August 1, 2016
BOEM Extends Comment Period on Potential Oahu Offshore Wind
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) would like to inform you that we are extending the comment period on the Notice of Intent (NOI) to Prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for Wind Leasing and Site Assessment Activities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Offshore the Island of Oahu. The comment deadline, originally set for August 8, will be extended an additional 30 days and will now end on September 7, 2016. The original NOI was published in the Federal Register on June 24, 2016. Comments can be submitted by any of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. In the field entitled, ''Enter Keyword or ID,'' enter BOEM-2016-0049, and then click ''search.'' Follow the instructions to submit public comments and view supporting and related materials available for this notice; or
2. U.S. mail: Mail in an envelope labeled ''Comments on Hawaii EA'' and addressed to Regional Director, BOEM Pacific OCS Region, 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 102, Camarillo, California 93010.
July 22, 2016
Legislative Town Hall Meeting on Olelo
Mahalo to everyone who participated in the Leg Town Hall Meeting on June 28, 2016. I also wanted to inform those who weren't able to attend that the meeting can be viewed online at Olelo Community Media's Video-on-demand website. To access it, click here.
July 1, 2016
Representative Jordan's Legislative Summary 2016
Representative Jordan releases her report of the 2016 Legislative Session, which briefly summarizes important measures that have become law or are poised to become law in the areas of affordable housing, education, fiscal transparency, health, transportation and working families.
July 1, 2016
Capital Improvement Project Funds Released Waianae Elementary, New Administration Building
Governor Ige's administration announced the release of funding for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and included on that list the Governor released $950,000 of the $7,650,000 for construction of a new administration building.
July 1, 2016
Become a paperless subscriber to Representative Jordan's newsletters
You can become a regular paperless subscriber to Representative Jordan's newsletters by emailing repjordan@capitol.hawaii.gov and titling the email, "send me your e-newsletter." By joining her email list, you will receive all future newsletters through your email, not your mailbox. Go ahead, do your part to save the trees.
July 1, 2016
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Interior. Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Assessment (WIND FARM): Request for Written Comments by AUGUST 8, 2016
BOEM is announcing its intent to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) of potential commercial wind leasing and site assessment activities on the OCS offshore the island of Oahu, Hawaii. AW Hawaii Wind, LLC (AWH) has also proposed to lease an area approximately 12 miles northwest of Kaena Point in water depths of approximately 700-1,000 meters (2,296-3,280 feet). The proposed lease area is 11,387 acres (4,608 hectares). The EA will address environmental impacts and socioeconomic effects related to the proposed action, issuance of one or more commercial wind energy leases and approval of site assessment activities on those leases. This serves to announce the beginning of the formal scoping process. BOEM will hold public meetings on Oahu. The specific dates, times, and locations of the scoping meetings will be advertised at least two weeks in advance of each event. BOEM will use the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. BOEM will consider the potential effects of wind energy development on historic properties early in the planning process. BOEM is seeking public comment and input regarding the identification of historic properties or potential impacts to historic properties located in near shore and coastal areas adjacent to the Call Area from the proposed action. Federal, State, and local governments, Native Hawaiians, and the public are requested to send their written comments regarding environmental issues and the identification of reasonable alternatives related to the proposed action through one of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// www.regulations.gov. In the field entitled, "Enter Keyword or ID," enter BOEM-2016-0049, and then click "search." Follow the instructions to submit public comments and view supporting and related materials available for this notice; or
2. U.S. mail in an envelope labeled "Comments on Hawaii EA" and addressed to Regional Director, BOEM Pacific OCS Region, 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 102, Camarillo, California 93010. Comments must be postmarked by the last day of the comment period to be considered. This date is August 8, 2016. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment, including your personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comments to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Additional information on the proposed action may be found at http:// www.boem.gov/Hawaii/. DATES: Comments should be submitted no later than August 8, 2016. For further information contact: Mark Eckenrode, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Pacific OCS Region, 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 102, Camarillo, California 93010, (805) 384-6388, or mark.eckenrode@boem.gov or for further questions, contact: Karen Herrera, Renewable Energy Specialist, Karen.Herrera@boem.gov, 805-384-6263. Mark Eckenrode, Environmental Analysis, Mark.Eckenrode@boem.gov, 805-384-6388. John Romero, Public Affairs Officer, John.Romero@boem.gov, 805-384-6324
July 1, 2016
Public Schools Offering Summer Meals to All Children 18 and Younger
