The Hawai‘i State Senate on April 16 voted to advise and consent on Jennifer Potter to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Jennifer “Jennie” Potter was nominated by Governor David Ige to replace Lorraine Akiba, whose term expires on June 30, 2018. Potter begins her six-year term on July 1, 2018. “Based on her history with municipal districts in California, working for the Natural Energy Institute here in Hawai‘i, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the experience she has in regards to demand side, pricing, and researching smart options, I think she’s going to provide the wealth of background and knowledge to the PUC to help move the agenda forward,” said Senator Rosalyn Baker, chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health. Potter is an assistant specialist with the Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute (HNEI). Before joining HNEI, Potter was a senior scientific engineering associate in the Electricity Market and Policy group at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab where she was the project lead on the 2025 California Demand Response Potential Study for the California Public Utilities Commission. Potter’s experience includes working with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District in various positions, including enterprise performance data manager, principal market analyst, and project manager. She was also an electric analyst for the City of Roseville in California. Potter earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Economics from Southern Oregon University, and her Master of Science degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.

The Hawai‘i State Senate today voted to confirm Ryker Wada to serve as the Director of the Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD). Wada was appointed by Governor David Ige in January 2018 to fill the position following the retirement of James Nishimoto. Wada has served as deputy director of DHRD since December 2016. Prior to his work at the department, he was the Personnel Regional Officer for the Windward District of the Department of Education. He also served as the Managing Attorney for the Honolulu Office of the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i. Wada earned his B.A. from the University of Washington and a J.D. from the University of California Hastings College of Law. “Ryker Wada has a long standing reputation of public service and a strong commitment to family and his team,” said Senator Jill Tokuda (Dist. 24 - Kane‘ohe, MCBH, Kailua, He‘eia, ‘Āhuimanu) Chair of the Senate Committee on Labor. “He has a positive vision of how the Department should serve our state and employees, and his confirmation as Director of DHRD represents a new opportunity for him to continue to apply his skills in service to the people of Hawai‘i,” Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i Senate Majority # # # #rykerwada #richardwada #DHRD #hawaiisenate #WindwardDepartmentofEducation #Jilltokuda #DepartmentofHumanResourcesDevelopment

The “Silver Tsunami” took over the State Capitol rotunda on April 12 as the sixth Kūpuna Power Day brought savvy seniors, service providers, and musical stars together for a day to empower Hawai‘i’s elder population through education, awareness, and good health. More than 40 organizations were on hand to provide vital information to seniors, as well as caregivers, get tips on topics ranging from the latest news on Medicare and Medicaid, as well as getting tech savvy and how to stay safe while walking and crossing streets. This event has become known for its star-studded performances by notable local artists. This year was no different with Danny Kaleikini and Marlene Sai taking the stage. Seniors were also asked to lace up their sneakers and take part in fun fitness stretching and tai chi. “This day is all about empowering the Kūpuna with education, entertainment, and exercise,” said Senator Brickwood Galuteria, organizer of the event. “Our population is aging and we need to continue to provide our Kūpuna with support so they can live self-sufficiently. The ‘silver tsunami’ is coming and we want to prepare all our residents for when that time comes.” This day was particularly significant in that it was dedicated to the memory of the late U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka. Sen. Akaka was always in attendance at Kupuna Power Day to help hand out the award named in his honor. The Daniel Kahikina Akaka Award for Outstanding Senior Service recognizes those who are doing extraordinary work in support of our seniors. This year, the honorees of the Daniel Kahikina Akaka Award for Outstanding Senior Service were John McDermott, Hawai‘i Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the non-profit, island-wide meal service provider Lanakila Meals on Wheels. Kūpuna Power Day is sponsored by the Na Kūpuna Makamae Center, a project of Pacific Gateway Center, and through the generous support of donors including AARP, Walgreens, Territorial Savings Bank, HMSA, Hawai‘i Gas, OHA, Kamehameha Schools, Laborers’ International Union Local 368, and the City and County of Honolulu.

