December 3, 2015
DOH Schedules Public Hearing in Hilo
The Department of Health (DOH) will receive written comments and hold a public hearing on proposed changes to Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR), Chapter 11-62, Wastewater Systems. Proposed changes include prohibiting the installation of new cesspools and implementation of Act 120 which provides a temporary tax credit for upgrading qualifying cesspools to septic systems or connecting to a sewer system of qualifying cesspools. A list of all proposed changes may be found in the Rationale document that is available on the following website: http://health.hawaii.gov/wastewater/home/public_notice/
Hilo's meeting will be on December 18, 2015 at 5pm at the Hawaii District Health Office - Hilo, Conference Room, 1582 Kamehameha Avenue
Persons desiring to speak are asked to submit one copy of their statement before or at the hearing. Written statements will also be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22, 2015, at the Wastewater Branch, Environmental Management Division, State Department of Health, 919 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 309, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96814 or via email at wwb@doh.hawaii.gov.
Copies of the proposed rules and documents explaining the proposed changes are available at:
Department of Health, District Health Office, 1582 Kamehameha Avenue or online at http://health.hawaii.gov/wastewater/home/public_notice/
For more information or if you have special needs due to disability that will aid you in inspecting and/or commenting on the public notice and related information, please contact Sina Pruder at the above address or at (808) 586-4294 (Voice) at least seven (7) calendar days before the comment deadline. For those who use a TTY/TDD, please call Sprint Relay Hawaii at 1-711 or 1-877-447-5991. If warranted, DOH may hold a public hearing on the application, after receipt of related documents and written comments, if any.
For more information on HAR 11-62 amendments, please contact the Wastewater Branch at (808) 586-4294.
October 23, 2015
Homeowners Training with DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) Wastewater Branch and Safe Drinking Water Branch - Groundwater Protection Program are providing FREE onsite disposal system training throughout the State of Hawaii.
If you are a property owner and have a septic system, you are cordially invited to attend the "Onsite Disposal Systems Training for Homeowners." By attending this training, you will learn how to determine if you have a septic system, how to locate your septic system, and provide proper operation and maintenance of your septic system. If you are interested in attending, please register; each class is limited to 50 enrollees. Registration information is provided on the following website
Register by E-mail, Mail, Fax or by Telephone
• E-mail at wwb@doh.hawaii.gov
• Mail to: 919 Ala Moana Blvd, Room 308, Honolulu, Hi, 96814
• Fax at (808) 586-4300
• Telephone at (808) 586-4294
Hilo's training is on October 29, 2015, from 5pm - 8pm at the Aupuni Center, Suite1, 101 Pauahi Street. Should you have questions, please contact the Wastewater Branch at (808) 586-4294.
September 10, 2015
Free Legislative Workshop in Hilo
Each year the State's Public Access Room (PAR) schedules a series of workshops on the neighbor islands to talk to residents about our Legislature and the legislative process. These workshops are free of charge and last one hour to an hour and a half in length. They cover topics such as understanding the legislative process, making sense of the legislative calendar and legislative deadlines, how to track bills and submit testimony, and an overview of the Capitol website.
Hilo's workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21st at 6:30 p.m. on the UH- Hilo campus, Ho'oulu Terrace (UCB 127) 200 W. Kawili Street.
PAR's contact information:
Website: http://lrbhawaii.org
Toll Free from Hawaii Island 974-4000, ext. 7-0478
TTY: 808/587-0749
September 1, 2015
Hilo's Public Hearing on the Transfer of Oceanic Time Warner Cable's Hawaii Cable Television Franchises
The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Cable Television Division (CATV) is holding a public hearing in Hilo regarding the joint application filed by Charter Communications, Inc. and Time Warner Cable, Inc. (the parent company of Oceanic Time Warner Cable) for approval of the indirect transfer of control of Oceanic's cable television franchises from TWC to Charter.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Aupuni Center Conference Room 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo
If anyone is unable to attend in person, written comments may be emailed to cabletv@dcca.hawaii.gov, faxed to (808) 586-2625, or mailed to:
Cable Television Division
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 541
Honolulu, HI 96809
In order to satisfy mandated procedural deadlines, all written comments must be filed with DCCA-CATV by Friday, Sept. 25, 2015, 4:30 p.m.
