May

15

New UH Athletic Director Ben Jay to Share His Vision for the Sports Program

In the Community / Press Releases

Honolulu – The University of Hawaii’s new Athletics Director Ben Jay will be talking about his vision for the UH’s sports program at a town hall meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2013. It will take place at Pearl Ridge Elementary School’s cafeteria at 7 p.m.

Recently, Jay sparked controversy among UH fans for his decision to change team names. He’s also brought attention to the poor state of the athletics facilities through twitter.

This will be a great opportunity for our constituents to hear how our new UH athletics director is going to improve the program and his vision for the future,” said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, who represents District 14(Kapalama, ‘Alewa, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, portions of Halawa and ‘Aiea).

I encourage everyone to attend the town hall meeting to learn about the direction of UH Athletics and use this chance to engage in the discussion relating to the department,” said Sen. David Ige, who represents District 16 (Pearl City, Momilani, Pearlridge, ‘Aiea, Royal Summit, ‘Aiea Heights, Newtown, Waimalu, Halawa, Pearl Harbor).

The town hall is being hosted by lawmakers representing the Aiea and Pearl City areas: Sen. David Y. Ige, Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, Rep. Aaron Johanson, Rep. K. Mark Takai, Rep. Roy Takumi, Rep. Gregg Takayama and City Councilmembers Breene Harimoto and Carol Fukunaga.

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May

10

District Needs Fulfilled By Legislative Teamwork

In the Community / Press Releases

Honolulu- Through working together, Senators Malama Solomon and Gilbert Kahele, along with Representative Mark Nakashima are improving the quality of life in their districts. Together, the legislators secured $292.6 M in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding for the Hawai‘i Island districts, ensuring that many of their district goals were met. The project funds were allocated in the CIP portion of the State budget, House Bill (HB) 200. These appropriations represent new jobs and job training, education and healthcare, roads, airports and harbor improvements, and vital “safety net” services for our keiki, kupuna and less fortunate. This bill is currently awaiting Governor Abercrombie’s signature.

“A special thanks to everyone who called, emailed or sent testimony supporting these important projects. You made a difference!” said Senator Malama Solomon (District 4, Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona).  “We also made progress on addressing the financial crisis our State faces by passing a bill that protects our all-important AA bond rating. This is how we finance major infrastructures to get results that benefit our community.”

“The projects funded by the budget will help move the Island of Hawai‘i forward by creating jobs, enhancing our public infrastructure and facilities, and investing in education,” said Senator Gilbert Kahele (District 1, Hilo). “Through projects at our schools like Waiakea Elementary and Waiakea High, we invest in our children’s educational development and provide a safe environment in which they can achieve success. “

“I am particularly pleased that funds have been allocated for a new rescue and fire fighting facility at Hilo International Airport, as well as runway improvements. In addition, we are addressing the critical shortage of primary care providers by establishing the training program,” said Representative Nakashima (District 1- Hamakua, Hilo). “By working collaboratively with my colleagues in both the House and Senate we will continue to secure funds to drive our economy and improve our quality of life.”

Senators Solomon and Kahele and Representative Nakashima, will hold a community meeting on Thursday, June 6, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, UCB 127.  Legislators will be giving residents a post 2013 Legislative Session update, including a discussion on CIPs.

Here are highlights of the CIP funding secured for the Hawai‘i Island districts:

 

AGRICULTURE

$2 Million             WAIMEA IRRIGATION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS

$4.4 Million         LOWER HAMAKUA DITCH WATERSHED PROJECT

AIRPORTS

$43.4 Million       HILO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, NEW AIR RESCUE AND FIRE FIGHTING FACILITY,  RUNWAY 3-21 RECONSTRUCTION, SECURITY ACCESS CONTROL

$113.5 Million    KONA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, SECURITY ACCESS CONTROL, TERMINAL EXPANSION, INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS BUILDING

$3 Million             ELLISON S. ONIZUKA SPACE MUSEUM; IMPROVEMENTS

DBEDT

$12.017 Million  NELHA SEAWATER SYSTEM UPGRADES, ROAD AND NEW INTERSECTION CONNECTIONS

DEFENSE

$5.9 Million         YOUTH CHALLENGE ACADEMY (YCA) UPGRADE & IMPROVEMENTS

$300,000              WEST HAWAI‘I VETERANS CENTER; PLANS & DESIGN

EDUCATION

$1 Million             HONOKAA HIGH SCHOOL; ATHLETIC FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS

