Aloha Friends,

To those of you who voted for me, mahalo for re-electing me to represent you at the State Legislature. To those of you who didn't vote for me, or didn't vote at all, I hope I can gain your trust. In either case, please don't hesitate to contact my office if I can help you in any way. I just got word that I'll be continuing as the Chair of the Senate's Energy and Environment Community. This will be my 5th year to serve in that role. The 2013 Legislative Session is fast-approaching and will kick-off on January 16th. I'm interested in getting your input on any ideas you have for legislation. It doesn't have to be a well-thought out concept, just something that you think should be changed or improved in our government. I'll consider turning these ideas into bills for introduction. Here are some other things I'd like to share with you. You can reach me at 586-6830 or sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov

Mike

"Listen Story"

My next "Listen Story" will be held at the new Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at the Kapolei Foodland (Wakea Street at Kapolei Parkway) on November 24th from 9am to 10am.

GMO Labeling Bigger Issue Locally and Nationally

During my 6 years at the Capitol, I've been a strong advocate for GMO labeling and continue to support this cause. Since 2008, I've been introducing legislation to label GMO "whole foods", to label GMO fish, and to set up a farmer notification system so people would know where all the field tests are taking place. I've been disappointed that we haven't been able to get any of these bills passed into law. What I keep coming back to is that this is common sense. We have a right to know what we're eating. The GMO industry should do what the organic industry did on a shoestring budget back in the 1970s-and that is a national campaign promoting organics. I remember 5 years ago suggesting this in an ENE committee meeting to the GMO industry. If they think their product taste better and is better for us, then do a national media campaign and convince us to buy GMOs. I never got a satisfactory answer to this question. So, I'll ask again. Why not, Monsanto? I've been a part of the on-going efforts of Label It Hawai‘i to bring this issue to more people's attention. You might be aware that the people of California voted on Proposition 37 on November 6th, which would've required the labeling of GMO foods in that state. Unfortunately, that ballot initiative fell short with 47% of the vote, largely due to the nearly $50 million that was spent by the GMO industry to defeat the measure. The Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board voted to pass a motion in support of labeling of GMO foods at their meeting on October 24th. This song by Mike Adams is entertaining and also nicely shows us why this issue is so important: http://www.therealfoodchannel.com/videos/gmos-genetically-modified-food-1/just-label-it.html

 Read More

H-Power Launches Third Boiler

Several of my colleagues and I congratulated Covanta and City officials with a certificate from the State Legislature at the H-Power facility in Campbell Industrial Park. H-Power recently added a third boiler to its existing waste-to-energy facility, which is managed by Covanta and owned by the City. The expansion added a second turbine-generator which will allow for combustion of a greater variety of waste, including bulky items. The expansion created 300 additional jobs during its construction period and was finished ahead of schedule and under budget. The additional boiler is capable of burning 300,000 tons of refuse per year, so H-Power will now process 900,000 tons of trash per year. H-Power provides power to approximately 65,000 homes and recovers 20,000 tons of metal for recycling each year. The third boiler cost an estimated $302 million.  Read More

Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties Opens Kapolei Office

Rep. Sharon Har and I presented Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties a certificate from the State Legislature at the Grand Opening for their Kapolei office at Kapolei Commons, next to Down to Earth Natural Foods, on October 20th. Coldwell Banker is a leading residential real estate brokerage company in Hawai‘i operating 5 residential real estate offices on Oahu with more than 400 sales associates and employees. They are part of NRT LLC, the nation's largest residential real estate brokerage company.  Read More

Aloha Friends,

I just got the news that Foodland is set to open its Kapolei store on October 17th at 11am. Foodland was the first modern supermarket to open in our state in 1948 and is also our largest locally owned grocery retailer. This will give us yet another option for shopping for food in our growing city. Here are some other things I'd like to share with you. Please contact me at 586-6830 or sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov if I can help you in any way.

My next "Listen Story" will be held at the Kapolei Starbucks (next to the Chevron Station) on October 20th from 9am to 10am.

Mike

Bus Service Extended for UH West Oahu

It was great news to hear that the City's Department of Transportation Services (DTS) made the decision to extend Route 40 bus service for UH West Oahu students starting September 7th. Before this happened, Route 40's last bus was at 5:47pm for westbound riders and 5:59pm for eastbound riders. This created a lot of hardship for students who take night classes. With the change, Route 40 now goes until 10:23pm for those traveling in the eastbound direction. No changes were made to the westbound direction. A big mahalo to DTS Director, Wayne Yoshioka, for stepping up for UH West Oahu students and the Kapolei community.

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Zipper Lane Changes Cause Concern

I've received emails from residents in our community who are upset about the ridership requirement for the Zipper Lane being changed from 3 to 2 people. This is the latest response we've received from the Department of Transportation on the reason for this change.

"The decision to lower the required number of occupants from three to two was made with a great deal of thought to how we could maximize all of the available freeway lanes to their best potential. Since the ZipperLane first opened in 1998, the minimum ridership has been adjusted four times, each time to fine-tune how the lane could be best used to both promote carpooling and improve overall traffic based on current trends. In an ideal world, the perfect usage rate would be just under the lane's capacity, but achieving this precise rate is very difficult. The recent decrease in the requirements is a continuing effort to find this ideal point between overuse and under-use of the lane.

Cities across America also increase or decrease requirements to fine-tune their own HOV lanes. Our recent change from three to two occupants actually brings our ZipperLane into conformity with HOV lanes in other metropolitan cities, such as Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Dallas, Miami, San Francisco and Houston, among many others. Although this does mean more carpool vehicles are using the lane, it also means the lane is being used more during peak travel times.

We do appreciate the public's patience as our engineers continue to monitor the traffic flow data. Future ridership adjustments may still be made if we determine that the lane is being either overused or under-used and we will notify the public immediately of any such decision."

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Oka's Body Shop Wins National Sustainability Award

I presented a certificate from the State Senate to Oka's Body Shop in Waipahu on September 10th. Oka's was one of three companies in the nation to receive the FIT Sustainability Award from the AkzoNobel Automobile & Aerospace Coatings Americas in San Antonio, TX on July 19, 2012. This was the third annual FIT Sustainability Award, an industry recognition program devoted to honoring businesses and organizations actively engaged in practices that advance the concepts of sustainability through "Focus, Innovation and Talent", the three key principles of FIT.

Eddie Okahara, the owner of Oka Auto Body for the last 47 years, has been dedicated to recycling the cardboard and other materials from his shop for many years. In 2010, Oka's Auto Body and contractor Hawai'i Energy Connections, LLC worked together to install a photovoltaic system that allows the shop to operate 100% off the grid.

 Read More

Governor Releases Construction Funding for UH West Oahu

I got word that Governor Abercrombie released $92 million in construction funding on August 15th. Included in that amount were several projects that will continue improving the new UH West Oahu campus in Kapolei, which opened for classes on August 20th.

• $2.5 million - sitework to complete the campus' first phase, including the creation of the Kaloi Gulch Greenway and fencing to protect a photovoltaic panel array

• $1.25 million - construction of a 4-lane road that will serve as the main entrance to the campus

• $900,000 - design of the Academy of Creative Media Building

• $500,000 - design of the Allied Health Building

 Read More

Queens to Buy and Reopen Hawai‘i Medical Center - West

Great news this month that the State Health and Planning Development Agency approved Queen's Medical Center's plan to purchase and reopen the Hawai‘i Medical Center - West (HMC-West) hospital in Ewa. As you know, HMC-West closed at the end of December 2011. This has left West Oahu without an acute-care hospital and has put a huge strain on other island hospitals to fill our emergency room service needs. Queen's will buy the hospital for $73.2 million and plans to have it open for business by August 2013. They also plan to hire roughly 400 workers.  Read More

John Howell Retires from Easter Seals Hawai‘i

I attended the Surprise Luncheon for John Howell's Retirement on August 16th at the Easter Seals Hawai‘i's Makakilo office. John Howell served as the CEO and President of ESH for nearly 20 years.

Mr. Howell was born in Franklin, Virginia to William and Helen Howell. John, along with his older brother Billy and younger sister Janet, grew up amongst pigs, horses, chickens, and hunting dogs on his family's soybean and peanut farm. He first came to Hawai‘i briefly in 1970 as an Infantry Officer. Mr. Howell was quick to take an opportunity to return for good when he transferred with Xerox Corporation out of Atlanta, Georgia. It was at Xerox that Mr. Howell met his future wife, Wendy. Together they have 2 children, Michael and Samantha. Mr. Howell dedicated himself to supporting his kids' athletic pursuits in a way that exceeded most other parents. He attended each and every baseball, softball, volleyball, and basketball game as well as swim and track meets. Mr. and Mrs. Howell are especially proud of Michael and Samantha who have both recently graduated and are now gainfully employed.

After working for large corporations for the majority of his life, Mr. Howell was ready to lend his extensive skills to ESH, where he could give back to his community. ESH provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play. Under Mr. Howell's watch, ESH now has 500 employees on five islands, with operating revenues of approximately $18 million and is one of the top-ranked affiliates out of the 78 Easter Seals facilities across the nation. Mahalo nui loa to John for his decades of aloha for Easter Seals Hawai‘i, and their extra special clients and employees.  Read More

Aloha Friends,

Hope you're all well and enjoying the summer months. Lots of excitement in the air about UH West Oahu opening up after so many years on the drawing table. Here are some things I'd like to share with you. Please contact me at 586-6830 or sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov if I can ever help you or your family in any way.

Mike

"Listen Story" Meeting

My next "Listen Story" meeting will be held at the Kapolei Starbucks (next to the Chevron Station) on August 25th from 9:00 to 10:00am.

