State with the ability to enter into public-private partnerships while allowing the State to retain the land under the building and charge lease rent via a ground lease on the property.

"As we have entered a new day in Hawaii, I am pleased that Governor Abercrombie has signed HB1505 into law because this bill provides the State with the ability to engage in 'out-of-the-box' financing for the repair and maintenance of our state buildings," said Rep. Sharon Har, the bill's introducer. "These types of public-private partnerships work in other states and will assist the State of Hawaii in moving forward with our ailing building infrastructure."

The state facility renovation partnership program will be administered by the Department of Accounting and General Services. The department is now responsible for conducting a comprehensive review of all state office facilities and to compile a list of priority facilities best suited for the program.

The department may then enter into an agreement with a private investor for the sale of the facility. The private investor would renovate, maintain or construct the facility, and lease the facility to the state. The state would maintain ownership of the land beneath the facility. The state would have the option to purchase the facility back from the private investor.

"The condition of our state facilities is a reflection on state government," added Rep. Har. "Act 231 provides the state with another tool to keep our state facilities safe, clean, and a source of pride for the people of Hawaii."

NAFTA Update

Rep. Roy Takumi is featured in the July/August issue of Capitol Ideas, the magazine published by the Council of State Governments.

Trade Deals Get More Attention Due to NAFTA

The way Hawaii Rep. Roy Takumi sees it, states didn’t pay close attention to the impact free trade agreements would have on state policies in the 1990s, when Congress passed the North American Free Trade Agreement, known as NAFTA.

They’re paying attention now.

“As (free trade agreements) started to proliferate, legislators, including myself, became more aware of how these trade agreements went beyond international trade and encroached into what (were) matters that states and only states historically dealt with,” Takumi said. That includes procurement, investment and service policies.

As Congress considers additional trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, state policymakers are taking action and making their concerns known. That includes what they perceive as lost jobs.

But Takumi and others say it goes well beyond that.

“In every (free trade agreement), there may be sections that are benefits and others that are not,” he said. “Or it could be beneficial/negative to some states and not to others.”

Read the full story here.

Hawaii bans use of "mental retardation" in all state statutes

Yesterday, a bill that eliminates the usage "mental retardation, retarded, or like terms" in state statutes was signed into law by Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie. The measure was authored and introduced by Rep. John Mizuno.

The new law is similar to Rosa's Law, which changes references in federal law from "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability", and references to a "mentally retarded individual" to an "individual with an intellectual disability". The federal law replicates a state law that was passed in Maryland through the efforts of the family of Rosa Marcellino, a 9-year-old girl with Down Syndrome, and their state representative.

Drinks on the House?

The Ohio Statehouse is making all kinds of national and local news today. Starting Monday, July 11th, Ohio's state capitol will re-open a remodeled cafe which now includes a full service bar, open to the public.

According to the Associated Press, the Ohio capitol building cafe, located in Columbus, will sell beer, wine and liquor. It will have flat-screen televisions and will be open to the public during certain hours. It will also be available for special events and private "happy hours".

Well, it does sound like a revenue generating activity. As for Hawaii, no plans are brewing, but an outdoor cafe/bar in the rotunda would be lovely, don't you think?

Kauai: Lawmakers out and about

 

Photo by Dennis Fujimoto/ The Garden Island

Rep. Derek Kawakami was at the groundbreaking of Pa'anau Village on July 7, 2011.  This is the second phase of the project and will allow 50 families to rent affordable housing on the South Shore. You can read the entire article at The Garden Island. In the photo, Rep. Kawakami chats with Gary Mackler of the county Housing Agency.

Capitol Blood Drive

Rep. Marcus Oshiro and Rep. Tom Brower joined many at the Hawaii State Capitol in donating blood to the Blood Bank of Hawaii to help save lives. The event was sponsored by Senate President Shan S. Tsutsui.

If you've never given blood, consider these facts from the American Red Cross the next time you hear about a blood drive:

• Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.
• More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.
• Donating blood is a safe process. A sterile needle is used only once for each donor and then discarded.
• Blood donation is a simple four-step process: registration, medical history and mini-physical, donation and refreshments.

Hope to see you at the next blood drive!

Waianae Town Hall airs on Olelo

PROGRAM NOTE: If you missed Rep. Jo Jordan's Waianae Legislative Town Hall meeting on June 15th, you can catch up on Olelo, channel 54 on the following dates and times:

Sunday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 12 at 11:20 a.m.

Wednesday, July 13 at 8:00 a.m.

Thursday, July 14 at 1:00 p.m.

