Senator J. Kalani English applauds Mokulele Airlines' new service from Kahului to Hana.
"I worked tirelessly over the years to have air service restored at rural airports across the State. I appreciate Mokulele's decision to operate out of Hana Airport, which is the first step towards restoring flights at other rural airports in the future," said Senator J. Kalani English, who lives in Hana and serves as chair of the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Transportation and International Affairs.
Beginning October 1, 2012, Mokulele Airlines will operate twice-daily flight service from Maui's Kahului Airport to Hana Airport. It's been 12 years since there was flight service in Hana. Passengers will fly aboard a nine-seat Cessna Grand Caravan 208B during the 20-minute flight.
"Mokulele's flight service two times a day will bring a boost to the Hana community's economy and to its resort and spa, Travaasa Hana Maui. Essential services would also become more efficient, such as mail and newspaper delivery," added Senator English, who represents Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe. Hana Medical Center, Hana School, State and County government would benefit from this new venture as well."
"Residents and visitors alike will enjoy the convenience of traveling in and out of Hana. We are ecstatic over the chance to cut our travel time from Hana to Kahului significantly. The drive from Kahului to Hana can take at least 2 hours, but by air, it will only take about twenty minutes," he said. "It will also greatly improve the quality of life for residents who work outside of Hana."
Ticket prices start at $59 each way. The flight service is being launched in partnership with Travaasa Hana Maui, which is a resort and spa located at the end of the Road to Hana.
"Now Hana residents have an opportunity to connect to other parts of the State thanks to Mokulele. This service also provides an important lifeline for us," said Senator English.
Senator J. Kalani English Responds to Governor's $900,000 for Grants-in-Aid Release to the Hana Health Medical Center
Honolulu- Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the release of $900,000 for grants-in-aid to the Hana Health Medical Center. The Hana Health Medical Center was identified earlier this year by members of the Legislature as a priority project and grant. The $900,000 is to be used for planning and construction for medical center expansion, schematic design, and construction documents.
Senator J. Kalani English, who represents Hana, issued the following statement in response to Governor Neil Abercrombie's grants-in-aid approval:
"The Hana Health Medical Center has been needing attention and improvements for a long time and I am happy to hear that the modernization of the center will finally be moving along," said Senator J. Kalani English. "As the only medical center in the District of Hana, Hana Health Medical Center provides an integral part of the health, wellness and safety our residents and our visitors. The construction of a modern health facility will help to ensure that the current and future health care needs of Hana continue to be met."
Senator J. Kalani English currently represents Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokai, Lana'i, and Kahoolawe.
Maui Senators Appointed to the Integrated Resource Planning Advisory Group
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has appointed Senators Roz Baker and J. Kalani English as members to the newly created Hawaiian Electric Companies' Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) Advisory Group. The Advisory Group was recently established by the PUC in response to the Commission's Decision and Order on March 14, 2011 for a revised IRP Framework to govern energy resource planning by electric and gas utilities in the State of Hawai‘i.
The goal of IRP is to develop an Action Plan that governs how the Hawaii Electric Companies will meet energy objectives and customer energy needs consistent with state energy policies and goals, while providing safe and reliable utility services at reasonable cost, through the development of resource plans and scenarios of possible futures that provide a broader long-term perspective.
Members of the Advisory group were selected to provide the Hawaiian Electric Companies with the benefit of community perspectives by participating in the utility's IRP process and representing diverse community, environmental, social, political, or cultural interests consistent with the revised framework's goal. Individuals selected to be part of the group include state and county officials, and environmental, cultural, business, and community interest groups.
"It is important that we invest time into understanding alternative energy futures now, so that we as a State can make responsible and responsive decisions regarding our energy needs," said Senator Roz Baker, who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection which oversees the PUC. "I look forward to working collaboratively with the IRP Advisory Group to help our State move forward towards a better and more sustainable future." Senator Baker represents South and West Maui.
"Hawai‘i's ability to move away from our dependency on imported fossil fuels and towards locally- produced renewable energy will be determined by our actions today," said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i and Kaho‘olawe. "As the former Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment I understand the complexity of the issues surrounding energy and the impact it has on our State." View the media release.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Senator J. Kalani English to Attend Asia Pacific Forum in Tahiti
Senator J. Kalani English will be attending the Club de Madrid Asia Pacific Forum, "Building a More Resilient Pacific in the 21st Century World Order," on July 5 and 6, 2012 in Papeete, Tahiti. Hosted by the Club de Madrid and the Government of French Polynesia, the forum is aimed at identifying and discussing strategies to promote greater socio-economic development in the Pacific and render the region more resilient, connected to the world, and capable of effectively delivering to its citizens.
"Hawaii and other communities in the Pacific cannot sit idly by and watch the world evolve around us," said Senator J. Kalani English, Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and International Affairs. "Hawaii's unique geographical position, history, and diverse ethnic and cultural ties with others in the Pacific have played pivotal roles in the shaping of our socio-economic position in the world. It is important that we continue to work together with our friends in the Pacific to build on each others' strengths and encourage a better, more sustainable future for all."
