May 4, 2011
May is Foster Care Month
The month of May is National Foster Care Month. Throughout the month, various activities and events are hosted to bring awareness of the need for foster families and the benefits they provide to foster care youth. To get more information about becoming a foster/resource caregiver, visit the Partners in Development Foundation website at http://www.pidf.org. Information on support for foster/resource caregivers and foster children is provided by Family Programs Hawaii at http://www.familyprogramshawaii.org. Information on support services to strengthen families in foster care and training for foster youth in transition is provided by Epic Ohana, which can be reached by phone at 838-7752 or email at epic@epicohana.org. To report child abuse, call the state Department of Human Services Social Services Division at 832-5115. Finally, for information on other statewide events for National Foster Care Month, visit Foster Care Month
May 4, 2011
Hawaiian Community Assets Receives Funding to Aid Waianae Families in Transitional Shelters
Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA), a non-profit organization, received a $316,678 grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to establish financial education and credit training classes, a Renter Matched Savings Program, and Credit Builder Loan Program for homeless families living in transitional shelters on the Waianae Coast. The Renter Matched Savings Program provides participants with a 5:1 match on savings of up to $500 for a total of $3,000 to cover the costs of rental and utility deposits, moving expenses, and other costs associated with securing a rental apartment. The Credit Builder Loan Program has a fixed 6% interest rate over 12 months with the maximum loan amount at $250. Borrowers "re-pay" the loans over a 1 year period and once the loan is repaid in-full, receive their $250 back. These two programs in addition to the financial education classes will reduce some of the barriers that prevent homeless families from transitioning into permanent housing. HCA is continuing to seek funding from local banks, credit unions, foundations, and the general public to invest in these programs for homeless families. Anyone interested in supporting these programs can contact HCA Program Coordinator, Jeff Gilbreath at 808-587-7653 or via email at jeff@hawaiiancommunity.net.
May 4, 2011
Robotics Results
The Waianae High School Robotics Team, who won the "Rookie All-Star Award" and "Highest Rookie Seed Awards" in the Hawaii competition on March 26, 2011, traveled to St. Louis, Missouri for the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) International Robotics Championship from April 27-30. In the St. Louis competition, the Waianae team placed 14th out of 82 teams and once again won the award for the highest rookie seed. Congratulations to the hard-working and innovative Waianae High School Robotics Team for their achievements.
May 4, 2011
Ke Ola Mamo Health Fair on May 7 at Waianae District Park
The second annual Waianae Coast Health Fair, E Ola Pono Kakou "Let's All Live Well," is being held at Waianae District Park on Saturday, May 7 from 9 am - 3 pm. During the event, there will be free health screenings and activities available to the community. Services include diabetes, vision, hearing, and dental screenings, Lomi Lomi sessions, Laau Lapaau demonstrations, BMI evaluations, blood pressure checks, tobacco cessation consultations, entertainment, Zumba, Step, and Hulaerobics classes, games, prizes, and more. Free parking is available at the Waianae Boat Harbor.
May 2, 2011
Kamaile Academy Selects New Leadership
The Waianae charter school, Kamaile Academy, which serves over 900 students grades K-9, announced its new leadership this week. Principal Emma Weiss, Vice Principals Anna Marie Winslow, Paul Kepka, and Chris Cale, Counseling Center Director Janeen Mahealani Agosto, and Student Support Services Director Kenneth S. Ferenchak were selected to lead the school beginning in June 2011. Additional information about the background of these new leaders and the school's new vision is available at http://www.hookakoo.org
May 2, 2011
Waianae Police Station Permit Hearing
The Waianae Police Station has applied for a permit to replace the current substation with a new two-story substation, fuel dispensing station, above- and under-ground fuel storage tanks, parking lot, and landscaping. The public hearing for the Special Management Area Use Permit will be held on May 10, 2011 at 10:30 am at the Waianae Public Library, Meeting Room (85-625 Farrington Highway, Waianae, HI 96792). The public may review the applications at the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting at 650 South King Street, 7th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813, Monday through Friday between 7:45 am and 4:30 pm.
May 2, 2011
Free Legal Clinics at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center on May 7
The Hawaii State Bar Association will be sponsoring free legal clinics for the public on Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and the Nanakuli Sack N Save. Volunteer attorney members will be providing free legal information to the public at various locations across the state on May 7. Legal information will be provided on a variety of topics including: bankruptcy, divorce, child custody, elder care, employment law, estate planning, landlord/tenant issues, wills and trusts, and more. All information is free, confidential, and open to everyone. No appointments are necessary. More information about event locations and services can be found at http://www.hsba.org/younglawyers.aspx
April 28, 2011
Joint Special Meeting of the Waianae Coast and Nanakuli/Maili Neighborhood Boards
A joint special meeting of the Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board and the Nanakuli/Maili Neighborhood Board will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2011. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an update on the ongoing and planned activities at Ordnance Reef and topics of discussion include updates on the Remotely Operated Underwater Munitions Recovery System Technology Demonstration, Energetic Hazards Destruction System, Remedial Investigation/Risk Assessment, Coral Assessment and Mitigation Plan, and Community Outreach Program/Maili Propellants. The meeting will be held from 7:00pm - 9:30pm at the Waianae District Park Mulitipurpose Room, 85-601 Farrington Highway, Waianae, Hawaii 96792-2406.
April 28, 2011
Representative Jordan's April Newsletter is Available
Representative Jordan has released her April Community Update Newsletter. You can become a regular paperless subscriber to Representative Jordan's monthly newsletters by emailing repjordan@capitol.hawaii.gov and titling the email, "send me your e-newsletter." By joining her email list, you will receive all future newsletters through your email, not your mailbox. Go ahead, do your part to save the trees.
