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

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

10

Senate Advances Bills Supporting Job Creation, Economic Recovery and Restoring the Safety Net

Press Releases / Ways and Means

HONOLULU — Ahead of Thursday’s Second Crossover deadline, the Hawaii State Senate advanced several bills today that align with its 2012 Legislative Session priorities: job creation, economic recovery and restoring the safety net. The overarching themes and priorities set forth also align with Governor Abercrombie’s “A New Day in Hawaii.”

Creating jobs and putting people back to work has been critically important to the Senate. The Senate passed House Bill 2145, which includes the Senate’s flagship initiative, known as “The Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012.” The measure is an aggressive $500 million general obligation bond-funded Capital Improvement Program package aimed at creating jobs by investing and stimulating our local economy from all corners of the state.

The Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012 would give a big boost to the economy and put people to work by appropriating funds for shovel-ready jobs for all trades in the construction industry – from carpenters to consultants. The measure would appropriate funds for much needed repair and maintenance projects that would extend the useful life of our aging facilities and infrastructures. According to estimates by DBEDT’s job multiplier, this measure could create or sustain more than 5,000 jobs.

With construction bids coming in below estimated costs and interest rates at historic lows, money allocated for state construction projects has never gone further. We now have an unprecedented opportunity to make significant reductions to the state’s repair and maintenance backlog,” said Sen. David Y. Ige, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

The Senate today also passed its version of the $11 billion supplemental budget for the State of Hawaii, House Bill 2012. The Senate’s version of the budget is both responsible and responsive to the governor’s budget requests. Most of the governor’s initiatives have been funded as they pertain to maintaining the safety net and restoring the ability of government to perform necessary functions.

As a result of the mild economic recovery, the safety net could be strengthened. Additional funds for child welfare, domestic violence shelters, Medicaid, and various shortfalls across the Department of Human Services were included. Additionally, $18.2 million were directed to the temporary assistance for needy families program and $3.6 million to information technology initiatives to modernize the Department of Human Services.

The Senate also continues its strong support for education. Notably, the Senate has underscored education as a top priority by adding $44 million to the Department of Education’s budget. Specifically, the Senate’s budget focuses on key areas of investment in education, including: the weighted student formula, student meals, the community school for adults program, early learning and student transportation.

In the area of technology, the Senate calls for investing in the State’s information technology (IT) infrastructure in order to improve government and to better serve the public. The investment in IT upgrades aims to increase productivity, making government more efficient. The governor’s budget includes funding to significantly improve the infrastructure for IT throughout state government, an area in which the Senate has led by example. The Senate’s budget includes more than $27 million dollars for critical infrastructure IT projects that will support increased efficiency in the transformation of state government. The Senate also supports the governor’s broadband initiative to improve services and deployment of broadband to ensure that each and every citizen has access.

The Senate passed 197 measures today, which includes bills and resolutions.
For more information click here.

The Maui Senatorial delegation offered the following comments on House Bill  2145:

I encourage our colleagues in the House to seriously consider this measure because interest rates are at an historic low and there is no better time to make a significant investment in our state-owned facilities,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui, who represents District 4, encompassing Wailuku, Waihee, Kahului, Paia and Lower Paia.

This bill puts investment toward renewable energy and information technology upgrade initiatives throughout our schools, hospitals, and office buildings, which will lead to future cost savings and a reduction in the State’s carbon footprint,”  said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents District 6, encompassing Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe.

All businesses will benefit from this bill.  We encourage any company, including small businesses, to register with the State Procurement Office’s online system in order to be eligible to bid for projects.  The process is totally transparent and open- with bids posted publicly for anyone to see,” said Senator Roz Baker, who represents District 5, encompassing South and West Maui.