$5 Million             WAIMEA MIDDLE SCHOOL; 9-CLASSROOM SCIENCE-TECHNOLOGY

BUILDING

$300,000              KEALAKEHE HIGH SCHOOL; ALL-WEATHER AND SYNTHETIC TRACK

$1.5 million         WAIAKEA ELEMENATARY SCHOOL; PLAY COURT

$450, 000             WAIAKEA HIGH SCHOOL; NEW BATTING CAGE

HARBORS

$1 Million             HILO HARBOR MODIFICATIONS

HEALTH

$1 Million             HAWAI‘I ISLAND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION; CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ADULT DAY CARE FACILITY

$4 Million             KONA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL; RENOVATIONS AND UPGRADES

$1 Million             KOHALA COMMUNITY HOPITAL; RENOVATIONS AND UPGRADES

$1.8 Million         HB417: PRIMARY CARE TRAINING PROGRAM AT HILO MEDICAL CENTER

HUMAN SERVICES

$643,000              THE SALVATION ARMY FAMILY INTERVENTION SERVICES

JUDICIARY

$9 Million             KONA JUDICIARY COMPLEX

LABOR

$1.2 Million         HAWAI‘I COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL; EMERGENCY REPAIRS AND HANDICAPPED ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS

$1.5 Million         KAHILU THEATRE FOUNDATION; IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING FACILITIES

$30,000                 BRANTLEY CENTER, INC.; RENOVATIONS OF EXISTING FACILITIES IN HONOKA’A

LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

$6.5 Million         PUUANAHULU SHOOTING RANGE FACILITY

ROADS

$7.5 Million         AKONI PULE HIGHWAY, REALIGNMENT AND WIDENING

$4 Million             HAWAI‘I BELT ROAD ROCKFALL PROTECTION & DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS AT PAPAALOA

$27.7 Million       QUEEN KAAHUMANU HIGHWAY WIDENING

$15.7 Million       SADDLE ROAD EXTENSION TO KAAHUMANU HWY & MAINTENANCE BASEYARD

$1 Million             IMPROVEMENTS TO INTERSECTION AND SIDEWALK OF MAMANE STREET, HONOKAA

$6.25 Million       PUAINAKO ST. WIDENING/REALIGNMENT, KANOELEHUA AVENUE TO KOMOHANA STREET

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I

$2.4 Million         UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I PALAMANUI CAMPUS, PHASE I

$2 Million             UHH OFFICE OF MAUNA KEA MANAGEMENT; IMPROVEMENTS AND RENOVATION

$600,000              NORTH HAWAI‘I EDUCATION AND RESEARCH CENTER; RENOVATIONS

COUNTIES

$5 Million             WAIMEA DISTRICT/REGIONAL PARK; PHASE 1, FOR A ONE-TO-ONE MATCH OF COUNTY FUNDS OF $2.5 MILLION

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Apr

12

Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (South) Phase I Improvements to Begin

In the Community / Press Releases

Honolulu- Work will soon begin at the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor.  The Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,Honolulu District, has issued a letter of permission authorizing the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Outdoor Recreation (DOBOR) to begin work on the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (South) Phase I Improvements.

The Phase I project has been delayed for over 4-1/2 years due to environmental disputes concerning the potential impact to coral and listed species in the Endangered Species Act (ESA). At the request of the Federal regulatory agencies and the Army Corps of Engineers, DOBOR has completed numerous studies and has made revisions to the project design to mitigate damage to corals and impacts to ESA listed species. The Department of Army Permit (Letter of Permission) was finally issued on March 21, 2013.

I am pleased that we will now be moving forward with the much needed improvements to the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (South),” said Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 4, encompassing Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa and Kona. “These improvements have been long-awaited by the North Hawaii community and will greatly enhance the safety and capacity of our harbor.”

The project will include an eight foot wide 445-foot long floating dock held in place by 17 concrete piles, each 16-½ inches in diameter.  In addition to the floating dock, a 47 foot long access ramp,gangway and 25 morning buoys which will provide 25 berthing stalls for light draft vessels to “Tahiti moor” to the floating dock, will be incorporated in the construction.

Groundbreaking for the Phase I project is expected to take place in June of 2013.

Background

The Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (South) was dredged in the1970s and the breakwater structures were completed in the late 1990s by the Army Corps of Engineers for use as a small boat harbor (Federal Light Draft Navigational Improvement Project).

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Apr

04

The Hawaii State Senate to Commemorate Hilo Hattie’s Golden Anniversary

Capitol Meetings & Events / In the Community / Press Releases

Honolulu – The Hawaii State Senate will commemorate Hilo Hattie’s 50th anniversary on Friday, April 5, 2013 during its Session, which begins at 11:30 a.m.  Senators will present the company’s top executives with a Certificate of Recognition for achieving this milestone.

 It is important for us to recognize Hilo Hattie for this significant achievement.  Through its products, the company has shared what’s unique to our Islands and the Aloha spirit with visitors and kamaaina alike,” said Sen. Will Espero, who will be presenting the certificate.