WHO: Sen. Brickwood Galuteria, senior care service providers, iconic local musicians, savvy seniors WHAT: Kūpuna Power Day, “Celebrating Generations of Aloha” WHEN: Thursday, April 12, 2018 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. WHERE: State Capitol Rotunda The 6th Kūpuna Power Day begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 12 at the State Capitol Rotunda and this year’s event will be one of the most memorable to date. While celebrating and empowering seniors through education, awareness, and good health, Kūpuna Power Day 2018 will also be dedicated to honoring the late U.S. Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka, a dedicated statesman and champion for seniors, veterans, and all people of Hawai‘i, who passed away on April 6. “Senator Akaka was the embodiment of Aloha, serving the people of Hawai‘i with dignity and humility, which is why we named an award after him, one that recognizes individuals and organizations who are supporting our seniors so they can age in place with grace and pride,” said Sen. Brickwood Galuteria, organizer of the event. The Daniel Kahikina Akaka Award for Outstanding Senior Service honorees this year will be John McDermott, Hawai‘i Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the non-profit, island-wide meal service provider Lanakila Meals on Wheels. More than 40 organizations will be attending to provide important information for the health, safety, and well-being of Hawai‘i’s kūpuna. The event is free and open to the public of all ages. The schedule for Kūpuna Power Day 2018 is as follows: 8:30 a.m. Kūpuna Power Resource Tables Open 9:00 a.m. Kūpuna Power Welcome: Senator Brickwood Galuteria Pule: Kahu Kenneth Makuakane Pledge of Allegiance: Dorothy Douthit – Pacific Gateway Center Board Chair Star Spangled Banner: Danny Kaleikini Hawai‘i Pono’i: Marlene Sai and Melveen Leed Kūpuna Power Day Proclamations: Governor David Ige Mayor Kirk Caldwell What is Kūpuna Power? Knowing Your Resources: Sen. Brickwood Galuteria Enhanced Fitness Stretch: Randy Lau – Tai Chi Instructor Hula by the Nā Kūpuna Makamae ‘Āhinahina: Ku’u Lei Puakenikeni Entertainment with Danny Kaleikini Avoiding Identity Theft: Scott Spallina – Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Entertainment with Marlene Sai The Biggest “ISM” there is…AGEISM!: Dr. Jackie Young Entertainment with Melveen Leed The Daniel Kahikina Akaka Award for Outstanding Senior Service John McDermott - Long-Term Care Ombudsman Lanakila Meal on Wheels Enhanced Fitness Stretch: Randy Lau – Tai Chi Instructor Walk Wise Kūpuna: Lance Rae Kūpuna Power Recap…Knowing Your Resources: Sen. Brickwood Galuteria Hawai‘i Aloha: Danny Kaleikini and Marlene Sai Kūpuna Power Resource Tables open until 11:00 a.m. Kūpuna Power Day is sponsored by the Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center, a project of Pacific Gateway Center, and through the generous support of donors including AARP, Walgreens, Territorial Savings Bank, HMSA, Hawai‘i Gas, OHA, Kamehameha Schools, Laborers’ International Union Local 368, and the City and County of Honolulu. Photos of last year’s Kūpuna Power Day can be downloaded on the Hawai‘i Senate Majority Flickr site: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hawaiisenatemajority/albums/72157680780228710 # # # #kupunapower #hawaiisenate #brickwoodgaluteria #danielakaka #senatorakaka #melveenleed #randylau #marlenesai #pacificgatewaycenter #aarp #walgreenshawaii #territorialsavingsbank #hmsa #hawaiigas #OHA #KamehamehaSchools #InternationalUnionLocal368 #Danielkahikinaakakaaward #kupuna #senionservice #dorothydouthit #davidige #kirkcaldwell

