Senator Will Espero Member Feed

INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING ON DOMESTICE VIOLENCE: LAWMAKERS TO HEAR FROM HONOLULU POLICE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICE PROVIDERS

State lawmakers in the Senate and the House of Representatives have scheduled an informational briefing to hear from the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) and various social service providers on domestic violence in Hawaii, how HPD responds to domestic violence calls, and any suggestions for improvement. The briefing is an opportunity for lawmakers to gather information following a high-profile domestic violence case involving one of its officers.

The briefing, held by the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs and the House Committee on Public Safety, will be on Tuesday, September 30 at 10 a.m. at the State Capitol in Room 309. Click here to view the briefing notice.

"We're holding this briefing because concerns were raised by many lawmakers about the policies and procedures in place when officers respond to domestic violence calls," said Sen. Will Espero (D-19 Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of Ewa Villages), chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs. "This will give us and the public an opportunity to address these issues and put domestic violence front-and-center on everyone's radar. We're making this a priority, and I see this briefing as just another step in affecting real change to help protect victims of domestic violence."

Representative Henry Aquino (D-38 Waipahu), chairman of the House Committee on Public Safety, noted that the tragedy of domestic violence has recently captured the national and local news headlines spotlighting that the issue has no economic, educational or cultural boundaries.

"This informational hearing will allow us to hear from experts on domestic violence, separate the myths from facts, and gain information on policies and procedures by law enforcement

LAWMAKERS HIGHLIGHT NEED FOR MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND STATEWIDE COORDINATION AT INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING WITH STATE AND CITY AGENCIES

With the shortage of affordable housing options for the moderate income workforce, Hawaii lawmakers today held a joint Senate and House informational briefing to learn more about affordable housing needs in Hawaii.

Senators and representatives heard from various government agencies to learn about the status of existing and planned affordable housing projects, and their plans to address the growing need for affordable housing as the state's population and housing demands increase.

"We convened this informational briefing because there's an urgent need for affordable housing," said Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, chair of the Senate Committee on Human Services. "And it's necessary that we get everyone involved at each level and at the same table to discuss where we are at, what we are doing and what needs to be done to meet the housing needs of Hawaii's residents."

In 2011, the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) released the Hawaii Housing Planning Study which revealed 50,000 new units needed to be built between 2012 and 2016 to meet demands. Of that number, based on HUD income guidelines, about 19,000 are needed for household incomes of 80 percent of area median income (AMI) and below. (This is $43,250 for 1-person household, and $61,750 for 4-person household). HHFDC has procured a new updated study that will be released later this year.

"Hawaii's workforce deserves to live in housing they can afford," said Rep. Mark Hashem, chair of the House Committee on Housing. "Nearly half of Hawaii's homeless population are working persons who are unable to afford steady permanent housing. In addition to addressing the housing shortage for those at AMI, we also need to ensure there is enough help for hard-working low-income individuals to obtain housing units."

During the briefing, lawmakers questioned the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) about reserved housing requ

TRANQUILITY BASE DAY IN HAWAII

This Sunday (July 20) will mark the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969, when Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans in history to walk on another world. This seminal event helped launch humankind's first steps beyond Earth, and the State of Hawaii played an instrumental role in both training the Apollo astronauts for their historic mission (at multiple lava fields on the Big Island of Hawaii) and in providing a communications link with the Apollo spacecraft (through the Koke'e Tracking Station on Kauai) during its sojourn to the lunar surface.

In recognition of this occasion and our State's support for and continued involvement with space exploration, the Hawaii State Legislature unanimously passed SCR 82 during the 2014 Session, which established July 20, 2014 as "Tranquility Base Day" in Hawaii (copy attached). Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin is also commemorating this historic occasion through a video presentation in which he discusses Hawaii's role in the Apollo Program, as well as the substantial scientific, educational, social, and commercial opportunities and benefits the aerospace industry in general (and space exploration in particular) can bring to our Aloha State.

Dr. Aldrin's video may be viewed online here.

"Hawaii has positioned itself to become an active participant in the aerospace industry," said Sen. Will Espero, chair of the Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs. "Space tourism, regional unmanned aerial systems test site, small satellite launches, a research park on the Big Island based on space exploration, robotics, and laser telecommunications are areas that Hawaii can be a leader in the aerospace world."