 

 

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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

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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Mar

19

Ask Your Senator 2012: Thanks for Asking…

Education

During the 2012 Education Week, Maui Senators had the opportunity to share their legislative experience with a student shadow from the Kamehameha Schools Maui Campus. Participating in this year’s “Ask Your Senator” project, the student shadow submitted a question to the Maui Senators:

I understand that some states have a term limit. Why doesn’t Hawaii have one?” — Kamehameha Schools Maui Campus Student

Responding on behalf of the Maui senatorial delegation, Senator Roz Baker (Senate District 5- South and West Maui) answered, “My answer would be that every year that we stand for election we run the risk of having a term limit.” Senator Baker further explained, “If we had term limits we would be actually giving over the institutional memory to the paid lobbyist and the other folks that represent special interests rather than looking at the general concerns of the people of the State of Hawaii.”

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Mar

08

Hawaii State Senate Confirms Maui Resident as Commissioner to the Public Utilities Commission

Articles / Commerce & Consumer Protection / Confirmations / Press Releases

(Photo Caption: Maui Senators congratulate Michael Champley on his confirmation)(L-R: Senate President Shan Tsutsui, Senator J. Kalani English, Michael Champley and Senator Roz Baker)

HONOLULU –  The Hawaii State Senate today voted to confirm Maui resident Michael Champley as commissioner to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).  Champley was appointed by Governor Abercrombie in September 2011 and began serving on the PUC on an interim basis immediately. His appointment was subject to Senate confirmation.

Mr. Champley’s extensive professional experience in the energy industry, commitment to public service, and proven leadership throughout his career are all important characteristics that make him an asset to the PUC,” said Senator Roz Baker, who represents South and West Maui, and chairs the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee that recommended Champley’s confirmation.

Mr. Champley’s extensive experience and analytical skills make him an excellent choice for the PUC.  He has the reputation on knowing how to address complex and crucial issues relating to the utility industry,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui, who represents Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului, Pa‘ia, Lower Pa‘ia.

With more than four decades of experience in the industry, Mr. Champley has proven to have a thorough understanding of the regulatory process from a utility perspective and is highly qualified to serve as a member of the Public Utilities Commission,” said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka’i, Lana’i and Kaho’olawe.

Prior to his appointment, Champley worked as a Maui-based senior energy consultant focused on clean energy resource integration in Hawai’i. He has over 40 years of experience analyzing, integrating and managing complex economic, public policy and technical issues confronting an evolving regulated energy utility industry. Champley was a senior executive with DTE Energy, a major electric and gas energy company where he held various executive positions, including Senior Vice President-Regulatory Affairs and Senior Vice President-Power Supply.  Champley holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Dayton and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University with emphasis in finance and public utility economics and regulation.

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Jan

27

Women’s Legislative Caucus Dedicates 2012 Legislative Package to Female Veterans

Articles / Press Releases

Maui Veteran Chelsea Fernandez Recognized for her Outstanding Work

Maui Senator Roz Baker listens to the inspiring words of Iraq veteran Chelsea Fernandez. (L-R President of Maui Business and Professional Women Isla Young , Senator Roz Baker, and Iraq veteran Chelsea Fernandez)

Honolulu- The Hawaii Women’s Legislative Caucus unveiled their 2012 legislative package on Thursday, January 26, 2012. This year’s series of bills and resolutions are dedicated to women veterans who have served our country abroad, and continue to live at home, despite the many trials they face post-deployment.

Disabled Iraq war veteran, mother, student, entrepreneur, and Maui citizen Chelsea K.E. Fernandez was amongst the women veterans requested to speak before the Caucus for her service and outstanding work in the community on behalf of persons with disabilities.  Fernandez was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Syndrome Disorder as a result of her service in the U.S. Army Reserve and tour in Iraq.

Following her military service Fernandez continues to serve her community from the private sector. Confronted at a young age with the death of her two-month-old sister, who passed away in part of complications from both physical deformities and Down syndrome, she is fulfilling a dream of serving the disabled community of Maui. The president and co-founder of FernanTech Inc., Fernandez is embarking on a new journey, moving the company in another direction by opening a new branch called Hawaii Assistive Technology Company (HATCO). HATCO’s mission will be to provide our disabled and/or impaired community the chance to live independently by bringing in new technologies to aid the differently-abled in their day-to-day living.