April 28, 2011
Waianae Student Earns Scholarship to Travel to Vietnam
The Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) awarded fifteen Hawaii public high school students with an all-expense-paid summer study tour of Vietnam. Waianae High School student Cody Kau will join students from other public high schools for a two week tour of Vietnam. Students will travel to Hanoi, the Mekong Delta, and Sa Pa, staying with local families, experiencing the culture, and learning the history of Vietnam. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is granted to only a lucky few public school students. PAAC is able to provide the annual Summer Study Tour Scholarship opportunity through funding by the Freeman Foundation. Students are encouraged to apply to this scholarship for next year through PAAC Hawaii.
April 26, 2011
19 families move into self-sustained homes in Kaupuni Village, Waianae
In a dedication presentation on April 21, 2011, 19 families were given the keys to their new energy efficient homes in Kaupuni Village in Waianae. Developed through a partnership between Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and Hawaiian Electric Company, Kaupuni Village is the nation's first zero net energy community--meaning it obtains all of its energy through natural resources. Each of the 19 single-family homes is equipped with energy efficient appliances and sky lights to reduce energy consumption, photo-voltaic and hot water solar panels to generate its own electricity, and high performance window glazing, a light colored roof, and insulated exterior walls to keep the homes naturally cool. These innovative construction techniques allow the homes to produce their own energy and emit zero carbon emissions. In addition, through support from Waianae businesses, Ma‘o Farms and Ka‘ala Farms, residents will plant a garden and develop a fish pond to grow their own food in their community center.
Because of its self-sustaining, community-oriented design, Kaupuni Village is being callled a 21st century ahupua‘a, where the community works together to live off the land and replenishes what they use. It is a model that proves that our communities can be self-sustainable, and it will be used by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in future developments. With the rising costs of oil and Hawaii's remote location, it is critical that we exert our energy independence and live off our own natural resources. Kaupuni Village is the beginning of our sustainable future.
April 26, 2011
The Land Use Commission (LUC) Denies the Tropic Land Petition on April 21, 2011
Tropic Land, LLC's petition to rezone 96 acres of agricultural land in Lualualei, Waianae to urban use had been deferred from a hearing on April 8th, when a motion to deny the petition failed due to a lack of "yes" votes. The LUC reconvened on April 21 for decision making. Commissioner Kanuha put forth a motion to approve the petition with multiple conditions, including one that would require Tropic Land to obtain an easement lease of Lualualei Naval Access Road within 5 years of petition approval. The motion was voted upon, with 5 commissioners voting to approve and 3 voting to deny. Those in opposition felt that they could not support rezoning the land without access to it being secured. The motion did not have the required 6 "yes" votes, therefore, the petition was denied. The 96 acre parcel will remain as agricultural land to the delight of the Concerned Elders of Waianae who had been fighting this petition for quite some time. There is still a chance that Tropic Land, LLC. could re-petition to the LUC, or could appeal to the court system to continue their quest to rezone the land, however for now, the petition is denied.
April 21, 2011
Waianae High School Students Visit the State Capitol
Students from Waianae High School's Business and Human Services academies visited the State Capitol on Wednesday, April 20. They toured the State Capitol, the Governor's Office, and the House and Senate Galleries where they met with both Representative Jordan and Senator Shimabukuro. The students shared with Representative Jordan that they had plans to become lawyers, paralegals, and FBI agents. While they enjoyed seeing how the legislative process works, none had political aspirations just yet. They concluded their morning tour observing the floor sessions of both the Senate and the House, where they were recognized by both bodies.
April 20, 2011
Waianae High School Student News Team broadcasts April 25 on PBS Hawaii
As we reported in the March 2011 newsletter, Waianae Intermediate and High Schools are participating in Hiki Nō, the nation's first statewide student news network. Student teams from across the state put together half-hour newscasts, uninterrupted by commercials. The shows broadcast on PBS Hawaii online at www.pbshawaii.org/hikino and on-air channel 10 at 5 PM on Mondays. Waianae Intermediate School's broadcast aired on April 4, but can still be found online. Waianae High School's student news broadcast will be featured on Monday, April 25 at 5 PM. Tune in to support them.
April 20, 2011
Submit your written comments for the Wildland Fire Fighting Portable Dip Tank Project EA
The City and County of Honolulu, Board of Water Supply (BWS) is proposing to develop three wildland firefighting portable dip tank areas for use by the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD). The HFD uses helicopters carrying dip tanks to fight wildland fires, uncontrolled fires in a countryside or wilderness areas. These dip tank sites are set up in large, level, open areas that are reasonably close to wildland fire areas, and where water is available by hydrant. The proposed sites in Makaha, Lualualei, and Makakilo are relatively close to areas, which commonly experience wildland fires during the dry season. These dip tank areas will enable the HFD to provide quicker and more effective firefighting of wildfires. The 14,000 square foot Makaha location is in Makaha Valley, adjacent to the BWS's Makaha 242 reservoirs, Makaha Booster No. 1, and Makaha Shaft. It will occupy the BWS property in Tax Map Key (TMK) 8-4-002:011. The 55,000 square foot Lualualei project site is in Lualualei Valley on land owned by the State Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. It is located at TMK: 8-6-003:075. The 5,000 square foot Palehua project area is located at the top of Makakilo Subdivision adjacent to BWS's Makakilo 1230 Reservoir. It is located at TMK: 9-2-003:088.
Because the proposed projects will be constructed on public lands with public funds, the BWS is conducting an Environmental Assessment (EA) of the projects. The EA will include an archaeological study for each site. Wilson Okamoto Corporation, the consultation company completing the EA, is soliciting public comments on the proposed project. Written comments must be submitted by Friday, April 29, 2011 addressed to: Wilson Okamoto Corporation, 1907 South Beretania Street, Suite 400, Honolulu, Hawaii 96826, Attention: Ms. Tracy Fukuda.
