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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May

06

Funding Released for Final Phase of Kealakaha Stream Bridge Project

Articles

Honolulu — More funding has been released for the Kealakaha Stream Bridge Replacement project. A capital improvement project, $30-thousand was released by Governor Abercrombie to close out the project.

Mahalo to Governor Abercrombie for releasing the funding for this critical project that serves the people of Hawaii Island, especially those who live in Hamakua,” said Senator Malama Solomon (District 4, Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona). “Hawaii Belt Road provides the primary transportation link between Hilo and Kailua-Kona and a new structurally sound bridge is important to our residents.”

The Kealakaha Stream Bridge Replacement Project is located on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) near the town of Kukaiau in the Hamakua District. It is situated approximately ten miles east of Honokaa.

The Abercrombie Administration is dedicated to accelerating Hawaii’s economic recovery through a broad-ranged series of capital improvement actions called the New Day Work Projects.

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Apr

12

Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (South) Phase I Improvements to Begin

In the Community / Press Releases

Honolulu- Work will soon begin at the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor.  The Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,Honolulu District, has issued a letter of permission authorizing the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Outdoor Recreation (DOBOR) to begin work on the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (South) Phase I Improvements.

The Phase I project has been delayed for over 4-1/2 years due to environmental disputes concerning the potential impact to coral and listed species in the Endangered Species Act (ESA). At the request of the Federal regulatory agencies and the Army Corps of Engineers, DOBOR has completed numerous studies and has made revisions to the project design to mitigate damage to corals and impacts to ESA listed species. The Department of Army Permit (Letter of Permission) was finally issued on March 21, 2013.

I am pleased that we will now be moving forward with the much needed improvements to the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (South),” said Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 4, encompassing Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa and Kona. “These improvements have been long-awaited by the North Hawaii community and will greatly enhance the safety and capacity of our harbor.”

The project will include an eight foot wide 445-foot long floating dock held in place by 17 concrete piles, each 16-½ inches in diameter.  In addition to the floating dock, a 47 foot long access ramp,gangway and 25 morning buoys which will provide 25 berthing stalls for light draft vessels to “Tahiti moor” to the floating dock, will be incorporated in the construction.

Groundbreaking for the Phase I project is expected to take place in June of 2013.

Background

The Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (South) was dredged in the1970s and the breakwater structures were completed in the late 1990s by the Army Corps of Engineers for use as a small boat harbor (Federal Light Draft Navigational Improvement Project).

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Apr

03

Art at the Capitol 2013: What’s on Your Wall, Senator Malama Solomon?

Art

Senator Malama Solomon (District 4-Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona) provides a look at several art pieces currently displayed in her office. In this video, Senator Solomon explains her personal connection to Howard Farrant’s “Morning,” Carol Ann Davis’ “Still Life with Glasses,” and an untitled work of art by Shirley Ximena Hopper Russell. The public will be able to view these pieces and other artwork 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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Apr

01

Hawaii State Senate Commemorates 20th Anniversary of W.M. Keck Observatory

Press Releases

(Sen. Malama Solomon presents the Senate Certificate of Recognition to Dr. Taft E. Armandroff, Director of the W. M. Keck Observatory.)

Honolulu – The Hawaii State Senate today recognized and commemorated the 20th anniversary of the W.M. Keck Observatory, located at the summit of Mauna Kea, during its Session.

The telescopes, known as Keck I and Keck II, are located in the twin domes of the W.M. Keck Observatory and have been involved in the 20 years of exploring the universe to search for Earth-like planets around other stars.  Keck I’s first science observations took place in 1993, while Keck II’s took place in 1996.  The domes sit on a site 13,796 feet above sea level, providing a view that is largely unobstructed and undisturbed of spectacular celestial images.

Under Hawaii’s dark skies, astronomers at Keck Observatory have accomplished many discoveries over the past two decades.  Like a Hawaiian navigator who holds a vast knowledge of the stars to guide him and his crew to their destination, the astronomers at Keck continue to use their boundless knowledge of the universe to guide us into the future,” said Senator Malama Solomon,  who represents District 4, encompassing Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, and Kona.  “I congratulate Dr. Taft E. Armandroff, Director of the W. M. Keck Observatory, for operating one of the world’s leading astronomical research facilities and for developing resources that will sustain Keck Observatory’s role at the forefront of astronomy for decades to come.”

