Senator Gilbert Kahele Honored with Legislator of the Year Award
The Hawaii Psychological Association (HPA) honored Senator Gilbert Kahele with the Legislator of the Year Award over the weekend. Senator Kahele was given the award for his outstanding contributions to psychology and mental health services in the State and for advocating for the care of the medically underserved.
"I am truly humbled with the award that the Hawaii Psychological Association has given me and for recognizing the work that I have done in support of its mission," said Senator Kahele, who represents Senatorial District 2 on the Big Island (Kau, Puna and Hilo). I will continue promoting medical care for those in need."
Along with his work in helping to advance medical care, Senator Kahele has made preserving agriculture land a top priority as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
The mission of the Hawaii Psychological Association is to enhance the quality of life for the people of Hawai‘i by encouraging, integrating, applying, and communicating the contributions of Psychology in all its branches. View the media release.
(Photo Caption: Senator Kahele receives his award from Hawaii Psychological Association President-Elect Darryl Salvador, Psy.D. and Jill Oliveira-Gray, Ph.D.) (Photo Courtesy: Hawaii Psychological Association)
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Governor Signs Measure to Prevent the Spread of Axis Deer
Today Governor Neil Abercrombie enacted Senate Bill (SB) 3001, Relating to Wildlife, into law. This measure prohibits the intentional possession and interisland transportation or release of wild or feral deer.
The introduction of non-native species to the State poses a negative effect on Hawai‘i's environment and indigenous species in a variety of ways. Specifically, the Axis Deer has caused great damage to native habitats and agricultural crops on Maui and are a danger to vehicular traffic on roadways. SB 3001 aims to provide a deterrent to the purposeful spread of wild or feral deer within the State and establishes penalties for the intentional possession or interisland transportation or release of wild or feral deer.
"It is imperative that Hawai‘i's environment and local industry be protected from the devastating effects that non-native species can pose to the health of our local economy and ecosystem," said Senator Gilbert Kahele (District 2- Ka‘u, Puna, Hilo), who introduced the measure. "This measure establishes the regulations needed to prevent the unwanted spread of Axis Deer so that our environment and businesses can continue to grow and prosper."
"We commend Senator Kahele, the state legislature and the Governor for passing SB3001 to prevent the cruel and irresponsible abandonment of deer across Hawaii. Such illegal introductions cause unnecessary animal suffering and harm to the environment" said Inga Gibson, Hawaii director for The Humane Society of the United States.
The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust, who worked in support of this bill, are offering a reward of up to $2500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the illegal transport, release or abandonment of deer on the Big Island. The DLNR- Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement (DOCARE) is asking anyone with information on this illegal activity to please contact their toll-free reward tipline at 1-855-DLNR-TIP (1-855-356-7847).
If anyone sights a deer on Hawai‘i Island, please call the Big Island Invasive Species Council Deer Coordinator at (808)443-4036.View the media release.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Senator Gilbert Kahele to Discuss Capital Improvement Projects at Town Hall Meeting
Senator Gilbert Kahele is inviting residents to a town hall meeting on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at the Hilo High School Cafeteria, starting at 5 p.m.WEDNESDAY, June 20, 2012, at the Hilo High School Cafeteria, starting at 5:30 p.m.(updated Tuesday, June 5, 2012.)
Senator Kahele, who represents Ka‘u, Puna and Hilo, will be giving residents a post 2012 Legislative Session update, including a discussion on Capital Improvement Projects in the East Hawaii district.
"I highly encourage everyone to attend the meeting to learn about how some of the bills passed this session will impact them," said Senator Kahele. "This will also give residents a chance to ask questions concerning their community."
Senator Kahele also plans to talk about important measures he was involved in this past session, including the establishment of the Aha Moku Advisory committee, the prohibiting of inter-island transportation of wild or feral deer, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs ceded land settlement and the establishment of an exploratory committee to study the feasibility and resources required to create an aviation training program and academic program at Hilo Airport and UH Hilo, respectively. View the updated media advisory.
Monday, April 16, 2012
State Funding for Projects on Hawaii Island Creates Jobs and Stimulates Economy
Governor Abercrombie is releasing Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding for the Waimea to Ka‘u areas on the island of Hawaii.
"I would like to thank the Governor for releasing the funding for these much needed projects," said Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 1, encompassing Waimea, Hamakua, North Hilo, Hilo and Keaukaha. "The projects will greatly impact and improve the lives of our residents who live in the area by providing work and accelerating our economic recovery."