UH West Oahu Grand Opening

Just a quick reminder that the Grand Opening for the new UH West Oahu campus in Kapolei will be Saturday, August 18th from 11am to 5pm. The public is welcome to attend this free event. There will be entertainment, food trucks, and family activities. The address is 91-1000 Farrington Highway. Classes will begin two days later on August 20th. For more information, please call 454-4750.  Read More

Kalaeloa Community Development District Rule Making Public Hearings

As you know, the Barbers Point Naval Air Station closed in 1999. For many years, Barbers Point (now referred to as Kalaeloa) lay dormant, attracting vandalism, overgrowth, and was in general disrepair. I've been a resident of the community since 2004. The Hawai'i Community Development Authority (HCDA) was given the task of redeveloping the area which includes housing, National Guard military installations, a Coast Guard facility, and an airport. Things were slow going for many years until 2006 when the Kalaeloa Master Plan was adopted. Since that time, we've seen many businesses popping up, the Tripler's Wounded Warrior medical facility opening up, solar farms on the way, and the new Pacific FBI headquarters soon opening its doors in September. HCDA is currently in the process of adopting the rules, which will establish special zoning districts in Kalaeloa. The plan is to balance commercial, residential, light industrial, and recreational uses in the community. There are two public hearings coming up that you might want to attend:

Dates:  August 16th (presentation) and September 11th (decision making)
Place:  Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hale Ponoi Conference Room (91-5420 Kapolei Parkway)
Time:  9am

If you'd like to take a look at the proposed rules, please go to: http://hcdaweb.org/plans-rules. You can email written comments before the public hearings to contact@hcdaweb.org. For more information, call 594-0300.  Read More

Convoy of Hope Helps the Less Fortunate

I participated in the Convoy of Hope at the Kapolei Fairgrounds on July 28th. Over 5,000 West Oahu residents received free services, including getting lunch, groceries, a haircut, a family photo, a medical screening, and school supplies. This event is part of a nationwide effort called the "Day of Compassion" focused on distributing food, goods, and services to the needy. They also held simultaneous events in Kailua and Kalihi. The events were organized by the Assembly of God churches. Mahalo to Pastor Mel Corpuz (Leeward Site Coordinator), Kunia resident Danny Melton, and all the dedicated volunteers who made these important events a reality.  Read More

Aloha Friends,

Happy 4th of July! Please take a moment to reflect on how this day signifies our cherished freedoms and democratic way of life. Also, I hope you enjoy some quality time with your family and friends at the beach or in your backyard. Let me know if I can help you in any way. I can be reached at 586-6830 or sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov.

Mike

"Listen Story" Meeting

My next "Listen Story" meeting will be held at the Kamokila Community Park Meeting Room in Honokai Hale on July 21st from 9:00 to 10:00am. This will be my last community meeting in Honokai Hale, due to the fact that I will no longer represent that area if I'm re-elected in November.

Ka Makana Ali‘i Mall Brings More Shopping to Kapolei

Attention ladies...The planned Ka Makana Ali‘i Mall is coming to Kapolei in the near future. This is a DeBartolo project that will be built on 67-acres of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property at the intersection of Kapolei Parkway and Kualaka‘i Parkway. At 1.1 million square feet, it will rival the size of Pearlridge Center and will include office buildings, a grocery store, and a hotel. The initial phase of the project will be 200,000 square feet and will be constructed starting in 2013. Tenant openings will be in 2014 and will include Walgreens, 24 Hour Fitness, Butterfly Ice Cream, McDonald's, State Farm Insurance, and Nailtek.  Read More

Commitment to Solar Continues to be Important

You might have seen some of the latest news about how the Council on Revenues reported that state tax revenues were down a bit this past quarter. Surprisingly, the COR focused on the solar tax credit as being one of the main causes for the decrease in revenues. They claim that the state lost $70 million in revenue in 2011 because of the money invested in the solar tax credit. What the COR failed to mention is the importance that the solar industry now has in our economy. For example in 2011, solar accounted for 15% of the construction in the state. This is coupled with a recent study commissioned by Blue Planet Foundation and conducted by UH economist, Dr. Thomas Loudat, who found that for every solar tax credit dollar invested, $13.37 stays in Hawai‘i and generates $44.70 in additional sales, which means $3.17 in new tax revenue. Solar remains a very important way for homes and businesses to reduce their electricity costs and our dependence on fossil fuels. Opponents of the solar tax credit fail to mention that nationally from 2002 to 2008 our federal government subsidized the fossil fuel industry to the tune of $72.47 billion a year compared to $5.61 billion in subsidies for the solar industry. How are we going to ever make any real progress if we keep our head in the sand and don't face the reality that "big oil" continues to have a strangle hold on us here in Hawai‘i and across our nation?  Read More

Governor Abercrombie Releases Construction Funding for Our Schools

I was stoked to learn that Governor Abercrombie released $26.8 million in construction funding for schools across the state. Here's a rundown of the projects in Senate District 19:

• $2.5 million - East Kapolei Middle School - design of new school

• $1,938,678 - Kapolei High School, Kapolei Middle School, and Kapolei Elementary School - relocation or construction of temporary facilities (funding includes other schools)

• $179,000 - Kapolei High School - additional construction for temporary restroom facilities (includes funding for another school)

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Aloha Friends,

I completed my 6th Legislative Session as your State Senator on May 3rd. Due to the changes made by the Reapportionment Commission, the district I currently represent will change from District 19 to District 20. My district will lose the communities of Waikele, Royal Kunia, Village Park, Honokai Hale, and a section of Ko Olina. I'll pick up portions of Waipahu, Ewa Villages, and West Loch. I'll also retain Kapolei, Makakilo, a large section of Kalaeloa, and a small area of Waipahu. To all those folks who will not live in District 20, it has been a privilege to serve as your State Senator. If I get re-elected on November 6th, to all the people in Ewa and Waipahu I'll now represent and the Kapolei, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, and Waipahu residents I continue to represent, please let me know if I can ever help you or your family in any way. I can be reached at 586-6830 or at sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov.

Mike

"Listen Story" Meeting

My next two "Listen Story" meetings will be held at the Kapolei Starbucks (next to the Chevron Station) on Saturday, June 16th from 9:00am to 10:00am and the Kamokila Community Park Meeting Room in Honokai Hale on July 21st from 9:00 to 10:00am.

UH West Oahu Opening Soon

One of the biggest highlights of my time in the State Senate is seeing our new UH West O‘ahu campus in Kapolei finally come to fruition. Given that the first appropriation of $300,000 in planning funding for UHWO happened in 1966, it's huge that classes will begin on August 20th. The five building campus will open with 22 bachelor degree programs and 2,000 students, but will be expanding in the coming years. UH West O‘ahu will provide higher education opportunities for the people of West and Central O‘ahu and will also greatly reduce the traffic on the H-1. I hope you can make it to the public party at the new campus on August 18th from 11am to 6pm.  Read More

Key Energy and Environment Bills Pass the Legislature

This was my 4th session as the Chair of the Senate's Energy and Environment Committee. Here's a quick rundown of some of the key bills we passed this session:

• SB 2822 - establishes the Hawai'i Electric Device Recycling Task Force within the Department of Health to make recommendations for a workable recycling program for electronic devices.
• SB 2785 - sets up the regulatory framework through which the state Public Utilities Commission would regulate any interisland electrical transmission cable developer as a utility.
• SB 2746 - modifies existing state benefits for electric vehicle owners by making it so they have free metered parking for up to 2.5 hours and can use the HOV lanes, regardless of the number of passengers, through 2020.
• SB 2281 - allows applicants or agencies to bypass an environmental assessment (EA) and proceed directly to an environmental impact assessment (EIS) if the proposed project is likely to require an EIS anyway. This will save applicants time and money without compromising environmental protections.
• SB 2277 - extends the authority of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to issue incidental take licenses as part of habitat conservation plans and safe harbor agreements for endangered species through June 29, 2017.
• SB 2001 - amends the state Planning Act to promote the development of indigenous renewable energy resources, such as geothermal, that are located on public trust land as an affordable and reliable source of firm power for Hawai'i.
• HB 2593 - authorizes DLNR to adopt emergency rules if there is an imminent threat to natural resources.

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Congratulations to 2012 High School Graduates

Congratulations to Kapolei High School Valedictorians: Sharon Cabjuan, Caitlin Cavarocchi, Madison Healy, Tyler Kushima, Gabryn Kam, Kristen Kuakini, and Aisha Tierra. Also, congrats to American Renaissance Academy Valedictorian Laurent Drui, and Island Pacific Academy Salutatorian Lynn Shin, Valedictorian Kianna Billman, and their Navigator Award (best all around student) winner Ciera Fleming. I wish all the 2012 high school graduates the best!  Read More

"Listen Story" Meeting

My next two "Listen Story" meetings will be held at the Kunia Starbucks (Kunia Shopping Center) on Saturday, May 5th and at the Kapolei Starbucks (next to the Chevron Station) on Saturday, June 16th. Both meetings are from 9:00am to 10:00am.

District 19 Residents Offer to Serve

Congratulations to the following District 19 residents who were nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate to serve on state Boards and Commissions. All of them deserve praise for lending their talents to make Hawai‘i an even better place to live.

