The Hawai‘i Ethics Commission and the Commissioners who volunteer to help safeguard the public trust by promoting, educating, and enforcing the highest standards of ethical conduct in state governance were honored today by the Hawai‘i State Senate. This year marks the 50th year of the establishment of the State Ethics Commission. On the floor, recognized for their service: Commissioner Rey Graulty, Chair, a former State legislator and he also served as State Insurance Commissioner, Circuit Court Judge, and Ethics Professor at Chaminade University; Commissioner Ruth Tschumy, Vice Chair, a retired educator, author, member of many non-profit boards, and volunteer mediator with the Mediation Center of the Pacific; Commissioner Melinda Wood, a community volunteer, former immigration specialist, and retired East-West Center grants specialist; Commissioner David O’Neal, General Manager of Mililani Town Association and previously worked in the healthcare industry; and Commissioner Susan DeGuzman, a retired state judiciary employee of 30 years. Also recognized was Ethics Commission Executive Director Daniel Gluck and Associate Director Susan Yoza. Prior to taking the helm of the Ethics Commission, Gluck served as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) legal director for ten years. Yoza, an attorney, has been with the Ethics Commission since 1986 and has served as the Associate Director since 1987. The 1967 bill that established the State Ethics Commission passed without much fanfare. However, over the years, the Commission has worked hard on the difficult ethical issues that comes with public service. In its first 10 years, the Ethics Commission issued over 1,350 formal and informal opinions, many of which are still effective today. Hawai‘i was also a national leader after the 1970’s Watergate scandal — helping form what’s known today as COGEL, the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws. #hawaiisenate #hawaiiethicscommission #reygraulty #ruthtschumy #davidoneal #suzideguzman #danielgluck #aclu #cogel #councilofgovernmentalethicslaway

10th annual event features local artists, interactive art project, Legislators art contest WHO: Hawai‘i State Senators and Representatives WHAT: 10th Annual Art at the Capitol WHEN: Friday, April 6 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. WHERE: Hawai‘i State Capitol The public is invited to attend the 10th annual Art at the Capitol on Friday, April 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the State Capitol. At this festive and free event, visitors are welcome to view the work of local artists that are displayed in the offices of the Legislature. The theme this year, “Share Your Voice,” reflects on the self-expression inherent in creating the pieces of art in and around the State Capitol. It also is the intention behind a unique art exhibit that invites the public to share their thoughts and aspirations. Hawai‘i is joining in a global public art project created by artist Candy Chang. Now installed on the fourth floor of the State Capitol is a wall that invites people to reflect on their lives and share their personal aspirations to the question, “Before I die, I want to….” The project is intended to help restore perspective and understand the people around us in a new and enlightening way. More than 2,000 similar walls have been created around the world. Also on display this year is the exhibit featuring the abstract self-portrait artwork created by State Legislators. The Legislators’ pieces will be judged by artists with the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the public is invited to vote on their favorite portrait in a “People’s Choice” award that will be announced that evening. Art at the Capitol begins with the Opening Program at 4:30 p.m. in Conference Room 325 that includes an introduction of artists and special guests. Self-guided tours start at 5 p.m. and the galleries of the Senate and House will be open to view a new video about artist Candy Chang and her unique participatory public art projects along with videos from previous years of Art at the Capitol. Throughout the evening, music will be performed by the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony. The program ends at 7 p.m., however the public is invited to continue the celebration of local art and music just across the street at the Hawai‘i State Art Museum, which will be open until 9 p.m. Art at the Capitol was developed as an extension of the “Art In Public Places” program sponsored by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. For photos and videos of previous Art at the Capitol events: www.facebook.com/artatthecapitolhawaii http://www.youtube.com/ArtAtTheCapitolHI # # # #artatthecapitol #candychang #Hawaiistatecapitol #BrianTaniguchi #dellaaubelatti

