Senate Majority Caucus

Waipio wins over Mexico 12-3 to become the Little League World Series Champions! 

With the high cost of energy affecting the cost of tomatoes to airline tickets, the Senate offices are doing its part to conserve electricity:

Doors closed: A number of legislators prefer leaving their doors open, but have elected to close it in order to keep cooler air in.

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By Hawaii State Senator Will Espero

These are two of the matters that others have brought to my attention, and asked that you join them by writing letters of support to those who both make decisions and influence decision-making in Washington.

Soldiers We Need to Remember

The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle’s publisher Chona Sonido earlier this year brought to everyone’s attention the widespread problem of discrimination against Filipinos. One of the more inexplicable instances of discrimination is found in the 1946 Rescission Act, which Congress has still to rectify. (more…)

Doesn’t make sense to live in paradise and stress over commutes

By Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard

A pilot project in the state Department of Human Resources Development for a four-day work week? It’s about time. This makes perfect sense as our soaring gas prices and traffic congestion take their toll on everyone in Hawai’i. It’s a good first step in getting people off our roads and allowing them to spend more time with their families. But we can do much more.

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By Hawaii State Senator Will Espero

Part 2 (of a two part series)

Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a term used when discussing the future rail transit system for Oahu. These developments will be an important tool as policymakers plan for the future growth of our island. With the scarcity of land, older neighborhoods can be revitalized or rehabilitated with TODs. A rail transit system will allow landowners to review their parcels of land and see how they can be incorporated into a master plan for our island. It is imperative that government take the lead in assisting and providing incentives for landowners and developers to create communities which will become active urban settings providing a quality lifestyle for our diverse island population. (more…)

By Hawaii State Senator Will Espero

Part I (of a two part series)

The battle for a rail transit system for Oahu is heating up. Both opponents and proponents have formed organizations to further their cause. I have ridden many rail systems around the world, and I am a strong believer that we need to build a system for Oahu.

In the next 30 – 40 years, Oahu’s population is expected to increase by at least 250,000 people, maybe more. It is likely many if not the majority will live in Central and West Oahu. We have the land to build homes, schools, parks, and businesses, however, we do not have enough land to build more highways. Some individuals are pushing for an elevated toll road from West Oahu to downtown. A toll road could be part of the solution, but in time, a toll road will face congestion as well. There is also the issue of the cost of the toll, and I have read anywhere from $6 to $15 one way during rush hour is possible.

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The Hawaii State Senate confirmed the Judicial nominee of Kelsey Kawano (Judiciary Communication #1) during the second special session held on July 30-31, 2008.

Judge Kawano will be filling the district court vacancy in the Second Circuit (Maui County). This seat was left vacant when Judge Douglas Ige retired.

Kawano has been working as a per diem judge since 2006 in district court and has been in private practice since 1994. As a general practitioner, he dealt with various aspects of family law including child custody, divorce, guardianship and child abuse protection.  

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