November 30, 2015
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 were $67 million in lump sum CIP for construction for school repairs and maintenance Statewide, $2 million (design only) for Phase 2 of the H-1 Freeway Management System, $600,000 to fund design and construction for miscellaneous improvements to the Waianae Agricultural Park on Oahu, and $7 million for construction for a new Administration and Allied Health Facility at UH West Oahu.
November 30, 2015
Town Hall Meeting on Education
Mahalo to everyone who participated in the Town Hall Meeting on Education held on Tuesday, October 27 with special guests Ann Mahi, DOE Complex Area Superintendent of Nanakuli & Waianae; Doris Ching, UH West Oahu Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Kalei Kailihiwa, Director of Community Programs at Kamehameha Schools. I am grateful for the many community members who attended, including the principals of Waianae High, Leihoku, Makaha, and Waianae Elementary Schools, and Kamaile Academy. I also want to thank Olelo, who filmed the evening in order to broadcast the meeting on Olelo.
November 30, 2015
House Finance Committee Waianae Site Visit
Members of the House Finance Committee attended a site visit I organized in Waianae on October 9. The visit began at Waianae Boat Harbor where members toured the area and received information from Meghan Statts, Oahu District Manager of the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation of DLNR. Meghan informed members of the revenues generated at the boat harbor as well as the expenses. She noted the loss of needed revenue because numerous slips are out of service and unusable. In an effort to address this need, I've worked to secure CIP funding for the boat harbor and Meghan reported on the status of those projects. Still, Meghan stated that there has been an increase in water usage costs as well as refuse disposal costs. Additionally, she brought to the members' attention the increased reports of theft and vandalism. I will continue to work closely with DLNR staff to address the needs at the Waianae Boat Harbor and am grateful for this opportunity to inform House Finance members of these needs. Site visit participants then walked over along the coast to Waianae High School. We were met by Waianae High School Principal Disa Hauge followed by Searider Productions Executive Director Candy Suiso, staff students and college interns since $2.5 million in CIP has been funded to renovate, expand, and/or connect two existing Searider Productions Media Buildings (SP and T). The site visit continued in Makaha with Barry Usagawa, Amy Tsuneyoshi, and Dean Seki of the Board of Water Supply and Cynthia Rezentes of Mohala I Ka Wai who shared about the Makaha Watershed Restoration Fence Project. Last year, the Legislature appropriated $500,000 for plans, design, construction and equipment for an environmental assessment and to construct a fence line in Makaha Valley to protect the watershed. The visit concluded in Waianae Valley with Yumi Miyata of the Waianae Mountains Watershed Partnership, which is responsible for 46,518 acres of mauka conservation land in the Waianae Mountains.
November 30, 2015
Solar Systems Installed at Leihoku Elementary, Waianae Elementary, and Waianae Intermediate Schools
Maui-based Hawaii Pacific Solar (HPS) recently announced that it has completed installing solar systems at Leihoku Elementary, Waianae Elementary, and Waianae Intermediate Schools. The schools are estimated to save between $600,000 and $745,000 over the 20-year life of the system. The systems will be operated and maintained by Denver-based RC Energy. The installations are performed at no cost to the DOE. HPS is giving each school lesson plan materials on solar energy, a sun safety program and a flat-screen monitor for students to do real-time monitoring of the power being generated and the amount of carbon reduction as a result of the solar panels. A solar system is expected to be completed by the end of the year at Maili Elementary School.
November 30, 2015
Representative Jordan's Fall 2015 Community Newsletter
Representative Jordan releases her Fall 2015 Community Newsletter highlighting the funding released for capital improvement projects, backpacks filled with school supplies that were donated to Waianae Intermediate students, the House Finance Committee's first visit to Hookele Elementary School in Kapolei, and the expansion of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities successful Turnaround Arts Initiative into 5 additional school districts - including Kalihi Kai Elementary, Kamaile Academy and Waianae Elementary in Hawaii.
October 14, 2015
Hawaiian Monk Seal News
The National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) incorporated state input into new rules aimed at protecting the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal, by focusing protection on areas most important to foraging, pupping and resting. NMFS recently finalized a rule that identifies coastal areas in the Main Hawaiian Islands as critical habitat. This was in response to a petition by a local advocacy group, KAHEA, the Hawaiian Environmental Alliance, and two other environmental organizations. Hawaiian monk seals face extinction and are one of most endangered marine mammals in the world, with about 200 monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires the protection of areas that are essential to Hawaiian monk seal survival and recovery. When an area is designated as critical habitat it means that federally permitted or funded projects may need to take steps to avoid habitat damage. These science-based modifications can help state agencies, such as the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) manage the state's coastal resources. There are fewer than 1,100 Hawaiian monk seals left in the world, and they only exist in Hawaii and are a native species. They have been declining about 4 percent per year for the last decade. As an endangered species, they are protected under state and federal law. A 2013 study estimated that monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands consume less than .01 percent of our ocean biomass. Commercial fisheries remove 27 percent and recreational fisheries remove 39 percent of available ocean biomass. It is a felony under both state and federal law to kill a monk seal. Five monk seal killings have occurred since 2011, three on Kauai and two on Molokai. Rewards of up to $10,000 for each incident remain for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. Anyone with information on these killings is asked to call the toll-free DLNR tipline at 1-855-DLNR-TIP. The toll-free, 24 hour reporting hotline for all fishing interactions and other marine mammal incidents is: 1-888-256-9840. NOAA and DLNR urge all fishermen and other ocean users to write down this hotline and/or save it in their mobile phones for timely use whenever a seal may be found hooked or entangled.
October 14, 2015
House Finance Committee Continues Site Visits
The House Finance Committee continued its site visits on the Island of Maui from September 9-11. We visited Maui Memorial Medical Center, Paia School, and other locations. After returning from Maui, several members toured Turtle Bay and Kahuku High School followed by Hawaii State Hospital and Paepae O He`eia.
October 14, 2015
Export Mission to Japan Tokyo International Gift Show
On August 29, I accompanied a delegation from Hawaii to Japan led by the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. We first met with Hiro Arakawa, Vice Governor of Hokkaido followed by the Speaker/Chairman Ren Endo and members of the Legislative Assembly. We also had an opportunity to meet with Chitose Airport Officials, which is a great example for Hawaii to model because the Chitose Airport showcases products from the region. The delegation then travelled to Tokyo for the Tokyo International Gift Show, Japan's largest international trade show with exhibits of personal gifts, consumer goods and decorative accessories. 2,500 companies participated in the show with 4,100 booths. 200,000 anticipated buyers/visitors attended. The State of Hawaii had a pavilion of 25 booths and 55 Hawaii companies, including a business from Makaha.
October 14, 2015
Alu Like and Project Hookui Looking to Assist Native Hawaiian Students to Prepare for and Enter College
Alu Like has partnered with Project Hookui from UH Manoa, College of Education, to assist Native Hawaiian students in grades 10, 11 and 12 to prepare for and to enter postsecondary education. The project offers individual supports to help students become ready for college credit courses and meet the academic qualifications to participate in the Running Start and Early Admission programs. Supports may include mentoring, individualized computer-based accelerated instruction program, tutoring options, and coverage for tuition, books and transportation. For information and to participate, call the Alu Like - Nanakui office at (808) 668-0553 for details and to sign up.
October 14, 2015
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit
Following the CSG West Annual Meeting, I attended the NCSL Legislative Summit on August 3-6 in Seattle, Washington. Each summer, NCSL brings thousands of legislators and staff together for its Legislative Summit, the largest and most substantive meeting of its kind in the nation. The Legislative Summit features more than 100 sessions and presents nationally renowned experts on the most critical state issues. It also provides one-of-a-kind professional development opportunities and the chance to connect with colleagues from around the country. As a member of the House Health and Human Services Committees, I attended the following sessions: NCSL Task Force Innovations in State Health Systems; NCSL Health and Human Services Committee Luncheon; Better Approaches to Addressing Mental Illness in Criminal Justice Systems; Health and Human Services Committee Business Meeting; Evidence Based Policymaking; Waivers and Block Grants and States; and Investments in Oral Health to build upon legislation in these areas. As a member of the House Finance Committee, I attended the following sessions: State Debt Situation: An Update and Discussion; State Budget Update/Federal Budget Update; New Capital Opportunities for State Investments; A Better Way to Ensure Smart Tax Incentives; and Revitalizing Performance Measurement and Budgeting in order to consider budgeting practices of other states that could improve what we do here.
October 14, 2015
Council of State Governments (CSG) West 68th Annual Meeting
I attended the CSG West Annual Meeting on July 28-31 in Vail, Colorado. With the theme of "Balance Your Attitude with a Change in Altitude," this year's annual meeting provided an opportunity to engage in substantive policy issues affecting our region, learn from dynamic speakers, take advantage of professional development sessions, promote regional cooperation and network with important stakeholders in a collegial atmosphere. As a member of the Health and Human Services Committees, I attended the Health & Human Services Committee session which covered patient-centered medical homes as a model of health care to strengthen and improve the health care system; innovations in healthier aging; the work of court appointed special advocates and their impact in improving outcomes for children; and supplemental poverty measures as alternatives that are more accurate and comprehensive. Additionally, as a member of the Finance Committee, I attended the Finance Committee meeting, which included a discussion on the fiscal state of the west, Medicaid expansion and the effect on the budget and budget trend analysis. Finally, the CSG West Annual Meeting included the following Annual Legislative Training Assembly (ALTA) sessions: 1) Standing Strong: Developing Your Position and Building Support; 2) Follow Me: The Makings of a Great Committee Leader; and 3) Media Training.
October 14, 2015
Climate Change
A new report has been released by the Rockefeller Foundation - Lancet Commission on planetary health that identifies three primary categories of challenges for humans to be able to maintain and enhance human health in the face of increasingly harmful environmental trends. The report also provides an analysis of how human health issues are changing and suggests solutions. To see the report, go to http://www.thelancet.com/commissions/planetary-health. Hawaii's commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change have been significant and started early. The first report in Hawaii, entitled Effects on Hawaii of a Worldwide Rise in Sea Level Induced by the "Greenhouse Effect", prepared by the Hawaii Coastal Zone Management Program, Department of Planning and Economic Development, was published in January, 1985. The report made recommendations for a long-range plan to be developed, aimed at mitigating the impacts, with the following actions: 1) The rising sea level projections for Hawaii to adopt for planning purposes based upon the best data and scientific predictions available, 2) Review and revisions of the adopted sea level projections at regular intervals (10 years), 3) The plotting of approximate locations of shorelines and coastal hazards based on the adopted or amended sea level projections, 4) The use of projected shoreline and coastal hazard maps in the design and locations of new public facilities and in the improvement and alteration of existing facilities, based on their lifespan and safety features, 5) Locating new infrastructural facilities as a means to attract development to "safe" areas away from zones of projected hazard, 6) Adopting more innovative uses of the economic incentives of the National Flood Insurance Program to encourage appropriate changes in existing patterns of development, 7) A strict adherence to existing prohibitions against shore-side development by approving fewer variances, waivers, and exemptions, and 8) More serious consideration of request for replacing structures lost to natural forces and situated within areas subject to impact from rising sea levels. Hawaii continues to focus on mitigation and set ambitious goals to address climate change issues. It's heartening to see new approaches that connect businesses and the economy to the environment. For example, partnerships such as the Hawaii Invasive Species Council and the Hawaii Association of Watershed Partnerships, have been able to tackle problems that cannot be solved by any one entity. Also, the Aloha+ Challenge: A Culture of Sustainability - He Nohona `Ae`oia statewide, joint leadership commitment sets clear targets for clean energy transformation (70% clean energy by 2030), local food production, natural resource management, waste reduction, smart growth, climate resilience, green jobs, and education. It will take all of us working together to reach our goals.
August 13, 2015
Representative Jordan's Summer 2015 Community Newsletter
Representative Jordan releases her Summer 2015 Community Newsletter highlighting her Legislative Town Hall Meeting held on June 25 and the affordable housing site visit along the Leeward Coast she organized on June 30.
August 13, 2015
House Finance Committee Site Visits
The House Finance Committee began its site visits with a walk through of Hookele Elementary School in Kapolei on July 20. This $40 million school is the first large DOE, Facilities Development Branch project utilizing Design-Build as the procurement method, which was constructed and opened in 16 months. The Committee then completed a tour of Sugarland Growers and Mansanto on July 21. Additional site visits statewide will be scheduled over the next few months.
