Jun

04

Senator Will Espero to Introduce Booting Regulation Legislation

Press Releases

In light of what is currently occurring in the local “Booting” industry, Senator Will Espero will introduce legislation next session to regulate and allow booting.  If passed, the legislation will allow booting of vehicles once strict rules are adopted by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs following public comments. Currently, Senate Bill 1214, to ban booting, is before the Governor, and a state Office of Consumer Protection lawsuit is also being heard in the courts to stop current booting.

Senator Espero believes booting can be less expensive and more convenient for drivers versus being towed and having the added expense and time involved.

I have no problem placing a cap on the amount a person can be charged after being booted,” said Senator Espero, who represents District 19 (‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of ‘Ewa Villages). “The idea of being booted and towed should also be discussed and possibly banned since this would be a double hit on a driver.”

Elements of legislation that Senator Espero supports that should be included in the regulation of the booting industry include:

  • The placement of clear proper signage for drivers indicating circumstances for booting
  • Machines/Equipment with written receipt capability for proof of parking payment
  • Cap on any towing if needed
  • 24 hour access to vehicle
  • Formal complaint/challenge process
  • A cap of $25-$50 for unlocking a boot.

 

Posted by | 0 comments
Apr

30

Public Safety Measures Makes Their Way to the Governor’s Desk

Press Releases / Public Safety & Military Affairs

Honolulu – A measure that would close the loophole in Hawaii’s gun law is on its way to the Governor’s desk for consideration.  The measure, Senate Bill 69, was passed out of the Senate and House today.   If it becomes law, county police departments are required to fingerprint, photograph and perform background checks on a person arriving in Hawaii with a firearm purchased outside of the state.

This measure tightens up our current gun law and it has nothing to do with denying someone their second amendment rights, it has to do with public safety,” said Senator Will Espero, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs.   He also is the primary introducer of the bill.

Hawaii has one of the strictest gun laws in the nation. This measure was supported by Hawaii Rifle Association.

Another measure introduced by Senator Espero and receiving approval from both chambers is Senate Bill 680, which establishes a state Homeland Security Office within the state Department of Defense.

Hawaii’s geographic location makes us vulnerable to homeland security threats.  This new office would complement the federal Department of Homeland Security and show the states commitment to terroristic and other threats to our state.  Currently, the main focus of the state Department of Defense is mostly civil defense or emergency preparedness and the National Guard,” explained Espero.

If the measure becomes law, the adjutant general will serve as the director of the State Homeland Security Office.   The office is tasked to prepare comprehensive plans and programs for homeland security and homeland defense, make studies and surveys of the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure, and other tasks.

Posted by | 0 comments
Apr

04

The Hawaii State Senate to Commemorate Hilo Hattie’s Golden Anniversary

Capitol Meetings & Events / In the Community / Press Releases

Honolulu – The Hawaii State Senate will commemorate Hilo Hattie’s 50th anniversary on Friday, April 5, 2013 during its Session, which begins at 11:30 a.m.  Senators will present the company’s top executives with a Certificate of Recognition for achieving this milestone.

 It is important for us to recognize Hilo Hattie for this significant achievement.  Through its products, the company has shared what’s unique to our Islands and the Aloha spirit with visitors and kamaaina alike,” said Sen. Will Espero, who will be presenting the certificate.

Hilo Hattie’s history in Hawaii began in 1965 when the first manufacturing center, named “Hawaiian Wear Unlimited,” opened in Honolulu.  In 1979, the company officially changed its named to Hilo Hattie Fashion Center, named after the entertainer, Ms. Hilo Hattie. Its new headquarters and flagship store on Nimitz Highway opened in1983.  The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau awarded Hilo Hattie the Kahili Award for “The Best Retailer in Hawaii” in 1998. The Guinness Book of World Records certified Hilo Hattie’s 400XL Aloha Shirt as the “World’s Largest Aloha Shirt” in 1999. Among its most recent accolades, The Star Advertiser,Honolulu Magazine, and Hawaii Business Magazine all voted Hilo Hattie “The Best Place for Aloha Wear.”

Posted by | 0 comments
Apr

03

Hearing to Address Recent Incidents with Public Safety Department to be Held

Press Releases / Public Safety & Military Affairs

Honolulu –  In wake of recent incidents relating to the Department of Public Safety, the Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs is holding an informational briefing on Thursday,April 4, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. in the State Capitol’s Conference Room 224.