Things were ‘hopping’ at the State Capitol on March 29 when the House and Senate Legislators and staff joined together to help bring Easter cheer to those in need as part of the 19th Annual Women’s Legislative Caucus Easter Basket Drive. More than 240 baskets filled with basic necessities including socks and school supplies to household items and health care products were donated to the Institute of Human Services, Windward Spouse Abuse Center, and the Salvation Army. The Easter Bunny, resembling State Rep. Sean Quinlan, made a traditional appearance. Because every bunny needs a friend, this year he brought a sidekick, the Easter Duck, who looked similar to State Rep. Daniel Holt. The duo lent a helping paw and wing to deliver the baskets to awaiting trucks. #InstituteforHumanServices #WomensLegislativeCaucusEasterBasketDrive #WindwardSpouseAbuseCenter #Rozbaker #Jilltokuda #jkalanienglish #laurathielen #MichelleKidani #DonnaMercadoKim #karlrhoads

Hawai‘i is fortunate to have a tradition of hard working and determined immigrants who came to the islands to create better lives for their families, communities, and future generations. The State Senate today recognized the accomplishments of one such group of immigrants: the Okinawan community in Hawai‘i. There are over 325 restaurants that are owned and operated statewide by the Uchinanchu descendants, those that emigrated from Oroku, Okinawa. Ushi Takara started America Café in 1923 and mentored dozens of Uchinanchu to open their own restaurants, with over 75 individuals coming from Oroku. Almost a century later, the honorees have been bringing Hawai‘i’s people together around food, and they run and operate the go-to places for Hawai‘i’s families. Recognized on the floor today were Sidney Takara, Howard Takara, Gene Kaneshiro, Ethel Teruya, Beverly Taira, and Shari Tamashiro. Sidney Takara is the grandson of Ushi Takara, the “Father of Oroku Restaurants” and founder of American Café. Howard Takara is the son of Yuri Takara, owners of Harriet’s Saimin and Yuki’s Café. Howard worked at his father’s restaurant for 10 years and also serves as a Board member of the Oroku Azajin Club. Gene Kaneshiro is the son of Fred Kaneshiro and nephew of Gentaro Kaneshiro, owners of Columbia Inn. Gene ran Columbia Inn for many years. Ethel Teruya is the wife of Wallace Teruya and sister-in-law of Albert Teruya, owners of T & W Coffee Shop, Times Grill and later Times Super Markets. Beverly Taira is President of the Oroku Azajin Club. Beverly has served many years as a board member, and she helped in the documentation of the 75 Oroku Azajin restaurants Shari Tamashiro was instrumental in documenting the history of the family restaurants. She guided Howard Takara, Holly Takara and Gene Kaneshiro in recording the oral histories of 12 restauranteurs and the creation of the Okinawan Restaurant Exhibit at Honolulu Hale. Senate honors also went to Galen Teruya is the grandson of Albert Teruya. Galen served as President of the Oroku Azajin Club in 2014-2015, and Judy Uyehara Morita, daughter of Masaji Uyehara, owner of Aiea Drive Inn, Ilima Drive Inn, Keone’s Lounge and Smile Café. Also recognized by the Senate were the family members and community members of several other iconic Hawai‘i restaurants who were in the Senate gallery: Karen Teruya Nakamura is the daughter of Robert and Nancy Teruya, owners of Aloha Grill. This restaurant also once had a bowling alley. Ruby Teruya Uehara is the daughter of Kana Teruya, owner of Lucky Grill, U.S. Café, Choice Inn and Kaimuki Inn. John Takara is the nephew of Keikyu Takara, who owned Bluebird Café and McCully Fountain. Muriel (Teruya) Arakaki and brother William Teruya are the daughter and son of Harry Teruya, who owned Chef’s Café and Sierra Cafe. Lorraine (Takara) Egusa and Russell Takara are the daughter and son of Taru and Chiyoko Takara, who owned Kaimuki Inn and George’s Inn. James and Jane Uyehara are the son and daughter-in-law of Jenichi Uyehara, who owned Metropolitan Grill. Gary Kobashigawa is the son of Roy Kobashigawa, who with his two brothers, Mike and Larry, owned Sheridan Grill. Margaret Takara is the daughter-in-law of Kojiro Takara, who owned Star Grill. Mary-Ann Uehara is the grand-daughter of Kana and Uto Uehara, who owned Bert’s Café. Helen Uyehara is the daughter-in-law of Ichiro and Kameko Uyehara, who owned Happy Café and Kakaako Inn. Liz Teruya is the