Senator Glenn Wakai Member Feed

HAWAII AEROSPACE CAUCUS EXPLORES THE 'FINAL FRONTIER'

Initiatives include studies for a space exploration R&D park, international flight training center and a laser optical communications ground station in Hawaii

State Senate and House legislators today announced the formation of the Hawaii State Legislative Aerospace Caucus.

Among the measures it has introduced this session are bills that call for studies for a space exploration research and development park; an international flight training center and associated aeronautical training programs at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Community College; and a laser optical communications ground station in Hawaii.

Other measures call for the banning of unmanned aircrafts, except by law enforcement agencies, to gather information, and exempts from the general excise tax amounts received from the construction of a space launch facility in the State to help reduce the overall cost of such construction.

The caucus is a joint bipartisan effort in collaboration with the private sector to develop a strong, secure and internationally competitive aerospace sector in Hawaii. It will be a highly visible, proactive and solution oriented organization ensuring academia, industry and government are in step with programs and policies which support a robust aerospace economic sector.

The caucus is co-chaired by Senator Will Espero, Senator Glenn Wakai, Representative Angus McKelvey and Representative Gene Ward. The legislative membership also includes Senator Russell Ruderman and Representatives Isaac Choy, Cindy Evans, Richard Fale, Faye Hanohano, Sharon Har, Ken Ito, Derek Kawakami, Bob McDermott, Mark Nakashima, Calvin Say, Clift Tsuji. Click through to continue reading.

SENATE OFFERS VIDEOCONFERENCING OPTION FOR PUBLIC TESTIMONY STATEWIDE

Beginning this legislative session, all Hawaii residents will now have the chance to testify at hearings before the Senate Committees on Education (EDU) and Technology and the Arts (TEC) without physically being there. In January 2013, the Senate began a pilot project to allow neighbor island residents the opportunity to participate in the legislative process without traveling to Oahu. Understanding that access is also a barrier for Oahu residents, the committees will now pilot the videoconferencing technology statewide.

"Ensuring access and citizen and stakeholder participation is especially important when it comes to issues dealing with public education and our schools," said Senator Jill Tokuda, chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee. "Expanding our use of this type of technology to connect people with policymakers will only strengthen and enhance the quality of legislation produced."

The Hawaii State Senate will launch its Statewide Videoconferencing Pilot Program beginning with the Senate Committee on Education's first hearing on Monday, January 27, 2014 at 1:15 p.m. and continue with hearings from both the Senate Education Committee and the Senate Committee on Technology and the Arts throughout the 2014 Legislative Session.

"It's not uncommon for people to have to sit through a two-hour hearing just to speak for one minute on one measure," added Senator Glenn Wakai, chairman of the Senate Technology and Arts Committee. "If we can reduce the barriers to civic engagement by reducing the cost and time people spend to voice their concerns, we are on our way to creating a better Hawaii."

In its inaugural year, the Neighbor Island Videoconferencing Program was piloted by the Senate Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Technology and the Arts. In its second year, the two committees will continue to pilot this project, increasing the amount of constituents that can be reached and who can tes

Senator Glenn Wakai Appointed as Palau's Honorary Consul

A local lawmaker is now a diplomat. State Senator Glenn was recently appointed as Palau's honorary consul to Hawaii by Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr.

In appointing the State Senator, Remengesau expressed his appreciation for Wakai's contribution and support to Palau and its citizens in Hawaii. As Palau's honorary consul, Wakai will be working with the Republic of Palau to seek ways to strengthen Palau's emergency relief capacity and bolster the nation's relationship with the U.S.

"This appointment is truly an honor, which I accept with happiness and determination. I don't plan to simply attend events and smile at cameras. I recognize our neighbors in the Pacific sometimes have difficulty adjusting to life in Hawaii. I aim to empower the Palauan community in Hawaii," says Senator Glenn Wakai (Kalihi, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Foster Village). "I have already organized meetings with their local leaders to map out a game plan for more community involvement and creation of individual success stories. This new relationship between Palau and Hawaii will lead to Better Days in the Pacific."

Wakai is serving his second term as a Hawaii State Senator, following eight years in the State House of Representatives. He is the current chair of the Senate's Committee on Technology and the Arts. He has created a non-profit, Reach out Pacific (www.reachoutpacific.org), which takes containers of medical and educational supplies to impoverished islands throughout the Pacific.

Prior to his political career, Wakai spent more than a decade as a television newscaster, first in Guam and Saipan, before returning to Hawaii to work at KHON2 and KHNL.

Wakai is a graduate of Mid-Pacific Institute and the University of Southern California. View the media release.

Governor Enacts Open Data Measure

Governor Neil Abercrombie today signed into law a measure to enhance government transparency and accountability in Hawaii through increasing public awareness and access to open data.

House Bill (HB) 632, relating to open data, requires the State's Executive Branch departments to make electronic data sets available to the public.

"Here is an example of how ONE excellent idea, turned into ONE bill, which resulted in ONE significant policy change," says Senator Glenn Wakai, Chairman of the Technology and Arts Committee, "If we are going to reinvent government, step ONE is Open Data. Having data available to the public will lead to a more responsive and more accountable government."

Open data has been a top initiative of the State's Chief Information Officer (CIO). In August of 2012 the State launched its open data site, data.hawaii.gov, with data sets being voluntarily provided by departments and agencies. The site incorporates data that is readily available in digital format and commonly requested by the public. The intent of this measure is to continue and ensure the open data efforts of the CIO in the multi-year, multi-phased program open data initiative.

The CIO, in consultation with the Office of Information Practices, will develop policies and procedures to implement the open data program initiative. View the media release.

Aliamanu/Foster Village Town Hall Meeting

Wednesday, April 10, 2013
6:00-7:30pm
Radford High School Cafeteria

Click here to view the flyer.

Bills would allow state to make money from private developers

(HawaiiNewsNow) - Queen Liliuokalani School in Kaimuki ceased to be a school this past year, when the Board of Education decided to close it. Education officials said the campus and its buildings would be used for a teacher resource center and storage. Read the article and see the news segment on Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers Listen

"Lawmakers Listen" provides a unique opportunity for our community to have a face-to-face discussion with district legislators, House leadership and Chairs of key House Committees. Please join them on Thursday night (April 12, 2012) starting from 6 p.m. at Salt Lake Elementary School Cafeteria. Click here for more details.

Star Advertiser Photo Gallery: Farrington High School

(Honolulu Star-Advertiser) - To illustrate the impact of the bill and show how the DOE will benefit, we are holding a press tour and q & a session at Farrington High School. Principal Al Carganilla (left), Vice Principal Daryl Ishihara (in charge of facilities, not in picture) and Duane Kashiwai of the DOE (right, Public Works Administrator) conduct the tour of the Fariingtonton High School campus. Visit StarAdvertiser.com to view the photos.

Educators Show Need for 'Invest in Hawaii' Construction Money

(HawaiiNewsNow) - Half a billion dollars could start pumping into Hawaii's economy within months. The money from a state bond sale would pay for renovations at nearly every public school in Hawaii along with scores of other properties. Read more on HawaiiNewsNow.com

Farrington High School at Top of List to Receive Funding

(KITV News) - You don't need to look far to find what needs fixing on Farrington High School's campus. "You've got bottle caps up there," said Department of Education Public Works Administrator Duane Kashiwai as he peered up at the ceiling.

Granted the campus is old -- it celebrated its 75th birthday this year. Read more on KITV.com