HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Professional and Vocational Licensing Division’s (PVL) MyPVL service was announced as a winner of the 3rd annual Center for Digital Government, Government Experience Awards. The awards recognize the achievements and best practices of states, cities and counties that have gone to the web and beyond to radically improve the experience of government and push the boundaries of how citizen services are delivered. MyPVL is a one-stop-shop for users to manage an existing license or to register as a professional licensee. MyPVL consists of three modules: My Licenses, My Applications, and an Inbox, all of which can be accessed via a single login. The My Applications module lets users submit and track new applications, as well as receive notifications within the in-app Inbox. My Licenses enables the on-going renewal and maintenance of one or more licenses. The success of MyPVL is demonstrated by the usage data, with over 146,512 individual accounts managing 159,169 licenses and 26,887 applications. 76% of all new applications and 92% of renewals are all completed within MyPVL. Additionally, earlier this year License Pocket ID cards and Wall Certificates were made available through MyPVL for immediate download and printing at no cost to licensees. The updated pocket ID card provides additional consumer protection with a QR code design imprint, in which consumers can scan to verify the licensee’s current status through the linked PVL public search service. The real-time delivery of the pocket ID cards have eliminated the manual printing and mailing of 100,000 pocket ID cards annually. “We are always seeking to expand access and service to our consumers and licensees. It is our goal to continue to provide better service and streamline the process to support Hawaii’s licensed individuals and entities,” said Charlene Tamanaha, Licensing Administrator for PVL. “For example, one such enhancement to allow for online applications helped cut processing time for new Guard Employee (GDE) from 15 days to 3-5 days.” The Professional and Vocational Licensing Division licenses 52 different professions and vocations to include 25 licensing regulatory boards and commissions as well as 27 licensing programs. PVL handles about 20,000 new applicants and over 60,000 license renewals, plus thousands of address or name changes annually. MyPVL service enables 24/7 access to information and services from a single dashboard for all PVL licensees. It was created through a partnership with PVL and the state’s internet portal manager, Hawaii Information Consortium, LLC. MyPVL is accessible at https://pvl.ehawaii.gov/mypvl. #DepartmentofCommerceandConsumerAffairs #DCCA #MYPVL #CatAwakuni #CharleneTamanaha #HawaiiInformationalConsortium #HawaiiState #CenterforDigitalGovernment #GovernmentExperienceAwards #MyLicenses

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) announced today it is awarding funding to 34 programs in the Hawaiian Islands through its Aloha Aina program for the 2020 calendar year, an increase from 28 recipients in 2019. This is in addition to the 95 programs and events HTA is funding through its Community Enrichment Program, which was announced earlier this month. The money comes from tourism dollars through the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), which people pay when they stay in legal accommodations throughout the state. HTA’s Aloha Aina program funds community-based nonprofit and government programs helping to manage and protect Hawaii’s natural resources. The Hawaiian proverb, “He alii ka aina, he kauwa ke kanaka” means “the land is a chief, man is its servant,” and therefore if we care for our natural resources, they will care for us. HTA issued a request for proposals on May 2 with the deadline of July 5 to submit applications. HTA staff held informational briefings about the submission process on all six islands during the month of May. “Our Aloha Aina program is focused on the lasting value of stewardship by responsible community-based entities with an emphasis on aina-kanaka (land-human) relationships and knowledge. The collective objective is to reinvest tourism dollars to manage, conserve and revitalize Hawaii’s natural resources,” said Kalani Kaanaana, HTA’s Director of Hawaiian Cultural Affairs. HTA is also providing funding through its Kukulu Ola program, which helps to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. The Kukulu Ola awardees for 2020 will be announced soon. Click here to download a few photos of the Aloha Aina program awardees. Full List of HTA 2020 Aloha Aina Awardees Statewide DLNR - Division of Forestry and Wildlife Mokuhalii: Covering the Islands in the Rapid Ohia Death Outreach Network Hawaiian Islands Land Trust Cultural & Ecological Restoration Program Kupu Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps University of Hawaii Rapid Ohia Death Seed Banking Initiative 2020 Oahu Hawaii Marine Animal Response Stewardship and Conservation of Hawaii’s Protected Marine Animals Hui o Koolaupoko Malama Muliwai o