"We are on the verge of expanding and establishing a niche market around scien

STATEMENT FROM SEN. WILL ESPERO ON THE GOVERNOR'S VETO OF SB2589, RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF HARBOR POLICE TO THE DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Senator Will Espero, chair of the Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs, issued the following statement regarding Governor Neil Abercrombie's veto of SB2589, relating to the transfer of harbor police from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Espero introduced the measure.

"I am disappointed the governor chose to veto SB2589, which transfers harbor police to the Department of Public Safety. It appears he listened to government bureaucrats more interested in protecting the status quo rather than making positive changes to the state's law enforcement authority.

"The bill had support from both the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety during the 2014 legislative session. There was no opposition. It appears that after Director Glenn Okimoto left the top post, underlings in DOT convinced the interim director to request a veto of the bill.

"The bill was part of a long-term plan to eventually consolidate all state law enforcement duties under one state agency. Currently, DLNR also has law enforcement officers as well.

"I believe the governor was given bad advice by his staff on this measure. I would like to see the issue revisited next session and once again passed out so that we can bring positive change to our law enforcement authority."

STATEMENT FROM SENATOR WILL ESPERO ON THE RELEASE OF $2 MILLION FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO OAHU VETERANS CENTER

Senator Will Espero, chair of the Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs, issued the following statement today following the governor's release of $2 million in capital improvement project funding for Oahu Veterans Center.

"My colleagues and I in the Legislature worked to include funding in the budget for Oahu Veterans Center because the center serves as a much-needed gathering place for veterans and the surrounding community.

"Our veterans served our nation with esteem and valor and as Independence Day nears, we remember to give thanks and to show our appreciation for those who served to defend our nation's way of life. The Oahu Veterans Center goes a long way in improving the quality of life for our veterans and the community and I am pleased that the governor has released the funding."

The funds will go towards the final construction phase of the center which includes a new meeting hall, improvements to the driveway and infrastructure for an air conditioning system and restroom facilities.

Chair of Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Calls Upon Governor To Convene Special Ad Hoc Committee To Address Prison Problems

The recent prisoner escapes and ongoing problems with Hawaii's prison system has prompted Ewa Beach Senator Will Espero to call upon Governor Abercrombie to convene an ad hoc committee made up of experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to address the operational inefficiencies within the Department of Public Safety. The committee would be tasked with identifying strengths, weaknesses and opportunities to improve the operations of Hawaii's prison system.

In addition to the escapes, the Department of Public Safety has been in the spotlight for a number of problems in recent years. Prison staff have been charged with bringing illegal drugs into the facility and during a recent Senate hearing, staffing issues and the use of paid sick leave were tied to the cancellation of family visits at the Oahu Community Correctional Center.

"Previous escapes by inmates at our state's prisons are troubling and are too numerous. It appears that there may be operational inefficiencies that need addressing. My proposal to form this ad hoc committee will help to bring stakeholders and experts to the table to determine how we can improve upon a system that may be less than fully functional," said Espero.

The ad hoc committee could be quickly convened by the request and appointment of members by the Governor with no funding being needed. "I think we can make headway into solving this problem if we get the Department of Human Resources Development, Accounting and General Services, Public Safety, non-profits, public sector unions, and other experts in the field of prison operations to come to the table and formulate a set of recommendations," said Espero.

Senator Will Espero serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs.

Sen. Espero expresses opposition to attempts to stop construction on PM zipper lane

In response to the headline in today's Start Advertiser, Senator Will Espero has expressed his opposition to any attempt to stop the construction on the PM zipper lane. He believes that it would be short-sighted to not build the zipper lane at this time.

"The zipper lane is about better mobility for West Oahu commuters. It is about quality of life issues and handling the projected future growth slated for this region. The DOT would be wrong to stop the zipper lane since millions have already been spent and millions have been appropriated by the state legislature. We have shown our support for this project." stated Espero.

He also commented that it is an economic issue as well for businesses in West Oahu and tourists staying at Ko Olina and the west side.

