Public Access Room's Suzanne Marinelli Honored

For more than 20 years, she was a fixture in the Hawaii Legislative Reference Bureau’s Public Access Room (PAR). She was a fount of information and could tell you where to find things when it came to anything dealing with the Legislature. And more often than not, she was the person you sought, whether you were a veteran researcher or a member of the public struggling to understand the legislative process for the first time.

Today, Suzanne Marinelli, Coordinator for LRB’s Public Access Room, retires. And there will be more than a few civic minded citizens who will feel the loss.

“Everyone who has had to negotiate and find their way through the Legislature knows Suzanne, her staff and the PAR’s office,” said House Speaker Joseph M. Souki.

“Whether you needed to track a bill, find out who your legislator is, where his office is, or how and when to submit testimony on a measure, Suzanne and her staff could always be counted on to help you. She provided an invaluable service and will be missed.”

“She made it easier and more satisfying for so many ordinary citizens to take part in government through her professionalism and dedication,” said Rep. Calvin Say, Speaker Emeritus, who introduced a resolution in the House recognizing her years of contributions. “At a time when we bemoan the lack of citizen participation in government, she has done much to reverse that trend.”

Marinelli moved to Kauai in 1984 from Virginia, and relocated to Oahu after she lost her home to Hurricane Iniki in 1992. It was while working for a local organization who wanted to establish a presence at the Legislature that she discovered and became engrossed with the role and workings of the Public Access Room. She joined the Public Access Room as a part-timer and eventually became its coordinator in 2000.

“I was fascinated to see the mechanism of governance up close, to watch as legislators sought balance among competing interests and as they endeavored to craft solutions to address the needs of our islands’ many populations,” Marinelli said.

Virginia Beck succeeds Marinelli as the new PAR coordinator and Keanu Young is the new assistant coordinator.

The Public Access Room serves the public by providing facilities, services and equipment to enhance their ability to participate in the legislative process. It provides the public with work space to do research and hold small meetings; computers with free internet access to monitor news and legislative hearings; copiers and fax machines to facilitate paper work; and reference materials including Hawai’s session laws, journals and local directories.

The staff assists individuals with understanding the bill process, the status of bills and how to submit testimony in support or opposition to measures. PAR also conducts helpful workshops both on and off site, publishes online newsletters and information sheets. Its service is free and staff members assume a neutral, non-partisan position on all issues.

For more information on the services provided of the Public Access Room and useful information about the Hawaii State Legislature, visit their website at http://lrbhawaii.org/par/.

PAR was established in 1990 by the Legislature to improve public access to legislative information. Originally staffed by community volunteers, PAR was made part of a permanent public access program in 1994, offering a year-round staff and services. In 1996, PAR was transferred to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Kauai Rep. Dee Morikawa to Chair Committee on Human Services

 
Representative Dee Morikawa (Niihau, Lehua, Koloa, Waimea) has been tapped as Chair of the House Committee on Human Services, where she has served as a member since first elected in 2010. Morikawa succeeds Rep. Mele Carroll, who earlier this week announced her resignation from the Hawaii State Legislature due to health complications.

The scope of the committee focuses upon programs relating to financial assistance, medical assistance, vocational rehabilitation, social welfare services, and the general well-being of the state's elderly and youth, including juvenile correctional services.

“First of all, my thoughts and prayers are with Mele and her family,” Morikawa said. “As chair, she did much to help us focus on helping those who need our compassion and assistance, and I look forward to carrying on her good work.”

Morikawa noted that her familiarity with the subject matter of the human services, housing and health committees should be valuable in her new position.

"The issues are all related, and I think the chairs know each other and work well together, in sharing information and collaborating on clarifying and developing policies," she said.

Morikawa most recently served for the last four years as Vice Chair of the Health Committee. She currently also sits as a member of the Committees on Housing, Judiciary, and Health.

Also on the committee are Vice Chair Bertrand Kobayashi and Reps. Della Au Belatti, Jo Jordan, Marcus R. Oshiro, Beth Fukumoto Chang, Richard P. Creagan, Mark J. Hashem.

