November 30, 2015
Funding Released for Capital Improvement Projects
Governor Ige's Administration announced the release of funding for several Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and included on that list were $67 million in lump sum CIP for construction for school repairs and maintenance Statewide, $2 million (design only) for Phase 2 of the H-1 Freeway Management System, $600,000 to fund design and construction for miscellaneous improvements to the Waianae Agricultural Park on Oahu, and $7 million for construction for a new Administration and Allied Health Facility at UH West Oahu.
November 30, 2015
Town Hall Meeting on Education
Mahalo to everyone who participated in the Town Hall Meeting on Education held on Tuesday, October 27 with special guests Ann Mahi, DOE Complex Area Superintendent of Nanakuli & Waianae; Doris Ching, UH West Oahu Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Kalei Kailihiwa, Director of Community Programs at Kamehameha Schools. I am grateful for the many community members who attended, including the principals of Waianae High, Leihoku, Makaha, and Waianae Elementary Schools, and Kamaile Academy. I also want to thank Olelo, who filmed the evening in order to broadcast the meeting on Olelo.
November 30, 2015
House Finance Committee Waianae Site Visit
Members of the House Finance Committee attended a site visit I organized in Waianae on October 9. The visit began at Waianae Boat Harbor where members toured the area and received information from Meghan Statts, Oahu District Manager of the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation of DLNR. Meghan informed members of the revenues generated at the boat harbor as well as the expenses. She noted the loss of needed revenue because numerous slips are out of service and unusable. In an effort to address this need, I've worked to secure CIP funding for the boat harbor and Meghan reported on the status of those projects. Still, Meghan stated that there has been an increase in water usage costs as well as refuse disposal costs. Additionally, she brought to the members' attention the increased reports of theft and vandalism. I will continue to work closely with DLNR staff to address the needs at the Waianae Boat Harbor and am grateful for this opportunity to inform House Finance members of these needs. Site visit participants then walked over along the coast to Waianae High School. We were met by Waianae High School Principal Disa Hauge followed by Searider Productions Executive Director Candy Suiso, staff students and college interns since $2.5 million in CIP has been funded to renovate, expand, and/or connect two existing Searider Productions Media Buildings (SP and T). The site visit continued in Makaha with Barry Usagawa, Amy Tsuneyoshi, and Dean Seki of the Board of Water Supply and Cynthia Rezentes of Mohala I Ka Wai who shared about the Makaha Watershed Restoration Fence Project. Last year, the Legislature appropriated $500,000 for plans, design, construction and equipment for an environmental assessment and to construct a fence line in Makaha Valley to protect the watershed. The visit concluded in Waianae Valley with Yumi Miyata of the Waianae Mountains Watershed Partnership, which is responsible for 46,518 acres of mauka conservation land in the Waianae Mountains.
November 30, 2015
Solar Systems Installed at Leihoku Elementary, Waianae Elementary, and Waianae Intermediate Schools
Maui-based Hawaii Pacific Solar (HPS) recently announced that it has completed installing solar systems at Leihoku Elementary, Waianae Elementary, and Waianae Intermediate Schools. The schools are estimated to save between $600,000 and $745,000 over the 20-year life of the system. The systems will be operated and maintained by Denver-based RC Energy. The installations are performed at no cost to the DOE. HPS is giving each school lesson plan materials on solar energy, a sun safety program and a flat-screen monitor for students to do real-time monitoring of the power being generated and the amount of carbon reduction as a result of the solar panels. A solar system is expected to be completed by the end of the year at Maili Elementary School.
November 30, 2015
Representative Jordan's Fall 2015 Community Newsletter
Representative Jordan releases her Fall 2015 Community Newsletter highlighting the funding released for capital improvement projects, backpacks filled with school supplies that were donated to Waianae Intermediate students, the House Finance Committee's first visit to Hookele Elementary School in Kapolei, and the expansion of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities successful Turnaround Arts Initiative into 5 additional school districts - including Kalihi Kai Elementary, Kamaile Academy and Waianae Elementary in Hawaii.