Heeia: Phase 2 Kauluakalana Kukanono Malama Maunalua Site Model of Marine Restoration at Maunalua Bay Malama Na Honu Malama Na Honu Conservation through Education Project 2020 Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center Establishing Roots of Community Stewardship and Native Landscapes North Shore Community Land Trust Sunset Beach Park Community-Based Dune Restoration Protectors of Paradise Makua & Keawaula Revitalization and Education Awareness Program Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii The Pilina Pledge: From Plastics to Soil Hawaii Island Coral Reef Alliance Hawaii Wai Ola Edith K. Kanakaole Foundation Makawalu a Kanaloa Hawaii Forest Institute Restoration and Education at Palamanui and Lai Opua Dry Forest Preserves Pohaha I Ka Lani Liko No Ka Lama The Kohala Center, Inc. Malama Kahaluu: Restoring Our Coral Reef Ecosystem Volcano Art Center Niaulani Rain Forest Preservation & Education Program Kauai DLNR - Division of Forestry and Wildlife Alakai Boardwalk Replacement & Trailhead Interpretive Signs Garden Island Resource Conservation & Development, Inc. Strengthening Visitor Capacity at Makauwahi Cave Reserve Giving Back: Protecting Native Forest Kokee Natural History Museum Kokee - Nature Interpreted 2020 Maui Coral Reef Alliance Engaging Community Volunteers in Watershed Restoration - West Maui Friends of Auwahi Forest Restoration Project Planting together Friends of the DT Fleming Arboretum at Puu Mahoe, Inc. Pahana Hoola - Seeds of Hope 2020 Ma Ka Hana Ka Ike Wailua Nui Restoration Project Maui Nui Botanical Gardens Seed Banking, Crop Storage, and Public Access to Maui Nui Plants Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, Inc. Fire and Oysters: Improving Maalaea Bay's Ocean Water Quality Na Koa Manu Conservation Pohakuokala Gulch Community Forest Restoration Project The Nature Conservancy Expanding Marine Conservation in Maui County to Meet 30x30 Targets University of Hawaii Into the Darkness: Protecting Na Manu o Ke Kai and the Night Skies Molokai Aina Momona Aina Momona 2020 Aloha Aina Fellowship Program Molokai Land Trust Expanding Habitat Restoration for Ground Nesting Seabirds & Endangered Species #HTA #HawaiiTourismAuthority #AlohaAina #Alohaaina2020 #kalanikaanaana #kukuluola #DLNRDivisionofForestryandWildlife #HawaiianIslandsLandTrust #Kupu #UniversityofHawaii #HawaiiMarineAnimalResponse #HuioKoolaupoko #Kauluakalana #MalamaMaunalua #MalamaNaHonu #MaunaluaFishpondHeritageCenter #NorthShoreCommunityLandTrust #ProtectorsofParadise #sustainablecoastlineshawaii #CoralReefAlliance #EdithKKanakaoleFoundation #HawaiiForestInstitute #PohahaIKaLani #TheKohalaCenterInc #VolcanoArtCenter #DLNR #GardenIslandResourceConservationDevelopment #KokeeNaturalHistoryMuseum #FriendsofAuwahiForestRestorationProject #FriendsoftheDTFlemingArboretumatPuuMahoe #MaKaHanaKaIke #MauiNuiBotanicalGardens #MauiNuiMarineResourceCouncilInc #NaKoaManuConservation #TheNatureConservancy

Interested in getting more information about the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped? All the information you need, including eligibility requirements, application forms, available services, loan and return policies, machine and equipment policies, current newsletters and more can now be accessed through the HSPLS website. We lend reading materials in audio, braille, and large print formats to people of all ages with a visual or physical disability that prevents them from reading standard printed material.  Our services are free of charge. See if you meet the eligibility requirements. Click on the quick link on our homepage or go to https://www.librarieshawaii.org/lbph to find this new resource. #HawaiiStateLibrary #LargePrintMaterials #BrailleFormats #DownloadableAudioBooks #ClosedCircuitRadioProgramming #LibraryfortheBlind #LibraryforthePhysicallyHandicapped

HONOLULU — The Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM) provides funding opportunities to State agencies, County governments, and certain Private Non-Profit (PNP) organizations to implement mitigation projects to protect lives and properties. To be eligible, a project must be listed in the State Mitigation Plan or County Mitigation Plan. This program authorizes that 75% of the project cost will be funded by Federal funds. The sub-applicant is responsible for the remaining 25% which must be from a non-Federal source. The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program provides funding assistance to State agencies, County governments, and certain PNPs to reduce risk or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures which are insurable under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). As in the case with the PDM, eligible projects must be included in the State Hazard Mitigation Plan or County Mitigation Plan. Funding is provided on a 75%/25% basis with the sub-applicant accountable for the 25% portion from non-Federal sources. HI-EMA will review all applications and will determine the funding priorities. Further details are available on the FEMA website under the fact sheets for both programs. Please submit your notice of intent (NOI) to submit project applications for both mitigation programs to HI-EMA via the Survey Monkey website: PDM: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HIPDM2019 FMA: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HIFMA2019 The deadline to submit NOIs is October 4, 2019. If you have questions, require further information, or require technical assistance, please contact Larry Kanda at (808) 733-4300, ext. 516 or larry.kanda@hawaii.gov. #HawaiiEmergencyManagementAgency #FEMA #PreDisasterMitigationGrant #HIEMA #StateMitigationplan #FloodMitigationAssistance #FMA #LarryKanda #NOI #HIEMA

