May

07

Senator J. Kalani English to Attend First Hawaii Invasive Species Council Meeting Held on Maui

In the Community / Press Releases

Pukalani, Maui — The Hawaii Invasive Species Council will be meeting for the first time in Maui tomorrow morning, Tuesday, May 8 at 9:30 a.m. It will be held at the Pool Room, Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center.

Members of the Council, along with Legislators, County Mayors and representatives from the Federal government are expected to attend the meeting. Topics that will be discussed include: Axis Deer on Maui, invasive species, weed risk assessment and the Council’s priorities for the fiscal year 2013.

It is important for us to discuss and assess the status of invasive species on Maui in order to protect and preserve our island and the rest of Hawaii’s ecosystem,” said Senator J. Kalani English, who is a member of the Invasive Species Committee and will be attending the meeting.

The Hawaii Invasive Species Council (the Council or HISC) was established for the special purpose of providing policy level direction, coordination, and planning among state departments, federal agencies, and international and local initiatives for the control and eradication of harmful invasive species infestations throughout the State [of Hawaii] and for preventing the introduction of other invasive species that may be potentially harmful.

Following the meeting, the Council will be going to the Maui Invasive Species Committee office to learn about technology being used in the fight of invasive species and they will be touring Kula farms to observe damage caused by the axis deer.

I am looking forward to learning about new ways to combat alien species and seeing first-hand how our farms are being impacted by the axis deer and how we can help our farmers with the issue,” said Senator English, who represents District 6 (Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and Kaho‘olawe).

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Apr

25

Hawaii State Senate Confirms Maui Resident Adrianne N. Heely as District Family Court Judge

Confirmations / Press Releases

HONOLULU — The Hawaii State Senate today confirmed Adrianne N. Heely as judge for the District Family Court of the Second Circuit, located on Maui.

Judge Heely’s diverse professional experience as an attorney in various aspects of government operations and within the Judiciary is highlighted by her strong integrity and credibility,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui, who represents District 4 (Wailuku, Waihee, Kahului, Paia, and Lower Paia).  “I am confident that she will serve with honor and fairness on the bench of Maui’s Family Court.”

Judge Heely has demonstrated the ability to analyze complex issues from all sides, which is a characteristic fundamental to a fair and just jurist,” said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents District 6 (H?na, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, L?na‘i, and Kaho‘olawe).   “She is highly respected in our community and I have no doubt that she will serve Maui proudly.”

Judge Heely’s attitude, intellect and leadership will serve her well in handling the demands of district court.  Also, over the course of her career, she has displayed decisiveness and fairness in her decision making that will serve her well as a judge, and bodes well for the community,” said Senator Roz Baker, who represents District 5 (South and West Maui).   “Maui County is fortunate to have someone so well-qualified and interested in public service as Adrianne.”

A Kamehameha Schools graduate, Heely earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara.   She earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Heely currently serves as a Deputy Corporation Counsel for the County of Maui, where she is team leader for the Counseling and Drafting Section’s Finance, Public Safety, and Human Resources Team.  Active in providing pro bono services to the legal community and the community as a whole, she was recently appointed to the Board of Examiners of the Hawaii Supreme Court.  Heely serves as Vice President for the Maui County Bar Association and was the immediate past chair of the Hawaii State Bar Association’s Government Lawyer’s Section.

 

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Apr

20

Maui Senator Celebrates Earth Day

In the Community / Press Releases

KAHULUI, MAUI – The Valley Isle community will come together in for the annual Maui Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 22, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. This year’s theme is “Celebration, Education, Activation, Together We can do it!”

This non-profit festival encourages residents from all over the island to come together to increase appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment and awareness of local issues or concerns.

In celebration of this day, we should be mindful of how we can better preserve our environment and this beautiful island we live on,” said Senator J. Kalani English who will be providing a Senate Certificate of Recognition marking the festival.

The festival will have something for everyone to enjoy:  two live music stages, environmental and social awareness booths, a keiki area and activities, delicious food, environmentally friendly vendors, local farmers market and alternative energy information.

Earth Day reminds us to start thinking about how we can further incorporate clean energy resources into a plan to make our State more sustainable,” said Senator English, who represents District 6, encompassing the areas of Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and Kaho‘olawe.