Keck’s Astronomers studied a supernovae and found evidence of a mysterious repulsive force in physics: dark energy. The 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for this ground breaking research.   In addition to the discovery of the dark energy, astronomers used the Keck II telescope’s infrared adaptive optics and looked through the dust and gas that block our visible light view into the center of our own Milky Way galaxy.  The Keck telescopes equipped with adaptive optics have found and proved that the Milky Way has a supermassive black hole at its center. Since then, it is generally agreed that most galaxies have black holes at their center. After discovering what appeared to be an object larger than Pluto in the outer solar system in 2005, Caltech’s Mike Brown and his team quickly turned to the Keck II telescope and its atmosphere-penetrating adaptive optics to get a brighter, clearer look. Following their closer look, they introduced to the public an entirely new population of cosmic objects in our solar system now known as “dwarf planets.” In 1998, astronomers on the Keck II Telescope discovered evidence of a budding solar system around a moderately young star 220 light years away from Earth. The powerful capabilities of the Keck telescopes allowed observers to determine that a dust ring around the star was a critical missing link in the evolution of solar systems.

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Mar

07

Hawaii State Senate Honors and Commemorates the Contributions of Spencer Kalani Schutte

In the Community / Press Releases

(Senators present the family of the late Hawai‘i County Councilmember Spencer Kalani Schutte with a Certificate of Recognition for his advocacy and work to help the less fortunate.)

Honolulu- –The Hawaii State Senate honored and commemorated the late Hawai‘i County Councilmember Spencer Kalani Schutte during its floor session today. Senators presented his family with a Certificate of Recognition for his advocacy and work to help the less fortunate.

Councilman Spencer Kalani Schutte’s unwavering advocacy for the poor, the homeless, the physically and emotionally challenged and the elderly has had an abiding impact on our island’s community,” said Senator Malama Solomon (Senate District 4- Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona) who presented the certificate to Schutte’s family. “His immense contributions will long be remembered.”

While serving on the Hawai‘i County Council, Schutte created numerous public-private partnerships to build low cost housing. He is credited with adding more than one thousand affordable housing units in Waimea, Waikoloa, Kawaihae, North Kohala and Hamakua. He was also instrumental in establishing the island’s first domestic violence shelter in Hilo. Before that, abused women had to be housed in police station jail cells for their safety.

Born on the island of O‘ahu, Schutte played football at Roosevelt High, and then became a motorcycle patrolman in the elite metro squad in 1962. This squad was created to combat violence and clean up Chinatown. Also while with the Police Department, Officer Schutte helped introduce the first canine unit to Hawai‘i. But this was just the first of several careers.

( Senator Malama Solomon presents the late Hawai‘i County Councilmember Spencer Kalani Schutte’s widow, Louella Noelani Schutte, with a Certificate of Recognition for his advocacy and work to help the less fortunate.)

When Schutte moved to Hawai‘i Island, he eventually became a hog farmer, operating one of the largest, most progressive piggeries in the state. During that time, he became a leader in the Hawai‘i Cattleman’s Association, helping to lay a solid organizational foundation for Hawai‘i’s beef industry. In 1980, Schutte was elected to the Hawai‘i County Council.

Councilman Schutte understood the importance of parks and recreation to a community’s health and well-being, and secured funding to build the Waimea Community Center, a recreational venue that continues to be used constantly under the supervision of the Hawai‘i County Department of Parks & Recreation for community gatherings, trainings, family celebrations, youth and kupuna programs and much more.

Councilman Schutte lost a long battle with cancer on November 28, 2000, but he has not been forgotten. On February 2, 2013, a prestigious new honor was bestowed on him as one of the founding members of an elite group, called “Na Po‘e I Ha‘awi Aku — The People Who Gave.” This new award recognizes outstanding community individuals who unselfishly sacrificed their time to provide leadership within the community to make it a better place for present and future generations.