Support for Americans missing and unaccounted-for in wartime, and their families, is deeply felt. America’s POW/MIAs can be honored and recognized, but not memorialized. The focus should be on sustaining commitment to account for them as fully as possible. Strong, united, active support by the American people is crucial to achieving concrete answers. Now is the time to plan for this year’s ceremonies. Thus far, the American people, especially our supportive veterans, have made the difference. AS OF JULY 29, 2019, THE NUMBER OF AMERICANS MISSING AND UNACCOUNTED-FOR FROM THE VIETNAM WAR IS 1,587 Governor David Y. Ige and Lieutenant Governor Joshua B. Green proclaims September 20th, 2019 as POW / MIA Recognition Day in Hawai‘i. They ask the people of the Aloha State to never forget all Americans who remain missing and unaccounted for from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War and ask all citizens to observe this day with respect and honor. Done at the State Capitol, in Executive Chambers, Honolulu, State of Hawai‘i, this twenty-eighth day of August 2019. View the proclamation here. National Information Here #POW #MIA #POWMIARecognitionDay #davidige #joshuagreen #WorldWarII #KoreanWar #VietnamWar #ColdWar #HawaiiProclamation

(Honolulu) - In 1988 National Estuaries Day began to help promote the importance of estuaries and the need to protect them. It was decided in 2013 to expand the day of celebration of estuaries into a week-long event. Attendees of a Teachers on the Estuary workshop at Waquoit Bay Reserve demonstrate the new American Sign Language sign for "estuary." Photo credit: James Rassman To mark this nationwide observance, the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) wants to share the top ten things to know about our Hawaiian estuaries: Estuaries form wherever freshwater mixes with saltwater, meaning that even on the arid Kona Coast of Hawai’i Island the coastal groundwater creates estuaries. The most isolated estuaries in the world are found in the Hawaiian Islands, with the nearest estuaries about 2,000 miles away. Estuaries (muliwai) are critical nursery grounds for coastal species & valued for fishing and cultural practices as well as for their biological diversity. Estuaries are highly productive ecosystems that provide various and abundant food sources needed by juvenile fish for rapid growth. The diversity of habitats found in estuaries provide juvenile fish with refuge from their predators. Over 120 species of fish have been documented to use Hawaiian estuaries sometime during their life histories. One of the most common juvenile fish found in Hawaiian estuaries is only found in Hawai’i: the aholehole or Hawaiian Flagtail. Hawai’i has about 150 different estuaries. There are three types of estuaries in Hawaii: riverine or stream-mouths, bays, and lagoons. DAR has a team of researchers dedicated to understanding and improving management of Hawaii estuaries. To view video please click on photo below or view at this link: https://vimeo.com/320032986 “Protecting and respecting our estuaries is vital to our overall ecosystem. Our unique and isolated geography makes some of our estuaries different than any other place in the world. If we can continue to learn about the importance of estuaries to Hawai’i, it will benefit us all for generations to come,” said Brian Neilson, DAR Administrator. #DLBNR #DAR #DivisionofAquaticResources #HawaiiDepartmentofLandandNaturalResources #NationalEstuariesDay #HawaiianFlatgail #aholehole #muliwai #hawaiianislands #BrianNeilson

The Department will be hosting a series of listening sessions focused on gathering feedback to refine and potentially recommend changes to the teacher compensation system. To encourage maximum participation, two listening sessions will be held on O‘ahu, Maui and Hawai‘i Island. The Hawai'i State Department of Education (HIDOE) will be hosting a series of listening sessions focused on gathering feedback to refine and potentially recommend changes to the teacher compensation system. The sessions and subsequent analysis will be conducted by Augenblick, Palaich and Associates, a third-party consultant, to ensure objectivity. The listening sessions are open to the public and the Department encourages input from all interested community members and/or education practitioners including: school leaders, teachers, instructional staff, central office administrators, students, and