Senate Majority Caucus

Over 400 children, parents and educators participated in interactive learning centers yesterday at the Capitol, demonstrating for legislators the importance of early childhood education.

Studies have shown that children enrolled in early learning are more successful throughout their later school years, and legislators are considering several early education measures this year. U`ilani Batalona and her children Pukona and Kaichah painted together at the event, which included stations in reading, science, music, art and many other subjects.

Senate Education Committee Chair Norman Sakamoto attended the event and displayed art made by Joshua Chun. Chun’s mother Tammi is the executive director of the Hawai`i P-20 statewide education partnership and is enrolled with her son in interactive early education. This year, Sakamoto (Salt Lake, `Aiea, Kalihi, Foster Village) introduced Senate Bill 2878, which establishes a statewide early learning system and a council to oversee it. The bill has passed three Senate committees and two House committees and how awaits a conference committee hearing.

The state Senate and House of Representatives held a joint session Tuesday to honor 31 of Hawai`i’s fallen military heroes. Friends and family members of the soldiers traveled to the Capitol for the special session and were presented with a Hawai`i Medal of Honor.

Sgt. Alexis Gagalac of Wahiawā accepted the award on behalf of his twin brother, Sgt. Alexander U. Gagalac, who was killed Sept. 9 while in Iraq with the U.S. Army.

Hundreds of soldiers from Hawai`i’s military bases also attended the ceremony to honor their colleagues.

“These names will remain etched in our state’s shared history,” Senate President Colleen Hanabusa said in her closing remarks.

The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute in the Capitol rotunda.

  
Two senators will hold a public meeting on Maui this week to discuss their priorities for the 2008 legislative session. Residents are encouraged to join Sen. J. Kalani English (Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka`i, Lana`i, Kaho`olawe) and Sen. Shan Tsutsui (Wailuku, Waihe`e, Kahului, Pa`ia) at Pa`ia School on Thursday, March 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Read the full press release from the office of Sen. Tsutsui.

Sen. Mike Gabbard is sponsoring an 11-week competition between senators’ offices to raise a goal of $5,000 and 1,500 pounds of food for Hawai`i Foodbank. Gabbard raised $510 today in just one hour by hosting a salad bar fundraiser in his office.

Senators and their staff paid $5 for the fundraiser plates, which were quickly bought out. At left is Sen. Clayton Hee.

 
Hundreds gathered at the Capitol this morning to commemorate 20 years of the state’s Hawaiian Language Immersion program. 

The pilot program opened in 1987, marking the first time in 100 years that instruction in government schools was conducted completely in the native Hawaiian language.

Five University of Hawai`i football players delivered Hawaiian-language speeches. Students cheered as Brad Kalilimoku led them in the team’s pre-game ha`a.

Students from the program met with UH football players.

This morning’s celebration also included speeches from local leaders. Sen. David Ige told students that while he knew the program was a good idea when it started, he never imagined it would be as successful as they all have made it today.

The celebration closed with a performance by the Waimanalo Sunset Band.