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Apr

20

Maui Senator Celebrates East Maui Taro Festival

In the Community / Press Releases

HANA, MAUI-   Hana residents will have a chance to take part in traditional Hawaiian cultural practices at the 20th Annual East Maui Taro Festival on Saturday, April 21, 2012.  It will be held at the Hana Ballpark. The festival will include a Farmers’ Market, poi pounding, food booths, arts and crafts, music and hula.

This wonderful event provides the opportunity to bridge the cultural gap between keiki and kupuna using taro as a common thread,” said Senator J. Kalani English, who will be attending the event and presenting a Senate Certificate of Recognition. Senator English, who was born and raised in Hana, was part of a group of individuals who organized the first East Maui Taro Festival.

Kalo is a revered plant for the Hawaiian people.  According to the Kumulipo, the creation chant, kalo grew from the first-born son of Wakea (sky father) and Papa (earth mother), through Wakea’s relationship with his and Papa’s daughter, Ho`ohokulani. Haloa-naka, as the son was named, was stillborn and buried. Out of his body grew the kalo plant, also called Haloa, which means everlasting breath. Kalo and poi (pounded kalo) are a means of survival for the Hawaiian people.

I encourage everyone to attend this event to perpetuate the practice of having kalo as an important food staple and to learn about its cultural significance,” said Senator English, who represents District 6, encompassing the areas of H?na, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, L?na‘i, and Kaho‘olawe.

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Apr

17

Maui Residents Confirmed to Hawaii State Commission on Water Resource Management

Confirmations / Press Releases

Maui Senators congratulate Jonathan Starr as a newly confirmed member of the Hawaii State Commission on Water Resource Management. (L-R)Senator J. Kalani English, Jonathan Starr, Senate President Shan Tsutsui, Senator Roz Baker)

HONOLULU — The Hawaii State Senate today confirmed Maui residents Jonathan Starr and Ted Yamamura to the Hawaii State Commission on Water Resource Management. Yamamura and Starr were both nominated by Governor Abercrombie and were subject to Senate confirmation.

Both Mr. Yamamura and Mr. Starr are highly qualified individuals who will contribute to the Commission with their background and expertise,” said Senate President, who represents District 4, encompassing Wailuku, Waihee, Kahului, Paia, and Lower Paia.

I feel confident that Mr. Yamamura and Mr. Starr understand the complexities of water issues and will serve the Commission and State effectively,” said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents District 6, encompassing the areas of H?na, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, L?na‘i, and Kaho‘olawe.

Mr. Starr and Mr. Yamamura have demonstrated knowledge and experience in working with our natural resources and I believe those qualities will make them good stewards of our water resources,” said Senator Roz Baker, who represents District 5, encompassing South and West Maui.

Starr has over forty years of experience in water source development and resource management projects. Additionally, he studied and has expertise in traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian water resource management techniques. He is also active in his community, having served a four-year term on the Maui Board of Water Supply and a five-year term on the Maui Planning Commission, including two years as the Commission’s Chairperson.

Yamamura is one of the founders of ACM Consultants, Inc., which is one of the largest and most experienced independent real estate consulting, valuation, and research companies in Hawaii. In addition to his work experience, Yamamura is actively involved in his community. He has been a past member of the Board of Land and Natural Resources from 2001-2006, former president of the International Right of Way Association, Hawaii Chapter No. 30 in 2004, member of the County of Maui Board of Water Supply since 2008, and the past president of the Hawaii Chapter of the Appraisal Institute in 2010.

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Apr

13

Hanawana Bridge Repair Complete

Transportation

Hanawana, Maui – The Hanawana Land Bridge, which was damaged during heavy rains in March, is now fixed. Senator J. Kalani English, who represents District 6, encompassing the areas of Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and Kaho‘olawe, said work to repair the bridge was completed today.

I am pleased that the repairs have been completed,” said Senator English. “I commend everyone involved in making sure this project was expedited quickly.”

The Hanawana Land Bridge was built about 100 years ago off Hana Highway. Part of it collapsed into a river during the severe weather in March. Roughly 40 residents in the rural area have been struggling with trying to get to other parts of the island, as the bridge serves as a lifeline for people who live there.

With the bridge being fixed, residents can now continue on with their lives without interruption,” said Sen. English. “This brings much relief for many of the residents.”

