Jul

20

Senators Respond to Landmark Signing of the Native Hawaiian Roll

Hawaiian Affairs / Press Releases

(Legislators joined together to sign the petition at Washington Place.) (L-R Senator Pohai Ryan, Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, Senator Michelle Kidani, Representative Faye Hanohano, Senator Gilbert Kahele and Senator Clayton Hee.)

Honolulu- Officials and members of the public joined together at Washington Place today for the historic signing of the Native Hawaiian Roll. The signing was accompanied by a petition of signatures in support of the roll.

State Senators offered the following remarks in response to the landmark signing of the Native Hawaiian Roll:

Today’s signing is a great testimony to the courageous individuals who decades ago saw injustice and stepped forward,” said Senator Brickwood Galuteria, chairman of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs. “The inauguration of this roll marks the next step in the framework towards self-governance for the Hawaiian people.”

The signing of this legislation signifies an important stage in the long journey towards justice and self-determination for the people of the first nation of these islands,” said Senator Clayton Hee, author of the measure which established the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission. “The people of Hawai‘i and, in particular, the native Hawaiian people have the opportunity and privilege to move forward together toward self determination with a renewed sense of optimism for our future together as one.”

This is a historic and positive day for the State of Hawai‘i and the Native Hawaiian community, many have waited decades for this recognition,” said Senator Malama Solomon, who was the chief negotiator of the measure. “The signing of the Native Hawaiian Roll moves forward the reconciliation process for mending relations between the State of Hawai‘i and the Native Hawaiian people.“

(Senator Galuteria and Trustee Apo joined Senators Akaka and Inouye and signed the petition in Akaka’s Washington D.C. office.) (Courtesy of the Office of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka)

In 2011 Governor Neil Abercrombie enacted Senate Bill 1520, the Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill, into law as Act 195. In addition to formally recognizing Native Hawaiian people as “the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli people of Hawai‘i,” the measure also established the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission (NHRC).

Comprised of five members, one from each county and one at-large seat, NHRC was tasked with the responsibility of preparing and maintaining a roll of qualified Native Hawaiians as defined by the act. The roll is to be used as the basis for participation in the organization of a Native Hawaiian governing entity.

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May

25

Meet University of Hawaii Athletic Coaches at Hawaii Kai Town Hall Meeting

In the Community / Press Releases

HONOLULU — University of Hawaii Warriors Head Coach Norman Chow, along with UH Athletic Director Jim Donovan, UH Rainbows Baseball Head Coach Mike Trapasso and UH Wahine Basketball Head Coach Laura Beeman, will be updating Hawaii Kai residents about the University of Hawaii’s athletics program and their exciting upcoming season. Residents will also have a chance to get personalized autographs from the coaches.

The town hall meeting, which is being coordinated by Sen. Pohai Ryan, will take place on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 5:30-7:30p.m. at the Henry J. Kaiser High School Cafeteria. Those attending will also get an end of session legislative update from area lawmakers Senator Pohai Ryan, Senator Sam Slom, Representative Gene Ward, and Councilmember Stanley Chang.

This will be a great opportunity for residents to meet the University of Hawaii coaches and show their support of the athletics program,” said Senator Pohai Ryan, who represents District 25, encompassing Hawai‘i Kai, Waimanalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai, and Kailua. “Everyone attending will also get to meet their lawmakers and hear how the bills passed this session will impact them.”

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May

21

Area Legislators to Hold Series of Town Hall Meetings

In the Community / Press Releases

HONOLULU- On the heels of the last day of the 2012 Legislative Session, Senator Pohai Ryan has coordinated a series of town hall meetings for residents to receive a post-session legislative update. The first meeting will be held at the Keolu Elementary School Cafeteria on Tuesday, May 22 from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 pm.

Each town hall meeting will also feature different guests, including Ted Radovich, PhD., from the University of Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR); representatives from the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Hawaiian Roll Call Commission; Jim Donovan, University of Hawaii athletic director; Warrior Head Football Coach Norman Chow, and members of the University of Hawaii coaching staff.