•  Shirley Swinney (Kapolei) - Hawai‘i Community Development Authority
•  Rey Graulty (Makakilo) - Hawai‘i Health Authority
•  Beverly Lee (Village Park) - King Kamehameha Celebration Commission
•  Loraine Fleming (Makakilo) - State Board of Nursing
•  Dave Rae (Makakilo) - Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Board of Directors
•  Robert Martin (Waikele) - Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council

 Read More

Construction Funding for Our Communities

Senate District 19 was awarded $59,979,000 in construction funding in the Fiscal Year 2013 supplemental budget. Mahalo to Ways and Means Committee Chair David Ige and Vice Chair Michelle Kidani in the Senate and Finance Committee Chair Marcus Oshiro and Vice Chair Marilyn Lee in the House for all their hard work in making this happen. Here are the specific projects:

•  Kalaeloa East Energy Corridor - $3.5 million
•  Kalaeloa Airport Utility Corridor - $500,000
•  Kalaeloa Fuel Pier Facility Improvements - $2 million
•  Kalaeloa Harbor Improvements - $25,150,000
•  Kalei‘opu‘u Elementary (secondary ramp for campus evacuation) - $625,000
•  Kapolei High (new locker room and showers) - $4,665,000
•  Kualaka‘i Parkway (Kapolei Parkway to Roosevelt) - $15 million
•  Kunia Agricultural Park Improvements - $1 million
•  Makakilo Elementary (special education portable building) - $375,000
•  Malama Learning Center - $400,000
•  Royal Kunia Elementary School (plans for a new elementary school) - $150,000
•  UH West Oahu (campus-wide sitework and improvements) - $2.5 million
•  UH West Oahu (planning and design for Allied Health building) - $995,000
•  UH West Oahu (planning and design for creative media facility) - $900,000
•  UH West Oahu (road to connect campus to Farrington Highway) - $1,250,000
•  Waikele Elementary (expansion of cafeteria to include a performing arts stage) - $794,000
•  Waikele Elementary (resurfacing basketball court and creation of playground concrete surface) - $175,000

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Capitol Idol 2012: A Smashing Success

My office organized the Capitol Idol 2012 talent show at the Capitol on April 16th, where we raised $1391 for the Hawai‘i Foodbank. Members of the State Senate and House squared off in the hopes of winning the perpetual individual and team trophies, with local comedian Augie T volunteering as emcee. The House of Representatives came away with the team trophy, and Representative Marcus Oshiro performed a number in drag to the tune "I Will Survive" to win the individual prize. We got our okoles kicked by the House, but we'll be back next year. I mean how can you compete with a House Finance Chair who slinks, bumps and grinds around the stage belting out "I Will Survive"? Seriously, this was a great way to let off a little steam during the busiest part of the session and raise money for a very worthy cause. We hope to make this an annual event to showcase legislators' hidden talents. The five Senate acts included me singing/playing guitar and harmonica, Brickwood Galuteria, Josh Green, Pohai Ryan and Malama Solomon. House contenders were Representatives Tom Brower, Cindy Evans, Ken Ito, John Mizuno and Marcus Oshiro.  Read More

Key Energy and Environment Bills Pass the Legislature

This was my 4th session as the Chair of the Senate's Energy and Environment Committee. This is a quick rundown of some of the key bills we passed this session.

•  SB 2785 - sets up a regulatory framework for an interisland undersea cable to be constructed in order to allow electricity to be sent from one island to another. This would ensure that, if a cable is built, it would be treated as a cable utility regulated by the Public Utilities Commission.

•  SB 2746 - modifies existing state benefits for electric vehicle owners by making it so they have free metered parking for up to 2.5 hours and can use the HOV lanes regardless of the number of passengers through 2020.

•  SB 2281 - allows applicants or agencies to bypass an environmental assessment (EA) and proceed directly to an environmental impact assessment (EIS) if the proposed project is likely to require an EIS anyway. This will save developers time and money without compromising environmental protections.

•  SB 2001 - amends the state Planning Act to promote the development of indigenous renewable energy resources, such as geothermal, which is located on public trust land as an affordable and reliable source of firm power for Hawai‘i.

 Read More

Capitol Idol 2012 - April 16, 2012

"Listen Story" Meeting

The 2012 Legislative Session wraps up on May 3rd. Please join me at my next "Listen Story" meeting at the Kunia Starbucks (Kunia Shopping Center) on Saturday, May 5th from 9:00am to 10:00am where I'll give a legislative wrap-up.

Governor Releases Construction Funding for District 19 Schools

Great news! Governor Abercrombie released $7.48 million in construction funding for schools across the state on March 7th. Here's a breakdown of how those funds were allocated, which includes District 19 schools.

•  $2 million - energy improvements (upgrades to AC systems and installation of data loggers and sub meters so that schools may track and manage their electrical use at a more detailed level) at Waikele Elementary, Kapolei Middle, and Kapolei High

•  $1 million - special education portable classrooms at Makakilo Elementary

•  $1 million - planning for new East Kapolei High School

•  $500,000 - playground equipment and accessibility improvements at Waikele Elementary and Kaleiopuu Elementary

 Read More

Honoring Kapolei Community Development Corporation

I was honored to sponsor a floor presentation at the State Senate for the officers and directors of Kapolei Community Development Corporation (KCDC) on February 28th. KCDC was formed in 2008 by Kapolei homestead leaders. Their mission is to foster family and cultural preservation founded on the tenets of community, culture, education, and partnerships by leasing land and developing it in a way that benefits the community. Their goal is a family and educational center with space for offices, meeting areas, a certified kitchen, a hall for large gatherings, and storefronts for promoting homestead cottage industry products. By the end of 2010, KCDC's consistent work resulted in awards for both the funding to initiate planning and a 65-year general lease with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for a parcel of land for commercial development and revenue generation. Mahalo for the efforts of President Shirley Swinney, Vice President Paul Richards, Treasurer Homelani Schaedel, Director Clayton Brown, and Secretary Kanani Sang-Pereira to create a place for the community to thrive, learn, and strengthen their families. They are setting an inspiring example for what a small group of determined people can achieve for the betterment of the community by Kulia I Ka Nu‘u (striving for excellence).  Read More

"Revenge of the Electric Car" Movie House Party

I'll be hosting a house party, co-sponsored by the Sierra Club, to show the movie "Revenge of the Electric Car" on April 17th at the Kapolei High Teachers' Lounge (next to the cafeteria) from 6:45pm to 8:30pm. The FREE movie focuses on exciting developments in the production of electric vehicles. Here's the trailer if you'd like to check it out.

Many of you may know I've owned an all electric Nissan Leaf for almost a year. Please call my office at 586-6830 to RSVP if you plan to attend. Seating is limited. Just so you know, the state extended the rebates for the purchase of new electric vehicles (up to $4,500) and charging stations (up to $500) through November 1st. There is currently $387,000 left in the program. The federal electric vehicle tax credit (up to $7,500) and charging station (up to $1,000) won't expire until 100,000 vehicles are sold. By April, there will be 140 charging stations at 100 locations around the state (including Kapolei Commons and Kapolei Shopping Center). As of January 2012, 663 electric vehicles are registered statewide.  Read More

Ask Your Senator with Senator Mike Gabbard

"Listen Story" Meeting

My next "Listen Story" meeting will be held at the Kapolei Starbucks (next to Chevron Station) on Saturday, March 24th from 9:00am to 10:00am.

Time is Right for Bag Fee Bill

I'm very hopeful that we'll get SB 2511 passed this session. You might have heard about this bill-putting a 10 cent fee on every plastic and paper bag given out by retailers. We got very close to passing similar legislation last year. If it becomes law, we would become the first state in the nation to charge a fee for these bags. This is a great way to clean up litter and protect our marine life. Neighbor Island counties have already taken a big step forward by banning plastic bags. What we're trying to do is take it one step further by putting a fee on paper bags that are expensive and unnecessarily kill trees. It's very rare and almost too good to be true to have retailers, like Safeway and Times, Retail Merchants of Hawai‘i and the environmentalists on board in support of SB 2511. It's an added plus this session that we're planning to dedicate funding to the Department of Land and Natural Resources to help with the Governor's Watershed Restoration program. This bill is a win-win and I'm making it one of my top priorities this session. I'm sorry if some of you have heartburn about this bill. The fact is we use 400 million plastic and 20 million paper bags each year, and as the chair of the Senate Energy and Environment committee, I'm doing everything I can to get us off foreign oil, plus keep the aina clean. For you pet owners and others who reuse your plastic bags, there are some exemptions to the bill, such as produce bags, meat/bakery bags, etc. Click here to view the bill.

I want to clarify that this is a fee, not a tax. If you bring your reusable bag to the store, you won't need to buy any plastic bags. As one constituent pointed out to me, he thinks it's a great idea. He said he plans to carry his cooler and a box in the car. When he goes shopping, he'll have the cashier put all the groceries back into his cart, then he'll wheel it out to the car, and load up!  Read More

Extension of Kualaka‘i Parkway Still on Track

I requested Dr. Glenn Okimoto, Director of the state Department of Transportation (DOT), on February 6th , to check on the status of $15 million in funding that I had worked with my colleagues at the State Legislature to secure during the 2010 Legislative Session to extend Kualaka‘i Parkway from Kapolei Parkway to Roosevelt Avenue. This section of road is key, given that the planned Ka Makana Ali‘i Mall/Shopping Center will be located at the corner of these two roads. Since the funding was allocated, there have been discussions between the DOT and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands about which agency would actually be in charge of building the road. Due to the delay, the money didn't get released. Fortunately, Dr. Okimoto tells us the project is back on track and construction should begin in mid-2015.  Read More

Kawailoa Wind Farm to be Largest in the State

I joined U.S. Senator Dan Akaka, Lt. Governor Brian Schatz, and Mayor Peter Carlisle in giving a speech at the groundbreaking for the Kawailoa Wind Farm on the North Shore. The 69 MW project will feature 30 wind turbines and supply power to 14,500 homes. The wind farm will be constructed by First Wind and will be located on Kamehameha School's Kawailoa Plantation lands near Haleiwa, just mauka of Chun's Reef. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Congratulations to First Wind CEO, Paul Gaynor, for helping us get a big step closer to weaning ourselves from fossil fuels.  Read More

Aloha Friends,

The 2012 Legislative Session is in full swing. You may have seen on the news that the state Supreme Court ruled the Reapportionment Commission's new legislative districts plan was invalid because it counted too many of the non-permanent resident military and students. The Reapportionment Commission had a deadline of February 1st to come up with a new plan, but this didn't happen. This means none of us know what our districts will look like come 2013. I'll keep you posted!

Me ka pumehana,
Mike

"Listen Story" Meeting

My next "listen story" meeting will be held at the Waikele Starbucks (Waikele Shopping Center) on Saturday, February 25th from 9:00am to 10:00am.