April 18, 2011
US Army Completes Environmental Assessment for Munitions Removal at Ordnance Reef
The US Army Corps of Engineers has completed the Environmental Assessment (EA) for their project to demonstrate their Remotely Operated Underwater Munitions Recovery System at Ordnance Reef. The nearly 10 square kilometer area off Wai'anae Coast has long been an area of public concern because of the many military munitions that were discarded there through the 1970s. The Army has applied for a permit to demonstrate their non-human diver recovery operations, in order to test the new technology and establish a safe means to remove and destroy the underwater military munitions. The completion of an EA, to assess the potential environmental and socioeconomic impact of the project, is the first step in obtaining their permit. The EA findings showed no significant impacts on the man-made or natural environment. These findings including additional information about the project can be found at http://ordnancereefhawaii.org . Copies of the EA and Draft Findings of No Significant Impact (FNSI) can also be obtained by contacting Lori Wong, 808-438-0665, or Dawn Lleces, 808-438-0474 at the US Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, Attn: CEPOH-PP-E/L. Wong, Ft. Shafter, HI 96858-5440; or by email at OrdnanceReef-EA@usace.army.mil. Copies of the EA and Draft FNSI are available for review at the following libraries: Wai'anae Public Library and Kapolei Public Library. The findings were posted on April 8, 2011. If you wish to pose comments to the US Army Corps of Engineers regarding the EA findings, you have until May 7, 2011 to do so. Comments will be considered, addressed, and incorporated where applicable into the Findings of No Significant Impact.
April 15, 2011
Tropic Land, LLC. Decision Meeting on April 21
The Land Use Commission will be deliberating and taking action on the Tropic Land, LLC request to amend the agricultural land use district boundaries into urban land use boundaries for 96.0 acres in Lualaualei, Waianae. The meeting will take place on April 21, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. at the Leiopapa A Kamehameha Building at 235 S. Beretania Street Rm. 405, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
April 13, 2011
The Land Use Commission Defers Tropic Land Decision
On April 8, 2011 the Land Use Commission (LUC) heard final oral arguments regarding Tropic Land, LLC's petition to amend the agricultural land use district boundaries into urban land use for approximately 96 acres in Lualualei. The public was allowed to testify in support and opposition of the petition prior to closing arguments by the attorneys for Tropic Land, LLC, and the Concerned Elders of Waianae. The State Office of Planning and the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting, both stated that they had no position on the petition. However, they recommended that the LUC impose conditions on Tropic Land, LLC, if the petition is approved. Specifically, they asked that Tropic Land, LLC obtain finalized agreements from the US Navy regarding the easement lease of Lualualei Naval Road and secure agreements from other lessees to contribute to the road's maintenance within 5 years of the petition's approval. They also asked that Tropic Land, LLC produce a Traffic Impact Analysis Report (TIAR) that could be agreed upon by the Department of Transportation, since so far both had conflicting reports on the exact traffic impact of the future light industrial park. They felt that approval should also be contingent on including it within the updated Waianae Sustainability Community Plan within the next five years. Finally, they recommended that the LUC impose conditions to protect the natural resources of the area. Tropic Land, LLC indicated that they were willing to meet many of these recommended conditions.
Commissioners Jencks and Miller put forth a motion to deny the petition because they felt it was premature for the LUC to approve the re-zoning if Tropic Land, LLC had not yet obtained an easement lease. However, this motion to deny the petition failed, with only the two original commissioners supporting it. When no other commissioners presented any motions to pass or deny the re-zoning petition, the LUC chair had to defer the decision to a future meeting. It will be brought up again for action on either April 20, or April 21, 2011, depending on the meeting schedule date.
April 12, 2011
Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill (WGSL) Public Information Meeting
A public information hearing will be held to report to the public on the efforts of the Department of Environmental Services with regard to the continued use of the WGSL. The public hearing will be held on April 18, 2011 at 5:00 pm at Honolulu Hale, Mayor's Conference Room, Room 300, at 530 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96803. For more information about the public hearing, call the Department of Environmental Services, Refuse Division at 768-3401.
April 12, 2011
Pilila'au Army Recreation Center (PARC) Seawall Repairs begin April 14
The PARC seawall repairs are not expected to begin until April 14. Recreational activities will be limited around the work site, as there will be temporary barricades and construction equipment staging near the project. Repairs will consist of placing reinforced concrete on the first 180 feet of the existing seawall, as this area is in danger of collapse. Beach users should take appropriate safety precautions when around this area. Caution signs will be posted around the work area. The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of May, pending weather and ocean swells. PARC staff appreciates your patience and cooperation during this facility improvement project. For further information, call the U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public Affairs Office at 656-3159.
April 6, 2011
Tropic Land, LLC. Decision Meeting on April 8
The Land Use Commission will be hearing oral arguments, making deliberations, and taking action on the Tropic Land, LLC. request to amend the agricultural land use district boundaries into urban land use boundaries for 96.0 acres in Lualaualei, Waianae. The meeting will take place on April 8, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. at the Leiopapa A Kamehameha Building at 235 S. Beretania Street Rm. 405, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
April 6, 2011
Board of Education Meeting on April 7 in Leeward District
The BOE general business meeting, with the current board members, will be held on April 7, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. at Ka Waihona o ka Na'auao New Century Public Charter School located at 89-195 Farrington Highway, Waianae, HI 96792. The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. for general business and reports, but will recess until 6:00 p.m. when public testimony and petitions will be heard. A complete agenda can be found at View link
April 6, 2011
AKAMAI Finance Academy at Waianae High School
I had the privilege of meeting the Waianae High School AKAMAI Finance Academy (AFA) Prep students at a ribbon cutting ceremony and informational briefing last week. Waianae High School is one of 31 high schools statewide to participate in the AFA Prep Program, which trains high school students to use the Bloomberg Professional financial system to learn about the finance industry. In their weekly meetings, students develop portfolios of US listed stocks. They learn to research and value stocks, monitor their "purchases," and produce analysis reports. With these skills, students have an edge in working in the finance world. The Prep program can be continued in the AFA college program, which provides further finance training and internship opportunities in the local industry.
AFA is sponsored by the AKAMAI Foundation, a non-profit program which brings together Hawaii asset managers, academia, and the public sector. Their goal is to cultivate the finance industry in Hawaii by providing training on investment banking, private equity and asset management. The AKAMAI Foundation sees Hawaii as a key location to develop an Asia-focused asset management industry. This industry will bring high paying jobs to our local economy and will help us retain skilled, young workers.