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Apr

05

Hawaii State Senate Recognizes Maui Invasive Species Committee

Press Releases

Maui Senators congratulate members of the Maui Invasive Species Committee .(L-R) Sen. Shan Tsutsui, Sen. Roz Baker, Lori Buchanan, Teya Penniman, and Sen. J. Kalani English

Honolulu — The Hawaii State Senate honored the county-based Invasive Species Committees (ISCs) and Dr. Mohsen Ramadan of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) biological control program with a Certificate of Recognition yesterday.

The Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC), along with its counterparts from each county, was recognized for its work to guard their islands from invasive species.

MISC was the first Invasive Species Committee to form in 1999. The group works to protect the Valley Isle from coqui frogs, pampas grass, veiled chameleons, and miconia. Many of MISC’s original founders still participate today in meetings to share information and set priorities. The partnership brings together scientists, resource managers, foresters, botanists, wildlife biologists, and representatives from county, state, and federal agencies to contribute their time and expertise. MISC works island-wide with a Hana-based crew that focuses almost exclusively on miconia. Other MISC staff work out of their headquarters in upcountry Maui to tackle 20 differently species of invasive plants and animals.

It is important to recognize all of the invasive species committees, especially the Maui and Molokai committees, because they are on the front lines of protecting Hawaii’s ecosystem from invasive species,” said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents District 6, encompassing the areas of Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and Kaho‘olawe.

We appreciate the work of the Maui Invasive Species Committee. They are helping to ensure the survival of our native species,” said Senator Roz Baker, who represents District 5, encompassing South and West Maui.

The Maui Invasive Species Committee has been working diligently to protect our native ecosystem, and we commend the Committee’s continued efforts to keep invasive species from changing our environment,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui, who represents District 4, encompassing Wailuku, Waihee, Kahului, Paia, and Lower Paia.

The Invasive Species Committees are projects of the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit and the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii. The ISC’s are island-based partnerships on Kauai (KISC), Oahu (OISC), Maui (MISC), Molokai (MOMISC), and the Big Island (BIISC) that work with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses and landowners to protect each island from the most threatening pests with a proactive approach.

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Apr

05

Entertainers and Workers of the Famous Hawaiian Room at New York’s Lexington Hotel Honored by Hawaii State Senate

In the Community / Press Releases

Hawaii State Senators gather around former employees of Lexington Hotel’s Hawaiian Room as they mark the room’s upcoming 75th Anniversary.

HONOLULU– The Hawaii State Senate today marked the upcoming 75th Anniversary of the Lexington Hotel’s Hawaiian Room with a presentation of a Certificate of Recognition to former employees and supporters of the room. TeMoana Makolo, Leonani Akau, Mona Joy, Leialoha Kaleikini, Koko Amoy, Nani Camacho and Manu Gloria Kanemura Bently were presented with certificates.

Although the Lexington Hotel is located in New York, it still had the ability to play an integral role in sharing and perpetuating the Hawaiian culture and traditions,” said Senator J. Kalani English, chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and International Affairs. “The Hawaiian Room was the hub of all things Hawaiian in the Big Apple, and these people were the ambassadors of Hawaii to America.”

From 1937 to 1966, The Hawaiian Room served as a gathering place for those with Hawai‘i ties to share the knowledge and broaden the exposure of the Hawaiian culture and practices throughout the East Coast. This further reinforced the appeal and fascination Americans continued to have with Hawaiian mele and hula. The Hawaiian Room received national attention during the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s, garnering large and diverse audiences; it was the place to be and be seen for America’s celebrities.

A long list of talented Hawaiian performers who took the stage at the Hawaiian Room include: the famed bandleader Andy Iona; the revered Hawaiian musician Ray Kinney; top-rated hula dancers Ululani Holt, Mapuana Bishaw, Pualani Mossman and Jennie Napua Woodd, grandmother of beloved local musician Amy Hanaiali`i Gilliom.

Other notable artists who performed at the Hawaiian Room include singing comedienne Clara Inter, known as “Hilo Hattie,” Kui Lee, known for his beautiful compositions such as, “I’ll Remember You,” and Keola Beamer served as a choreographer, singer and dancer.