August 13, 2015
Governor Vetoes 8 Bills, 243 Become Law
After reviewing more than 252 bills passed by the 2015 Hawaii State Legislature, Governor Ige notified legislators of his decision to veto 8 bills. The Governor this year signed 239 bills into law. 4 other measures became law without signature. On June 29, the Governor notified the Legislature of his intent to veto 8 measures and filed his statement of objections on July 13 to the following bills: 1) HB540 (Relating to UH) - The Governor vetoed this bill because the Legislature didn't make the requisite finding that this bill is a law of statewide concern, thus the bill is vulnerable to a challenge that it violates the State Constitution because it impacts the internal management and operation of UH. 2) HB553 (Relating to Collective Bargaining) - The Governor deemed the bill objectionable because it is incomplete and could potentially cause legal and administrative problems. 3) SB 105 (Relating to the Budget) - The Governor determined that while this bill has merit, accurate information in the form required by the bill is unavailable due to the limitations of the State's accounting system. 4) SB218 (Relating to Order of Succession) - Governor Ige concluded that this bill is substantially similar to a bill vetoed by Governor Abercrombie in 2014 and the flaw contained in the previous bill was not remedied by this bill because it does not provide for succession in the situation when the office of the Governor becomes permanently vacant at the same time as the office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Senate President and the Speaker of the House belong to a political party different from that of the Gov. 5) SB265 (Relating to Sex Trafficking) - The Governor noted that the AG, the Prosecuting Attorneys of Honolulu, Maui and Hawaii, the Office of the Public Defender and HPD all objected to provisions of this bill and recommended that it be vetoed. In addition to legal objections, the AG and the 3 Prosecuting Attorneys noted that the Penal Code Review Committee, which will include the AG, all the county Prosecuting Attorneys, a representative from the Office of the Public Defender, and representatives from the criminal defense bar, will meet this year to review our criminal laws and make recommendations to the Legislature in response to the recently adopted HCR 155, SD 1 (Requesting Judicial Council to Appoint a Committee to Review and Recommend Revisions to the Hawaii Penal Code). This Committee will have an opportunity to review sex trafficking laws and propose amendments with a broader base of support. 6) SB349 (Relating to Taxation) - The Governor deemed the bill objectionable because the provisions in the bill that restrict the income tax credit for renewable fuels to only renewable fuels produced and sold in the State may be subject to challenge as violating the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution. 7) SB569 (Relating to Theft) - Governor Ige concluded that this bill would diminish the seriousness of many theft crimes and reduce the deterrent impact of theft offenses. 8) SB1324 (Relating to Divorce) - Governor Ige deemed this bill objectionable because there is no appropriation for the costs of implementing the bill, which are expected to be at least $1 million dollars.
August 13, 2015
Projects at Waianae Small Boat Harbor
Since 2011, I worked to secure $5 million for the Waianae Small Boat Harbor. On July 8, I was briefed on the status of current projects. DLNR staff indicated that Pier A improvements project is under design. The preliminary design will be submitted for review about the end of July and the bid documents will probably be ready in October considering one month review period. Additionally, DOBOR Administrator Ed Underwood reported that the damaged loading dock was repaired by the boater whose boat did the damage and he further indicated that a new loading dock was needed because the one loading dock was inadequate. With regard to the broken pile repair, DLNR staff explained that the temporary repair by installing a pile sleeve has been approved and the permanent pile repair was part of the Pier A Improvement project and was under design. DLNR staff also shared that a fish hoist will be bid out by the end of July. The last item discussed by DLNR staff was landside improvements including reconstruction of the wash down area and evaluation of the water line. I will continue to work with DLNR to complete the necessary improvements at the Waianae Small Boat Harbor.
August 13, 2015
Legislative Town Hall Meeting on Olelo
Mahalo to everyone who participated in the Leg Town Hall Meeting on June 25. 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.
August 13, 2015
PVT Winner of the SWANA Silver Excellence Award
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) has named PVT Land Company, Ltd., as the winner of the SWANA Silver Excellence Award in the Recycling Systems category. SWANA's Excellence Awards Program recognizes outstanding solid waste programs and facilities that advance the practice of environmentally and economically sound solid waste management through their commitment to utilizing effective technologies and processes in system design and operations, advancing worker and community health and safety, and implementing successful public education and outreach programs. PVT Land Co., Ltd. is pursuing a strategy to optimize landfill capacity and has introduced a new recycling system that will enable reclamation and processing of about 4.5 million cubic yards of waste that is buried in the landfill, in addition to waste that is brought to the facility of a daily basis. The PVT recycling system can process 1,700 to 2,000 tons of C&D waste per day and convert up to 900 tons to feedstock that can be burned for energy production. The company also offers Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) reporting to customers who recycle C&D materials and wish to acquire LEED points. The award will be presented at SWANA's annual conference, WASTECON on August 25 in Orlando, Florida.
August 13, 2015
Dawn Kaui Sang Selected as the Director of the Office of Hawaiian Education
After an extensive recruitment process, Dawn Kaui Sang was selected by the Superintendent as the Director of Office of Hawaiian Education, which now falls under the Office of the Superintendent. Sang began her career with the DOE in 1997 teaching at Waimanalo and later taught at two Hawaiian Immersion schools. In 2005, she became the Educational Specialist for the Hawaiian Language Immersion (Kaiapuni) Program. Sang was actively involved in the revision of Board policies 2104 and 2105 and the development of Board policy E-3. A graduate of Kailua High, Kaui earned her master's and bachelor's degrees in education from the UH-Manoa.
July 22, 2015
Hawaii Green Growth Dashboard
The Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) previously announced the new Dashboard from Hawaii Green Growth and Aloha+ Challenge supporters that will measure six sustainability targets that the State is striving to meet by 2030, including Clean Energy, Local Food, Natural Resource Management, Waste Reduction, Smart Sustainable Communities, and Green Workforce. The OEQC is encouraging the public to learn more about waste and take a look at the measures in the Hawaii Green Growth Dashboard at https://dashboard.hawaii.gov/aloha-challenge. When it comes to waste, the goal is to "reduce the solid waste stream prior to disposal by 70% through source reduction, recycling, bioconversion, and landfill diversion methods." The Hawaii Green Growth Dashboard is set up to track the full solid waste picture in Hawaii by measuring Total Solid Waste Reduction, Total Solid Waste Generation, Reduction, Reuse, Recycling (including Composting), and Waste-to-Energy. This publicly accessible, targeted information provides an important building block for achieving meaningful solid waste reduction in Hawaii. The goal is to continuously add data to the Dashboard, fill in data gaps, and use the information to support policy changes and programs that help to achieve 70% solid waste reduction by 2030.
July 22, 2015
Waianae Coast Schools a National Model for Counseling
For years, counselors at Waianae Intermediate would wait for students to be referred to their office or seek help before providing services or information. It was, for the most part, a reactionary practice that failed to address the root cause of walk-in cases. Today, after an overhaul of its program, the school delivers a counseling curriculum through classroom lessons, intervenes in truancy cases with home visits and targeted support, and partners with community organizations to raise awareness about chronic absenteeism. This month, Waianae Intermediate, along with Nanaikapono Elementary, will be honored as a Recognized American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Model Program, or RAMP, the first such national designation for a Hawaii public school. They will be among 62 schools receiving the RAMP award at the June 30 ASCA's annual conference in Phoenix. RAMP recognizes schools committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven counseling program and an exemplary educational environment. Aligning Waianae and Nanaikapono's counseling programs to the ASCA model led to improvements in both referral and absenteeism rates, the schools reported. Incident referrals at Nanaikapono Elementary dipped nearly 40% to 103 in the 2013-14 school year, compared with the previous year. At Waianae Intermediate, discipline referrals in 2013-14 decreased by 20% over the previous school year, while attendance jumped 2% to 93.1%. During the same time, Waianae's chronic absenteeism rate, one important predictor of academic success fell to 43% from 49%. The Nanakuli-Waianae complex has set a goal of having all of its 9 schools achieve RAMP certification by 2017, said Complex Area Superintendent Ann Mahi, who was named last month as the Hawaii High School Counselor Association Counseling Advocate of the Year.
July 22, 2015
Hawaii Joins National Turnaround Arts Initiative
The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities will expand its successful Turnaround Arts initiative into 5 additional school districts - including Kalihi Kai Elementary, Kamaile Academy and Waianae Elementary in Hawaii - as the program continues to successfully help turn around low-performing schools, narrow the achievement gap and increase student engagement through the arts. This follows last year's major expansion of the program after a Booz Allen Hamilton evaluation of the program's effectiveness. Turnaround Arts now reaches over 22,000 of the country's highest-needs students in 49 schools in 14 states and DC. The Committee also announced that Turnaround Artists Jack Johnson, Jake Shimabukuro and Alfre Woodard will "adopt" Hawaii Turnaround Arts schools and work directly with students and teachers to support their arts education. The newly expanded program is funded through a public-private partnership, receiving over $5 million over the next 3 years from the U.S. DOE, the National Endowment of the Arts, the Ford Foundation and other private foundations and companies to bring arts education into low-performing schools. The program leverages approximately an additional $10 million contributed in local funds over the same period. The money will be used to hire new arts and music teachers; bring teaching artists, art supplies and music instruments into schools; and support arts integration with other core subjects such as reading, math and science. In Hawaii, the Hawaii State DOE and the Hawaii Arts Alliance will be the local program partners for Turnaround Arts. Research evaluation results show that participating schools are demonstrating improved academic performance, increased student and parent engagement, and improved culture and climate. On average, Turnaround Arts schools showed a 23% improvement in math proficiency and a 13% increase in reading proficiency over 3 years, as well as showing reductions of up to 86% in student disciplinary issues and sharply increased attendance. All schools participating in Turnaround Arts will receive training and resources to address their individual needs. Resources will include a summer leadership program, in-school professional development, partnerships with community arts education and cultural organization, art supplies, and musical instruments. Participating schools were competitively selected by program partners according to national guidelines. Selection criteria included demonstrated need and opportunity, strong school leadership with district support, and a commitment to arts education. Turnaround Arts schools represent elementary and middle schools from across the country and encompass a diversity of student demographics in urban and rural settings.
July 22, 2015
Representative Jordan's Community Newsletter for the 2015 Session
Representative Jordan releases her Community Newsletter for the 2015 Session highlighting the $70 million in new projects included in the state budget to improve our community and the Top Accomplishments of the 2015 Legislature.
July 22, 2015
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 were $750,000 for construction for increased drainage capacity along Farrington Highway in the vicinity of Princess Kahanu Avenue on Oahu; $2.7 million to replace Maipalaoa Bridge in Waianae, Oahu with a new bridge that meets current seismic and vehicular load requirements; $28.8 million for design and construction for a new Administration and Allied Health Facility at University of Hawaii-West Oahu; $4.5 million to provide a new Administration Building at Waianae Elementary; and $500,000 (Design only) to connect Buildings SP and T at Waianae High School for its "Searider Production" program.
June 17, 2015
Hawaii Schools Dominate National Television Competition
Hawaii's middle and high school media programs took home 28 awards from the 12th Annual Student Television Network Convention in San Diego, California. Waianae High School took home six trophies, including a regional Broadcast Excellence award. Maui Waena Intermediate School, another big winner, also garnered six awards. Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School on Kauai, and Oahu schools Mid-Pacific Institute, Moanalua High School and Waianae Intermediate School also won multiple awards. Kauai's Waimea High School also captured a first-place win in the "60-Second Silent Story" category. More than 2,700 middle and high school students from across the country gathered at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego for four days of competition and workshops. Students were given strict time deadlines, often only a few hours, to conceptualize, write, shoot and edit their entries on site.
June 17, 2015
$1.5 Million Released for Waianae High School to Replace/Renovate Bleachers
Governor Ige's Administration announced the release of funding for several Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and included on that list was $1.5 million to replace/renovate the deteriorating bleachers at Waianae High School. The State Legislature appropriated these funds in the state budget in 2013.
June 17, 2015
Waianae Pop-Up Legal Clinic Results
Mahalo to Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii (VLSH) for hosting a Pop-Up Legal Clinic in Waianae. Overall, 28 individuals were serviced with legal advice and brief services (document preparation). Of that number, 14 applied for further legal assistance through VLSH to help resolve their legal matter to include follow-up advice, self-help (pro se) assistance and guidance, and referrals to volunteer attorneys for direct representation. The majority of the participants had family law related matters, and the second most in demand matter involved estate planning/trust issues. 14 volunteers assisted at the event, 5 volunteer attorneys provided direct assistance, 3 new volunteer attorneys attended to train and experience pro bono community based legal services, and 6 volunteers were law students and non-legal volunteers who helped with document preparation and ushering clinic participants.
April 27, 2015
Representative Jordan's March-April 2015 Community Newsletter
Representative Jordan releases her March-April 2015 Community Newsletter highlighting the significant improvement at Waianae High School as well as the bills that passed out of the House up to First Crossover.View full article
April 27, 2015
Congratulations to the 2015 Youth Xchange Video Competition Finalists
892 video entries were submitted to Olelo for the 2015 Youth Xchange Statewide Student Video Competition. Congratulations to the following finalists: Kamaile Academy PCS for the video titled "Be A Jerk" in the Be A Jerk category for Middle School; Maili Elementary School for the video titled "The Revenge" in the Malama Aina category for Elementary School; Makaha Elementary School for the video titled "The Skeleton" in the Meth: Not Even Once category for Elementary School and the video titled "The Hand" in the Short category for Elementary School; Waianae Intermediate School for the video titled "A Different Home" in the Mini-Documentary category for Middle School and the video titled "Take Assessments Seriously" in the Junior Expert category; and Waianae High School for the video titled "Do The Math" in the Meth: Not Even Once category for High School, the video titled "Olelo Hawaii" in the News category for High School, and the video titled "The Last Day" in the Expert category.