August 27, 2015
Driver's License Test Now Available in Simplified Chinese
The State Department of Transportation announced that the written driver's license test is now offered in Simplified Chinese. The test was already available in Traditional Chinese, and the translation into Simplified Chinese will accommodate and help more people learn the rules of Hawaii's roads. Applicants will still need to learn key symbols and words that are common on American roadways.
Driver's license exams are administered by County partners and are offered in Hilo at 349 Kapiolani St., phone 961-2222.
With this most recent translation, Hawaii's written driver's test is now available in 14 different languages including English, Hawaiian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Chuukese, Ilocano, Japanese, Korean, Marshallese, Samoan, Spanish, Tagalog, Tongan and Vietnamese.
August 18, 2015
Jury Questionnaires Mailed for 2016
Every August, the Hawaii State Judiciary mails juror questionnaires to individuals who have a Hawaii state driver's license OR are registered to vote in the State of Hawaii. Beginning August 10, 2015, approximately 235,000 total juror questionnaires will be mailed; 70,000 will go to addresses on the Big Island. The questionnaires are used to help select potential jurors who may be eligible to serve in 2016. Those who receive a questionnaire have 10 days to complete and return the questionnaire to the Jury Pool Office. Anyone who fails to respond may be penalized.
August 12, 2015
Hilo Students Win In Pedestrian Safety Poster Contest
Over the past six months, representatives of the Walk Wise Hawaii program have been teaching Hawaii's keiki how to be good pedestrians through its Kupuna Pledge Card program and pedestrian safety poster contest.
The education program consisted of onsite visits where children were taught the "Seven Tips to Safety" which addressed a variety of pedestrian safety best practices. After learning the Steps, each keiki was asked to draw a poster of one of two basic pedestrian safety rules: (1) always make eye contact with drivers while in a crosswalk and (2) always wear bright and reflective clothing while walking at night. Over 5,000 poster entries were received. Twenty posters were selected that best depicted good pedestrian practices and those twenty posters are now on display at the State Capitol as part of Pedestrian Safety Month in August.
In the category "Always wear bright or reflective clothing when walking at night", Hilo winners are Tevita L. of Waiakea Elementary, Caylyn M. of Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary, and Tia T. of Kaumana Elementary.
In the category "Always make eye contact with drivers while in the crosswalk", Hilo winners are Tayhani A. and Kaitlyn R. of Waiakea Elementary. Congratulations!
August 11, 2015
DLNR Public Meeting Scheduled for Hilo
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is seeking public input on its updated Hawai'i State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), which lays out the strategy and plans of DLNR and its partners to address the conservation needs of Hawai'i's native wildlife over the next 10 years. The plan is being updated to continue the coordinated and comprehensive planning, and implementation of conservation strategies and actions to manage and restore native wildlife.
The draft of the 2015 State Wildlife Action Plan is now available for review on the DLNR website, and can be viewed here
A public meeting to provide information about the plan, and gather input from interested parties will be held:
Wed., August 19 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
DLNR Division of Forestry Hawaii Branch office conference room 19 E. Kawili Street
Written comments on the draft SWAP may be submitted to:
Division of Forestry and Wildlife
1151 Punchbowl St., Rm. 325
Honolulu, HI 96813
Email comments may be submitted to: John.P.Vetter@hawaii.gov
The deadline for public comments to be submitted is August 31, 2015.
August 10, 2015
FEMA Meeting in Hilo
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is nearing the end of a multi-year effort to update and modernize the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Hawai'i County. The updated maps will help community officials and local residents better identify known flood risks and when finalized, will be used for flood insurance, land use and development decisions.
