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- SENATE FORWARDS 384 BILLS PASS ON THIRD READING
Measures approved include assistance in affordable housing, strengthen oversight in child care, expand health care services, increase environmental protections, support economic development HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Hawai‘i State Senators today approved 318 bills on third reading. Sixty-six bills were approved earlier on third reading for a total of 384 measures that have been transmitted to the House for consideration. The bills align with the 2017 Senate Legislative Program the Senate Majority recognized as priorities ahead of session convening. “Before the start of the legislative session, Senators worked collaboratively to set out and establish the top concerns for each of our districts and for the State. The Legislative Program provides a directive of how to move forward to achieve our initiatives that will improve the quality of life in our communities and our state,” said Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English. “Many of these principals are embedded in the bills being transmitted to the House.” The following are a few of the measures to pass on third reading: Ola Lehulehu (People and Communities) Affordability S.B. No. 964, S.D. 1 Establishes that emergency shelters may provide partitioned space for homeless persons or families based upon guidelines determined by the department of human services. Extends the effective date for Act 234, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2016, by one year. S.B. No. 1244, S.D. 2 Authorizes qualified nonprofit housing trusts to repurchase affordable units developed with government assistance when a government entity waives its first right of refusal to repurchase the unit. Authorizes counties to waive a first right of refusal to repurchase a privately-developed affordable housing unit built pursuant to a unilateral agreement or similar instrument. S.B. No. 912, S.D. 2 Expands the Down Payment Loan Program to provide greater assistance for eligible borrowers to become first-time homebuyers. S.B. No. 2, S.D. 2 Requires the auditor to conduct a study to assess the impact of using medicaid funds to provide coverage for the treatment for homelessness. Requires the auditor to submit a report to the legislature. Education S.B. No. 683, S.D. 2 Proposes amendments to the Constitution of the State of Hawai‘i to advance the State's goal of providing a public education for the children of Hawai‘i by authorizing the legislature to establish, as provided by law, a surcharge on residential investment property and visitor accommodations. S.B. No. 686, S.D. 2 Establishes an education surcharge on residential investment properties and visitor accommodations for the purpose of funding public education. S.B. No. 500, S.D. 2 Establishes the R.E.A.C.H (resources for enrichment, athletics, culture, and health) program in the Department of Education's community engagement office to provide a standardized framework and funding for after-school programs in public middle and intermediate schools. Requires the community engagement office to report to the legislature. Establishes that the R.E.A.C.H. program will be run by a program specialist to be appointed by the governor. Establishes a special fund to receive fees and other moneys to supplement the costs of administering and operating the R.E.A.C.H. program. Social Services S.B. No. 534, S.D. 2 Requires the executive office on aging to establish the kupuna caregivers program to assist community members in obtaining care for elders while remaining in the workforce. Makes establishment of the kupuna care program mandatory rather than discretionary. Clarifies the kupuna service and support options provided by area agencies on aging within the kupuna care program. Appropriates funds for establishing and implementing the kupuna caregivers program. Health Care S.B. No. 1129, S.D. 2 Establishes a medical aid in dying act that establishes a regulatory process under which an adult resident of the State with a medically confirmed terminal disease may obtain a prescription for medication to be self-administered to end the patient's life. S.B. No. 384, S.D. 2 Authorizes and establishes procedures and criteria for prescriptive authority for clinical psychologists who meet specific education, training, and registration requirements, including requiring prescribing psychologists to adhere to all applicable statutory regulations. Requires the board of psychology to report to the legislature prior to the regular session of 2021. S.B. No. 347, S.D. 1 Appropriates funds for establishing, staffing, and operating two mobile clinics to serve the homeless population. S.B. No. 1312, S.D. 2 Establishes the board of midwifery to regulate the practice of midwifery by certified