May

08

Senator Malama Solomon: “We’ve Made Significant Progress…”

Press Releases

HONOLULU — “I believe we’ve made significant progress on many fronts for our community, island and State,” said Senator Malama Solomon, as she wraps up her second year as Governor Abercrombie’s appointee, representing District 1 (Kohala, Hamakua and Hilo). The 2012 Legislative Session ended on May 3.

Realizing that our State is heavily dependent on imported oil, Senator Solomon introduced several measures relating to alternative energy, intending to help bring down the cost of electricity. The following bills made it through the Legislative process and are awaiting the Governor’s consideration:

• Changes the Hawaii State Planning Act to include the development of geothermal energy resources on State Land.
• Amends the Hawaii State Planning Act to include promoting the development of geothermal energy resources that are located on State Land as a source of firm power to reduce the cost of electricity.
• Adopts utility and regulatory practices that will help ensure that Hawaii utilities are regulated by policies that are up-to-date, streamlined, subject to current information technology standards, and are transparent.
“The cost of electricity in the State of Hawaii is the most expensive in the nation. However, geothermal energy has proven to be an effective source of firm power energy. Therefore creating an environment that uses geothermal production will help save money for Hawaii residents,” said Senator Solomon.

While our economy is showing signs of stabilization, our unemployment rate is still high. The construction industry has been particularly hit hard during the recession. Senator Solomon has supported initiatives that would stimulate our economy and create jobs. In order to jump-start the economy, the Governor released $165M to fast-track long needed upgrade and repairs that will put people back to work:

• Lower Hamakua Ditch Watershed Project. Pa‘auilo Rending Plant & Slaughterhouse. Installation of a Hydropower plant as part of the Waimea Irrigation System. Waimea rubbish transfer station improvements. Waimea and Hilo Baseyard—Wastewater improvements.
• UH Hilo—Student Housing at University Village. UH Hilo—Living Learning Community, Hawaii Community College—Update the long range development plan. Palamanui West Hawaii Community College Campus.
• Capital Improvement Projects for Public and Charter Schools all over the island.
• Hale Ho‘ola Hamakua Hospital — repair and maintenance. Kona Community Hospital-Planning and upgrade projects for design and construction and installation of two new generators.
• Arc of Hilo for the construction of Client Support Services Community and Training Center.

Senator Solomon also supported measures that the Senate put forth in modernizing our information technology infrastructure:

• Broadband initiatives to improve services on neighbor islands so every citizen has access. Enhanced communications to improve business opportunities.
• Modernizing the information technology for the Department of Human Services— reducing fraudulent claims resulting in taxpayer savings.

“The internet has made it possible for people to have access to information from all over the globe. As part of the broadband initiatives, I supported enhanced internet services that will help improve connection to the neighbor islands so every citizen has access to help businesses expand their connections globally,” said Senator Solomon.

As a third generation farmer-rancher, Senator Solomon is deeply committed to the preservation and perpetuation of agriculture, which is rooted in our State’s heritage and future. She was involved in the following measures related to agriculture:

• In 1994, Senator Solomon introduced a bill that became Act 264, establishing the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC). In 2011, she co-sponsored a bill, which was also signed into law, which would establish the Public Land Development Corporation (PLDC). Both laws bring together private and public sector participants to form an alliance that will bolster economic recovery, promote recreational activity in such areas as the Honokohau Harbor and revitalize tourist destinations such as Banyan Drive in Hilo.
• Senate Resolution 46 (Solomon) passed in 2011, requests the Governor to ensure that Chief Procurement Officers comply with the Hawaii Procurement Code preferences to buy local products, promote the growth of the State’s agriculture business and assure food safety and sustainability for Hawaii.
• A bill introduced by Senator Solomon that relates to public land was signed into law. It requires the Department of Land & Natural Resources to establish a public lands information system and database.?
When it comes to advancing Native Hawaiian rights, Senator Solomon supported several measures. A couple has been enacted into law:
• The Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill was signed into law in 2011. This historic law, co-sponsored by Senator Solomon, is another step towards the federal recognition of Native Hawaiians.
• Act 15, which resolves ceded land claims with the Office of Hawaii Affairs was signed into law on April 11, 2012. This settlement has no effect on claims related to sovereignty, or claims related to ceded lands receipts after July 2012.

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May

03

Senator Malama Solomon to Hold Public Forums on Legislative Accomplishments

In the Community / Press Releases

Hawai’i- State Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 1 (Waimea, Hamakua, North Hilo, Rural South Hilo, and Hilo) on Hawaii Island, will hold a series of community forums to report on key measures from this year’s Legislative Session. The first meeting will be conducted at the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole Elementary and Intermediate School Cafeteria on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.

The 26th Legislature has been very productive. There have been advances in issues that we feel particularly strong about, so as to improve our quality of life,” Said Senator Malama Solomon. “I look forward to having the opportunity to report back to the community on these matters which impact us all.”