Hilo Hattie’s history in Hawaii began in 1965 when the first manufacturing center, named “Hawaiian Wear Unlimited,” opened in Honolulu.  In 1979, the company officially changed its named to Hilo Hattie Fashion Center, named after the entertainer, Ms. Hilo Hattie. Its new headquarters and flagship store on Nimitz Highway opened in1983.  The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau awarded Hilo Hattie the Kahili Award for “The Best Retailer in Hawaii” in 1998. The Guinness Book of World Records certified Hilo Hattie’s 400XL Aloha Shirt as the “World’s Largest Aloha Shirt” in 1999. Among its most recent accolades, The Star Advertiser,Honolulu Magazine, and Hawaii Business Magazine all voted Hilo Hattie “The Best Place for Aloha Wear.”

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Mar

28

Legislative Women’s Caucus Makes Easter Brighter for Individuals in Need

Capitol Meetings & Events / In the Community / Press Releases

(photo caption: Sen. Roz Baker, along with Rep. Della Au Belatti, presents the Easter baskets to the Institute for Human Services.)

HONOLULU–  The Legislative Women’s Caucus donated more than 80 Easter baskets to The Institute for Human Services (IHS) today.

Baskets filled with essential household items, such as laundry soap, utensils, toiletries, and towels, will benefit clients at IHS.   The donations will help families and individuals get a head start when moving from being homeless to having a permanent home.

 

I am pleased that many offices supported our IHS Easter Basket drive and we thank all of them for their help,” said Senator Roz Baker (District-6, South and West Maui), who coordinated the Senate’s donations. “These baskets will make a huge difference in the lives of our most vulnerable citizens and will certainly make it a happy Easter for them.”

The Legislative Women’s Caucus began its “IHS Easter Basket” drive in February. House of Representative Della Au Belatti spearheaded the drive for the group. This was the third year the Caucus donated baskets that would go towards clients transitioning into permanent homes.  In prior years, the baskets were given to clients at the shelter.

The Legislative Women’s Caucus is a bipartisan organization which consists of the women Senators and women members of the House of Representatives.  The Caucus works closely with women’s organizations and concerned individuals across the State, as well as with the Governor, state agencies and other legislators to advocate for programs and services that benefit women.

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Mar

15

Head of Big Island Candies Honored by Hawaii State Senate

In the Community

((L-R) Art Taniguchi, Senator Russell Ruderman, Senator Gilbert Kahele, Allan Ikawa, and Senator Malama Solomon).

Honolulu – Big Island Candies President and Chief Executive Officer Allan Ikawa received a Certificate of Recognition from the Hawaii State Senate Thursday for recently being awarded the Entrepreneurial Success Award for the State of Hawaii.  The award was part of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Small Business Awards 2013.  The Entrepreneurial Success Award is given to a business that started small by SBA standards, then developed into a large business.

Allan Ikawa and Big Island Candies has enabled the world to taste the flavor of Hawaii with delicious cookies, coffee and confections,” said Sen. Gilbert Kahele (D-1, Hilo), who presented Ikawa with the Certificate.  “I congratulate everyone at Big Island Candies for their hard work in growing the company into one that is highly recognized and respected.  I wish Allan and Big Island Candies continued success.”

Big Island Candies started in 1977 with just one employee and a small SBA loan. Today, the company has more than 90 employees, operates from a state-of-the-art, 40-thousand square-foot facility and testing lab in Hilo with retail outlets on Oahu.  The company has also expanded its reach by being available for on-line sales.

 

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Mar

14

Maui County Senate Team Welcomes Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities

In the Community / Press Releases

(Maui County Senate team, along with other legislators, welcomed the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities to the State Capitol.)

Honolulu – Maui members of the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities met with their Senators and Representatives today, during its 13th annual Day at the Capitol.  Hosted by Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui, the meeting gave caregivers and providers the opportunity to discuss budget items and bills relating to developmental disabilities with their legislators.

“Individuals with developmental disabilities have talents and abilities and it’s important that we recognize that they contribute to the community, too,” said Senator Roz Baker (District 6 – South and West Maui).

“I know that the services that we provide are important and it was good to hear them express their thoughts and concerns on these issues,” added Senator J. Kalani English (District 7-Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Kaho‘olawe).

Meanwhile, Senator Gil Keith Agaran (District 5- Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului) said, “It was encouraging to hear how important the measures were to them and how it would impact their lives.”

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Hawaii and is part of a nationwide campaign to raise public awareness and build understanding.  The 2013 national theme, “Look Beyond,” encourages people to get acquainted with someone who has a developmental disability, look beyond the person’s disability, and recognize that all individuals have talents and abilities to contribute.

