Senator Ruderman hosts Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program student intern
Senator Russell Ruderman was happy to host an exchange student Intern, Roy Atallah, in the Honolulu office for the day. Roy is from Lebanon and is spending his junior year at Waiakea High School through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program. Roy and 6 other students from Russia, Serbia, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan, Palestine were introduced on the Senate floor.
Senator Ruderman's legislative staff 2015 with YES student intern (left to right): Michael Greenough, Maigee Chang, Roy Atallah (YES intern), Senator Russell Ruderman, Raina Whiting and Eliza Wilcox.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Senator Ruderman received Mahalo Award from The Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i
The Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i (FLH) has awarded Senator Russell Ruderman, representing legislative District 2, with the Mahalo Award as the FLH Legislator of the Year. The award was presented at the FLH Legislative Breakfast held January 14th at Washington Place in Honolulu.
Governor David Ige was the featured speaker with First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige welcoming invited guests from the Hawai‘i State Legislature, Board of Education, Hawai‘i State Public Library System, and Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i Affiliates and volunteers.
The Mahalo Award is presented annually to a State legislator who has demonstrated exemplary support of Hawai‘i's public libraries during the prior legislative session. Senator Ruderman continues to advocate for a regional library in his Puna district of the Big Island of Hawai‘i and his office has worked closely with library staff.
In the past year, Senator Ruderman's office has worked tirelessly with many agencies, including the Hawai‘i State Public Library System, to ensure the continuation of service for his area in the midst of a number of natural events including Hurricane Iselle and the Kilauea lava flows. Library services were expanded to include 24/7 wireless-internet access during hurricane clean-up and extending through today at the Pahoa Public Library for residents effected by the lava flow.
Elected in 2012, Senator Ruderman serves on the Agriculture, Health, Water and Land, as well as the Ways and Means committees.
The Legislative Breakfast provides a unique opportunity for supporters of the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i State Public Library staff to discuss the needs and concerns of Hawai‘i's public libraries with their legislators and to thank them for their support.
The Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i was founded in 1879 as a nonprofit organization to support and promote Hawai‘i's public libraries, encouraging literacy and providing educational programming outside of the normal State budget. FLH provides this important funding through fundraising events such as our three major booksales including the Annual Booksale at McKinley High School cafeteria and an annual Links to Literacy golf tournament.
Please join us at our next Town Hall Meeting next Wednesday, January 9, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Kea‘au Girl Scout Center.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
BIG ISLAND SENATORS WELCOME PUBLIC TO ART AT THE CAPITOL
Big Island Senators Gilbert Kahele, Josh Green, Russell Ruderman and Malama Solomon opened their doors for an evening at the capitol "museum" during the 6th Annual Art At The Capitol event on Friday, April 4 from 4:30 - 7 p.m. Each senator brings a distinct perspective to the decor of their offices through the personalization of their walls according to interest and taste. The works of art are placed in public areas of the Capitol as part of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts' "Art in Public Places" program, which was established in 1967, and was the first program of its kind in the nation.
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."
Friday, March 28, 2014
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
Senator Ruderman with a little fire ant mascot at today's Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week Kickoff at the State Capitol.
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/.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Community Town Hall Meeting
Constituents are invited to a Community Town Hall Meeting on: Monday, February 24, 6:00-7:30pm at The Pahala Plantation House and Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-7:30pm at The Keaau Girl Scout Center.
Senator Ruderman will be providing an overview of 2014 legislation and how it will affect you and the community as well as gathering input from constituents on district matters. Information will be provided about participating directly in legislative actions.
Light refreshments will be provided. For more information please call Senator Ruderman's Office at (808) 586-6890 or email senruderman@capitol.hawaii.gov.
Senate Committee on Ways & Means Visits Hawai‘i Island
On August 21, as part of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means' (WAM) two day visit to Hawai‘i Island, Senator Ruderman will host the group on a tour of sites in Puna. The Senators will visit the Puna Community Medical Center, Pahoa Public Library, and Pohoiki Boat Ramp. The Senators will also experience the drive from Hilo to Pahoa along perilous State Highway 130 and visit the site of the proposed Pahoa roundabout.
