Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School will soon be getting its waterline replaced. The Hilo school recently received funding from the Department of Education for the project.
"Built in 1920, Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School has a long standing history in the community. It is important that we maintain our schools and repair its aging infrastructure so we can continue to provide a safe learning environment for our students," said Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 1 (Waimea, Hamakua, North Hilo, Rural South Hilo, and Hilo).
The project was awarded to Central Construction, Inc. and will cost nearly $69,000.
The start date of the project has yet to be determined. View the media release.
Hawaii Island -- More than 1,000 Hawaii Island residents have taken a strong public stand against a proposed rate increase by Hawaii Electric Light Company (HELCO). Reacting to what are already punishingly high electric rates, these residents have signed a petition sponsored by Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 1 (Waimea, Hamakua, North Hilo, Rural South Hilo, and Hilo).
Senator Solomon sees this expression of public opposition as a clear mandate from her district to:
1) Demand the Governor and Public Utilities Commission (and State Consumer Protector) deny HELCO's proposed rate increase, especially given recent significant profits reported by both HELCO and its parent company, Hawaiian Electric Light Co. (HECO);Reacting to HECO's reported $29.4 million in income for the 2nd Quarter of 2012 - which was about 70% more profit than it earned in the same quarter in 2011, petition signers and Sen. Solomon also are asking the Governor, PUC and Consumer Protector to demand that the public utility shoulder costs for timely transition away from fossil fuels and not place the burden of this transition on the consumer. Further, Sen. Solomon will be asking the PUC to adopt as a matter of public policy a requirement that the utility provider must swiftly make the transition from fossil fuels to "stable, lower cost electricity" - not just "renewable alternative fuels" - to relieve constituents of high and continually escalating rates.
2) Urge the Governor to rescind Executive Agreements between the State of Hawaii, the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) and HECO that were put in place in 2008 by former Governor Linda Lingle. These agreements effectively relinquished the State of Hawaii's control of its energy policy to HECO, and thereby enabled HECO to function as an unregulated monopoly focused on profits for its stockholders rather than stable, lowest-possible-cost electricity for the families and business of Hawai‘i. These agreements sanctioned HECO as a state supported energy monopoly and enabled passing on to rate payers all costs for HECO's expansion and diversification away from fossil fuels.
"Insuring that the residents of Hawai‘i directly benefit from the thousands of acres they own as public lands throughout the State - and putting in place 21st century partnership strategies to protect and appropriately steward these lands now and for future generations - these are the reasons I voted for the Public Land Development Corporation - Act 55, which was passed by the 2011 Legislature," said Hawai'i Island Senator Malama Solomon (District 1, Waimea, Hamakua, North Hilo, Rural South Hilo and Hilo).
But implementation of Act 55 has drawn a wave of concern during recent statewide public hearings on PLDC draft Administrative Rules.
"I am sorely disappointed that there is so much misinformation, but I also understand the concern. Our public lands are a 'treasure' that must be protected. Listening to the concerns raised, the Governor and the PLDC have agreed to work with the State Senate and House Committees on Water/Land and prepare a Strategic Plan that clarifies the vision, mission, goals and values of the PLDC, putting public benefits as the top priority," said Sen. Solomon.
"Our state is very unique in the nation. The State owns and manages most of the public lands, while in other states, the federal government is the owner and manager. This legislation is patterned after the Federal National Park Mission statement, which is to conserve the scenery, the natural and historic objects and to provide for the public's enjoyment of these features in a manner that will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations," said Sen. Solomon, who supported the legislation that created the PLDC as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Water, Land and Housing.
"Our committee and others in both the House and Senate spent a great deal of time in public hearings drafting this legislation to be sure environmental, cultural and sunshine laws and regulations were honored and that the end product really would put public interest first," Sen. Solomon said.
"It is my hope and vision that PLDC creates a vehicle to replicate what I call "The Yosemite Model" -- which incorporates the National Park Mission Statement, protecting the great beauty and environmental integrity of this national treasure, while providing recreational choices, employment and income generation to support essential health and safety services and caretaking."
"Some of the concerns raised reflect misunderstandings. PLDC projects shall comply with EIS (HRS 343), Historic Preservation (HRS 6E), Hawai‘i Sunshine Law (HRS 92), Prohibition on sale of ceded lands (HRS 171-64.7), and Wage Rate Schedule (HRS 104). There's a laundry list of guidelines that delineates precautions imposed to insure that PLDC-initiated partnerships "improve our communities, create jobs, and expand public benefit."
"For some, partnerships are a new way of doing business, but in today's economic climate, partnerships are the only way we can effectively improve public benefit and make things happen without raising taxes or fees," said Sen. Solomon.