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means (WAM) amended the language for a Special Purpose Revenue Bond (SPRB) to assist SpinLaunch, Inc.with the construction of a satellite launch system in HB2559 so it is no longer site specific. The bill initially recommended SpinLaunch, Inc. would construct a satellite launch system on the Island of Hawai‘i. At a hearing on March 29, the WAM Committee changed the measure to allow for the construction of a launch facility “in an unspecified area in Hawai‘i.” Senator Glenn Wakai (Dist. 15 - Kalihi, Mapunapuna, Airport, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, Pearl Harbor), who introduced the Senate companion bill said, "I heard from the people in Ka‘u. I don't want to give residents the impression that any future launch site was destined for their neighborhood." SpinLaunch, Inc., a technology company in San Jose, California, proposes to build a small satellite launch site in Hawai‘i. They were initially looking at a spot around Pohue Bay in the Ka‘u District of Hawai‘i Island. That interest was met with strong opposition. Sen. Wakai, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology, has encouraged SpinLaunch to respect the wishes of the community and to look at other sites around the state. "I sincerely apologize for alarming the people of Ka‘u," said Sen. Wakai, "I still believe Hawai‘i can play a role in the global aerospace industry, but not at Pohue Bay." Sen. Wakai will be joining Moku O Keawe Aha Moku O Ka'u in a community meeting on April 14, 2018 at 10:00 at the Na'alehu Community Center to discuss the intent of the bill. A special purpose revenue bond is a bond authorized by the Hawai‘i Legislature to assist a business to build a project in the public interest. The bonds do not use any public funds and the state is not liable to pay back the debt. SPRBs are not grants or subsidies, and do not place the state’s credit at risk. This is a financing option to allow a business to get a lower interest rate. SPRBs are sold to private investors in exchange for tax-exempt interest payments. # # # #glennwakai #senatewaysandmeans #specialpurposerevenuebond #spinlaunch #pohuebay #kau #Hawaiiisland

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The Hawai‘i Senate today voted 23-2 to pass House Bill 2739 titled “Our Care, Our Choice Act” which allows a mentally capable, terminally ill adult with six months or less to live, the freedom to make their own end-of-life decisions. There was broad support for HB2739 within the Senate, which had advanced Senate Bill 1129 during the 2017 Legislative Session. SB1129, which had similar safeguards as the House bill, was deferred by a House committee and was never put to a House floor vote last session. On the floor, Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi thanked Senator Karl Rhoads for researching and crafting SB1129. He also acknowledged Senator Rosalyn Baker, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health and Senator Gil Keith-Agaran, then-Chair of the Committee on Judiciary, and their staff for the efforts made last year to “put forward a public document that we could debate and discuss in order to get to the bill that we would be comfortable upon voting. All of those efforts have helped us get to a better place with the bill being voted on today.” Senate President Kouchi also acknowledged the public for being “engaged with the Senate every step of the way on this issue.” The bill is now transmitted to the House for their review and is expected to be enrolled to the Governor for his consideration. # # # #hawaiisenate #ourcare #ourchoice #ourcareourchoiceact #breeneharimoto #donnamercadokim #gilriviere #joshgreen

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The Hawai‘i State Senate today voted unanimously to advise and consent on Russell Suzuki as the Attorney General for the State of Hawai‘i. Suzuki has been serving as the acting chief legal and law enforcement officer for the state since February 2 when Attorney General Doug Chin resigned to become Lieutenant Governor. For the last 36 years, Suzuki has been working at the Department of the Attorney General as a public-sector attorney. He served as First Deputy Attorney General under Attorneys General Doug Chin, David Louie, and Mark Bennett. Prior to that, he was a Supervising Deputy Attorney General of the Administration Division and Education Division. Before his employment at the Department of Attorney General, he practiced criminal defense law, family law, business law, and military law at the law offices of Yoshiro Nakamura. Suzuki has a B.A. from the University of Hawai‘i and earned his J.D. from Ohio State University. “Russell Suzuki comes to us with strong support from those who testified on his nomination observing that his seasoned judgement, extensive knowledge and professional demeanor will continue to be an asset to the Department of the Attorney General,” said Senator Brian Taniguchi, chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. # # # #hawaiisenate #russellsuzuki #attorneygeneralhawaii #wintehnpark