Several prominent issues tackled during the 2012 Legislative Session included, geothermal energy development,   agriculture development, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs settlement, education, and sustainability.

Here is a list of the meetings:

Monday, May  7, 2012; 5:30 p.m.
Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole Elementary & Intermediate School Cafeteria
27-330 Old Mamalahoa Highway
Papaikou, HI 96781

Tuesday, May  8, 2012; 5:30 p.m.
Honoka’a High & Intermediate School Cafeteria
45-527 Pakalana Street
Honokaa, HI 96727

Wednesday, May 9, 2012; 5:30 p.m.
Laupahoehoe Public Library
35-2065 Old Mamalahoa Hwy
Laup?hoehoe, HI  96764

Thursday, May 10, 2012; 5:30 p.m.
Waimea School Cafeteria
67-1225 Mamalahoa Highway
Kamuela, HI  96743

Monday, May 14, 2012; 5:30 p.m.
North Kohala Library
54-3645 Akoni Pule Highway
Kapaau, HI  96755

Tuesday, May 15, 2012; 5:30 p.m.
NELHA Gateway Center
73-970 Makako Bay Drive
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Thursday, May 17, 2012; 5:30 p.m.
Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School
68-1730 Ho’oko Street
Waikoloa, HI 96738

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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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Apr

11

National Jazz Appreciation Month

In the Community

Honoka’a Jazz Band’s “Big City Tour”, April 19-22, includes shows at the State Capitol and Royal Hawaiian Center

Honolulu. In honor of National Jazz Appreciation Month, the Honoka’a Jazz Band from the Big Island has scheduled its annual “Big City Tour” of Oahu with several performances and appearances from April 19-22.

One of the young group’s first free performances will be at the Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda on Friday, April 20, 2012. After opening remarks from Representative Mark Nakashima and Senator Malama Solomon, the band will go on at 10 a.m.

On Sat., April 21, the 30-member band will perform at the Bishop Museum as part of the YMCA Healthy Kids Day.  Later that day, they will open the Twilight Jazz at Helumoa Concert in The Royal Grove at the Royal Hawaiian Center at 7 p.m. Joining the line-up will be The Kit Ebersbach Combo and Starr Kalahiki, performing at 8 p.m.

The Honoka’a Jazz Band was organized in 1988 by school musical director Gary Washburn. Since then, after almost 25 years of annual repertoire changes to accommodate the “personality” of the band as students graduate, the youth jazz band still remains the pride and joy of Honoka‘a High. In 2010, the music program at Honoka’a High School was selected by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation (NAMM) as one of 138 schools in the United States with an outstanding music program and commitment to music education. They are also the recipients of the prestigious 2011 Grammy Signature Schools Enterprise Award. Gary Washburn, the band director, recently received the 2011 Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award from the National Society of High School Scholars. In 2012, the band performed for the Edison Learning Convention in the Ilikai Hotel in Honolulu and will be featured in the June edition of the “Hana Hou” Magazine.

This year the band shows off a repertoire from a variety of music spanning from the 1940s to present including the music of Paul Simon, Michael Buble, Etta James, Ruth Brown, Brazil 66, Christina Aguilera, Maceo Parker, Aretha Franklin, as well as a special Cuban song “Mis Dos Pequenas”.

With all of the emphasis on math and science, it is crucial to always remember that it is music and the arts that provide us with inspiration,” said Rep. Nakashima, (District 1 – North Kohala, South Kohala, Hamakua, North Hilo, South Hilo).

 

“Music, drama and the arts provide our students with the opportunity to exercise their creativity, act on their inspiration, and imagine the possibilities,” he added. “Teachers like Mr. Washburn provide students with the venue to explore this realm and to contribute profoundly to our quality of life.”

I strongly encourage everyone to take time out of their busy schedules and listen to the music produced by these very talented youths,” said Senator Malama Solomon, (District 1 – Waimea, Hamakua, North Hilo, Rural South Hilo, Hilo). “Under the direction of their band director Gary Washburn, these students have demonstrated how music education has benefitted them to be successful in school and in life.”

 

State Celebration of National Jazz Appreciation Month

Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda
Friday, April 20, 2012 at 10a.m.
FREE and open to public
(808) 586-6680


 

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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

27

Art at the Capitol 2012: What’s on your wall, Senator Malama Solomon?

Articles / Capitol Meetings and Events


In today’s installment of “What’s on your wall?,” Senator Malama Solomon previews two pieces of art that can be seen in her office during the Art at the Capitol event this Friday, March 2, 2012, from 5 – 7 p.m. The works of art include an acrylic on canvas painting by Carolyn Parrish entitled, “Stormy Day at Coconut Island,” and an oil on canvas painting by Paul Yardley entitled, “North Kauai.”

Click here to view video.