As a reminder, the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced that 68 public schools will serve meals through its summer food service program, Seamless Summer Option (SSO). The schools participating in the SSO program are Makaha Elementary, Nanikapono Elementary, Nanakuli Elementary, Nanakuli High/ Intermediate, Waianae High and lastly Waianae Intermediate. Beginning in early June, the SSO program will be available at public schools around the state free of charge to all children 18 years and under. Meals will be served at select locations Monday through Friday, except June 10 and July 4. Most schools will serve breakfast and lunch. Please call your school directly if the start and end dates for the program aren’t listed, and to find out the specific times for meal service. SSO is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and was established to ensure that low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer. An eligible school must have 50 percent or more of its regular enrolled students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunches and some type of summer program on campus. However, meal recipients do not have to be enrolled in those classes to be served. "Summer is a time that can be a gap period where some students miss out on meals," said Dann Carlson, assistant superintendent of the Office of School Facilities and Support Services. "We are grateful that so many schools stepped forward this year to participate in the program and provide their students and other children the opportunity to receive meals." To view a full list of schools participating in the SSO program go to, http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/DOE%20Forms/Health%20and%20Nutrition/2016SSOsites.pdf
July 1, 2016
Final Rule: Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and the Hawaiian Home Lands Recovery Act
This rule provides clarity in how the Department of the Interior administers certain provisions of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and the Hawaiian Home Lands Recovery Act. It facilitates the goal of the rehabilitation of the Native Hawaiian community, including the return of native Hawaiians to the land, consistent with the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, the State of Hawai'i Admission Act, and the Hawaiian Home Lands Recovery Act. The rule clarifies the land exchange process for Hawaiian home lands, the documents required for land exchanges, and the respective responsibilities of the Department of the Interior, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the Hawaiian Homes Commission, and other entities engaged in land exchanges of Hawaiian home lands. It also identifies the documentation requirements and the responsibilities of the Secretary of the Interior in the approval process for State of Hawai'i proposed amendments to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920.The final rule is available on the internet at: http://www.regulations.gov. Ka`i`ini Kimo Kaloi, Director, Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, telephone (202) 208-7462.
May 18, 2016
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife & Plants; Initiation of 5-Yr Status Reviews of 76 Species
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is initiating 5-year status reviews for 76 species in HI, OR, WA, MT, and ID under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. A 5-year status review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, the USFWS is requesting submission of any new info on these species that has become available since the last review. DATES: To ensure consideration in our reviews, the USFWS is requesting submission of new information no later than April 12, 2016. However, the USFWS will continue to accept new info at any time.
May 18, 2016
Congratulations to Pacific and Asian Affairs Council Travel Scholars Recipients
The Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) is providing 74 scholarships, totaling $139,000 to deserving high school students across the state. These scholarships will support their higher education and participation in PAAC study abroad programs. Scholarship recipients have demonstrated leadership, academic achievement, and a commitment to international affairs as outstanding PAAC students. All students of Waianae High School, Felicia Bicoy-Gaco is a recipient of the Spring Study Tour to New Zealand, Wainani Kaiolohia Wetter is a recipient of the Summer Study Tour to Japan, and Jaena Campus is a recipient of the 2015-2016 Global Leader Program Scholarship.
May 18, 2016
Olelo Youth Xchange Video Competition Names Finalists From Over 900 Student Entries
The 13th Annual Olelo Youth Xchange Statewide Student Video Competition, presented by Sony - the state's oldest and largest contest of its type - has announced this year's finalists from a record of 909 submissions. In the broad category of animation, Waianae High School is a finalist with "Tale of Maui." In the sponsored category of Meth: Not Even Once, Maili Elementary School is a finalist with "The Heart" and Waianae High School is a finalist with "Don't do it" and "Inhale, Exhale." In the broad category of public service announcement, Maili Elementary School is a finalist with "The Avoidance" and Waianae High School is a finalist with "Time Is Running Out." In the sponsored category of Taking Assessments Seriously, Waianae High School is a finalist with "Help Us Pass." In the broad category of Junior Expert, Waianae Intermediate School is a finalist with "Don't Shatter Your Online Image" and "A Home for Larenzo." Finally, in the broad category of Expert, Waianae High School is a finalist with "Waianae Strong."
May 18, 2016
Congratulations to Jeffrey Jones - 2016 Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii Youth of the Year
Jeffrey Jones, an active member in the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii - Waianae Clubhouse won this year's prestigious Youth of the Year (YOTY) award. Jeffrey is a shining example of character. He has been involved in the Leaders in Training (LIT) program for the past three years. He has overseen several community service projects and has completed over 400 hours of community service in 2015 alone. Jeffrey has helped peers through drug addictions and avoided the pressure of drugs and alcohol. He plays many sports at his clubhouse and wants to attend the University of Hawaii to become a sports medicine physician. His scholarship from winning YOTY and his incredible work ethic will serve him well as he pursues his goals.