2015 House Majority Package Focuses on Modernizing Government

Leaders of the state House of Representatives majority today announced their package of priorities for the 2015 legislative session. House majority lawmakers will focus their combined efforts on three major areas of concern to modernize government: fixing public infrastructure, facilitating business and increasing participation in government.

“There are some challenges facing our State that need to be fixed and not deferred,” said House Majority Leader Scott K. Saiki (McCully, Kaheka, Kakaako and Downtown). “This includes, for example, the Hawaii Health Connector, the public hospital system, housing, the electric grid, and our prisons. The solutions may be long-term, so we want to spend the next year setting the framework to address them. Our committee chairs are very positive and will work constructively with the Governor, the Senate, and other stakeholders.”

HOUSE DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY PACKAGE

Our State is only 55 years old. Yet, some of the most urgent needs are provided through outdated means. In the next year, we will work to set a framework to modernize government. Our work will be based on the needs of real people in our communities. Our solutions will be guided by our core Democratic principles of tolerance, equality, opportunity, and fairness. We welcome the challenge. Here are our goals.

Fix Public Infrastructure

Residents rely on public infrastructure on a daily basis to survive. Some of the infrastructure was created decades ago. We recognize that both physical and non-physical infrastructure needs to be modernized.

• Protect the public interest while modernizing the electrical grid
• Expand telecommunications capacity
• Create a sustainable public hospital system
• Modernize correctional facilities
• Expand affordable housing

Facilitate Business

Everyone benefits from a healthy economy. “Business” is comprised of risk-takers, such as small restaurant owners, farmers, and mom and pop retailers. We can support business by ensuring that government is modernized and adaptable to changing circumstances, just as business is.

• Modernize our tax collection system so that everyone pays their fair share
• Maintain the payment of unfunded long-term public liabilities
• Ensure appropriate transit-oriented development
• Increase local food production
• Protect our military bases
• Expand opportunities for pre-school and school-to-work programs to benefit students and develop our workforce

Increase Participation in Government

The most critical important check on government is an informed and involved citizenry. At minimum, residents should vote. We will work to facilitate, rather than hamper, public involvement in government.

• Standardize voting procedures
• Streamline ethics and campaign spending laws to ensure consistent standards and enforcement
• Increase technology to allow for neighbor island tele-participation

Speaker Souki Calls on House to Tackle Unfinished Business

In his opening day remarks, Speaker of the House Joseph M. Souki called on members of the House of Representatives to focus on doing the “nitty-gritty” work that will allow government to function more efficiently and for Hawaii’s families to pursue their dreams.

In a session that is expected to be business-like in its approach to tackling unfinished matters, Souki asked House members to let the rhetoric settle, roll up their sleeves and “get down to work in workman-like fashion.”

“Last year, I asked you to be bold in tackling some very difficult issues, and you answered the call by increasing minimum wage, restructuring HCDA, and taking care of the state’s unfunded liabilities,” Souki said in highlighting last year’s session.

“But that was yesterday and yesterday’s achievements. This morning, we must begin to take care of today’s business with the same determination and boldness.”

While acknowledging that Oahu’s rail system will help the state direct growth along its transit stations, Souki also raised a cautionary flag on the City’s proposal to raise the general income tax (GET) for rail saying, “We will be holding the City’s feet to the fire and closely scrutinizing its request to extend the GET tax on rail.”

He also identified three specific areas relating to healthcare that fell under the category of unfinished business.

He pointed to the Hawaii Health Connector, the state portal to health insurance under Obamacare, as one of the issues that still needs legislative attention.

“If we are to finish the job of providing universal healthcare, then all stakeholders must come to the table with an open mind and be willing to work hard for that goal,” Souki said.

Souki also called for the House to draft enabling legislation to provide the state’s public hospital the option of looking at private-public partnerships as a way to deal with its mounting financial obligations. In noting recent talks between Maui Memorial Hospital and Hawaii Pacific Health, Souki said such a partnership could save taxpayers significant money and improve healthcare on Maui.

“It behooves us to study this opportunity carefully and look at legislation for this and other potential partnerships,” Souki said.

