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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Feb

24

Senator Kahele Honors Kea‘au Librarian Technician

In the Community / Press Releases

HONOLULU–  Senator Gilbert Kahele honored Kea‘au Public and School Library Technician Teri King-Agan last night.  She received the Excellence in Service Award at the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i’s Annual Meeting held on Oahu.

Teri King-Agan, of Mountain View, has been with the library system for 15 years.  She began her career in Hilo, then moved on to Kea‘au Public and School Library.  As a library technician, she created a variety of programs, including developing a color-coded video catalog system.  She has also simplified a technique in teaching novices on how to use the computer-based collection catalog.

Ms. King-Agan is truly an asset to the Kea‘au community.  She is dedicated to her work and has created programs to stimulate community engagement,” said Senator Gilbert Kahele, who represents Ka‘u, Puna and Hilo.

Each year, Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i presents the Excellence in Service Awards to recognize those who work “in the trenches” as library assistants, technicians, janitors, or in other capacities.  The Librarian of the Year Award was also given last night.

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Feb

23

Senator Kahele to Honor Recipients of the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards Banquet

In the Community / Press Releases

HILO –  Senator Gilbert Kahele will be among several dignitaries attending the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s Annual Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards Banquet.  He will be presenting certificates of recognition to the awardees.  The event will be held on Friday, February 24th at UH Hilo’s Campus Center Dining Hall, beginning at 5 p.m.

“It is an honor to be part of this great event celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of such notable citizens of Hawai‘i Island,” said Senator Gilbert Kahele, who represents Ka‘u, Puna and Hilo.

This year’s award recipients in the Distinguished Alumni category include:

  • Brigadier General Gary M. Hara
  • Dennis O’Brien
  • Gladys Sonomura
  • Ross Wilson

Recipients in the Distinguished Service category are:

  • Dr. Miyoko Sugano
  • Jimmy Yagi
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Nov

22

Senator Kahele Hosts Transportation Forum

Articles / In the Community

PAHOA, BIG ISLAND — Senator Gilbert Kahele will be hosting a transportation forum on Thursday, December 1, 2011, beginning at 6 p.m. It will take place at the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility (15-2710 Kauhale Road). The forum will feature Sal Panem, Hawai‘i Island District Engineer from the State Department of Transportation. He is expected to give a comprehensive report, including both short and long term timelines on Highway 130 projects.

“Addressing constituents’ issues and concerns relating to Highway 130 is one of my top priorities in Puna. Based on the feedback from the Transportation Town Hall meeting I hosted in September, another meeting is needed to discuss projects regarding the highway,” said Senator Kahele, who represents District 2 on the Big Island. “I urge everyone in Puna to attend the meeting in order to keep abreast of the construction work on this major artery,” Senator Kahele added.

Transportation Forum

Department of Transportation

Update on Highway 130

Thursday, December 1, 2011

6 p.m.

Pahoa Neighborhood Facility

15-2710 Kauhale Road

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Nov

13

Senator Kahele Hosts Education Forum

Articles / In the Community

WAIAKEA, BIG ISLAND — Senator Gilbert Kahele will be hosting an Education Forum, featuring the Hawai‘i County’s State Board of Education (BOE) Vice-Chairman, Brian De Lima, on Friday, December 2, 2011, beginning at 5:30 p.m. It will take place at the Waiakea High School Cafeteria (155 W. Kawili Street).

De Lima, who is among nine members who were appointed by the governor to the newly formed BOE earlier this year, will give an update on current Board of Education issues followed by a question and answer session with the audience.

“This forum is an opportunity for constituents to express their concerns regarding issues surrounding our state education system,” said Senator Gilbert Kahele, who represents District 2. “This is a chance for residents to engage in a thoughtful discussion with Mr. De Lima.”

Education Forum with Board of Education Member

Brian J. De Lima (Vice Chairman, Hawai‘i County)

Friday, December 2, 2011

5:30 p.m.

Waiakea High School Cafeteria

155 W. Kawili Street

Background:

Act 5, which was signed into law by the governor on March 14, 2011, gives the governor the authority to appoint nine members, which would consist of: one member from the County of Hawai‘i, one member from the County of Maui, one member from the County of Kaua‘i, three members from the City and County of Honolulu, and three at-large-members; provided that the governor select an at-large member as the chairperson.

Voters in the 2010 General Election approved a constitutional amendment calling for an appointed, rather than elected, Board of Education.

