Mar

08

State Senate Confirms Jobie Masagatani as Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission

Confirmations / Hawaiian Affairs / Press Releases

(Senators confirm Jobie Masagatani as Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.)

Honolulu –  The Hawaii State Senate today confirmed Jobie Masagatani as the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.  Upon confirmation, Masagatani had been serving as the Commission’s Chairperson Designate.

Jobie is well qualified to serve the people of Hawaii and the constituents of the Hawaiian Homes Commission,” said Senate Majority Brickwood Galuteria, who serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs and Tourism.  “I am confident that she has the vision and commitment to carry out the mission of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands.”

She began her career as a Budget Examiner in the Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President of the United States. She returned to Hawaii in 1990 and worked as a Land Investment Analyst for the Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate.  In 1993, she became a Project Manager for Hawaii Real Estate Research and Education Center at the University of Hawaii.  Masagatani then served as Deputy to the Chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission from 1995-2002.

Subsequently, she took a position as Assistant to the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Queen’s Health Systems where she was instrumental in developing the strategic plan to address Native Hawaiian health issues. Masagatani eventually returned to public service when she was hired as the Public Policy Program Manger at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the School of Education at Northwestern University and continued on to earn a Master’s degree in Public Affairs/Urban and Regional Planning from Princeton University.

Posted by | 0 comments
Feb

14

The Hawaii State Senate Confirms Ted Sakai as Director of the Department of Public Safety

Confirmations / Press Releases / Public Safety & Military Affairs

Honolulu –  The Hawaii State Senate today confirmed Theodore I. Sakai as Director of the Department of Public Safety.  Sakai has been serving as the interim Director of Public Safety since June 1, 2012, when he was appointed by the Governor.

“Mr. Sakai will undoubtedly serve the public well as Director of the Department of Public Safety as this is his second tour of duty in this capacity.  He is very accomplished and experienced in the criminal justice field after working in the profession for over forty-three years,” said Sen. Will Espero, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs.

He previously served as the Director of Public Safety from 1998 to 2002. Sakai received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Posted by | 0 comments
Jun

29

Hawaii State Senate Confirms Peter Cahill to the Maui Second Circuit Court

Confirmations / Press Releases

(Maui Senators congratulate Peter T. Cahill on his confirmation.)

HONOLULU — In a Special Session, the Hawai‘i State Senate today confirmed the appointment of Peter T. Cahill as Judge for the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit, located on Maui.

Cahill was nominated by the Judicial Selection Commission to fill the vacancy left open by the recent retirement of Judge Shackley F. Raffetto.

“Judge Cahill has established himself as a person of great integrity and diligence,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui, who represents Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului, Pa‘ia, Lower Pa‘ia.  “We are honored to confirm him to Maui’s Second Circuit Court.”

“Judge Cahill possesses the professional experience, exceptional legal skills, and even temperament inherent of a good jurist.  I believe that the people of Maui will be well-served under his judgeship,” said Senator Roz Baker, who represents South and West Maui.

“Judge Cahill’s even-keeled temperament, intellect, and commitment to leadership are characteristics that will make him an asset to the State’s Second Circuit Court and to the people of Maui.” said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka’i, Lana’i and Kaho’olawe.

Cahill currently serves as an attorney at Cahill & O’Neill on the island of Maui, concentrating on injury and wrongful death cases. Prior to his employment at Cahill & O’Neill, he worked as a lawyer at Krueger & Cahill and the Law Office of James Krueger.

Cahill earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Notre Dame Law School.

Posted by | 0 comments
Jun

29

Hawaii State Senate Confirms Judge Pollack to the Supreme Court

Confirmations / Press Releases

(Hawaii State Senate Confirms Judge Richard W. Pollack to the Supreme Court.)

HONOLULU – In a Special Session, the Hawaii State Senate today confirmed Judge Richard W. Pollack as an Associate Justice to the Supreme Court.  He was nominated by Governor Neil Abercrombie and was subject to Senate confirmation.  Justice Pollack fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice James E. Duffy, Jr.

“We are confident that Justice Pollack will serve the Supreme Court well with his extensive experience as a judge in the Circuit Court,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui.  “We believe he will uphold our state constitution and work to ensure that the laws are applied fairly, equally and appropriately for all the people of Hawaii.”

“Judge Richard Pollack will be a valuable asset to the Hawaii Supreme Court.  His compassion, integrity and knowledge of the law will guide him in service to the people of Hawaii.  I am honored to have Chaired his confirmation,” said Clayton Hee, Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary and Labor.

Justice Pollack, 61, has been serving as a judge in the Circuit Court since 2000, presiding over the civil and criminal trial calendar. During that time period, he served as a substitute justice and substitute Intermediate Court of Appeals judge on numerous occasions.

Justice Pollack is an adjunct professor at the William S. Richardson School of Law where he currently teaches Law of Evidence and Criminal Procedure. Prior to his appointment to the Circuit Court bench, Justice Pollack served as the State Public Defender from 1987 to 2000.  He managed a statewide office of 99 attorneys and was actively involved in appellate work during his tenure.