The informational briefing will discuss the following issues and incidents:

  1. Number of escapes from Public Safety Department facilities the last 5 years
  1. Recruitment and Training of Public Safety Department staff
  1. February 20, 2013 escape of Teddy Munet
  1. Death of Cyrl Chung at Oahu Community Correctional Center

Dept. of Public Safety Director Ted Sakai and Dept. of Human Resources Development Director Barbara Kreig have been invited to attend.

“The recent incidents under the Department of Public Safety’s watch have raised many questions and concerns regarding the community’s safety as well as the safety of its employees and inmates,” said Sen. Will Espero, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs.  “We hope to have good discussion about the issues that’ll hopefully lead to some resolutions.”

The briefing will be televised live on cable channel 55.

Public testimony will not be accepted.

Posted by | 0 comments
Mar

11

U.S Navy to be Recognized for its Hawaiian Cultural Stewardship and Renewable Energy Initiatives

Capitol Meetings & Events / Press Releases / Public Safety & Military Affairs

Honolulu – The Hawaii State Senate will be presenting the United States Navy with a Certificate of Recognition for its Hawaiian cultural stewardship and its renewable energy initiatives on Tuesday, March 12, during its Session.

Senator Maile Shimabukuro is co-sponsoring the certificate with Senator Will Espero, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs.

 Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam has partnered with other organizations to perform important projects that help preserve our culture, including maintaining the Halealoha Haleamau Burial Platform and replacing invasive Pickleweed with native Hawaiian plant species at Ahua Reef,” said Sen. Maile Shimabukuro, who represents District 21, encompassing the areas of Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, Ko ‘Olina, Nanakuli, Ma‘ili, Wai‘anae, Makaha, and Makua.  “These projects mean a lot to our community and we certainly appreciate the Navy pitching in to help.”

The Navy have also been hosting Makahiki events co-sponsoring with the O`ahu Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs for the past ten years.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam further promotes environmental stewardship by utilizing photovoltaic arrays to lower energy costs in support of U.S. Navy and Department of Defense initiatives, operates a fuel oil reclamation facility to reduce disposal costs and dependence on foreign oil, and was recently recognized as best in the Navy for energy and water efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kaua`i and its partnership with Ke Kula Ni`ihau O Kekaha sustains the educational display of habitat types that existed on the Mana Plain prior to western contact, and supports educational programs that include remotely piloted water craft and model rockets developed by Kaua`i students.  The Missile Range also manages its light sources to reduce potential harm on the Newell’s Shearwater and Hawaiian Petrel.  This effort protects the endangered birds and reduces energy consumption.  It also continues its partnership with numerous agencies and volunteers to enhance the survival of Laysan Albatross populations located at the facility.

Posted by | 0 comments
Mar

06

Senator Will Espero Discusses Sequestration Informational Briefing

Public Safety & Military Affairs

Senator Will Espero, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs talks about today’s joint informational briefing with the House Committee on Veterans, Military, & International Affairs, & Culture and the Arts. Today’s briefing discussed the economic impact of the Armed Forces in Hawaii and the budgetary concerns impacted by the federal fiscal cliff.

To view the video click here: http://youtu.be/LHqcIDeWsbM.

Posted by | 0 comments
Mar

01

Hawaii State Senate Honors the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II

Press Releases / Public Safety & Military Affairs

(Hawaii State Senate honors Tuskegee Airmen.)

Honolulu –The Hawaii State Senate honored the Tuskegee Airmen during its floor session today.

The Tuskagee Airmen are members of the 332d Fighter Group and 477th Bombardment Group that flew missions from Sicily to Normandy during World War II.  The Tuskegee Airmen are also the only African American pilots who served in combat.

Hawaii residents Romaine Goldsborough and Philip Baham, along with Alexander Jefferson of Michigan, were presented a Certificate of Recognition from the Senate.   Romaine Goldsborough will be represented by his wife at the presentation.   Although unable to attend the presentation, Governor Neil Abercrombie presented the veterans with a proclamation, declaring today “Tuskegee Airmen Day.”