East Kapolei Fire Company Placed in Service

I got word that the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) placed a new fire company, Engine 43, in service on January 22nd. The actual East Kapolei Fire Station, which will be located adjacent to the current Department of Hawaiian Home Lands headquarters, is still under construction. However, HFD has the new fire apparatus and crew stationed at the construction site where they will be housed in two portable trailers until the fire station is complete at the end of 2012. Engine 43 will be available for emergency response 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The only difference is that walk-in services, such as blood pressure screening and fire education, won't be available while construction is still going on due to safety concerns.  Read More

HCDA Traffic Safety Improvements in Kalaeloa

It was an honor to participate and offer remarks at the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority (HCDA) Kalaeloa Life Safety Projects Volunteer Appreciation & Blessing Ceremony on January 20th. Construction on these important road safety improvements began on January 17th and will take about 6 months to complete. It will consist of the installation of traffic signs and pavement markings, minor grading work, and traffic lane realignment at these five separate locations.

•   Project Site 1: "S" curve on Coral Sea Road
•   Project Site 2: Roosevelt Avenue and Philippine Sea Street intersection
•   Project Site 3: Coral Sea Road and Eisenhower Road intersection
•   Project Site 4: Coral Sea Road and Tripoli Street intersection
•   Project Site 5: Roosevelt Avenue and Coral Sea Road

I've been a Kalaeloa resident for about 8 years and know that my neighbors and friends are very pleased that their trips to go surfing or swimming at White Plains will be that much safer. Mahalo to the Governor, HCDA, my colleagues at the Legislature, the Kalaeloa Community Network, and the Kalaeloa Safety Group for their efforts in making these projects a reality.  Read More

Kuehnle Agrosystems Launches Innovative Project in Kapolei

I participated in the Commissioning Ceremony for the Kuehnle Agrosystems (KAS) Algae Production Demonstration site at the Chevron refinery in Campbell Industrial Park on January 10th. KAS employs an innovative system that uses recycled carbon dioxide waste streams and wastewater by-products from the Chevron to grow algae for food and feed. KAS will operate the 18-month demonstration project to cultivate and evaluate different strains of algae at production scale. During the ceremony, I was told that this is the only place in the world where an oil refinery is working hand in hand with a "green" company with the goal of producing renewable energy and agricultural products. Congratulations to KAS Chairman, Paul Zorner; Scott Frank of Chevron Hawai‘i; and KAS President and CEO, Heidi Kuehnle, for making this innovative project happen.  Read More

"Listen Story" Meeting

My next "listen story" meeting will be held at the Kapolei Starbucks (next to the Chevron Station) on Saturday, January 14th from 9:00am to 10:00am.

Gas Company Launches Renewable Natural Gas Plant

I was honored to make a presentation at the dedication of the Gas Company's new Renewable Natural Gas Plant at Campbell Industrial Park on December 15th. The plant will have the capacity to process up to 1 million gallons of renewable fuel a year. Initially, the Gas Company will be using fish oil as its feedstock, but will also be looking at animal fats and vegetable oils. This plant was made possible in part by a $1 million grant from the Hawai'i Renewable Energy Venture. I commend the Gas Company and their CEO, Jeff Kissel, for taking this exciting step toward more sustainable, reliable, and efficient energy for our island businesses and homes.  Read More

Capital 10 District Energy Challenge

Back in June, Governor Abercrombie held his iConserve Rally at the Capitol to encourage state workers to conserve energy in the workplace. I was driving in from Kapolei for the event and was inspired. Being a former tennis pro and athlete, I thought why not have state buildings here in Hawai'i compete with each other to see who could reduce their electricity usage the most. During the past few months, I've been working with Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and NORESCO (an energy performance contracting company) on setting this up. The goal is to have the 10 Capitol District buildings reduce their combined energy consumption by $100,000 during the next calendar year starting this month. We'll be measuring each one of the building's energy reduction using EUI - a unit of measurement that represents the energy consumed by a building relative to its size. DAGS will be posting monthly progress reports on the web at www.hawaii.gov/green.  Read More

Command Sergeant Major Iuniasolua Savusa's Retirement

I presented an honorary certificate from the State Senate to Command Sergeant Major Iuniasolua Savusa at his retirement party at Ft. Shafter on December 19th. CSM Savusa began his career over 36 years ago as an Infantryman. Since then he has excelled in infantry, ranger, air assault, and airborne assignments. A gifted leader, he has been a team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant, scout platoon sergeant, drill sergeant, senior air assault instructor, chief instructor light fighters infantry course, Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor, first sergeant, and operations sergeant major. CSM Savusa, now a Kapolei resident, is a native of American Samoa and has been stationed in destinations as far away as Kentucky, Louisiana, Italy and Germany. In support of the Global War on Terrorism, in 2002 he deployed to Afghanistan and served as the CSM, Task Force Rakkasan, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Operation Enduring Freedom I. In 2003, he deployed as the CSM, 3d Brigade, 187th Infantry Regiment (Rakkasan), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Operation IRAQI FREEDOM I. In 2005, he again deployed with Southern European Task Force (Airborne) as the CSM, Combined Joint Task Force - 76, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM VI. CSM Savusa has earned many prestigious awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal with "V" (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4th Oak Leaf Cluster), and the Army Commendation Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), among many others. His commitment to excellence and his dedication to being an outstanding leader has left an indelible legacy. Fa'afetai tele lava, CSM Savusa, for your service to our country.  Read More

Drive Safe 4 Ewa-Kapolei Live & Let Live Kick-Off - December 3, 2011

"Listen Story" Meeting

My next "listen story" meeting will be held at the Kapolei Starbucks (next to the Chevron Station) on Saturday, January 14th from 9:00am to 10:00am.

Drive Safe 4 Ewa/Kapolei "Live & Let Live" Focus on Road Safety

We kicked off the 2011 Drive Safe 4 Ewa/Kapolei "Live & Let Live" campaign at the Kapolei Police Station on December 3rd. This is the 5th time my office has participated on the organizing committee for this important traffic safety event. If you're not familiar, this campaign is a month-long event dedicated to encouraging safe driving around the Christmas Holidays, a time when crashes, drunk driving, and road fatalities are at their peak. Drive Safe 4 Ewa/Kapolei is in its 8th year and the Live and Let Live campaign has been a tradition for the last 27 years. For the past two years, the two campaigns have joined together to "drive home" an even more powerful statement about the deadly consequences of carelessness on the road. You might have seen the severely crashed cars (usually looking just like mangled piles of metal and glass) that are placed at busy intersections as a startling reminder of what can happen as a result of drinking and driving. This simple yet memorable technique is coupled with several sign waving days that have community and youth participation. The focus is on increasing awareness of the dangers of speeding, as well as, reckless and intoxicated driving in communities from Ewa to the Waianae Coast.

In addition to showcasing crashed cars and sign waving about road smarts, the 2011 campaign included a poster contest for students from James Campbell, Kapolei, Nanakuli and Waianae high schools that my office spearheaded. The contest involves teenagers in the campaign in a creative way to encourage them to consider how drinking and driving, or other reckless activities behind the wheel, can affect not only the driver, but his or her passengers, family members, and others on the road. This year's talented winners were Candace Farris (Kapolei High junior) in first place, Zaneta Woods (James Campbell High senior) in second place, Saaga Tuono (Nanakuli High sophomore) in third place, and Deseree Borges (Waianae High sophomore) in fourth place. Each of these students received a cash award from the Waianae Military Citizens Advisory Council and certificates from the State Legislature, which I and other legislators presented to them at the event.

Here are the dates for the sign-waving portion of the campaign if you'd like to participate:
•  December 6, 2011, 7:00am - 7:45am - Kapolei High School fronting Kapolei Parkway and Fort Barrette
•  December 9, 2011, 3:30pm - 4:30pm - Fort Barrette and Farrington Highway

 Read More

Roosevelt Avenue Finally Gets Repaved

I'm sure you're as happy as I am to see that Roosevelt Avenue was repaved in record time last month. This is a huge relief for many of you (and me!) who have had to put up with many potholes for years. The complete project boundaries were from Kamokila Boulevard (western boundary) to the Geiger Road guardhouse. The contractor striped the pavement with temporary tape for now. The road will be finished with thermoplastic paint and reflectors in the weeks ahead. Mahalo to the Department of Transportation for getting this important project done.  Read More

H-1 Lights Will Be Back On Soon

We recently got word that the Department of Transportation is moving forward with repairing the H-1 lights between Kunia and Makakilo, which have been out for a while because of copper wire theft. The contractor for the project will begin work in January and the completion date will be April 7th. The project had been planned for an October start date, but was pushed back due to APEC restrictions and the Christmas holidays. This will be a welcome relief for many of us West Oahu commuters who've endured darkness on the H-1 for way too long. The lights on the H-2 will also be repaired after the H-1 lights are completed. Read More

Kroc Center a Huge Blessing for Kapolei

I'm stoked that the Salvation Army's Kroc Center in Kapolei will be completed very soon. The Salvation Army is planning a soft opening in December and official opening in January 2012. They are already taking applications for membership, so please give their Member Services Manager, Jean Pfau, a call at 682-5505 ext. 213 if you'd like to get you and your family signed up. For those who aren't familiar with the history, our Kroc Center was made possible by a $1.8 billion gift from Joanne Kroc, the wife of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc. Kapolei had to compete with 19 other cities around the country to get our community center built. Our 200,000 square-foot facility cost an estimated $69 million to build. Here are some of the incredible amenities that will be available to our community:

•   Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Education and Resource Center - computer lab, art, ceramic art, active senior learning, tutoring, summer day camp, banquet, conference and meeting rooms.

•   Mary D. and Walter F. Frear Early Education Center - serving up to 150 children, ages 2-4.

•   Health and Wellness Center - cardio, weights, circuit training, group fitness classes, dance classes, health assessment, massage, and personal training.

•   Aquatics Center - recreational pool, water slides, Jacuzzi, competition pool.

•   Jack & Marie Lord Worship & Performance Arts Center - church and church activities, music lessons, band, choir, children's theater, drama, dance, stage and prop production, video editing.