An informational meeting is planned for residents and property owners to review the preliminary FIRMs. Representatives from the State of Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Hawaii County and FEMA will be on hand to answer questions.
Monday. August 17, 2015
Aupuni Center- 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo
Doors open 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm, presentation 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
August 4, 2015
State DOH Plans Public Meeting in Hilo
The Department of Health (DOH) is in the process of amending Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 62, Wastewater Systems (HAR 11-62).
DOH is proposing amendments to HAR 11-62 that would prohibit the construction of new cesspools in order to protect public health and preserve natural resources. DOH is not proposing to require upgrades of existing cesspools in these rules. DOH is also proposing amendments needed to implement Act 120, which involves providing a temporary income tax credit for the cost of upgrade or converting a qualified cesspool to a septic tank system or an aerobic treatment unit system, or connecting to a sewer system. A taxpayer may apply for a tax credit of up to $10,000 for each qualified cesspool.
DOH will be holding a public meeting to discuss the proposed changes for HAR 11-62 at the following location: Thursday, Aug. 13, at 5 p.m., Hawaii District Health Office, Conference Room, 1582 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo. For more information on HAR 11-62 amendments, please contact the Wastewater Branch at 586-4294 (Oahu).
July 20, 2015
California Drought and Hawaii's Food Supply
The Hawaii Tribune Herald ran this informative article on how Hawaii could be affected by California's current drought, and what measures have and can be taken to mitigate effects here. View article
July 15, 2015
Hanohano Hawaii Kuauli
The 23rd Annual Hawaii Conservation Conference will take place early next month in Hilo. Many topics are relevant to our community). Please see details at http://www.hawaiiconservation.org/conference
The conference includes a free community event on August 5th at UH-Hilo. There will be free public access to the afternoon sessions with exhibits, live music, and great local food for sale featuring some of our most talented chefs. Please see these two links from the website for details on the day's events:
View website
View poster
June 8, 2015
Funds Released for Hilo Projects
Governor Ige recently informed me that his administration released funding for the following improvement projects:
Waiakea Elementary: playcourt covering and covered walkway to allow for PE classes and school events regardless of weather- $1,050,000. The estimated completion date is October 2016.
Waiakea High: batting cage facilities for both the baseball and softball programs- $450,000. The estimated completion date is July 2017.View full article
May 14, 2015
Waiakeawaena Construction to Begin
The Department of Education (DOE) recently informed me that campus construction projects will begin shortly. Building A's air conditioning will be replaced, and other repair and maintenance needs will be addressed. Although some noise is associated with this type of work, DOE officials intend to minimize any inconvenience as much as possible.
April 6, 2015
Honoring Team Hoku
It was an honor to sponsor a House Floor Presentation on April 1 to congratulate Team Hoku from the University Hawaii at Hilo for their win in the 2015 Microsoft Imagine Cup Pitch Video Challenge - Games category. The Microsoft Imagine Cup Competition is recognized as the premier global student technology competition where competitors are challenged to use technology to help solve tough problems, and the Pitch Video Challenge gives students a chance to pitch a project in a video, tell the story of their project, share their team goals and timelines, and explain what the overall effect would be. Congratulations to team members BRIAN HALL, THEODORE DEREGO, LUCAS DEREGO, and CASEY PEARRING. Associate Professor KEITH EDWARDS assisted Team Hoku as their faculty member, and students KRISTIN PEDERSON and KELLI YAMANE also supported the team by working on documentation aspects of the game. My colleagues were very impressed with their achievements! Read the House Resolution here: View full article
March 5, 2015
2015 HISAW Awards
The Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week (HISAW) Awards Ceremony took place on March 2nd at the State Capitol Auditorium. It was an honor to present the "Hottest Hotline Report to 643-PEST, 2015 Award" to Mr. Rick Yamamoto of the Hawaii Air National Guard.
