May

10

District Needs Fulfilled By Legislative Teamwork

In the Community / Press Releases

Honolulu- Through working together, Senators Malama Solomon and Gilbert Kahele, along with Representative Mark Nakashima are improving the quality of life in their districts. Together, the legislators secured $292.6 M in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding for the Hawai‘i Island districts, ensuring that many of their district goals were met. The project funds were allocated in the CIP portion of the State budget, House Bill (HB) 200. These appropriations represent new jobs and job training, education and healthcare, roads, airports and harbor improvements, and vital “safety net” services for our keiki, kupuna and less fortunate. This bill is currently awaiting Governor Abercrombie’s signature.

“A special thanks to everyone who called, emailed or sent testimony supporting these important projects. You made a difference!” said Senator Malama Solomon (District 4, Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona).  “We also made progress on addressing the financial crisis our State faces by passing a bill that protects our all-important AA bond rating. This is how we finance major infrastructures to get results that benefit our community.”

“The projects funded by the budget will help move the Island of Hawai‘i forward by creating jobs, enhancing our public infrastructure and facilities, and investing in education,” said Senator Gilbert Kahele (District 1, Hilo). “Through projects at our schools like Waiakea Elementary and Waiakea High, we invest in our children’s educational development and provide a safe environment in which they can achieve success. “

“I am particularly pleased that funds have been allocated for a new rescue and fire fighting facility at Hilo International Airport, as well as runway improvements. In addition, we are addressing the critical shortage of primary care providers by establishing the training program,” said Representative Nakashima (District 1- Hamakua, Hilo). “By working collaboratively with my colleagues in both the House and Senate we will continue to secure funds to drive our economy and improve our quality of life.”

Senators Solomon and Kahele and Representative Nakashima, will hold a community meeting on Thursday, June 6, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, UCB 127.  Legislators will be giving residents a post 2013 Legislative Session update, including a discussion on CIPs.

Here are highlights of the CIP funding secured for the Hawai‘i Island districts:

 

AGRICULTURE

$2 Million             WAIMEA IRRIGATION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS

$4.4 Million         LOWER HAMAKUA DITCH WATERSHED PROJECT

AIRPORTS

$43.4 Million       HILO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, NEW AIR RESCUE AND FIRE FIGHTING FACILITY,  RUNWAY 3-21 RECONSTRUCTION, SECURITY ACCESS CONTROL

$113.5 Million    KONA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, SECURITY ACCESS CONTROL, TERMINAL EXPANSION, INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS BUILDING

$3 Million             ELLISON S. ONIZUKA SPACE MUSEUM; IMPROVEMENTS

DBEDT

$12.017 Million  NELHA SEAWATER SYSTEM UPGRADES, ROAD AND NEW INTERSECTION CONNECTIONS

DEFENSE

$5.9 Million         YOUTH CHALLENGE ACADEMY (YCA) UPGRADE & IMPROVEMENTS

$300,000              WEST HAWAI‘I VETERANS CENTER; PLANS & DESIGN

EDUCATION

$1 Million             HONOKAA HIGH SCHOOL; ATHLETIC FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS

$5 Million             WAIMEA MIDDLE SCHOOL; 9-CLASSROOM SCIENCE-TECHNOLOGY

BUILDING

$300,000              KEALAKEHE HIGH SCHOOL; ALL-WEATHER AND SYNTHETIC TRACK

$1.5 million         WAIAKEA ELEMENATARY SCHOOL; PLAY COURT

$450, 000             WAIAKEA HIGH SCHOOL; NEW BATTING CAGE

HARBORS

$1 Million             HILO HARBOR MODIFICATIONS

HEALTH

$1 Million             HAWAI‘I ISLAND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION; CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ADULT DAY CARE FACILITY

$4 Million             KONA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL; RENOVATIONS AND UPGRADES