March 20, 2015
Representative Jordan's February 2015 Community Newsletter
Representative Jordan releases her February 2015 Community Newsletter summarizing the Final Report of the Makaha Valley Flood Mitigation Study, Health briefing on obesity, and Kamehameha Schools New Learning Complex Grand Opening Ceremony.
March 20, 2015
Hawaii Business Magazine Names Native Hawaiian Health's Alika Maunakea One of 20 Leaders to Watch
Epigenetics is a somewhat unfamiliar term for most of us, but you are unlikely to hear more about the subject this week, as Hawaii Business Magazine recognizes Dr. Alika Maunakea "as an emerging leader who has already made major contributions to Hawaii and whom we expect to have an even greater impact over the next two decades." As an epigeneticist, Dr. Maunakea studies the molecular interaction between the environment and genes, and how changes in this interaction is involved in diseases which are disproportionately prevalent in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island populations - changes which are not due to differences in DNA sequence (i.e. genetics). Born and raised in Waianae on Oahu, Dr. Maunakea was inspired by his great-grandmother, Katherine Maunakea, a respected kupuna and practitioner of laau lapaau, or traditional Hawaiian remedies. In addition to advancing the understanding of fundamental biological processes, Dr. Maunakea believes his work validates Native Hawaiian ancestral knowledge.
March 20, 2015
Free EBT Equipment for Authorized Farmers and Farmers Markets
The United States Department of Agriculture has made funds available that enable the State Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide eligible farmers markets and direct marketing farmers with free electronic benefit transfer (EBT) equipment to process Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Administered through the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC), the Free SNAP EBT Equipment Program expands access to fresh produce for SNAP beneficiaries and expands commerce options for farmers and farmers markets. The program is available only to SNAP-authorized farmers markets and direct marketing farmers that were authorized before November 18, 2011. If the applying farmers and farmers markets receive approval, the FMC will cover the costs of purchasing or renting SNAP EBT equipment and services (set-up costs, monthly service fees, and wireless fees) for up to 3 years. Though transaction fees will not be covered, the selected farmers and farmers markets can choose their own SNAP EBT service provide from a list of participating companies. The Free SNAP EBT Equipment Program is a first-come first-serve opportunity, and the program ends when the funds have been distributed. If a farmers market or direct marketing farmer isn't yet SNAP-authorized, or became SNAP-authorized on or after November 18, 2011, they may be eligible for free equipment through MarketLink. Learn more about the MarketLink application process at www.marketlink.org. For more information about the Free SNAP EBT Equipment Program, including frequently asked questions, an eligibility chart, background information and application instructions, visit http://farmersmarketcoalition.org/programs/freesnapebt/. For more information about food assistance in Hawaii, visit the DHS website View full article
March 20, 2015
DOE Leans on Stakeholders in Advancing Hawaiian Education for Students
After spending two years to create a strategic path forward for Hawaiian Education, the Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) shared how it is strengthening its commitment to Hawaiian programs in the public school system. Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi updated the Hawaii State Board of Education (BOE) on the collaborative groundwork made since BOE acted on two Hawaiian Education policies. The board and department initiated and engaged in a number of community stakeholder meetings over 18 months to listen to the concerns and opportunities for improvements before the enactment of revisions to Hawaiian Education policies 2104 and 2105. Policy 2104 was changed to incorporate the establishment of the Office of Hawaiian Education to support Hawaiian education positively to impact the educational outcome of all students. Policy 2105 provides students with Hawaiian bicultural and bilingual education; and the development and administration of the Hawaiian Language Immersion Program (Ka Papahana Kaiapuni) curriculum, standards, and formative and summative assessments. The DOE's Kaiapuni program is offered at 20 schools and educates more than 2,000 students. With the recent establishment of the Office of Hawaiian Education, the DOE is now accepting applications for a director. The director will lead the incorporation of Hawaiian knowledge, practices and perspectives in all content areas; oversee and coordinate Hawaiian education programs, projects, and initiatives; and provide organizational leadership for growth of Ka Papahana Kaiapuni. Community engagement will remain a priority as the DOE continues to advance Hawaiian Education initiatives while addressing the following challenges: System wide valuing of Hawaiian education for all students; Developing a manageable scope and focus for the Office of Hawaiian Education; Aligning federal and state accountability requirements for Hawaiian language assessments; Limited time and resources to implement policies systems-wide and prepare all students before they graduate. Individuals interested in the position of Director of the Office of Hawaiian Education can apply now. Application deadline is February 20, 2015. For more information about Hawaiian Education, please visit www.hawaiipublicschools.org. Superintendent Matayoshi also briefed the BOE on the development of a Hawaiian language assessment. The DOE, in partnership with the University of Hawaii-Manoa, has developed a field test for Kaiapuni students that measures progress towards mastery of academic standards that is on par with the Smarter Balanced Assessment given in the English language. The field test in language arts and math for students in grades 3 and 4 enrolled in Ka Papahana Kaiapuni schools will be held this spring. DOE has requested a "double testing" waiver from the U.S. Department of Education that would allow students taking the field test to forego the Smarter Balanced Assessment.
March 20, 2015
Governor Ige's Financial Plan
Wesley Machida, Director of the Department of Budget and Finance presented an overview of the Executive's fiscal biennium 2015-17 budget and financial plan on January 21. He reported that the Administration has been working diligently to fulfill Governor Ige's promise to deliver a revised budget to the Legislature by the end of January. He also noted that the Council on Revenues (COR) met on January 6 and in its official report, the COR revised its general fund tax revenue projection for FY15 upwards from a 3.5% growth rate to 4.5%. The revised projections amount to an increase of $53.7 million in FY15, $56.2 million in FY16, $52.5 million in FY17, and growing to $60 - $70 million per year for FY18 through FY21. The revised COR projections gave the Administration a little more breathing room to establish a specific budget planning set-aside for FY15 emergency appropriations and to increase the existing planning set-aside for "additional resources" requests. Thus, the revised Executive budget and financial plan reflects the Administration's continued commitment to deal with the State's long-term obligations, meet federal and State mandates, and maintain operations to deliver much needed public services.
January 20, 2015
Rep. Jordan Comments on Makaha Valley Flood Mitigation Study
KITV reports that "Study lists solutions for Makaha's flooding problem." View full story at View full article.
January 20, 2015
Makaha Valley Flood Mitigation Study Available
The final report of the Makaha Valley Flood Mitigation Study has been made available on DLNR's Engineering Division website at DLNR Engineering. The third and final public meeting was held on January 15, 2015. More than 70 residents have attended the first two community meetings in March and September of 2014 as part of the 20-month long Makaha Valley Flood Mitigation Study that began in June 2013. Residents have shared some of the flooding issues that they have been experiencing in Makaha Valley and have been introduced to some of the preliminary recommended flood mitigation projects for the valley. Valuable information provided by many members of the Makaha community has been incorporated into the study. The flood study was funded by House Bill 2883 that I sponsored in 2012. HB 2883 tasked the DLNR with the responsibility of conducting a flood study for Makaha Valley including providing specific flood mitigation recommendations. DLNR contracted Townscape, Inc., a local environmental planning company that has been involved with many projects along the Waianae Coast, to conduct this flood study for Makaha Valley.
January 13, 2015
Representative Jordan's January 2015 Community Newsletter
Representative Jordan releases her January 2015 Community Newsletter highlighting Farrington Highway Intersection Improvements in Nanakuli as well as information on Transit-Oriented Development.View full article
January 13, 2015
State Announces Reduction in Unemployment Taxes for 2015
The Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announced that Unemployment Insurance contribution rates for 2015 will be reduced 22 percent on average, resulting in employers paying $50 million less in taxes, or $100 less per employee on average for 2015. The unemployment rate has dropped to 4.1 percent from 6.8 percent in December 2010, which has helped contribute to the replenishment of the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund. As of October 2014, Hawaii had the sixth lowest unemployment rate among states. Hawaii's civilian labor force reached a record of 667,750 persons in October. The Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund went bankrupt in December 2010, and the state had to borrow $183 million to pay benefits. However, the fund balance has grown to nearly $400 million. The goal of the unemployment insurance financing structure is to maintain the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund at an adequate reserve level, which is the balance necessary to pay out one year of benefits. The current reserve is at 0.99 of the adequate level, or about twelve months of benefits.
January 13, 2015
The Executive Biennium Budget
Due to the short time between the start of the Ige Administration and the statutory deadline to submit the Executive Budget to the Legislature, the Executive Budget was developed as a baseline budget by the previous Administration to ensure the continuation of State services at their current level and provide flexibility to make budget adjustments. The budget calls for $12.6 billion for FY 2016, a 4% increase from the current budget, and $13.1 billion for the following year, an 8% increase. This State Budget is essentially a first draft proposal. In the coming weeks, the Ige Administration will be reviewing the operating and CIP budget requests that were submitted to determine what can be funded. These budget requests will be reviewed with the appropriate department heads and submitted to the Legislature by Governor's Message. The Ige Administration is aware that there may be FY 15 funding shortfalls which will require immediate attention. There are indications that, for example, the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation and Department of Health's Emergency Response Revolving Fund may require additional funds to support their FY 15 operations. Additionally, the Office of the Governor will require funding due to the gubernatorial transition. Consequently, it will be necessary for the Administration to request emergency appropriations for critical situations or request the reallocation of resources currently going to the general fund. The Governor plans to get into more specifics by the end of January. For more details on the State Budget, visit View full article
January 13, 2015
Representative Jordan's December 2014 Community Newsletter
Representative Jordan releases her December 2014 Community Newsletter highlighting the over $5 million in construction underway or released for improvements at Waianae public schools as well as information from public hearings on housing and the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation. View full article
January 13, 2015
Hawaii Environmental Policy Act Citizen's Guide
The Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) released: The Hawaii Environmental Policy Act Citizen's Guide at Citizen's Guide As OEQC aims to increase transparency, this Citizen's Guide is an effort to explain the state's environmental review process in a simple manner with understandable terms. The intent of the Hawaii Environmental Policy Act (HEPA) is to: Ensure that the environmental consequences of actions proposed within the state are appropriately considered; and Increase public participation in the decision making process. OEQC hopes this new Citizen's Guide will assist the public in understanding and participating in the environmental review process.
December 4, 2014
$500,000 Released for Makaha Watershed Restoration
$500,000 in capital improvement grant funds was released to Hawaii Maoli for efforts to restore the Makaha Valley watershed. These funds will be used to conduct studies to restore lo'i and construct a fence to protect native plants and wildlife from feral pigs and goats. Protecting the native forest is an efficient-cost-effective way to replenish groundwater resources and prevent erosion. Hawaii Maoli will partner with Mohala I Ka Wai to execute the scope of work for this grant.
December 4, 2014
Veterans Designation Available for Drivers License/State ID
The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) in cooperation with the counties are pleased to announce that a veteran designation will be available for Hawaii driver's licenses, state ID's, and instruction permits effective October 1. Persons who served in any of the US uniformed services and received a discharge other than dishonorable are eligible. Applicants must provide proof of qualification. Acceptable documents include: DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty); NGB Form 22 (National Guard Report of Separation from Active Duty); Prior to January 1, 1950 - WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, WD AGO 53-55, NAVPERS 553, NAVMC 78PD, NAVCG 553; Discharge Certificate reflecting characterization of discharge; Verification letter issued by the Veterans Administration; Verification letter issued by the Office of Veterans Services. Applicants requiring a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge, or other Military Documents to verify Veteran and Military eligibility status may go to: www.archives.gov/veterans/military-services-records/ and follow the steps outlined for either an online application request or follow procedures to print, populate, and mail out a Standard Form (SF) 180 request. Applicants may also contact: National Personnel Records Center: (314) 801-0800 or Hawaii State Office of Veterans Services at (808) 433-0420, Tripler Army Medical Center, 459 Patterson Road, E-Wing, Room 1-A103, Honolulu, HI 96819-1522. Applicants whose driver's license, permit, or state ID's are not within the renewal period may add the veteran designation by applying for a duplicate by presenting one of the documents listed above. Regular duplicate fees will apply. Applicants for new or renewal driver's licenses, instructional permits, and state ID's are required to provide the necessary documents for proof of name, date of birth, social security number, principal residence and legal presence status. See links for details http://hidldocs.com or http://hidot.hawaii. gov/hawaiis-legal-presence-law/ and http://hidot.hawaii.gov/hawaiistateid/. Customers with specific questions may contact their county driver license/state ID office at 532-7730.
December 4, 2014
DHS Released from Federal Injunction
The Department of Human Services (DHS) Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) has successfully closed a February 2011 class action lawsuit for failure to issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits within timeframes outlined by federal law. To address the application backlog, BESSD developed and implemented the Business Process Re-engineering project, which converted the former Case Management system to a Process Management system. Between Oct. 1, 2013 and Aug. 31, 2014, the average monthly timeliness rate for SNAP applications increased to 96.83%, a 30% improvement. Dismissal of the lawsuit follows a $724,000 federal Food and Nutrition Service bonus to BESSD for the nation's most improved SNAP Program Access Index. The BESSD also received the 2014 Global Case Management Award for Excellence in Social Services for its nationally recognized enterprise content solutions. Combined with the reengineered business processing, both initiatives contributed significantly to the improved application processing rates. The class action lawsuit addressed application backlogs that accrued between 2008 and 2011, a period when the number of Hawaii SNAP recipients increased from 93,956 to more than 179,700 participants. During that same period, DHS also was operating with a severely reduced workforce and limited program funding. In some locations, timely application processing rates dropped to 29%. Today, SNAP application processing rates vary between 96-98%, and BESSD continues to exceed federal requirements. Currently, an estimated 98,360 Hawaii households (193,446 individuals) receive SNAP assistance each month. On average, BESSD issues $43.3 million in benefits each month to Hawaii SNAP recipients.