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The Senate Committee on Ways and Means today passed the State Budget bill, House Bill 1900 HD1 SD1, which adjusts appropriations for Fiscal Biennium 2017-19 funding for operations and capital improvement projects of Executive Branch agencies and programs. With additional revenues projected by the Council on Revenues and from the arbitration settlement with the tobacco industry, the Senate draft adds $53.9 million to Act 49, SLH2017 for Fiscal Year 2019. The Senate's total operating budget for the Executive branch is $14.3 billion, with an additional $674.8 million in general obligation bonds appropriated for Capital Improvement Projects in Fiscal Year 2019. This draft reflects Senate priorities supporting issues relating to homelessness, health, and education that impact local residents in each county. Other highlights include funding for: Increasing our affordable housing inventory; Agriculture programs and services; Local business grants to help expand and diversify our economy; Early Childhood Education, Early College, and Hawai‘i Promise; Natural resource preservation; Critical Medicaid and adult dental healthcare services; Rapid Re-housing, Housing First, and the implementation of Ohana Zones; and An additional infusion into the State's Emergency Budget and Reserve Fund. Additionally, the Senate prioritized Kūpuna care in response to the Hawai‘i State Plan on Aging, which revealed that by 2020, 1 in 4 residents of Hawai‘i will be 60 years or older. By 2035, one-third of the State's population will be over 60. As the State's aging population increases, the Senate recognizes the need for home and community-based services providing support with $3.9 million for Kūpuna Care, $4 million for the Kūpuna Caregiver Fund and $1.7 million for Aging and Disability Resource Centers around the State. "The Senate put together a responsible financial plan that includes a supplemental budget that continues to fund critical services and programs. We looked at ways to cut costs, reduce spending, and put forward bills to generate revenue, which have crossed over to the House. These measures will address long-term budgeting needs and generate revenue, shrinking the gap between revenues and expenditures. This will bring the state out of the red for fiscal year 2019 as well as bring the overall State's Financial Plan in the black by fiscal year 2022, one year earlier compared to the current State Financial Plan," said Senate Ways and Means Chair Donovan M. Dela Cruz. The bill now goes to Third Reading for a full vote in the Senate before crossing back over to the House ahead of conference. # # #

The Senate Committee on Judiciary today voted to advise and consent on gubernatorial nominee, Russell Suzuki, to serve as the Attorney General of the State of Hawai‘i. Suzuki has been the acting chief legal and law enforcement officer for the state since February 2 when then Attorney General Doug Chin resigned to become Lieutenant Governor. Suzuki’s appointment now goes before the full Senate for confirmation. *More photos on our Hawai'i Senate FLICKR photo sharing website: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmf6HFuP #russellsuzuki #senatecommitteeonjudiciary #attorneygeneralhawaii #dougchin #briantaniguchi #mikegabbard #donnamercadokim #laurathielen #karlrhoads

The Hawai‘i Senate today recognized Melveen Ku‘uleipuanani Leed for her incomparable career in music and entertainment, one that spans more than five decades and garners world-wide acclaim. Melveen Leed, known as “da tita,” began her long and illustrious career performing as a keiki on Moloka‘i for family and friends. She grew to become an international acclaimed performer, while remaining true to her roots as a Hawaiian entertainer and local icon. Melveen was honored with nine Nā Hoku Hanohano Awards, she is a five time recipient of the Female Vocalist of the Year, and they presented her with their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. She has recorded 28 albums in 18 different languages, and last year she was inducted into the prestigious Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame. Melveen was most recently honored at the Pan Pacific Southeast Asian Women Association of Hawai‘i for her outstanding achievements that span a lifetime. The Association cites her accomplishments in entertainment, indigenous issues, philanthropic work, and for serving as a positive role model for young people in the Pacific and worldwide. #melveenleed #hawaiisenate #mikereyes #brickwoodgaluteria #laurathielen #michellekidani #donnamercadokim #clarencenishihara #ronkouchi #briantaniguchi #glennwakai #kaialiikahele #joshgreen #mikegabbard

