May

21

Statement by Senator Clayton Hee in Response to Governor’s Signing of Click it or Ticket Bill

Judiciary & Labor / Press Releases / Transportation

Honolulu- On May 20, 2013, Governor Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill (SB) 4, relating to Motor Vehicles, into law.  This measure requires all front and back seat passengers to be restrained by a seat belt assembly or child passenger restraint while the motor vehicle is being operated on any public highway.

Senator Clayton Hee, Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor, issued this statement in response to the enactment of SB 4:

The data regarding seat belt use is irrefutable,” said Senator Hee, who was the introducer of the bill. “Seventy-five percent of back seat passengers suffer serious injury of death when they are not properly buckled up.  People’s lives will be saved by this new law and, at the end of the day, that is really what counts!”

According to the National Highway Safety Administration, seat belt restraints increase the safety of all motor vehicle occupants by as much as forty-five percent.  By requiring all front seat and back seat occupants to buckle up, this bill seeks to protect the safety of Hawaii’s motor vehicle drivers and passengers.

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Nov

08

Hawaii State Senate Unveils its Leadership and Committee Chairs

Press Releases

HONOLULU — Maui State Senator Shan S. Tsutsui (Sen. District 5) has once again been elected as the President of the Senate and will preside during the 27th Hawaii State Legislature, which will convene on January 16, 2013.  Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Sen. District 14) will also continue to serve as Senate Vice President and Chair of the Senate Committee on Tourism and Government Operations and Special Committee on Accountability.  Senator David Ige (Sen. District 16) will continue as Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, with Senator Michelle Kidani (Sen. District 18) serving as his Vice Chair.

The Senate acted quickly to organize after the November 6, 2012, General Election, with a primary goal of promoting an environment of cooperation and shared leadership and authority.  While much of leadership and committee chairmanships remained unchanged from the 26th Legislature, additional standing committees were established to provide greater scrutiny over important subject matter areas, as well as to provide a greater number of Senators the experience and authority to preside as committee chairs and vice chairs.

The Senate would like to buck the trend across the country of faction-based and partisan politics, which has too often delayed or stalled progress on important initiatives.  By sharing the power amongst more Senators, we hope to foster a more cooperative institution that can focus on and work towards the resolution of our most pressing issues,” said Senate President Tsutsui.

We are excited to have reached agreement so quickly.  This will allow us to focus our attention on the issues and begin preparations for the 2013 session,” said Senator Ige.

A complete listing of Senate Leadership and Committee Chairmanships is as follows:

President Shan S. Tsutsui
Vice President Donna Mercado Kim
Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria
Ways and Means, Chair David Ige
Ways and Means, Vice Chair Michelle Kidani
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Jul

20

Senators Respond to Landmark Signing of the Native Hawaiian Roll

Hawaiian Affairs / Press Releases

(Legislators joined together to sign the petition at Washington Place.) (L-R Senator Pohai Ryan, Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, Senator Michelle Kidani, Representative Faye Hanohano, Senator Gilbert Kahele and Senator Clayton Hee.)

Honolulu- Officials and members of the public joined together at Washington Place today for the historic signing of the Native Hawaiian Roll. The signing was accompanied by a petition of signatures in support of the roll.

State Senators offered the following remarks in response to the landmark signing of the Native Hawaiian Roll:

Today’s signing is a great testimony to the courageous individuals who decades ago saw injustice and stepped forward,” said Senator Brickwood Galuteria, chairman of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs. “The inauguration of this roll marks the next step in the framework towards self-governance for the Hawaiian people.”

The signing of this legislation signifies an important stage in the long journey towards justice and self-determination for the people of the first nation of these islands,” said Senator Clayton Hee, author of the measure which established the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission. “The people of Hawai‘i and, in particular, the native Hawaiian people have the opportunity and privilege to move forward together toward self determination with a renewed sense of optimism for our future together as one.”