May 18, 2016
Funding for Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
The Governor proposed a funding plan yesterday to provide sufficient funding for administrative and operating expenses for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). For FY16, the state proposes replacing DHHL's $9.63 million general fund appropriation for administration and operating expenses with $17.14 million in general funds. For FY17, the state proposes $17.8 million in general funds with fringe benefits of $5.7 million, for a total of $23.5 million for DHHL. This comes following a court order to make sufficient sums available to DHHL for its administrative and operating expenses. DHHL remains focused on closing the funding gap in light of the Governor's proposal.
May 18, 2016
Representative Jordan's March 2016 Community Newsletter
Representative Jordan releases her March 2016 Community Newsletter highlighting the Farrington Highway Contraflow Pilot Project as well as the bills that passed out of the House up to First Crossover.
May 18, 2016
Students Showcase Skills in Annual DOE Career and Technical Education (CTE) Convention
The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) hosted its annual Hawaii Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) State Convention at the Hawaii Convention Center on February 25 and 26. The two-day convention welcomed 1,200 students from forty schools across the state, and featured workshops and CTSO competitive events where participants had a chance to showcase their skills in fields ranging from marketing to healthcare. Several Waianae High School students accompanied by John Allen, Video Advisor of Searider Productions visited my office on the last day of the convention.
May 18, 2016
Hawaii Secures Federal Support for Medicaid-Housing Agency Partnership
Hawaii's cross-agency approach to addressing homelessness and housing will be getting a boost from the federal government. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that the state has been selected to participate in the collaborative and highly competitive Medicaid Innovation Accelerator Program beginning April 2016. As a participant, Hawaii will focus on expanding Medicaid involvement in and support for the state's housing and homelessness initiatives. In the program operated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS), the Department of Human Services Med-QUEST Division will participate in the Community Integration - Long-term Services and Supports' Medicaid-Housing Agency Partnerships track. This program will bring technical assistance from national experts to help stakeholders in public housing, Medicaid and behavioral health come together and redesign and implement plans to cover gaps in services. The technical assistance will enable the Hawaii team to continue using evidence-based national best practices and improve existing programs like Housing First and the supporting wrap-around services. The Medicaid Innovation Accelerator Program began in 2014 to improve care and health for Medicaid beneficiaries and reduce costs by supporting states in accelerating payment and service delivery reforms. The program aims to jumpstart innovation in key areas while supporting states in their efforts to improve health, improve healthcare and lower costs. In addition to technical assistance, CMS will facilitate collaborative learning and advise Hawaii's team in strategy and implementation.
May 18, 2016
Farrington Highway Contraflow Pilot Project Aims to Bring Traffic Relief to Waianae Coast
The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) formally announced plans to begin a contraflow lane on Farrington Highway in Nanakuli later this year. The Nanakuli contraflow pilot project will create a third lane of travel for westbound drivers on Farrington Highway from 3pm - 7pm every weekday, excluding holidays. The mile-long contraflow lane is planned to begin at Piliokahi Avenue and continue past Helelua Street. During the contraflow hours signs, cones and markers will be displayed to safely convert the eastbound lane to create three Waianae bound lanes and one Honolulu bound lane. HDOT is in the process of developing conceptual plans. During the contraflow hours, mobility on Farrington will be prioritized and some turning movements from mauka and makai will be disallowed. Due to the turning restrictions, U-turn access points are being coordinated with the City & County of Honolulu to minimize impacts to drivers and area residents. The HDOT is currently working with City & County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services and Oahu Transit Services to coordinate technical requirements. HDOT has scheduled appearances before the area Neighborhood Boards in March and April to gather input from the community before implementing the plans. With the upcoming community input and feedback, HDOT anticipates the contraflow could be developed during the summer and implemented before the Beat the School Jam and the start of the next school year.
May 18, 2016
Community Workshop regarding the Lualualei Flood Mitigation Study
Mahalo to everyone who participated in the Community Workshop regarding the Lualualei Flood Mitigation Study held on Tuesday, January 26 at the Kamehameha Schools Community Learning Center at Maili. The purpose of the Lualualei Flood Mitigation Study is to propose feasible alternatives to the larger capital improvement projects recommended by the 2001 Lualualei Flood Study. I am grateful for the community members who attended to discuss options for minimizing the flooding problems in the Puuhulu, Paakea, Iliili, Mikilua and Hakimo areas.