grand-daughter of Saburo Teruya, who owned Kapiolani Grill. Barbara Teruya is the daughter of Robert Uehara, who owned Chidori Restaurant and Ellen’s Bar & Grill. Jason Takara is the son of Edward and Roberta Takara, who owned E & R Koffee Kup and Jane’s Coffee Shop. Violet Irinaka is the daughter of Kame Uyehara, who owned Denver Grill. George Kamimura is the Grandson of Kame Taira, who owned Pacific Bakery & Coffee Shop and Palama Hotdog Shop. Francis Takara and Mae Katahara are the son and daughter of Charles Takara, who owned New Aala Café and Nancy’s Grill. Gary and Neal Uehara are the sons of Harold Uehara, who owned LaSalle Grill. Herbert Uehara is the nephew of Tsuneko Uehara, who owned Clover Inn and U.S. Cafe. Frederick Takara is the son of Saburo Takara, who owned Café Paris and Ramona CAFE. Karen (Teruya) Nakamura is the daughter of Robert and Nancy Teruya, owners of Aloha Grill. This restaurant was located in the heart of Honolulu on Bethel Street. It not only provided service to families and banquets, but also had a bowling alley. Karen has also supported and helped document the majority of Oroku Azajin restaurants. Ruby (Teruya) Uehara is the daughter of Kana Teruya, who owned Lucky Grill, where Ruby and her siblings worked while going to school. Kana also owned U.S. Café, Choice Inn and Kaimuki Inn. Alice Masutani and Lorraine Kajikawa are the daughters and Dustin Ebesu is the grandson of Kamado and Yoshiko Uyehra, who owned Café Seven Seas. Karen (Uyehara) Kanemasu and her husband, Wayne are the daughter and son-in-law of Herbert and Margaret Uyehara, who owned Capital Drive Inn and New Capital Cafe. Sandra (Uyehara) Ikehara is the daughter of Masao Uyehara, who owned Lindy’s Café and Silver Surf Fountain. Jane (Uyehara) Suwa is the daughter of Paul Uyehara, who owned Paul’s Coffee Shop. #orozuaza #hawaiisenate #Oroku #Okinawa #ushitakara #americancafe #sidneytakara #howardtakara #genekaneshiro #ethelteruya #beverlytaira #sharitamashiro #FatherofOrokuRestaurants #HarrietsSaimin #yukicafe #OrokuAzajinClub #FredKaneshiro #GentaroKaneshiro #ColumbiaInn #WallaceTeruya #AlbertTeruya #TWCoffeeShop #TimesGrill #TimesSuperMarkets #OkinawanRestaurantExhibit #AieaDriveInn #IlimaDriveInn #KeonesLounge #SmileCafe #RobertTeruya #NancyTeruya #AlohaGrill #RubyTeruyaUehara #KanaTeruya #LuckyGrill #USCafe #ChoiceInn #KaimukiInn #BluebirdCafe #McCullyfountain #MurielTeruyaArakaki #WilliamTeruya #HarryTeruya #Chefscafe #SierraCafe #TaruTakara #ChiyokoTakara #GerogesInn #MetropolitanGrill #JameUyehara #JaneUyehara #GaryKobashigawa #SheridanGrill #KojiroTakara #StarGrill #MaryAnnUehara #Kana #KanaUehara #utoUehara #BertsCafe #PaulsCoffeeShop #Lindyscafe #Silversurffountain #CafeSevenSeas #CapitalDriveInn #NewCapitalCafe #DustinEbesu #Cafesevenseas

The Senate today honored the Moanalua High School Symphony Orchestra and their revered Music Director Mr. Elden Seta. Mr. Seta led his extraordinary students to this year’s American String Teachers Association’s National Orchestra Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, where they were one of twenty high school groups selected nation-wide to attend. Moanalua High School Symphony Orchestra placed first for the High School Full Orchestra category and were named Grand Champion in the High School Division. Recognized on the Senate floor for their outstanding performance were the following members: Emily Hadano, Symphony Orchestra President; Annika Wong, Symphony Orchestra Vice President; Megan Ganeku, Symphony Orchestra Secretary and Concert Master; Carissa Miyamoto, Symphony Orchestra Librarian; Brooke Kumasaka, Symphony Orchestra Librarian; Efren Enrique, Symphony Orchestra Equipment Manager; and Raidyn Mendez, Symphony Orchestra Equipment Manager. #MoanaluaHighSchool #MoanaluaHighSchoolSymphony #eldenseta #AmericanStringTeachersAssociationNationalOrch #Annikawong #MeganGaneku #CarissaMiyamotoBrookeKumasaka #EfrenEnrique #RaidynMendez