This is a historic and positive day for the State of Hawai‘i and the Native Hawaiian community, many have waited decades for this recognition,” said Senator Malama Solomon, who was the chief negotiator of the measure. “The signing of the Native Hawaiian Roll moves forward the reconciliation process for mending relations between the State of Hawai‘i and the Native Hawaiian people.“

(Senator Galuteria and Trustee Apo joined Senators Akaka and Inouye and signed the petition in Akaka’s Washington D.C. office.) (Courtesy of the Office of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka)

In 2011 Governor Neil Abercrombie enacted Senate Bill 1520, the Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill, into law as Act 195. In addition to formally recognizing Native Hawaiian people as “the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli people of Hawai‘i,” the measure also established the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission (NHRC).

Comprised of five members, one from each county and one at-large seat, NHRC was tasked with the responsibility of preparing and maintaining a roll of qualified Native Hawaiians as defined by the act. The roll is to be used as the basis for participation in the organization of a Native Hawaiian governing entity.

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Jun

29

Hawaii State Senate Confirms Judge Pollack to the Supreme Court

Confirmations / Press Releases

(Hawaii State Senate Confirms Judge Richard W. Pollack to the Supreme Court.)

HONOLULU – In a Special Session, the Hawaii State Senate today confirmed Judge Richard W. Pollack as an Associate Justice to the Supreme Court.  He was nominated by Governor Neil Abercrombie and was subject to Senate confirmation.  Justice Pollack fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice James E. Duffy, Jr.

“We are confident that Justice Pollack will serve the Supreme Court well with his extensive experience as a judge in the Circuit Court,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui.  “We believe he will uphold our state constitution and work to ensure that the laws are applied fairly, equally and appropriately for all the people of Hawaii.”

“Judge Richard Pollack will be a valuable asset to the Hawaii Supreme Court.  His compassion, integrity and knowledge of the law will guide him in service to the people of Hawaii.  I am honored to have Chaired his confirmation,” said Clayton Hee, Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary and Labor.

Justice Pollack, 61, has been serving as a judge in the Circuit Court since 2000, presiding over the civil and criminal trial calendar. During that time period, he served as a substitute justice and substitute Intermediate Court of Appeals judge on numerous occasions.

Justice Pollack is an adjunct professor at the William S. Richardson School of Law where he currently teaches Law of Evidence and Criminal Procedure. Prior to his appointment to the Circuit Court bench, Justice Pollack served as the State Public Defender from 1987 to 2000.  He managed a statewide office of 99 attorneys and was actively involved in appellate work during his tenure.

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Apr

18

Senators Prepare to Make a Splash in Support of the Hawaii Foodbank

Articles

Beginning at noon tomorrow, April 19, 2012, the Senate Dunking Booth will be in full swing with 14 State Senators offering themselves as targets to help support the Hawai‘i Foodbank.  Senator Clayton Hee and the staff of the Committee on Judiciary and Labor will be hosting the fundraiser which will be located at the State Capitol lawn near the Father Damien statue on Beretania Street.

I am humbled and grateful that the following Senators have agreed to participate:  Shan Tsutsui, President; Brickwood Galuteria, Majority Leader; Will Espero, Majority Floor Leader; Mike Gabbard, Chair of Energy and Environment; Maile Shimabukuro, Vice-Chair of Judiciary and Labor; Sam Slom, Minority Leader; Michelle Kidani, Assistant Majority Leader; Suzanne Chun Oakland, Chair of Human Services; Clarence Nishihara, Chair of Agriculture; Jill Tokuda, Chair of Education; Josh Green, Chair of Health; Glenn Wakai, Senator of District 15; Rosalyn Baker, Chair of Commerce and Consumer Protection; and David Ige, Chair of Ways and Means.”

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Nov

03

Senators Among Distinguished Panelist for Discussion of Act 195

Articles / Hawaiian Affairs / In the Community


On October 28, 2011 Senator Clayton Hee (District 23, Kahuku, La‘ie, Ka‘a‘awa, Kane‘ohe) and Senator Malama Solomon (District 1, Waimea, Hamakua, Keaukaha and Hilo) participated in a panel discussion on Act 195, regarding Native Hawaiian recognition by the State of Hawaii.

The event was part of the 52nd Annual Convention of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs (AHCC), which took place from October 24-30.

Other members of the panel included Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Colette Machado and former Governor John D. Waihee, III, who is a member of the Native Hawaiian Roll Call Commission. The panel was moderated by former AHCC president H.K. Bruss Keppeler, Esq.

