State House Honors Youth Football Program

 State House Honors Youth Football Program

Today the House honored the Coaching Boys Into Men (CBIM) program, created by Futures Without Violence and implemented in Hawaii by the non-profit Ala Kuola. The program equips athletic coaches with strategies, scenarios and resources needed to build attitudes and behaviors among young male athletes that promote respectful, healthy relationships. Coaches have numerous opportunities to teach early and often that violence has no place in relationships. 

The event was organized by Edwin K. Flores, Ala Kuola and Vice Speaker John Mizuno. The following athletic directors and coaches were in attendance: 

Athletic Directors:  Blake Moritsugu (Aiea H.S.), Mark Brilhante (Kalaheo H.S.), Gregory Van Cantfort (Kalani H.S.), Kelly Jack Sur (Radford H.S.), Thomas Correa (Waiakea H.S.), Sondra Lundvick (Hilo H.S.)

Coaches: Wendell Say (Aiea H.S.), Greg Taguchi (Kalani H.S.), Fred Salanoa (Radford H.S.), Darren Hernandez (Kapolei H.S.), Bryon Moku Pita (Waiakea H.S.), David Baldwin (Hilo H.S.), Cal K. Lee, (Kalani H.S.), Bronson Leafa (Radford H.S.), Keala Pule, Sr. (Hawaii Football Club).

Representative John Mizuno Selected For NCSL Executive Committee

VICE SPEAKER SELECTED FOR NCSL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Honolulu, Hawaii– The National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) has selected Vice Speaker John M. Mizuno to join the NCSL Executive Committee for 2013 to 2014. The Executive Committee provides overall direction on operations of the NCSL. Vice Speaker Mizuno is the only member of the Hawaii State Legislature serving on the Executive Committee.

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of all 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. NCSL, which is composed of legislators and staff from across the country, provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for lawmakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. It is also an effective and respected advocate for the interests of state governments before Congress and federal agencies.

"Vice Speaker Mizuno is an energetic legislator who serves the people of Hawaii and his community with enthusiasm." said Speaker Joseph M. Souki. "His commitment to caring for those in need has made him a compassionate advocate for the underserved, struggling families."

"The NCSL is the premier organization providing communication among state legislatures resulting in improved quality and effectiveness for all states." said Vice Speaker Mizuno. "I am extremely honored and humbled to be able to serve on such an important committee."

Representative Roy Takumi to Serve as Vice Chair of National Education Commission of the States

HOUSE EDUCATION CHAIR SELECTED AS SECOND IN COMMAND OF

NATIONAL EDUCATION COMMISSION

Representative Roy Takumi to Serve as Vice-Chair of the Education Commission of the States

The Education Commission of the States (ECS) elected Hawaii State Representative Roy Takumi as the next ECS Vice-Chair at the National Forum on Education Policy held in Atlanta recently. He will serve a two-year term.

ECS was created in 1965 when states and territories made a commitment to work together to tackle tough education problems. Through ECS, state policymakers and education leaders exchange information, ideas and experiences to improve public education. ECS supports their work by providing nonpartisan and unbiased research, analysis, and technical assistance on education issues from Pre-K to postsecondary.

“I look forward to working with ECS Chair, Governor Brian Sandoval of Nevada, and the other ECS commissioners to continue to push for education reform that provides opportunities for students across the nation,” said Takumi.

“ECS thanks Representative Takumi for his willingness to be part of our leadership team. We are looking forward to working with him to advance states’ educational priorities and improve student achievement across the country,” ECS President Jeremy Anderson said.

ECS is the only nationwide, nonpartisan organization that works directly with governors, legislators, chief state school officers, higher education officials and other leaders across all areas of education, from Pre-K to college and the workforce. We track policy, translate research, provide advice and create opportunities for state policymakers to learn from one another. ECS is located in Denver and maintains the nation’s most extensive clearinghouse on education policy.