•   Clarence T.C. Ching Athletic Center - basketball, volleyball, roller skating, and open gymnasium.

•   First Hawaiian Bank Hale Ho‘okipa - dormitory for traveling teams, mission teams, and small group conferences.

 Read More

Big Wind Listening Tour

As Chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee, I led a listening tour to Lana‘i and Moloka‘i with Senator Kalani English, Rep. Denny Coffman, Rep. Mele Carroll, and Rep. Cynthia Thielen on November 2nd and 3rd. Back in January of this year, I held an informational briefing on the proposed 200 MW wind farms on those islands. The power from the wind farms would be transmitted via undersea cables to Oahu. During the hearings, I made a promise to the people of those communities that I'd visit to get their input on the wind farms.  Read More

Makeke Kapolei - a Farmers' and Green Market

I honored the organizers of the Makeke Kapolei Farmers' Market at their Grand Opening at Kapolei High School on October 20th. Makeke Kapolei is a joint collaboration between Kapolei High School, Malama Learning Center, and Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. These organizations have joined together because of their interest in promoting locally grown food, healthy eating, and sustainable lifestyles among Leeward Oahu residents. Carol and I went and found wide selections of organic and conventional produce, pastries, coffees, plants, coconut peanut butter, and much more. Makeke Kapolei will take place every Thursday from 3-6:30pm, so please check it out.  Read More

Listen-Story Meeting

My next "Listen-Story" community meeting will be held at the Kapolei Starbucks (next to the Chevron Station) on Saturday, October 22nd from 9am to 10am. If you can't make it, please drop me an email or call me at the office.

Friends for Kea Davis-Milo Fund

One of our neighbors in Makakilo, Kea Davis-Milo, needs your help. Kea is a professional singer and has a husband and two young children. She was recently diagnosed with a rare, neurological disease called Moyamoya. The only treatment for this disease is a high risk surgery that costs an estimated $1.5 million. Her insurance company will cover 85% of the cost, but that still leaves a $150,000 bill. If you'd like to make a donation to Kea, you can make a deposit at any Bank of Hawai‘i branch to the Friends of Kea Davis-Milo or do it online at this website: www.life4kea.com. You might also be interested in attending her Big Kokua Bash - An Extension of Life Concert for Kea Davis-Milo at the Waterfront at Aloha Tower on Saturday, November 12th from 6pm to 2am. To purchase tickets or to find out more information, call their hotline at 744-8769.  Read More

Honeywell UOP Biorefinery Coming to Campbell Industrial Park

Rep. Sharon Har and I presented a certificate from the State Legislature in honor of the groundbreaking for Honeywell UOP's Integrated Biorefinery at the Tesoro Refinery in Campbell Industrial Park on August 30th. This project will be a pilot-scale refining facility to convert biomass into green transportation fuels and will be made possible by a $25 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy. As a result of this project, UOP anticipates being able to replicate the facility on a commercial scale. Each commercial application would have the potential of producing 50 million gallons of fuels annually, while creating approximately 800 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent jobs. Locally, the Honeywell UOP Integrated Refinery in Campbell Industrial Park will provide 85 jobs during peak construction and around 40 sustained jobs. The facility will produce fuels that offer more than a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. (mahalo Senator Inouye!)  Read More

Listen-Story Meeting

My next "Listen-Story" community meeting will be held at the Kamokila Community Park in Honokai Hale (91-015 Farrington Highway) on Saturday, September 24th from 9am to 10am. If you can't make it, and you would like me to address a concern or issue, please drop me an email or call me at the office.

UH West Oahu Townhall Meeting

Rep. Sharon Har, myself, and other West Oahu legislators will host a Townhall meeting focused on the new UH West Oahu campus on Wednesday, September 21st from 7-8:30pm at the Kapolei High School cafeteria. UHWO Chancellor Dr. Gene Awakuni will be giving a presentation on the current Kapolei campus construction which will be completed by April 2012. He'll also be talking about the 22 bachelor degree programs that will be offered. They'll have applications on hand for those young and old who want to get signed up for the Fall 2012 semester, when the campus officially opens. Dr. Awakuni will be joined by other UH West Oahu faculty and administrators to answer questions.   Read More

Hawai‘i Five-0 Films in Kalaeloa

Recently, we had a surprise visit at our home in Kalaeloa by the crew of Hawa‘i Five-O. They knocked on our door and asked if they could look around, and possibly do a shoot in our living room and bathroom. They liked what they saw, we agreed to the shoot, so they came back a couple weeks later to dismantle our home, moving all our stuff into the garage, and putting in their props and furniture, which included a piano. It was quite an experience getting an up-close look at the making of this hit Hollywood TV show. (One of the things I love about the series is the spectacular cinematography of familiar places we all know. A Gabbard family favorite is an aerial shot of Kapiolani Park by the tennis courts at dusk.) It's amazing to see the incredible detail that goes into the sets for the program. It was also neat seeing how many locals work on the crew. Shortly after the shoot at our home, I got the chance to make a cameo appearance in the filming of the premiere episode for the second season. On July 25th at 5 a.m., I showed up at The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) along with 180 other extras to shoot a couple scenes, which took about six hours. I'll appear as a captain in Navy whites, the grieving husband of the Governor who was assassinated in last season's finale. I won't spoil anything else. If you want to know "the rest of the story", you'll have to attend the second season world premiere at Sunset on the Beach (Queen's Surf Beach) in Waikiki at sunset on September 10th or when it airs nationally on KGMB, Monday, September 19th at 9:00pm. Read more in the Honolulu Civil Beat or in the September 2011 Newsletter.

"Back to School Shopping Spree" Helps Needy Kapolei Students Hit the Books

Senator Michelle Kidani, Reps. Karen Awana and Ryan Yamane and I were among dozens of chaperones who volunteered to shop with students in need during Target's second annual "Back to School Shopping Spree" on August 9th at the Kapolei Target. The event was sponsored by Target and the Salvation Army KROC Center. Other chaperones included Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and Miss Hawai'i Lauren Cheape. We were paired with keiki as they shopped for essentials such as school supplies, clothes and shoes with an $80 gift card. Fifty-one students from Kapolei Elementary and Kapolei Middle schools were given the opportunity to shop for back to school essentials. "Back to School Shopping Spree" is a national event, with 492 stores participating. The program provides more than 11,700 students in need with school supplies. Target began the event in Hawai‘i last year with each Oahu store (Salt Lake and Kapolei) hosting 50 children. This year each store hosted a total of 100 students. Mahalo to Target and Salvation Army for investing in our keiki and helping those in need.  Read More

Senate Spotlight with West Oahu Legislators - July 14, 2011

Aloha Friends,

You may have heard the bad news that USPS has put the Kapolei Post Office on a list of 3,653 local post offices across the country which may close in January 2012. Given that Kapolei is one of the fastest growing areas of our state, it doesn't make any sense that they would be scaling back service for residents.

I've spoken to local USPS leaders and sent in testimony asking that they reconsider this decision. I'm also working with our Congressional delegation in the hopes they can help out with the situation.

USPS is offering a 60-day comment period to allow the public to weigh in. If you have the time, please send a letter to USPS District Office, 3600 Aolele Street, Honolulu, HI 96820.

Another option is to answer this easy online survey that I created at this link: Click here to take survey

I'll tabulate the survey results and send to USPS right before their deadline on September 30th.

USPS has notified me that they are open to public-private partnerships and are willing to look at another "contract postal unit" for Kapolei. (There is a small one already at Armac Printing in the Kapolei Shopping Center.) If you have any ideas for possible businesses for a "contract postal unit" or questions, please send me an email or give me a buzz.

Me ka pumehana,
Mike Gabbard

Listen-Story Meeting

My next "Listen-Story" community meeting will be at Kapolei Starbucks (next to the Chevron Station) on Saturday, August 20th from 9am to 10am. If you can't make it, please drop me an email or call the office.

Senate District 19 Growth and Reapportionment

As you may be aware, the Reapportionment Commission is currently going through the process redrawing the lines for the State House, State Senate, and Congressional districts based on the population changes which have occurred over the last 10 years. The 2010 Census numbers prove that we are growing very fast out in West Oahu. Senate District 19, which I represent, covers the area from Waikele to Ko Olina in the west. Our district saw the 3rd highest growth among the 25 Senate districts, adding 16,768 people to now total 63,053. As a reminder of the expected growth for the Kapolei area, we are projected to see the following changes from 2010 to 2025:

   •  Housing - 31,730 homes in 2010 to 51,500 in 2025
   •  Population - 101,440 in 2010 to 158,750 in 2025
   •  Jobs - 36,150 in 2010 to 63,680 in 2025

District 20, which is represented by Senator Will Espero and includes Ewa, was the fastest growing in the state. Senator Gil Kahele's District 2, which encompasses the Hilo side of the Big Island, was the second fastest growing. The Reapportionment Commission is expected to release its draft plan for public review sometime in August. If you'd like to learn more, please visit the Office of Elections website.   Read More

iConserve Rally Focused on Getting State to Conserve Energy

I joined with Governor Abercrombie and Lt. Governor Schatz in speaking at the iConserve Rally at the Capitol on June 29th. The purpose was to launch the iConserve energy initiative which is intended to get state workers to significantly reduce energy consumption by taking 4 important steps: turning off the lights when not in use, turning off computers when not in use, removing or no longer using personal appliances, and shutting doors. We were also showing support for the State Capitol's entry in the U.S. EPA's ENERGY STAR National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings. To give you some background, in 2009 the state Department of Accounting and General Services executed an energy performance contract with NORESCO for 10 Capitol District buildings, including the State Capitol. NORESCO has been installing energy-efficiency improvements, such as improving air conditioning units, changing out light bulbs, and installing solar photovoltaic systems to lower our state electricity bill. These improvements are projected to save the state $64 million over a 20-year period. During the rally, I announced a challenge among the 10 Capitol District buildings to see which one can reduce energy consumption by the greatest percentage over the next year. I'll be working with the Governor's Administration to launch this competition.   Read More

Fujifilm Makes Waipahu Proud with "Green" Project

I was happy to take part in the dedication ceremony for Fujifilm Hawai‘i's new 320 kW solar electric system on the roof of its Waipahu headquarters on July 14th. I was joined by Reps. Henry Aquino, Ty Cullen, and Denny Coffman in presenting a certificate from the State Senate in honor of the occasion. Fujifilm partnered with Conergy and 21st Century Technologies to install this solar system which is one of the ten largest in the state, and the first Conergy PowerPlus plant in North America. The system consists of 1,455 PowerPlus premium modules, which will produce 483,391 kWh annually. This is equivalent to reducing CO2 emissions by 1.11 million pounds per year or powering 66 households per year. Mahalo to Fujifilm in Hawai‘i, 21st Century Technologies, and Conergy for their commitment to sustainability, energy conservation, and making our world a cleaner, greener place. I hope that they can inspire other companies to follow their example.  Read More

Listen-Story Meeting

My next "Listen-story" community meeting will be at Waikele Starbucks (Waikele Shopping Center) on Saturday, July 16th from 9am to 10am.