December 4, 2014
DHS Receives Federal Bonus for Improved Program Access - Second Consecutive Year
The Department of Human Services has been awarded a federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) bonus of $915,580 for the most improved Program Access Index for fiscal year 2013. This is the 2nd consecutive year and 3rd time overall that Hawaii has been recognized for its program improvements.
December 4, 2014
OEQC Introduces Online Viewer
OEQC is pleased to announce the release of an online viewer that links the environmental review documents published in the Environmental Notice to geographic locations across the state. The public, government agencies, and industry will all benefit from this new application. The viewer will ultimately house environmental review documents dating back to the inception of the Hawaii Environmental Policy Act in 1974. Environmental review documents dating back to 2003 are currently available via the online viewer. The office plans to digitize and upload the remaining documents within the next year. The online viewer is a product of an effective public-private partnership that increases transparency and efficiency. OEQC partnered with Windsor Solutions, Inc. to not only create this online viewer that houses historical documents but also design a database system that streamlines the submissions, review and publication of Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements. The work on this database has started, however future funding is needed to implement all these functionalities. Please visit the OEQC's Online Viewer at OEQC Viewer / and learn more about this effort.
October 17, 2014
EPA Launches an Interactive Web-based Mapping Tool
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched an interactive web-based mapping tool that provides information on the Federal Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) filed with EPA. This includes 48 EISs filed since 2004 in Hawaii. Check it out at: View full article
October 17, 2014
Waianae Intermediate School Electrical Upgrade
Construction totaling $1,148,733.00 at Waianae Intermediate School for Electrical Upgrade will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to Rambaud Electric, LLC. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction.
September 24, 2014
Community Meeting regarding the Makaha Valley Flood Study on September 23
A community meeting that will present recommended flood mitigation measures for Makaha Valley is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23 from 7-8:30pm at the Waianae District Park Multi-Purpose Room. More than 50 community residents attended the first community meeting held earlier this year to share flooding issues that they have been experiencing and dealing with in Makaha Valley. This meeting can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLTLULn5mho. If you would like to download the slideshow that was presented at the meeting, visit the link at: http://dlnreng.hawaii.gov/fcds/2014/03/ 27/makaha-valley-flood-study-meeting-information-available-for-download/. Since then, the study team has met with community stakeholders to understand Makaha flooding conditions and to address issues raised by the public at the first community meeting. These community meetings are part of the Makaha Valley Flood Study, which is a bill that I introduced and was enacted into law in 2012. The study is aimed at proposing solutions to address the areas in Makaha Valley that have experienced flooding over the years. A public review draft report of the Makaha Valley Flood Mitigation Study is available for download at: http://dlnreng.hawaii.gov/fcds/?p=493. This 20-month long study is planned to be completed by January 2015. You can also view episodes of Jordan's Journal that I filmed with Bruce Tsuchida of Townscape, Inc., the environmental planning company conducting the Makaha Valley Flood Study at https://vimeo.com/repjordan/videos
September 24, 2014
Kamaile Elementary School Electrical Upgrade
Construction totaling $361,200.00 at Kamaile Elementary School for Electrical Upgrade will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to Rambaud Electric, LLC. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction.
September 24, 2014
Chronic Absenteeism in Hawaii's Public Schools Plummets 39%
Hawaii's public elementary schools have made significant headway in reducing the number of students chronically absent, a strong predictor of academic success, according to the Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) 2013-14 Strive HI Performance System results. Chronic absenteeism is one of the most powerful predictors of student success, even accounting for other factors such as poverty and disability. Curbing chronic absenteeism is a key focus of the Strive HI Performance System, which supports schools' progress based on multiple, research-based indicators. The percentage of students absent 15 days or more in the 2013-14 school year dropped to 11 percent from 18 percent a year ago. The seven-point drop boosts the prospect for achievement in other performance areas - including proficiency and graduation - for more than 5,500 students statewide. Strive HI data also show significant student improvement in science proficiency. As schools continue to adjust to Hawaii Common Core standards and assessments, the data revealed slightly lower reading and math proficiency. Results for college-readiness, graduation rates, and college-going rates remained steady, but for Waianae High, the outstanding college-going rate increased from 41% to 48%. Launched in the 2012-13 school year, Strive HI replaced outdated aspects of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, which looked only at reading and math scores to impose strict consequences to schools.
September 24, 2014
Leihoku Elementary School Electrical Upgrade
Construction totaling $1,014,300.00 at Leihoku Elementary School for Electrical Upgrade will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to Rambaud Electric, LLC. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction.
September 18, 2014
DOE Releases Educator Effectiveness System Results from School Year 2013-14
An overwhelming majority of the state's more than 11,000 teachers are "effective" and "highly effective" educators, according to Educator Effectiveness System (EES) results from school year 2013-14 released by the DOE. Teachers received their results during conferences with their administrators earlier this year. The 2013-14 school year represented the first year of statewide implementation with no negative consequences for tenured teachers. The results indicate nearly a vast majority of teachers are performing at the highest levels when it comes to the EES, which gives equal weight to two major categories - Student Growth and Learning Measures, and Teacher Practice Measures. Within the EES Student Growth and Learning Measures and the Teacher Practice Measures, educators are evaluated on several areas including classroom observations, student survey, core professionalism, student learning objectives, and the Hawaii Growth Model. A working portfolio is used to evaluate non-classroom teachers. In keeping with the DOE's commitment to reduce burden on teachers and administrators, several significant changes were announced in June designed to simplify the EES, streamline its components and differentiate the approach for teachers based on need. These changes will take effect during this school year, 2014-15. The changes were based on feedback generated from a variety of groups that included educators. Teachers and their principals have access to more detailed reports with individual teachers' data.
September 18, 2014
Governor Releases $500,000 for design of New Administration Building for Waianae Elementary
Governor Abercrombie announced the release of $500,000 of capital improvement project (CIP) funds for a New Administration Building at Waianae Elementary School. This project was identified as a priority in my CIP bills introduced in 2012 and 2013 after meeting with the former principal of the school who explained that this project was a priority. In 2013, the State legislature included in the State Budget funding of $500,000 in FY13 for plans and design and $4.5 million in FY14 for construction for a new Administration Building for Waianae Elementary School.
September 18, 2014
Completion of H-1 Freeway Rehabilitation Project Provides Improved Commute for Oahu Motorists
The H-1 Freeway Rehabilitation Project reconstructed and resurfaced one of the most heavily traveled corridors in the state and added an extra travel lane in both direction in less than 11 months. New LED street lighting, added drainage, and glare screens were also installed to improve highway safety. The H-1 Rehab Project spanned from the vicinity of Middle Street to the vicinity of Ward Avenue and was completed mainly with nighttime work. Work on the $42 million federal aid project began on September 22, 2013, included both partial and full overnight closures in both directions, and also included the widening of the Nuuanu Stream Bridge. The project area averages approximately 200,000 vehicles daily, which precluded the use of daytime lane closures. The last major resurfacing of this section was previously completed in the late 1990s, during which a 1.5-to-2-inch layer of asphalt concrete was laid over the existing pavement. The rehabilitation went to greater depths than a top-layer resurfacing for better and longer-lasting results. Construction crews removed and replaced up to 12 inches of asphaltic concrete in the most badly deteriorated sections.
September 8, 2014
Footsteps to Brilliance: Early Learning for School Readiness
Families living on the Westside (zip 96792) have an opportunity to start using Footsteps2Brilliance (F2B), a literacy application that works on any smart phone, mobile device, or computer. Footsteps2Brilliance is an application that uses interactive games and stories to help children between the ages of 3 and 8 build their academic vocabulary and literacy skills. The goal is to have all children ready for kindergarten and able to read by grade 3. Schools in the Nanakuli-Waianae Complex Area have invested in F2B to support literacy skills for children between 5 to 8 years of age. The Department of Education is partnering with preschools along the Waianae Coast to train teachers to use F2B in their classrooms. Families who live in the 96792 zip code area can also help their children between the ages of 3 to 4 years old get ready for school. National studies show that young children who practice letter names and sounds, match pictures and works, and read and write stories are more likely to be proficient readers. Literacy skills from kindergarten to 3rd grade are important foundations for students to be able to read and write at grade level and meet readiness goals for college and careers. Children can use F2B on their own and with family members. As the first teachers of young children, family members play an important role in preparing students for school. Parents, older brothers and sisters and grandparents can encourage their children to read and to assist in creating stories together to support increasing reading comprehension. Please register at http://www.myf2b.com/register/leeward
September 8, 2014
Inaugural State Teacher Fellowship Program to Play Key Role in Public Education
The Hawaii State DOE is pleased to announce the selection of 17 public school educators to the Hope Street Group's inaugural Hawaii State Teacher Fellows, including Jaimelynne Cruz of Kamaile Academy. Together with the DOE and the HSTA, the fellows will voice teacher perceptions and potential solutions to issues educators face in implementing the Hawaii Common Core. The fellows represent a range of outstanding Hawaii teachers chosen from a pool of competitive candidates from across the State. Selected for their strong individual commitments to improving learning outcomes for children, fellows will serve as leaders among their peers for the next 12 months, and have the option of continuing in their leadership capacity for additional school years. Through the partnership, the group will be trained in peer and community engagement, data collection and media strategies - all with the intent of sharing information with the community. Fellows will also collect input from their peers to present to the DOE. By engaging school communities, informing state policy decisions, and participating in professional development and training opportunities, fellows will work toward elevating the teaching profession and providing the DOE with critical feedback on the Hawaii Common Core - a set of consistent learning expectations aimed at preparing all graduates for college and careers. The Hawaii State Teacher Fellows program is supported locally by grants from Harold K. L. Castle Foundation, Hawaii Community Foundation, and by a $200,000 grant from McInerny Foundation.
September 8, 2014
Pesticide Levels Tested in Surface Water
The Department of Health, Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response (HEER) Office and Clean Water Branch along with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and the US Geological Survey team released a collaborative report on pesticide levels in surface water samples. The study was conducted to respond to the growing concern of pesticide use in Hawaii. To gather baseline data, 24 stream samplings were tested for 136 different pesticides on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island. The samples had trace detections of one or more pesticides, however they are considered minute and fall below state and federal regulations. This report is a snap shot that tested pesticide levels at one time and does not consider long term averages. The continuation of this study is dependent on future funding. It is hopeful that this study will encourage further discussion between the community and government stakeholders throughout the state. Check out the HEER Office's web page, which has documents and links that address various aspects of pesticide use statewide! See http://eha-web.doh.hawaii.gov/eha-cma/Leaders/HEER/HDOH-Pesticide-Studies-and-Coordination-with-other-Agencies
September 8, 2014
New Online Tool Tracks Groundwater Contaminants
Groundwater contamination continues to occur in Hawaii. The Department of Health, Safe Drinking Water Branch, Groundwater Protection Program launched a new online viewer that makes current information available to the Program available to the public. The maps are based on monitoring data for public drinking water wells, select non-drinking water wells such as irrigation and industrial wells, and fresh water springs. These maps only identify wells with detectable levels of groundwater contamination. The Department aims to report on the quality of the water directly out of the ground prior to treatments to remove contaminants in the future.
July 16, 2014
H-POWER to Continue Processing City Tires
In February 2014, the Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) granted the City a two-year extension on the conditional variance to Hawaii Revised Statute 342I-22, allowing it to continue to burn City-managed scrap tires through February 2016. This extension follows the initial variance the City received in early 2013 to conduct a one-year test project during which the City successfully processed several thousand tires through H-POWER's new "mass burn" unit. The term of the current extension was set to coincide with H-POWER's DOH solid waste management operating permit, which comes up for renewal in early 2016. The use of tires as fuel, or Tire Derived Fuel (TDF), is the predominant method for recycling waste tires in the U.S. In 2003, approximately 130 million scrap tires (about 45% of all scrap tires generated) were used as fuel in the waste-to-energy process (source: EPA). Tires make great fuel in waste-to-energy because of their high heating value. The City's goal in sending tires to H-POWER is to keep this energy resource local.
July 16, 2014
New Leadership Principal Group Will Help Shape Education Priorities
After a recruitment and selection process of nearly two months, the DOE is announcing a new Deputy Superintendent's Principal Roundtable for the upcoming 2014-15 school year. The Roundtable is designed to engage with principals directly to improve communication, garner feedback, develop collaborative solutions to critical challenges, and identify individuals for future complex area, state and national leadership positions and opportunities. Twenty-six individuals, including all members of the HGEA Unit 6 Board of Directors and 14 additional sitting principals from four major islands, representing a diverse mix of schools and principal experience, have been named to the Roundtable, including Disa Hauge of Waianae High School (Leeward District, Nanakuli-Waianae). The opportunity to be part of the Roundtable was first shared with DOE principals in April. The Department received nearly 40 nominations from principals, Complex Area Superintendents, and the HGEA. Roundtable members will meet over the summer to establish priorities. All DOE principals will be informed of the work of the Roundtable and given an opportunity to give further feedback.