In June of 2014, Mr. Yamamoto took quick action when he observed what was described as a 2-foot long, black lizard with a black tongue running across the pavement at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. He immediately photographed the animal and it was reported right away to the state Department of Agriculture (DOA) through its 643-PEST hotline. Thanks to this rapid response, Keevin Minami, DOA Land Vertebrate Specialist, was able to apprehend the 24" long juvenile water monitor lizard the next day, preventing a very harmful invasive species from escaping into Hawaii's environment. Please see my photo stream for event pictures.
March 2, 2015
PUBLIC WORKSHOPS SCHEDULED FOR INPUT ON STATEWIDE WATER RESOURCE PROTECTION PLAN
The Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) is in the process of updating the statewide Water Resource Protection Plan (WRPP) and is seeking the community's input on water resource issues of importance. The purpose of the Water Resource Protection Plan is to establish policies and identify actions needed to ensure the long-term protection and sustainability of Hawaii's precious and limited ground and surface water resources.
Commission staff will be holding workshops statewide so people on each island may participate. All workshops are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will include a short slideshow about the Water Resource Protection Plan. This will be followed by smaller group discussions to talk in more detail about specific water resource issues in each community. Hilo's meeting will be on March 30 at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi St. Suite 1.
February 11, 2015
Downtown Hilo Multimodal Master Plan
Efforts have recently started on The Downtown Hilo Multimodal Master Plan. This plan will present concepts and proposals for traffic circulation, parking, pedestrian streetscapes, and other features to implement the community's vision of a vibrant, walkable Downtown Hilo. The Project Team is led by consultant SSFM International and includes local and national experts on walkability, mobility, and complete streets concepts. Community participation is very important to the process and input will be invited through community meetings, which will include presentations and interactive discussions. Focused community and stakeholder engagement will provide input on the project and inform the planning process. Some of the stakeholder groups to be engaged in the process are downtown businesses and landowners, event hosts, community advocates, visitor industry representatives, and numerous community members and organizations invested in the future of Downtown Hilo. The public may sign up for email notifications about the project at downtownhilo@hawaiicounty.gov.
February 3, 2015
Safe Routes to School Workshop at Keaukaha Elementary
The State Department of Transportation will hold a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) informational workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Keaukaha Elementary School. Community leaders, school officials, health and transportation professionals, law enforcement officers, parents and neighbors who are interested in the implementation of SRTS strategies at all schools statewide are invited to participate. These workshops are offered free of charge with lunch provided.
Communities around the country are using SRTS programs to make it safer and more appealing for children to walk and bicycle to school. Federal funding is available for states to establish programs.
To register, go to http://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/srts/ and click on the link under Upcoming Workshops, or contact Tara Lucas at 808-692-7696, or e-mail saferoutestoschool@hawaii.gov.
November 24, 2014
UH-Hilo Basketball Appreciation Days Scheduled
UHH Vulcans Women's and Men's Basketball will have two Appreciation Days in December. Saturday, Dec. 13 will be Armed Forces & Veterans Appreciation Day. Active/retired military and their spouses/partners should come in uniform or bring identification for free admission. Tailgate starts at 10:30 a.m.; women's basketball game starts at 12 p.m., men's game at 2:30 p.m. There will be keiki games, classic cars, hula performances, and more. Saturday, Dec. 20 will be Health Care Professionals Appreciation Day. HeaIth Care staff & families should bring I.D. for free admission. Women's basketball game starts at 4 p.m., men's game at 7:30 p.m. There will be ice shave, free photos with Santa, halftime performances, and more.
October 29, 2014
CIP Funds Released for HCC and UHH
I received notice on October 23rd that Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds will be released for work at the following locations:
• Hawaii Community College: Hale Kea/IT Academic Computing
• UH-Hilo Art Building and Art Labs & Offices
• various buildings at UH-Hilo for deferred maintenance
October 29, 2014
Congratulations to Lisa Ishimoto!