$1 Million             KOHALA COMMUNITY HOPITAL; RENOVATIONS AND UPGRADES

$1.8 Million         HB417: PRIMARY CARE TRAINING PROGRAM AT HILO MEDICAL CENTER

HUMAN SERVICES

$643,000              THE SALVATION ARMY FAMILY INTERVENTION SERVICES

JUDICIARY

$9 Million             KONA JUDICIARY COMPLEX

LABOR

$1.2 Million         HAWAI‘I COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL; EMERGENCY REPAIRS AND HANDICAPPED ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS

$1.5 Million         KAHILU THEATRE FOUNDATION; IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING FACILITIES

$30,000                 BRANTLEY CENTER, INC.; RENOVATIONS OF EXISTING FACILITIES IN HONOKA’A

LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

$6.5 Million         PUUANAHULU SHOOTING RANGE FACILITY

ROADS

$7.5 Million         AKONI PULE HIGHWAY, REALIGNMENT AND WIDENING

$4 Million             HAWAI‘I BELT ROAD ROCKFALL PROTECTION & DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS AT PAPAALOA

$27.7 Million       QUEEN KAAHUMANU HIGHWAY WIDENING

$15.7 Million       SADDLE ROAD EXTENSION TO KAAHUMANU HWY & MAINTENANCE BASEYARD

$1 Million             IMPROVEMENTS TO INTERSECTION AND SIDEWALK OF MAMANE STREET, HONOKAA

$6.25 Million       PUAINAKO ST. WIDENING/REALIGNMENT, KANOELEHUA AVENUE TO KOMOHANA STREET

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I

$2.4 Million         UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I PALAMANUI CAMPUS, PHASE I

$2 Million             UHH OFFICE OF MAUNA KEA MANAGEMENT; IMPROVEMENTS AND RENOVATION

$600,000              NORTH HAWAI‘I EDUCATION AND RESEARCH CENTER; RENOVATIONS

COUNTIES

$5 Million             WAIMEA DISTRICT/REGIONAL PARK; PHASE 1, FOR A ONE-TO-ONE MATCH OF COUNTY FUNDS OF $2.5 MILLION

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Apr

03

Art at the Capitol 2013: What’s on Your Wall, Senator Gilbert Kahele?

Art / Articles

In this episode of “What’s on Your Wall?,” Senator Gilbert Kahele (District 1- Hilo) showcases two of his favorite artworks displayed in his office, photographs by Boone Morrison. Senator Kahele, a friend of Morrison, shares a bit of advice from him, “If you want to capture something for now and forever, do something in black and white.” The public will be able to view these pieces and other art work on April 5, 2013 at the 5th Annual Art at the Capitol from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Click here to view video.

You can view more installments of “What’s on your wall?” online at: http://www.youtube.com/user/ArtatTheCapitolHI?feature=watch.

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Mar

15

Head of Big Island Candies Honored by Hawaii State Senate

In the Community

((L-R) Art Taniguchi, Senator Russell Ruderman, Senator Gilbert Kahele, Allan Ikawa, and Senator Malama Solomon).

Honolulu – Big Island Candies President and Chief Executive Officer Allan Ikawa received a Certificate of Recognition from the Hawaii State Senate Thursday for recently being awarded the Entrepreneurial Success Award for the State of Hawaii.  The award was part of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Small Business Awards 2013.  The Entrepreneurial Success Award is given to a business that started small by SBA standards, then developed into a large business.

Allan Ikawa and Big Island Candies has enabled the world to taste the flavor of Hawaii with delicious cookies, coffee and confections,” said Sen. Gilbert Kahele (D-1, Hilo), who presented Ikawa with the Certificate.  “I congratulate everyone at Big Island Candies for their hard work in growing the company into one that is highly recognized and respected.  I wish Allan and Big Island Candies continued success.”

Big Island Candies started in 1977 with just one employee and a small SBA loan. Today, the company has more than 90 employees, operates from a state-of-the-art, 40-thousand square-foot facility and testing lab in Hilo with retail outlets on Oahu.  The company has also expanded its reach by being available for on-line sales.

 

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Mar

14

Hawaii State Senate Honors the 50th Anniversary of the Merrie Monarch

In the Community / Press Releases

(Senator Gilbert Kahele congratulates Colleen Kawelu.)