Geothermal Energy Informational Briefing

Innovations Development Group (IDG), a Hawaii-based company already in joint venture partnerships with groups in New Zealand to develop geothermal resources, presented information on geothermal development, opined on needed state energy policy changes, and provided a proposal to House and Senate lawmakers.


Who is Innovations Development Group? They have a website here and a copy of their Powerpoint presentation to state lawmakers is here.

Social Media Proper Use Policy

I've had a couple of requests recently on whether the House of Representatives has a social media policy. Actually, we put one together back in 2009, so it's probably time to revisit it and see if it needs an update. I thought it might be worthwhile publishing it again here and welcome comments. Printable version here.

Hawaii House of Representatives

Social Media – Proper Use Policy

Social Media including Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, and other Internet based media, are powerful communication tools. We use them for various purposes, both public and private, and it’s important to distinguish between the two when using social media at and for work. If it is your personal opinion, you should make clear that views expressed are personal and not necessarily the views of your representative, office, other employees or the House. However, even with that disclaimer, the following specific policies and guidelines shall apply.

Personal or private use during work hours is strictly prohibited. Any such use should occur on employee's personal, after hours or break times, provided that use of government computers is prohibited because of the potential misuse or possible threats to system. Any and all personal/private use must be on personal or private computer equipment.

When using social media at work and as part of your job, the following rules shall be adhered to because whether you are posting as yourself or for your representative, there remains a public image that is being presented and any posting can potentially be discovered by others and possibly broadcast to millions.

1. Any disparaging or extremely negative comments about specific individuals could be defamatory or could invade their privacy. Thus, these statements shall be avoided.

2. Do not disclose any confidential or proprietary information. This could subject you or the House to liability.

3. Photographs, video clips, pictures or other images of any person should only be used with their permission unless it was obtained and used for public dissemination (e.g. media clips, official House proceedings, etc.) since private persons have rights to the use of their images.

4. When using material from another source, especially when blogging, proper credit to the source must be given to avoid any copyright, trademark or other intellectual property issues.

5. Private or personal use of the Hawai`i State Seal, or other official symbols without prior authorization is prohibited.

6. Business promotion, endorsement of products, marketing or any other business enterprise is prohibited.

7. Campaign or electoral related postings, statements, or images are strictly prohibited.

8. Use shall also be consistent with the House's policy on computer use and equipment.

Violations of these policies may result in reprimand, suspension or termination with or without notice.

In addition to the above required policies, the following guidelines are recommended:

1. Don’t tweet or post when you are angry or in a bad mood. You may say something you’ll regret.

2. It’s always a good idea to pause, read over, and make sure you are really ready to press “send”. If in doubt, don’t send.

3. Remember that your bosses can go back and check what you’re tweeting or posting, and at what time of day. Therefore, don’t show off your awesome “Bejewelled” or “Farmville” scores, for example, when you are supposed to be working.

4. You want to come across as a real person, not a robot. Don’t be afraid to show your personality as long as you don’t embarrass yourself, your representative, or the legislature.

5. Be informative, be interesting, be respectful and be real.

Reduced Ignition Propensity Cigarettes Special Fund

Governor Abercrombie today signed into law House Bill 605 which establishes a special fund for the "Reduced Ignition Propensity Cigarette" program. This advancement will allow the State Fire Council to move forward with the administration and staffing of the program. Reduced ignition propensity cigarettes are essentially fire-safe cigarettes that are rolled with a low-ignition paper and more easily go out on their own if left untended. The legislation to establish the program passed in 2008.

“This legislation now provides our county firefighters additional resources to fight fires, protect our families and property at no additional cost to the people of Hawaii,” said Rep. Ryan Yamane who introduced the bill this year, as well as the legislation passed in 2008. “I truly believe that these measures will not only save lives, but protect our homes and our ‘aina from the devastation of wildfire.”

The bill was one of several signed into law today related to fire safety.

“Governor Neil Abercrombie signed three legislative bills that passed the 2011 session into law on July 5, 2011 that have a significant impact on the fire and emergency services in Hawaii," said Chair of the State Fire Council and Honolulu Fire Chief Kenneth Silva. "The first two measures will enable the Hawaii State Fire Council (SFC) the ability to hire personnel to administer state mandated programs including adoption of the State Fire Code and the Reduced Ignition Propensity Cigarette Program (RIPC). The third bill protects fire fighters and water safety officers from assault during the line of duty."