Waiakea High School senior Lisa Ishimoto is one of six statewide winners of an essay contest. The contest's theme was "How to Inspire Others to Volunteer", and I was privileged to join Chief Justice Park Recktenwald and others in honoring Lisa and her fellow winners at the State Supreme Court on October 23, 2014. For more details please visit:View full article
October 17, 2014
Hilo Intermediate School Construction
Construction will soon begin for temporary facilities on the Hilo Intermediate School campus. On October 14th, the State Department of Education informed me that the necessary contract has been awarded in the amount of $513,000, and that every effort will be made to minimize disruption and disturbance while work is being done.
October 9, 2014
Contract Awarded for Waiakea High's Gym
Hurricane hardening is the process in which a building is reinforced to be more resistant to hurricanes. The State Dept. of Education recently notified me that a contract for $471,000 has been awarded, and hurricane hardening for Waiakea High School's gym will be initiated soon.
October 7, 2014
Money Released for Dept. of Ag- Hilo
I received notice that Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds will be released for the Department of Agriculture's Hilo Plant Industry Facility, greenhouse and other buildings. $156,000 is earmarked for repairs and improvements/ design and construction.
September 5, 2014
State Data Book 2013
The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) has released the 2013 edition of the State of Hawaii Data Book. The resource is available on DBEDT's website and may be downloaded in whole or in part as either PDF or Excel files.
The state's Data Book is the most comprehensive statistical book about Hawaii in a single compilation. With more than 800 data tables, it covers a broad range of statistical information in areas such as population, education, labor, energy, business enterprises, government, tourism and transportation. It has been consistently produced for 46 years. Please visit:
View full article
August 29, 2014
Hilo All-Stars Win 2014 PONY League World Series
Congratulations to champions Dallas Duarte, Joseph Jarneski, Jaisten Cabatbat, Trayden Tamiya, Reese Mondina, David Nakamura, Micah Bello, Ryan Ragual, Kahale Huddleston Jr., Eric Riveira, Bryce Furuli, Samuel Kahapea, Curren Inouye, Zachary Riveira, and Noah Kalaola-Richardson.
Mahalo to Head Coach Stacey Jarneski and assistants Troy Tamiya, Duke Waiki, and Darren Tagawa, and all team family members and supporters for guiding these young athletes to this prestigious victory!
August 20, 2014
Recovering from Hurricane Iselle
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has disaster assistance programs available to agricultural stakeholders who were negatively impacted by Hurricane Iselle.
Some programs include:
Tree Assistance Program (TAP) is available for qualifying fruit orchardists of papaya, banana and tropical fruits. The program provides cost share to clean up and replant.
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) can assist farmers and ranchers with the clean-up of field damage to farms and ranches including debris removal and fence replacement. This program must be authorized by Farm Service Agency's (FSA) National Office and based upon assessed impacts.
Farm Loan Programs offer a range of low-interest loans to assist producers. Additionally, producers with existing loans with FSA should contact their loan officer if they anticipate having problems making their regular payments, as FSA may be able to modify the payment schedule or meet other needs.
For more information about FSA's programs including what you need to do in advance should another disaster event occur, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/hi or for a more comprehensive look at USDA disaster assistance visit: www.usda.gov/disaster
USDA's Rural Development (RD) offers housing, water and wastewater grant/loan/programs that may assist rural communities impacted by emergency or disaster conditions.
For more information, please contact Diane L. Ley, FSA Executive Director at (808) 541-2600 ext. 123, and/or Chris Kanazawa, RD Executive Director at (808) 345-5574.
www.usda.gov/disaster
August 14, 2014
Phase II Construction at Waiakea High School Track
The Department of Education (DOE) informed me that work on Waiakea High's track and field facilities- Phase II will begin soon. The work contract has been awarded, and DOE and school officials will discuss logistics before construction starts to ensure minimal disruption.
May 23, 2014
Honouliuli Internment Camp
For more than ten years, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii (JCCH) has worked to educate the public on the history of Honouliuli and the internment of Japanese Americans in Hawaii. A recent draft study reaffirms that Honouliuli, as the longest operating World War II Japanese American internment and POW camp, represents a unique chapter in American history and a lesson in civil liberties and the U.S. Constitution.