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Mar

14

Hawaii State Senate Honors the 50th Anniversary of the Merrie Monarch

In the Community / Press Releases

(Senator Gilbert Kahele congratulates Colleen Kawelu.)

Honolulu — With the 50th anniversary of the Merrie Monarch just a few weeks away, the Hawaii State Senate honored the momentous occasion during its session last week Friday. Senators presented directors of the Merrie Monarch Festival, Luana, Kathleen and Colleen Kawelu, with a Certificate of Recognition to mark the anniversary.

Eyes around the world focus on Hilo during the Merrie Monarch to enjoy the Hawaiian culture and arts,” said Sen. Gilbert Kahele, who represents Hilo. “The festival’s committee has done a wonderful job in helping to preserve and share our culture.”

The Merrie Monarch Festival, which began on April 1964, consisted of barbershop quartets, street dancing, fireworks and coronation pageants. In 1968, under the direction of George Na’ope and Dorothy “Dottie” Thompson, the festival focused on celebrating the Hawaiian culture.

Today, the festival is under the direction of the late Aunty Dottie Thompson’s daughter Luana Kawelu and granddaughters Colleen and Kathleen Kawelu. The event features remarkable exhibitions of dance by hula halau, whose members make months-long commitments to hone their mo’olelo and then present it to an enthusiastic audience of thousands. Considered the “Olympics of Hula,” the Merrie Monarch Festival is broadcast on television statewide and is also live streamed via the internet, making the unofficial count of viewers well in the range of the hundreds of thousands.

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Mar

11

Lawmakers to Discuss Bus Routes and Urban CIP Updates at Town Hall Meeting

Capitol Meetings & Events / In the Community / Press Releases

Honolulu- Senators Suzanne Chun Oakland and Brickwood Galuteria, along with Representatives Karl Rhoads and Scott Saiki and Councilmember Carol Fukunaga, will sponsor a community meeting on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the State Capitol Auditorium. Lawmakers have invited guest speakers from the State Department of Transportation, State Department of Accounting and General Services, State Department of Hawaii Housing Finance Development Corporation, State Department of Hawaii Community Development Authority, and City and County Department Transportation Services.

I highly encourage everyone to attend this meeting and learn about the upcoming projects that will impact them,” said Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, who represents Senate District 13, encompassing Liliha, Palama, Iwilei, Kalihi, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Lower Tantalus and Downtown. “This meeting provides the public with the chance to hear from and talk story with their government officials.”

During the meeting, we will be discussing key issues, including upcoming improvements for Downtown, Chinatown, and Kaka’ako/Iwilei, as well as the City’s plans to restore bus routes and update water and sewer billings,” said Senator Brickwood Galuteria, who represents Senate District 12, encompassing Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, McCully, Mo‘ili‘ili. “I look forward to seeing everyone at Tuesday’s town meeting.”

The general public will have the chance to ask questions about legislative issues and the topics being discussed.

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Mar

11

King Intermediate and Kailua High Student Artwork on Display at the Hawai‘i State Capitol

Art / Articles / Capitol Meetings & Events / In the Community / Press Releases

Honolulu – Senator Tokuda’s Art Review (STAR) Program will once again be displaying the artwork of students from Windward O‘ahu at the Hawai‘i State Capitol. The artwork from students attending King Intermediate School and Kailua High School can be viewed in the chamber level of the State Capitol throughout the month of March and will feature various mediums of artwork.

The art on display shows us what amazing things can happen when our students are in the capable hands of highly effective teachers that seek to educate the whole child,” stated Tokuda. “As we hit the halfway point of our legislative session, it serves as an important reminder of why we are here and who are the beneficiaries of the work that we do.”

The STAR Program was established by Senator Jill Tokuda in 2007 for the purpose of showcasing the artistic expressions of students from Windward O‘ahu and providing them with a venue to share their art with the community.

Since the spring of 2007, the STAR Program has displayed the artwork of over 1,500 Windward students from public and private schools on the windward side. These schools include ‘Aikahi Elementary, Ben Parker Elementary, Castle High, Enchanted Lake Elementary, Hakipu‘u Learning Center, Hawai‘i Youth Correctional Facility, He‘eia Elementary, Kailua High, Kal?heo High, Ka‘elepulu Elementary, Ke Kula ‘o Samuel M. Kamakau, K?ne‘ohe Elementary, Kapunahala Elementary, King Intermediate, Le Jardin Academy, Maunawili Elementary, Mokapu Elementary, P?‘?hala Elementary, Olomana School, Trinity Christian School, Windward Community College and Windward Nazarene Academy.

In 2012, the STAR Program displayed approximately 250 art pieces that were created by over 225 student artists from the windward community.

The public is welcome to view the artwork at the Hawaii State Capitol, Chamber Level, Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (excluding holidays) and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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