I highly encourage everyone to attend the forums to meet their lawmakers and hear how the bills passed this session will impact them.  It will also give them constituents a chance to discuss their concerns with their legislator,” said Senator Pohai Ryan, who represents District 25, encompassing Hawai‘i Kai, Waimanalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai, and Kailua. “The featured guests at each meeting will be able to share their expertise and skills and provide the community with insights on key areas of interest.”

Here is the list of meetings:

Tuesday, May 22, 2012; 5:30-7:30pm
Keolu Elementary School Cafeteria
1416 Keolu Drive, Kailua.
Hosted by: Senator Pohai Ryan, Representative Chris Lee, Councilmember Ikaika Anderson
Featured Guest: CTAHR speaker Ted Radovich, PhD.

Thursday, May 24, 2012; 5:30-7:30pm
Hawaii National Guard Training Center Dining Room
Bellows, Waimanalo
(Enter through the street between Jack in the Box and Weinberg Village)
Hosted by: Senator Pohai Ryan, Representative Chris Lee, Councilmember Ikaika Anderson
Featured Guests: Representatives from DHHL, OHA and the Hawaiian Roll Call Commission

Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 5:30-7:30pm
Henry J. Kaiser High School Cafeteria
Hawaii Kai
Hosted by: Senator Pohai Ryan, Senator Sam Slom, Representative Gene Ward, Council Member Stanley Chang
Featured Guests: Jim Donovan, UHM Athletic Director, Warrior Football Coach Norman Chow and other UHM Coaches.

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Mar

20

Public Invited to Clean Energy Fair

In the Community / Press Releases

HONOLULU –  With the State looking into ways of making Hawaii more energy-sustainable, Senator Pohai Ryan is inviting the public to a Clean Energy Fair, which will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at the Hawaii National Guard Training Center in Bellows from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. 

“I am hosting this event because I believe it is important for residents to be informed of the different forms of clean energy available,” said Senator Pohai Ryan, who represents District 25, encompassing Hawaii Kai, Waimanalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai and Kailua.  “This is the perfect opportunity for residents to learn about the direction our State is headed when it comes to renewable energy.  It will also give them a chance to learn about the role major utilities are playing in delivering clean energy to our residents.”

Guest speakers include representatives from the different types of renewable energy disciplines, such as sea water air conditioning, solar, wave energy and wind.  Experts from the clean energy industry will also be on-hand to answer questions at their informational booths.

The event is free for the public to attend.

Here is the schedule for the event:

8:30 a.m.              Welcome

8:40 a.m.              Honolulu SeaWater Air Conditioning, Frederick Berg

Honolulu SeaWater Air Conditioning, LLC is currently developing a 25-thousand ton seawater air conditioning district cooling system for commercial and residential properties in downtown Honolulu.

9:15 a.m.              First Wind, Kekoa Kaluhiwa

First Wind is an independent wind energy company exclusively focused on the development, financing, construction, ownership and operation of utility-scale wind energy projects in the United States.  Headquartered in Boston, MA, the company focuses on developing and operating wind energy projects in the Northeastern and Western regions of the U.S., and also in Hawaii.

9:50 a.m.              Wave Energy, State House of Representative Cynthia Thielen

Representative Cynthia Thielen is a tireless advocate for the implementation of wave energy in Hawai‘i, and recently co-sponsored legislation which enables the state to aggressively pursue the goals set forth in the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative.   Last year, she spoke at a five-day European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference held in England.

10:25 a.m.           Solar City, Jon Yoshimura

SolarCity is a national company in clean energy services.  It makes clean energy available to homeowners, businesses, schools, non-profits and government organizations at a lower cost than they pay for energy generated by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas.

11:05 a.m.           Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, Energy Office, Mark Glick

Mark Glick will be speaking on behalf of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor on the development of the interisland cable.  The role of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Hawaii State Energy Office is to provide a catalyst through investment, policy, and regulatory frameworks that enable the development of clean energy businesses, projects and the growth of new jobs for Hawaii.