midwives and certified professional midwives. Requires licensing of certified midwives and certified professional midwives to commence beginning on July 1, 2020. Requires the department of commerce and consumer affairs to convene a working group of interested stakeholders and submit a report to the legislature. S.B. No. 380 Permits licensed dental hygienists in the State to operate under general, rather than direct, supervision of a licensed dentist. S.B. No. 510, S.D. 2 Formally establishes the Hawai‘i keiki healthy and ready to learn program within the Department of Education. Establishes a special fund and appropriates moneys to expand and sustain the program and for an evidence-based vision screening tool. Appropriates funds to establish school health service coordinator positions in DOH and DHS. Food Security S.B. No. 624, SD2 Requires the Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the office of the Governor, to develop a strategic plan to double local food production and exports by 2020. Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit the strategic plan to the legislature prior to the regular session of 2018 in order to codify the strategic plan and benchmarks. Makes an appropriation. Aloha Kaiāulu Ho‘oulu (Preparedness) Community Development S.B. No. 640, S.D. 2 Establishes a model project at a location selected by DLNR to designate areas for planting and growing coconut trees for Hawaiian traditional and customary gathering practices. Appropriates funds for the model project. S.B. No. 1200, S.D. 2 Appropriates funds to the department of accounting and general services to create a master plan and environmental impact statement for the construction of a new Aloha Stadium. S.B. No. 1148, S.D. 2 Appropriates moneys for the executive director of the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority to conduct a feasibility study regarding: (1) the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority assuming the role of planning, developing, and redeveloping all state-owned lands, except lands administered by the Hawai‘i public housing authority, within one mile of the Honolulu rail transit system; and (2) creating a new community development district along the Honolulu rail corridor. Requires report to legislature. S.B. No. 1183, S.D. 2 Repeals the requirement that 10% of revenues from the county surcharge on state tax be withheld to reimburse the State for administrative costs. Sunsets if an ordinance that allows the capital costs of a rapid transportation system to be paid from county funds is not enacted before December 31, 2017. Requires the mayor of the county to submit certain plans with respect to the rapid transportation system. S.B. No. 767, S.D. 2 Establishes the high-growth grant program and special fund to provide grants to qualified businesses for certain business development activities. Makes appropriations. Government Services S.B. No. 334, S.D. 2 Enacts voting by mail uniformly across all counties for all elections commencing in 2020. Establishes a limited number of voter service centers that would remain open from the tenth business day preceding an election through the day of the election to receive personal delivery of mail-in ballots, accommodate voters with special needs, offer same day registration and voting, and provide other election services. Allows for additional places of deposit for personal delivery of mail-in ballots. Appropriates funds for the implementation and administration of the election by mail program. S.B. No. 655, S.D. 2 Allows the news media, under certain conditions, to access areas that are closed pursuant to emergency management powers of the governor and mayor. Limits the liability of the State and counties. Specifies that the State, counties, and emergency management authority are not responsible for providing logistical support to media accessing emergency areas. S.B. No. 511, S.D. 2 Requires DHS to publish reports of child care facility inspections beginning on 1/1/2018, and complaint investigations on DHS's website. Creates an oversight committee for implementation of and compliance with publication requirements. Requires annual reporting to the Legislature. Makes an appropriation. S.B. No. 21, S.D. 2 Increases monetary penalties for violating the laws relating to child care facilities. Authorizes the Department of Human Services to refer to the attorney general or respective county prosecutor any intentional, knowing, or reckless violation of the laws relating to child care facilities or certain criminal offenses. S.B. No. 522, S.D. 1 Strengthens the safe sleep policy for child care facilities for children less than one year of age, including requiring placement of children on their backs for sleeping and establishing notice and annual training requirements; requires such facilities to report