Mar

11

Lawmakers to Discuss Bus Routes and Urban CIP Updates at Town Hall Meeting

Capitol Meetings & Events / In the Community / Press Releases

Honolulu- Senators Suzanne Chun Oakland and Brickwood Galuteria, along with Representatives Karl Rhoads and Scott Saiki and Councilmember Carol Fukunaga, will sponsor a community meeting on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the State Capitol Auditorium. Lawmakers have invited guest speakers from the State Department of Transportation, State Department of Accounting and General Services, State Department of Hawaii Housing Finance Development Corporation, State Department of Hawaii Community Development Authority, and City and County Department Transportation Services.

I highly encourage everyone to attend this meeting and learn about the upcoming projects that will impact them,” said Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, who represents Senate District 13, encompassing Liliha, Palama, Iwilei, Kalihi, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Lower Tantalus and Downtown. “This meeting provides the public with the chance to hear from and talk story with their government officials.”

During the meeting, we will be discussing key issues, including upcoming improvements for Downtown, Chinatown, and Kaka’ako/Iwilei, as well as the City’s plans to restore bus routes and update water and sewer billings,” said Senator Brickwood Galuteria, who represents Senate District 12, encompassing Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, McCully, Mo‘ili‘ili. “I look forward to seeing everyone at Tuesday’s town meeting.”

The general public will have the chance to ask questions about legislative issues and the topics being discussed.

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Feb

22

Lawmakers to Discuss Transportation, Affordable Housing and Homeless Solutions at Town Hall Meeting

In the Community / Press Releases

Honolulu- Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, along with Representative Takashi Ohno and Councilmember Carol Fukunaga, will hold a community meeting on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Lanakila Elementary School Cafeteria. The lawmakers have invited guest speakers from the City & County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services, State Department of Transportation, State Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, State Department of Education, Hawaii Public Housing Authority and State Department of Business and Economic Develop and Tourism.

I encourage everyone to attend this meeting to learn about the various issues impacting our community ,” said Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, who represents Senate District 13, encompassing Liliha, Palama, Iwilei, Kalihi, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Lower Tantalus and Downtown. “This event will also provide residents with the opportunity to meet their lawmakers and engage in discussion with government officials.”

The speakers will be updating the community on:

  • Kuakini Street Extension Project
  • Iwilei Senior Housing Development
  • Public Housing Projects
  • Highway Projects
  • Potential Homeless Solutions

The general public will have the chance to ask questions about legislative issues and the topics being discussed.

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Dec

07

Impact of Federal Affordable Care Act on Hawaii’s Medicaid Buy-In Program to be Discussed

Human Services / Press Releases

Honolulu–  The Medicaid Buy-In Task force will be meeting on Tuesday, December 11 at 2 p.m. in the State Capitol’s Conference Room 229 to discuss the importance of the Medicaid Buy-In program, the impact of the Affordable Care Act on the program, and its implementation.

Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, Rep. John Mizuno, Dr. Kenneth Fink (Department of Human Services’ Med-QUEST Division administrator), various organizations and individuals will be participating in the discussion.

The Medicaid Buy-In Task Force is a joint legislative task force created through Act 200, SLH 2012.

The purpose of the Medicaid Buy-In Task Force is to explore the development and possible implementation of a Medicaid Buy-In program based on Hawaii’s current Medicaid income and asset limits, and subject to approval by the Federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The Medicaid Buy-In program is meant to be available for working individuals with disabilities and shall ensure the provision of health care services to qualified individuals who are employed, as demonstrated by proof of income in the form of pay stubs, tax returns, or other official documentation, and have disabilities as defined by the Department of Human Services.

Act 200 can be found here: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2012/bills/HB2415_CD1_.htm.

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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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Sep

11

19th Annual Children and Youth Day Honors Hawaii’s Keiki

In the Community / Press Releases

HONOLULU – The 19th Annual Children and Youth Day will be held on Sunday, October 7, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will take place on the grounds of the Hawaii State Capitol and its surrounding areas, Iolani Palace grounds, Punchbowl Street, the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, Kalanimoku Building grounds, and The Frank F. Fasi Civic Center.

Children, teens and families will have the chance to enjoy over three hundred interactive, educational and fun activities sponsored by community organizations. They will also be able to learn about the services and programs that are committed to keeping children and youth in their community excited about learning and exploring their talents and interests while keeping them healthy and safe. There will also be six stages of great entertainment and more than a dozen food vendors.

Other highlights include:
• BrushBots Workshop
• Guided tours of Iolani Palace, The Governor’s Office and King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center
• Dozens of rides, bouncers and games (Thor’s Mountain, Mad Twister, Bungee Trampoline, Bulls Soccer Stadium, HI Ultimate Frisbee, Wild One Obstacle Course, Crazy Mountain, Rush Soccer, Train Stations, Rope-A-Phobia, Mad Hatter Climbing Wall, USTA Tennis Courts, Yu-Gi-Oh and more!)
• Oversized displays and demonstrations (HFD’s Keiki House, Ancient World of Europe, Ancient Warriors of Asia, Samadha Aerial Acrobatics, Martial Arts, State Sheriffs, Honolulu Police Department’s K-9 Unit, Hawaii Civil Air Patrol Glider, Youth Football clinic, Tennis and Basketball clinics and more!)

For almost two decades, Children and Youth Day has become a wonderful and meaningful way for our community to honor Hawaii’s keiki and opio,” said Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, the event’s chair. “This event is a great opportunity for families to be together, enjoy each other’s company and learn together about the community resources available for the healthy development of our children and youth. This event creates wonderful memories for our children and families that will last a lifetime.” Senator Chun Oakland also Co-Chairs Children and Youth Month with Representative John Mizuno.