UH West Oahu Campus Coming Together

I was given a tour of the construction work on the new UH West Oahu campus in Kapolei by Chancellor Gene Awakuni on June 16th. Chancellor Awakuni explained how they are currently constructing the initial 5 buildings of the campus, which will in-clude the library, campus center, classroom building, laboratory building, and maintenance/mechanical building. The buildings will be completed by April 2012. Part of the tour was driving up a long dirt road mauka of H-1 on the 900 acre parcel UHWO owns, and checking out a 2.5 million gal-lon water tank. There's another reservoir the same size master planned for the fu-ture. This first phase of the campus will have a capacity of 2,750 students when it opens its doors to students in the Fall 2012. As I've said many times before, this pro-ject has been "a long time comin." It was 1966 when the Legislature made its first appropriation of $300,000 for planning. And here we are 45 years later, with the grand opening just around the corner. My prediction: there will be a massive cele-bration in our district before the fall semester opening next year. I'm stoked. Read More

Geothermal Energy a Possible Solution to Meeting Our Energy Needs

As the Senate's Energy and Environment Chair, I will be joining with Rep. Denny Coffman, Chair of the House Energy and Environmental Protection Committee, in leading an informational briefing to discuss the prospect of using geo-thermal energy as a statewide resource for electricity production. The informational briefing will take place at the State Capitol in Room 325 on July 7th from 1pm to 3pm. We will have presentations by the Innovations Development Group, Mililani B. Trask of Indigenous Consultants, and the Geothermal Working Group. The great thing about geo-thermal energy is that it is "firm", as opposed to solar and wind which depends on favorable weather conditions. Both the Big Island and Maui have substantial geothermal resources that could be tapped to benefit those islands as well as possibly the whole state. I'm hopeful that we can look at expanding our use of geothermal in a culturally beneficial way and also give our host culture an "ownership" stake in its development. If you'd like more information, please contact my office at 586-6830. Read More

Welcoming Down to Earth to Kapolei

As a vegetarian for almost 40 years, I was very pleased to be a part of a sneak preview and traditional Hawaiian blessing for Down to Earth's new 10,000 square foot store at the Kapolei Commons on July 1st. This will be the flagship store for Down to Earth, which specializes in natural all-vegetarian foods. They have other stores in Pearl City, Kailua, and Moiliili on Oahu, Kahalui on Maui, and Hilo on the Big Island. I wish them many years of success in our community as Kapolei continues to grow into a world-class city. Read More

American Renaissance Academy Graduation - May 29, 2011

Colleen Sanae Yamada Honored by Senator Mike Gabbard

Listen-Story Meeting

My next "Listen-Story" community meeting will be at Kapolei Starbucks (next to the Chevron Station) on Saturday, June 18th from 9am to 10am.

Kapolei Getting New Elementary School

Our district was very fortunate to be the only one in the state to receive $40 million in construction funding for a new school in the 2012-2013 budget. This will make a big difference for our already overcrowded schools. Kapolei II Elementary will be located adjacent to DR Horton Schuler Division's Mehana residential project off Ft. Barrette Road, across the street from Kapolei High School. In 2009, we appropriated $3.5 million for the design of the school, which Governor Abercrombie is expected to release soon. These funds will allow the Department of Education (DOE) to begin the process of selecting a consultant, who will head up the planning and design of the new school. The DOE will also be working with the Leeward Oahu District Complex on the "visioning process" to determine what the school will look like. We are hoping for a 2015 completion date. Read More

Don't Miss "Hawai‘i: The State of Clean Energy" TV Show

I was interviewed recently for the Hawai‘i: The State of Clean Energy TV show. The 30-minute program is a 6-part series sponsored by the Hawai‘i Energy Policy Forum and Hawai‘i News Now. The focus of the program is to educate, excite, and energize viewers to action on our efforts to move toward a clean energy future. My interview focused on my recent decision to purchase a new all-electric Nissan Leaf car and my thoughts on how this relates to us meeting our goal of powering our economy through renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Clean Transportation Show will air on KGMB on June 22nd at 6:30pm and KHNL on June 23rd at 6:30pm. You can check out this link to see past shows and find out more information about the program: http://www.hawaiienergypolicy.hawaii.edu/hnn-clean-energy/index.html

Bag Bill Key for 2012 Session

I was very disappointed that we weren't able to get a bill I authored, SB 1363, to the finish line this past session. This bill would have required retailers to charge a 10 cent fee for every single use plastic or paper bag. The basic idea behind this bill is that both plastic and paper bags are bad for the environment and a wasteful product that we can do without. It's important to note that SB 1363 isn't a tax because all we have to do to avoid paying the fee is bring our own bags or use a shopping cart, like many of us already do at Costco and Sam's Club.

It's incredible to consider the fact that Americans go through 100 billion plastic bags each year. That translates to 12 million barrels of oil. Here in Hawai‘i we go through over 400 million plastic bags a year and also 20 million paper bags every year. Cities like Washington D.C. and countries such as Ireland have taken this step and have dramatically reduced their use.

What surprised me most about the failure of the bill is that both retailers and environmentalists were on-board. Another important fact is even with a 50% reduction in the use of plastic/paper bags, SB 1363 would have still generated $21 million. This money would have been helpful for us in balancing the budget. On a positive note, SB 1363 did pass both the House and Senate, and made it to Conference Committee. So we'll have another crack at it in 2012. I hope you'll join me in supporting this "green" bill. Read More

Listen-Story Meeting

My next "Listen-Story" community meeting will be held on May 7th at the Kunia Starbucks (Kunia Shopping Center) from 9:00am to 10:00am. Our session ends on May 5th, so this meeting will include a legislative wrap-up. My June meeting will take place at the Kapolei Starbucks (next to the Chevron Station) on June 18th at 9:00am.

Governor Abercrombie Signs Bill to Help More People Get Solar Panels

I was happy to participate in a bill signing ceremony in the Governor's Ceremonial Room on April 25th, where Governor Abercrombie signed SB 704 into law. I introduced SB 704 this session to help more people put solar photovoltaic panels (PV) on their roofs in order to reduce their electricity bills and our consumption of fossil fuels. Specifically, this bill allows solar companies to enter into long-term contracts with homeowners, permitting them to lease the PV systems without having to go through all the complexity of being considered a utility. In essence, homeowners will be able to pay a monthly bill for their PV system, instead of paying thousands up-front to purchase it. Right now, about 4,000 of the 267,000 homes in our state have PV. I'd like to see thousands more use this new law to lower their $200-600 electricity bills to the minimum $18 that HECO charges for hooking up to the electricity grid. Read More

Tennis Clinic for Foodbank a Hit

I held a beginning tennis clinic, with an assist from local attorney, Rick Fried, at the Governor's tennis court at Washington Place on April 2nd. The purpose of the clinic was to raise money for the Hawai‘i Foodbank. The 2.5 hour clinic brought in $1,300 for this very worthy organization. You might not know, but I was formerly a collegiate tennis player and head tennis pro at Kuilima Hyatt (now Turtle Bay Resort) during the 1970s. A special mahalo to the following folks who participated: Mike Bale of Henkels and McCoy; Aaron Landry of Ku‘oko‘a; Mihoko Ito of Goodsil Anderson Quinn & Stifel; Kamil Schuetz of Ku‘oko‘a; Alissa Katada of Automated Health Care Solutions; Gary Slovin of Goodsil Anderson Quinn & Stifel; Cathy Wilson of Automated Health Care Solutions; Lance Inouye of Ralph S. Inouye Co. Ltd; and Kara Catlin of Ku‘oko‘a.Read More

Patrick Gartside: An Extraordinarily Giving Person

Serendipity, good karma, or chance? Famous Hollywood actor meets local rock star wannabe.

It started after I read in the newspaper about a remarkable young man endowed with deep aloha. Patrick Gartside, who spends his days as a web developer and his nights as a rock musician, was recognized for his extraordinary concern for others, which compels him to give all he has, literally, every chance he gets. Since he was a young adult Patrick has been a reliable blood donor. In 2004, he selflessly underwent a peripheral blood stem cell procedure which made a life and death difference to a stranger. In 2008, Patrick was back in surgery. This time he donated one of his kidneys to a Maui woman he'd never met. This decision allowed the woman's ohana to have their tutu to hug for many more years.

Star Advertiser reporter Michael Tsai wrote about Patrick in a January 24th article stating: "When you're moving house, he's the guy walking backward downstairs holding the other end of your dresser... He's that dude you call in the middle of the night when you have only one phone call. Only, for the real Patrick Gartside, such everyday altruism is sundry stuff. What makes the 28-year-old programmer from Moiliili truly remarkable are the sacrifices he makes for people he doesn't even know."