October 14, 2015
Hawaiian Monk Seal News
The National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) incorporated state input into new rules aimed at protecting the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal, by focusing protection on areas most important to foraging, pupping and resting. NMFS recently finalized a rule that identifies coastal areas in the Main Hawaiian Islands as critical habitat. This was in response to a petition by a local advocacy group, KAHEA, the Hawaiian Environmental Alliance, and two other environmental organizations. Hawaiian monk seals face extinction and are one of most endangered marine mammals in the world, with about 200 monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires the protection of areas that are essential to Hawaiian monk seal survival and recovery. When an area is designated as critical habitat it means that federally permitted or funded projects may need to take steps to avoid habitat damage. These science-based modifications can help state agencies, such as the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) manage the state's coastal resources. There are fewer than 1,100 Hawaiian monk seals left in the world, and they only exist in Hawaii and are a native species. They have been declining about 4 percent per year for the last decade. As an endangered species, they are protected under state and federal law. A 2013 study estimated that monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands consume less than .01 percent of our ocean biomass. Commercial fisheries remove 27 percent and recreational fisheries remove 39 percent of available ocean biomass. It is a felony under both state and federal law to kill a monk seal. Five monk seal killings have occurred since 2011, three on Kauai and two on Molokai. Rewards of up to $10,000 for each incident remain for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. Anyone with information on these killings is asked to call the toll-free DLNR tipline at 1-855-DLNR-TIP. The toll-free, 24 hour reporting hotline for all fishing interactions and other marine mammal incidents is: 1-888-256-9840. NOAA and DLNR urge all fishermen and other ocean users to write down this hotline and/or save it in their mobile phones for timely use whenever a seal may be found hooked or entangled.
October 14, 2015
House Finance Committee Continues Site Visits
The House Finance Committee continued its site visits on the Island of Maui from September 9-11. We visited Maui Memorial Medical Center, Paia School, and other locations. After returning from Maui, several members toured Turtle Bay and Kahuku High School followed by Hawaii State Hospital and Paepae O He`eia.
October 14, 2015
Export Mission to Japan Tokyo International Gift Show
On August 29, I accompanied a delegation from Hawaii to Japan led by the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. We first met with Hiro Arakawa, Vice Governor of Hokkaido followed by the Speaker/Chairman Ren Endo and members of the Legislative Assembly. We also had an opportunity to meet with Chitose Airport Officials, which is a great example for Hawaii to model because the Chitose Airport showcases products from the region. The delegation then travelled to Tokyo for the Tokyo International Gift Show, Japan's largest international trade show with exhibits of personal gifts, consumer goods and decorative accessories. 2,500 companies participated in the show with 4,100 booths. 200,000 anticipated buyers/visitors attended. The State of Hawaii had a pavilion of 25 booths and 55 Hawaii companies, including a business from Makaha.
October 14, 2015
Alu Like and Project Hookui Looking to Assist Native Hawaiian Students to Prepare for and Enter College
Alu Like has partnered with Project Hookui from UH Manoa, College of Education, to assist Native Hawaiian students in grades 10, 11 and 12 to prepare for and to enter postsecondary education. The project offers individual supports to help students become ready for college credit courses and meet the academic qualifications to participate in the Running Start and Early Admission programs. Supports may include mentoring, individualized computer-based accelerated instruction program, tutoring options, and coverage for tuition, books and transportation. For information and to participate, call the Alu Like - Nanakui office at (808) 668-0553 for details and to sign up.
October 14, 2015
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit
Following the CSG West Annual Meeting, I attended the NCSL Legislative Summit on August 3-6 in Seattle, Washington. Each summer, NCSL brings thousands of legislators and staff together for its Legislative Summit, the largest and most substantive meeting of its kind in the nation. The Legislative Summit features more than 100 sessions and presents nationally renowned experts on the most critical state issues. It also provides one-of-a-kind professional development opportunities and the chance to connect with colleagues from around the country. As a member of the House Health and Human Services Committees, I attended the following sessions: NCSL Task Force Innovations in State Health Systems; NCSL Health and Human Services Committee Luncheon; Better Approaches to Addressing Mental Illness in Criminal Justice Systems; Health and Human Services Committee Business Meeting; Evidence Based Policymaking; Waivers and Block Grants and States; and Investments in Oral Health to build upon legislation in these areas. As a member of the House Finance Committee, I attended the following sessions: State Debt Situation: An Update and Discussion; State Budget Update/Federal Budget Update; New Capital Opportunities for State Investments; A Better Way to Ensure Smart Tax Incentives; and Revitalizing Performance Measurement and Budgeting in order to consider budgeting practices of other states that could improve what we do here.