FREE PARKING will be available at all neighboring State and County public parking lots and Central Middle School.

Last year, about 50-thousand people attended the event, which has grown to become one of the largest community celebrations in the State since its inception. Children and Youth Day was established by law in 1993 as the first Sunday of every October. The event kicks off Children & Youth Month, which was established by law in 1997. For more information, please call Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland’s office at 586-6130, e-mail tmaae@thepaf.org, or go to www.HawaiiCYD.org
.

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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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Jun

26

Governor Signs Bill to Support Long-Term Care Facilities

Human Services / Press Releases

(Suzanne Chun Oakland joins Governor Abercrombie for the signing of Senate Bill 2466 into law.)

Honolulu- Today Governor Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill (SB) 2466, Relating to Long- Term Care Facilities, into law. The measure establishes the nursing facility sustainability program special fund.

The revenue generated by SB 2466 will ensure that long-term care facilitates in Hawaii will be compensated for their services to Medicaid patients and the uninsured. This measure also will assist the State and the Department of Human Services in maintaining and providing medical assistance to those in need.

Long-term care facilitates in Hawaii have faced major financial challenges in providing quality health care for our residents,” said Senate Committee on Human Services Chair Suzanne Chun Oakland. “These challenges have been largely a result of payments to Medicaid enrollees for care not covered by the actual cost of care.  This measure will help to improve the quality of life for Hawaii’s residents by making certain that Medicaid recipients have access to health care.”

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Jun

08

Governor Signs Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness Bill into Law

Articles / Human Services / Press Releases

(Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland joins Governor Abercrombie for the signing of Senate Bill 2804 into law.)

HONOLULU-  Governor Neil Abercrombie today signed Senate Bill 2804 into law.  The measure establishes the Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness under the Department of Human Services.

The Council will identify critical strategic goals and initiatives that would mitigate homelessness as well as ensure that homeless persons obtain permanent housing and become reintegrated into the community.

I am glad that the Governor signed this bill into law to further help one of the most vulnerable populations in our State.  Because Homelessness is a multifaceted and complex matter, one of the functions of the Council is to work collaboratively with various organizations to find ways we can better serve and assist individuals and families,” said Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, chair of the Senate Committee on Human Services.

Under the law, the Department of Human Services is required to conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing safe havens in Hawaii and to submit a report to the Legislature prior to the convening of the 2013 Regular Session. The law goes into effect on July 1, 2012.

The governor also named Colin C. Kippen as the new Coordinator on Homelessness today.

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May

21

Student Advocates Honored for Helping Hawaii “Play it Safe”

Articles

Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland joined Lt. Governor Brian Schatz and Rotarian Dave Hamil in a ceremony recognizing winners of this year’s “Play It Safe” Safety and Nutrition Awareness Poster Contest. The event was held in the Governor’s Ceremonial Room on May 16, 2012.

Sponsored annually by the Play It Safe International Program, the contest seeks to educate students from preschool through third grade on the importance of safety awareness and prevention.

“The Play it Safe International Program has greatly expanded safety awareness through the education of children,” said Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, who serves as the advisory chairperson for the Play It Safe International Program here in Hawaii. “Through being educated at an early age on the importance of health and safety awareness prevention, Hawaii’s youngsters are being protected from the potential hazards and risks encountered during the course of their daily lives.”

This year, eleven elementary school student award winners were presented with Certificates of Recognition by the Twenty-Sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii for their poster designs and advocacy of youth safety. During the ceremony Lt. Governor Schatz also provided a proclamation, signed by the Governor and himself, proclaiming May 16, 2012 as Play it Safe Day in the State of Hawaii.

Others in attendance included Lani Moo, members of the Hawaii State Sheriffs, Honolulu Police Department, Rotary Club of Waikiki, and Assistance League of Hawaii.

The winners of this year’s poster contest include:

Award Winner’s Name School
Over All Winner Kacey Yamane Nuuanu Elementary
Child Safety and Nutrition Winner Jayan Francis A. Cornelio August Ahrens Elementary
School Winner Ashlyn Chang Nuuanu Elementary
School Winner Gwen Edades Likelike Elementary
School Winner Penicia Pene Pohakea Elementary
School Winner Kayla Abalos Kapunahala Elementary
School Winner Kaili Afoa Palisades Elementary
School Winner Keyt Franzez Agcaoli Ewa Elementary
School Winner Mateo Alvarez Mokapu Elementary
School Winner Aaron Ramos August Ahrens Elementary
School Winner Elle Ishihara Manoa Elementary
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Apr

17

Ask Your Senator 2012: Thanks For Asking

Education / Social Media

Students from Central Middle School’s Student Government Association (SGA) emailed several questions to their Senator, Suzanne Chun Oakland (District 13- Sand Island, Kalihi, Liliha, Nu’uanu, Pauoa, Pu’unui) as part of this year’s “Ask Your Senator” project. Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland sat down to share her thoughts and answers to to some of the students’ questions.

Why is the gas prices going up and is there anything that can be done to address this?”
-Central Middle School Student

To view the Senator’s answer to this question, click here.

1. Is there anything Senator Chun Oakland can do to relocate the Methadone Clinic directly across from our school on Kukui Street?
2. What about the homeless population frequenting Kamamalu park on Vineyard Blvd.?”

-Central Middle School Student

To view the Senator’s answer to this question, click here.

Central Middle School would like to invite Senator Chun Oakland to speak with our SGA. If and when time permits, can she visit our school to speak with our SGA office/ students?”

-Central Middle School Student

To view the Senator’s answer to this question, click here.

How is the rail project coming along?”

-Central Middle School Student

To view the Senator’s answer to this question, click here.

Is there a way to reduce taxes?”

-Central Middle School Student

To view the Senator’s answer to this question, click here.

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