Posted by | 0 comments
Jun

19

Senate to Hold Special Session to Consider Judicial Nominees

Confirmations / Press Releases

Honolulu- The Hawaii State Senate will meet in a special session on June 28 and June 29, 2012 to consider appointments to fill vacancies on the State Supreme Court and Maui Circuit Court. Appointees under consideration include Richard W. Pollack and Peter T. Cahill.

Judge Richard W. Pollack was appointed by Governor Neil Abercrombie on June 5, 2012 to serve as an Associate Justice on the State Supreme Court. Judge Pollack has been serving as judge of the Oahu First Circuit Court since 2000, where he presides over civil and criminal calendars. If confirmed by the Senate, this appointment will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice James E. Duffy, Jr.

On June 14, 2012 the Judicial Selection Commission appointed Peter T. Cahill to fill a position opened by the recent retirement of Judge Shackley F. Raffetto from the Second Circuit Court, located on the island of Maui. Cahill currently serves as partner at his own firm, Cahill & O’Neil.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor will hold public hearings on the appointments of Judge Pollack on June 22 and Peter Cahill on June 26, 2012. Both hearings are scheduled at 11:00 a.m. Following the submittal of the committee’s recommendations, a final vote by the full state Senate will take place on June 29, 2012.

Posted by | 0 comments
Apr

25

Hawaii State Senate Confirms Maui Resident Adrianne N. Heely as District Family Court Judge

Confirmations / Press Releases

HONOLULU — The Hawaii State Senate today confirmed Adrianne N. Heely as judge for the District Family Court of the Second Circuit, located on Maui.

Judge Heely’s diverse professional experience as an attorney in various aspects of government operations and within the Judiciary is highlighted by her strong integrity and credibility,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui, who represents District 4 (Wailuku, Waihee, Kahului, Paia, and Lower Paia).  “I am confident that she will serve with honor and fairness on the bench of Maui’s Family Court.”

Judge Heely has demonstrated the ability to analyze complex issues from all sides, which is a characteristic fundamental to a fair and just jurist,” said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents District 6 (Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, L?na‘i, and Kaho‘olawe).   “She is highly respected in our community and I have no doubt that she will serve Maui proudly.”

Judge Heely’s attitude, intellect and leadership will serve her well in handling the demands of district court.  Also, over the course of her career, she has displayed decisiveness and fairness in her decision making that will serve her well as a judge, and bodes well for the community,” said Senator Roz Baker, who represents District 5 (South and West Maui).   “Maui County is fortunate to have someone so well-qualified and interested in public service as Adrianne.”

A Kamehameha Schools graduate, Heely earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara.   She earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Heely currently serves as a Deputy Corporation Counsel for the County of Maui, where she is team leader for the Counseling and Drafting Section’s Finance, Public Safety, and Human Resources Team.  Active in providing pro bono services to the legal community and the community as a whole, she was recently appointed to the Board of Examiners of the Hawaii Supreme Court.  Heely serves as Vice President for the Maui County Bar Association and was the immediate past chair of the Hawaii State Bar Association’s Government Lawyer’s Section.

 

Posted by | 0 comments
Apr

25

Senate Confirms Molokai Farmer Lynn Decoite as a Member of the Board of Agriculture

Confirmations / Press Releases

Honolulu- The Hawaii State Senate today confirmed Lynn Decoite to the Board of Agriculture. She will serve until June 2016.

Decoite has many years of agricultural experience. She is the current owner and ranch handler for V-8 Ranch, where she handles breeding, branding, irrigating, and the overall maintenance and management at the ranch. She is also the owner and manager of L&R Farm Enterprises, LLC, overseeing the daily operations of planting, harvesting, irrigating, and marketing produce.

Ms. Decoite’s extensive and diverse knowledge of farming and agriculture makes her a well-qualified member of the Board of Agriculture,” said Sen. J. Kalani English, who represents District 6 (Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and Kaho‘olawe). “As a former member of the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board, her experience with complex water issues facing the agricultural industry on Molokai will be valuable to the Board.”

Decoite is a Hawaiian homestead farmer who has also established a value-added sweet potato chip business that utilizes the sweet potato grown on her farm.

Posted by | 0 comments
Apr

20

Former Junior Lightweight Champion of the World Appointed to Boxing Commission

Confirmations / Press Releases

HONOLULU–  As a newly confirmed member of the Hawaii State Boxing Commission, Bienvenido “ said his vision for the future of boxing in Hawaii entails bringing the excitement and public awareness to the sport.

Teaching young people, the future generation of Hawaii, the importance of physical fitness, proper nutrition, and good sportsmanship in boxing can be perpetuated in our schools.  I feel that I can be a positive mentor for our youngsters of Hawaii,” said Villaflor.

The Hawaii State Senate confirmed Villaflor to the State Boxing Commission of Hawaii on Wednesday, April 18.  He was among four nominees confirmed to the commission.  They were nominated by Governor Abercrombie and were subject to Senate confirmation.