Alfred Apaka, Johnny Pineapple (David Kaonohi), the McIntyre Brothers, Tutasi Wilson, Mona Joy Lum, Mahi Beamer, Emma Veary, Lei Becker Furtado, Olan Peltier Carpenter, TeMoana Makolo and Leonani Akau to name just a few, also shared their talent at the Hawaiian Room.

Over its 30-year run, the Hawaiian Room brought the beauty and romance of the Islands to those who could not travel here,” said Senator English. “It provided Hawaiian ambience and scenery, dress and cuisine and above all, Hawaiian hula and mele.”

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Apr

05

Baldwin High School Junior Selected as 2012 Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii Youth of the Year

In the Community / Press Releases

Maui Senators congratulate members of the Maui Boys and Girls Club. (L to R) Raquel Zane, Leah Kinores, Lopaka Mattos, Sen. English, Sen. Baker, Sen. Tsutsui, Courtney Galarita and Tiera Conley

HONOLULU — Shortly after receiving his Senate Certificate of Recognition as a finalist of the 2012 Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii Youth of the Year program today, Maui native and Baldwin High School junior Lopaka Mattos was selected as the club’s representative to the regional level.

The selection was announced at a Boys and Girls Club luncheon following Hawaii State Senate floor presentation. Maui’s Senatorial delegation is proud of Lopaka’s achievement.

I congratulate Lopaka for this wonderful accomplishment. He has impressed many throughout the Boys and Girls Club organization with his strong faith, sense of community and volunteerism,” said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents District 6, encompassing the areas of H?na, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, L?na‘i, and Kaho‘olawe.

This is a well-deserved honor for Lopaka. He is an extraordinary young man who has been able to rise above many personal challenges,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui, who represents District 4, ecompassing Wailuku, Waihee, Kahului, Paia, and Lower Paia.

He will make us proud as he represents the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii at the regional level. At 17-years old, he has already demonstrated his perseverance against adversity, which makes this achievement even more gratifying,” said Senator Roz Baker, who represents District 5, encompassing South and West Maui.

Maui club winners were also recognized during the Senate floor presentation. They are Leah Kinores, Raquel Zane, Tiera Conley and Courtney Galarita.

David Teixeira, an active member of the Nanakuli Boys and Girls Club, was the other finalist vying for the title of 2012 Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii Youth of the Year.

Since 1976, the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH) has prepared young people for leadership roles on all islands. The annual BGCH Youth of the Year program offers exceptional teens the opportunity to compete for the title of Youth of the Year at the organizational, state, regional, and national levels. Youth of the Year finalists are selected by their respective clubhouses for their leadership, resilience, and demonstrated commitment to serve their families, communities, and the Boys and Girls Club organization.

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Mar

21

Maui Senators Recognize Hana High and Elementary School Teacher

Press Releases

Senators Shan Tsutsui, Roz Baker, J. Kalani English congratulate Mitzi Hasegawa and her family.

HONOLULU –  The Hawaii State Senate recognized Mitzi Hasegawa for being named the 2012 Maui School District Teacher of the Year during Education Week at the State Capitol, which was held last week.  Hasegawa is a middle school mathematics teacher at Hana High and Elementary School.

Congratulations to Mrs. Hasegawa for this tremendous accomplishment,” said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka’i, Lana’i and Kaho’olawe. “She is truly a dedicated teacher to her students and the community.  Mrs. Hasegawa creates her lessons so it is relevant to her students and teaches them that learning math can be fun.”

“This is a well-deserved accolade for Mrs. Hasegawa,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui, who represents Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului, Pa‘ia, Lower Pa‘ia. “She has worked hard in reenergizing Hana School’s Math Matter’s team and has influenced her students to continue their learning during the afterschool hours.”

“Mrs. Hasegawa has demonstrated that learning collaboratively only strengthens everyone through her advocacy of creating a K-12 Match Professional Learning Community,” said Senator Roz Baker, who represents South and West Maui.  “Through her tenacity, teachers are sharing ideas on improving student curriculum.”

Mrs. Hasegawa is originally from Monroe, Michigan and graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1990.  She made Hana her home after getting a job as a teacher shortly after graduating from college.  She is married to Neil Hasegawa, a member of the famous Hasegawa General Store family. Along with their family, she and Neil continue to live in Hana.

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