Also, PLDC partnerships must have (1) value and significance to the community, (2) help preserve culture, agriculture, conservation and preservation; (3) be self-sustaining, (4) have a positive economic impact, and (5) have long-term value, according to the PLDC Operating Framework - 2012.
The agreement by the Governor and PLDC to prepare a PLDC Strategic Plan was announced in a letter Sen. Solomon wrote to Kalbert Young, Chair of the Public Land Development Corporation (PLDC), specifically in response to concerns expressed at statewide public hearings regarding the intention of the PLDC's purpose and mission.
"Concerns raised related to Native Hawaiian land rights seriously got my attention," said Sen. Solomon, who has been at the forefront of protection of Hawaiian lands and rights issues for nearly 30 years, beginning with serving as one of the first elected Trustees Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
"Act 55 creating PLDC says that PLDC will pay OHA any ceded land revenues as required by HRS 10-13.5. Further, to the extent that the PLDC has a role in addressing other Native Hawaiian issues, the legislature and governor have agreed to do everything in our power to ensure that the PLDC works collaboratively with the appropriate agencies."
For more specifics on the PLDC Operating Framework, Mission, Vision, Values, Key elements, go to: http://manage.hawaii.gov/gov/faq/public-land-development-corporation-pldc or click to view the FAQ sheet.
View the media release.
Construction for a brand new track and field at Waiakea High School will soon be underway. Waiakea High School received funding from the Department of Education for the design and construction of an all-weather track and field facility. The new track and field will replace the current facility, where frequent rain has caused safety concerns.
"The new all-weather track and field will not only provide a safe place where students can train and practice, but also encourage them to excel on the field and in the classroom," said Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 1 (Waimea, Hamakua, North Hilo, Rural South Hilo, and Hilo).
"I appreciate the governor for releasing the funding for this long-awaited track and field facility that students at Waiakea High will be able to use for years to come."
The project will cost a little over $2-million.
"This capital improvement project aims to immediately stimulate the economy and create jobs for local residents," added Solomon.
The start date of the project has yet to be determined. View the media release.
Construction at two Big Island schools will soon get underway. Haaheo Elementary School and Kalanianaole Elementary and Intermediate School have both received funding from the Department of Education to improve its campuses. The projects include road upgrades at Haaheo Elementary and a new roof for one of Kalanianaole Elementary and Intermediate's buildings.
"I am pleased that the governor has released the funding for these much needed Capital Improvement Projects at Haaheo Elementary and Kalanianaole Elementary and Intermediate," said Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 1 (Waimea, Hamakua, North Hilo, Rural South Hilo, and Hilo) on Hawaii Island. "Our schools' facilities play a pivotal role in the educational environment of our children. By investing in our schools' infrastructure, we provide a safer and more conducive learning environment where our children can learn and play."
The projects will cost nearly four-hundred sixty-seven-thousand dollars.
"These projects will also stimulate our economy and create jobs our residents so urgently need," added Solomon.
The start dates of the construction work have yet to be determined. View the media release.
The Beamer Solomon Halau O Po‘ohala -- a traditional Hawaiian hula school from Waimea, Island of Hawai‘i -- has been selected to represent the United States at the 2012 Folkmoot USA, North Carolina's Official International Festival.
The Halau is under the direction of 5th generation Loea (dance master) and Kumu Hula Hulali Solomon Covington.
The Festival is a two-week celebration of the world's cultural heritage through folk music and dance from July 20 to 29, 2012.
Dancers and musicians in colorful traditional costumes come from the countries of New Zealand, France, Belgium, Indonesia, Peru, Philippines, Serbia, Puerto Rico, Ukraine and Hawaii, USA will share their cultural traditions, practices and protocols with people from literally around the world in over 70 performances.
The Festival first took place in 1984, the same year as North Carolina's 400th birthday celebration, featuring performers from England, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Turkey, Mexico, Puerto Rico and India. These world ambassadors travel to North Carolina for entertainment, cultural exchange and education; their intent is to share cultural traditions with the broadest audiences, partly to ensure these traditions are not lost in our fast-paced modern world.
Now, 28 years later, more than 200 groups from 100 different countries have attended the Festival. The Festival's policy is that an entirely new program of performers is offered each year. Hundreds of groups apply to perform each year, but only 10 to 12 are chosen.
Governor Neil Abercrombie and the Hawai‘i State Senate have recognized the accomplishments of Beamer Solomon Halau O Po‘ohala and whole heartedly support this world cultural heritage Festival through folk music and dance in Waynsville, North Carolina. The Governor has asked Senator Malama Solomon, cultural advisor to the Halau, to represent the State of Hawai‘i at the Festival and present a Proclamation congratulating and commending the organizers of the Festival. Senator Solomon will also present a congratulatory Certificate from the Hawai‘i State Senate to the Festival organizers. View the press release.