May 18, 2016
State of the State Address
The Governor delivered his second State of the State address on January 25. Areas highlighted included the state's obligation to the public pension and health benefit funds which represents two of the State's biggest fixed expenses; greater efficiencies through the tax modernization program; progress on spending federal monies; refinancing bonds resulting in $61 million in savings in the State's debt service requirement; cooling classrooms in energy-efficient ways; infrastructure development for affordable housing; transit-oriented development; and support for innovation enterprises from corporate tax revenues. On the issue of homelessness, the Governor included an additional $8.3 million in the budget to operate the Family Assessment Center to expand the Housing First Program on the neighbor islands and establish a new Rapid Re-housing program throughout the state. The ultimate goal of the state's efforts to address homelessness is to make permanent housing available. The State will also be investing $5 million immediately to jumpstart a new public-private partnership with Aloha United Way. It will provide direct funding for rapid re-housing, homeless prevention services and established a statewide referral system. It will also develop long-term homeless strategies to address the needs of the most vulnerable individuals, including unaccompanied youth and those with chronic health concerns. This initiative is expected to provide immediate relief to an estimated 1300 households. I look forward to working on these and other issues impacting our community this legislative session.
May 18, 2016
Funding Released for Capital Improvement Projects
Governor Ige's Administration announced the release of funding for several Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and included on that list was $2 million to construct landside improvements at the Waianae Small Boat Harbor that was included in my CIP bill in 2014 (HB 2558) that was then included in the budget and $600,000 in supplemental special funds to replace Maipalaoa Bridge with a new bridge that meets current seismic and vehicular load requirements.
May 18, 2016
The Executive Biennium Budget
Governor Ige's Administration is focused on ensuring the State's fiscal stability now and in the future. Although the State's current economic conditions are favorable - the lowest unemployment rate since February 2008 with the visitor and construction industries leading the way - they cannot be taken for granted. There are significant and pressing demands on State resources. Public schools need additional funding at the school level, where it can make the most impact. The Administration also must support the development of housing which is affordable by leveraging resources and facilitating the development of low-income rental units. Programs that were severely curtailed during the Great Recession must be rebuilt. Thus, the Administration must manage the State's resources to provide for the State's priorities and near- and long-term financial commitments, while building the State's budget reserves and broadening the State's economic base. In recent years, the State's fiscal situation has fluctuated significantly and general fund revenue growth trends have often not been clearly reflective of economic activity. Although the Great Recession officially ended in 2009, the State is just beginning to experience the positive effects of economic recovery. Of note, the State's general fund balance as of June 30, 2015 was $828.1 million. The Executive Supplemental Budget includes amendments for FY 17 that total $433.1 million from all means of financing for operating costs. This represents and increase of 3.3% over FY 17 appropriations in the biennium budget approved last year. For more details on the Budget, visit http://budget.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Budget-in-Brief-FY-17-BIB.pdf
May 18, 2016
Courts in the Community: Hawaii Supreme Court Takes Oral Argument to Waianae
As part of the Judiciary's Courts in the Community outreach program, the Hawaii Supreme Court heard an oral argument at Waianae High School. 325 students from Waianae, Campbell, Pearl City and Waipahu High Schools, as well as Island Pacific Academy had the opportunity to learn more about the Judiciary's role in government and its function in resolving disputes in a democratic society. Under the program, the court convenes in schools to hear oral argument in cases pending before the court. To prepare for the oral argument, the participating juniors and seniors from each high school studied a curriculum developed by the Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center and the Students for Public Outreach and Civic Education of the University of Hawaii's William S. Richardson School of Law. Attorneys from the Hawaii State Bar Association (HSBA) volunteered their time and facilitated a moot court activity in the participating classrooms. The HSBA and the Hawaii State Bar Foundation generously provided the students with lunches and transportation to and from their schools in Leeward Oahu. The court heard an oral argument for In re Garcia v. Robinson, which is a case that involves what a patient must establish in proving a violation of a doctor's duty of disclosure. The oral argument was followed by two separate question-and-answer sessions for the students; one with the attorneys and another with the five justices. Feel free to email repjordan@capitol.hawaii.gov or call me at 586-8460. Mahalo!
May 18, 2016
Winter 2015 Community Newsletter
Representative Jordan releases her Winter 2015 Community Newsletter highlighting the Town Hall Meeting on Education, funding released for capital improvement projects, and the House Finance Committee Waianae Site Visit.