The visits on Hawai‘i Island include facility tours of State facilities and briefings to update the Senators on programs, projects, and concerns on Hawai‘i Island. Leading the group is Chairman of the committee, Senator David Ige, and Vice Chair, Senator Michelle Kidani. Senate President, Donna Mercado Kim, will also join the WAM committee on this trip.
As part of the tour, the public is invited to join a community information briefing on Grant in Aid funding at Waimea Middle School cafeteria on Tuesday, August 20 at 5:30pm.
Itinerary for WAM Hawai‘i Island Site Visit:
Tuesday, August 20
8:15am - 8:45am Kona Airport
9:30am - 11:15am Judiciary Courthouse
11:30am - 12:45pm Kona Community Hospital
1:15pm - 2:15pm Palamanui Community College
4:30pm - 5:30pm Waimea Middle School
5:30pm - 6:30pm Community Meeting Waimea Middle School
Wednesday, August 21
9:30am - 10:00am Puna Community Medical Center
10:15am - 10:45am Pahoa Public Library
11:00am - 11:30am Pohoiki Swim Area and Boat Ramp Isaac Hale Park
1:00pm - 1:45pm Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy Research Labs
2:00pm - 2:45pm Hale Ala Honua, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo
3:00pm - 3:15pm Old Hilo Memorial Hospital
3:30pm - 5:00pm University of Hawai‘i at Hilo briefing
For more information please contact the office of Senator Ruderman at (808) 586-6890.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Community Town Hall Meeting
Over 70 people came out to participate in the Town Hall meeting in Kea‘au on May 30th, 2013. Senator Ruderman recapped legislation passed this session and his priorities going forward. Then, the crowd had the opportunity to pose questions to the Senator and voice concerns.
The full meeting is available to watch at the following links: Part 1 | Part 2
Thank you to all who participated in this meeting. For those of you who had questions that we were unable to get to, we will get back to you with the contact information given as soon as possible. Any other constituents with questions about legislation or other issues, please contact Senator Ruderman at senruderman@capitol.hawaii.gov or (808) 586-6890.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Community Town Hall Meeting
Constituents are invited to a Community Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, May 30th, at 6:00-7:30pm, at Kea‘au Community Center (16-192 Pili Mua St. Keaau, HI 96749).
Senator Ruderman will share the State legislation passed this session and discuss priorities for future legislation. Constituents will have the opportunity to share their views and learn more about how to get involved in the legislative process.
Light refreshments will be provided. For more information or to submit questions/concerns in advance please call Senator Ruderman's Office at (808) 586-6890 or email senruderman@capitol.hawaii.gov.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Education week, organized by the Hawai‘i State Senate Committee on Education, and Hawai‘i State Senators are once again taking the event to the classroom with the "Ask Your Senator" project, to find out what our future leaders want to know about their State.
The concept behind the "Ask Your Senator" project is open dialogue between students from across the State and their lawmakers. A request for questions from students was sent to all public schools in District 2 earlier this month.
As part of his response, Senator Ruderman shared how he felt when he was elected into office, "It was very exciting. I was also very humbled by the support of my district and I'm very proud to represent the people of Puna..."
This project provides an opportunity for students to lead the discussion, through student-driven and student-oriented questions.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Senator Hosts Hawai‘i Island Albizia Experts at Big Island Delegation Meeting
On April 11, 2013, Senator Ruderman brought attention to a rapidly growing threat to public safety, infrastructure, and native forests at the Hawai‘i Island Delegation meeting at the State Capitol. Dr. R. Flint Hughes, Ecosystem Ecologist with the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, and Ms. Springer Kaye, Manager with the Big Island Invasive Species Committee, presented to Big Island State Senators and Representatives on the issue of Albizia. The presentation focused on the economic, societal, and ecological threats posed by this invasive weed tree and what can be done to stop it.