July 9, 2014
Governor Releases $2.282 million for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) in Waianae
Governor Abercrombie announced the release of $2,282,000 for capital improvement projects (CIP) that will improve various DOE facilities in Waianae as follows: Kamaile Academy ($934,000) - $127,000 to replace fire alarm & PA, $39,000 for miscellaneous repair & maintenance for Race to the Top Zone of Innovation, $500,000 for a new fire hydrant, and $268,000 for a whole school, classroom renovations; Leihoku Elementary ($200,000) for electrical upgrade; Waianae Elementary ($11,000) to remove diesel storage at Building N; Waianae High ($684,000) - $13,000 to reroof dining room & kitchen, $67,000 to replace center bleachers, $304,000 for miscellaneous repair & maintenance for Race to the Top Zone of Innovation, $300,000 for electrical upgrade; Waianae Intermediate ($453,000) - $153,000 for miscellaneous repair & maintenance for Race to the Top Zone of Innovation, $300,000 for electrical upgrade.
July 9, 2014
Congratulations to Kamaile Academy's First Graduating Class
I also had the pleasure of attending Kamaile Academy's graduation on May 24th and again congratulate all members of the Class of 2014. This event was especially notable as reported in the Honolulu Star Advertiser because it is Kamaile Academy's first graduating class. Kamaile is the largest charter school in Hawaii with 930 students enrolled in preschool through 12th grade. Of the nine graduates, seven will attend college, one has joined the National Guard, and another will enter a youth leadership program.
July 9, 2014
Congratulations to Waianae High School Graduates
I had the pleasure of attending Waianae High School's graduation on May 23rd and I want to congratulate all members of the Class of 2014. KITV highlighted Kahunui Foster, a graduating senior from Waianae High who was accepted to USC, NYU, Columbia, and decided to accept the offer from Harvard University with full financial aid of over $50,000 per year. KITV further reported that of the 93 students that graduated through Waianae's Searider Productions, 92 are moving on to college and the 93rd student is joining the military.
July 9, 2014
QUEST Renewal Changes
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has made a change to the QUEST eligibility renewal process. From April 1, 2014 through October 1, 2014, ALL QUEST members are required to renew their Medicaid eligibility by completing and returning the QUEST Eligibility Renewal Form via mail. If the form is not returned, the client will lose their QUEST eligibility and be denied doctor, pharmacy and other covered services. This is a new change for households with families and children who in the past were automatically renewed each time. This time, all members must take action to renew.
June 4, 2014
Representative Jordan's Community Newsletter for the 2014 Session
Representative Jordan releases her Community Newsletter for the 2014 Session highlighting the over $61 million in new projects included in the state budget to improve our community and the Top Accomplishments of the 2014 Legislature.
May 28, 2014
Hawaii Kicks Off 'Click It or Ticket' Enforcement and Education Campaign
The annual enforcement and media campaign started May 19 and runs through June 1. The goal is to save lives by reminding everyone to buckle up. The HDOT reports that 14,542 drivers in Hawaii received citations during federal fiscal year 2013 for failure to use a seat belt. In addition, 2,206 drivers were issued citations for failure to restrain a child under 17 years of age in their vehicles. Of all the motor vehicle fatalities in 2011, only 37.5 percent were properly restrained. As of June 2012, Hawaii had a seat belt usage rate of 93 percent, a decline of 4 percent from the previous year. Hawaii's universal seat belt law requires that all front and back seat motor vehicle occupants buckle up. Adults and children must use their seat belts and restraints at all times. The fine for unrestrained occupants on Oahu, Hawaii and Maui is $102, and the fine on Kauai is $112. Stepped-up law enforcement activities will be conducted in all four counties during the Click It or Ticket mobilization period. This mobilization is being supported by a national paid advertising campaign, which, along with additional state advertising and community outreach, will encourage every driver and passenger to buckle up, day and night.
May 28, 2014
UH West Oahu to Offer Free Advanced Placement College Credits to Hawaii High School Students
The University of Hawaii - West Oahu and the Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) are working together to make it easier and more cost-effective to earn a college degree by offering students the opportunity to receive free college credits upon the successful completion of high school coursework. UH West Oahu Chancellor Rockne Freitas and Hawaii DOE Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi recently signed the Hawaii Advanced Placement Programs of Study (HAPPS) articulation agreement that enables students from high schools that participate in DOE Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to receive advanced placement college credit for high school Business Career Pathway courses. Students who successfully complete the accelerated high school business free advanced placement college credits for UH West Oahu's BUSA 120: Introduction to Business course upon acceptance and enrollment at the University. To receive three free advanced placement credits for UH West Oahu's BUSA 120: Introduction to Business course, high school seniors are required to: Receive a "C" average or higher in Business Career Pathway coursework from a DOE CTE participating high school, Pass a comprehensive exam administered by the DOE with a 70% score or higher (The exam includes questions related to general business, marketing and entrepreneurship), and Be accepted and enroll at UH West Oahu. Students are eligible to receive the advanced placement college credits starting in fall 2014. UH West Oahu is accepting applications for the fall 2014 semester until July 1, 2014. For more information, visit http://www.uhwo.hawaii.edu/admissions, email uhwo.admissions@hawaii.edu, or call (808) 689-2900.
May 28, 2014
QUEST Renewal Changes
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has made a change to the QUEST eligibility renewal process. From April 1, 2014 through October 1, 2014, ALL QUEST members are required to renew their Medicaid eligibility by completing and returning the QUEST Eligibility Renewal Form via mail. If the form is not returned, the client will lose their QUEST eligibility and be denied doctor, pharmacy and other covered services. This is a new change for households with families and children who in the past were automatically renewed each time. This time, all members must take action to renew.
May 28, 2014
Changes in State ID and Driver's License Application
State ID's will cost $32 in Kauai County with a fee of $4 per year, and $40 in Honolulu, Maui and Hawaii counties with a fee of $5 per year. The state ID is good for 8 years, and a duplicate will cost $7 in Kauai County and $6 in Honolulu, Maui and Hawaii counties. Those obtaining a driver's license will be required to present two forms of proof of principal residence in Hawaii. Principal residence is defined as the location where a person currently resides even if the residence location is temporary.
May 28, 2014
UH West Oahu Awarded Nearly Quarter Million Dollar Grant
The UH West Oahu received a $245,000 grant from the Office of Naval Research to establish a STEM Center of Excellence. The grant funding will be used initially to: 1) Transform UH West Oahu's existing physical science laboratory into an interactive STEM Center of Excellence, 2) Explore the development of the University's first STEM-related academic program in Facilities Management - a new interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science concentration involving science, pre-engineering, facility operations, energy efficiency, and business coursework, 3) Furnish UH West Oahu science laboratories with essential hands-on equipment to support student learning and K-12 teacher education, 4) Create an interactive "STEM-Center Portal" at the entrance to the STEM Center of Excellence that displays science and technology related real-time activities such as current seismic activity, weather conditions, campus building energy usage, atmospheric pressure and more, 5) Create the first STEM Center of Excellence community outdoor activity - "The Solar System Stroll," a two-mile round-trip heart-healthy walk through a sidewalk solar system display on the UH West Oahu campus, and 6) Create a EZ-H20 Water Filling Station as a tool to support STEM education. The STEM Center of Excellence projects will be developed as an interdisciplinary partnership by UH West Oahu Science and Business Administration faculty.
May 28, 2014
Makaha Valley Flood Study Meeting Information Available for Download
On March 25, Representative Jordan hosted a community meeting regarding the Makaha Valley Flood Study, which was funded by House Bill 2883, a bill she sponsored in 2012. HB 2883 tasked DLNR with the responsibility of conducting a flood study for Makaha Valley including providing specific flood mitigation recommendations. DLNR contracted with Townscape, Inc., an environmental planning company, to conduct the study. The slideshow from the community meeting is available to download from DLNR's website at:View full article
May 28, 2014
Representative Jordan's March 2014 Community Newsletter
Representative Jordan releases her March 2014 Community Newsletter providing mid-session highlights, an update on funding and recognition for the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and a report on the visit from Kamaile Academy students to the State Capitol.View full article
May 28, 2014
Report on How to Prevent or Control Abandoned Tires
Act 271, Session Laws of Hawaii (SLH) 2012, required the State of Hawaii, Department of Health to establish a task force to study ways to prevent or control the problem of abandoned tires littering the landscape. Consequently, the task force is required to report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature. This report providing a summary of the findings and recommendations on how to prevent or control abandoned tires can be found atView full article
May 28, 2014
BOE Sets Firm Support of Hawaiian Education
The Hawaii State Board of Education (BOE) and the Department of Education (DOE) reaffirmed their commitment to Hawaiian Education and Hawaiian Immersion programs in Hawaii's public schools. The BOE approved key policy changes affirming that Hawaiian language, culture and history should be an integral part of Hawaii's educational standards for all students in grades K-12. Hawaiian Education policy 2104 states, "Hawaii's public education system should embody Hawaiian values, language, culture and history as a foundation to prepare student in grades K-12 for success in college, career and communities, locally and globally." The Board spent nearly one year working with stakeholders to craft policy revisions. The state currently has 20 Hawaiian Immersion programs, including six at charter schools. The proposed amendments to BOE policy 2104 and 2105 can be viewed on the BOE's General Business Meeting on the BOE site.
May 28, 2014
Makaha Elementary School - ADA Transition Plan
Construction totaling $448,367.00 at Makaha Elementary School for ADA Transition Plan will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to Design Built Systems, Inc. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction work.
May 28, 2014
CIP Funds for the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
CIP funds totaling $2 million for the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center to rebuild the emergency services department is being released. The legislature appropriated these funds in the 2012 budget.
May 28, 2014
Stop the Spread of the Little Fire Ant in Hawaii
Little Fire Ant (LFA), is an invasive stinging ant that is spreading across the Hawaiian Islands. The first infestations of LFA were discovered on Hawaii island in 1999. LFA have hitchhiked on material from infested areas and are now spreading across the Big Island. Newly introduced and controllable colonies of LFA have been found on Kauai and Maui. LFA are small, slow-moving ants, averaging 1/16" in size. They are as long as a penny is thick. LFA nest in trees and in leaf litter on the ground. They do not form mounds. LFA deliver a powerful sting causing large, painful welts. Welts can last days, followed by an intense itching sensation. These stinging ants will infest yards, gardens, and homes. Stings to pets and livestock can lead to blindness. LFA invade agricultural areas and nurseries making exporting of goods difficult. The ants sting farm workers and flower pickers and reduce plant health. Elsewhere in the world, LFA are attacking and killing the hatchlings of ground-nesting birds and sea turtles. Join the Sting Operation. Test new soil, plants, mulch, or other landscaping materials, and any items that have been stored in known infestation zones. Testing is as easy as a chopstick and peanut butter. Go to www.lfa-hawaii.org to find more information on detecting and testing for new introductions of LFA.
May 28, 2014
Kindergarten Entry Age to Change in August 2014
Starting August 2014, a child must be five years old on or before July 31 of the school year to enter kindergarten. This change aligns Hawaii with the vast majority of states. The change is also part of the plan to establish a cohesive, comprehensive, and sustainable preschool system for all four-year-olds. We are one of only ten states that have not moved in this direction. We realize that because of this change in entry age, approximately 5,100 children will not be able to enter kindergarten this coming school year because they will not be five years old by July 31. We are all working to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible for these children and their families, as we do not want them to miss an important year of early learning that can help better prepare them for kindergarten. The newly established Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) has partnered with other state agencies, as well as a number of community organizations across the state, to develop resources to increase awareness about the change and help affected families understand other options that may be available to them. If your family is one of those affected, please visit EOEL online at earlylearning.hawaii.gov, or call (808) 586-0796 for more information. Preschools and child care providers will also find resources that may help them assist their families. EOEL is working to put together more resources based on community input and will post them as they become available.
May 28, 2014
Representative Jordan's January 2014 Community Newsletter
Representative Jordan releases her January 2014 Community Newsletter highlighting Opening Day at the Legislature, the State's Financial Plan, the Office of the Governor's Budget Request, State Loan Repayment Program Recipients working in Waianae, Kamehameha Community Learning Center Under Construction at Maili, and the Opening and Blessing of the HCAP facility in Waianae.View full article
October 23, 2013
Representative Jordan's Fall 2013 Community Newsletter
Representative Jordan releases her Fall 2013 Community Newsletter highlighting the Town Hall Meeting on Education, House Finance Committee site visits, and the Community Schools Model.View full article
October 23, 2013
Congratulations to Waianae High and Intermediate Schools for Winning 2013 Hiki No Awards
PBS Hawaii announced the 2013 Hiki No Awards recognizing the most outstanding stories and segments produced during Season 4 of the statewide student news network. The High School and Middle School divisions competed in five categories and Waianae High School won Best Overall News Story and Waianae Intermediate School won Best Overall News Story and Best News Writing.