March 31, 2011
Representative Jordan's Community Update Newsletter for March 2011
Representative Jordan released her March community update newsletter. The newsletter contains information about the State Budget, Education Highlights, and the Results of the Community Survey from last month's newsletter.
March 31, 2011
Waianae Robotics Team Qualifies for the International Championship
Waianae High School's Robotics team won the Rookie All-Star Award and Highest Rookie Seed Awards in the FIRST in Hawaii Regional Robotics Competition on Saturday, March 26, 2011. The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition required students to build a robot that could perform specific tasks during the competition. It required students to use critical thinking, problem solving skills, academic knowledge, and innovation to solve common engineering problems.
This was the first year that Waianae High School had a robotics team. Their success as a rookie team has qualified them to advance to the international championship in St. Louis, Missouri from April 27-30. They will join five other Hawaii teams who have already secured their spots in what has been called the "Super Bowl of Smarts." The Waianae team is mentored by math teacher and robotics coach, Weyland Bailey. He praised his students for their problem-solving, troubleshooting, and teamwork in Saturday's competition, noting that his students made history as the first robotics team at Waianae.
March 24, 2011
Public Workshops for the Statewide Pedestrian Master Plan
The State Department of Transportation is developing a Statewide Pedestrian Master Plan (Plan) and is seeking public involvement in the process. The Plan will help to increase pedestrian safety and mobility, support a multimodal transportation system, and provide guidance on the best use of resources to implement pedestrian initiatives. The first in a series of public workshops is scheduled for Wednesday, March 30, 2011 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Waianae High School.View full article
March 23, 2011
Honolulu Community Action Program (HCAP) Leeward Center Begins Construction
Ground-breaking on the new HCAP leeward community center in Waianae began in early March 2011. The new facility will allow HCAP to provide expanded programs to youth and senior citizens. Some of the new programs include Malama Pono, a mentoring program for youth with incarcerated parents, an after school science, technology, engineering, and math program, a challenged youth drop-in center, and a healing center for the elderly. The new facility will allow for partnerships with the City and County Division of Elderly Affairs and Hawaii Pacific University, who will provide wellness classes for senior citizens. The construction is expected to be completed by October 2011. Until that time, many of their regular programs are continuing on location in a trailer behind the construction site. These services include aid for low income families in filing taxes, obtaining solar panels and low-energy refrigerators, and rent subsidy. The HCAP Headstart program is not impacted by the construction. For more information on obtaining services, people can call 696-4261 or drop-in to make an appointment.View full article
March 23, 2011
Community Leaders Tour of Makua
Colonel Douglas Mulbury, the Garrison Commander for US Army-Hawaii invited me and several community leaders to a tour of Makua on March 15. The purpose of the tour and briefing was to update leaders on the status of the work at Makua, the plans going forward, and to answer any questions. Presentations were made by the Colonel and other Army personnel informing the community of the Army's efforts to balance training needs with environmental and cultural considerations.
March 23, 2011
Teachers From Makaha Elementary, Waianae Intermediate and High Schools Honored
The Hawaii State Legislature honored and recognized Dawn Homont, a seventh-grade physical education teacher at Waianae Intermediate School and recipient of the 2010 Milken Teacher of Promise Award. The Milken Teacher of Promise Award was established to recognize outstanding public school teachers in Hawaii during their first four semesters of teaching. Demonstrating the highest qualities of a professional educator, Dawn Homont, has been described by her nominator as "having stringent expectations for her students" out of a belief that "strong bodies enhance strong minds." An enthusiastic and motivated teacher, Dawn Homont has selflessly given of herself to her students, school, and community. My congratulations go out both to Dawn Homont and the fortunate students of Waianae Intermediate School.
In addition, six educators earned National Board Certification and were also recognized during the Hawaii State Legislature Education Week 2011. Winona Calbero, Shanna Laa, and Scott Oberg of Makaha Elementary School, Kathryn Ambrass and Wendi-Ann Nagata of Waianae Intermediate School, and Wendy Fujitani of Waianae High School all earned National Board Certification in 2010. To earn certification, these teachers went through a year of intense performance evaluation. They had to prove their knowledge of the subject matter they teach, provide evidence that they know how to teach students effectively, and show their ability to manage and measure student learning. These teachers join an elite group of educators state-wide who have this certification. We are proud to have all of these exceptional educators working with the youth of our community.
March 18, 2011
The State Budget
The House passed the State Budget as reflected in House Bill 200, House Draft 1. The Fiscal Year 2012 proposed budget passed by the House reflects a 7.1% increase over Fiscal Year 2011. Much of the increase is due to the cost of ending furloughs for state workers which under present collective bargaining agreements is set to end on June 30, 2011. Despite this increase, the budget from the House is still less than the budget prepared by the previous Administration, which increased expenditures by 13%, but provided no details on how to pay for them and the new Administration that anticipated growth of 2% and relied on controversial revenue enhancement and expenditure reduction proposals that were not adopted by the Legislature. A comparison of the budgets proposed is reflected in the accompanying chart.
Without additional revenues proposed by the new Administration to pay for the restoration of critical services, establishing a new normal must be explored with three goals in mind: 1) controlling the growth of overall expenditures, 2) providing the new Administration with the flexibility to retool and reprioritize to achieve a new normal, and 3) requiring higher levels of accountability. The legislature must also address a budget deficit of nearly $1 billion over the next two years in accordance with the March 10, 2011 Council on Revenues projection. Therefore, the legislature's priority and great challenge will be to preserve essential services for the public while balancing the state budget, as required by law.