The Speaker asked lawmakers to pass legislation to create a statewide system to dispense medical marijuana. In 2000, Hawaii became the first state to legalize the growth, possession and use of marijuana for prescribed medical purposes but did not provide for a legal and practical method of acquiring it. A task force set by the Legislature last year recently recommended the creation of dispensaries.

“We must also ensure the well-being of those who have unique health issues and who require a little more compassion from us,” Souki said. “I am speaking of those who need better access to medical marijuana. Yes, it is legal in Hawaii. But there is no legal access to it. The time has come to fix this contradiction.”

Souki also called on House members to look at moving Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) to Halawa by leasing the Kalihi parcel and using the funds to build a new prison or expand the current one in Halawa.

Representative Mele Carroll to resign from State House

Representative Mele Carroll delivered today letters to Governor Ige and House Speaker Souki announcing that on February 1, 2015, with the support of her family and friends, she is resigning from representing the 13th District in the Hawaii State House Representatives.

After consulting with doctors, contemplating her situation, and confirming with her husband and family, Rep. Carroll decided to resign due to her health. Complications from her previous cancer treatments have arisen in the recent months that now affect her quality of life and which may affect her ability to do her job. The time has come for her to address her health and spend quality time with her loved ones and closest friends.

“While it is with deep sadness that I accept the resignation of Rep. Carroll from the State House, I fully understand and support her priorities regarding her health,” said House Speaker Joseph M. Souki. “I speak for every member of the House in wishing her well and in expressing our gratitude for all that she has done for the people of her district, the Legislature and the State of Hawaii.

“Rep. Carroll has worked hard to call attention to the needs and wishes of the people of Maui, and I’ve personally witnessed how much she has sacrificed and seen how passionate she is about her role as their representative.”

Representative Carroll was re-elected on November 4, 2014 to begin her sixth term representing the 13th House district. The 13th District is a “canoe” district that includes East Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Molokini.

"Making the decision to step down has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do. It is a heartbreaking reality that I have to face," Carroll said. "Serving in the State House of Representatives has been a truly rewarding experience. I am thankful that the people of the 13th District have trusted in me to represent them as their elected legislator. Every day that I came to work was a blessing and something I never took for granted. I cannot say enough about the dedication of people I have met in my journey through the State Capitol, they and my fellow legislators have become my family.

"I want to thank Speaker Souki for his support and understanding as I made this difficult decision, as well as Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say for his support during his tenure and while I served as the Chair of the House Hawaiian Legislative Caucus. Both Speakers showed me their compassion and understanding as I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments during my service in the State House. I will never forget the sensitivity and compassion they bestowed upon me. They made my fight a little easier. My colleagues have been a tremendous support throughout my tenure at the Capitol and I am confident the people of Hawaii will continue to be served honorably by our state legislators," Carroll said.

Carroll served as the Chair of the House Committee on Human Services and as a member for the Committees on Health and Housing. During her tenure, she also served as the chair of the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus, and a member of the Women's Legislative Caucus, Keiki Caucus, Kupuna Caucus, as well as the Historical Preservation Caucus.

Prior to her appointment in 2005 by Gov. Linda Lingle, Carroll served as the executive assistant and the chief legislative liaison to County of Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa and was responsible for representing Maui at the Legislature by providing oral and written testimony, researching and drafting bills as well as providing community updates through public forums and meetings.

As the Mayor’s chief legislative liaison, she was also responsible for writing a federal grant proposal to the U. S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for $2 million that contributed to the purchase of Muolea Point (73 acres) in Hana and worked with the community to develop a management plan to preserve Muolea Point which was known as King David Kalakaua’s summer home for the alii.

Carroll was a key leader and instrumental in helping secure funding for the new emergency medical helicopter service for Maui County. She did this by working with a bi-partisan coalition of community leaders. The Maui representative also served as chief of staff to State Senator J. Kalani English for two years, in addition to serving four years as his chief of staff at the Maui County Council. She was appointed and served on the state’s Cable Television Advisory Committee and the state’s Na Ala Hele Trails Council.