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Feb

22

Sen. Malama Solomon Welcomes North Hawai’i Community to Mid-Legislative Session Update in Waimea Thurs., Feb. 23, 2012

In the Community / Press Releases

Sen. Malama Solomon will begin a five-day Legislative recess with a community update from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 23, 2012 at the Kamuela Vacuum Cooling Plant. Everyone is invited to share their thoughts and concerns about legislative priorities while there is still time to amend bills before First Decking on March 2, and First Crossover on March 8, 2012. (First Decking and First Crossover determine what measures are still “alive” and becoming more fine-tuned in the legislative process.)

The community is invited to discuss any issue of concern, including public education, job creation, watershed protection and related game animal concerns, expediting geothermal and other alternative energy resource development, mortgage relief, taxation, etc. Also up for discussion will be major Capital Improvement Project (CIP) requests and ongoing CIP projects including improvements to Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway, Kawaihae Harbor and agricultural water systems.

Sen. Solomon has invited representatives of several state agencies to participate in a discussion of issues that are high on the 2012 Legislative agenda, including State Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Director Alapaki Nahale’a, Department of Agriculture Deputy Director Jimmy Nakatani, Department of Transportation’s Hawai’i District Airports Manager Chauncey Wong Yuen, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Robert Lindsey.

Kamuela Vacuum Cooling Plant is a large warehouse co-op run by Waimea’s Lalamilo farmers in partnership with the State Department of Agriculture to cool down Waimea-grown vegetables before being shipped to market. It is located on Mamalahoa Highway townside of Lalamilo Farm Lots. The entry to the cooling plant warehouse is almost directly across from the new Ala ‘Ohia Highway (also known as the new Parker Ranch connector road). The cooling plant has large bay entry doors so warm jackets are suggested and hot coffee will be provided.

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Nov

18

Senator Malama Solomon to Attend 2011 Hawai‘i Paniolo Hall of Fame

Articles / In the Community

KOHALA, BIG ISLAND — Ten cowboys will be inducted into the Paniolo Hall of Fame at the Hawai‘i Cattlemen’s Council Annual Convention on Saturday, November 19, 2011, held at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. The induction ceremony is scheduled to start at noon.

The Paniolo Hall of Fame was initiated 12 years ago to recognize individuals statewide who have contributed to keeping Hawai‘i’s paniolo heritage alive. Including the 2011 inductees, there are 116 members, both living and deceased, in the Paniolo Hall of Fame.

“I commend the O‘ahu Cattlemen’s Association for organizing this wonderful annual event recognizing Hawaii’s cattlemen,” said Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 1, encompassing Waimea, Hamakua, South Hilo, Keaukaha and Hilo.

“Congratulations to all inductees of the Hawai‘i Paniolo Hall of Fame. Their knowledge and guidance have made the paniolo culture legendary in Hawai‘i,” she added.

Senator Solomon, a rancher herself, will be attending Saturday’s ceremony.

This year’s honorees are:

A. Hartwell Carter
1896 – 1985
Parker Ranch, Hawai`i

Donald G. DeSilva
Parker Ranch, Hawai`i

Dee B. Gibson
1919 – 1991
Koko Head Dairy, Oahu;
Wailua Ranch, Kauai; Saddle City, Oahu

Peter Kama Sr.
1919-1985
Kahua Ranch, Oahu

Naluahine Kaopua
1857 – 1961
Thomas White Ranch, Wall Ranch, Hawai`i

Clarence Medeiros Sr.
Magoon Ranch, CM Ranch, Hawai`i

Gary J. Rapozo
Parker Ranch, Hawai`i

Richard K.P. Smart
1913-1992
Parker Ranch, Hawai`i

Harry “Pono” von Holt
Ponoholo Ranch, Hawai`i

Louis von Tempsky
1859-1922
Ulupalakua Ranch, Maui
Haleakala Ranch, Maui

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Nov

17

Listening Session with BOE Member to be Held

Articles / In the Community

WAIMEA, HAWAII — The Waimea Community Association will hold its monthly town meeting on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Parker School Theater, beginning at 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

The highlight of the town meeting will be a listening session with the Big Island’s State Board of Education (BOE) member, Brian DeLima. DeLima is among nine members who were appointed by the governor to the newly formed BOE earlier this year.

This “listening session” format is designed to help BOE members get acquainted with their respective communities and to receive feedback on issues concerning constituents.

Senator Malama Solomon urge residents to attend.

“While I have worked closely with Mr. DeLima for many years, especially in recent months to share constituents’ thoughts, hopes and concerns, there is nothing quite like discussing issues face-to-face with the families, educators, administrators and employers who depend on, live with, or provide public education services every day,” said Senator Solomon, who represents District 1, encompassing Waimea, Hamakua, South Hilo, Keaukaha and Hilo.

“Mr. DeLima brings a wealth of public policy experience to this position. Public education is the largest budget item for our state, and the size of the budget is only dwarfed by the complexity of a system that should be “the door of opportunity” for future generations.

Too often, our public education system falls short, and I hope this meeting will be an opportunity to share ideas about innovative strategies to improve academic and fiscal accountability at all levels.”

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 Hawaii, one member from the county of Maui, one member from the county of Kauai, 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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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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