The fact that Albizia is the "fastest-growing tree: found to have grown 35 feet in 13 months- or about 1.1 inches per day" awed the legislators. Originally from Indonesia, moist forests are the Albizia's preferred setting, thus it's prevalence in Puna and Hilo. Dr. Hughes explained "these large trees pose a hazard to public and private infrastructure because of brittle wood and weak structure." Ms. Kaye elaborated that "protecting homes, power lines, and roadways from the danger of falling limbs is very expensive" and gave the example of the $1 million spent per mile to remove 1,500 albizia trees in Kauai by the Department of Transportation. In this case, the trees were back within a few years because surrounding Albizia on private property reseeded the open soil.
But the news wasn't all bad - Dr. Hughes and Ms. Kaye shared a recent community-led effort to tackle Albizia that seems to be working. In the area of Pi‘ihonua, above Hilo Hospital, a simple "hack and squirt" control effort, where incisions are made around the trunk of the tree and a few drops of Milestone herbicide is administered, is killing Albizia safely. So far, this method seems to be the best effort because it causes the tree to gradually drop its branches, is cheap, and can be done by almost anyone.
Senator Ruderman's Senate Resolution 41 (SR41) and Senate Concurrent Resolution 74 (SCR74), both urge the Invasive Species Council to develop and implement a comprehensive interagency plan for the control and eradication of Albizia throughout the state; starting with the island of Hawaii, and to partner to utilize Albizia trees that are removed and urging the department of agriculture to investigate biocontrol agents for the control of Albizia. SR41 has passed in the Senate and SCR74 has the support of both the DLNR and DOA and is now headed to the House Finance Committee. Senator Ruderman hopes this legislation will spearhead collaboration to protect our communities against the threats of Albizia.
Monday, April 29, 2013
SENATE HONORS HANA WILBOURN, BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF HAWAI‘I ISLAND'S 2013 YOUTH OF THE YEAR
The Senate of the State of Hawai‘i is always proud to recognize young people who embody the highest standards of character and serve as role models for others. Hana Wilbourn is such a person, having been selected as Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island - Kea‘au Clubhouse, 2013 Youth of the Year Honoree.
The Boys and Girls Club's Youth of the Year program has brought hope and opportunity to hardworking and deserving young people who have overcome enormous obstacles. The organization's premier character and leadership program, Youth of the Year is a comprehensive, nationwide program that identifies and recognizes outstanding young people, 14-18 years of age for behavior that warrants celebration. It promotes and celebrates Club members' service to the Club, community and family; academic performance, ethical values, life goals, poise and public speaking ability. The program is an effective year-round tool for fostering young people's personal growth and leadership qualities.
Local Clubs in Hawai‘i recognize Youths of the Month, followed by the selection of their Club Youth of the Year. These individuals participate in a statewide competition, the winner moves on to the regional competition. Five regional candidates will then compete for the National Youth of the Year honor.
The Senate of the Twenty-Seventh Legislature of the State of Hawai‘i, Regular Session of 2013, hereby commends Hana Wilbourn for her outstanding character, congratulates her on achieving Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island - Kea‘au Clubhouse Youth of the Year Honoree and extends its best wishes for excellence and success in all future endeavors.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Rescheduled Hearing on SCR123 / SR86
The Senate Committees on Energy and Environment (ENE) and Water and Land (WTL) have rescheduled their hearing on SCR123/SR86 to Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 2:45pm in Conference Room 225. Click here to view the hearing notice.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Upcoming Hearings
The Senate Committees on Tourism and Hawaiian Affairs (THA) and Transportation and International Affairs (TIA) are holding a public hearing on SCR83/SR49 and SCR143/SR103 on Monday, April 1, 2013 at 3:00pm in Conference Room 224. Click here to view the hearing notice.
The Senate Committees on Human Services (HMS), Tourism and Hawaiian Affairs (THA), and Water and Land (WTL) are holding a public hearing on SCR137/SR98 on Monday, April 1, 2013 at 2:45pm in Conference Room 224. Click here to view the hearing notice.
The Senate Committee on Ways and Means (WAM) has deferred their decision making on various measures to Monday, April 1, 2013 at 10:05am in Conference Room 211. Click here to view the hearing notice.