October 23, 2013
Congratulations to the Waianae Complex Student Services Coordinators
The DOE recognized the outstanding efforts of DOE employees and teams including a Team Excellence Award of Merit to Waianae Complex Student Services Coordinators, Oahu District: Kelly Kalinowsky, Grace Lorenzo, Kathy Mitchell, Gail Nakao, Mary Stamps, Mariko Thompson, and Kristy Wagatsuma.
October 23, 2013
H-POWER Successfully Processes Tires in Test Project
In an effort to assess H-POWER's ability to effectively convert used tires into energy, the City and County of Honolulu and H-POWER operator Covanta recently processed several thousand tires through H-POWER's new "mass burn" unit with promising results. The use of tires as fuel, or Tire Derived Fuel (TDF), is the predominant method for recycling waste tires in the U.S. In 2003, approximately 130 million scrap tires (about 45% of all scrap tires generated) were used as fuel in the waste-to-energy process (source: EPA). Tires make great fuel in the waste-to-energy process in part because of their high heating value. The City's goal in sending tires to H-POWER is to keep this energy resource local. The City received a conditional variance to Hawaii Revised Statutes 342I-22(e) that will allow it to continue test burning used tires that the City receives at its transfer stations and convenience centers through March 2014.
October 23, 2013
$2 Million Released for Flood Mitigation
Governor Abercrombie released $2 million in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds for Puhawai Culvert for drainage improvements, which was introduced in my CIP request and subsequently included and passed by the Legislature in Act 106, during the 2012 legislative session. This funding is in addition to the $2 million initially introduced in my CIP request and subsequently included and passed by the Legislature in Act 164, during the 2011 legislative session.
October 23, 2013
Honolulu International Airport New Day Work Projects Begin
The DOT is moving forward with $750 million dollars in improvements at the Honolulu International Airport. A blessing and groundbreaking ceremony was held on August 20 for the first of three projects that include the demolition of the Aloha Air Cargo building, a new employee parking lot, and relocation of inter-island terminal cargo and maintenance facilities. These projects will increase safety and security, along with improving operational efficiency. When completed, the projects will accommodate projected aircraft fleet mixes, mitigate traffic congestion, and address needs for air cargo, maintenance and rental car companies. These projects are funded through revenues and user fees collected by Hawaii Airports.
October 23, 2013
H-1 Freeway Rehabilitation (Middle Street to Vicinity of Ward Avenue)
This federal aid project consists of major reconstruction of approximately 3.5 miles of one of the oldest sections of the H-1 Freeway. Highway lighting will also be replaced to modern standards using cut-off lenses and the Nuuanu Stream Bridge will also be widened by approximately five feet on the Makai-side. Approximately 200,000 vehicles use this corridor every day. Unfortunately, this important effort to restore this portion of H-1 Freeway needs to be done. The majority of the work will be done at night to avoid weekday morning and afternoon rush hours. In order to finish the project in the shortest possible period of time, sections of the H-1 Freeway will be completely shut down at night, in one direction at a time, for up to 120 work nights. Night work hours will be from 8pm until 4am, Sunday nights through Friday mornings. In addition, during the year-long project, there will be nightly lane and ramp closures, when the full freeway closures are not in effect.
October 23, 2013
DOT Launches Go Akamai Mobile App
To help provide motorists with up-to-date traffic information, the DOT announced the release of a new GoAkamai App for iPhone, iPad and Android mobile devices. The GoAkamai App provides traffic congestion information, drive times and images from over 200 traffic cameras on Oahu state freeways, highways and roads. The App is available on the Android and iPhone App Stores. GoAkamai App users are reminded to access this information via their smartphones before getting behind the wheel, as state law prohibits the use of a mobile device while operating a motor vehicle. Commuters are also encouraged to take advantage of the www.GoAkamai.org traffic information website to make commutes easier and faster. The website is continuously updated. Also provided are links to both city and state construction lane closures and trip-planning information from TheBus. The website is a collaborative effort of the DOT and the City.
October 23, 2013
Strive HI Performance System Results Available
The DOE released its first annual Strive HI Performance System results, which provide a comprehensive picture of the health of the islands' schools. The figures are based on data from the 2012-13 school year. Hawaii educators, parents, community groups and higher education stakeholders informed the development of the new Strive HI Performance System, which evaluates all 285 public schools, including charter schools. The system is designed to ensure all students graduate college- and career-ready by analyzing multiple achievement measures and offering tailored rewards, supports and interventions to schools. For more info on the Strive HI Performance System, visit Strive HI Performance
October 23, 2013
Hawaii's Race to the Top Grant Cleared from High-risk Status
The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) removed Hawaii's 'high-risk' status from the state's Race to the Top grant program. The decision allows Hawaii to continue its Race to the Top (RTTT) reform efforts through September 2014 when the grant officially ends. In August 2010, the USDOE awarded Hawaii a four-year $75 million RTTT grant. Hawaii was placed on high-risk status in December 2011. The Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) spent two years making significant progress and in February 2013, the HIDOE received recognition for a number of major accomplishments and was also praised for implementing important reforms, including programs to support educator effectiveness.
August 2, 2013
Town Hall Meeting on Education
Join us for a Town Hall Meeting on Education with special guests Don Horner, Board of Education Chair, Ann Mahi, Department of Education Complex Area Superintendent of Nanakuli & Waianae, and representatives of the Kamehameha Schools Ka Pua Initiative on Tuesday, August 27 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm at the Waianae District Park in the Multi-purpose room. Refreshments will be served from 6:30pm. For more information, call 808-586-8460 or email repjordan@capitol.hawaii.gov.
August 2, 2013
Representative Jordan's Summer 2013 Community Newsletter
Representative Jordan releases her Summer 2013 Community Newsletter highlighting bill signing of measures from the recent legislative session, her Legislative Town Hall Meeting held on June 26 and Ka Pa'alana Preschool Graduation on June 27.View full article
August 2, 2013
2013 Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
The Hawaii Foodbank will be distributing Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program voucher booklets worth $50.00 at partnering sites around the island. The goal is to provide fresh and locally-grown fruits and vegetables for seniors. Vouchers are redeemable at any City & County People's Open Market and independent Farmers' Markets farmers/growers certified for this program from June - October 13, 2013. Seniors must qualify each year and are limited to one set of vouchers per year by meeting the following requirements and providing supporting documentation: Must be 60 years of age or older; AND Have a household annual income of less than $23,791 for single person or $32,209 for a couple. The hotline number is 954-7889. Additional information and a list of locations can be obtained at Hawaii Food Bank
August 2, 2013
Hawaiian Education Summit 2013
On July 10, 11 & 12, I had the privilege of attending the Hawaiian Education Summit, which targeted an improvement of research on Hawaiian education, the reauthorization of the NCLB with particular focus on Title VII, and the creation of powerful advocacy for Hawaiian education. Attendees included policy makers, organization leaders, advocates, and those interested in public policy that supports Hawaiian education (especially ESEA Title VII Native Hawaiian Education Act). The Kamehameha Schools in partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Native Hawaiian Education Council, and other organizations that support the education of Hawaii's students, created the unique opportunity for networking, teaching and learning, focused discussion, and advocacy. The summit allowed stakeholders who have a vested interest in the education of native Hawaiian students - from womb to tomb - to gather and hear from noted local and national speakers who advocate for culture based education. I also had the opportunity to participate in the Hawaiian Language Immersion Program Strategic Planning Group at the summit.
August 2, 2013
Governor Signs School Readiness Bill
Governor Abercrombie signed Senate Bill 1093, a significant first step to transform early education in Hawaii and ensure that all island keiki have access to preschool. A key component of the Governor's legislative package, SB1093 (enacted as Act 151) establishes the Preschool Open Doors Program as the statewide school readiness program administered by the state Department of Human Services. The new voluntary program will provide access to school readiness services that address children's physical, cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional development. The program will serve 4-year-old children, with priority extended to underserved or at-risk keiki, and those who are not eligible to attend public school kindergarten in the school year they turn 5 because their birth date occurs after the kindergarten eligibility date. The bill also requires each provider to conduct school readiness assessments, give priority to children from low- and moderate-income families, and prepare children for school through either English or Hawaiian language. The measure includes appropriations of $720,000 in fiscal year 2013 and $440,000 in fiscal year 2014 to fund three temporary positions and contract services, as well as an additional $6 million for program subsidies in fiscal year 2014. Governor also announced the appointment of GG Weisenfed, Ed.D, as director of the Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL). Weisenfeld will take over for Terry Lock, the state's former early childhood coordinator who the Governor appointed as director when the office was first established.
August 2, 2013
Punana Leo O Waianae 20th `Aha Puka Kula (20th Graduation Ceremony)
I had the honor of attending Punana Leo O Waianae's 20th `Aha Puka Kula (20th Graduation Ceremony) on June 27. It was a pleasure to see the keiki, their parents and kumu rising up our future generation and creating ohana (family) for a lifetime. Mahalo to Kumu Kalehua and the Punana Leo O Waianae ohana for the invitation and for allowing me to be a part of this great stepping stone in the lives of these keiki.
August 2, 2013
Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) Program Benefits Motorists
The popular Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) program, launched back in 2009 by the DOT has provided over 36,000 traffic assists in its four-year history and benefits all motorists by keeping traffic moving. FSP trucks will be equipped with a new tool in Push Bumpers to help clear stalled vehicles from busy traffic lanes to the roadside. The procedure uses a specialized front bumper mounted on the FSP truck to push a vehicle from behind to a safer location in order to reduce safety hazards and the potential for secondary collisions. The bumper is designed to push vehicles for limited distances without damage to either vehicle. The FSP program costs approximately $3 million annually, with 90% provided in federal funds and 10% from the state DOT. A study by DOT engineers calculated the average benefit-cost for the first two years of FSP at close to 8:1. This means that for every dollar spent, almost eight dollars in benefits are realized. These benefits are measured in terms of reduction in delays (measured as vehicle-hours), savings in fuel, and decreases in emissions. FSP drivers made 36,299 traffic assists since the inception of the program on June 17, 2009, through May 31, 2013. Motorists were assisted in the following categories: 23% Flat Tire, 12% Out of Gas, 10% Accident, 9% Overheated, 8% Traffic Assist (assisting police, fire and emergency services), 6% Abandoned Vehicle, 3% Battery Jump, 2% Debris Removal, 2% Load Adjustment, 24% Other Assist/Unclassified (e.g., locked out of vehicle, providing motorists directions, repairing a fender, or taping up a leaky hose). Of these assists, 23% resulted in the vehicle being towed to another location, off of the freeway. The FSP service operates from 5am to 7pm, Monday through Friday, except holidays. FSP routes cover approximately 29 miles of freeway in both directions, from the H-1 Freeway Kunia Interchange (Kunia Road) and the H-2 Freeway Waipio Interchange (Ka Uka Boulevard) to the H-1 Terminus at Ainakoa Avenue in Waialae. This includes the entirety of the H-201 Moanalua Freeway and the H-1 Airport Viaduct. Assistance is provided free of charge to the public. Motorists in need of assistance are asked to call 841-HELP (841-4357).
August 2, 2013
Kaupuni Bridge Update
The State Department of Transportation did a site inspection of Kaupuni Bridge due to concerns raised of protruding rebar under the bridge on June 4. The result of the site inspection was that the repairs to remove the exposed rebar and seal the spalling are cosmetic, not structural. All bridges under State control are inspected every two years for structural soundness and safety issues and Kaupuni Bridge was inspected in January 2013. The repairs on the exposed rebar have been completed. The sealing of the spalled areas will take time as permits are needed over the open water from the Corps of Engineers and the Department of Health and then that work needs to be put to bid.
August 2, 2013
Farrington Highway Safety Measures Near Makaha Beach Park
In an effort to address safety related issues near Makaha Beach Park, the State Department of Transportation reduced existing speed limits on Farrington Highway in the vicinity of Makaha Beach Park from 35 to 25 MPH between Upena and Lawaia Streets. Rumble strips were installed on Farrington Highway to alert motorists of the lower speed limit area ahead. In the Honolulu-bound direction, they were installed between Lawaia and Makau Streets and in the Makaha-bound direction, between Upena Street and Kili Drive. The rumble strips produce a physical vibration and an audible sound when vehicles roll over them to alert motorists to drive with caution. The purpose of these safety measures is to address community concerns about speeding along Farrington Highway approaching the Makaha Beach Park area. All roadway users will benefit from the safer environment created by the lower speed limit.
June 17, 2013
Legislative Town Hall Meeting on June 25
On Tuesday, June 25 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm at the Waianae District Park in the Multi-purpose room, I will be hosting a Legislative Town Hall meeting. This meeting will focus on the state budget and also provide a wrap-up of the 2013 Legislative Session.