See: http://www.ecs.org/html/aboutECS/ECS_exec_mgt_bios.htm

Alahou Clean and Sober Honored

ALAHOU CLEAN & SOBER HONORED

Received a $30,000 Grant-in-Aid from State Legislature

Alahou Clean & Sober, the only long-term housing facility on the Big Island for individuals with a dual diagnosis of addiction combined with mental illness, was honored in Kona for its work with at-risk individuals. The facility is unique in that half of the Board of Directors is comprised of Alahou residents. There is also a Residents Council made up of residents who monitor each other for suspected drug or alcohol use. Alahou is an ohana of 60 family members where everyone participates and supports each other.

"When Po'ailani pulled out they left 72 residents, several who were severely mentally ill, who would have become homeless if we had not stepped in." said Sandi McCoy, Executive Director of Alahou Clean & Sober. "We were left with nothing as Po'ailani took all the toilet paper, soap, cleaning supplies, everything so we literally rose from ashes just like the phoenix which is our symbol. Alahou means New Beginning."

"Alahou performs a crucial function in the Kona community providing a safe, sober and stable environment for some of our most at-risk individuals," said Representative Nicole Lowen (Kailua-Kona, Holualoa, Kalaoa, Honokohau). "Sandi has done a terrific job at Alahou which is more like one big ohana where everyone looks after each other."

"The grant-in-aid funds from both the State and the County were necessary due to the loss of funds from an annual grant from Shipper's Wharf and lower funding from United Way." said Vice Speaker John Mizuno who, along with Rep. Lowen, presented Sandi McCoy with a certificate recognizing her achievements. "It is so important to keep facilities like Alahou open to help individuals who would have no other option than homelessness."

Kauai Biofuels Grant

KAUAI RECEIVES $5 MILLION FROM DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FOR BIOFUELS PROJECT

Local Bio Energy Company Receives Funding to Develop

Photosynthetic Open Pond System in Lihue

Hawaii BioEnergy was awarded a $5 million grant to develop a cost-effective photosynthetic open pond system to produce algal oil at its research facility near Lihue, Kauai. The funding is part of $22 million in new investments by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop cost-competitive algae fuels and streamline the supply chain for advanced biofuels across the country. Funding for the project will enable continued research into advance biofuels technologies that reduce energy use and the overall cost of extracting lipids and producing fuel intermediates.

Kauai Representative Dee Morikawa (Niihau, Lehua, Waimea, Koloa) praised the DOE’s announcement, “Hawaii has long been at the forefront of developing alternative energies and I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Energy has recognized our efforts in pursing energy security. As an island state we are extremely dependent and vulnerable to the availability of imported oil.  We must continue to foster growth in renewable energy technologies to strengthen our local economy and, most importantly, to continue a positive transition towards clean and efficient energy. This project adds to a number of other alternative energy initiatives on Kauai including solar farms and biomass production” she said.

The award is a significant step towards meeting the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, which seeks to relieve our state’s dependence on oil by setting goals and a roadmap to achieve 70% clean energy by 2030, with 30% from efficiency measures and 40% from locally generated renewable sources.

In 2008, the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative generated more than 90% of its energy from imported oil. The utility currently has plans to produce 35% of its energy through renewable sources by the end of 2014.

The full DOE announcement is available at: http://energy.gov/articles/secretary-moniz-announces-new-biofuels-projects-drive-cost-reductions-technological

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Communications Assistant Director Appointment

STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES APPOINTS

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

 

William Nhieu has been appointed the Assistant Director of Communications for the Hawaii State House of Representatives Majority Caucus.

Nhieu has a range of administrative, legislative, analytical, and public relations experience gained from positions across public and government affairs. In addition to working in local government, he has broad experience in the effective use and implementation of social and emerging media communications. 

Past positions include serving as a Po’okela Fellow and Neighborhood Assistant at the City and County of Honolulu, Legislative Aide to Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, and Committee Clerk for the Hawaii Senate Special Committee on Accountability and the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Tourism.

“William represents the upcoming generation of young professionals with the skills necessary to keep up with progressing technological trends in the new 21^st century workplace. With his knowledge and experience, the State House will be better positioned to reach an audience across the entire state of Hawaii,” said Director of Communications Carolyn Tanaka.

For media and public inquiries relating to the State House, he can be reached at W.Nhieu@capitol.hawaii.gov or 587-7242.