Today we have an unprecedented number of women serving in our arm forces.  These women are amongst the most dedicated and resilient of people, bravely serving their community at home and from afar,” said Senator Roz Baker, who represents District 5, encompassing South and West Maui. “Chelsea Fernandez serves as a role model for all returning veterans. She has persevered through a disability, which confronts many of our heroic men and women in uniform, and continues to serve her country through the private sector. It is important that we ensure that all of our service members, regardless of gender, have access to the appropriate care and services.”

The measures introduced by the caucus cover a broad range of issues, including resolutions in support of the brave work of women veterans. The package also recognizes the Fisher House Foundation, which provides free or low-cost housing to veterans and families receiving treatment at military medical centers.

The Women’s Legislative Caucus is bipartisan and is comprised of the 26 women members of the Senate and House who work together specifically on wide range of issues affecting women in Hawaii.  Caucus members include Senators Roz Baker, Suzanne Chun Oakland, Carol Fukunaga, Michelle Kidani, Donna Mercado Kim, Pohai Ryan, Maile Shimabukuro, Malama Solomon, and Jill Tokuda and Representatives Karen Awana, Della Au Belatti, Rida T.R. Cabanilla, Mele Carroll, Corinne W.L. Ching, Cindy Evans, Faye P. Hanohano, Sharon Har, Linda Ichiyama, Jo Jordan, Marilyn Lee, Sylvia Luke, Barbara Marumoto, Dee Morikawa, Kymberly Marcos Pine, Cynthia Thielen, and Jessical Wooley.

A complete list of the bills and resolutions introduced by the Women’s Legislative Caucus can be found at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/report.aspx?type=package&key=12&name=Women%27s+Legislative+Caucus.  In order to be included in the caucus package, each measure must receive a 2/3 vote of the women legislators.

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Jan

24

Discussion of the Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force 2012 Report

Articles / Commerce & Consumer Protection

On January 19, 2012, the Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force presented its report to the Senate Committee on Commerce & Consumer Protection and the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce during a joint informational briefing.

The task force was created by the Legislature in 2010 by Act 162 to conduct an extensive analysis of factors affecting mortgage foreclosures in the state and to provide recommendations to the Legislature. The result of their work assisted in the 2011 enactment of Act 48 (Senate Bill 651), a measure that  reforms the foreclosure process by implementing additional protections to individuals facing foreclosure or at-risk of foreclosure.

During the joint informational briefing, the legislative committees were able to hear from the task force about refining the requirements and procedures specified in Act 48. The task force also looked ways that the dispute resolution and the counseling provisions in the law can work better for consumers.

Senate Committee on Commerce & Consumer Protection Chair Roz Baker explained that the committee will be looking at pieces of legislation and will introduce measures to implement the Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force’s recommendations. In conjunction with the tasks force’s recommendations, the committee will also be looking at statutes and procedures relating to lien foreclosures by condominiums and homeowner associations.

Highlights from the report’s final recommendations included include:

  • Make permanent the process under Act 48 for converting nonjudicial foreclosures of residential property into judicial foreclosures;
  • Address practical challenges in the operation of the mortgage foreclosure dispute resolution program;
  • Establish an alternate power of sale foreclosure process specifically for condominium and other homeowner associations;
  • Provide planned community associations organized under chapter 421J, Hawaii Revised Statutes, with the same options as condominium associations with regard to association liens for assessments and the collection of unpaid assessments from tenants or rental agents;
  • Place time limits on condominium and other homeowner association liens for assessments, and prohibit such liens arising solely from fines, penalties, or late fees;
  • Provide specific language explaining the foreclosure process for the public information notice that must be distributed by persons intending to use the power of sale foreclosure process under part II of chapter 667, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and
  • Clarify, improve, and correct errors in the provisions of Act 48, Session Laws of Hawaii 2011.

The complete Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force report is available for download at: http://lrbhawaii.info/reports/legrpts/2012/mort.pdf.

 To view video click here.

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