This forum is the first major gathering that the Club de Madrid, the world's largest forum of former Heads of State and Government, has ever organized in the Asia Pacific. Leaders, policymakers, and scholars both from in and outside the Asia Pacific region will come together during the forum to address a wide range of issues, including geopolitical, socio-economic and environmental. View the media release.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Hawaii State Senate Confirms Peter Cahill to the Maui Second Circuit Court
Maui Senators congratulate Peter T. Cahill on his confirmation. (L-R: Sen. Roz Baker, Governor Neil Abercrombie, Jessica Cahill, Judge Peter T. Cahill, Sen. J. Kalani English, Senate President Shan Tsutsui.) (Photo Courtesy: Senate Communications)
In a Special Session, the Hawai‘i State Senate on June 29, 2012 confirmed the appointment of Peter T. Cahill as Judge for the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit, located on Maui.
Cahill was nominated by the Judicial Selection Commission to fill the vacancy left open by the recent retirement of Judge Shackley F. Raffetto.
"Judge Cahill has established himself as a person of great integrity and diligence," said Senate President Shan Tsutsui, who represents Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului, Pa‘ia, Lower Pa‘ia. "We are honored to confirm him to Maui's Second Circuit Court."
"Judge Cahill possesses the professional experience, exceptional legal skills, and even temperament inherent of a good jurist. I believe that the people of Maui will be well-served under his judgeship," said Senator Roz Baker, who represents South and West Maui.
"Judge Cahill's even-keeled temperament, intellect, and commitment to leadership are characteristics that will make him an asset to the State's Second Circuit Court and to the people of Maui." said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i and Kaho‘olawe.
Cahill currently serves as an attorney at Cahill & O'Neill on the island of Maui, concentrating on injury and wrongful death cases. Prior to his employment at Cahill & O'Neill, he worked as a lawyer at Krueger & Cahill and the Law Office of James Krueger.
Cahill earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Notre Dame Law School. View the media release.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Senator J. Kalani English Looks Forward to a Bright Future for the Island of Lana‘i
On June 20, 2012, Castle & Cooke, Inc., privately held by David H. Murdock, announced the planned sale of its Lana‘i assets to an entity privately-owned by Lawrence J. Ellison. Castle & Cooke has owned more than ninety-seven percent of the island since 1985. A transfer application with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has been filed and the transaction is subject to final government approval.
Over the past two decades David Murdock has been the major land owner of Lana‘i, building and maintaining various operations including the Four Seasons Resorts Lana‘i, Lodge at Ko‘ele and the Four Seasons Resorts Lana‘i at Manele Bay, two championship golf courses - The Experience at Ko‘ele, The Challenge at Manele and La Ola, a photovoltaic solar farm.
Following the announcement of the island's sale, Senator J. Kalani English (District 6 - Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and Kaho‘olawe) released a statement sharing his appreciation to Mr. Murdock for his efforts in sustaining the island over the years and hopes the community will see a bright future under its new ownership.
"To the people of Lana‘i this transfer of ownership is much more than a business transaction," said Senator English. "It is the livelihood of a community and of an island. As such it remains imperative that cultural and conservational values be maintained."
"After speaking with Ellison's personal representative, I feel that he shares this same belief. And I look forward to meeting with him in the future, so that I can develop a better understanding of his vision. It is my hope that this new ownership is one which works with the community to foster a healthy and vibrant Lana‘i."
Senator J. Kalani English currently represents the island of Lana‘i under Senatorial District 6 - Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and Kaho‘olawe. He also represented Lana‘i as a Councilman from 1997- 2000.
To view Senator J. Kalani's June 20, 2012 remarks on the sale of Lana‘i click here.
Statement by Senator J. Kalani English in Response to Governor's Release of Various CIPs Statewide
Senator J. Kalani English issued this statement in response to Governor Neil Abercrombie's release of various capital improvement project (CIP) funding statewide today:
"The projects that received funding have been needing attention and improvements for a long time and I am happy to hear that the projects will finally be moving along," said Senator J. Kalani English. Along with providing much needed upgrades, the funding will further move our economy forward by creating jobs for the people of Maui County."
"The Ho‘olehua Veterans Cemetery, Lanai Veterans Cemetery, and the Makawao Veterans Cemetery are the final resting place for our heroes and it is only proper that we honor them by ensuring the facilities are improved and getting the renovations it deserves," said Senator J. Kalani English.
"It is important that we invest in disaster warning sirens to ensure our residents are alerted in the event of a natural disaster," said Senator J. Kalani English. "Safety comes first, especially when it comes to public safety."
The list of CIPs for District 7 includes:
• $3,328,000 - Hawaii State Civil Defense Disaster Warning System (Statewide*): Installation of new warning sirens or replacement of existing emergency warning sirens
*includes sirens in Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Kula, Hana, Pa‘ia
• $1,461,000 - State Veterans Cemeteries (Statewide*): Renovations and other improvements at various State cemeteries
*includes Ho‘olehua Veterans Cemetery, Lanai Veterans Cemetery, Makawao Veterans Cemetery
• $250,000 - Makawao Veterans Cemetery: Planning for expansion of the cemetery