"At least 200,000 more residents will be living in West Oahu in the next 40 years. The business and economic activity will increase. The existing road work being done today will not be sufficient to handle the large number of residents in the future. The zipper lane and rail are two significant projects that will provide relief. They both must be built for overall planning purposes", Senator Espero added.

Senator Espero will send correspondence to the Governor asking that his administration support the zipper lane.

EWA BEACH SCHOOL'S TO RECEIVE $4.3 MILLION FOR AIR CONDITIONING UPGRADES

Students at James Campbell High School (JCHS) and Ilima Intermediate in Ewa Beach are set to have cooler days because of capital improvement project funds earmarked to make improvements to their school's air conditioning system, announced Sen. Will Espero, who was instrumental in securing funding for the area.

The schools will receive a combined total of $4.3 million to help upgrade their cooling systems. Ilima Intermediate will get $1 million and JCHS will get $2.3 million for design and construction for school-wide heat abatement and air-conditioning upgrades; ground and site improvements; and equipment and appurtenances. JCHS will also receive $1 million for design and construction for electrical upgrades to existing facilities; ground and site improvements; and equipment and appurtenances.

"I worked with my colleagues to identify target areas in education, such as JCHS, that are high-priority and in dire need of funding to make necessary improvements," said Espero. "Ewa Beach is notoriously known to be one of the hottest places on Oahu. These funds will help to make learning and teaching a lot more enjoyable for both teachers and students."

"Kudos must also really be given to the students of JCHS and Ilima. Along with their teachers, they spoke up and advocated over the past two years about their uncomfortable experiences in classrooms over 93 degrees. They came and we listened. This is a great example of the democratic process."

Before any work can begin, Governor Neil Abercrombie must release the money.

Art at the Capitol 2014: What's on Your Wall, Senator Espero?

Join us for the 6th Annual Art at the Capitol on First Friday in April

Friday, April 4, 2014 | Hawaii State Capitol | 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

The Legislature is opening its office doors for an evening of art, culture and history during downtown Honolulu's First Friday in April. View over 500 works of public art, purchased through the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, showcased in state lawmakers' offices. Talk story with your state lawmakers, mingle with original artists and enjoy entertainment from Hawaii Youth Symphony. Featured artist: Otto Piene, kinetic sculptor who created the "Sun" and "Moon" chandeliers in the House and Senate chambers. A pre-recorded interview with Piene will be shown in Room 423.

4:30 p.m. - Program will start on the 3rd Floor
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Self guided tour of the participating offices
Admission: FREE

For more information call (808) 586-6460 or email artatthecapitol@capitol.hawaii.gov.

HAWAII COULD BE GROUND ZERO FOR IMPROVING NASA COMMUNICATIONS WITH NEXT-GENERATION SPACECRAFTS

Senator Will Espero, along with officials from NASA, today held a press conference urging the approval of Senate Bill 2583 Senate Draft 1, a bill related to launching Hawaii's aerospace industry through investment in a laser optical communications ground station. The measure is awaiting a hearing in the House Finance committee.

The purpose of the measure is to appropriate funds, on a matching fund basis, for an engineering assessment of a proposal to establish a laser optical communications ground station in Hawaii to be conducted jointly by NASA and the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES). The study would include site surveillance and selection, an analysis of power and cooling requirements, environmental assessments and permits, an assessment of structural pads, and an analysis of roadways and clearances for the transportation of communications equipment. NASA also has the potential of investing up to $75 million into the project.

NASA currently communicates with its spacecraft through the use of Radio Frequency (RF) ground antennas. However, the ever increasing data rate requirements from more sophisticated instruments will soon surpass NASA's ability to support ground antennas.

For the same mass and power, space laser communications technology has the potential to provide 10 to 100 times higher data rates than traditional RF systems. In 2013, this new technology was demonstrated with the Luna Laser Communications Demonstration (LLCD) experiment aboard the Lunar Dust and Atmospheric Environment Explorer (LADEE) spacecraft, which is now orbiting the moon.

"Aerospace technology research is a rapidly growing industry that has a lot of potential here on the islands," said Espero, who introduced the measure. "NASA's statistical analysis of weather patterns have found Hawaii to be the best location for its first operational laser communications station in a planned global network of