There will be a series of National Park Service (NPS) community meetings throughout the State to discuss the recommendation that Honouliuli be added to the National Park System as a national historic site or national monument. Hilo's meeting will be on Wednesday, June 4th from 6pm to 8pm at the Hawaii Japanese Center. If you are unable to attend this NPS meeting, you may participate in their virtual meeting on Tuesday, June 17th from 10 am to 12 noon (Hawaii). Access information will be posted at www.nps.gov/pwro/honouliuli.
Please contact JCCH at park@jcch.com or by calling (808) 945-7633 if you have any questions or need additional information.
March 24, 2014
Improvements Coming to DOH Waiakea Complex
$460,000 was recently released for repair to the Dept. of Health Waiakea Complex roof and for other improvements. Most of the structures are made of wood and have extensive termite damage and are more than 50 years old. In addition $200,000 in design and construction funds were released for Kulani Correctional Facility (KCF). The funds are for renovations that will allow minimum-security male inmates to reoccupy KCF.
March 5, 2014
Funding for Hilo Intermediate School
$500,000 in design funds were released for the replacement and renovation of the campus PE locker room and shower facilities. Hilo Intermediate is one of several schools throughout the state to receive capital improvement projects (CIP) money. The complete list is available here:
View full article
February 6, 2014
2014 National Water Quality Initiative for Hilo Bay
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the National Water Quality Initiative for Hilo Bay. The application deadline for this initiative is March 21, 2014. Funding will be dedicated to address specific water quality issues on qualified agricultural land, which includes forest land.
In 2013, NRCS obligated $346,684 to contracts for improvement of water quality from animal feeding operations. In 2014, there is an allocation of $361,000 to address water quality degradation natural resource concerns for eligible agricultural producers on eligible lands. Eligible lands include cropland, pasture, range, non-industrial private forest lands and animal feeding operations on farmsteads. Interested applicants should contact Kori Hisashima, District Conservationist at the NRCS Hilo Field Office at (808) 933-8359. Visit www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov for more information.
January 30, 2014
Building E at Kapiolani School
The Department of Education (DOE) informed me that improvements to Kapiolani School's Building E will begin soon. The work contract has been awarded, and DOE and school officials will discuss logistics before construction starts to ensure minimal disruption.
January 22, 2014
Read-Aloud at Kapiolani Elementary
Good Beginnings Alliance arranged a very special day for me on December 17, 2013. I visited two classes at Kapiolani Elementary for a Read-Aloud session, and read two book selections. Please see my Photo Stream for our group picture. Mahalo to Ms. Miyasato (teacher), Kimberly, Rindi & Geoli (staff), and students Griffin, Samuel, Noa, Jack, Daisy, Saraiah, Amelia, Krisyina, and Landon.
January 9, 2014
Hilo's Main Street Matters
January 6, 2014 was a very exciting day in Downtown Hilo. I was fortunate to join the community's kick-off for area's makeover made possible through the "Main Street Matters" contest by Benjamin Moore. Please read more here:View full article
December 16, 2013
Panaewa Alii Football Team
Congratulations to the Panaewa Alii Football Team who left the night of December 5th to compete at the Pop Warner Super Bowl in Florida. These young men, their families, coaches and supporters overcame significant challenges to make this trip a reality. Hilo is so very proud of them! Read more here: View full article
November 7, 2013
Family Medicine Residency Program
The Hawaii Island Family Medicine Residency program has met the requirements for a 2-year accreditation, effective July 1, 2014. The program expects to attract candidates interested in the field of Family Medicine alongside a team of pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners and psychologists. The first class of four residents will be welcomed in the summer. For more information, please access this link:View full article
November 6, 2013
Waiakea High Track and Field
Significant progress has been made on Waiakea High's track & field. Money for this project was included in House Bill 547 which I introduced in 2011 along with former State Representative Jerry Chang. When completed, this facility will be shared with other schools and the community.