State Senators today recognized Mililani Town Association’s (MTA) 50th anniversary. The Mililani Town Association was created in 1968 to guide property use and ensure a safe and secure living environment for all its residents. First established by Castle & Cooke, Mililani Town has garnered national attention and was recognized in 1986 as an All-American City by the National Municipal League. They are also noted as one of Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” Acknowledgements go to the MTA Board of Directors; President Bob Barrett, Vice President Michelle Kidani, Secretary Josie Hart Ka‘anehe, General Manager David O’Neal, and Board Members Will Kane, Neil Takeda, Michael Magaoay, Val Okimoto, Noriko Salangdron, and Glenn Yoshimori. #hawaiiseante #bobbarrett #michellekidani #josiehartkaanehe #davidoneal #willkane #neiltakeda #michaelmagaoay #valokimoto #norikosalangdron #glennyoshimori #nationalmunicipalleague #mililanitownassociation #ronkouchi #donovandelacruz #mikegabbard #lesihar #breeneharimoto #RussellRuderman #clarencenishihara #rozbaker #karlrhoads #lorraineinouye #GilKeithAgaran #jkalanienglish #maileshimabukuro #glennwakai #willespero #joshgreen #kaialiikahele #laurathielen #gilriviere #stanleychang #donnamercadokim

WHO: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Representative Lei Learmont WHAT: Town Hall Meeting on emergency preparedness WHEN: Thursday, April 12, 2018 7:00 p.m WHERE: Wahiawa District Park Hale Koa Room 1129 Kilani Avenue Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (S Dist. 22 - Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawa, Whitmore Village, portion of Poamoho) and Representative Lei Learmont (H Dist. 46 - Wahiawa, Whitmore Village, Launani Valley) are sponsoring a town hall forum for the community to learn more about what the state is doing to educate and prepare the public for emergencies. The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, City and County of Honolulu’s Community Emergency Response Team and the Hawai‘i Department of Education have been invited to speak at the forum so families can learn how to prepare for various scenarios and to answer questions. The event is free and open to the public. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday April 12th, at the Wahiawa District Park in the Hale Koa Room beginning at 7:00 p.m. “On January 13, 2018, there was a warning of a nuclear missile attack coming to Hawai‘i.” said Representative Lei Learmont, “The Town Hall meeting is to help educate the community about what to do in the event of a missile attack. With the revelation that it was a false alarm, this provided an opportunity to more closely evaluate our emergency preparedness; as well as other potential emergencies like hurricanes and tsunamis.” “I want to ensure that the community has adequate information so they are prepared and safe in the event of any emergency.” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz. “Natural hazards and other various scenarios can happen at any time so the residents need to know how to prepare for the worst and protect their families.” For questions about the community meeting, please call the Office of Representative Learmont at 808-586-6700. # # # #wahiawalegislators #wahiawa #donovandelacruz #Hawaiiemergencymanagementagency #honolulucommunityemergencyresponse #leilearmont #hawaiisenate

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means passed HB2010 HD1 SD1 on Tuesday which attempts to address accountability issues raised during an audit of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) and procure a responsible approach to planning and protecting Hawai‘i’s infrastructure and natural resources by renaming the Convention Center Enterprise Special Fund to the Convention Center Operations and Maintenance Special Fund, to make it clear that the Convention Center monies and HTA's operations should not be co-mingled. It also repeals the allocation of transient accommodations tax revenues to that fund, amends the allowable uses of that fund, and adds a cap to the amount of moneys deposited into the fund. Recognizing