An innovative learning program that provides at-risk youth the valuable life-skills they need to succeed was highlighted today as the Senate recognized Colette Miyamoto Kajiwara for being named the 2017 Outstanding Educator by corporate sponsors Spectrum and Hawai‘i Pizza Hut. Kajiwara is the Director of the Alternate Learning Center Store Front School in Wahiawa, where she has helped at-risk students for more than 30 years. Store Front provides curriculum for core subjects, while motivating Central O‘ahu students who face challenging situations at home or school. In Kajiwara’s own words, “We become the student’s friends, confidantes, advisers, disciplinarians and surrogate parents, and help rebuild lives. We teach our students that they need to be resilient to move forward, because backward is not an option if they want to survive.” #colettemiyamotokajiwara #spectrum #hawaiipizzahut #OutstandingEducator #alternatelearningcenterstoreFrontschool #Wahiawa #SenatorDelaCruz #donovandelacruz #hawaiisenate

The Hawaii Senate recognized Sheri Rolf for her almost three decades of service as Coordinator of the Hawai‘i Foodbank’s annual food drive. More than 120,000 households currently receive food assistance from the Hawai‘i Foodbank. It is estimated that one in five Hawai‘i residents will need food assistance this year and sustaining this effort relies on the hard work and dedication of the many volunteers statewide. Rolf and her volunteers just kicked off the 2018 Food Drive and this year’s Food Drive Day is April 21. In her own words, Rolf said she feels “lucky to have the privilege of serving in this position as it is the best volunteer job ever. We just want to provide hope for tomorrow.” #hawaiifoodbank #sherirolf #hawaiisenate #michellekidani

Zaria Dudley was recognized by the Hawai‘i Senate for her accomplishment of being named a 2018 Gold Medal Portfolio Award winner by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the nation’s longest running and most prestigious recognition and scholarship program for teens grades 7-12. Dudley is a senior at Leilehua High School and she is one of 16 students to be awarded for her nationally recognized portfolio “Life Unscripted.” Her work will be displayed at the Art Write Now 2018 National Exhibition, and she will be honored at Carnegie Hall on June 7, as part of a week of celebration in New York City. #hawaiisenate #zariadudley #2018goldmedalprotfolio #leilehuaHighschool #Lifeunscripted #donovandelacruz #senatordelacruz

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The Senate Committee on Judiciary today passed House Bill 2739 titled “Our Care, Our Choice Act.” The bill allows a mentally competent, terminally ill adult with a prognosis of six months or less to live, the option to make their own end-of-life decisions. The bill contains many of the legal safeguards that were in Senate Bill 1129 which passed the Senate in the 2017 Legislative Session and was deferred in a House Committee. The Judiciary Committee today advanced HB2739 unamended in a 4-1 vote. Prior to decision making, the members of the Committee shared their positions on the bill in a respectful, open discussion. “All of us felt the weight of this decision knowing that it is a very important, very personal issue in the community,” said Senator Brian Taniguchi (Dist. 11 - Manoa, Makiki, Punchbowl, Papakolea), Chair of the Committee on Judiciary. “I appreciate all of those who submitted testimony and shared their stories and opinions on this bill. Be assured, they all were read and considered. In the end, the majority of the Committee felt this bill gives qualified individuals a choice on the best care for themselves.” HB2739 now goes before the full Senate for third reading. If the bill passes in third reading, it will be transmitted back to the House and will be enrolled to the Governor for his review. # # # #Senatejudiciary #hawaiisenate #ourcare #ourchoiceact #SB1129 #sb1129 #BrianTaniguchi #HB2739 #HB2739