Honolulu — With the 50th anniversary of the Merrie Monarch just a few weeks away, the Hawaii State Senate honored the momentous occasion during its session last week Friday. Senators presented directors of the Merrie Monarch Festival, Luana, Kathleen and Colleen Kawelu, with a Certificate of Recognition to mark the anniversary.

Eyes around the world focus on Hilo during the Merrie Monarch to enjoy the Hawaiian culture and arts,” said Sen. Gilbert Kahele, who represents Hilo. “The festival’s committee has done a wonderful job in helping to preserve and share our culture.”

The Merrie Monarch Festival, which began on April 1964, consisted of barbershop quartets, street dancing, fireworks and coronation pageants. In 1968, under the direction of George Na’ope and Dorothy “Dottie” Thompson, the festival focused on celebrating the Hawaiian culture.

Today, the festival is under the direction of the late Aunty Dottie Thompson’s daughter Luana Kawelu and granddaughters Colleen and Kathleen Kawelu. The event features remarkable exhibitions of dance by hula halau, whose members make months-long commitments to hone their mo’olelo and then present it to an enthusiastic audience of thousands. Considered the “Olympics of Hula,” the Merrie Monarch Festival is broadcast on television statewide and is also live streamed via the internet, making the unofficial count of viewers well in the range of the hundreds of thousands.

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Oct

22

Senator Gilbert Kahele Honored with Legislator of the Year Award

Articles

Honolulu– The Hawaii Psychological Association (HPA) honored Senator Gilbert Kahele with the Legislator of the Year Award over the weekend. Senator Kahele was given the award for his outstanding contributions to psychology and mental health services in the State and for advocating for the care of the medically underserved.

“I am truly humbled with the award that the Hawaii Psychological Association has given me and for recognizing the work that I have done in support of its mission,” said Senator Kahele, who represents Senatorial District 2 on the Big Island (Kau, Puna and Hilo). I will continue promoting medical care for those in need.”

Along with his work in helping to advance medical care, Senator Kahele has made preserving agriculture land a top priority as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

The mission of the Hawaii Psychological Association is to enhance the quality of life for the people of Hawai?i by encouraging, integrating, applying, and communicating the contributions of Psychology in all its branches.

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Jun

21

Governor Signs Measure to Prevent the Spread of Axis Deer

Agriculture / Press Releases

(Senator Gilbert Kahele and Senator Clarence Nishihara join Governor Abercrombie for the signing of Senate Bill 3001 into law.)

Honolulu- Today Governor Neil Abercrombie enacted Senate Bill (SB) 3001, Relating to Wildlife, into law. This measure prohibits the intentional possession and interisland transportation or release of wild or feral deer.

The introduction of non-native species to the State poses a negative effect on Hawai‘i’s environment and indigenous species in a variety of ways.  Specifically, the Axis Deer has caused great damage to native habitats and agricultural crops on Maui and are a danger to vehicular traffic on roadways. SB 3001 aims to provide a deterrent to the purposeful spread of wild or feral deer within the State and establishes penalties for the intentional possession or interisland transportation or release of wild or feral deer.

It is imperative that Hawai‘i’s environment and local industry be protected from the devastating effects that non-native species can pose to the health of our local economy and ecosystem, ” said Senator Gilbert Kahele (District 2- Ka‘u, Puna, Hilo), who introduced the measure. “This measure establishes the regulations needed to prevent the unwanted spread of Axis Deer so that our environment and businesses can continue to grow and prosper.”

We commend Senator Kahele, the state legislature and the Governor for passing SB3001 to prevent the cruel and irresponsible abandonment of deer across Hawaii. Such illegal introductions cause unnecessary animal suffering and harm to the environment” said Inga Gibson, Hawaii director for The Humane Society of the United States.

The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust, who worked in support of this bill, are offering a reward of up to $2500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the illegal transport, release or abandonment of deer on the Big Island. The DLNR- Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement (DOCARE) is asking anyone with information on this illegal activity to please contact their toll-free reward tipline at 1-855-DLNR-TIP (1-855-356-7847).