Learn more about the legislation on RIPC:

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2008/lists/getstatus2.asp?billno=HB2438

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2011/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=605

###

Governor signs SB1025

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

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

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

Rep. Isaac Choy - July Prevailing Winds

Click here to view a copy of the July edition of "Prevailing Winds"

Cultural Gems

Submitted by the Office of Rep. Tom Brower:

During the interim, Rep. Brower has been keeping busy with site visits to learn about our cultural gems across the island, which he often views from the perspective of Tourism Chair.

A. APEC Sites

Today, he joined the House International Affairs committee to visit the Honolulu International Airport, East-West Center and the Hawaii Convention Center and assess their "APEC readiness.

Of particular importance were the airport upgrades with moving walkways, healthier food and beverage concessions, and 1800-stall parking structure, part of the $2.3 billion modernization program approved in 2006 to improve passenger service and increase security and operational efficiencies.

(From Left): SMG General Manager Joe Davis with Reps. Evans, Brower, Awana and McKelvey. The Hawai‘i Convention Center has received its 13th consecutive Prime Site Award from Facilities & Destinations magazine.

B. Legacy Lands

This interim, Rep. Brower has joined Senate Vice-Chair of Hawaiian Affairs, Pohai Ryan, to visit Fong Plantation (Kaneohe), Sunset Ranch, Turtle Bay, and Hawaii Agricultural Research Station (Waipahu).

The Dept. of Land and Natural Resources "Legacy Land Conservation Program" (LLCP) provides grants to local organizations and agencies seeking to purchase and protect lands having these unique and rare valuable resources.

The 700-acre Fong Plantation, which is filled with tropical fruit, palms, ferns, and fragrant flowers, originally belonged to King Lunalilo. Former Senator Hiram L. Fong, who purchased it in 1950, is well-known for being the first Asian American presidential candidate (1964).

(From Left): Reps. Hashem and Brower, Hiram Fong Jr., Sen. Ryan and guest at the Plantation.

Act 48 - What's it all about?

The following is provided by the Office of Rep. Robert Herkes, Chair, House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce

Act 48 (SB 651) – Executive Summary

Act 48 (SB 651) provides comprehensive amendments to Hawaii's foreclosure processes that provide greater protection and fairness for owner-occupants of homes.

The following summarizes the major provisions concerning mortgage foreclosures.

Temporary Mortgage Foreclosure Dispute Resolution Program

· A 3-year Mortgage Foreclosure Dispute Resolution Program will be in operation no later than October 1, 2011, for nonjudicial foreclosures of residential real property occupied by mortgagors who have been owner-occupants for at least 200 days immediately before the initiation of a foreclosure proceeding.

· The purpose of the program is to reach an agreement that avoids foreclosure or mitigates damages in cases where foreclosure is unavoidable. The program is not intended to provide a bail-out for owner-occupants or prevent all foreclosures.

· If an owner-occupant elects to participate in the Program, the foreclosing mortgagee must participate.

· Under the program, the owner-occupant and mortgagee, or their representatives, must meet in at least one dispute resolution session with a neutral.

· Initial funding for the Program will be provided from the Compliance Resolution Special Fund which amounts will be reimbursed from various filing fees. The Program will then be sustained by continuous funding from these filing fees.

· The DCCA must report to the Legislature prior to the 2012 and 2013 Regular Sessions on the operations and outcomes of the Program.

· Owner-occupants who elect to participate in the Program cannot also convert their nonjudical foreclosure to a judicial foreclosure.

· The Program will sunset on September 30, 2014.

· More information is available on the DCCA website at: http://hawaii.gov/dcca/oah/mfdr/mortagage-foreclosure-dispute-resolution-mfdr-program.

Temporary Conversion Option from Nonjudicial to Judicial Foreclosure

· Until December 31, 2012, there is a stream-lined procedure for an owner-occupant of a residential property subject to nonjudicial foreclosure to convert to a judicial foreclosure except:

o In cases of foreclosures of association liens for condominiums; and

o If the mortgagor has elected to participate in the Mortgage Foreclosure Dispute Resolution Program.

· A phase-in period until August 15, 2011, will allow owner-occupants currently undergoing a nonjudicial foreclosure to convert to a judicial foreclosure provided that the nonjudicial foreclosure has not been completed.

Temporary Moratorium on Certain Nonjudicial Foreclosures

A moratorium on new nonjudicial foreclosures under the old nonjudicial process (Chapter 667 Part I) will be in effect until July 1, 2012.

Permanent Amendments to the Nonjudical Foreclosure Process

· Personal service of a nonjudicial mortgage foreclosure notice is required.

· The public sale of foreclosed properties may only take place at certain state facilities that are not under the administration of the Judiciary.