the important marketing efforts of the HTA, the current marketing budget of the HTA remains unamended. However, the measure was modified to address the specific needs of agencies that work with, or are impacted by, the tourism industry, which will better ensure that those specific needs are properly addressed in a timely manner. Rather than requiring one agency to address the impacts of tourism on state infrastructure and natural resources, allocating the funds directly to those with proper expertise will allow for a more efficient and effective remedy to specific issues that have arisen due to the large number of visitors to the State. HB2010 HD1 SD1 appropriates the following amounts to HTA's operations: $6 million Convention Center operations $2.8 million Administrative expenses (status quo) $49.2 million Marketing (status quo) $2.5 million Research (status quo) $5.8 million Sports marketing (status quo) $66.3 million “Tourism has grown significantly and HTA has taken a piecemeal approach to sustaining our environment, keeping tourists safe, developing tomorrow's workforce, and preserving our culture. There is no comprehensive action plan. About 40% of HTA’s budget pays for programs and grants outside of marketing Hawai‘i to tourists. They have no in-house expertise to evaluate grant applications, nor a process for getting experts into their Advisory Groups. In many instances, HTA uses tax dollars to hire consultants to vet grant applications that staff cannot manage,” said Senator Glenn Wakai, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology. In an effort to put resources into the proper hands, HB2010 HD1 SD1 proposes re-appropriating funds to programs with a nexus to economic development and tourism. This will also benefit HTA by allowing them to focus on marketing: $16.5 million DBEDT – To encourage the diversification of our economy through tourism $3.5 million DOE - To ignite and cultivate interest in pursuing careers in hospitality $7.9 million UH and Community Colleges – To expand hospitality workforce development $3 million UH Athletics – To subsidize student travel as ambassadors of Aloha $9.6 million DLNR – For lifeguards, maintenance of parks, trails, restrooms, small boat harbors, aquatic resources, and marine management $3 million (Current DLNR funding in statute) $8 million Four Counties - To address visitor safety $8 million Grants: Hawaiian cultural initiatives, product development, and tourism related funds as determined by the Legislature $59.5 million In Summary: $141.4 million Current HTA Base Budget $66.3 million New HTA base budget $59.5 million Nexus funded programs $15.6 million General Fund (Convention Center savings due to paying off all bond debt) The proposed amendments in HB2010 HD1 SD1 provides more oversight and accountability by lawmakers by addressing several of the areas reported in February 2018 by the State Auditor including an inability to define needs, monitor contracts, and evaluate the impact of its expenditures. The audit pointed to a number of deficiencies with the management of the HTA including lax oversight, deficient internal controls, failed to enforce contract terms, disregarded its own procurement policies, awarding sole source contracts based on questionable justifications, paying contractors without existing contracts, voluntarily waiving ownership of intellectual property, shifted expenses to other budget lines, and lacks the rigor to manage and oversee contracts. To view the report: Management Audit of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority “Allowing the HTA's budget to remain status quo only condones the undisciplined spending pointed out by the audit,” said Sen. Wakai. “This bill injects accountability into an agency that denies any shortcomings and continues to shirk its responsibility to the public. In passing HB2010 HD1 SD1, Senators feel an obligation to guard the public's money rather than ignore the agency's "haphazard approach to procurement."’ # # # #hawaiisenate #hb2010 #HTA #HawaiitourismAuthority #HawaiiConventionCenter #glennwakai #entertprisespecialfund #brickwoodgaluteria #kaialiikahele #lorraineinouye #brick #donovandelacruz #GilbertKeithAgaran #LorraineInouye #jkalanienglish #maileshimabukuro #gilriviere #breeneharimoto