Carroll’s community service includes serving on the following boards of non-profit organizations: past president of the Waikikena Foundation; past president of the Maui AIDS Foundation; past vice president for the Friends of Maui County Health Organization; past board director of the `Aha Ali`i Kapuaiwa O Kamehameha V Royal Order of Kamehameha II; past board director for the Maui Adult Day Care Center; member of the Aloha Festivals Maui Steering Committee; past board director of the Na Po’e Kokua; and Paia Youth & Cultural Center. She also served as the head coach of the Lahainaluna High School’s girls varsity basketball team.

"Again, thank you for this honor," Rep. Carroll said in closing. "This has been an extremely rewarding experience that I will never forget."

According to state law, Governor Ige has 60 calendar days from the date of the vacancy to name a replacement for Representative Carroll’s House seat from a list of three names submitted by the Democratic Party of Hawaii.

Students Challenged to Develop Vision for Hawaii's Future

Lawmakers are inviting students across the state to participate in the Hawaii: Next 50 Contest,  which asks students the question: "What do you think needs to happen in the next 50 years for Hawaii to be the best place to work and live?" All Hawaii students in grades 4 - 12 are invited to present their vision for the future through an essay, poster, or video submission. The contest gives students the opportunity to offer their opinions about Hawaii’s future and to have a public forum to share those thoughts and ideas with decision makers and community leaders.

The recent 2014 General Election, unfortunately, presented us with a new low in civic engagement. It marked a record low voter turnout for Hawaii with just 52.3% participation by registered voters.

While this contest is not a solution to voter apathy, it is intended to encourage our youth to take ownership of their future…to have a say in what they want for Hawaii and themselves 50 years from now. If we can capture and harness the desire to make a difference among some of our young people, it might inspire them to continue to engage in civic discourse.

5th graders Rebekah Wellington and Trison Taeoalii-Kihewa speak to former Governor George Ariyoshi

The Hawaii: Next 50 Contest is inspired by former Governor George Ariyoshi's book, Hawaii: The Past Fifty Years, The Next Fifty Years, which provided a retrospective look into our islands' history as a state and prompts the next generation to think about what social, cultural, and economic roads we can take to keep Hawaii moving forward in the next century.

“I believe the future is not just for those who vote and are active today, but most importantly is for the young who are now in school. Today’s youth are smarter than when I was growing up, and it is important that we encourage participation and challenge the next generation to think of new ways to change the state for the better,” said Ariyoshi.

“When I first learned about the Hawaii: Next 50 contest, I thought it was an innovative idea that I could use as a teaching tool in the classroom. This is a great opportunity to actively engage my students to think positively and creatively to come up with ideas that will directly benefit them now and in the future,” added Carol Kim, 5th grade teacher at Lanakila Elementary School.

Lanakila Elementary School teachers Carol Kim and Camille Sismar discuss their involvement in the contest

Entries will be judged by legislators, community members, and educators throughout Hawaii. The contest is a collaboration of the Hawaii State House of Representatives, Hawaii Future Caucus, and aio Foundation.

“This concept was initiated by the forward thinking of Governor Ariyoshi, and I am proud to have been able to work towards expanding it into schools across the state,” said Representative Mark Nakashima, who spearheaded the Hawaii: Next 50 Contest. “I would like to sincerely thank the aio foundation for their support for another great cause and their continued dedication towards helping the community and our students.”

More information can be found on the contest website at www.HawaiiNext50.com and organizers can be reached at HawaiiNext50@gmail.com with any questions.

Hawaii: Next 50 Contest

WHO: Students enrolled Grades 4 – 12 are eligible to enter.

WHAT: Students are asked to read Hawaii: The Past Fifty Years, The Next Fifty Years and respond to the question: "What do you think needs to happen in the next 50 years for Hawaii to be the best place to work and live?"

Submissions will be accepted online in two categories: essay and visual arts (poster or video).

Copies of Hawaii: The Past Fifty Years, The Next Fifty Years are available by request via the Book Request Form.

WHEN: Entry deadline - January 31, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. Winners to be announced in March 2015.

WHY: To challenge the up-and-coming generation to become stakeholders in shaping our future by asking them to consider how individuals and the State as a whole can make meaningful contributions for Hawaii.