Senator Russell E. Ruderman Member Feed

2015 SBA Small Business Person of the Year

Originally published by Hawaii Business magazine; click here to read the article on hawaiibusiness.com.

Each year, the Hawaii region of the federal Small Business Administration gives out awards that celebrate some of the state's best small businesses and small-business advocates. Senator Russell Ruderman was named the 2015 Small Business Person of the Year for Hawaii and was featured in Hawaii Business magazine by LIANNE YU.

"What sets him apart is his willingness to listen to people with different worldviews. He's not afraid to consider things that aren't in his comfort zone," says Keene Fujinaka, VP at Bank of Hawaii in Hilo and Ruderman's banker from the time he started Island Naturals. Fujinaka sponsored Ruderman's entry into the 2015 Small Business Administration's Hawaii regional awards, for which he was picked as Businessperson of the Year.

Supporting locals and local products is Ruderman's mission. He says 60 percent of the products in his produce departments are local and he encourages local businesses, both farmers and value-added producers, by taking a smaller margin on their goods, placing their products in ideal locations and creating special signs.

He also invites local growers and entrepreneurs to do in-store demonstrations. He believes it's critical to tell the story behind the food and connect customers with the farmers and small businesses who create the products.

Legislators Tour Senate District 2 on DLNR Site Visit

Last weekend senators from the Water, Land and Agriculture committee participated in a day-long site visit on Hawaii Island hosted by DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife to view work on watershed forest protection, public hunting opportunities, rare species restoration, and timber management.

The group was shown projects in the Waikea Forest Reserve, the Hilo Forest Reserve and Nene recovery site, and the Puu Makaala Natural Area Reserve. Mahalo to DNLR staff Kekoa Kaluhiwa, Emma Yuen and Jim Cogswell for organizing.

Senator Russell Ruderman hosts the Pahoa Boys Varsity Basketball Team at the Capitol after their Big Island District II win

Senator Russell Ruderman and his staff are proud to host the Pahoa Boys Varsity Basketball Team, Big Island Division II Champions for lunch today. They are visiting Oahu to play in the State Tournament. Senator Ruderman introduced them on the Senate Floor and Representative Joy Sanbuenaventua introduced them on the House Floor! Go Daggers! We wish them the best of luck in their tournament here on Oahu.

Senator Russell Ruderman introduces animal welfare bills

Senator Russell Ruderman introduced two animal welfare related bills this session. He was interviewed by the Hawaii Tribune Herald; below is a excerpt from the article, which can be read in its entirety at the following link: Numerous animal welfare bills before Legislature

Sen. Russell Ruderman, D-Puna, introduced both the cockfighting bill and the measure banning the commercial take of reef fish for aquarium collectors.

Ruderman said Saturday aquarium fish collecting needs "to be phased out over the next five years, because it's a big change for people who make their living at it."

"I think it's important to protect our reefs, to protect our fisheries in general," he said. "We have so many people come to Hawaii to snorkel and dive, and I think taking the fish off the reefs, they're taking a resource that's important to the reef's health and the health of our overall fisheries."

It's not the first time Ruderman has introduced the bill, but he's optimistic this time "because a couple of things have changed." He noted the introduction in the legislature, as well as the County Council, of bills "to make how they handle the fish more humane."

Related links: SB322 Relating to Wildlife | SB590 Relating to Cruelty to Animals

SENATOR RUSSELL RUDERMAN INTRODUCES MULTIPLE BIG ISLAND SPECIFIC BILLS THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Senator Russell Ruderman has introduced a number of bills this session to address Puna/Big Island's unique issues. "These bills need your support," said Senator Ruderman. "Big Island endured serious damage from a tropical storm last year and faces uncertainty due to the impending lava flow. Many of the bills I have introduced could help our district to be better prepared for disasters in the future. I am also committed to focusing on food and agricultural sustainability this session."

Several of the bills have already been scheduled for hearing. It is hoped that constituents in the Puna area begin tracking the bills on their individual Capitol webpage and submit testimony in support when a Bill is scheduled.

Below is a list of bills that Senator Ruderman has introduced that relate to Puna and/or Big Island issues:

SB 319: RELATING TO SANDALWOOD.
Conservation; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Sandalwood; Penalties; Fees
Prohibits the sale, export, and possession with intent to sell or export raw or unprocessed sandalwood timber, including whole or partial raw logs. Establishes penalties for the sale, export, or possession with the intent to sell or export raw or unprocessed sandalwood timber and establishes a violation as a misdemeanor.

SB 322: RELATING TO WILDLIFE.
Aquatic Life; Aquarium Permits; Fish; Sale of Aquatic Life for Aquarium Use Prohibited
Criminalizes the sale of aquatic life for aquarium use and establishes the penalties for first and subsequent violations. Amends existing aquarium fish permit law to conform to the ban. Takes effect on 1/1/2016.

More than 500 residents and visitors toured the capitol taking in all the art on display.

In Ruderman's office is a gorgeous photograph called "Volcano House Fireplace," an image of the lava ocean entry superimposed beneath a carving of the Pele, which is located above the fireplace in Volcano House on Hawaii Island. The shot was an in-camera double exposure made in 1991.

"We are honored to display art from the State Foundation of Culture and the Arts," Ruderman said. "Paul Buklarewicz is a resident of Volcano and he is a talented photographer. The Volcano House Fireplace allows our office in Honolulu to have a piece of Hawaii Island with us every day."

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

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 Invasive Species Awareness Week Kickoff

The Senate is expected to vote on SB 2920 SD2, a bill that would address establish a little fire ant pilot project and develop strategies to eliminate the threat of the pest, tomorrow. If approved, the bill will then move the House for consideration.

Invasive species are the greatest threat to Hawaii so we must be vigilant about protecting our state from them. Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week runs through March 9. A full list of events can be found at: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/hisaw/2014events/.