Click here to view the Proclamation.
Click here to view the special message from Governor Neil Abercrombie.
State Senator Malama Solomon, one of the four plaintiffs in Solomon v. Abercrombie, 126 Haw. 283, 270 P.3d 1013 (2012), on behalf of the plaintiffs in the State Court proceedings before the State Supreme Court on the Reapportioning of the State Senate to add a fourth State Senate seat to the County of Hawaii stated:
"I am encouraged by the progress thus far at the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii. In its Order entered May 22, 2012, it appears to me that the Federal court has recognized the unique, historical perspective and importance of each of the counties in the State of Hawaii. The court's order appears to recognize that our unique history mandates that all of the counties have a fair and equal voice in the administration of the Legislative branch of our government. We recognize that the case is not over. However, based on the court's preliminary decision, we are now assured that the local elections will go forward as planned. We deeply appreciate the courts thorough analysis of this matter and we will cooperate with the court on any further hearings that may come before it." View the media statement.
"I believe we've made significant progress on many fronts for our community, island and State," said Senator Malama Solomon, as she wraps up her second year as Governor Abercrombie's appointee, representing District 1 (Kohala, Hamakua and Hilo). The 2012 Legislative Session ended on May 3.
Realizing that our State is heavily dependent on imported oil, Senator Solomon introduced several measures relating to alternative energy, intending to help bring down the cost of electricity. The following bills made it through the Legislative process and are awaiting the Governor's consideration:
• Changes the Hawaii State Planning Act to include the development of geothermal energy resources on State Land."The cost of electricity in the State of Hawaii is the most expensive in the nation. However, geothermal energy has proven to be an effective source of firm power energy. Therefore creating an environment that uses geothermal production will help save money for Hawaii residents," said Senator Solomon.
• Amends the Hawaii State Planning Act to include promoting the development of geothermal energy resources that are located on State Land as a source of firm power to reduce the cost of electricity.
• Adopts utility and regulatory practices that will help ensure that Hawaii utilities are regulated by policies that are up-to-date, streamlined, subject to current information technology standards, and are transparent.
• Lower Hamakua Ditch Watershed Project. Pa‘auilo Rending Plant & Slaughterhouse. Installation of a Hydropower plant as part of the Waimea Irrigation System. Waimea rubbish transfer station improvements. Waimea and Hilo Baseyard-Wastewater improvements.
• UH Hilo-Student Housing at University Village. UH Hilo-Living Learning Community, Hawaii Community College-Update the long range development plan. Palamanui West Hawaii Community College Campus.
• Capital Improvement Projects for Public and Charter Schools all over the island.
• Hale Ho‘ola Hamakua Hospital - repair and maintenance. Kona Community Hospital-Planning and upgrade projects for design and construction and installation of two new generators.
• Arc of Hilo for the construction of Client Support Services Community and Training Center.
• Broadband initiatives to improve services on neighbor islands so every citizen has access. Enhanced communications to improve business opportunities."The internet has made it possible for people to have access to information from all over the globe. As part of the broadband initiatives, I supported enhanced internet services that will help improve connection to the neighbor islands so every citizen has access to help businesses expand their connections globally," said Senator Solomon.
• Modernizing the information technology for the Department of Human Services- reducing fraudulent claims resulting in taxpayer savings.
• In 1994, Senator Solomon introduced a bill that became Act 264, establishing the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC). In 2011, she co-sponsored a bill, which was also signed into law, which would establish the Public Land Development Corporation (PLDC). Both laws bring together private and public sector participants to form an alliance that will bolster economic recovery, promote recreational activity in such areas as the Honokohau Harbor and revitalize tourist destinations such as Banyan Drive in Hilo.
• Senate Resolution 46 (Solomon) passed in 2011, requests the Governor to ensure that Chief Procurement Officers comply with the Hawaii Procurement Code preferences to buy local products, promote the growth of the State's agriculture business and assure food safety and sustainability for Hawaii.
• A bill introduced by Senator Solomon that relates to public land was signed into law. It requires the Department of Land & Natural Resources to establish a public lands information system and database.
• The Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill was signed into law in 2011. This historic law, co-sponsored by Senator Solomon, is another step towards the federal recognition of Native Hawaiians.View the media advisory.
• Act 15, which resolves ceded land claims with the Office of Hawaii Affairs was signed into law on April 11, 2012. This settlement has no effect on claims related to sovereignty, or claims related to ceded lands receipts after July 2012.