Responses to my Community Survey distributed last month reflect support for raising taxes to fund government programs and secondly to cutting services and raising taxes. The House passed a number of revenue generation bills, while still being mindful of the need to protect low to middle income residents who can least afford higher expenses. The House also proposes to cut about $120 million per year over the next two years, keeping in mind that the legislature already closed a $2.1 billion deficit in 2009 and a $1.2 billion deficit in 2010. Considering that the state's total general fund budget is about $5 billion, the $3.3 billion in budget cuts over the past two years is a very large percentage of the state budget.
The State Budget passed by the House represents one step in the legislative process. It is incumbent upon all of Hawaii's people to work together to emerge from the State's economic challenges. This budget represents the next step in the ongoing evolution to a new normal.View full article
March 18, 2011
Member Highlights from the House Finance (FIN) Committee
Over 450 bills were referred to the House Finance (FIN) Committee. The measures referred to FIN ranged in topics from capital improvement projects, emergency appropriations, employees' retirement system, employer contributions for public employees, federal funds, federal grants, government, investments, public finance, state bonds, the state budget, state finances, state funds, state treasury, taxation, tax reform, and all bills from each subject matter committee that required an appropriation or had any fiscal impact. Of these measures, the House approved over 250 bills from FIN and I have provided a short description of a few bills that may be of interest including bills to extend the 5% legislative salary decrease from June 30, 2011 to June 30, 2013 (HB 575, HD1), increase the percentage of moneys from the excess general fund balance to be deposited into the emergency and budget reserve fund as a temporary source of funding for the State during times of emergency, severe economic downturn, and unforeseen reduction in revenues (HB 564, HD1), appropriate funds from the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund into the State general fund to balance the State budget (HB 1043, HD1), repeal, terminate, or close certain revolving and trust funds (HB 79, HD1), delay the standard deduction and personal exemption increases, but make them permanent (HB 793), temporarily place a cap on itemized deductions claimed on state income tax returns until January 1, 2016 (HB 794, HD1), place a temporary limit on the amount of transient accommodations tax revenues distributed to the counties (HB 795, HD1), suspend temporarily the exemptions for certain persons and certain amounts of gross income or proceeds from the general excise and use tax and require the payment of the tax at a graduated rate (HB 799, HD1), repeal the income tax exemption for income derived from stock options or stock from a qualified high technology business (HB 805), temporarily increase from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2015, the transient accommodations tax rate on time share units by 2% (HB 809, HD2), extend the $3 per day surcharge on rental motor vehicles beyond August 31, 2011 (HB 1097, HD1), allow for increase in the State motor vehicle registration fee (HB 1101, HD2), allow for increase in the state motor vehicle weight tax (HB 1102, HD2), limit life insurance benefits only to retired employees who retired before July 1, 2011 (HB 814, HD1), provide for the taxation of the pension income of an individual filer with federal adjusted gross income of $100,000 or more, a joint or surviving spouse filer with federal adjusted gross income of $200,000 or more and a head of household with federal adjusted gross income of $150,000 or more (HB 1092, HD1), institute a moratorium on retirement benefit enhancements until the retirement system's funded ratio is 100% (HB 1035, HD1), eliminate Medicare part B reimbursements for employee-beneficiaries and spouses of employee-beneficiaries hired after June 30, 2011 (HB 1041, HD2), impose an excise tax on tobacco products (HB 273, HD1), increase liquor tax rates (HB 840, HD1), transfer all moneys in the photo enforcement revolving fund to the general fund (HB 775), increase the solid waste management surcharge (HB 786, HD2), make the physician workforce assessment fee permanent (HB 1203, HD2), create a nexus standard for taxing out-of-state businesses on their business activities in Hawaii (HB 1183, HD2), delay the availability of the existing Ethanol Facility Tax Credit (HB 563, HD1), increase the fee assessed for the inspection, quarantine, and eradication of invasive species (HB 865, HD2), reduce the new farmer program loan interest rate (HB 1248, HD1), establish the Return-to-home Program to assist eligible homeless individuals (HB 70, HD2), make appropriation for flood mitigation on Farrington Highway between Maili and Nanakuli and in the area of Lualualei Valley (HB 505, HD2), an automated extended benefit claims system (HB 169, HD2) and the operational expenses of the Hawaii Civil Air Patrol (HB 121, HD1), make permanent the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children (HB 4, HD2), establish a funding formula for charter school facilities (HB 159, HD1), protect students by defining "bullying", "cyberbullying", and "harassment" (HB 688, HD2), establish the Farm-to-School Program in the Department of Agriculture to increase the procurement of locally-grown fruits and vegetables (HB 1380, HD3), authorize schools to grow food in school gardens for consumption in the school lunch program (HB 198, HD2), establish a Permanent Weed and Seed program (HB 1513, HD1), grant explicit authority to the Auditor to inspect the documents and financial affairs of the Department of Taxation (HB 382, HD2), enhance the State's authority to invest in state bonds (HB 562, HD1), establish a task force to review, investigate, and study the feasibility and cost of establishing the bank of the State of Hawaii (HB 853, HD1), require the Department of Taxation to evaluate certain tax credits and tax exemptions and report to the Legislature and provide automatic repeal of the tax credits and tax exemptions (HB 1270, HD1), establish a task force within the Department of Taxation to reform Hawaii's tax laws (HB 1319, HD1), establish a task force to review and update the Hawaii state planning act and the planning, programming, and budgeting system (HB 1529, HD2), and establish an Advisory Committee to assist the Director of Finance in making short-term investments (HB 1179, HD3). These bills that passed out of the House will now be considered by the Senate.