death of a child, employee, or household member, within one day of occurrence, to DHS. Financial Analysis S.B. No. 1290, S.D. 2 Repeals the requirement that a certain amount of the allocation of transient accommodations tax revenues to the tourism special fund be used for the development and implementation of initiatives to take advantage of expanded visa programs and increased travel opportunities for international visitors to Hawai‘i. Increases the allocation to the counties from $93,000,000 to $108,000,000 for fiscal years beginning after 6/30/2017. S.B. No. 382, S.D. 2 Makes various updates to the structure and operations of the public utilities commission to increase efficiency and effectiveness, including: establishing guiding principles; establishing docket review and decision-making processes; permitting teleconference and videoconference abilities; specifying senior staff members who must file public financial disclosures; beginning 01/01/18, increasing the number of commissioners to five; updating the composition of the commission; specifying training requirements; clarifying commissioners' ability to appoint and employ staff; clarifying the roles of the executive officer and chief counsel; permitting neighbor island members to receive per diem compensation and compensation for travel expenses; requiring the commission to report to the legislature regarding certain staff duties; and requiring a management audit of the commission. Aloha Honua (Climate Change and Energy) Environment S.B. No. 1150, S.D. 2 Prohibits the use or application of sunscreen, sunblock, or cosmetic containing oxybenzone while on a beach or in the ocean unless the sunscreen, sunblock, or cosmetic is a prescription drug. S.B. No. 700, S.D. 1 Amends the offense of cruelty to animals in the first degree to include indigenous birds. S.B. No. 1239, S.D. 1 Appropriates funds for research on prevention and mitigation of Rapid Ohia Death. Sustainability S.B. No. 352, S.D. 1 Appropriates moneys to and from the agricultural loan revolving fund. S.B. No. 803, S.D. 2 Establishes an income tax credit to assist farmers with expenses associated with compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act. Establishes the Food Safety Modernization Act special fund. S.B. No. 612, S.D. 2 Repeals language requiring documentation of animal feed development costs to be effective for feed development costs incurred after July 1, 2016. Appropriates unspecified funds to the Department of Agriculture for the feed developer grant program and reimbursements to qualified producers for feed costs. S.B. No. 559, S.D. 1 Enacts relevant provisions of the Paris Agreement as Hawai‘i state law. Requires annual reports. Makes an appropriation. Pono Kaulike (Transforming Justice) Rehabilitation S.B. No. 1039, S.D. 2 Requires PSD to work with the Social Security Administration to enter into an agreement to obtain replacement social security cards for inmates. Requires PSD, in conjunction with DOH, DOT, and the examiner of drivers of each county, to provide Hawaii-born inmates with copies of birth certificates and driver's licenses or civil ID cards free of charge. Requires PSD to assist inmates born outside of Hawai‘i to obtain birth certificates and photo IDs. Requires PSD to initiate the process of obtaining social security cards, birth certificates, driver's licenses, and civil ID cards at least ninety days prior to release for inmates released to work furlough, extended furlough, or community placement programs. Public safety S.B. No. 221, S.D. 2 Establishes the photo red light imaging detector systems program. Authorizes counties to administer the program. Requires proceeds of fines to be expended in the county from which they were collected for operation of the program. Makes an appropriation. Establishes Red Light Running Committee. S.B. No. 518, S.D. 2 Requires barber, beauty operator, and instructor licensees under the board of barbering and cosmetology to complete a one-time, three-hour training program on intimate partner violence awareness and education. S.B. No. 664 Increases fines for persons who commit the offense of driving a motor vehicle at an excessive speed. S.B. No. 421, S.D. 2 Establishes requirements for body-worn cameras for law enforcement officers. Establishes policy guidelines for the use and discontinuance of use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement officers. Establishes certain restrictions on the use of body-worn cameras by on-duty law enforcement officers. Adds retention and deletion requirements for body-worn camera footage. Prohibits certain uses of body-worn camera video footage. Establishes violations of recording and retention requirements. Appropriates funds as a grant-in-aid to each county for the purchase of body-worn video cameras; provided that no funds appropriated