Act 195 formally recognizes Native Hawaiian people as “the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli people of Hawai‘i.” In addition to formal recognition by the State of Hawai‘i, the measure also established the Native Hawaiian Roll Call Commission. Members of the commission were appointed by the Governor in September. It is composed of five members, one from each county and one at-large seat. The Commission is tasked with preparing and maintaining a roll of qualified Native Hawaiians as defined by the Act.

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Oct

24

Senators Among Distinguished Panelist for Discussion of Act 195

Articles / Hawaiian Affairs / In the Community / Press Releases

KAHUKU, OAHU — Senator Clayton Hee and Senator Malama Solomon will be participating in a panel discussion on Act 195, regarding Native Hawaiian recognition by the State of Hawaii, on Friday, October 28, 2011.  The discussion begins at 10 a.m. at the Turtle Bay Resort.

The event is part of the 52nd Annual Convention of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs (AHCC), which takes place from October 24-30.

Senator Clayton Hee (District 23, Kahuku, La‘ie, Ka‘a‘awa, Kane‘ohe) and Senator Malama Solomon (District 1, Waimea, Hamakua, Keaukaha and Hilo) led the charge for the passage of Senate Bill 1520, which subsequently became Act 195 when it was signed into law by Gov. Abercrombie in July.

“This landmark legislation is for the Native Hawaiian people, but it is also of vital importance for all the people of the State of Hawaii,” said Sen. Solomon, chief negotiator of the bill.

“This law is one more step, in a journey long overdue, that affirms Native Hawaiians as the first nation of these islands,” said Senator Clayton Hee, author of the bill.

Act 195 formally recognizes Native Hawaiian people as “the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli people of Hawai‘i.” In addition to formal recognition by the State of Hawai‘i, the measure also established the Native Hawaiian Roll Call Commission.  Members of the commission were appointed by the Governor in September.  It is composed of five members, one from each county and one at-large seat.  The Commission is tasked with preparing and maintaining a roll of qualified Native Hawaiians as defined by the Act.

Other members of the panel include Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Colette Machado and former Governor John D. Waihee, III, who is a member of the Native Hawaiian Roll Call Commission.   The panel will be moderated former AHCC president H.K. Bruss Keppeler, Esq.

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Jul

06

Governor Signs Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill into Law

Articles / Hawaiian Affairs / Press Releases

Senators join Governor Abercrombie after the signing of Senate Bill 1520 into law

HONOLULU– Senate Bill 1520, which formally recognizes Native Hawaiian people as “the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli people of Hawai‘i,” was signed by Governor Neil Abercrombie this afternoon at Washington Place.

“For Kanaka Maoli, this measure is one more important step in a very long and arduous journey toward justice.  Indeed, this journey has taken more than the span of a single life.  It has taken generations,” said Senator Malama Solomon, chief negotiator of the bill.  “For all people of Hawai‘i, it marks a historic and positive step in the reconciliation process mending relations between the State of Hawai‘i mending relations between the State of Hawai‘i and the Native Hawaiian people.”

“This law affirms Native Hawaiians as the first nation of these islands and provides Hawaiians the opportunity to form a new nation within this State of Hawai‘i,” said Senator Clayton Hee, author of the bill. 

 “The signing of this legislation will be remembered by future generations,” said Senator Brickwood Galuteria, chairman of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs.  “This measure recognizes the first people of Hawai‘i while preserving the diversity that has made Hawai‘i home to us all.”

In addition to formal recognition by the State of Hawai‘i, the measure also requires the Governor to appoint a Native Hawaiian Roll Call Commission that will create and publish a list of people who are of Native Hawaiian descent.  Funding to facilitate the activities of the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission will be provided by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.   

            For more information on Senate Bill 1520: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2011/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1520

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Apr

06

Local Businesses Recognized for Their Contributions During Recent Flooding

Articles / In the Community

Senator Clayton Hee led the Senate in recognizing local organizations and businesses for their quick response to the flooding caused by recent storms. Senator Hee worked together with City Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz to coordinate efforts that provided over 10,000 sandbags for residents in flooded windward communities. Those recognized on April 5th included: Pacific Aggregate, Ironworkers Union, Ameron Hawaii, Grace Pacific, Safety Systems and City Mill.

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