October 14, 2015
Council of State Governments (CSG) West 68th Annual Meeting
I attended the CSG West Annual Meeting on July 28-31 in Vail, Colorado. With the theme of "Balance Your Attitude with a Change in Altitude," this year's annual meeting provided an opportunity to engage in substantive policy issues affecting our region, learn from dynamic speakers, take advantage of professional development sessions, promote regional cooperation and network with important stakeholders in a collegial atmosphere. As a member of the Health and Human Services Committees, I attended the Health & Human Services Committee session which covered patient-centered medical homes as a model of health care to strengthen and improve the health care system; innovations in healthier aging; the work of court appointed special advocates and their impact in improving outcomes for children; and supplemental poverty measures as alternatives that are more accurate and comprehensive. Additionally, as a member of the Finance Committee, I attended the Finance Committee meeting, which included a discussion on the fiscal state of the west, Medicaid expansion and the effect on the budget and budget trend analysis. Finally, the CSG West Annual Meeting included the following Annual Legislative Training Assembly (ALTA) sessions: 1) Standing Strong: Developing Your Position and Building Support; 2) Follow Me: The Makings of a Great Committee Leader; and 3) Media Training.
October 14, 2015
Climate Change
A new report has been released by the Rockefeller Foundation - Lancet Commission on planetary health that identifies three primary categories of challenges for humans to be able to maintain and enhance human health in the face of increasingly harmful environmental trends. The report also provides an analysis of how human health issues are changing and suggests solutions. To see the report, go to http://www.thelancet.com/commissions/planetary-health. Hawaii's commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change have been significant and started early. The first report in Hawaii, entitled Effects on Hawaii of a Worldwide Rise in Sea Level Induced by the "Greenhouse Effect", prepared by the Hawaii Coastal Zone Management Program, Department of Planning and Economic Development, was published in January, 1985. The report made recommendations for a long-range plan to be developed, aimed at mitigating the impacts, with the following actions: 1) The rising sea level projections for Hawaii to adopt for planning purposes based upon the best data and scientific predictions available, 2) Review and revisions of the adopted sea level projections at regular intervals (10 years), 3) The plotting of approximate locations of shorelines and coastal hazards based on the adopted or amended sea level projections, 4) The use of projected shoreline and coastal hazard maps in the design and locations of new public facilities and in the improvement and alteration of existing facilities, based on their lifespan and safety features, 5) Locating new infrastructural facilities as a means to attract development to "safe" areas away from zones of projected hazard, 6) Adopting more innovative uses of the economic incentives of the National Flood Insurance Program to encourage appropriate changes in existing patterns of development, 7) A strict adherence to existing prohibitions against shore-side development by approving fewer variances, waivers, and exemptions, and 8) More serious consideration of request for replacing structures lost to natural forces and situated within areas subject to impact from rising sea levels. Hawaii continues to focus on mitigation and set ambitious goals to address climate change issues. It's heartening to see new approaches that connect businesses and the economy to the environment. For example, partnerships such as the Hawaii Invasive Species Council and the Hawaii Association of Watershed Partnerships, have been able to tackle problems that cannot be solved by any one entity. Also, the Aloha+ Challenge: A Culture of Sustainability - He Nohona `Ae`oia statewide, joint leadership commitment sets clear targets for clean energy transformation (70% clean energy by 2030), local food production, natural resource management, waste reduction, smart growth, climate resilience, green jobs, and education. It will take all of us working together to reach our goals.
August 13, 2015
Representative Jordan's Summer 2015 Community Newsletter
Representative Jordan releases her Summer 2015 Community Newsletter highlighting her Legislative Town Hall Meeting held on June 25 and the affordable housing site visit along the Leeward Coast she organized on June 30.
August 13, 2015
House Finance Committee Site Visits
The House Finance Committee began its site visits with a walk through of Hookele Elementary School in Kapolei on July 20. This $40 million school is the first large DOE, Facilities Development Branch project utilizing Design-Build as the procurement method, which was constructed and opened in 16 months. The Committee then completed a tour of Sugarland Growers and Mansanto on July 21. Additional site visits statewide will be scheduled over the next few months.