to a county shall be expended unless matched dollar-for-dollar by the county. Requires the county police departments to report costs of implementing and maintaining the body-worn camera program to the legislature. S.B. No. 424, S.D. 1 Requires police departments to disclose to the Legislature the identity of an officer upon the officer's discharge or second suspension in a five-year period. Requires disclosure of certain information under the Uniform Information Practices Act after a police officer's second suspension in a five-year period. S.B. No. 261, S.D. 1 Prohibits smoking in a motor vehicle in which a person under the age of eighteen is present. Requires the Department of Health to report on the enforceability of this Act and coordination of related data collection activities of the respective law enforcement agencies. S.B. No. 494, S.D. 2 Requires persons charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant or habitually operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant to be fitted with a continuous alcohol monitoring device if the person: (1) has a prior conviction for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant or habitually operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant within the past five years; or (2) is currently pending criminal investigation or prosecution for one or more prior charges of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant or habitually operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. Establishes a process for certain persons to receive financial relief for the cost of the monitoring devices. S.B. No. 898, S.D. 2 Allows law enforcement to seize and retain firearms or ammunition owned, possessed, or controlled by a person who poses a serious risk of violence or harm to public safety, pursuant to court order. A complete list of bills passed by the Senate to date is available at www.capitol.hawaii.gov # # # #medicalaidindying #deathwithdignity #thirdreading
- SENATE CONFIRMS DHS DIRECTOR, APPEALS COURT AND FIRST CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES
HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The Hawai‘i State Senate today gave their consent on Governor Ige’s nominees to the Department of Human Services, Intermediate Court of Appeals Court, and three Judges to the First Circuit Court – O‘ahu. In a unanimous decision, Senators confirmed Pankaj Bhanot as the Director of the Department of Human Services (DHS). Bhanot received a BA in political science and a law degree from the University of Delhi. He graduated in 1991 with an LL.M. degree from Cornell University, School of Law. His career in human and social services began in August 1998 as the Family Development Director with the Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity. Bhanot went on the serve as a program specialist with the state DHS Employment and Child Care Program Office of the Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division and the Employment and Child Care Program Administrator. He most recently served as DHS Deputy Director before being appointed to lead the department. The Senate also voted to consent to Derrick H.M. Chan as an Associate Judge to the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Chan was appointed as a Circuit Court Judge in August 2000. Prior to this, he was the First Deputy Prosecutor for the County of Kaua‘i. He also served as an attorney for the Hawai‘i Carpenters Union, as Deputy Public Defender for the state, law clerk to Judge Wilfred Watanabe, and Deputy Attorney General for the state. Chan is a 1985 graduate of California Western School of Law. Chan will fill the vacancy created by the retirement in December 2016 of former Associate Judge Daniel R. Foley. “Throughout his tenure, Judge Chan has cemented a reputation for diligence, hard work and integrity, as well as decisiveness, courage, and street smarts which allows him to “cut to the chase,’” said Sen. Gilbert Keith-Agaran (Dist. 5- Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului), chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor. “With Judge Chan’s background, character, quiet passion, and even-keeled demeanor, he will be a very good addition to Hawai‘i’s appellate courts.” Senators gave their unanimous consent to Catherine H. Remigio to the First Circuit Court. Remigio most recently served as Family Court judge after being appointed in 2011. Prior to that, she served in the Judiciary as a Per Diem District Court Judge and Circuit Court Grand Jury Counsel. Remigio has also practiced law in several private firms, including as a partner at Bryant & Remigio, LLC. She served as a deputy public defender for the State of Hawai‘i and as a law clerk to Judges Thomas K. Kaulukukui, Jr. and Eden Elizabeth Hifo in the First Circuit Court. Remigio is a Kamehameha Schools graduate