Feb

03

Republic of the Marshall Islands President Makes Inaugural Visit to Hawaii

International Affairs

(L-R) Noda Lojkar, Marshall Islands Consul General, State of Hawaii; Christopher deBrum , Chief of Staff to President Loeak; Tony deBrum, Minister in Assistance; President Christopher Loeak; Hawaii State Senator J. Kalani English; and Bruce Kijiner, Aide to President Loeak.

HONOLULU — Newly elected Republic of Marshall Islands President Christopher Loeak and First Lady Anono Lieom Loeak made their inaugural visit to Hawaii on February 2, 2012. President Loeak and his delegation met with Governor Neil Abercrombie as well as other state officials. While meeting with officials, President Loeak discussed issues relating to the Compact of Free Association and to reaffirm the RMI government’s commitment towards a mutually beneficial outcome to the significant issues.

“I would like to thank the people of Hawaii for their hospitality during my visit,” said Republic of Marshall Islands President Christopher Loeak. “Hawaii is such a beautiful place and we can see why many of our residents have chosen to make their home here. I thank the people of Hawaii for opening their hearts to them and for their generous compassion.”

“This was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen ties with the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands as well as forge a relationship with their newly elected president,” said Senator J. Kalani English, Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and International Affairs. Last month, Senator English was invited by the United Nations Development Programme to conduct an Induction Seminar for the Nitjela (Parliament) of Marshall Islands in Majuro. The seminar was intended to support members and assist them in identifying a better use of the parliamentary process to support the delivery of Government services. Senator English spoke on topics including, responsible government, leadership roles, the role of the majority party and the importance of committee hearings.

Prior to being elected to the Hawaii State Legislature, Senator English worked at the United Nations in New York. He continues to be active with the organization, which has enabled him to be invited to participate in seminars such as the Induction Seminar for the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ Nitjela (Parliament).

“It is fulfilling to be able to help other countries improve their democratic system,” said Senator English.

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Nov

07

Hawaii State Senate Congratulates Governor’s New Deputy Chief of Staff

Articles


Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced Representative Blake Oshiro will be joining the Abercrombie Administration as his deputy chief of staff. Representative Oshiro who currently serves in the House of Representatives as its Majority Leader will be stepping down from his seat on December 7, 2011.

Senate President Shan Tsutsui and Senate Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria, on behalf of the Senate, congratulate Representative Blake Oshiro as Governor Abercrombie’s new deputy chief of staff. They offer the following statements on Representative Oshiro’s appointment:

“Congratulations to Representative Blake Oshiro on his appointment as Governor Abercrombie’s new deputy chief of staff. He is certainly a qualified, experienced and knowledgeable addition to the administration. We look forward to working with Representative Oshiro as he works with the governor and members of the administration to direct Hawaii under the “New Day” plan,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui.

“Governor Abercrombie’s appointment of Representative Blake Oshiro as his new deputy chief of staff is very fitting. As my counterpart, while Representative Oshiro served as Majority Leader in the House of Representatives, I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with him. He is thorough, diligent, but equally important, he understands the nuances of the legislature and we look forward to working with him as deputy chief of staff,” said Senate Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria.

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Jul

01

Governor Signs Several Senate Bills into Law

Articles

On July 1, 2011, Governor Neil Abercrombie signed several bills into law.  They include:

  • Senate Bill 219 (ACT 174), which protects female inmates and their unborn babies.  The measure prohibits the physical and mechanical restraint, including shackling and handcuffing, of inmates who are pregnant or in postpartum recovery.  The bill was introduced by Senator Jill Tokuda.  It will go into effect upon approval.
  • Senate Bill 892 (Act 175), which addresses the provisions in the Hawaii Revised Statutes regarding service animals that are either obsolete or inconsistent with federal law. The bill was introduced by Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland.  It goes into effect upon approval.
  • Senate Bill 1154 (Act 178), which preserves the culturally and historically rich area of South Kona on the island of Hawaii by establishing the South Kona Wilderness Area.  It will be administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.  The bill was introduced by Senator Gil Kahele.  It will go into effect on July 1, 2011.
  • Senate Bill 921 (Act 179) , which would allow certain child service providers to provide emergency shelter and related services to minors (runaway or transient youth) at no cost under certain circumstances. The bill was introduced by Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland.  It goes into effect on July 1, 2011.
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May

26

Governor Proclaims Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Day

Articles / Public Safety, Government Operations, & Military Affairs

Governor Neil Abercrombie presented a Proclamation today in his Ceremonial Room with several Vietnam Veterans in attendance.

The proclamation declared May 26, 2011 as Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Day.  Senator Will Espero, chair  of the Public Safety, Military and Intergovernmental Affairs committee, introduced Senate Resolution 111 requesting the proclamation in April. The day recognizes the sacrifice and hardship of our Vietnam Veterans.

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