If anyone sights a  deer on Hawai‘i Island, please call the Big Island Invasive Species Council Deer Coordinator at (808)443-4036.

To view video click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_pm8PGgxdY.

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Jun

04

Senator Gilbert Kahele to Discuss Capital Improvement Projects at Town Hall Meeting

In the Community / Press Releases

HILO-  Senator Gilbert Kahele is inviting residents to a town hall meeting on WEDNESDAY, June 20, 2012, at the Hilo High School Cafeteria, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Senator Kahele, who represents Kau, Puna and Hilo, will be giving residents a post 2012 Legislative Session update, including a discussion on Capital Improvement Projects in the East Hawaii district.

I highly encourage everyone to attend the meeting to learn about how some of the bills passed this session will impact them,” said Senator Kahele.  “This will also give residents a chance to ask questions concerning their community.”

Senator Kahele also plans to talk about important measures he was involved in this past session, including the establishment of the Aha Moku Advisory committee, the prohibiting of inter-island transportation of wild or feral deer, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs ceded land settlement and the establishment of an exploratory committee to study the feasibility and resources required to create an aviation training program and academic program at Hilo Airport and UH Hilo, respectively.

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Apr

16

State Funding for Projects on Hawaii Island Creates Jobs and Stimulates Economy

Budget

HONOLULU — Governor Abercrombie is releasing Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding for the Waimea to Kau areas on the island of Hawaii.

I would like to thank the Governor for releasing the funding for these much needed projects,” said Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 1, encompassing Waimea, Hamakua, North Hilo, Hilo and Keaukaha. “The projects will greatly impact and improve the lives of our residents who live in the area by providing work and accelerating our economic recovery.”

There are people who are under-employed and unemployed in the trades industry on Hawaii island, and these capital improvement projects will provide jobs that they so urgently need,” said Senator Gilbert Kahele, who represents District 2, encompassing Kau, Puna and Hilo.

Here are the following projects receiving funding:
• $1,000,000 Waimea Hydropower Plant: install a hydropower plant in the Waimea Irrigation System
• $874,925 Surveillance of Water-Side Threats to Critical Infrastructure at Hilo, Kawaihae,
Nawiliwili and Port Allen Harbors: design/build construction for surveillance systems
• $210,000 Hawaii Belt Road Drainage Improvements, Vicinity of Hakalau Bridge: drainage
improvements
• $3,200,000 State Lower Hamakua Ditch Watershed Project: land acquisition, design and
construction to repair the flumes, ditches, reservoirs, and tunnels
• $300,000 State Lower Hamakua Ditch Watershed Project: construction to repair the flumes,
ditches, reservoirs, and tunnels
• $2,000,000 Waimea Transfer Ditch Improvements: construction and improvements
• $4,150,000 Paauilo Rendering Plant and Slaughterhouse: building renovation, infrastructure
improvements and equipment replacement
• $113,000 Information and Communication Services Division – Anuenue Radio Sites and Towers:
design and construction engineering of Waiakea radio facility
• $2,500,000 Keaau Middle School: additional construction, works of art and equipment of a new
classroom building
• $500,000 Kau Irrigation System Improvements: plans and design for improvements, including
renovation of the existing water tunnel system in the Kau area
• $284,000 Kau Hospital: installation of solar powered parking lot lights, replacement of hospital
doors, renovation of entrance ramps and installation of a wireless repeater for advanced communications
• $4,000,000 University of Hawaii at Hilo Living Learning Community: construction and equipment
• $16,000,000 University of Hawaii at Hilo, Student Housing Developments Phase 1: construction
• $550,000 The Arc of Hilo: construction of the gymnasium

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Mar

23

Senator Gilbert Kahele Recognizes Adopt-a-Beehive with Alan Wong

In the Community / Press Releases

((L-R) Sen. Gilbert Kahele, UH Hilo Professor of Entomology Dr. Lorna Tsutsumi, UH Hilo Chancellor Donald Straney, Chef Alan Wong and Senator Clarence Nishihara.)