The Senate Committees on Ways and Means (WAM) and Economic Development, Government Operations, and Housing (EGH) have deferred their decision making on HB964 HD1 to Monday, April 1, 2013 at 10:05am in Conference Room 211. Click here to view the hearing notice.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Public Hearing on SR86
The Senate Committees on Energy and Environment (ENE) and Water and Land (WTL) are holding a public hearing on SCR123 and SR86 tomorrow, Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 2:45 p.m. in Conference Room 225. Click here to view the hearing notice.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
HAWAI‘IANA LIVE! HONORS HAWAI‘I ISLAND KUPUNA SARAMAE LANDERS, CELEBRATING 107 YEARS OF ALOHA
Born in 1906, from the early days of flight, to the Mars Mission Rover landing, Saramae Landers has seen modern history in the making and we honor her in a journey through time celebrating 107 incredible years of Aloha!
As April is Saramae's celebration month, the festivities will begin on Kauai with a relaxing Hawaiian lunch the weekend of April 6th and will continue on the big island of Hawai‘i as we applaud Saramae's 107th birthday with a magnificent celebration at the Palace Theater on Wednesday, April 10th, 2013!
Leilehua Yuen, the theater's award winning storyteller, will be making full use of the theater's perfect acoustics in sharing ancient tales and chants, bringing them to life without amplification. Manu Josiah, Leilehua's husband and longtime companion, will share the stage playing traditional and modern Hawaiian musical instruments. The Palace Theater's vintage pipe-organ will be brought to life under the hands of Rick Mazurowski, hearkening back to the days of silent movies.
The public is invited to attend the Palace Theater celebration.
Sen. Russell Ruderman said, "I want to congratulate Saramae Landers and wish her continued inspirational longevity. This is a celebration of someone that is loved and greatly admired. With her recent accomplishments and new hobbies, she has a busier social life than I do. Happy 107th birthday!"
Tickets to the Palace Theater event are available at the box office, tickets are $5, and keiki are free.
Palace Theater Box Office hours are 10AM to 3PM Monday - Friday (except holidays).
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Community Meetings on Proposed Kulani Reopening
Tuesday, January 22 at 4pm
Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo
Thursday, January 31 at 5pm
Kea‘au Community Center, 16-186 Pili Mua Street, Kea‘au
In all the excitement over filling Sen. Inouye's seat, there's been little attention paid to a newly elected state senator. The Weekly asked Sen. Russell Ruderman how it came to pass that, after decades of grassroots environmental activism on the Big Island, he tried for the newly created Puna District seat and his first elected office. Visit the Honolulu Weekly's site to read more
Sen. Russell Ruderman Encourages Public to Get informed and Get Involved in the Legislative Process
Senator Russell Ruderman (District 2 - Puna and Kau) invites the public to attend legislative workshops being held on the Big Island to learn about the legislature, how to get involved in the legislative process and how state laws get passed. The workshops are being held by the Hawaii State Legislature's Public Access Room (PAR), a division of the Hawaii State Legislature's non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau.
PAR will be holding a series of free workshops on the Big Island next week. Senator Ruderman will be attending the Monday, December 10th workshop being held at the Mountain View Public Library, which begins at 6 p.m.
"I encourage everyone to learn about the legislative process and get involved by getting their voices heard," said Senator Ruderman. "The workshops provide the perfect opportunity for citizens to learn, among many things, how to navigate around the legislative website and track bills that pique their interest."
Other PAR workshops on the Big Island:
Tues Dec 11
5:30 p.m.
Hilo Public Library
Wed Dec 12
12 noon
North Kohala Public Library
Wed Dec 12
6 p.m.
Waimea Thelma Parker Library
Thurs Dec 13
6 p.m.
Naalehu School Cafeteria
Sat Dec 15
12 noon
Kailua-Kona Civic Center's Liquor Control Conference Room
Senator Russell Ruderman was happy to host an exchange student Intern, Roy Atallah, in the Honolulu office for the day. Roy is from Lebanon and is spending his junior year at Waiakea High School through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program. Roy and 6 other students from Russia, Serbia, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan, Palestine were introduced on the Senate floor.