March 14, 2011
Vice Chair Highlights from the House Human Services (HUS) Committee
Over 100 bills were referred to the House Human Services (HUS) Committee. The measures referred to HUS ranged in topics from conducting an audit of public assistance programs, strengthening domestic abuse orders and support for victims of domestic violence, establishing sex trafficking offenses, requiring rates for Medicaid reimbursements, supporting foster youth, and expanding economic opportunities to reduce poverty. Of these measures, the House approved over 20 bills from HUS and I have provided a short description of a few bills that may be of interest including bills to permit reasonable visitation to grandparents (HB 56, HD2), ensure that Child Protective Act hearings are consistent with federal law (HB 1064, HD2), clarify that awards of visitation rights may include visitation by electronic communication (HB 616, HD2), strengthen penalties for violation of a temporary restraining order (HB 238, HD2), provide greater protections for victims of domestic violence (HB 1003, HD2), require private health insurance plans be the primary insurer for QUEST enrollees (HB 561, HD1), appropriate funds for health care payments (HB 1065, HD1), work program services and maintenance of effort contracts (HB 1066, HD1) and the vocational rehabilitation and services for the blind (HB 758, HD1), require Medicaid recipients to re-enroll annually (HB 569, HD1), allow a minor to give informed consent for emergency shelter and related services (HB 684, HD2), and repeal the authority of the Executive Director of the Office of Youth Services to transfer youth to adult correctional facilities (HB 1067, HD1). Two bills that I introduced referred to HUS passed out of the House. House Bill 718, House Draft 1 allows the Department of Human Services to develop and administer a program assisting former foster youth with housing options. House Bill 1407, House Draft 1 amends provisions of the code relating to adoption records allowing access by parties to the proceedings under certain circumstances. These bills that passed out of the House will now be considered by the Senate.
March 14, 2011
Leihoku & Nanakuli Elementary Schools 2007 Whole School Renovation
Renovations to Leihoku & Nanakuli Elementary Schools totaling $3,950,000.00 will be initiated shortly. The contract to complete the renovations has been awarded to Brian's Contracting, Inc. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction work.
March 10, 2011
Member Highlights from the House Health (HLT) Committee
Over 180 bills were referred to the House Health (HLT) Committee. The measures referred to HLT ranged in topics from requiring public hearings for the licensing or renewal of a special treatment facility, establishing medical enterprise zones, requiring public notice of all inspections of care facilities, regulating practices of pharmacy benefit management companies, licensing home health agencies, providing coverage for autism spectrum disorders, palliative care and smoking cessation methods, requiring the state health service and facilities plan be adopted, and designating "Farm to School Month".
Of these measures, the House approved over 20 bills from HLT and I have provided a short description of a few bills that may be of interest including bills to establish the Hawaii Medical Doctor Loan Program for medical school graduates with training from Hawaii-based medical programs working in rural areas of the State (HB 902, HD2), require contracted health and human services providers to develop and update annually a health and human services delivery plan (HB 904, HD2), establish the Hawaii health benefit exchange in compliance with federal law (HB 1201, HD1), appropriate funds to match the federal disproportionate share hospital allowance (HB 594, HD2), for perinatal care (HB 129, HD2), kupuna care (HB 160, HD2), and certified kidney and liver transplant providers in Hawaii (HB 608, HD3), require a working group to discuss potential improvements to the current prior authorization process for prescription medications (HB 1384, HD2), establish a hospital-based screening and assessment and intensive home visitation program (HB 614, HD2), expand the definition of "quality assurance committee" to include members from various health care organizations (HB 597, HD1), establish health care-associated infection reporting requirements (HB 889, HD2), prohibit the sale or distribution of caffeinated beer beverages unless labeled and accompanied by a warning (HB 904, HD2), require dental hygienists pass the National Dental Hygiene Examination for licensure (HB 1053, HD1), and require the Disability and Communication Access Board to charge fees to defray expenses of reviewing construction plans to ensure compliance with law (HB 756, HD3).
One bill that I co-sponsored, House Bill 761, House Draft 1, referred to HLT passed out of the House and changes references in state law from "mental retardation" or like terms to "intellectual disability" or like terms. These bills that passed out of the House will now be considered by the Senate.
March 10, 2011
Member Highlights from the House Hawaiian Affairs (HAW) Committee
Over 40 bills were referred to the House Hawaiian Affairs (HAW) Committee. The measures referred to HAW ranged in topics from clarifying provisions relating to inadvertently discovered native Hawaiian burial sites, providing public land trust funds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) for development of farm and home ownership, establishing a pilot program within the Department of Public Safety that assigns select low-custody inmates on a work detail that restores historical sites selected by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), requiring native Hawaiian land plants for the landscaping of public buildings, requiring the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct an audit of all state-held lands and an inventory of ceded lands, permitting the sale of hand-pounded poi by an individual producer directly to consumers, and requiring OHA to develop a pilot program to establish kanaka villages for homeless native Hawaiians.
Of these measures, the House approved 5 bills from HAW providing state lease preferences for the reconstruction, restoration, repair, or use of Hawaiian fishponds (HB 377, HD2), establishing the Heeia Community Development District in Koolaupoko, Oahu (HB 389, HD3), requiring more specificity in all concurrent resolutions for the review of proposed exchanges, sales, or gifts of state land (HB397, HD2), increasing the limit DHHL is currently authorized to borrow or guarantee on loans to cover DHHL's guarantee requirements for its housing program (HB 1063, HD1), and requiring the Department of Agriculture to provide water to Molokai irrigation system users who lease tracts of land under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (HB 1483, HD1), which will now be considered by the Senate.
March 10, 2011
Member Highlights from the House Culture & the Arts (CUA) Committee
Over 20 bills were referred to the House Culture & the Arts (CUA) Committee. The measures referred to CUA ranged from supporting student art programs, requiring cultural impact assessments, imposing a statewide ban on consumer fireworks except by permit for religious and cultural events, providing for regulation of music therapy, strengthening historic preservation, and designating President Barack Obama Day and National Assistance Dog Week. The House approved House Bill 1637, House Draft 1, which makes the kukui tree the official state heritage tree and the ohia lehua the official state native tree, which will now be considered by the Senate.
March 4, 2011
Keaau Beach Park 24-Hour Closure for Maintenance
From Wed., March 9 at 12:00pm to Fri., March 18 at 3:00pm, Keaau Beach Park will be closed for maintenance. During those hours no one may remain in the park. All personal property must be removed by Wed., March 9 at 12:00pm. Any property remaining in the park may be impounded. Perishable property and trash will be discarded. Impounded property must be claimed by April 5. Please call the Department of Parks and Recreation's Leeward District Office, 675-6030, between 9:00am and 3:00pm on weekdays to make arrangements for pick-up or if you have any questions. Any property not claimed by April 5 will be disposed.