12 noon                Pau

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Feb

15

Windward Legislators to Host Waimanalo Town Hall Meeting

Articles

Waimanalo, Oahu-   Senator Pohai Ryan will host a Waimanalo Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, from 5:30 – 7:30pm at the Hawaii National Guard Training Center at Bellows. Representative Chris Lee and Honolulu City and County Councilmember Ikaika Anderson will also be joining her.

The meeting will begin with a viewing of “The Rain Follows the Forest,” a half-hour film illustrating the importance of watershed protection and restoration.  In the film produced by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, local actor Jason Scott Lee sets out to learn about the connection between our fresh water supply and our upland forest environment.

It’s important that we take time to learn about the precious natural resources that surround our neighborhood and how to protect and preserve them.  I have made a commitment to share this film about the importance of our watersheds and the need to protect them with our community and I know people who have seen it appreciate its message,” said Senator Pohai Ryan, who represents Hawaii Kai, Waimanalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai and Kailua.

Following the viewing of the film, residents will receive updates from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and from the lawmakers.  Residents will also have opportunity to ask questions and talk story with State and City legislators.

This is an excellent opportunity for community members to stay informed on issues that impact them as well to express their concerns,” Senator Ryan added.

Here is the agenda for the Town Hall Meeting:

5:30 – 6p.m.       Refreshments, Talk Story

6 p.m.                   “The Rain Follows the Forest” viewing

6:30 p.m.             Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Report

6:45 p.m.             Office of Hawaiian Affairs Report

7 p.m.                   Lawmakers’ Report

7:30 p.m.             Pau

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Jan

24

Windward Oahu Community to Receive Update on Natural Resources

Articles / In the Community / Press Releases

Kailua, Oahu — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will be updating the Kailua residents about projects under its jurisdiction on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Kainalu Elementary School.  

The DLNR representatives presenting are:

  • Guy Kaulukukui, DLNR Deputy Director, will provide division reports for the Windward District
  • Ed Underwood, of the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation-Kailua Bay
  • Paul Conry, of Hamakua Wetlands, Kawainui Marsh and Ulupo
  • The Division of Forestry and Wildlife-Off-Shore Islands

This is an opportunity for the community to learn about the precious natural resources that surround their neighborhood and how to protect and preserve them,” said Sen. Pohai Ryan, who represents Hawaii Kai, Waimanalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai and Kailua.

A viewing of “The Rain Follows the Forest,” a half-hour film illustrating the importance of watershed protection and restoration will also be held at the meeting.  In the film, Local Actor Jason Scott Lee sets out to learn fresh water supply and our upland forest environment.

The public will also be able to browse through informational displays by the DLNR.

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Oct

18

Aloha Connects to APEC Presentation and Talk Story Session Held in Kailua

Articles / In the Community / Press Releases

KAILUA, OAHU — Ahead the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) being held on Oahu next month, a viewing of a short film called, “Aloha Connects,” will be hosted by Senator Pohai Ryan on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at the Kailua Elementary School Cafeteria (315 Kuulei Road) from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

“Aloha Connects,” produced by Enterprise Honolulu, shares the story of the advantages of doing business in Hawaii. The project is designed to connect Hawaii business with their counterparts in the APEC member economies.

Pono Shim, president and CEO of Enterprise Honolulu, will discuss “Aloha: The Key to Hawaii’s Survival.” Enterprise Honolulu is a non-profit organization whose mission is to move Hawaii towards prosperity through partnerships, collaboration and community input.

“APEC is such an important event to our State that I wanted my constituents to see the film and the role Hawaii could play in the global economy,” said Sen. Ryan, who represents District 25, which encompasses Hawaii Kai, Waimanalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai and Kailua.

“I hope to inspire people with Enterprise Honolulu’s core values of Aloha and Pono,” she added.

Senator Ryan will also discuss the legislative process as the 2012 Legislative Session approaches. Constituents will also have a chance to share their community concerns with her.

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Oct

17

Geothermal Summit Held in Waimanalo

Articles / Energy & Environment / Press Releases


HONOLULU –About 120 people attended a Geothermal Summit held on October 15, 2011 at the Hawaii National Guard Training Center Auditorium and Dining Center, located in Bellows Air Force Station.

