“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.”

“If the ocean around Hawaii were to rise three feet, Waikiki would be under water,” English said. “All of us across the Pacific, large and small, need to address these questions now, before it is too late.”

This is also English’s final General Assembly as president of APIL. He was elected to the post in May, 2008, after serving two terms as vice president.

“It has been an honor to help lead this very dedicated group,” he said. “We have had an opportunity to examine a number of areas of mutual interest where regional cooperation, coordination, exchange and assistance can help our individual governments achieve important goals through collective action. I’m glad that Hawai‘i has played a role in these efforts, and that I have had an opportunity to contribute whatever I could to the discussion.”

The APIL’s mission is to organize a permanent association of mutual assistance by representatives of the people of the Pacific Islands. Current issues before the APIL include those arising in the areas of Resources and Economic Development, Commerce, Legislation, Energy, Regional Security and Defense, Communications, Cultural Appreciation, Health and Social Services, Education, Agriculture, Air and Sea Transportation, Aquaculture, Sports and Recreation, Youth and Senior Citizens, Tourism, Finance, Political Status, External Relations, and Development Banking.

Among the Pacific Island states participating in the APIL are American Samoa; Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; Federated States of Micronesia States of Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap; Island of Guam; Republic of the Marshall Islands; Republic of Palau; State of Hawai‘i; Republic of Kiribati; and Republic of Nauru.

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.”

“Both Amstar and the Hana community are committed to making this transition as effective as possible. From Amstar, we’re looking forward to a transparent and honest transition, including changes to hotel staffing and their planned job fair. In the long term, I understand that Amstar has made a commitment to environmental awareness and a respect for the special place Hana represents in the world today. From the community, I am  ready to make a commitment to do all that we can to make Amstar a part of the best of Hana.”

“This is a point where budget cuts really hit the community hard,” said Senator J. Kalani English. “Lahainaluna Boarding is a unique program, the only one of its kind in our public schools, offering students from rural areas a chance to excel in a different environment. It has a long history of success, and we can’t just give up on it.”

Senator Shan Tsutsui agrees that the legislature, governor and DOE should make an extra effort to preserve the program. “We know everyone has to make sacrifices, but this is a case where we need to look at all the impacts and all the alternatives before we make the proposed cut. Can we make up the cost some other way, and is the cost to the students too high? It’s definitely worth examining the possibilities.”

SCR 6 states that “the Lahainaluna High School boarding program allows students from neighbor islands and other areas of Maui to live in dormitories and attend the school in exchange for reasonable custodial and maintenance work on school grounds,” and “provides opportunities for students to grow and mature.” It requests that the DOE convene a Lahainaluna Boarding Program Working Group.

The Working group would:

    *  Evaluate the true cost of the boarding program

    *  Determine the cost savings, if any, by having the boarding program students continue to assist with routine repair and maintenance work on the school’s campus

    *  Explore public and private partnerships to continue the boarding program
    *  Explore changes to the current rate structure for resident and non-resident boarding students and the potential impacts those changes might have on the boarding program

The group would report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2011 Regular Session.

English and Tsutsui, who both serve on the Senate’s Ways and Means Committee, led the effort to amended SCR6 to include the call for the Lahainaluna Working Group.

Concurrent resolutions must be adopted by both the Senate and the House of Representatives; SCR6 has been sent to the House of Representatives for approval.

Senators J. Kalani English and Shan Tsutsui invite Maui community residents to talk story with them this Wednesday, March 24, 2010, from 5:30pm-7:00pm. The discussion will serve as a mid-session update and opportunity for both Senators to address thoughts and concerns regarding legislation and community projects.

“This talk story session is a great opportunity for us to touch base with our constituents and get their thoughts and concerns as we prepare for second cross-over” says Senator Tsutsui.

Senator English agrees and adds “This session has been extraordinary in many ways. I look forward to discussing where we are and our options with the people in my district.”

Both will be available to receive feedback, concerns, and questions from community members and to discuss current legislative issues affecting their Maui neighbors.

           WHEN:     Wednesday, March 24th

           WHERE:   Pa`ia School
                           955 Baldwin Ave.
                           Pa`ia, HI 96779

You can also view the Facebook invite. For more information, contact Senator English’s office at 587-7225 or Senator Tsutsui’s office at 586-7344.