"There are people who are under-employed and unemployed in the trades industry on Hawaii island, and these capital improvement projects will provide jobs that they so urgently need," said Senator Gilbert Kahele, who represents District 2, encompassing Ka‘u, Puna and Hilo.
Here are the following projects receiving funding:
• $1,000,000 Waimea Hydropower Plant: install a hydropower plant in the Waimea Irrigation System
• $874,925 Surveillance of Water-Side Threats to Critical Infrastructure at Hilo, Kawaihae, Nawiliwili and Port Allen Harbors: design/build construction for surveillance systems
• $210,000 Hawaii Belt Road Drainage Improvements, Vicinity of Hakalau Bridge: drainage improvements
• $3,200,000 State Lower Hamakua Ditch Watershed Project: land acquisition, design and construction to repair the flumes, ditches, reservoirs, and tunnels
• $300,000 State Lower Hamakua Ditch Watershed Project: construction to repair the flumes, ditches, reservoirs, and tunnels
• $2,000,000 Waimea Transfer Ditch Improvements: construction and improvements
• $4,150,000 Paauilo Rendering Plant and Slaughterhouse: building renovation, infrastructure improvements and equipment replacement
• $113,000 Information and Communication Services Division - Anuenue Radio Sites and Towers: design and construction engineering of Waiakea radio facility
• $2,500,000 Keaau Middle School: additional construction, works of art and equipment of a new classroom building
• $500,000 Ka‘u Irrigation System Improvements: plans and design for improvements, including renovation of the existing water tunnel system in the Ka‘u area
• $284,000 Ka‘u Hospital: installation of solar powered parking lot lights, replacement of hospital doors, renovation of entrance ramps and installation of a wireless repeater for advanced communications
• $4,000,000 University of Hawaii at Hilo Living Learning Community: construction and equipment
• $16,000,000 University of Hawaii at Hilo, Student Housing Developments Phase 1: construction
• $550,000 The Arc of Hilo: construction of the gymnasium
Senator Gilbert Kahele Recognizes Adopt-a-Beehive with Alan Wong
Senator Gilbert Kahele honored key individuals involved in the Adopt-a-Beehive with Alan Wong Program at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo with a Certificate of Recognition today. Those individuals are renowned Chef Alan Wong, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Chancellor Donald Straney and University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Professor of Entomology Dr. Lorna Tsutsumi.
Last year, Chef Alan Wong teamed up with UH Hilo to create the "Adopt-a-Beehive with Alan Wong Program" in order to bring awareness of the honey bees' critical decline in population. Now offered for a second year, the successful innovative program supports the education of student beekeepers, promotes research and development of healthy beehive practices in Hawai‘i, and educates the public about the vital role that honey bees play in sustaining agriculture.
"I was very impressed with this innovative idea that partners Chef Alan Wong and UH Hilo conceived in educating their students and the community on the vital role that honey bees play in sustaining agriculture in Hawai‘i," said Senator Kahele, who represents District 2, encompassing Ka‘u, Puna, Hilo.
Senator Kahele, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, co-adopted a beehive with Senator Clarence Nishihara, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
There are 25 bee hives at the UH Hilo apiary located on the 110 acre Panaewa farm that are used for the hands-on beekeeping laboratories. The hives are assigned to students who learn manipulation skills and then send public "adopters" monthly updates on the status of their hives.
According to the University of Hawai‘i, honey bees across Hawai‘i have helped sustain agriculture for over 150 years. But, bee colonies began collapsing in 2007 due to the invasion of the varroa mite.
UH Hilo Chancellor Donald Straney has been a strong supporter of the program since its inception. He believes UH Hilo has the potential to become a global model in promoting research and educating the public about the vital role honey bees play in sustaining agriculture.
UH Hilo Professor of Entomology Dr. Lorna Tsutsumi has taught students the importance of sustainability for more than 25 years. She has said honey bees are responsible for the pollination of many important agricultural crops and their health and well-being is especially important as we strive to lessen our dependency on food imports.
The Senate Committees on Agriculture and Education passed House Bill 2100, relating to bees this past Monday, March 19, 2012. The bill would appropriate funds to the University of Hawai‘i for statewide bee hive research. The bill is now with the Senate Committee on Ways and Means for consideration. (Photo courtesy of Senate Communications)View the media release
Senators Gilbert Kahele and Malama Solomon Recognize Hilo Restaurant Owners
Senators Gilbert Kahele and Malama Solomon, along with their colleagues in the Hawaii State Senate, honored Debra Ching Maiava and Ric Maiava of Ken's House of Pancakes in Hilo for being named 2012 Junior Achievement of Hawai‘i Business Hall of Fame Laureates on March 9. They are among four local businesses named to the hall of fame.
