Senator Brickwood Galuteria Member Feed

Kupuna Power Comes to Hawaii Seniors' Fair "The Good Life Expo"

Kūpuna Power, a fun-filled event that provides entertainment, information, exercise and aloha for seniors, is scheduled to make a special appearance at the Hawaii Seniors' Fair "The Good Life Expo" on its final day Sunday, September 28, at 2 p.m. Admission is free. Kūpuna Power was established in 2012 by Sen. Brickwood Galuteria and Marlene Sai.

The event celebrates Kūpuna and seeks to empower them with important information relating to everyday life. Topics presented at the Senior Fair presentation include Medicaid and Medicare, Identity Theft, Long Term Insurance and Civic Engagement. However, it's not all serious business. The event's entertainment lineup features notable local entertainers taking the stage and seniors will be asked to lace up their sneakers and take part in healthy exercise. Along with Sen. Galuteria, entertainment will be provided by Danny Kaleikini, Jimmy Borges, Marlene Sai, and this year's Good Life Senior Fair Ambassador Melveen Leed.

"We put on these events annually to remind our seniors that Kūpuna Power is a state of mind," said Sen. Galuteria. "All Kūpuna have the right to self-determination, to control how they live their lives, where and with whom. What Kūpuna need is the resources to help them get there, and that's why we have Kūpuna Power and Hawaii Seniors Fair."

Kūpuna Power is also now on ‘Olelo 53 as part of its Senior Sunrise program. The show airs 8 a.m. each Monday and Thursday.

ABOUT THE ENTERTAINERS

Melveen Leed was born and raised on Molokai and is one of the most diversified female vocalists in Hawaii. She won the Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Best Female Vocalist five times, sang at the Grand Ole Opry, performed at Carnegie Hall and has had several guest roles on Hawaii Five-O.

Jimmy Borges' career spans five decades and includes interpreting the works of the most heralded songwrit

NEW SENIOR CENTER GROUNDBREAKING IN KAKAAKO

The historic Kakaako Pumping Station was given new life today, as community members came together to celebrate the groundbreaking and blessing of the new Na Kupuna Makamae (The Beloved Kupuna) Center off Ala Moana Boulevard. The 114-year-old building has been vacant for decades, with numerous proposals for its revival failing to reach completion.

In June, the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) voted to approve the preparation of an environmental assessment and special management area permit for non-profit Pacific Gateway Center (PGC) to move forward with plans to renovate the historic building into a community resource center. In July, Gov. Neil Abercrombie released $1 million in capital improvement grant funds identified by the state Legislature for the refurbishment project.

"We're excited to give this iconic building back to the public so that it can have new life serving our kupuna and future generations," said HCDA Executive Director Tony Ching.

"It's a great feeling being the Senator who represents such a historic and evolving community," said Sen. Brickwood Galuteria (District 12 - Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kakaako, McCully, Moiliili). "This day is as much about honoring the essence of our past as it is celebrating a new beginning."

The new facility is expected to serve as a learning and gathering place for the many kupuna who call Kakaako home. The Na Kupuna Makamae Center will focus on services for the elderly and specifically on intergenerational programs, in which Hawaii's youth will be engaged to help older adults with workshops and services, such as teaching computer skills or assisting with lifelong learning opportunities.

"We are extremely excited and honored to have a role in the reawakening of Kakaako through the preservation of the building that will now house the programs of Na Kupuna," said Dr. Myaing Thein, PGC executive director.

Founded in 1973, PGC has develop

SEN. BRICKWOOD GALUTERIA ATTENDS NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE MAJORITY LEADERS

Senate Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria recently attended the State Legislative Leaders Foundation's (SLLF) second annual Conference of State Majority Leaders.

The conference is the only national educational program designed exclusively for all House and Senate Majority Leaders. Over the course of the program the Leaders meet with peers to take a close look and explore strategies for making their caucuses and institutions more effective while exploring the unique challenges associated with being Majority Leader.

The program is a mix of substantive discussions led by a preeminent faculty as well as a closed-door (everything is on the table) session open only to Majority Leaders. It is a gathering of individuals who share one of most important jobs in the legislature.

"In order to be an efficient and effective leader, it's important to take part in these skills-training sessions to learn and share with others who are tasked with the same job our common goals, successes and problems," said Majority Leader Galuteria. "I've heard the perspective of leaders from across the nation and will be able to bring that back to Hawaii to make our caucus and institution more effective."