On March 31, 2011, we, at the State Senate, honored Patrick in the Senate chambers for his selflessness and kindness toward others. During the honorary certificate presentation I said, "Many of us make donations of food, money, or our time to causes that are important to us. But how many of us would undergo major surgery or give parts of our bodies for the chance for someone else to survive? Hopefully, Patrick's story will inspire many others." I emphasized the importance of Patrick's benevolence by telling the audience that, "In the U.S. eighteen people will die today waiting for an organ transplant."

Coincidentally, the same time that I was commending Patrick, the cast from "Hawaii 5-0" was also honored. Alex O'Loughlin, aka Steve McGarrett in the hit CBS show, looked particularly interested in Patrick's story, as I gave my floor speech praising Patrick.

While I was speaking, I kept looking at Alex, who was smiling and nodding his head, staring at Patrick. There was a connection there that I didn't understand. After the ceremony, I was talking story with Patrick when Alex came up and said, 'Patrick, you're the most important person here. Thanks for all you do. I founded a non-profit (Alex O'Loughlin Fans for Donate Life), and I'd like you to please give your contact information to my assistant.'" Patrick shuffled his feet a bit with a "Gee, I'm nobody special" look on his face. Who knows? We may see them team up on future projects to save some lives.

In case you wonder what altruistic activities Patrick is engaged in now - while he isn't giving blood or on the operating table - he volunteers with the Hawaiian Bone Marrow Donor Registry helping with recruitment and with the National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i. Patrick also collects and distributes food and clothing to the homeless. Read More

Blue Planet Foundation Rally at the Capitol - April 19, 2011

Senator Mike Gabbard Honors Doris Dudley - April 2, 2011

Listen-Story Meeting

My next "Listen-Story" community meeting will be held on May 7th at the Kunia Starbucks (Kunia Shopping Center) from 9:00am to 10:00am. Our session ends on May 5th, so this meeting will include a legislative wrap-up.

Jerrika Kalamau to Represent Kapolei at 2011 Macy's Day Parade

It was a very emotional experience to surprise Jerrika Kalamau during her 9th grade Health class at Kapolei High on March 23rd. I presented Jerrika with a certificate from the State Senate for her commitment to success and excellence in the face of adversity. Jerrika was given up to foster care when her mother was going through a very difficult time in her life. Instead of harboring feelings of contempt, Jerrika displayed maturity beyond her years and found it in her heart to forgive her mother. More impressively, she has taken her experience as a foster child in stride, recognizing her childhood not as a liability, but as an asset that is integral to who she is. When she entered Kapolei High School last fall, Jerrika put her unwaveringly hopeful attitude to practice, and immersed herself in extracurricular activities. She is a member of the high school show choir, which counts as a singing and dancing extra credit course.

Perhaps most important, however, has been Jerrika's experience playing a musical instrument. In middle school, she fell in love with playing the clarinet. When she entered Kapolei High School, Jerrika joined the concert band, which has served as a conduit for her love and passion for music. Through her music Jerrika has found acceptance and it has facilitated her personal growth as an individual. This year, Jerrika's hard work and perseverance was awarded with the prestigious nomination to participate in the 2011 Macy's Day Parade in New York City on Thanksgiving Day.

Another proud Kapolei High 9th grade student, Cassius Alcantara, will be joining Jerrika and playing the trumpet at the Macy's Day Parade. We know both Jerrika and Cassius will represent Kapolei and all of Hawai‘i with aloha in the parade. Jerrika is currently raising money to help cover expenses for her trip to New York. If you'd like to help out, please contact her aunt, Marialena Kalamau, at 348-5956. Read More

Mauka Lani Elementary to Get Second Evacuation Route

I was very pleased to have received a letter from Governor Neil Abercrombie on February 25th saying that he had released $450,000 in construction funds for Mauka Lani Elementary as part of his New Day Work Projects. The funding will go toward providing an additional evacuation route for the school. This project will connect the sidewalk to 17 portable classrooms at the back of the school with an evacuation route through the adjacent Mauka Lani Neighborhood Park. The expected completion date is October 2012. Mahalo to the Gov for his efforts in improving the safety of our schools in Senate District 19. Read More

More Solar Coming to Kapolei

It was great getting the news on March 23rd that SunPower and HECO had announced an agreement for SunPower to sell them solar PV power over a 20-year period. The power will be generated by a 5 MW solar farm located on 40-acres of leased Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in Kalaeloa at Roosevelt and Boxer Road. (almost in my backyard!) The solar panels will be equipped with SunPower's tracker system, which will allow the panels to follow the sun's movement during the day and increase sunlight capture by up to 25%. SunPower plans to begin construction this year and complete the solar farm within 5 months. Read More

Art at the Capitol 2011: What's on your wall, Sen. Mike Gabbard?

Listen-Story Meeting

My next "Listen-story" community meeting will be held on March 26th at the Kapolei Starbucks (next to the Chevron Station) from 9:00am to 10:00am.

Cole Academy Coming to Kapolei

Rep. Sharon Har and I presented a certificate from the Hawai'i State Legislature to the founders and owners of the Cole Academy, Gina Mangieri and Doug Ewalt upon the ground breaking and blessing for their new Kapolei location on February 19, 2011. The Cole Academy, a Hawai'i early education and child development center, already has locations in downtown Honolulu, East Oahu, Kunia, and the Windward side. The objective of The Cole Academy is to educate the whole child while fostering intellectual, creative, social, and physical development, as well as ensuring low teacher-to-child ratios guaranteeing lots of individualized attention and care. The Cole Academy's newest location will be next to the Kapolei Library, Kapolei Regional Park, Island Pacific Academy, and many existing and upcoming commercial and business facilities. We welcome the Cole Academy with aloha to the Kapolei 'ohana. Read More

Walmart to Fix Safety Issue at Kunia Store

At the January 27th Waipahu Neighborhood Board meeting, a Kunia resident reported that a car which was drifting in the upper parking lot of the Kunia Walmart had slammed into the fence of his house. (Drifting refers to a driving technique where the driver intentionally over steers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels through turns, while maintaining control at a high speed.) He voiced his concern about the safety problem of cars racing up to the upper level parking lot with no speed bumps to deter them. The next day, we contacted Walmart representatives to see what could be done to fix this problem. I received this email on February 4th from Angie Stoner, the Senior Manager for Public Affairs and Government Relations at Walmart. She informed me that they were fortunately working on a solution:

"Per my previous conversations with your staff I wanted to follow up with you directly regarding the recent traffic incident at our Kunia Walmart store and the actions we are taking to provide a safe environment for our customers and neighbors. Starting today we will have an extra Security Car and Guard placed at the top of the back drive during the hours we have the top lot open (4am-12am). This will be an additional guard specifically for this location until we are able to add long term improvements to our lot. It has been suggested that speed bumps be added to slow traffic in this location. We are currently evaluating the use and cost of speed bumps and have bids out on this work. We will be making a final decision and starting work in the very near future." Read More

Rail Transit Finally Breaks Ground

I participated in the ground breaking ceremony for Honolulu's rail transit project at a ceremony on Kualaka'i Parkway in Kapolei. This long-awaited project is 44 years in the making, with former Mayor Neal S. Blaisdell being the first to envision a 29-mile rail line from Pearl City to Hawai'i Kai. The 20-mile rail line will connect Kapolei to Ala Moana and is scheduled to be completed by 2019. We stand to receive $1.55 billion from the federal government to bring the project to fruition. I support rail transit because it will provide another transportation alternative for our community, will create jobs and stimulate our economy, and will promote smart growth to make our communities more pedestrian friendly. A big mahalo to former Mayor Mufi Hannemann, current Mayor Peter Carlisle, and the City Council for getting this important project to this historic point. Read More

The Cole Academy Ground Breaking and Blessing Ceremony - February 19, 2011

Senator Mike Gabbard and Rep. Sharon Har presented a certificate from the Hawai‘i State Legislature to the Founders and Owners of the Cole Academy, Gina Mangieri and Doug Ewalt, and their son Cole, upon the Ground Breaking and Blessing for their new Kapolei location on February 19, 2011. Pictured (L to R) are Rep. Har, Doug, Cole, Gina, and Senator Gabbard.

Listen-Story Meeting

My next "Listen-story" community meeting will be held on February 19th at the Kamokila Community Park meeting room in Honokai Hale from 9:00am to 10:00am.

Small Wind Turning Some Heads

Recently, I checked out both 2 kW and 10 kW vertical axis wind turbines at Hickam Air Force Base. The wind turbines are part of a demonstration project, which interconnects wind energy to Hickam's hydrogen production facility. The wind turbines are virtually silent, have a lifecycle of 25 years and were manufactured by MicroWind Solutions, which is led by CEO and President Richard Figliuzzi. Don't be surprised if you start seeing these popping up around our state in the not-so-distant future. Read More

Kalaeloa Tennis Association Looking for Members

Many of you may know that I'm an avid tennis player, and in the 1970s, I was the head tennis pro at Kuilima Hyatt Resort at Turtle Bay. I live in Kalaeloa and frequently play at the tennis courts there. Since the Navy pulled out of Barbers Point, the courts have been slowly and surely losing their luster, because of normal wear and tear and also for lack of maintenance. Now that Hunt Development controls the courts, many in the community have seen an opportunity for those who use the courts to help maintain them. To this end, a new group called the Kalaeloa Tennis Association (KTA) has stepped up to try to keep the courts in playable shape. KTA plans to hold work parties and raise funds to improve the tennis courts to make it a nice place not only for families and friends to get some exercise, but also to just hang out and get some good, old-fashioned quality family time together. If you'd like to join KTA or would like more information, please contact the group's President, Makakilo resident Nick Young at makakilojones@gmail.com. Read More

Royal Kunia Adds Community Center

I participated in the Grand Opening of the Royal Kunia Community Center on January 15th. This new 5,600 square-foot facility features a multi-purpose room, community association offices, restrooms, a kitchen, and a BBQ lanai for the use of the residents and their guests. The Center will accommodate up to 200 people and will be an important gathering place for the residents of Royal Kunia to bring friends and family, while enjoying a wide range of recreational activities. I congratulate the people of Royal Kunia for this great addition to their community. Read More

HTH-ENE Info Briefing Statement - January 4, 2011

Senator Mike Gabbard gave a statement concerning water quality issues after the Health and Energy & Environment Committees' Informational Briefing on Chromium-6 in our water.

