Art at the Capitol 2015: What's on Your Wall, Senator Nishihara

Join us for "Art at the Capitol" on First Friday, March 6, 2015 from 4:30-7:00 pm to view art displayed in the offices our state lawmakers.

Senator Clarence Nishihara talks about the artwork displayed in his office. The artwork are part of the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts' collection in the Art in Public Places Program.

Click through to view the video.

Governor Signs Measures to Support Agriculture

Governor Neil Abercrombie today signed into law several measures relating to agriculture, helping to develop a strong foundation to enhance the State's food and agricultural self-sufficiency. Senator Clarence Nishihara, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, released the following statements regarding the enactment of Senate Bill (SB) 993, SB 586, House Bill (HB) 1263 and HB 353.

SB 993, relating to agricultural loans, expands the Department of Agriculture's agricultural loan program by adding farm innovation loan programs and expanding the definition of a new farmer.

"One of the major concerns regarding sustainability of agriculture in Hawaii is a lack of agricultural entrepreneurs," said Nishihara. "This measure helps provide Hawaii's emerging farmers with the capital they need to start their farming operations and be innovative in testing new crops or techniques."

SB 586, relating to agriculture, provides, under certain circumstances, an exemption from building code and permit requirements for nonresidential buildings or structures, including indigenous Hawaiian hale, on commercial farms and ranches located outside the urban district.

"These agricultural exemptions enacted in this measure support agricultural development and expansion by significantly easing the financial and administrative burdens that we have placed on our farmers and ranchers," said Nishihara.

HB 1263, relating to irrigation, appropriates $75,000 for the East Kauai irrigation system and $45,000 for the Peekauai Ditch irrigation system, also known as the Menehune Ditch.

Governor Signs Measure to Benefit Hawaii's Honeybee Industry

Today Governor Neil Abercrombie enacted Senate Bill (SB) 482, relating to agriculture, into law. This measure helps to ensure the continued viability of honeybee stocks by encouraging beekeeping operations of all sizes throughout the State. Following the signing of SB 482 the Governor also proclaimed June 17 through 23 as "Hawaii Pollinator Week."

"Hawaii's beekeeper operations play a critical role in the vitality of our honeybees," said Senator Clarence Nishihara, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture. "The enactment of this measure seeks to promote the honeybee industry by leveling the hurdles currently required for beekeepers to operate in the State."

Honeybees, as a primary pollinator of food crops, have a significant impact on agriculture in Hawaii. Hawaii's annual Farm Gate Sales from bee-pollinated crops is valued at $212,800,000. Unfortunately, vital honeybee populations are declining at a rapid rate due to the arrival of the varroa mites, nosema, and small hive beetles.

Small and large beekeeper operations are responsible for millions of healthy, pollinating bees throughout the State. Small beekeepers, however, have experienced significant barriers to beekeeping due to administrative and bureaucratic requirements.

"It's important that we continue to take the appropriate steps to curb the decline of Hawaii's honeybee population," said Senator Roz Baker, chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection. "This law improves Hawaii's current beekeeping requirements, helping to sustain small beekeeping operations and ensuring an adequate supply of honeybees throughout the State."

SB 482 clarifies the maximum number of gallons of honey that can be sold by a certified honey house or food processing establishment without obtaining a permit from the Department of

Senator Clarence Nishihara's biography

Senator Clarence Nishihara currently serves as chair of the committee on Agriculture, vice chair of the committee on Technology and the Arts. He also sits as a member on the committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection, and Health.

17th Senatorial District: Currently in his third term, Senator Nishihara was elected to the Hawaii State Senate in November, 2004 and represents Hawaii's 17th Senatorial District (formerly known as the 18th Senatorial District).

Senator Nishihara and his wife, Lynn, have two daughters: Joy Otsuka, son-in-law Cy, Grandson Zachary, Grand-daughter Hailey; and Julie Ota, son-in-law Chad, Grandson Chase.

Senator Nishihara graduated with the Class of 1961 from Maui High School and received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1970; 5th Year Certificate in Special Education, from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1972; and M.Ed Administration from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1993.

Informational Briefing on Vital Medication Shortage

On November 8, 2011, the Senate Committee on Health, vice chaired by Senator Nishihara, held an informational briefing to discuss vital medication shortages in Hawaii and nationally.

WAM and EDU West Oahu Site Visit

On October 25, 2011, members of the Senate Committees on Ways and Means (WAM) and Education (EDU) conducted joint site visits in the West Oahu area. The sites visited included the University of Hawaii West Oahu Campus and NewTech at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School. Senators received updates on the progress of school construction and educational initiatives.

Senator Nishihara's biography updated with current information

Senator Clarence Nishihara currently serves as chair of the committee on Tourism. He also sits as a member on the committees on Health, Judiciary and Government Operations, and Transportation, International and Intergovernmental Affairs.