During one plenary session, lawmakers heard from West Virginia policy makers and administrators about innovative education programs such as "Feed to Achieve." This program allows schools to offer free meals to all its students regardless of income. It establishes nonprofits to raise funds through private donations to pay for the meals and other food-related programs in the state's public schools.

STATE SENATE ADJOURNS SESSION APPROVING MORE THAN 240 BILLS INCLUDING KEY MEASURES THAT IMPROVE THE LIVES OF HAWAII'S PEOPLE

Lawmakers remain vigilant throughout legislative session striking a balance on measures supporting keiki, kūpuna, workers and environment

The Hawaii State Senate today adjourned the 2014 session passing more than 240 bills that align with its initial priorities to make Hawaii a better place for everyone now and in the future through initiatives supporting Hawaii's keiki, kūpuna, workers and the environment.

"The ability to compromise and work together is essential to making good laws that help Hawaii's people today and in the future," said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim. "It is thanks to the patience and passion of our members and advocates that we were able to complete another successful session."

"With anything we do in life, it's always about balance. That's the same way we look at it here in our majority caucus," said Sen. Brickwood Galuteria. "Every issue will have two opposing sides. Our job as lawmakers is to come out at the end of session with worthy legislation that improve the quality of life of our people. I think we did just that and I'm proud of my colleagues in the Senate Majority.

The Senate Majority, whose members are Democrats, this afternoon took action on its final bills of the session. Some of the major bills discussed and approved were several education measures that align with earlier action emphasizing the Senate's commitment to Hawaii's keiki, the future of Hawaii.

Lawmakers passed four bills relating to education, one prohibiting teachers from using seclusion and creating conditions and procedures for the use of restraint in schools in order to promote the safety and well-being of students (HB2257), and another raising the salary cap of the superintendent of education in order to attract and retain exemplary candidates (HB2257). The third bill will allow charter schools to charge fees on the use of facilities to help cover operating costs (

STATEMENT FROM SEN. BRICKWOOD GALUTERIA ON SIGNING OF HB1866, RELATING TO HCDA, INTO LAW

Senator Brickwood Galuteria, Senate Majority Leader, released the following statement on HB1866 relating to the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA):

"The Legislature passed HB1866 to reform HCDA more than two weeks ago and I am pleased that the governor has signed this bill into law," said Senator Galuteria. "I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in both the Senate and House in crafting a compromise bill that address concerns of all parties involved. With this law, our State can continue to move in a positive direction that balances our need for more housing with sustainable development and protecting our environment."

HB1866 amends the HCDA membership and appointment, creates a 418-foot height limit, and makes requirement changes for notice, hearing, approval and vesting of rights for development permits.

COMPROMISE LEADS TO LEGISLATURE'S APPROVAL OF OVER 135 MEASURES AHEAD OF SINE DIE

Lawmakers pass fiscally responsible state budget bill supporting keiki, measures supporting kūpuna and the environment, and flagship bills raising the minimum wage and funding the Turtle Bay Conservation Easement

The Hawaii State Legislature today approved more than 135 on final reading ahead of the adjournment sine die this Thursday, including the state supplemental budget, measures supporting kūpuna and protecting the environment, and flagship bills raising minimum wage and funding the Turtle Bay Conservation Easement. The measures will now be enrolled to Governor Neil Abercrombie for consideration. The Governor has until Monday, June 23 to notify the legislature of an intent to veto and until Tuesday, July 8 to sign.

"Through the diligence and efficiency of my colleagues in both the Senate and House, not to mention their willingness to compromise, we have passed key measures that support our workers, kūpuna, keiki and environment," said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim.

"Caring for our kūpuna and protecting our environment was a priority of the legislature this year," said Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria. "The four measures we passed will help fund preventive measures to care for our aina and seniors."

State Supplemental Budget

HB1700 includes funding for core services such as education, health, the University of Hawaii, human services, the environment, public safety, and supporting and caring for the lives of Hawaii's people.

Through prudent money management, and in order to reflect a

Statement from Sen. Brickwood Galuteria on SB3122, Relating to OHA's Kakaako-makai parcels

Senator Brickwood Galuteria, Senate Majority Leader, released the following remarks on SB3122 relating to OHA's Kakaako-makai parcels:

"We worked very hard to represent the interests of all those involved, but at the end of the day, we were unable to settle differences between the Senate and House version of the bill before the conference negotiations meeting deadline. Although the bill did not make it out of conference this legislative session, we may revisit the issue the next legislative session. I have always supported OHA's mission and will continue working with OHA on this and other issues affecting the self-determination of Native Hawaiians."