· Deficiency judgments are prohibited for most nonjudicial foreclosures.

· Egregious conduct by a foreclosing mortgagee is prohibited. Such conduct includes:

o Completing a nonjudicial foreclosure during the pendency of a bona fide short sale where the offer meets minimum price criteria and escrow is opened and closed during a specified time frame surrounding the noticed public sale;

o Holding a public sale on a date or time or in a place not properly noticed;

o Specifying a fictitious place for the public sale; and

o Completing nonjudicial foreclosure proceedings during loan modification negotiations with the mortgagor or while the mortgagor is being evaluated for entry into a federal loan modification program.

· Nonjudicial foreclosures by junior lienholders will be barred or suspended during the pendency of a nonjudicial foreclosure by a mortgagee in certain circumstances.

Tighter Regulation of Mortgage Servicers

· Mortgage foreclosure actions taken by an unlicensed nonexempt mortgage servicer will be void.

· Starting July 1, 2012, certain large mortgage servicers must maintain an office in Hawaii staffed by at least one agent to address consumer inquiries or complaints and to accept service of process. Mortgage servicers may comply with this requirement by contracting with local entities.

The Veto List 2011

Governor Abercrombie released a list of 23 bills that he intends to veto. The veto deadline is July 12, 2011. On the list are:

SB23 Relating to Native Hawaiians (Aha Kiole Advisory Council)

SB590 Relating to the Legislative Federal Economic Stimulus Program Oversight Commission (Extends sunset date to Dec. 31, 2011)

SB1493 Relating to Light Pollution (Requires fully shielded outdoor light fixtures by July 1, 2013)

SB1417 Relating to the State Rehabilitation Council (Minimum number of members for quorum)

SB40 Relating to Pseudoephedrine (Tracking system for sale of products that contain pseudoephdrine)

HB56 Relating to Child Visitation (Grandparent visitation)

SB44 Relating to Public Safety (Inmate rehabilitation and re-entry)

HB318 Relating to Vog (Interagency task force)

SB217 Relating to Limitation of Actions (Statute of limitations, sexual offenses against minors)

HB545 Relating to Voter Registration (Online Voter Registration)

HB1405 Relating to Planning (Greenways and trails)

HB667 Relating to Food Safety (Food safety and security program within DOA)

SB1511 Relating to Aquaculture (Increases maximum lease terms)

SB1559 Relating to Important Agricultural Lands (Establishes incentives)

HB680 Relating to Kakaako (Kakaako Makai Community Planning Advisory Council, Repeal)

HB1520 Relating to Renewable Energy (PUC, On-bill financing)

HB1134 Relating to Prepaid Health Care Repeals Part V of Hawaii Prepaid Health Care Act and Act 99 SLH 1994)

HB1155 Relating to Repeat Offenders

HB1164 Relating to Public Lands (Allows sale of Sand Island parcels to leaseholders)

HB1230 Relating to Building Permits (Exempts construction for certain non-residential structures)

HB1505 Relating to State Facilities (State renovation public-private partnership)

HB1654 Relating to Group Living Facilities

SB49 Relating to Correctional Facilities (Deaths, reporting requirements)

HSAC Legislators of the Year

Congratulations to Rep. Marcus Oshiro and Senate President Shan Tsutsui for both being named"Legislator of the Year" by the Hawaii State Association of Counties (HSAC).

The awards were presented yesterday at the Grand Wailea Resort on Maui where HSAC held their annual meeting for 2011.

Rep. Oshiro shares a laugh with Maui County Council Chair Danny Mateo after presenting "omiyage" from Oahu - plastic bags. The Maui County Council voted to ban plastic bags last year, effective January 2011, and they have now become a rarity on Maui. Guess it's working!

Update - Jordan's Journal with Rep. Sharon Har

Olelo has added two more viewing dates for the "Jordan's Journal" episode with guest Rep. Sharon Har. The series is hosted/produced by Rep. Jo Jordan. One is coming up this weekend - Sunday, June 26th at 3:00 p.m. Olelo Ch. 54. The other repeat date is Tuesday, June 28th at 10:30 p.m.

Dont' forget, Rep. Har will hold a Transportation Issues community meeting in Kapolei next Thursday. June 30th, Kapolei High School Cafeteria, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Traffic is a serious issue for residents in West Oahu. Come to the meeting to hear the latest on transportation developments and voice your concerns.

Wahiawa Post-Session Forum with Rep. Marcus Oshiro, June 28

Marcus Oshiro Post-Session Forum