other staff. "Behind every student's successes are dedicated educators who innovate, collaborate and challenge our students to exceed expectations," said Superintendent Christina Kishimoto. "It is critical that our compensation system supports our ability to attract and retain the highest level of talent. Our community's feedback is an important part of ensuring that any necessary refinements are done right." To encourage maximum participation, two listening sessions will be held at the dates and times below in each location on O'ahu, Maui and Hawai'i Island. Following a short introduction, attendees will be able to give feedback on how the state's compensation system should be updated, if needed, to best address the needs of students, educators, schools and districts. For those unable to attend a listening session, an online survey will be open from September 23 through October 6 to gather feedback. This survey will also be open to parents and community members. To take the survey, please visit http://bit.ly/2mgVFx7. #HawaiiStateDepartmentofEducation #listeningsessions #Teachers #Education #HIDOE #AugenblickPalaichandAssociates

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has selected Run Heidelberg DNP, APRNRX, PMHCNS-BC as the new administrator of the Hawai‘i State Hospital. Heidelberg begins his appointment on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019 and will lead operations for the existing hospital as well as the new facility under construction. Heidelberg served as the interim hospital administrator since May 2019 and has been associated with Hawai‘i State Hospital for nearly 25 years. “Dr. Heidelberg has extensive professional experience in Hawai‘i and many years of employment at the Hawai‘i State Hospital. I am confident that his familiarity with our state’s mental health system as well as his past work in the private sector make Dr. Heidelberg an excellent selection as the new administrator for the Hawai‘i State Hospital,” said Eddie Mersereau, DOH deputy director for Behavioral Health. “We all look forward to working with him in his new role at the hospital.” Heidelberg served in a number of leadership roles at Hawai‘i State Hospital from 2014 to March 2019, making him ideally suited to oversee the clinical and administrative aspects of the hospital. He served as acting associate administrator of clinical services, providing support to the chiefs of psychiatry, psychology, social work, psychosocial rehabilitation, forensics, mental illness and substance abuse and clinical safety. He also served as the acting director of nursing, overseeing nurse managers and department nursing leaders, and the acting chief of nursing services. Heidelberg earned a master’s degree in psychiatric mental health nursing from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, and a doctorate degree of nursing practice from Brandman University in California. He will continue to oversee the full operations of the hospital and its 600-plus team of employees in collaboration with a team of four associate administrators responsible for administrative and support services, clinical services, nursing services, and quality management. #HawaiiStateHospital #HawaiiDepartmentofHealth #DOH #RunHeidelberg #EddieMersereau #Health #PsychosocialRehabilitation #forensics #mentalillness #substanceabuse #clinicalsafety #nursing #HawaiiHealth

HILO – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) will be holding a public informational meeting (PIM) on the Wailuku River Bridge Spall Repairs Project. The purpose of the PIM is to provide information on the project and potential noise impacts during construction. The public informational meeting is scheduled for: Monday, Sept. 30, 2019 6:00 P.M. Hilo High School C-Building 566 Waianuenue Avenue This workshop is accessible for individuals with disabilities. If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact Harry Takiue at 933-8866, or e-mail harry.takiue@hawaii.gov. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice can be made available in alternate formats. HDOT thanks the community for their patience as we work to maintain Wailuku Bridge. Our previous news release on the bridge inspection findings and traffic pattern change over the bridge can be found at http://hidot.hawaii.gov/blog/2019/09/06/traffic-pattern-change-on-hilos-wailuku-bridge/ #HDOT #PublicInformationalMeeting #WailukuriverBridge #Hilo #HawaiiDepartmentofTransportation #WailukuriverBridgeSpallRepairsProject #HiloHighSchool #JadeButay #DavidIge