BALANCE PLAYS KEY ROLE IN LAWMAKERS ADVANCING LEGISLATION THAT SUPPORT HAWAII'S PEOPLE AND LAND

Conferees approve minimum wage increase, funding for Turtle Bay Conservation Easement, supporting kūpuna, protecting the environment, and a budget highlighting education

In the spirit of collaboration, House and Senate conferees today struck a balance passing out several conference drafts that support the people of Hawaii and protect and preserve the land that they live. The bills now goes to the full Senate and House for a final floor vote.

"The Legislature for the third year in a row worked efficiently and effectively to end conference negotiations on time," said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim. "In the past, certain bills required extending the deadline for negotiations. Efficiency is important to the Senate as we continue to do work for the people of Hawaii."

Increasing Minimum Wage
Senate Bill 2609 will boost the income of Hawaii's lowest paid workers giving them more money to spend and invest, increasing economic activity and growth, while allowing them to care for their families. The final version of the bill increases the state's minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 over the next four years. For workers who earn at least $7 more than the minimum wage, businesses can deduct a 75 cents tip credit. The current tip credit is 50 cents.

"From the start of the session, the Hawaii State Senate has been committed to improving the lives of Hawaii's people and raising the minimum wage is just one of the measures that will do just that," said Sen. Clayton Hee, Judiciary Chair. "Raising the minimum wage is not only good for Hawaii's people, it's the right thing to do and makes good economic sense. My colleagues and our counterparts in the House worked tirelessly to work out differences and through compromise were successful in approving this much-needed piece of legislation."

Preserving Hawaii's Lands
House Bill 2434 will pro

Kupuna Power Celebrates Seniors

As the "silver tsunami" approaches, it has become even more urgent to empower seniors through education, awareness and exercise. Sen. Brickwood Galuteria is hosting the second Kūpuna Power Day at the Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda. It's a fun-filled event bringing together more than 30 organization providing vital information for the health, safety and well- being for Hawaii's Kūpuna. The public, especially Kūpuna, are invited to enjoy a program jam packed with entertainment and information on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 from 9 - 11:30 a.m.

The event celebrates Kūpuna and seek to empower them with important information relating to everyday life. However, it's not all serious business on Kūpuna Power Day. The fun-filled event features notable local entertainers taking the stage and seniors will be asked to lace up their sneakers and take part in healthy exercise, including Silver Sneakers Stretch. Entertainment will be provided by Danny Kaleikini, Marlene Sai and Tony Silva. The events are free to attend.

"This day is all about empowering the Kūpuna with education, entertainment and exercise," said Senator Brickwood Galuteria, organizer of the event. "Our population is aging and we need to continue to provide our Kūpuna with support so that they can live self-sufficiently. The silver tsunami is coming and we want to prepare all our residents for when that time comes."

Hawaii State Senate Sends Governor Measure to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

In an historic vote, the Hawaii State Senate today passed a measure on final reading to legalize same-sex marriage in the State of Hawaii, accepting the House amendments to Senate Bill 1 (SB 1 HD 1), Relating to Equal Rights. The measure will now go to the Governor's desk for his approval.

"Today's passage of Senate Bill 1 marks a pivotal moment in our State's history, a moment enshrined in equality and justice," said Senate Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria, who introduced the bill. "Working together with our colleagues in the State House we have come to a compromise which provides a balance between religious freedom and equal rights."

SB 1 HD1 recognizes marriages between individuals of the same gender. In addition, the measure extends to same-sex couples the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of marriage to which opposite-sex couples are presently entitled.

"I am pleased to have played a small part in this legislation which will bring equality, justice, and liberty for all regarding all Americans," said Senator Clayton Hee, Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor.

Incorporating public input and changes proposed by the House, the measure takes into account the concerns expressed by both the religious community and same-sex advocates. Specifically, language regarding religious exemptions for religious organizations and clergy performing solemnization has been amended to closely model similar provisions currently in effect in the State of Connecticut.

Under SB 1 HD1, religious organizations and affiliated nonprofits would be exempt from having to provide goods, services, or its facilities or grounds for the solemnization or the celebration of solemnization if it is in violation of its religious beliefs or faith. It also specifies that clergy and r