Three geothermal companies participated in the Summit: Innovations Development Group, Ku‘oko‘a and Puna Geothermal Venture.

The event was coordinated and hosted by Sen. Pohai Ryan, who represents District 25, encompassing Hawaii Kai, Waimanalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai and Kailua.

“The decision to organize the summit was prompted by my constituents who wanted to learn more about geothermal energy and its role in Hawaii’s future,” said Senator Ryan. “It’s time we start looking into sources of renewable energy, such as geothermal.”

Along with the geothermal companies presenting, Scott Seu, Vice President of Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), talked about HECO’s energy initiatives; Richard Ha, a Big Island farmer/businessman and Ku‘oko‘a board chairman did the opening remarks and Sen. Mike Gabbard, Senate Committee on Energy and Environment Chair provided the closing remarks.

Informational exhibits by the presenting geothermal companies were available for the public to view.

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Oct

13

Senator Pohai Ryan Speaks on Geothermal

Articles / Energy & Environment

Senator Pohai Ryan (District 25) spoke with Sunrise’s Howard Dicus this morning about the Geothermal Summit that is being held this Saturday, October 15, 2011, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend the summit, which will take place at the Hawaii National Guard Training Center Auditorium and Dining Center, located at Bellows Air Force Station.

Three geothermal companies will be participating in the Summit, which is being coordinated and hosted by Sen. Pohai Ryan. Summit presenters include: Mililani Trask from Innovations Development Group, Ted Peck from Ku‘oko‘a, and Mike Kaleikini from Puna Geothermal Venture. Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, will do the closing remarks.

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Oct

04

Public Invited to Geothermal Summit

Articles / Energy & Environment / Press Releases

HONOLULU – The public is invited to a Geothermal Summit that will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It will take place at the Hawaii National Guard Training Center Auditorium and Dining Center, located in Bellows Air Force Station.

Three geothermal companies will be participating in the Summit, which is being coordinated and hosted by Sen. Pohai Ryan, who represents District 25, encompassing Hawaii Kai, Waimanalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai and Kailua.

“The decision to organize the summit was prompted by my constituents who wanted to learn more about geothermal energy and its role in Hawaii’s future,” said Senator Ryan. “It will be an excellent opportunity for people to gain insight on how it would impact their families and their livelihood.”

“It’s time we start looking into sources of renewable energy, such as geothermal,” she added.

Along with the geothermal companies presenting, Scott Seu, Vice President of Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), will be talking about HECO’s energy initiatives; Richard Ha, a Big Island farmer/businessman and Ku‘oko‘a board chairman will do the opening remarks and Sen. Mike Gabbard, Senate Committee on Energy and Environment Chair will provide the closing remarks.

Geothermal companies presenting:

Mililani Trask, Innovations Development Group: Established in 1998, is a strategic planning and development company that conducts business in a socially responsible, globally green manner that is respectful of Native cultures. The company has earned a solid reputation for planning and building highly collaborative projects that span the globe, but with an emphasis across the Asia-Pacific region, from Hawai’i to New Zealand. IDG incorporates a development blueprint that promotes Native-to-Native relationships within the context of a traditional-practice business model. http://idghawaii.com/?page_id=11

Ted Peck, Ku‘oko‘a: The company has a plan to free Hawaii’s economy from fossil fuel within a decade by using renewable energy sources, such as geothermal, wind, solar, biofuels, and ocean thermal conversion. http://kuokoa.com/pages/the-kuokoa-plan

Mike Kaleikini, Puna Geothermal Venture: A partnership between two mainland power companies, received a permit to produce renewable geothermal energy at a site in Puna in the East Rift Zone in 1990. The facility went online in 1993. Under a Power Purchase Agreement with Hawaii Electric Light Company, it delivers 25-30 megawatts of firm renewable energy on a continuous basis. The facility could provide much more. http://www.punageothermalventure.com/

Informational exhibits by the presenting geothermal companies will be available for the public to view.

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