August 13, 2015
Governor Vetoes 8 Bills, 243 Become Law
After reviewing more than 252 bills passed by the 2015 Hawaii State Legislature, Governor Ige notified legislators of his decision to veto 8 bills. The Governor this year signed 239 bills into law. 4 other measures became law without signature. On June 29, the Governor notified the Legislature of his intent to veto 8 measures and filed his statement of objections on July 13 to the following bills: 1) HB540 (Relating to UH) - The Governor vetoed this bill because the Legislature didn't make the requisite finding that this bill is a law of statewide concern, thus the bill is vulnerable to a challenge that it violates the State Constitution because it impacts the internal management and operation of UH. 2) HB553 (Relating to Collective Bargaining) - The Governor deemed the bill objectionable because it is incomplete and could potentially cause legal and administrative problems. 3) SB 105 (Relating to the Budget) - The Governor determined that while this bill has merit, accurate information in the form required by the bill is unavailable due to the limitations of the State's accounting system. 4) SB218 (Relating to Order of Succession) - Governor Ige concluded that this bill is substantially similar to a bill vetoed by Governor Abercrombie in 2014 and the flaw contained in the previous bill was not remedied by this bill because it does not provide for succession in the situation when the office of the Governor becomes permanently vacant at the same time as the office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Senate President and the Speaker of the House belong to a political party different from that of the Gov. 5) SB265 (Relating to Sex Trafficking) - The Governor noted that the AG, the Prosecuting Attorneys of Honolulu, Maui and Hawaii, the Office of the Public Defender and HPD all objected to provisions of this bill and recommended that it be vetoed. In addition to legal objections, the AG and the 3 Prosecuting Attorneys noted that the Penal Code Review Committee, which will include the AG, all the county Prosecuting Attorneys, a representative from the Office of the Public Defender, and representatives from the criminal defense bar, will meet this year to review our criminal laws and make recommendations to the Legislature in response to the recently adopted HCR 155, SD 1 (Requesting Judicial Council to Appoint a Committee to Review and Recommend Revisions to the Hawaii Penal Code). This Committee will have an opportunity to review sex trafficking laws and propose amendments with a broader base of support. 6) SB349 (Relating to Taxation) - The Governor deemed the bill objectionable because the provisions in the bill that restrict the income tax credit for renewable fuels to only renewable fuels produced and sold in the State may be subject to challenge as violating the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution. 7) SB569 (Relating to Theft) - Governor Ige concluded that this bill would diminish the seriousness of many theft crimes and reduce the deterrent impact of theft offenses. 8) SB1324 (Relating to Divorce) - Governor Ige deemed this bill objectionable because there is no appropriation for the costs of implementing the bill, which are expected to be at least $1 million dollars.
August 13, 2015
Projects at Waianae Small Boat Harbor
Since 2011, I worked to secure $5 million for the Waianae Small Boat Harbor. On July 8, I was briefed on the status of current projects. DLNR staff indicated that Pier A improvements project is under design. The preliminary design will be submitted for review about the end of July and the bid documents will probably be ready in October considering one month review period. Additionally, DOBOR Administrator Ed Underwood reported that the damaged loading dock was repaired by the boater whose boat did the damage and he further indicated that a new loading dock was needed because the one loading dock was inadequate. With regard to the broken pile repair, DLNR staff explained that the temporary repair by installing a pile sleeve has been approved and the permanent pile repair was part of the Pier A Improvement project and was under design. DLNR staff also shared that a fish hoist will be bid out by the end of July. The last item discussed by DLNR staff was landside improvements including reconstruction of the wash down area and evaluation of the water line. I will continue to work with DLNR to complete the necessary improvements at the Waianae Small Boat Harbor.
August 13, 2015
Legislative Town Hall Meeting on Olelo
Mahalo to everyone who participated in the Leg Town Hall Meeting on June 25. I also wanted to inform those who weren't able to attend that the meeting can be viewed online at Olelo Community Media's Video-on-demand website.
August 13, 2015
PVT Winner of the SWANA Silver Excellence Award
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) has named PVT Land Company, Ltd., as the winner of the SWANA Silver Excellence Award in the Recycling Systems category. SWANA's Excellence Awards Program recognizes outstanding solid waste programs and facilities that advance the practice of environmentally and economically sound solid waste management through their commitment to utilizing effective technologies and processes in system design and operations, advancing worker and community health and safety, and implementing successful public education and outreach programs. PVT Land Co., Ltd. is pursuing a strategy to optimize landfill capacity and has introduced a new recycling system that will enable reclamation and processing of about 4.5 million cubic yards of waste that is buried in the landfill, in addition to waste that is brought to the facility of a daily basis. The PVT recycling system can process 1,700 to 2,000 tons of C&D waste per day and convert up to 900 tons to feedstock that can be burned for energy production. The company also offers Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) reporting to customers who recycle C&D materials and wish to acquire LEED points. The award will be presented at SWANA's annual conference, WASTECON on August 25 in Orlando, Florida.
