Senate Majority Caucus

Senator J. Kalani English has traveled to Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati, for the 29th General Assembly of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures (APIL), which focuses on “Climate Change: Understanding the Challenges for our Pacific Islands.” The Assembly is scheduled to run from June 2 through June 7.

“The Republic of Kiribati is a particularly meaningful place for us to gather and discuss climate change,” English said. “It is made up of hundreds of low-lying atolls which are at the forefront of high sea rise and the potentially devastating effects of climate change. Most of the island countries, states and territories of the Pacific are the least to contribute to climate change, but are the most vulnerable to its effects.”

“Kiribati is our ‘canary in the coal mine’ when it comes to changes in sea levels,” English continued. “We may see the effects there first, but we will also eventually see them in Hawaii as well.”

(more…)

Senator J. Kalani English today welcomed Amstar Group, LLC—the proposed buyer of the Hotel Hana-Maui—as the community’s new “corporate neighbor,” and expressed hope that the hotel’s new owner would continue the tradition of staffing the hotel with Hana residents.

“I am very happy to welcome Amstar and its subsidiary, Green Tea LLC, to the Hana community,” said English. “All of Hana has experienced the uncertainty surrounding the Hotel Hana-Maui’s financial condition, and I think we are all extremely satisfied with the plans we have seen for the hotel’s future.”

“My first job was at the Hotel Hana-Maui, so I personally welcome this step to preserve the hotel’s long-term presence in Hana.”

“Given the state of our local, national and worldwide economies, we in Hana are willing to face the unfortunate reality that some jobs at the Hotel Hana-Maui will be lost. We’re willing to acknowledge that Amstar’s business model may call for changes that will mean shifts in employment. However, having met with Amstar executives and speaking with them about their plans, I am comfortable that they intend to be good corporate neighbors and focus on having a positive impact on our community.”

(more…)

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.

(more…)

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.”

(more…)

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.

(more…)