June 17, 2013
Representative Jordan's Community Newsletter for the 2013 Session
Representative Jordan releases her Community Newsletter for the 2013 Session highlighting the over $50 million in new projects included in the state budget to improve our community and the Top Accomplishments of the 2013 Legislature.View full article
June 17, 2013
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is offered once a year to households that need assistance in paying their electric or gas bills. Last Year, HCAP helped 5,638 families apply for LIHEAP benefits! Oahu residents can qualify for one of two programs: (1) Gas or Electric Bill Payment Assistance - An energy credit for households having difficulty paying their gas or electric bills or (2) Energy Crisis Intervention - Financial assistance for households whose electricity or gas has been or is scheduled to be shut off. LIHEAP is available for one month only: June 3 - 28. Download a 2013 brochure at LIHEAP Brochure for more information. To apply: Visit one of HCAP's five District Service Centers during LIHEAP application hours - Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursday, Fridays: 9am - 12 noon and Tuesdays: 9am - 12 noon and 4:30pm - 6pm or call 521-4531 for more information. You must bring documents when you apply and can go to LIHEAP for more details.
June 17, 2013
Queen's Medical Center - West Oahu Begins Construction
Five months after acquiring the former Hawaii Medical Center West, Queen's Medical Center begins construction on its new Ewa campus and some high-tech changes are in the works. Queen's received its demolition permit, so much of the existing facility will be transformed. The preparation is the first stage of a more than $70 million renovation project. The emergency department is completely gutted, but will soon be three times larger with more than 20 patient bays. The operating rooms and intensive care units will also get an upgrade and receive state-of-the-art equipment. Queen's is planning to hire more than 400 employees before the hospital opens in spring 2014.
June 17, 2013
Honolulu International Airport Modernization Begins Construction
With the groundbreaking for a new Aloha Air Cargo facility, the state Department of Transportation (DOT) celebrated the start of approximately $750 million in improvement projects for the Honolulu International Airport, as part of the statewide Hawaii Airports Modernization Program. The privately funded $12 million Aloha Air Cargo facility is a key component in upgrades and improvements at the Honolulu Airport and highlights the importance of public/private partnerships that benefit the people of Hawaii. Construction on the state's projects in this area is expected to begin next month. While the improvements will include millions of dollars in runway and taxiway improvements, the main features that the public will enjoy will be a new commuter terminal, the new mauka concourse, and a consolidated rental car facility. The program also includes many support projects, such as a new employee parking lot, maintenance hangars, and roadway improvements.
June 17, 2013
U.S. DOE approves Hawaii's new school accountability and improvement system
The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced it has received federal approval for a new Strive HI Performance System designed to ensure all students graduate college- and career-ready. The redesigned school accountability and improvement system approved by the U.S. Department of Education replaces many of the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) with multiple measures of success to meet the needs of Hawaii's students, educators and schools. After winning a Race to the Top grant in 2010, HIDOE established two Zones of School Innovation (ZSI) that targeted support for struggling schools in rural or remote, hard-to-staff areas serving the largest population of native Hawaiian and economically-disadvantaged students in the state. The Strive HI Performance System is a culmination of work by Hawaii educators, parents, community groups, and higher education. It replaces NCLB's most ineffective and outdated components with meaningful benchmarks aligned with goals of the HIDOE/Board of Education State Strategic Plan. The Strive HI Performance System not only reflects the State Strategic Plan, it aligns and connects with state education policies and initiatives including Common Core State Standards, updated assessments, more rigorous diploma and graduation requirements, successful school improvement strategies in the ZSI and robust teacher and principal evaluation and support systems. HIDOE will work closely with Complex Area Superintendents and principals this summer to ensure school leaders and educators are positioned for successful implementation of the Strive HI Performance System in the coming school year. For more information, visit HIDOE's new Strive HI Performance System webpage at Hawaii DOE Strive HI
June 17, 2013
Farrington Highway Realignment Feasibility Study
I submitted testimony to the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Policy Committee in support of adding the proposed Farrington Highway Realignment Feasibility Study to the Draft FYs 2014-2015 Overall Work Program. In my testimony, I specifically noted the following: "With the Policy Committee's support and inclusion of the Farrington Highway Realignment Feasibility Study in the Draft FYs 2014-2015 Overall Work Program (OWP) it will greatly help by providing an opportunity to gather important information to move forward the long community desired Makaha Beach Park Master Plan, which was developed by the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation Department in 1997."View full article
May 10, 2013
Kamaile Academy Electrical Upgrades
The Governor is releasing $800,000 for electrical upgrades at Kamaile Elementary Public Conversion Charter School Campus, which was included in my CIP bill from 2011 and the last fiscal biennium budget for fiscal years 2011 and 2012.
May 10, 2013
Congratulations to Johna-Rae Leedy and Kaliko Kauai
The State of Hawaii Boys and Girls Clubs held the Boys & Girls Clubs of America State of Hawaii Youth of the Year Competition and Legislative Luncheon earlier this session. The Youth of the Year program helps Boys & Club members become articulate, well-groomed and knowledgeable spokespersons for their Club and their community. The outstanding qualities of a candidate's character, community service and leadership that make a Youth of the Year are promoted in clubhouses every day for all members. I had the pleasure of personally congratulating Johna-Rae Leedy and Kaliko Kauai, the 2013 State of Hawaii Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year Honorees from the Waianae Clubhouse.
May 10, 2013
Waianae High School Building AA - Reroof Dining Room & Kitchen
Construction totaling $249,876.32 at Waianae High School to reroof Building AA will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to United Pacific Builders, LLC. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction.
May 10, 2013
Representative Jordan's Community Newsletter for March-April 2013
Representative Jordan releases her Community Newsletter for March-April 2013 highlighting bills under consideration earlier this session on issues ranging from public safety, housing, efficient allocation of public funds, and medicaid program integrity. I'm also proud that Kamaile Academy participated in Education Week at the Legislature and Johna-Rae Leedy and Kaliko Kauai were named the 2013 State of Hawaii Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year Honorees from the Waianae Clubhouse.View full article
May 10, 2013
Kamaile Academy Public Charter School Campus Expansion
Construction totaling $855,300 at Kamaile Academy Public Charter School for Campus Expansion will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to Hako Plumbing, Inc. dba Hako Construction. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction.
March 20, 2013
MMRP Fieldwork on the Waianae Coast Rescheduled
The Army's planned supplemental Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP) fieldwork originally scheduled to take place from February 18-March 29, 2013 in portions of Makua Beach and an upper section of Kaena Point State Park, east of Keawaula Beach has been rescheduled to October 2013 as a result of unforeseen contracting delays. If you have any questions, you can contact Amy Bugala, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public Affairs Chief at 656-3158 or 656-3159.
March 20, 2013
Translocation of Hawaiian Monk Seals from the NWHI to the Main Islands, Deferred
The Hawaiian monk seal research program permit application for conducting activities implementing the monk seal recovery program was recently published in the Federal Register. The application has deferred for up to 5 years, the proposed translocation of juvenile monk seals from the NWHI to the main islands; the permit application specifically states "no seals would be moved from the NWHI to the MHI." The merits of the translocation proposal have been debated for the last several years among marine scientists, ocean users and conservationists. The deferral is appropriate at this time but may be reconsidered for future permit applications based on the seal's recovery progress over the next 5 years.
March 20, 2013
Waianae High School Building J Reroof
Construction totaling $131,400 at Waianae High School to reroof Building J will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to Certified Construction, Inc. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction.
March 20, 2013
Representative Jordan's Community Newsletter for January 2013
Representative Jordan releases her Community Newsletter for January 2013 highlighting a few Opening Day activities including my interview conducted by students from the Nanakuli Boys & Girls Club, the Governor's State of the State Address, and the awarding of the inaugural Hawaii Aloha Order of Merit award to Senator Daniel K. Akaka. I also announced my House Committee assignments and briefly summarized a few of the bills I introduced this session.View full article
December 19, 2012
Representative Jordan's Community Newsletter for December 2012
Representative Jordan releases her Community Newsletter for December 2012 highlighting the release of $500,000 for the Makaha Valley Flood Study and a few special events held last month including Kamaile Academy's Exhibition Night at UH West Oahu, the Veterans Day Ceremony held by our local Leeward VFW Post 849, and the informational meeting and talk-story session on homelessness that I co-sponsored featuring Matthew Doherty, the regional coordinator for the Western region of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.View full article
December 19, 2012
Governor Releases CIP Funds for Waianae High School and Makaha Elementary School
Governor Abercrombie announced the release of more than $44 million for various capital improvement projects (CIPs) statewide, including public schools, health facilities, transportation infrastructure and more. Of the 44 million, $3.5 million is for various schools, statewide for design, construction and required works of art for modifications at various schools to meet ADA accessibility guidelines. The project will provide 1) student, staff and public accessibility to programs and/or facilities as required by the ADA for Waianae High School; and 2) accessibility to areas of school campuses that are typically visited by the public for Baldwin High School, Makaha Elementary School, and Aliamanu Middle School (Projects may include modifications to walkways, ramps, parking stalls, elevators, building interiors and exteriors to make them ADA compliant).
December 19, 2012
Congratulations to Hoa Aina Farms
Hoa Aina Farms earned a 1st Place Award for Innovative Solution under the Project Awards category in the 2012 Hawaii First Lego League Championships. Over 200 teams participated in the event.
December 19, 2012
Western Legislative Academy
On November 13-16, I attended the Western Legislative Academy (WLA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Each year, the Council of State Governments West brings together a distinguished national faculty to offer the West's premier training experience for Western state legislators in their first four years of service. The goals of the WLA are to help newer legislators become more effective and to build stronger state legislative institutions with training offered by a faculty of outstanding academics, corporate, military and public trainers who work with a small class of lawmakers that come from 13 Western states. Members of the Academy are selected on the basis of their dedication to public service, desire to improve personal legislative effectiveness and commitment to the institution of the legislature. The WLA provides an opportunity for Western state legislators to sharpen skills needed for effective lawmaking, building support for the legislature as an institution and giving legislators from different states the opportunity to learn from each other.
October 18, 2012
Access to Justice Commission Community Briefing in Waianae on December 11 at 6pm
Please join us for a Community Briefing that I am co-hosting with the Access to Justice Commission on December 11 at 6pm at the Waianae District Park to share the Commission's goals, past accomplishments and current initiatives, followed by questions from community participants. Legal service providers will conduct a mini-legal fair to begin assisting individuals who need help. For more information about the Commission, visit http://www.hawaiijustice.org/hawaii-access-to-justice-commission. Questions about the community briefing can be directed to the Office of State Representative Della Au Belatti at 586-9425.
October 18, 2012
H-POWER Tour
I had the honor of taking a special legislative tour to celebrate the expansion of the H-POWER Waste to Energy Facility on October 10. The facility, located in Kalaeloa, is owned by the City and County of Honolulu and operated by Covanta Energy, whose mission is to take municipal solid waste (MSW) which is normally taken to the landfill and burn it for energy while removing metals for recycling. With the expansion and completion of the new 3rd burner, H-POWER is capable of increasing power generation for up to 65,000 homes on Oahu, which is equal to 8% of Oahu's energy consumption and reduce the amount of MSW taken to the landfill.
October 18, 2012
Domestic Violence Awareness Month and "kNOw more" March in Waianae
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and on October 6, I participated in the kNOw more march in Waianae town and especially appreciate the double meaning behind the event. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is not only a time to unite to call attention to a problem that is unacceptable (the "NO more" part) but it is also a time to bring community awareness to family violence (the "know more" part).
October 4, 2012
100K Homes Oahu
I participated in 100K Homes Oahu, a community-driven movement to identify and house the 100 most vulnerable homeless residents on Oahu by September 30, 2014. This effort to end chronic homelessness is modeled after the national 100,000 Homes campaign, followed by over 150 communities including Hilo, Hawaii. The movement is led by a partnership of community volunteers, business entities, faith-based organizations, government offices, and non-profit agencies. During Registry Week, more than 150 volunteers took to the island's streets, beaches and parks to locate families and individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. The 100K Homes Oahu movement will save lives, save money, and improve the quality of life for everyone in our community. You can be part of the solution. For more information, visit http://www.100khomesoahu.org
September 25, 2012
Paiolu Kaiaulu First Annual Awareness Day
On September 15, I attended the First Annual Awareness Day under the Big Top event for Paiolu Kaiaulu emergency shelter in Waianae. Many of the service providers shared their programs and outreach services for the shelter. There was great entertainment and food, but the best part was the many residents sharing their different cultures with several group performances. This shelter that began a little over five years ago has made such a big difference in so many lives and I'm so proud to have been part of its humble beginnings. Currently, there are over 130 children living in the shelter and the facility holds about 280 residents total.
September 25, 2012
Opposition to Recommended Tax Increases
I joined in opposition to recommended tax increases in the draft report entitled Study of the Hawaii Tax System: Final Report, dated August 28, 2012 by the PFM Group. The recommendations are intended to generate net general revenues of approximately $481 million in 2014 and, apparently, at least that amount annually thereafter. Opposition to the following specific recommendations were emphasized: (1) The increase of the general excise tax rate by 0.5 per cent; (2) the imposition of the income tax on pension income; (3) the increase of the corporate income tax rate; and (4) the elimination of the income tax deduction for real property taxes paid.