“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.

One of the great insights of Kamehameha the Great was his recognition of the duty of our government to respect and preserve the right of all citizens to enjoy safety and security in their lives. Malama-hoe kanawai, the ‘Law of the Splintered Paddle,’ now codified in our state constitution, stands as a unique and living symbol of our state’s concern for public safety. But we must be willing to take that further and see safety and security in a broader light.

We gather today to open a roadway that will make life easier for the people of Kapolei. Yet what the community is witnessing today is more than simply another construction project. Rather, this is a reflection of our government’s commitment to the safety and quality of life of our residents.

Whatever economic challenges our state may be facing at this moment, we must continue to invest in our communities. No single community should be asked to shoulder the burden of inadequate roads. Beyond that, our continued commitment to capital improvements helps move our economy forward, injecting cash into the marketplace and keeping our people on the job.

Public safety, economic security, and an opportunity for Kapolei commuters to spend less time in their cars and more time doing the things that enrich their lives. All of that comes together today as we open not just a road, but a symbol of what we in government and the community should aspire to, and can accomplish together.”

The North-South Road opened following a dedication ceremony last week and is now open for travel.

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.”

Hawaii law already treats the county of Kalawao, which includes Kalaupapa, Kalawao and Waikolu and is commonly known as the Kalaupapa settlement, as a county of its own; it is not a part of the County of Maui. Under SB 2771, Kalawao county would have powers specifically granted by state law. An Executive administrator of Kalawao County would be elected by members of the Hawaii Home Commission.

English believes that the administration of Kalaupapa Settlement needs to consider the likely increased interest in Kalaupapa, and an increase in visitors, following the canonization of Father Damien in 2009. “Once there are no more patients receiving care at Kalaupapa, the character of the settlement will change. We can expect many more visitors who have an interest in Saint Damien and the work he did among those who had been exiled to the colony. Kalaupapa has always been unique in Hawaii, but the combination of historical, cultural and religious significance of the settlement will give rise to unique challenges. Especially in light of the cultural and historical concerns, DHHL is the right agency to administer the area.”

Recent cuts to state health care programs covering citizens of COFA Nations have raised concerns that treatments such as kidney dialysis and chemotherapy will no longer be available. The group Micronesians United recently gathered at the Hawai‘i State Capitol to protest the cuts.

“For those suffering from kidney disease or cancer, this is a true health care crisis,” said Senator English. “It is not sufficient to just say, ‘Well, we’re not going to cover that anymore.’ My colleagues and I want to know about how this decision was made, what the true effects are going to be, and where we are going from here.”

Proposed federal legislation could provide funding to cover treatments for Compact Nation citizens. Currently, Hawai‘i provides health care to Compact Nation citizens without federal matching funds. Under the federal proposal introduced by Congressman Neil Abercrombie, new funding would be provided for Medicaid expenses related to providing health care to Compact Nation Citizens.

A new health care program implemented by the State reduces benefits to citizens of the Compact of Free Association nations. On Tuesday, however, Federal Judge J. Michael Seabright issued a temporary restraining order preventing the state from disenrolling COFA residents from the State-funded health programs in which they were participating prior to August 1, 2009. The order also required the state to re-enroll all COFA residents who were disenrolled based on their status as COFA residents, in the applicable QUEST, QUEST-Net, QUEST-ACE, QexA, SHOTT, or fee-for-service programs.

“Judge Seabright’s decision came at a critical time for those in our community who were about to lose life-saving medical treatments. However, we cannot lose sight of the fact that the judge issued a temporary restraining order, and will hear a motion for a more permanent injunction on October 19,” said Senator English. He added, “It is possible that six weeks from now we will find ourselves in the same situation we were in on Monday, with people wondering how they will pay for their dialysis and chemotherapy.”

The committe also received an update on the status of federal legislation that would increase Medicaid reimbursements to the state, reducing the impact of providing health care services to COFA residents.

A number of COFA dignitaries and experts submitted testimony including:

Federated States of Micronesia (FSM):
Hon. Lorin Robert, Secretary of Foreign Affairs; Hon. Vita Skilling, Secretary of Health and Social Services; His Excellency Yosiwo P. George, FSM Ambassador to the United States; Mr. James Naich, Deputy Chief of Mission, FSM Embassy in Washington, DC; Mr. Akillino H. Susaia, FSM Consul General, State of Hawai‘i; and Mr. Daniel Rescue, FSM Consulate Hawai‘i Staff.