HONOLULU—Senator Gilbert Kahele honored key individuals involved in the Adopt-a-Beehive with Alan Wong Program at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo with a Certificate of Recognition today.  Those individuals are renowned Chef Alan Wong, University of Hawai`i at Hilo Chancellor Donald Straney and University of Hawai`i at Hilo Professor of Entomology Dr. Lorna Tsutsumi.

Last year, Chef Alan Wong teamed up with UH Hilo to create the “Adopt-a-Beehive with Alan Wong Program” in order to bring awareness of the honey bees’ critical decline in population.  Now offered for a second year, the successful innovative program supports the education of student beekeepers, promotes research and development of healthy beehive practices in Hawai’i, and educates the public about the vital role that honey bees play in sustaining agriculture.

I was very impressed with this innovative idea that partners Chef Alan Wong and UH Hilo conceived in educating their students and the community on the vital role that honey bees play in sustaining agriculture in Hawai‘i,” said Senator Kahele, who represents District 2, encompassing Ka‘u, Puna, Hilo.

Senator Kahele, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, co-adopted a beehive with Senator Clarence Nishihara, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

There are 25 bee hives at the UH Hilo apiary located on the 110 acre Panaewa farm that are used for the hands-on beekeeping laboratories. The hives are assigned to students who learn manipulation skills and then send public “adopters” monthly updates on the status of their hives.

According to the University of Hawai`i, honey bees across Hawai`i have helped sustain agriculture for over 150 years.  But, bee colonies began collapsing in 2007 due to the invasion of the varroa mite.

UH Hilo Chancellor Donald Straney has been a strong supporter of the program since its inception.  He believes UH Hilo has the potential to become a global model in promoting research and educating the public about the vital role honey bees play in sustaining agriculture.

UH Hilo Professor of Entomology Dr. Lorna Tsutsumi has taught students the importance of sustainability for more than 25 years.  She has said honey bees are responsible for the pollination of many important agricultural crops and their health and well-being is especially important as we strive to lessen our dependency on food imports.

The Senate Committees on Agriculture and Education passed House Bill 2100, relating to bees this past Monday, March 19, 2012.  The bill would appropriate funds to the University of Hawai`i for statewide bee hive research.  The bill is now with the Senate Committee on Ways and Means for consideration.

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Mar

14

Senators Gilbert Kahele and Malama Solomon Recognize Hilo Restaurant Owners

In the Community / Press Releases

Senators Gilbert Kahele and Malama Solomon congratulate Debra Ching Maiava and Ric Maiava of Ken’s House of Pancakes in Hilo

HONOLULU — Senators Gilbert Kahele and Malama Solomon, along with their colleagues in the Hawaii State Senate, honored Debra Ching Maiava and Ric Maiava of Ken’s House of Pancakes in Hilo for being named 2012 Junior Achievement of Hawai‘i Business Hall of Fame Laureates on March 9. They are among four local businesses named to the hall of fame.

“Ken’s House of Pancakes has a long history in serving the people of Hilo,” said Senator Gilbert Kahele, who represents District 2, encompassing Ka‘u, Puna and Hilo. “I congratulate Debra and Ric Maiava for being able to ride the ups and downs of owning a family business and for being named to the hall of fame.”

“I commend Debra and Ric Maiava for this wonderful accomplishment,” said Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 1, encompassing Waimea, H?m?kua, South Hilo, Keaukaha and Hilo. “They are shining examples of how hard work and commitment can bring great rewards.”

Ken’s House of Pancakes first opened its doors in Hilo in 1971 by Ken Pruitt and Bonnie Twitchell. In 1990, Lindberg and Frances Lee Ching bought the restaurant and sent Debra and Ric to run the establishment.

In 1991, the restaurant had sales of about $1 million, and by 2011, sales had grown to over $5 million. Today, Ken’s House of Pancakes serves about two-thousand customers a day. The restaurant has earned recognition for their food and service by USA Today, Bon Appetit and its local newspaper.

Debra and Ric are known in their community for their aloha and generosity through their support of numerous organizations. They have supported Junior Achievement fundraising events and many projects in local schools.

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