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is investigating the first report of a possible case of vaping-associated severe respiratory illness in a Hawai‘i Island resident under the age of 18 years. The serious lung injury was reported earlier this week and health officials are aggressively gathering patient information to determine the cause of the illness. The individual is currently hospitalized and still receiving treatment for their symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 450 potential or confirmed cases of severe lung injury have been reported, including at least 6 deaths, in 33 states and one U.S. territory. CDC indicated that many of these cases reported using illicit cannabinoid products, such as THC. DOH continues to urge physicians to be on alert for signs of severe respiratory illness among patients who recently used vaping products, including e-cigarettes and THC products, and report any cases. Today, DOH sent a medical advisory with guidance to all physicians statewide. To date, there have been no confirmed cases in Hawai‘i of lung injuries associated with vaping. “We are cautioning people about using e-cigarettes and advise against using unregulated THC containing vaping products,” said Health Director Bruce Anderson. “We are monitoring the situation locally and nationally, and coordinating with federal and state partners to stay up-to-date on the latest information available. We have alerted Hawai‘i health care providers and emergency workers of this issue so they are aware, and will continue to investigate this possible local case and work to determine the cause of their illness.” According to an update from CDC, evidence suggests the lung illnesses are likely linked to a chemical exposure, but the investigation has not identified any single product or substance common to all cases of acute severe pulmonary disease associated with vaping. Symptoms of acute severe pulmonary disease associated with vaping or use of an e-cigarette device may include: cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, weight loss, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and fever. Anyone who uses e-cigarette products should monitor themselves for symptoms and promptly seek medical attention for any health concerns. DOH advises people to avoid e-cigarette products off the street and not modify e-cigarette products or add any substances that are not intended by the manufacturer. People should avoid vaping illicit THC products, as the available evidence from other states shows many of the injury cases had exposure to such products. E-cigarette products should never be used by youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products. For anyone who wants to quit smoking or vaping, the Hawai‘i Tobacco Quitline (HTQL) offers free FDA-approved nicotine-replacement therapy and assistance regardless of insurance status. Call 1-800-QUITNOW or visit https://hawaiiquitline.org/. If you are concerned about your health after using an e-cigarette product, contact your health care provider. For medical advice, the public can also call the Hawai‘i Poison Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222, which is staffed 24/7 with trained nurses, pharmacists and toxicologists, or visit their website at https://www.hipoisoncenter.org/ In Hawai‘i, data from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey and Youth Risk Behavior Survey show that 25.5 percent of high school students currently smoke e-cigarettes, which is twice the national average. Hawai‘i is second in the nation for e-cigarette use amongst high school students, just behind Colorado. #HawaiiDepartmentofHealth #CDC #CenterforDiseaseControlandPrevention #ecigarette #electroniccigarette #THC #Vaping #BruceAnderson #HawaiiQuitline #HawaiiPoisonCenter #HawaiiTobaccoQuitline #BehavioralRiskFactorSurveillanceSystem #YouthRiskBehaviorSurvey #DOH

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The Hawai‘i State Senate in their first Special Session of 2019 has confirmed the judicial appointments of Solicitor General Clyde J. Wadsworth as Associate Judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals; Judge, Family Court of the First Circuit Kevin A.K. Souza as Judge of the Circuit Court of the First Circuit; Lisa W. Cataldo as Judge of the Circuit Court of the First Circuit; Ronald G. Johnson as Judge of the Circuit Court of the First Circuit; Public Defender John M. Tonaki as Judge of the Circuit Court of the First Circuit; District Court Judge Trish K. Morikawa as Judge of the Circuit Court of the First Circuit; and Judge, District Family Court, Jeffrey A. Hawk as Judge to the District Court of the Third Circuit. The Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Senator Karl Rhoads (Dist. 13) commented, “The Senate is pleased to be able to confirm seven well-qualified judges. We appreciate these individuals’ commitment to public service in what are important and often difficult positions.” Clyde J. Wadsworth has served as the Solicitor General for the Department of the Attorney General since 2017. Prior to that, he served Of Counsel at Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing and worked in private practice throughout California. Wadsworth is a graduate of Princeton University. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the UCLA School of Law, where he served as an editor of the UCLA Law Review. He is filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Associate Judge Lawrence M. Reifurth in Aug. 2019. Kevin A.K. Souza most recently worked in private practice specializing in criminal and family court matters. While working as a solo practitioner, he served as a per diem Family Court judge (2012 – 2013), and as Grand Jury Counsel for the First Circuit (2011 – 2012). He earned a Bachelor of Arts at Brigham Young University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Hawaiʻi – William S. Richardson School of Law. Souza is filling the vacancy created when Circuit Judge Keith K. Hiraoka was elevated to the position of associate judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals in Nov. 2018. Lisa W. Cataldo is a partnerat McCorriston Miller Mukai Mackinnon (M4) with diverse litigation practice, primarily defending clients in commercial, employment, disability, insurance defense, constitutional/civil rights and land use matters. Prior to joining M4, she served for two years as the part-time federal magistrate judge (United States District Court, District of Hawaiʻi) located in Kwajalein, Republic of the Marshall Islands. Cataldo is a graduate of the University of California, Hastings College of Law and Oregon State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science. She is filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Circuit Judge Virginia L. Crandall in November 2018. Ronald G. Johnson is an attorney advisor for the Transportation Security Administration. In this role, he handles legal issues relating to human resources, employee and labor relations, disciplinary actions, mission support and field operations. Prior to this, he served in the United States Attorney’s Office as the co-chief of the Violent Crime and Drug Section. Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Hawaiʻi, College of Business Administration, and he earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Hawaiʻi – William S. Richardson School of Law. He is filling the position that has been vacant since the retirement of Circuit Judge Rom A. Trader in December 2018. Trish K. Morikawa has served as a District Court Judge, First Circuit since May 2017. She was previously employed as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Deputy Attorney General, and as an associate at Gallagher Kane Amai. She also served as a Per Diem Judge of the District Family Court of the First Circuit. Morikawa earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi – William S. Richardson School of Law. She is filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Circuit Judge Colette Y. Garibaldi in December 2018. John M. “Jack” Tonaki has been with the State Public Defender since 2000. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii State Bar Association and the American Judicature Society. He has also been a member of numerous legal committees and task forces including the Judiciary’s Standing Committee on the Rules of Evidence and Standing Committee on Criminal Jury Instructions. Tonaki earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa and a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. He is filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Circuit Judge Glenn J. Kim in April 2019. Jeffrey A. Hawk is a private practive litigator specializing in criminal court matters. He is an attonry at the Law Office of Jeffrey Hawk and was a partner at Hawk Sing & Ignacio from 2003-2016. Hawk also served as a Per Diem Judge in the Family and District Court of the Third Circuit and the Family Court of the First Circuit. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkley and a law degree from the University of Hawaiʻi – William S. Richardson School of Law. He is filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Circuit Judge Harry P. Freitas. ### #Clydewadsworth #kevinsouza #lisacataldo #ronaldjohnson #johntonaki #trishmorikawa #jeffreyhawk #karlrhoads #ronkouchi #michellekidani #kurtfevella #gilkeithagaranbriantaniguchi #jarrettkeohokalole #glennwakai #donnamercadokim #gilriviere #clarencenishihara #sharonmoriwaki #lesiharajr #lorraineinouye #maileshimabukuro #rozbaker #stanleychang #laurathielen #russellruderman #DruMamoKanuha #markrecktenwald #specialsession #Judicialnominees #hawaiisenate #hawaiistatesenate #hawaiijudiciary

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), together with all four county police departments and child passenger safety advocates, will participate in National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 15-21. This campaign is dedicated to helping parents and caregivers make sure their children ride as safely as possible – every trip, every time. Hawaii’s child passenger safety technicians will be educating all parents and caregivers on correct usage of the right car seats or regular seat belts appropriate for their keiki’s ages and sizes. Child Passenger Safety Week is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Certified child passenger safety technicians will be helping caregivers to learn proper car seat installation and correct usage. “No matter their age, our keiki rely on us to keep them safe. When traveling, the best way to protect your children is to place them in the right car seat for their age and size and to install the seat correctly”, said Hawaii Department of Transportation Director Jade Butay. “We, as a community, need to work to do more to eliminate all preventable tragedies.” To keep all children safe, parents and caregivers should use a child safety seat that best fits their child and vehicle. To ensure that your child safety seat is installed correctly, we encourage the public to attend a free community car seat check event. On September 21, 2019, National Seat Check Saturday, community car seat check events will be held at the following locations: East Hawaii Target, Kona 74-5455 Makala Blvd 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Oahu Waipio Shopping Center, Waipahu 94-1040 Waipio Uka St. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Maui Maui Marketplace, Kahului 270 Dairy Road 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kauai Walmart, Lihue 3-3300 Kuhio Highway 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. To support Child Passenger Safety Week, educational community events will also be held on Sept. 14 on Hawaii Island and on Sept. 22 on Maui as follows: West Hawaii (Saturday, Sept. 14) Prince Kuhio Plaza 111 East Puainako St. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Maui (Sunday, Sept. 22) Queen Kaahumanu Center, Kahului 275 W Kaahumanu Ave 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. In Hawaii, children under 4 years old are required to ride in a child safety seat; children 4 through 7 years old must ride in a child passenger restraint or booster seat. Violators are required to appear in court, and if convicted, must attend a four-hour class. They may also be assessed a penalty of up to $500. Parents and caregivers can check the following to determine when a child can be moved from a child safety seat to a booster seat: The shoulder belt should lie snugly across the shoulder and chest, and not cross the neck or face. The lap belt must lie snugly across the child’s upper thighs, not the stomach. The child’s knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat when his or her back and bottom are against the vehicle seat back. The child can stay seated properly during the entire trip. Child Passenger Safety Week is sponsored by NHTSA. For more on child safety, as well as a list of child restraint inspection stations and community car seat checks, visit www.kipchawaii.org or www.safercar.gov/parents NHTSA recommends registering all car seats and booster seats with the manufacturer for a notification in the event of a recall. For more information on car seat safety and to locate a certified child passenger safety technician, visit www.nhtsa.gov/carseat Hawaii has more than 300 certified child passenger safety technicians, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, medical professionals and parents. All technicians have been trained to provide instruction on choosing the right car seat, installing it and using it correctly. Nationwide child passenger safety statistics from NHTSA: A child under 13 years old was involved in a passenger vehicle crash every 32 seconds in 2017. From 2013 to 2017, there were 3,313 children under 13 killed while riding in passenger vehicles. Fatalities decreased in 2017 from 2016, the first decrease since 2014. On average, nearly two children under 13 were killed every day in 2017 while riding in cars, SUVs, pickups and vans. In 2017, over one-third (35 percent) of children under 13 killed in passenger vehicles were not restrained in car seats, booster seats or seat belts. NHTSA’s latest research shows that nearly 2 out of 3 car seats are misused. When used correctly, car seats decrease the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers (1 to 4 years old) in cars, and by 58 percent and 59 percent, respectively, for infants and toddlers in light trucks. Car seats, booster seats, and seat belts save lives In 2017, among children under 5, car seats saved an estimated 312 lives. A total of 371 children could have survived if they had been buckled up 100-percent of the time. KHON REPORT: https://www.khon2.com/news/national-child-passenger-safety-week-dont-forget-to-click-in-your-kid/ Car seats work best when used correctly In passenger cars, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers. For infants and toddlers in light trucks, the corresponding reductions were 58 percent and 59 percent, respectively. Most parents are confident that they have correctly installed their child’s car seat, but in most cases (59%) the seat has not been installed correctly. According to NHTSA data, in 2015, about 25.8 percent of children 4 to 7 years old were prematurely moved to seat belts, when they should have been riding in booster seats. More information here: Keep Kids Safe on the Road - Child Passenger Safety Week Is September 15-21 #NationalChildPassengerSafetyWeek #ChildSafety #ChildPassengerSafetyWeek #NHTSA #NationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministration #ADCouncil #ChildCareSafety #KeepYourChildSafe #DOT #HIDOT #JadeButay #Safercar #HawaiiDepartmentofTransportation