and received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and earned her juris doctorate at the William S. Richardson School of Law in 1992. Remigio replaces former Circuit Judge Steven S. Alm who retired in August 2016. “Thoughtful, considerate, smart and well-prepared is how others have described Judge Remigio,” said Sen. Keith-Agaran. “Judge Remigio’s strong background and character, steady demeanor, and determination promise that she will be a solid addition to the First Circuit Court,” said Sen. Keith-Agaran. The State Senate also unanimously approved the appointment of Keith K. Hiraoka to the First Circuit Court. Hiraoka has practiced law for the last 34 years, focusing on insurance coverage and defense. He has tried cases before juries, judges and arbitrators, participated in many mediations and briefed and argued appeals before the Hawai‘i Supreme Court, the Intermediate Court of Appeals and the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Hiraoka is a graduate of the University Hawai‘i at Mānoa and earned his juris doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law in 1983. Hiraoka fills the vacancy created by the retirement in June 2016 of former Circuit Judge Karen S.S. Ahn. “Mr. Hiraoka’s background, character, professionalism, and demeanor promise that he will be a very good addition to the circuit court, the busiest circuit in Hawai‘i’s legal system,” said Sen. Keith-Agaran. The State Senate unanimously voted to consent to Todd Eddins joining the First Circuit Court. Eddins graduated from the College of William & Mary and the William S. Richardson School of Law, where he was the executive editor of the University of Hawai‘i Law Review. He served as a law clerk to Justice Yoshimi Hayashi of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. Eddins worked as a trial lawyer at the Office of the Public Defender for more than ten years. In private practice he has concentrated on complex civil, criminal, and appellate litigation. Eddins fills the vacancy created by the retirement of former Circuit Judge Richard K. Perkins in June 2016. “Mr. Eddins brings to the bench nearly 25 years of experience from the criminal bar and as a trial lawyer, where he has distinguished himself as one of the top defense lawyers in our state,” said Sen. Keith-Agaran. “Clearly, he has the background, character and demeanor to be a very good addition to the first Circuit Court.” The term of office for the judgeships is for ten years. Photos courtesy: Senate Communications # # # #JKALANIENGLISH #RonKouchi #Glennwakai #StanleyChang #HawaiiSenate #DonovanDelaCruz #MikeGabbard #RozBaker #WilliamEspero #BreeneHarimoto #LesIhara #LorraineInouye #KaiKahele #GilbertKeithAgaran #MichelleKidani #DonnaMercadoKim #ClarenceNishihara #KarlRhoads #GilRiviere #RussellRuderman #MaileShimabukuro #LauraThielen #BrianTaniguchi #JillTokuda #PankajBhanot #DerrickHMChan #CatherineHRemigio #KeithKHiraoke #ToddEddins
- NCSL PRESIDENT RECEIVES WARM WELCOME BY SENATE
The Hawai‘i State Senate welcomed Senator Dan Blue from North Carolina to the Senate chamber. Senator Blue is the current President of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). NCSL is a non-governmental organization that provides communication and policy innovation to state legislatures nationwide. Senator Blue earned a law degree from Duke University Law School, before being elected as a State Representative in 1980 to the North Carolina General Assembly. He spent 22 years in the House prior to his election in the Senate, where he currently serves as Senate Minority Leader. To add to his list of accomplishments, Senator Blue is also the recipient of nine honorary doctorate degrees, and has served as Chair of the Duke University Board of Trustees. #Glennwakai #StanleyChang #HawaiiSenate #KarlRhoads #BrianTaniguchi #MikeGabbard #JillTokuda #KaiKahele #GilbertKeithAgaran #LesIhara #RozBaker #ClarenceNishihara #LauraThielen #RussellRuderman #BreeneHarimoto #DonnaKim #JKALANIENGLISH
- HPU PRESIDENT HONORED BY SENATE
HONOLULU, Hawai‘i - The Hawai‘i State Senate today recognized President John Yukio Gotanda, who is the fifth President of Hawai‘i Pacific University (HPU) on the floor of the Senate chamber. Gotanda was born and raised in Honolulu and is a graduate of Roosevelt High School. He attended the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and the William S. Richardson School of Law. Gotanda worked as a staff attorney with the United States Court of Appeals in District Columbia before joining the faculty at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law in Philadelphia. While there, he served as Professor of Law, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean for Faculty Research, Director of the J.D./M.B.A. Program, and Dean of the Law School. Gotanda is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts in international law, and is widely cited by international and national organizations, including the U.S. Supreme Court. He also shares his knowledge worldwide as a guest speaker including at The Hague Academy of International Law in the Netherlands. Gotanda brings his vast experience and professionalism home to Hawai‘i and HPU, where he intends on achieving the university’s vision of becoming a leading institution of higher education. # # # #JohnKotanda #HPU #HawaiiPacificUniversity #RonKouchi #JillTokuda #RozBaker #ClarenceNishihara #LauraThielen #BrianTaniguchi #KaiKahele #JoshGreen #Glennwakai #WilliamEspero #LesIhara #Jr #LorraineInouye #StanleyChang #GilRiviere #JKALANIENGLISH #DonnaMercadoKim #BreeneHarimoto #RussellRuderman #MikeGabbard #BrickwoodGaluteria #MaileShimabukuro #MichelleKidani
- SENATE WAM COMMITTEE PASSES TAX BILL
The Senate Committee on Ways and Means today voted to pass SB1183 SD2 which addresses the surcharge on the state general excise tax. The proposed amendment repeals the requirement that 10 percent of revenues from the county surcharge on state tax be withheld to reimburse the State for administrative costs. The surcharge sunsets if an ordinance that allows the capitol costs of a rapid transportation system to be paid from county funds is not enacted before December 31, 2017. It requires the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu to submit certain operation and maintenance plans with respect to the rapid transportation system. “On such an important measure as this issue, it’s vital we keep the discussion moving on this bill,” said WAM Chair Senator Jill Tokuda (Dist. 24 - Kane‘ohe, Kane‘ohe MCAB, Kailua, He‘eia, Āhuimanu). “By repealing the skim, the State is proposing to sacrifice $30 million annually to support this project in order to avoid extending the GET and avoid adding the burden it places on the most vulnerable in our community. As was pointed out during the hearing, there are ways to leverage existing City resources without raising taxes or fees to help pay for the construction of rail. As we are looking to make sacrifices, so too should the City.” The bill now goes before the full Senate for a vote. # # # #sb1183 #waysandmeanss #JillTokuda
- DISTINGUISHED LOCAL ARTIST IMMORTALIZED IN AIRPORT EXHIBIT
HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – One of Hawaii’s most recognized artists now can add the Honolulu International Airport on his long list of public spaces where his work is displayed across the state. World renowned artist Satoru Abe, now in his 90’s, is best known for his metal and wood sculptures which reflect themes from nature. His more than 8,000 art pieces are displayed throughout the Hawaiian Islands and the globe, including The Honolulu Museum of Art, Hawai‘i State Art Museum, and Tokyo Central Museum. Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi was on hand for the dedication ceremony of Abe’s metal sculpture named “Sunburst” which now graces the walls of Honolulu International Airport, along with 40 laser engraved wood etched paintings which tell his story in collaboration with his grandson Donovan Goto. Senator Kouchi, a long-time fan of Abe’s work, has six of his pieces in his office as part of the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Art in Public Places Program. “Mr. Abe has said that every day is a new adventure, that working on his art is a joy that motivates him, that he hopes to continue on for a few more years and that he hopes, by that time, he will be satisfied,” said Senator Kouchi. “In viewing the piece dedicated today, it is my hope that Mr. Abe will not be satisfied for many more years to come.” Ross Higashi, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Airports Division Deputy Director, praised Abe’s passion and talent and remarked that the “artwork compliments the modernization and improvements here at the Honolulu International Airport.” Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Abe has won numerous awards for his artwork. Selected for the “New Talent” exhibition by Art in America, awarded a “John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship,” “Alfred Preis Award for Excellence in the Arts National Endowment for the Arts” grant, and named as a “Living Treasure of Hawai‘i” by the Honpa Hongwanji Hawai‘i Betsuin. Abe attended McKinley High School in Honolulu and studied at the California Academy of Fine Arts and The Arts Students League in New York. # # # #ronkouchi #HonoluluAirport #RossHigashi
- SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE CONFIRMS CIRCUIT COURT APPOINTMENTS