It was such an honor to meet these veterans who faced so much adversity, yet still had the strength to fight in the war.  It was important to acknowledge and share their story and the contributions they made to our American history,” said Senator Will Espero, chair of the Senate Committee Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs.

While facing much adversity and limited opportunities, African Americans were barred from flying for the U.S. military prior to 1940. These barriers neared an end when civil rights groups and the press exerted enough pressure for an all African American pursuit squadron formed in Tuskegee, Alabama in 1941.

The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segregation and racial prejudice and became one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War II. Their awards and decorations include three Distinguished Unit Citations, 14 Bronze Stars, and eight Purple Hearts. These achievements and commendations paved the way for full integration of African Americans in the U.S. military.

Posted by | 0 comments
Feb

27

Hawaii State Senate to Honor World War II Veterans

Capitol Meetings & Events / Press Releases

Honolulu – Members of the Tuskegee Airmen will be honored by the Hawaii State Senate during its floor session on Friday, March 1, 2013 at 11:30 a.m.

The Tuskegee Airmen are members of the 332d Fighter Group and 477th Bombardment Group that flew missions from Sicily to Normandy during World War II.  The Tuskegee Airmen are also the only African American pilots who served in combat.

Hawaii residents Romaine Goldsborough and Philip Baham, along with Alexander Jefferson of Michigan, will be presented a Certificate of Recognition from the Senate.   Romaine Goldsborough will be represented by his wife at the presentation.

 Now in their twilight years, it is important that we show these American heroes how much we appreciate the sacrifices they made for our country and their contributions to our nation’s history,” said Senator Will Espero, chair of the Senate Committee Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs.

While facing much adversity and limited opportunities, African Americans were barred from flying for the U.S. military prior to 1940. These barriers neared an end when civil rights groups and the press exerted enough pressure for an all African American pursuit squadron formed in Tuskegee, Alabama in 1941.

The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segregation and racial prejudice and became one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War II. Their awards and decorations include three Distinguished Unit Citations, 14 Bronze Stars, and eight Purple Hearts. These achievements and commendations paved the way for full integration of African Americans in the U.S. military.

Posted by | 0 comments
Feb

14

The Hawaii State Senate Confirms Ted Sakai as Director of the Department of Public Safety

Confirmations / Press Releases / Public Safety & Military Affairs

Honolulu –  The Hawaii State Senate today confirmed Theodore I. Sakai as Director of the Department of Public Safety.  Sakai has been serving as the interim Director of Public Safety since June 1, 2012, when he was appointed by the Governor.

“Mr. Sakai will undoubtedly serve the public well as Director of the Department of Public Safety as this is his second tour of duty in this capacity.  He is very accomplished and experienced in the criminal justice field after working in the profession for over forty-three years,” said Sen. Will Espero, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs.

He previously served as the Director of Public Safety from 1998 to 2002. Sakai received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Posted by | 0 comments
Feb

13

Schofield Wolfhounds Recognized

In the Community

During a Floor Presentation today, the Hawaii State Senate recognized the family of Master Sergeant Hugh O’Reilly and the soldiers of the 27th Infantry Regiment for their generosity and kindness toward the Holy Family Home orphanage and the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. In a tradition dating over 60 years, members of the 27th Regiment, nicknamed the “Wolfhounds,” have built a continuous and special bond with the Holy Family Home orphanage, located in Osaka, Japan.

The Wolfhounds’ relationship with the Holy Family Home began in 1949 when a Red Cross field representative brought several soldiers from the 27th Infantry Regiment to a holiday party at the Holy Family Home. Seeing the orphanage in bad shape, the soldiers raised funds to donate to the home, eventually adopting the orphanage. For the next six months, Master Sergeant Hugh O’Reilly led the soldiers to help repair the facility. Soon, the Wolfhounds began regularly collecting money for the Holy Family Home.

In 1957, the Wolfhounds began a tradition of inviting two children from the Holy Family Home to visit the soldiers and their families stationed in Hawaii. In 1958, the Regiment began sending two soldiers to the Holy Family Home during Christmas to act as “Father Christmas,” bearing gifts and offering companionship, bringing joy and happiness to the orphans. These traditions and special relationship continue today.

Posted by | 0 comments
© Copyright Hawai'i Senate Majority Caucus - Theme by Pexeto