"Ken's House of Pancakes has a long history in serving the people of Hilo," said Senator Gilbert Kahele, who represents District 2, encompassing Ka‘u, Puna and Hilo. "I congratulate Debra and Ric Maiava for being able to ride the ups and downs of owning a family business and for being named to the hall of fame."
"I commend Debra and Ric Maiava for this wonderful accomplishment," said Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 1, encompassing Waimea, Hamakua, South Hilo, Keaukaha and Hilo. "They are shining examples of how hard work and commitment can bring great rewards."
Ken's House of Pancakes first opened its doors in Hilo in 1971 by Ken Pruitt and Bonnie Twitchell. In 1990, Lindberg and Frances Lee Ching bought the restaurant and sent Debra and Ric to run the establishment.
In 1991, the restaurant had sales of about $1 million, and by 2011, sales had grown to over $5 million. Today, Ken's House of Pancakes serves about two-thousand customers a day. The restaurant has earned recognition for their food and service by USA Today, Bon Appetit and its local newspaper.
Debra and Ric are known in their community for their aloha and generosity through their support of numerous organizations. They have supported Junior Achievement fundraising events and many projects in local schools. View the media release Friday, February 24, 2012
Senator Kahele Honors Kea‘au Librarian Technician
Senator Gilbert Kahele honored Kea‘au Public and School Library Technician Teri King-Agan last night. She received the Excellence in Service Award at the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i's Annual Meeting held on Oahu.
Teri King-Agan, of Mountain View, has been with the library system for 15 years. She began her career in Hilo, then moved on to Kea‘au Public and School Library. As a library technician, she created a variety of programs, including developing a color-coded video catalog system. She has also simplified a technique in teaching novices on how to use the computer-based collection catalog.
"Ms. King-Agan is truly an asset to the Kea‘au community. She is dedicated to her work and has created programs to stimulate community engagement," said Senator Gilbert Kahele, who represents Ka‘u, Puna and Hilo.
Each year, Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i presents the Excellence in Service Awards to recognize those who work "in the trenches" as library assistants, technicians, janitors, or in other capacities. The Librarian of the Year Award was also given last night. View the media release Thursday, February 23, 2012
Senator Kahele to Honor Recipients of the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo's Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards Banquet
Senator Gilbert Kahele will be among several dignitaries attending the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo's Annual Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards Banquet. He will be presenting certificates of recognition to the awardees. The event will be held on Friday, February 24th at UH Hilo's Campus Center Dining Hall, beginning at 5 p.m.
"It is an honor to be part of this great event celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of such notable citizens of Hawai‘i Island," said Senator Gilbert Kahele, who represents Ka‘u, Puna and Hilo.
This year's award recipients in the Distinguished Alumni category include:
• Brigadier General Gary M. Hara
• Dennis O'Brien
• Gladys Sonomura
• Ross Wilson
Recipients in the Distinguished Service category are:
• Dr. Miyoko Sugano
• Jimmy Yagi
The Hawaii Psychological Association (HPA) honored Senator Gilbert Kahele with the Legislator of the Year Award over the weekend. Senator Kahele was given the award for his outstanding contributions to psychology and mental health services in the State and for advocating for the care of the medically underserved.
Today Governor Neil Abercrombie enacted Senate Bill (SB) 3001, Relating to Wildlife, into law. This measure prohibits the intentional possession and interisland transportation or release of wild or feral deer.
Senator Gilbert Kahele honored key individuals involved in the Adopt-a-Beehive with Alan Wong Program at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo with a Certificate of Recognition today. Those individuals are renowned Chef Alan Wong, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Chancellor Donald Straney and University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Professor of Entomology Dr. Lorna Tsutsumi.
Senators Gilbert Kahele and Malama Solomon, along with their colleagues in the Hawaii State Senate, honored Debra Ching Maiava and Ric Maiava of Ken's House of Pancakes in Hilo for being named 2012 Junior Achievement of Hawai‘i Business Hall of Fame Laureates on March 9. They are among four local businesses named to the hall of fame.
Senator Gilbert Kahele honored Kea‘au Public and School Library Technician Teri King-Agan last night. She received the Excellence in Service Award at the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i's Annual Meeting held on Oahu.