October 10, 2013
Hoomohala Awards Banquet
Hawaii Island Workforce & Economic Development Ohana (HIWEDO) held its 4th Annual Hoomohala Awards Banquet on October 5, 2013 at Hilo's Imiloa Astronomy Center. Winners in four categories were recognized for their efforts towards putting people with unique abilities to work. The banquet coincided with October being National Disability Employment Awareness Month- a campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. It was an honor to present certificates on behalf of the State House of Representatives to each of the four winners. Congratulations to Hawaiian Springs, LLC; Hamakua Health Center, Inc.; Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home; and Department of Labor & Industrial Relations - Workforce Development Division- Hawai'i Island. Please see my photo stream for event coverage.
August 15, 2013
Construction to Begin at Waiakea High School
The Dept. of Education (DOE) recently informed me that construction for water service upgrades at Waiakea High will be initiated soon. The work contract has been awarded, and the DOE will work with WHS administration to begin the necessary steps for this project's completion. While some disruption and disturbance are expected during construction work, I was assured that best efforts will be made to minimize inconveniences.
August 7, 2013
Hawaii Youth Challenge Academy
I received notice that $5.9 million has been released for the Youth Challenge Academy at Keaukaha Military Reservation. Construction will be for upgrades and improvements to benefit the student cadets in this important program. For more information on Youth Challenge, please visit View full article
August 1, 2013
Hilo Harbor Improvements
Over $44 million was released by the Governor on July 25th for a Pier 4 Interisland Cargo Terminal at Hilo Harbor. This funding is for construction that includes a new wharf, utilities, mooring system, and associated site work. This construction will complete the new interisland barge terminal facility. Other projects throughout the State also received funding; the press release is available here:
View full article
June 25, 2013
Honoring UH-Hilo's Team Poliahu
Congratulations to UH-Hilo's Team Poliahu, 2013 Microsoft U.S. Imagine Cup Champions! Their application "Help Me Help" captured the judges' highest marks for innovation in disaster reporting and response. Team members were recognized by university officials and lawmakers for this incredible achievement; I presented a certificate on behalf of the State House. Best wishes as Team Poliahu prepares for the worldwide finals in Russia. For comprehensive video coverage, please access:
View full article
June 21, 2013
Governor Announces Funding for Waiakea High & Waiakeawaena
The Governor released $134.7 million for repairs and improvements at Hawaii's schools, including Waiakea High and Waiakeawaena Elementary. $500,000 is available for Waiakea High's track and field facilities, and $350,000 for ADA accessibility at Waiakeawaena's playground. For a complete, statewide listing please access this link:
View full article
June 21, 2013
Waiakea High's Isaiah Jumila
Isaiah received a travel scholarship from the Pacific & Asian Affairs Council for a 2013 summer program in China. He and his fellow scholars were recognized at a June 5th reception on the UH-Manoa campus. Isaiah's accomplishment was acknowledged by the State House at the event. Congratulations!
May 7, 2013
Welcoming Waiakeawaena's Band
Waiakeawaena Elementary's band performed at the State Capitol on Wednesday, May 1st. Led by veteran musician James Kudo, these young students brought smiles to everyone who saw them during their visit. They each received a congratulatory certificate from the House of Representatives. Also, one of my office staff and my son were former students of one of the parent chaperones. Please see my photo gallery for pictures of this fun event.
April 16, 2013
Lanakila & Pomaikai Homes Funding
Governor Abercrombie informed me on April 5 that funds will be released for the following Capital Improvement Projects (CIP): Lanakila Homes, renovation of existing buildings- $7.5 million, and Pomaikai Homes, ADA compliance- $217,858. I am looking forward to seeing the results after construction is completed, and am optimistic these projects will have a positive effect on Hilo's workforce.
March 27, 2013
Funding for Waiakea High School Facilities
On March 22, 2013 the Governor announced the release of $26.2 million for numerous public school facilities across the State, including Waiakea High School (WHS). WHS will receive funding for design and construction for softball field improvements that include dugouts, bleachers and scoreboards. The press release is available here:
View full article