August 13, 2015
Dawn Kaui Sang Selected as the Director of the Office of Hawaiian Education
After an extensive recruitment process, Dawn Kaui Sang was selected by the Superintendent as the Director of Office of Hawaiian Education, which now falls under the Office of the Superintendent. Sang began her career with the DOE in 1997 teaching at Waimanalo and later taught at two Hawaiian Immersion schools. In 2005, she became the Educational Specialist for the Hawaiian Language Immersion (Kaiapuni) Program. Sang was actively involved in the revision of Board policies 2104 and 2105 and the development of Board policy E-3. A graduate of Kailua High, Kaui earned her master's and bachelor's degrees in education from the UH-Manoa.
July 22, 2015
Hawaii Green Growth Dashboard
The Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) previously announced the new Dashboard from Hawaii Green Growth and Aloha+ Challenge supporters that will measure six sustainability targets that the State is striving to meet by 2030, including Clean Energy, Local Food, Natural Resource Management, Waste Reduction, Smart Sustainable Communities, and Green Workforce. The OEQC is encouraging the public to learn more about waste and take a look at the measures in the Hawaii Green Growth Dashboard at https://dashboard.hawaii.gov/aloha-challenge. When it comes to waste, the goal is to "reduce the solid waste stream prior to disposal by 70% through source reduction, recycling, bioconversion, and landfill diversion methods." The Hawaii Green Growth Dashboard is set up to track the full solid waste picture in Hawaii by measuring Total Solid Waste Reduction, Total Solid Waste Generation, Reduction, Reuse, Recycling (including Composting), and Waste-to-Energy. This publicly accessible, targeted information provides an important building block for achieving meaningful solid waste reduction in Hawaii. The goal is to continuously add data to the Dashboard, fill in data gaps, and use the information to support policy changes and programs that help to achieve 70% solid waste reduction by 2030.
July 22, 2015
Waianae Coast Schools a National Model for Counseling
For years, counselors at Waianae Intermediate would wait for students to be referred to their office or seek help before providing services or information. It was, for the most part, a reactionary practice that failed to address the root cause of walk-in cases. Today, after an overhaul of its program, the school delivers a counseling curriculum through classroom lessons, intervenes in truancy cases with home visits and targeted support, and partners with community organizations to raise awareness about chronic absenteeism. This month, Waianae Intermediate, along with Nanaikapono Elementary, will be honored as a Recognized American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Model Program, or RAMP, the first such national designation for a Hawaii public school. They will be among 62 schools receiving the RAMP award at the June 30 ASCA's annual conference in Phoenix. RAMP recognizes schools committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven counseling program and an exemplary educational environment. Aligning Waianae and Nanaikapono's counseling programs to the ASCA model led to improvements in both referral and absenteeism rates, the schools reported. Incident referrals at Nanaikapono Elementary dipped nearly 40% to 103 in the 2013-14 school year, compared with the previous year. At Waianae Intermediate, discipline referrals in 2013-14 decreased by 20% over the previous school year, while attendance jumped 2% to 93.1%. During the same time, Waianae's chronic absenteeism rate, one important predictor of academic success fell to 43% from 49%. The Nanakuli-Waianae complex has set a goal of having all of its 9 schools achieve RAMP certification by 2017, said Complex Area Superintendent Ann Mahi, who was named last month as the Hawaii High School Counselor Association Counseling Advocate of the Year.