Listen-Story

My next "Listen-story" community meeting will be held on March 26th at the Kapolei Starbucks (next to the Chevron Station) from 9:00am to 10:00am.

Mock Hearing for UH Environmental Law Students

Rep. Mina Morita, the Chair of the House Energy and Environmental Protection Committee and I held a mock hearing for the students of UH Professor Denise Antolini's Advanced Environmental Law Class at the Capitol on November 18th. This is the second time I've had the opportunity to co-host this event. This year the students prepared actual bills dealing with energy and environmental issues, such as plastic bags, Styrofoam, energy efficiency, cultural impacts, and environmental justice. During the mock hearing, we asked the students pointed questions to give them an opportunity to get the flavor of a real legislative hearing and to defend their work. Read More

Drive Safe 4 Ewa-Kapolei / Live & Let Live Poster Contest

We held the Kick-Off event for the Drive Safe 4 Ewa-Kapolei / Live & Let Live safety awareness campaign at the Kapolei Police Station on November 27th. I joined with other legislators in announcing the winners for the poster contest. Catherine Johnny, a senior at James Campbell High placed first and received a $100 award. Jordan Guillermo, a senior at Kapolei High School was second place and received a $75 award. Jaypee Carreon, a senior at Waianae High School was third place and received a $50 award. Robbie Sylva, a sophomore at Nanakuli High & Intermediate School, placed fourth and received a $25 award. The winners' posters will be displayed at the Kapolei Police Station through the end of the year. Mahalo to the Waianae Military Civilian Advisory Council for providing the students with their prizes.

Also a reminder there will be sign holding for the campaign in Kapolei if you'd like to join us:

• December 2nd - 7:15-8:00am at Kapolei High School (Kapolei Parkway/Ft. Barrette Road)
• December 9th - 3:30-4:30pm at Kapolei Fairgrounds (Farrington Hwy/Ft. Barrette Road

Read More

STARBASE Hawai‘i Tour on Big Island

I got a tour of the STARBASE Hawai‘i facility at the Keaʻau Armory on the Big Island on November 4th. STARBASE Hawai‘i is an educational program that focuses on teaching 5th graders hands-on math and science. They offer five day training classes during the school year and summer months, teaching students to build model rockets, "fly" airplanes on computer flight simulator programs, and perform science experiments.

STARBASE Hawai‘i is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and sponsored by the Hawai‘i National Guard. The program serves students primarily in the Kea‘au-Ka‘;u-Pahoa school complexes. This is truly an innovative way to get students motivated about learning. It's great to see our Hawai‘i National Guard stepping up with another great program for our youth.

For more information, please contact the STARBASE Hawai‘i Director, Bob Roman, at starbasehi@gmail.com. Read More

Listen-Story

My next "Listen-Story" community meeting will be at the Waikele Starbucks (Waikele Shopping Center) on Saturday, November 20th from 9:00-10:00am.

Second Anniversary of the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative

On October 20th 2008, our state signed an historic agreement with the Hawaiian Electric Companies to press forward with the goals of the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative to meet 70% of our energy needs through energy efficiency and renewable energy by 2030. This happens to be the first state-utility agreement of its kind in the nation. As we hit the two year anniversary, it's important to reflect on the progress we're making. At the same time, it's critical that we continue to move forward as quickly as possible, since we happen to be the most oil dependent state in the country, where: oil supplies 90% of our energy needs and costs us $4-$6 billion each year.

Our district here in West Oahu is proof that we are making progress. For example, on October 27th, I spoke at the Ground Breaking for the Kalaeloa Solar One project in Kalaeloa. There are also plans to put in an additional 20-30 MW of solar farms in Kalaeloa over the next few years. Additionally, at the northern edge of my district in Kunia and Mililani will be a 20 MW solar farm headed up by Castle & Cooke. Not to mention that many families in our neighborhoods are getting solar water heaters and photovoltaic panels put on their homes every week to save on their electricity costs and at the same time do good for our environment. Read More

Ideas for Legislation Welcome

The start of the 2011 Legislative Session will begin January 19th. As we get closer to the date, I'll be working on legislation to introduce. One of the best sources for ideas to improve the laws in our state is YOU! So far, these are some of the ideas that constituents have suggested to me for possible legislation:

•  Enhance penalties for "hit and run" drivers
•  Create a state bank that would provide consistent capital lending regardless of the economic conditions
•  Establish a "Couples on the Brink" program at UH to offer divorce reconciliation services to couples who are considering ending their marriages
•  Place a moratorium on the construction of new landfills or expansion of any private landfills on the Leeward Coast as of August 1, 2011
•  Establish a self-employment assistance program in Hawai'i to allow our state to tap into the benefits of the existing U.S. Department of Labor program

If you have any ideas that you think should be considered in the next go around here at the Legislature, please let me know. Read More

Bank of Hawai‘i's Kapolei Branch Open for Business

I participated in the Grand Opening celebration for the new Bank of Hawai‘i (BOH) Kapolei branch in the Kapolei Commons Shopping Center on October 16th. This is BOH's 71st branch in the state. In 2010, BOH was named America's Best Bank by Forbes Magazine. BOH has also been commended for its stability, strong performance despite the difficult economy, and for declining to accept money from the federal government's Troubled Asset Relief Program.

The new 4,861 square-foot branch features a BankLanai which provides 24 hour access to an enclosed space with ATMs and a business depository. Taking advantage of the latest technology and proving that they are concerned about our environment as well our money, the new building is equipped with roof rack mounted solar panels. Their photovoltaic system consists of 56 SunPower 315 watt photovoltaic modules and 3 SunPower 6000 watt inverters, which will allow them to produce a lot of energy from our plentiful Leeward sunshine.

Congratulations to President and CEO Peter Ho, Executive Vice President and Hawai‘i Branch Division Manager Darrick Ching, and Branch Manager Ryson Matsumura, upon the grand opening of the Kapolei Commons branch. Read More

Millia Hanakeawe's First Birthday Party - October 10, 2010

Senator Gabbard presented a certificate from the Hawai‘i State Senate to Lindsey and Nakaniela Hanakeawe of Kapolei in celebration of the 1st birthday of their daughter, Millia. The party took place at Richardson Field.

Listen-Story

My next "Listen-Story" community meeting will be at the Kapolei Starbucks (next to the Chevron Station) on Saturday, October 23rd from 9:00-10:00am.

65th Anniversary of the End of World War II

My daughter, former State Representative Tulsi Gabbard, and I attended a very moving ceremony on the Battleship Missouri Memorial to mark the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II on September 2nd. U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, USS Missouri Memorial Association Chairman Robert Kihune, and USS Missouri Memorial Association CEO Michael Carr all gave remarks. You might recall that General Douglas MacArthur presided over the surrender ceremony on the Battleship Missouri on September 2, 1945. As he approached the microphone on that historic day, General MacArthur said the following words:

"We are gathered here, representatives of the major warring powers, to conclude a solemn agreement whereby peace may be restored. The issues, involving divergent ideals and ideologies, have been determined on the battlefields of the world and hence are not for our discussion or debate. Nor is it for us here to meet, representing as we do a majority of the people of earth, in a spirit of distrust, malice or hatred. But rather it is for us, both victors and vanquished, to rise to that higher dignity which alone befits the sacred purposes we are about to serve, committing all our people unreservedly to faithful compliance with the understanding they are here formally to assume.

It is my earnest hope, and indeed the hope of all mankind, that from this solemn occasion, a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past-a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish for freedom, tolerance and justice."

Shortly after the surrender documents were signed, General MacArthur broadcast this message to radios all over the world:

"Today the guns are silent. A great tragedy has ended. A great victory has been won...

As I look back upon the long, tortuous trail from those grim days of Bataan and Corregidor, when an entire world lived in fear, when democracy was on the defensive everywhere, when modern civilization trembled in the balance, I thank a merciful God that He has given us the faith, the courage and the power from which to mold victory. We have known the bitterness of defeat and the exultation of triumph, and from both we have learned there can be no turning back. We must go forward to preserve in peace what we won in war..."

Listening to Senator Inouye and General Shinseki's remarks I looked around the crowd at the many veterans and their families who attended the ceremony. I held back tears as "Taps" was blown by a talented soldier. I thought of my father's service in the Air Force for 25 years, and of all Soldiers past and present and the sacrifices they have made to protect our freedoms. Mahalo nui loa for your service to our state and country. Read More

Governor Lingle Releases Funding to Repair Schools

I was happy to see that Governor Lingle released $65.5 million on August 12th for the repair and maintenance of our schools across the state. There's $2.2 million in repairs for schools in Senate District 19. Here's the breakdown:

•  Barbers Point Elementary:	$646,000
•  Kaleiopuu Elementary:	$97,000
•  Kapolei Elementary:	$285,000
•  Kapolei Middle:	$332,000
•  Makakilo Elementary:	$364,000
•  Mauka Lani Elementary:	$302,000
•  Waikele Elementary:	$185,000

  Read More

Parents and Children Together Hold Kapolei Office Open House

I attended the Parents and Children Together (PACT) open house for their new Kapolei Office and the Economic Development Center's "First to Work" Program at the Campbell Building in Kapolei on September 9th. PACT is a non-profit family services organization that focuses on early childhood education, child abuse and neglect prevention and treatment, domestic violence prevention and treatment, youth activities, community and economic development, and mental health support. Their "First to Work" program assists low to moderate-income individuals and families reach their economic goals by helping them improve their workplace and business skills. If you're interested in the programs PACT has to offer, you can reach their Kapolei office at 674-4233. Read More