Senate Majority Caucus

Senator J. Kalani English released the following statement on the opening of the final phase of Honolulu’s H-1 Freeway North-South Road in Kapolei:

“Everyone in public service has been reminded of the saying that ‘the wheels of government turn slowly.’ Perhaps. But I am pleased to join you this morning as we make it possible for the wheels carrying the people of Kapolei to turn much more quickly. This is a testament to the hard work of many people in the Governor’s office, the Department of Transportation, and in the community who have continued to push forward despite the challenges this project met over the years. I also want to commend my colleagues in the legislature for acknowledging the importance of this project to our community, and appropriating the funds that made this day possible.

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Senator J. Kalani English has introduced a bill in the Senate to transfer management of Kalaupapa Settlement to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands when there is no longer  a resident patient population at the settlement.

SB 2771 would also prevent the State Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Health—which now administer Kalaupapa Settlement—from transferring any parcels in Kalawao County pending the transfer.

“Once there are no more patients receiving care at Kalaupapa, there really is no reason for the Department of Health to be involved,” said English. “This would more properly fall under the Department of Hawaiian Homelands.”

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Day focuses on peace, abundance, unity and conservation.

Today marks the first official State observance of Makahiki Commemoration Day, which was designated for recognition by the 2008 Hawai‘i State Legislature. It is not a state holiday.

“Makahiki was a significant time throughout Polynesia,” said Senator J. Kalani English, the principal introducer of the bill that established Makahiki Commemoration Day. “Conflict and war were set aside for the four-month Makahiki season, and unity and peace prevailed. They also let the land lay fallow as they celebrated the harvest.”

Senator J. Kalani English, Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Environment and International Affairs, continued his push for easing Hawaii’s dependence on fossil fuels in a commentary to the Honolulu Star Bulletin. With rising energy prices and increased global competition for the world’s dwindling oil supply, legislators have made reforming Hawaii’s Energy policy a strong priority this session.

Click here for the full article from the 03-10-06 Honolulu Star Bulletin.

  Senator J. Kalani English, Chair of the Senate Energy, Environment and International Affairs Committee, announced his plans for vigorously exploring alternative energy options to help ease Hawaii’s dependence on fossil fuels. Proposals range from fixing the renewable portfolio standard, to supporting net energy metering, to providing resources and incentives for research and development of alternative energy options.

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