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Oct

25

Senate Committee on Water, Land and Housing Hosting DLNR Listening Sessions on Hawai‘i Island

Articles

HILO—The Senate Committee on Water, Land and Housing (WLH) Chair Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Vice Chair Senator Malama Solomon in partnership with Senator Gilbert Kahele are hosting the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ (DLNR) Hawai‘i Island Listening Sessions on Friday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5, 2011. The DLNR Administration team, including Chairperson William J. Aila, Jr., First Deputy Guy H. Kaulukukui, and Water Deputy Bill M. Tam from Honolulu, is visiting Hawai‘i Island to hear community comments, questions, and concerns regarding topics under the Department’s jurisdiction.  This is part of a series of DLNR Listening Sessions to be conducted statewide.

“The meetings and site visits that DLNR has been conducting on the neighbor islands have been very successful in helping Senators address community concerns and needs,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, who has been attending the talk story sessions.

“Having Chair William Aila and his team visit the Big Island is a great opportunity for them to listen to residents and to see for themselves the pressing needs of our community,” said Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 1, which encompasses Waimea, Hamakua, North Hilo, Keaukaha, and Hilo.

“I look forward to continuing the conversation with Chair William Aila and his DLNR team about finding a solution to the problem the axis deer is posing on the Big Island’s agricultural industry,” said Senator Gilbert Kahele, who represents District 2, encompassing Ka‘u, Puna and Hilo.

“These listening sessions are purely for the Department to visit with communities and receive feedback on the communities’ ideas and concerns relating to the Department’s responsibilities,” said William J. Aila, Jr., Chairperson of DLNR. “Community participation is essential to caring for our land and natural resources in Hawai‘i.”

The DLNR is responsible for managing 1.3 million acres of state land, 3 million acres of state ocean waters, 2 million acres of conservation district lands, our drinking water supply, our fisheries, coral reefs, indigenous and endangered flora and fauna, and all of Hawai‘i’s historic and cultural sites.  DLNR’s management responsibilities are vast and complex, from the mountaintops to three miles seaward of our beautiful coasts.  The health of Hawai‘i’s environment is integral and directly related to its economy and quality of life.

For more information on DLNR and its divisions, visit www.hawaii.gov/dlnr.

If you are unable to attend but would like to send your comments, questions, and concerns to the DLNR, please e-mail:  DLNR2011ListeningSessions@hawaii.gov

 

Hawai’i Island Public Listening Sessions

Hilo Listening Session

Hosted by Senators Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Malama Solomon and Gilbert Kahele

Friday, November 4, 2011

5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Waiakea High School Cafeteria

155 West Kawili Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720

Waimea Listening Session

Hosted by Senator Malama Solomon

Saturday, November 5, 2011

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School

67-1229 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela, Hawai‘i 96743

Kona Listening Session

Hosted by DLNR

Saturday, November 5, 2011

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Konawaena High School Cafeteria

81-1043 Konawaena School Road, Kealakekua, Hawai‘i 96750

Individuals requiring special assistance or accommodations are asked to contact the office of Senator Malama Solomon at (808) 586-7335 or 974-4000 Ext. 67335 toll free from the Neighbor Islands at least four days in advance of the meeting.

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Oct

24

Talk Story Forums Set For Senator Gilbert Kahele

Articles

PAHALA, HAWAI‘I –State Senator Gilbert Kahele, who represents District 2 on the Big Island, will be holding his final two talk story forums, beginning on Wednesday October 26. These final meetings follow on the heels of forums held in Volcano, Pahoa and Ocean View.

The forums allow Senator Kahele to meet with residents and listen to their concerns.

“I’ve been able to gain a greater understanding of the many unique issues facing the different communities through these forums,” said Senator Kahele. “My aim is to find solutions to the issues that are brought to light at these forums.”

Here is the schedule for the upcoming forums:
Pahala “Talk Story” Forum
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Pahala Community Center
96-1149 Kamani Street, Pahala

Hilo “Talk Story” Forum
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Waiakea High School Cafeteria
155 W. Kawili Street, Hilo

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Oct

12

Talk Story Forums Set For Senator Gilbert Kahele

Articles / In the Community

VOLCANO, HAWAI‘I –State Senator Gilbert Kahele, who represents District 2 on the Big Island, is holding three more talk story forums beginning this Friday. These final three meetings follow on the heels of forums held in Volcano and Pahoa.

The forums allow Senator Kahele to meet with residents and listen to their concerns.

“I’ve been able to gain a greater understanding of the many unique issues facing the different communities through these forums and I look forward to continuing that trend in the upcoming legislative session,” said Senator Kahele. “My aim is to find solutions to the issues that are brought to light at these forums.”

Here is the schedule for the upcoming forums:

Ocean View “Talk Story” Forum
Friday, October 14, 2011
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Ocean View Community Center
92-8924 Leilani Circle, Ocean View

Pahala “Talk Story” Forum
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Pahala Community Center
96-1149 Kamani Street, Pahala

Hilo “Talk Story” Forum
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Waiakea High School Cafeteria
155 W. Kawili Street

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