July 22, 2015
Hawaii Joins National Turnaround Arts Initiative
The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities will expand its successful Turnaround Arts initiative into 5 additional school districts - including Kalihi Kai Elementary, Kamaile Academy and Waianae Elementary in Hawaii - as the program continues to successfully help turn around low-performing schools, narrow the achievement gap and increase student engagement through the arts. This follows last year's major expansion of the program after a Booz Allen Hamilton evaluation of the program's effectiveness. Turnaround Arts now reaches over 22,000 of the country's highest-needs students in 49 schools in 14 states and DC. The Committee also announced that Turnaround Artists Jack Johnson, Jake Shimabukuro and Alfre Woodard will "adopt" Hawaii Turnaround Arts schools and work directly with students and teachers to support their arts education. The newly expanded program is funded through a public-private partnership, receiving over $5 million over the next 3 years from the U.S. DOE, the National Endowment of the Arts, the Ford Foundation and other private foundations and companies to bring arts education into low-performing schools. The program leverages approximately an additional $10 million contributed in local funds over the same period. The money will be used to hire new arts and music teachers; bring teaching artists, art supplies and music instruments into schools; and support arts integration with other core subjects such as reading, math and science. In Hawaii, the Hawaii State DOE and the Hawaii Arts Alliance will be the local program partners for Turnaround Arts. Research evaluation results show that participating schools are demonstrating improved academic performance, increased student and parent engagement, and improved culture and climate. On average, Turnaround Arts schools showed a 23% improvement in math proficiency and a 13% increase in reading proficiency over 3 years, as well as showing reductions of up to 86% in student disciplinary issues and sharply increased attendance. All schools participating in Turnaround Arts will receive training and resources to address their individual needs. Resources will include a summer leadership program, in-school professional development, partnerships with community arts education and cultural organization, art supplies, and musical instruments. Participating schools were competitively selected by program partners according to national guidelines. Selection criteria included demonstrated need and opportunity, strong school leadership with district support, and a commitment to arts education. Turnaround Arts schools represent elementary and middle schools from across the country and encompass a diversity of student demographics in urban and rural settings.
July 22, 2015
Representative Jordan's Community Newsletter for the 2015 Session
Representative Jordan releases her Community Newsletter for the 2015 Session highlighting the $70 million in new projects included in the state budget to improve our community and the Top Accomplishments of the 2015 Legislature.
July 22, 2015
Funding Released for Capital Improvement Projects
Governor Ige's Administration announced the release of funding for several Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and included on that list were $750,000 for construction for increased drainage capacity along Farrington Highway in the vicinity of Princess Kahanu Avenue on Oahu; $2.7 million to replace Maipalaoa Bridge in Waianae, Oahu with a new bridge that meets current seismic and vehicular load requirements; $28.8 million for design and construction for a new Administration and Allied Health Facility at University of Hawaii-West Oahu; $4.5 million to provide a new Administration Building at Waianae Elementary; and $500,000 (Design only) to connect Buildings SP and T at Waianae High School for its "Searider Production" program.
June 17, 2015
Hawaii Schools Dominate National Television Competition
Hawaii's middle and high school media programs took home 28 awards from the 12th Annual Student Television Network Convention in San Diego, California. Waianae High School took home six trophies, including a regional Broadcast Excellence award. Maui Waena Intermediate School, another big winner, also garnered six awards. Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School on Kauai, and Oahu schools Mid-Pacific Institute, Moanalua High School and Waianae Intermediate School also won multiple awards. Kauai's Waimea High School also captured a first-place win in the "60-Second Silent Story" category. More than 2,700 middle and high school students from across the country gathered at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego for four days of competition and workshops. Students were given strict time deadlines, often only a few hours, to conceptualize, write, shoot and edit their entries on site.
June 17, 2015
$1.5 Million Released for Waianae High School to Replace/Renovate Bleachers
Governor Ige's Administration announced the release of funding for several Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and included on that list was $1.5 million to replace/renovate the deteriorating bleachers at Waianae High School. The State Legislature appropriated these funds in the state budget in 2013.
June 17, 2015
Waianae Pop-Up Legal Clinic Results
Mahalo to Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii (VLSH) for hosting a Pop-Up Legal Clinic in Waianae. Overall, 28 individuals were serviced with legal advice and brief services (document preparation). Of that number, 14 applied for further legal assistance through VLSH to help resolve their legal matter to include follow-up advice, self-help (pro se) assistance and guidance, and referrals to volunteer attorneys for direct representation. The majority of the participants had family law related matters, and the second most in demand matter involved estate planning/trust issues. 14 volunteers assisted at the event, 5 volunteer attorneys provided direct assistance, 3 new volunteer attorneys attended to train and experience pro bono community based legal services, and 6 volunteers were law students and non-legal volunteers who helped with document preparation and ushering clinic participants.