Members of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor (JDL) today voted to recommend Catherine H. Remigio, Todd W. Eddins, and Keith K. Hiraoka to the First Circuit Court O’ahu. The three were appointed by Governor Ige from a list of nominees provided by the Judicial Selection Commission. Family Court Judge Catherine H. Remigio, 51, is appointed to the First Circuit Court to fill the vacancy created by the August 2016 retirement of former Circuit Court Judge Steven S. Alm. Attorney Todd W. Eddins, 52, is appointed to the First Circuit Court to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of former Circuit Court Judge Richard K. Perkins in June 2016. Keith Hiraoka, 58, attorney at Roeca Luria Hiraoka LLP, is appointed to the First Circuit Court to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of former Circuit Judge Karen S. S. Ahn. Ahn retired in June 2016. All three nominees now go before the full Senate for confirmation. # # # #KarlRhoads #GilbertKeithAgaran #Judiciary
- SENATE RECOGNIZES GENEROUS VOLUNTEER FOR VETERAN SERVICES
HONOLULU, Hawai‘i - The Senate today honored Debs ”Auntie Debs” Dudoit for the work she does in the community alongside her husband, Mitch, and close group of friends. Auntie Debs is the co-founder of My Father’s House, Hawai‘i, a nonprofit ministry whose vision is to heal hearts and restore lives. She is heavily involved as a volunteer with the U.S. Veterans Transitional Home in Kalaeloa/Barbers Point. After helping a friends’ son get into the housing 10 years ago, her love for the veterans has grown into annual holiday celebrations, as well as multiple visits to the home each year to listen to stories and uplift spirits. Auntie Deb, her friends and family, recently celebrated their 10th Annual Christmas event in December at the Transitional Home, with over 70 veterans in attendance for a celebration that included live music and hula. Auntie Deb says she does it from her heart and she loves seeing the smiles on their faces. The Senate congratulated Auntie Debs, and her family and friends, for their selfless acts of aloha and for making a difference in the lives of so many. # # #
- AVIATION CAUCUS CONVENES AT CAPITOL
HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – A bipartisan group of State Senators and House Representatives along with pilots and aviation enthusiasts today gathered at the State Capitol for the first meeting of the newly formed Hawai‘i Aviation Caucus. The Hawai‘i Aviation Caucus was established to foster and promote all forms of aviation, to support legislation that creates jobs, improves transportation between the islands and beyond, and bolsters the aviation business climate in Hawai‘i. “Aviation is vital to our state’s economy and welfare, so it’s only in our best interest that we work together to ensure that we have a thriving aviation industry here in Hawai‘i,” said Sen. Kai Kahele, who co-convenes the Caucus with Rep. Angus McKelvey. “This is just the start of a continuous working group that I hope will further engage those who support aviation and want to see it prosper.” Hawai‘i has a robust aviation history dating back to its first flight in 1910. Since then, Hawai‘i has played a vital role in the development of both commercial and military air travel. Today, with fifteen public use airports in Hawai‘i, the aviation industry produces over 4,100 jobs and $742 million in economic output. ### #Aviation #RonKouchi #KaiKahele #JKALANIENGLISH #StanleyChang
- MAUI TO RECEIVE $5.85 M FOR HĀNA HWY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Hāna Highway will be getting much needed improvements that will increase safety and accessibility with $5.8 million in capital improvement project funding released this week by the Governor. The CIP funding for Hāna Highway was included in the 2015-2016 biennium state budget at the request of Senator J. Kalani English (Dist. 7 - Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Kaho‘olawe). The bulk of the funding will be used for rockfall mitigation and slope stabilization of the roadway, which is the only paved all-weather road to the Hāna and Keanae communities. This funding continues the second phase of the project to improve the 32-mile length of highway from Huelo to Hāna that included renovating existing drainage facilities to decrease maintenance costs and provide a safer roadway. “I’m pleased that the funds we worked hard to secure are being released to complete the work on this critically important roadway,” said Sen. English. “The recent storms that caused rockslides, hastened erosion and caused the highway to be closed numerous times highlights the importance of this project. We’ll continue to collaborate with the state Department of Transportation to ensure a permanent, safe fix to Hāna Highway.” # # # #JKALANIENGLISH #hana #maui #SenatorEnglish
- SENATE HONORS OUTSTANDING HAWAI‘I LIBRARIANS