March 3, 2011
Makaha Elementary, Waianae Intermediate, and Waianae High Schools Awarded Grants from Hawaii 3R's
Hawaii 3R's is a non-profit organization with a mission to tackle the backlog of repair and maintenance projects in Hawaii's public school facilities by leveraging available funds with volunteer labor and business support. The following schools have been awarded grants from Hawaii 3R's:
Makaha Elementary $71,800 To renovate computer lab
Waianae Intermediate $54,400 To renovate computer lab
Waianae High $104,300 To renovate portables for new technology network
If you are interested in volunteering with these projects, you can contact the school directly. Typically, volunteer days start in the morning and work lasts for a few hours, ending with lunch and a short mahalo presentation. The success of Hawaii 3R's stems from strong community support, volunteers and in-kind donations of goods and labor.
February 28, 2011
Representative Jordan's Community Update Newsletter
Representative Jordan released her community update newsletter. The newsletter contains information about the legislation that she is working on this session and other important community information. It also contains a community survey so you can voice your opinion on issues that matter to you. The survey can be completed and mailed back to Representative Jordan, State Capitol Room #324, 415 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Or, you can click on the link below to complete the survey online. Mahalo for taking time to fill out this survey. Click here to take survey.
February 25, 2011
Tuition Assistance for Five Graduate Level Courses Available with Priority to Early Childhood Education Teachers
If you are a full-time early childhood education (ECE) or elementary school teacher in one of Hawaii P-3's demonstration project communities (Castle, Honokaa, Kahuku, Kailua, Kalaheo, Farrington, Nanakuli, or Waianae Complexes) you are eligible to apply for membership into the Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education (P-20) sponsored PK-3 Graduate Certificate cohort. The next cohort is set to begin this Fall!
P-20 will select a cohort of approximately 15 teachers (priority to those who teach in ECE and grades K-3) and provide them with 100% tuition assistance (books and fees are not included) for all five graduate courses (15 credits) that make up the University of Hawaii at Manoa PK-3 Graduate Certificate. All 15 UH credits earned can be applied toward a Master's of Education degree in Curriculum Studies with an emphasis in PK-3. All applications must be submitted by March 1, 2011.View full article
February 23, 2011
The House Approves Legislation for the Appointment of Board of Education Members
In the 2010 General Election, the people of Hawaii voted in favor of the Governor appointing the Board of Education (BOE) members, in place of the current BOE election process. The current version of the bill, Senate Bill 8, SD1, HD2, provides that the BOE will now consist of nine unpaid members: three representing the City and County of Honolulu, three representing the Counties of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai, respectively, and three At-large members. These members will be nominated, with the advice and consent of the Senate, and approved by the Governor. They will have qualification requirements and various terms, which can be a maximum of three 3-year terms. However, the Governor may remove any of the members for any reason.
In addition to these nine members, two non-voting members will sit on the BOE. A military representative will be invited by the appointed BOE, and a student representative will be elected by the students, through the state student council. A separate bill, HB 338, HD1, to address the voting rights of the student member, is currently being reviewed by the House Finance Committee.
February 22, 2011
DLNR Announces Temporary Closures for Makua Beach and the Keawaula Section of Ka`ena Point State Park
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces temporary closures at Makua Beach and the Keawaula section of Ka`ena Point State Park, starting this week. DLNR and the Department of Health are cooperating with the U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii who will be conducting work in these areas as part of its Military Munitions Response Program, which performs activities to address potential munitions hazards resulting from past military training activities.
Scheduled dates for the area closures are expected as follows:
Tuesday, February 22, through Thursday, February 24, from 7 to 10 a.m.
Monday, February 28, through Wednesday, March 2, from 7 to 10 a.m.
During these dates, work may be done at either section of Makua Beach or Keawaula but they will not both be closed at the same time. Closure signs will be posted around each location and security personnel will be on site to ensure public safety. Intermittent traffic stops may occur.View full article
Information Sheet
Fieldwork Update
February 22, 2011
The Governor's Proposed Biennium Budget Briefing
Governor Abercrombie and Director Kalbert Young of the Department of Budget & Finance briefed the House Committee on Finance and the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on the Governor's proposed biennium budget for fiscal years 2012 and 2013. The legislature will now have an opportunity to review the proposed budget.View full article
February 18, 2011
Waianae Intermediate School Awarded $100,000 Grand Prize in Bank for Education Program
On Friday, February 18, 2011, American Savings Bank presented the $100,000 grand prize award to Waianae Intermediate School for its achievement in the Bank for Education program that ran from September 18 through November 26, 2010. Bank for Education is a unique program designed by American Savings Bank to involve local communities in supporting the education of Hawaii's students. I presented a congratulatory certificate to Waianae Intermediate School on behalf of the House of Representatives.
February 17, 2011
Governor Releases Capital Improvement Project Funds for Electrical Upgrades to Waianae and Makaha Schools
Governor Neil Abercrombie is releasing Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds for electrical upgrades for the following schools:
Makaha Elementary School
Leihoku Elementary School
Waianae Elementary School
Waianae Intermediate School
Waianae High School
The Governor is dedicated to accelerating Hawaii's economic recovery through a broad ranged series of capital improvement actions called the New Day Work Projects, which is aimed at decreasing unemployment, increasing business activity, and getting people back to work while strengthening communities across Hawaii.