Villaflor currently serves as the Hawaii State Senate Sergeant at Arms.  His career with the Senate has spanned through six Senate Presidents.

We’re truly honored to have a boxing legend as part of our Senate family,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui. “Ben does a wonderful job here at the State Capitol and I’m confident that he will serve the Boxing Commission well with his expertise and love for the sport.”

Boxing has always been a great passion for me because of the opportunities it has brought to my life,” said Villaflor.

Villaflor came from humble beginnings in the Philippines.  Growing up in Zamboanga de Sur as one of 12 siblings, he said boxing became a means of supporting his parents and family by putting food on the table and by providing financial support for health, medical and educational needs.  According to records, Villaflor began his career at the tender age of 13.  He held a record of twelve wins without a loss, with eight knockouts before he suffered his first loss.  By excelling in the sport, he was able to come to Hawaii, where he earned the prestigious title of Junior Lightweight Champion of the World twice. Last year, Villaflor made the top ten list of the Greatest Filipino Fighters of All Time by The Ring magazine.

Posted by | 0 comments
Apr

17

Maui Residents Confirmed to Hawaii State Commission on Water Resource Management

Confirmations / Press Releases

Maui Senators congratulate Jonathan Starr as a newly confirmed member of the Hawaii State Commission on Water Resource Management. (L-R)Senator J. Kalani English, Jonathan Starr, Senate President Shan Tsutsui, Senator Roz Baker)

HONOLULU — The Hawaii State Senate today confirmed Maui residents Jonathan Starr and Ted Yamamura to the Hawaii State Commission on Water Resource Management. Yamamura and Starr were both nominated by Governor Abercrombie and were subject to Senate confirmation.

Both Mr. Yamamura and Mr. Starr are highly qualified individuals who will contribute to the Commission with their background and expertise,” said Senate President, who represents District 4, encompassing Wailuku, Waihee, Kahului, Paia, and Lower Paia.

I feel confident that Mr. Yamamura and Mr. Starr understand the complexities of water issues and will serve the Commission and State effectively,” said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents District 6, encompassing the areas of Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and Kaho‘olawe.

Mr. Starr and Mr. Yamamura have demonstrated knowledge and experience in working with our natural resources and I believe those qualities will make them good stewards of our water resources,” said Senator Roz Baker, who represents District 5, encompassing South and West Maui.

Starr has over forty years of experience in water source development and resource management projects. Additionally, he studied and has expertise in traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian water resource management techniques. He is also active in his community, having served a four-year term on the Maui Board of Water Supply and a five-year term on the Maui Planning Commission, including two years as the Commission’s Chairperson.

Yamamura is one of the founders of ACM Consultants, Inc., which is one of the largest and most experienced independent real estate consulting, valuation, and research companies in Hawaii. In addition to his work experience, Yamamura is actively involved in his community. He has been a past member of the Board of Land and Natural Resources from 2001-2006, former president of the International Right of Way Association, Hawaii Chapter No. 30 in 2004, member of the County of Maui Board of Water Supply since 2008, and the past president of the Hawaii Chapter of the Appraisal Institute in 2010.

Posted by | 0 comments
Mar

08

Hawaii State Senate Confirms Maui Resident as Commissioner to the Public Utilities Commission

Articles / Commerce & Consumer Protection / Confirmations / Press Releases

(Photo Caption: Maui Senators congratulate Michael Champley on his confirmation)(L-R: Senate President Shan Tsutsui, Senator J. Kalani English, Michael Champley and Senator Roz Baker)

HONOLULU –  The Hawaii State Senate today voted to confirm Maui resident Michael Champley as commissioner to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).  Champley was appointed by Governor Abercrombie in September 2011 and began serving on the PUC on an interim basis immediately. His appointment was subject to Senate confirmation.

Mr. Champley’s extensive professional experience in the energy industry, commitment to public service, and proven leadership throughout his career are all important characteristics that make him an asset to the PUC,” said Senator Roz Baker, who represents South and West Maui, and chairs the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee that recommended Champley’s confirmation.

Mr. Champley’s extensive experience and analytical skills make him an excellent choice for the PUC.  He has the reputation on knowing how to address complex and crucial issues relating to the utility industry,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui, who represents Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului, Pa‘ia, Lower Pa‘ia.

With more than four decades of experience in the industry, Mr. Champley has proven to have a thorough understanding of the regulatory process from a utility perspective and is highly qualified to serve as a member of the Public Utilities Commission,” said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka’i, Lana’i and Kaho’olawe.

Prior to his appointment, Champley worked as a Maui-based senior energy consultant focused on clean energy resource integration in Hawai’i. He has over 40 years of experience analyzing, integrating and managing complex economic, public policy and technical issues confronting an evolving regulated energy utility industry. Champley was a senior executive with DTE Energy, a major electric and gas energy company where he held various executive positions, including Senior Vice President-Regulatory Affairs and Senior Vice President-Power Supply.  Champley holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Dayton and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University with emphasis in finance and public utility economics and regulation.

Posted by | 0 comments
© Copyright Hawai'i Senate Majority Caucus - Theme by Pexeto