Republic of the Marshall Islands:
Hon. John Silk, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Noda Lojkar, Consul General, Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

State of Hawai‘i:
Dr. Kenneth Fink, Administrator, MED-QUEST Division, Department of Human Services.

Medical community:
Dr. Neal Palafox, Chair, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine & Community Health; Dr. Sheldon Riklon, member, Micronesian Health Advisory Coalition. Organization: Mr. William J. Swain, representing Pa Emman Kabjere.

The Compact of Free Association Nations include the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

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.

One of the key issues of the upcoming legislative session is energy: where it comes from, what it costs, and how it is produced. To keep our state’s economy moving, we need to find ways to conserve, and we need to explore new energy sources. The ideas are in place; the laws are on the books – our task for the future is putting ideas into practice.

I am pleased to learn that the Governor views alternative energy and fuel conservation as essential elements in her legislative package, and that her administration is prepared to build upon the work the Legislature has done in recent years to advance those goals.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs, I have introduced legislation over the years aimed at:

• Reducing Hawai‘i’s dependence on fossil fuels;
• Moving the state toward the use of renewable energy, and setting realistic deadlines for meeting that goal;
• Creating incentives for private industry to develop alternative sources of energy; and
• Mandating the application of energy efficient, enviromentally sound practices to the construction of new state buildings.

Hawai‘i’s energy situation is critical. We burn more oil to produce electricity than any other state. Our geographic isolation makes us especially vulnerable to disruptions in the worldwide production of oil. We have a potentially crippling dependence on forces far beyond our control.

Alternative energy, then, would seem to be a goal everyone could embrace. Solar and wind power, biomass, and ocean energy all have tremendous potential. As new systems come on line, the cost of energy is bound to drop. Yet Hawai‘i has moved slowly toward energy self-sufficiency. The opposition has come from those with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, but their arguments lose value with each passing year. It’s unrealistic to expect that the price of fossil fuels will drop in the future; experience suggests that it has nowhere to go but up.

A key concept in energy reform is the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). This is the notion that a certain percentage of the state’s energy should come from renewable sources – combined with a timeline for that goal to be reached. Hawai‘i has adopted an RPS of 20 percent by the end of 2020. The measure that is currently in place is flawed, and fixing it will be one of my top priorities for the upcoming legislative session. As written, it has loopholes that will slow its implementation. Once those are closed, we will have meaningful legislation. Renewable energy has met its share of resistance in the past – but times have changed.

Net Energy Metering is another energy reform that is now on the books. Like the Renewable Portfolio Standard, it will offer real savings to the consumer as soon as key decisions are made about how it will be administered. Net Energy Metering encourages the use of renewable energy generators by making renewable energy cost-effective – a key principle behind the state’s new focus on energy reform.

Another idea that is coming to the fore is the LEED standard for the development of sustainable, energy efficient construction methods. LEED stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,” and it’s another example of energy reform that has met with its share of opposition through the years. The administration now recognizes that construction that applies the LEED standard pays for itself in a very short time and leads to significant costs savings for Hawai‘i’s taxpayers over the long haul.

The Hawai‘i Energy Policy Forum has created a comprehensive 10-point plan that charts a course for Hawai‘i’s energy future. It calls for the development of renewable energy sources from material already available to us. It encourages the development of solar energy, hydrogen, ethanol, and bio-fuels. It strikes a balance between sound energy policy and the energy needs of Hawai‘i’s people. It commits the state to investment in sustainable communities and the reduction of energy costs. Details of the plan can be found online at www.hawaiienergypolicy.hawaii.edu/.

Whether in the development of renewable energy sources or building construction, Hawai‘i’s state government can lead the way. Government is in a unique position to set standards, create incentives, establish timelines, and lead by example. I’m delighted to see that there’s an apparent sea change in the administration’s attitude toward renewable energy.

Despite the undeniable crisis conditions we face, there is reason to hope. For the first time in our history, we have the bipartisan political will to move the state toward energy self-sufficiency. I look forward to working with the administration as we move from the idea stage to the real work before us: the implementation of sound ideas whose time has finally come.