February 16, 2011
Oahu Regional Transportation Plan 2035 Final Public Meeting Planned
The Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OahuMPO) has released the draft of the Oahu Regional Transportation Plan 2035 (ORTP 2035) for review. The ORTP 2035 will be the official guide for transportation facilities and services planned for Oahu through the year 2035. The meeting to discuss transportation improvements and programs considered for inclusion in ORTP 2035 with the Project team will be held on Thursday, February 24 from 6pm to 8pm with presentation at 6:30pm at the Neal Blaisdell Center, Pikake Room, 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu.View full article
February 15, 2011
Hawaii Families As Allies Statewide Family & Youth Conference
Parents, family members, caregivers of children, adolescents or youth with emotional, behavioral and/or mental health challenges are invited to attend the Conference on Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 10am to 3pm at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Hawaii Suite. Youth will have separate sessions. The Oahu Registration Deadline is February 28, 2011. Registration includes interactive and informational workshops, various agency displays, lunch, prize giveaways and more.View full article
February 11, 2011
2011 Neighborhood Board Election
Anyone interested in serving on the Neighborhood Board have until Friday, February 18, 2011 to submit their candidate forms. As a former Chair and member of the Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board, I would encourage anyone interested in public service to consider serving on the Neighborhood Board.View full article
February 11, 2011
Mortgage Foreclosures
The House passed HB 894, HD1, which places a five month moratorium on non-judicial foreclosures. The economic downturn has resulted in many families experiencing financial challenges. While the legislature is considering several measures to address the growing number of foreclosures, lenders in anticipation of these changes are beginning to proceed at a quicker pace to complete the non-judicial foreclosures. Thus, the House voted to move this bill forward in order to halt non-judicial foreclosures for five months after the bill is enacted into law, while more comprehensive measures are reviewed by the legislature. This bill will crossover to the Senate for review.
February 10, 2011
Planning Commission Public Hearing for the Waianae Sustainable Communities Plan
The Planning Commission of the City and County of Honolulu will be holding a public hearing on the Waianae Sustainable Communities Plan on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 1:30pm at Kapolei Hale.View full article
February 8, 2011
Ka Papa O Kakuhihewa Fund
Request for Proposals 2011
The Ka Papa O Kakuhihewa Fund Advisory Committee will review applications and make recommendations for grants for projects that are most consistent with the purpose and priorities of the fund, which is "to promote resource conservation programs for the community that would affect the use of natural resources such as water and land. The goal is to promote and support programs that create and instill a conservation ethic in our keiki and Ohana, an attitude that recognizes and respects living on an island of finite resources." Applications must be delivered or postmarked on or before February 15, 2011.View full article
February 8, 2011
University of Hawaii, West Oahu Update
At an informational briefing held before the House Committee on Higher Education on February 1, 2011, the University of Hawaii reported that the new campus is set to open in August 2012. The University also reported that enrollment at the Pearl City campus has increased 49% since it opened and continued high enrollment is anticipated.
February 8, 2011
Internships Available
2011 Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps Summer Program
Kupu needs Team Leaders with strong leadership skills and experience, and a desire to work with youth while making a difference in Hawaii's environment. All applications are due by February 28, 2011.
View full article
February 8, 2011
Neighborhood Board Report Summary
On February 1, 2011, I delivered my first Neighborhood Board report as Representative of House District 45. I have included a short summary of the report here.
Legislative Priorities--The following bills are a few of my legislative priorities:
HB 1393 Relating to Homeless Assistance
HSG, FIN
Establishes an Office of Homelessness within the Department of Human Services to assume jurisdiction over homeless assistance. As a first step to implementing the "Plan to Address Homelessness and Housing on the Leeward Coast of O`ahu" prepared by the Leeward Housing Coalition, this bill creates an office of homelessness to be placed within the department of human services for administrative purposes. This bill was introduced in accordance with one of the recommendations identified by the Coalition in its plan, which is to "create a 'centralized' information gathering/dissemination entity and process that can include a single point of access."
HB 1394 Relating to Makua Valley
PBM,HAW/WLO,CUA,FIN
Establishes the Makua Valley Reserve Commission to oversee preservation and restoration activities in Makua Valley on Oahu. This bill establishes the Makua Valley Reserve Commission to be placed within the Department of Land and Natural Resources and tasks the Commission with the general administration of Makua Valley. This bill specifies that the Makua Valley Reserve shall be used solely and exclusively for 1) preservation and practice of all rights customarily and traditionally exercised by native Hawaiians for cultural, spiritual, and subsistence purposes; 2) preservation and protection of the valley's archaeological, historical, and environmental resources; 3) rehabilitation, revegetation, habit restoration, and preservation; and 4) education. A specific provision in the bill provides that prior to the return of the Makua Valley Reserve from the Army to the State, the Commission may enter into discussions with the Army to facilitate the expedient return of the Valley Reserve upon the expiration of the Army's lease.
HB 1405 Relating to Planning
WLO,FIN
Requires the Office of Planning to establish a statewide system of greenways and trails. The purpose of this bill is to promote smart growth and sustainability in the State by requiring the Office of Planning to develop and establish a statewide system of greenways and trails. The legislature finds that given Hawaii's limited natural resources, the implementation of smart growth principles, including the preservation of open space, is crucial to the sustainability of the islands.
HB 1665 Relating to Landfills
EEP/WLO, HLT
Places a moratorium on any new solid waste landfills and the expansion of any existing private solid waste landfills on the leeward coast from Kaena point to Waimanalo gulch on or after 8/1/11. The purpose of this bill is to place a moratorium on the construction of any new landfills, whether green waste landfills or otherwise, or the expansion of any existing private solid waste landfill on the leeward coast from Kaena point to Waimanalo gulch on or after August 1, 2011.
Capital Improvement Projects
In addition to the bills referenced above, I also introduced HB 1664 titled "Relating to the Capital Improvement Projects for the Benefit of the Forty-Fifth Representative District. The following is just one of the projects for the fiscal year 2011-2012: To be expended by the department of Land and Natural Resources:
Construction for flood mitigation near Lualualei Flats/Puhawai stream on Oahu. Funding for the construction would cost $2,000,000.
Resolution Introduction Deadline
The deadline to introduce resolutions is Wednesday, March 16, 2011. If you would like me to introduce a resolution, please contact my office no later than Monday, February 28, 2011 so the appropriate arrangements can be made.