The Hawai‘i State Senate today recognized two outstanding librarians for their service to Hawai‘i’s public libraries on the floor of the Senate Chamber. For the past 20 years, the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i has recognized librarians that provide exceptional service to Hawai‘i’s public libraries, while also embodying the qualities of dedication, enthusiasm and excellence in providing library services to the community. Vicky Bowie is the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i’s 2016 Librarian of the Year. Bowie began as a librarian at the McCully-Mō‘ili‘ili Public Library in 2005, before moving to the Ewa Beach Public and School Library. She later became the Children’s Librarian at the Pearl City Public Library and was promoted to branch Manager in 2011. Under her supervision, the Pearl City Public Library expanded its reach in the community by providing numerous programs serving Keiki to Kūpuna. Bowie also coordinated general updates and renovations to the interior and exterior of the library—which has encompassed everything from reroofing the facility, to renovating and reopening the library’s meeting room. Carleen Corpuz is the recipient of the 2016 Excellence in Service Award given by the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i. She began her career at the Hilo Public Library as a Library Assistant in 1980, before becoming the Branch Manager and Librarian at Mountain View Public and School Library. “Mountain View is one of the most economically challenged areas in our State. Services such as our Public Library are especially needed and appreciated,” said Senator Breene Harimoto, in his remarks honoring Corpuz. # # # #FriendsoftheLibrary #CarleenCorpuz #VickyBowie #SenateRecognitions #DonovanDelaCruz #ClarenceNishihara #MikeGabbard #MichelleKidani #MaileShimabukuro #GlennWakai #RussellRuderman #LesIhara #GilRiviere #WilliamEspero #KaiKahele #DonnaMercadoKim #KarlRhoads #RozBaker #StanleyChang #BreeneHarimoto #GilbertKeithAgaran #RonKouchi #LorraineInouye #JKALANIENGLISH #JoshGreen #BrianTaniguchi #BrickwoodGaluteria #LauraThielen #JillTokuda
- SENATORS KIM AND INOUYE APPOINTED TO LEADERSHIP POSITION FOR NATIONAL ORGANIZATION
HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Two Hawai‘i State Senators have been selected to serve in leadership roles for the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL), the nation’s oldest non-partisan organization addressing the needs of elected women at the city, county, and state levels of government. Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Dist. 14 - Kapalama, ‘Alewa, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, portions of Halawa and ‘Aiea) was recently appointed to serve on the 2017 Policy Committee for the NFWL. As a member of the Policy Committee, Sen. Kim will contribute to all committee business by developing education policy programs on policy issues, engaging with policy partners, and recommending which areas of policy the Foundation shall focus on. The Committee will focus on shared legislation by encouraging elected women to exchange legislative ideas. This is a new emphasis for NFWL and the Policy Committee will play an integral role in the launch and maintenance of shared legislation. “It’s an honor to be asked to serve on the Policy Committee,” said Sen. Kim, who has been a member of NFWL since 2015. “This year more than ever, there are timely, pressing issues facing our communities. Hawai‘i is not alone in many of these problem areas such as homelessness, the economy, and education. Being on this Committee allows me to collaborate with other women legislators across the country and find creative solutions.” Senator Lorraine Inouye (Dist. 4 - Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona) was recently appointed to serve as the 2017 State Director for the NFWL. “I’m proud to serve as the State Director for this distinguished organization,” said Sen. Inouye. “The greatest rising force in politics is not a political party, but women. I know that there is much that can be accomplished to help our state and our country by working together as elected women.” “We are so honored Senators Kim and Inouye have accepted leadership positions in our foundation,” shared Minnesota State Senator Carrie Ruud, NFWL’s 2017 Chair. “They will play a crucial role in the continued success of NFWL, as we embark on our most exciting year yet.” Sens. Kim and Inouye begin serving in their new positions immediately, and will hold this office through the end of 2017. About the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Inc. (NFWL) Through annual educational and networking events, the National Foundation for Women Legislators supports elected women from all levels of governance. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, NFWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but rather serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience. www.womenlegislators.org # # # #DonnaKim #LorraineInouye