As the “silver tsunami” grows in our community, it has become even more urgent to empower seniors through education, awareness, and good health. That is the mission behind Kūpuna Power Day being held on Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the State Capitol Rotunda. Now in its sixth year, Kūpuna Power Day brings together more than 40 organizations to provide vital information for the health, safety, and well-being of Hawai‘i’s seniors. The free event is open to the public, especially Kūpuna, to enjoy a program packed with entertainment and knowledge they can use to thrive in their golden years. Seniors, as well as caregivers, can get tips on topics ranging from the latest news on Medicare and Medicaid, to getting tech savvy and pedestrian safety. This event has become known for its star-studded performances by notable local artists. This year is no different with Danny Kaleikini, Marlene Sai, and Melveen Leed taking the stage. Seniors will also be asked to lace up their sneakers and take part in fun fitness stretching. “This day is all about empowering the Kūpuna with education, entertainment, and exercise,” said Senator Brickwood Galuteria, organizer of the event. “Our population is aging and we need to continue to provide our Kūpuna with support so they can live self-sufficiently. The ‘silver tsunami’ is coming and we want to prepare all our residents for when that time comes.” An important part of this event is recognizing those who are doing extraordinary work in support of our seniors. This year, the honorees of the Daniel Kahikina Akaka Award for Outstanding Senior Service are John McDermott, Hawai‘i Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and the non-profit, island-wide meal service provider, Lanakila Meals on Wheels. Kūpuna Power Day is sponsored by the Na Kūpuna Makamae Center, a project of Pacific Gateway Center, and through the generous support of donors including AARP, Walgreens, Territorial Savings Bank, HMSA, Hawai‘i Gas, OHA, Kamehameha Schools, Laborers’ International Union Local 368, and the City and County of Honolulu. Photos of last year’s Kūpuna Power Day can be downloaded from the Hawai‘i Senate Majority Flickr site: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hawaiisenatemajority/albums/72157680780228710 # # # #hawaiisenate #brickwoodgaluteria #donnamercadokim #dannykaleikini #kupuna #kupunapowerday #hmsa #hawaiigas #OHA #KamehamehaSchools #silvertsunami

Kohala Hospital will be receiving much needed renovations following the release of capital improvement project funds that were recently released by Governor David Ige. The $1 million in general obligation bonds will be used for the design and construction for interior renovations and exterior remodeling of Kohala Hospital, the only critical care facility in rural North Hawai‘i. The appropriation is part of a lump sum funding request by Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation to improve hospitals statewide. Kohala Hospital recently underwent renovations of its emergency department, which increased the efficiency and security of the department and doubled the capacity of the emergency room. Additional monies for the emergency department improvement project were provided by the Kohala Hospital Charitable Foundation. “The funding to provide Kohala Hospital with a much needed makeover is long overdue,” said Senator Lorraine R. Inouye, who represents the districts of North Hawai‘i Island and supported the funding request in the 2017 Legislative Session. “I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature and the Governor for recognizing the healthcare needs of my constituents and visitors to Hawai‘i Island.” # # # #lorraineinouye #KohalaHospital #hawaiisenate #kohalahospitalcharitablefoundation #CIP