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Mar

04

Sen. Solomon Presents Community Hero Award to Volunteers who Combat Invasive Species

In the Community / Press Releases

(Senator Malama Solomon presents Community Hero Award to Mary Begier.)

Honolulu – Senator Malama Solomon presented Mary Begier and the Hawaii Island of Chamber of Commerce with the 2013 Community Hero Award today during the first annual Hawaii Invasive Species Council Awards.

The Community Hero Award recognizes a community member or community based ground that has been a shining example of dedication to prevent and/or manage invasive species.   Through more than 110 volunteer days and more than 800 volunteer hours, Mary Begier and the Hawaii Island of Chamber of Commerce helped the Office of Mauna Kea Management reach out to segments of the community which had not previously been engaged in invasive species control efforts, while at the same time provided feedback critical to designing a community volunteer program.

Invasive species control programs rely on community volunteers and organizations like Mary and the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce.  Their work is very important to our environment and ecosystem,” said Senator Malama Solomon, (District 4- Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona).

The areas of Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, and Kona — which Senator Solomon represents — are known for their rugged landscapes including lush forests and dry grasslands.  They face a number of challenges including Coqui frogs and Little Fire Ants in Hilo and along the H?m?kua Coast, invasive plants like miconia and the Poison Devil’s Pepper (Rauvolfia) and invasive fireweed and ungulates that harm Hawai‘i Island’s agricultural industries.

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Feb

28

Bill Addressing Rock Climbing on Government Land on its Way to the Full Senate Vote

Press Releases / Public Safety & Military Affairs

Honolulu – Senate Bill 1168 was passed through its final committee and will go before the full Senate for consideration next week.  If passed, the bill will go to the House for consideration.

The bill clarifies the State Tort Liability Act, stating that no public entity or public employee will be held liable to any person for injury or damage sustained on government land while mountain climbing, rock climbing, rappelling and bouldering.

The bill received an overwhelming amount of support, which we took into consideration while hearing the measure,” said Senator Malama Solomon, chair of the Senate Committee on Water and Land.  “This bill will release the State from being responsible for anyone’s injuries while participating in climbing activities on state land.”

The Department of Land and Natural Resources, State Attorney General, Access Fund, and Change.org. supported the measure, while the Hawaii Association for Justice and numerous individuals opposed the bill.

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Feb

27

Governor Releases $10.7 Million for Airports and Harbors on Hawaii Island

Press Releases

HONOLULU – Hawaii Island airports and harbors have received $10.7 million for various capital improvement projects (CIP).  The funds are part of the $113 million CIP package for various statewide projects that Gov. Neil Abercrombie released earlier this week.

I appreciate the Governor for releasing the funds for these important projects that will enhance our airports and harbors,” said Senator Malama Solomon (District 4- Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona).  “These projects will also stimulate our economy and create much needed jobs for our residents.”

Here is a list of the projects:

Airports

  • $9,800,000 – Kona International Airport at Keahole, Hawaii Island – Construction for the re-roofing of the terminal building
  • $590,000 – Kona International Airport at Keahole, Hawaii Island – Construction for security improvements at security checkpoints and the Airport Operations Area fence
  • $160,000 – Car rental facilities, statewide – Additional plans to provide preparation of studies, project definition reports, surveys, appraisals, and conceptual plans for program management of car rental facilities at Honolulu International Airport, Kahului Airport, Lihue Airport, and Kona International Airport at Keahole
  • $152,000 – Pavement Management System, Phase 2, statewide – Evaluation of the pavement conditions at Kona International, Hilo International, and Lihue Airports to produce program reports to fulfill FAA requirements, plan future projects, and determine which areas need repairs or reconstruction

Harbors

  • $6,000,000 – Hilo Harbor, Hawaii Island – Construction to widen Kumau Street at Hilo Harbor to accommodate container, cargo and vehicle movements between Pier 4 and Kalanianaole Avenue
  • $1,800,000 – Hilo Harbor, Hawaii – Construction management and inspections services for a new pier and related utilities at Pier 4 and to widen Kumau Street to accommodate cargo movement and vehicles
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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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