September 25, 2012
Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness
Colin Kippen, Hawaii State Coordinator on Homelessness convened the first meeting of the statutorily-created Hawaii Interagency Council on Homeless (HICH) on September 10. The purpose of the meeting was to convene under the terms of Act 105, SLH 2012, Relating to the Interagency Council on Homelessness, to discuss and adopt the ten year state plan to end homelessness, and to accomplish other responsibilities under Act 105. Governor Abercrombie created the HICH by Executive Order 11-21 in 2011. That Executive Council met and conferred, developed a 90 day plan to address homelessness, created working groups, and developed a template for a ten year plan to end Homelessness. In 2012, the HICH staff held meetings throughout the state to hear from service providers, community members, public citizens, businesses, and homeless people and advocates about the plan it had been drafting. At approximately the same time, the 2012 Hawaii Legislature followed the Governor's lead on Executive Order 11-21 and codified the terms of EO 11-21 into what is now referred to as Act 105, SLH 2012, Relating to Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness, with a few minor changes. The legislature's intention was to codify the executively-created Hawaii Interagency on Homelessness under State law so that it would have a clearly defined structure that would endure over time.
September 25, 2012
State Auditor Releases Management Audit of the DOE's School Bus Transportation Services
The Auditor initiated this audit in recognition of rising student transportation costs and previously identified problems at the DOE involving contract monitoring, fiscal controls, and adherence to procurement rules. The Auditor concluded that the DOE has lost control of its student transportation program and noted that there are no easy fixes for the department's problems. However, a systematic approach to program management would put the department in a better position to determine whether rising school bus costs are justified or result from anticompetitive behavior that warrant further investigation. The report can be viewed at View full article
September 25, 2012
Makaha Elementary School Campus Electrical Upgrade
Construction totaling $493,700.00 at Makaha Elementary School for Campus Electrical Upgrade will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to Paul's Electrical Contracting LLC. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction.
September 25, 2012
Hawaii's Energy Future: Exploring the Natural Gas Option
I attended a Seminar on Hawaii's Energy Future: Exploring the Natural Gas Option. Switching from oil to natural gas for the bulk of Hawaii's electricity production could lower power bills and there are several initiatives underway to ship liquefied natural gas to Hawaii. Hawaii Gas applied with federal regulators to ship liquefied natural gas to Hawaii from the West Coast in refrigerated tanks mounted inside shipping containers starting later this year. The quantities of liquefied natural gas would be relatively limited in the first phase of the project, but the company said it plans to eventually use specialized tankers to bring in larger quantities of liquefied natural gas that could be used for electricity generation.
September 25, 2012
HUD Announces Nearly $13 Million to Produce Affordable Housing for Low Income Native Hawaiians
US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan announced $12.7 million in funding to produce affordable housing for low-income native Hawaiian families. Since the program began in 2002, HUD's Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant (NHHBG) and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands have built, acquired, and rehabilitated more than 460 housing units. In addition, NHHBG-funded programs offered a wide variety of housing counseling services as well as do-it-yourself home repair training to more than 800 low-income Native Hawaiian families.
September 25, 2012
Governor Abercrombie Releases $92 Million for University of Hawaii's CIPs
Governor Abercrombie announced the release of more than $92 million for priority Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) throughout the University of Hawaii system. Allotment of funds for the following priority projects, identified by the State Legislature, was approved by the Governor:
• $60 million - University of Hawaii, statewide - Planning, design and construction for capital renewal and deferred maintenance for all UH campuses.
• $19.4 million - University of Hawaii, statewide - Systemwide health, safety and code requirements for UH campuses
• $2.5 million - UH West Oahu - Sitework to complete campus' first phase, which includes creation of Kaloi Gulch Greenway along the former Kaloi Gulch alignment, and landscaping and fencing to meet city requirements to protect a photovoltaic panel array
• $1.25 million - UH West Oahu - Construction of Road A, a four-lane private road that will be the main entrance to the UH West Oahu campus, connecting the campus to Farrington Highway
• $900,000 - UH West Oahu - Design of the Academy of Creative Media Building, which will house the creative media program (digital media production)
• $500,000 - UH West Oahu - Design of the Allied Health Building, which will include a classroom, laboratories, offices and other related spaces, as well as house the dental hygiene training program (potentially providing dental hygiene services to Leeward, North Shore and Central Oahu communities)
September 25, 2012
Congratulations to Calvin Endo who received the White House Champions of Change Award
The White House honored Calvin Endo, one of twelve parents as "Champions of Change." These extraordinary parents have devoted their time and effort to their PTA chapters across the country and had the opportunity to share their stories with Administration officials and PTA members across the country. In addition to serving as the Education Chairman for the Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board, Calvin serves as the PTSA President for Waianae High School. He works with all the principals on the Waianae Coast and the Waianae Leeward Community College, and participates with HUI for Excellence in Education (HE'E) - a statewide coalition of diverse stakeholders committed to working collaboratively to identify opportunities to improve public education in Hawaii.
September 25, 2012
Asset Limit Task Force
The Asset Limit Task Force has conducted meetings in response to a resolution that I introduced and passed this session, HR124 - Requesting the Department of Human Services to Conduct a Study on Asset Limits to Qualify for Public Assistance. The Asset Limit Task Force is compiling data and reviewing studies to prepare recommendations for appropriate changes to asset limits.
September 25, 2012
State Auditor Releases Report No. 12-04
The Auditor released Report No. 12-04 entitled Study of the Transfer of Non-general Funds to the General Fund in response to a resolution I introduced that passed last year, HCR No. 166 - Requesting the Auditor to Conduct a Study Regarding the Transfer of Non-General Funds to the General Fund. The report can be viewed at View full article
June 8, 2012
Legislative Town Hall Meeting with House Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro on June 13
On Wednesday, June 13 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm at the Waianae District Park in the Multi-purpose room, I will be hosting a Legislative Town Hall meeting with special guest House Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro. This meeting will focus on the state budget and also provide a wrap-up of the 2012 Legislative Session. As a prelude to the Legislative Town Hall Meeting, tune into my Olelo show - "Jordan's Journal" featuring Representative Marcus Oshiro on channel 54 on Monday, June 11 at 1:00pm. You can also view this show at anytime by becoming a fan of my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page, which includes a link to "Jordan's Journal" on Vimeo. You will receive the most updated information on my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page, so become a fan today.
June 8, 2012
Leeward Community College Waianae Students Visit the State Capitol
Students enrolled in a course related to Ecology and Environment at LCC Waianae visited the State Capitol in order to learn what goes on at the Capitol, why it's important, and how it's related to green jobs and the environment. The students had the opportunity to meet with me and tour the House and Senate Gallery as well as the Executive Chambers.
June 8, 2012
Honoring Our Heroes on Memorial Day in Waianae
I had the privilege of honoring those who served our country and lost their lives in defense of our country on Memorial Day by joining our local Leeward VFW Post 849 at the Herbert K. Pililaau Army Recreation Center. At the event, I expressed how truly thankful I am to live in a free country and honored to pay respect to those that have given their lives to protect our freedoms.
June 8, 2012
Waianae High School's We the People
I was invited to serve as an honorary judge for Waianae High School's We the People simulated legislative hearings. We the People is designed to imitate the public hearings that legislators hold to give students a chance to participate in government. The students not only learn about the history and philosophy of our form of government, but they also participate in the process by preparing a statement and defending their position before a panel of judges in order for students to have a lifelong impact on how they perceive and hopefully participate with government.
June 8, 2012
Congratulations to Waianae High School's Class of 2012
Congratulations to all the graduates of Waianae High School's Class of 2012. As an alumna of Waianae High School, I am especially proud that the Class of 2012 made history with 13 valedictorians. SeeFull article
June 8, 2012
Leihoku Elementary School Students Visit the State Capitol
Ninety 5th graders and ten chaperones from Leihoku Elementary School toured the State Capitol in a field trip to learn about state government. Students visited with me in the House gallery, where they had an opportunity to ask questions. They also shared their future goals of going to colleges both here and in other states including Oregon and Michigan and specifically mentioned schools like UCLA, Yale and UH Manoa. As for careers, the students mentioned becoming doctors, police officers, and many other exciting professions. It was an informative and inspiring visit.
June 8, 2012
Representative Jordan's Community Newsletter for the 2012 Session
Representative Jordan releases her Community Newsletter for the 2012 Session highlighting the Top Accomplishments of the 2012 Legislature and the over $24 million in new projects included in the state budget to improve our community. View full article
May 10, 2012
Representative Jordan's Community Newsletter for April 2012
Representative Jordan releases her Community Newsletter for April 2012, which highlights the Lawmakers Listen Town Hall Meeting with House Leadership, the Town Hall Meeting on Flood Mitigation, construction upgrades underway at Waianae High School and the great news that Waianae High School's Searider Productions was named an Apple Distinguished Program.View full article
May 10, 2012
The State Legislature Congratulates Senator Daniel K. Akaka
The House and Senate both congratulated Senator Daniel K. Akaka, who was honored by the National Guard Association of the United States as the 2011 recipient of the Harry S. Truman Award for Distinguished Service in Support of National Defense. As a longstanding member of the Senate Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs committees, Senator Akaka worked to help increase benefits, full-time manpower, and the availability of body armor, as well as for rewriting the Post-9/11 GI Bill to include National Guardsmen mobilized under Title 32. The Truman Award is the highest award given to a lawmaker and is presented to awardees for their sustained and exceptional contributions to national defense and security, awarded only to thirty-four other individuals since its inception in 1969. Representative Jordan had an opportunity to personally congratulate Senator Akaka.
May 10, 2012
Department of Transportation Update
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has ongoing work with its contractor replacing pavement markings from Kaena Point to Nanakuli. The DOT also reported that the current status of Farrington Highway Drainage Improvements in the Vicinity of Orange Street in Makaha is that construction plans, specifications and estimate documents are being finalized. The estimated advertised date is May 2012 and the estimated notice to proceed date is November 2012.
May 10, 2012
Governor Abercrombie Signs Unemployment Insurance Bill Into Law
Governor Abercrombie signed House Bill 2096, which extends the mitigation of the Unemployment Insurance tax increase through calendar year 2012, into law. The legislation allows local businesses to save hundreds of dollars per employee annually in Unemployment Insurance tax contributions. These savings may make the difference between staying in business or not, allowing companies to hire additional employees, and preventing businesses from laying off current employees.
May 10, 2012
Makaha Elementary School Students Visit the State Capitol
Sixty-three 5th graders and seven chaperones from Makaha Elementary School toured the State Capitol and Judiciary in a field trip to learn about the branches of state government. Students visited with me in the House gallery, where they had an opportunity to ask questions. They also shared their future goals of going to college and being astronauts, scientists, and many other exciting professions. It was an informative and inspiring visit.
May 10, 2012
Waianae High School Building VV Replace Center Bleachers
Construction totaling $1,357,200.00 at Waianae High School for Building VV to Replace Center Bleachers will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to Index Builders, Inc. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction.
May 10, 2012
Town Hall Meeting on Flood Mitigation
Mahalo to everyone who participated in the Town Hall Meeting on Flood Mitigation held on March 28. Ninety percent (90%) of the attendees who submitted a feedback form indicated that the meeting was very informative, which began with State Civil Defense providing the results of the community clean ups. State Civil Defense reported improved stream flow during the recent storms in March and credited the community for continuing the efforts started by government agencies working together. A proposed flood mitigation program with near-term, mid-term, and long-term projects was presented. Some near-term projects already started, such as clearing the streams. One of the mid-term projects is the Puhawai Road Drainage Improvements, which was one of my capital improvement projects appropriating $2 million. State elected officials shared information about pending capital improvement projects. The meeting concluded with community flood education and outreach efforts shared by Ka Wai Ola O Waianae. Victor Flint also compiled a post flooding survey sharing the positive outcomes and plan of action for flood mitigation moving forward. The Town Hall Meeting on Flood Mitigation can be viewed at http://vimeo.com/repjordan. Additional information can be obtained at http://www.wix.com/repjordan/floodmitigation.View full article
May 10, 2012
Lawmakers Listen Town Hall Meeting an Overwhelming Success
Mahalo to everyone who participated in the Lawmakers Listen Town Hall Meeting that I hosted on March 14 featuring several House leaders including Speaker Calvin Say, Vice Speaker Joey Manahan, Majority Leader Pono Chong, Majority Whip Sharon Har, Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro, and Economic Revitalization & Business Chair Angus McKelvey. Ninety-two percent (92%) of the attendees who submitted a feedback form indicated that they received information about issues currently being considered by the Legislature. Waianae coast residents asked questions ranging from education, economic development, agriculture, and public safety. Several residents also expressed their support for two bills that I introduced - House Bill 2684, which requires the Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on the extension of the zipper lane westward from Waipahu toward Kapolei, west of the Kunia on-ramp and House Bill 2883, which requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a flood study on Makaha Valley. Students from Kamaile Academy and Waianae High School who are part of the YMCA Youth in Government program also attended the meeting in preparation for their conference planned for later this year. Five individuals took the opportunity of having face time with lawmakers to personally thank Speaker Say for having a significant, positive impact on their lives. The Lawmakers Listen Town Hall Meeting can be viewed on Olelo or anytime at http://vimeo.com/repjordan.View full article
May 10, 2012
Representative Jordan's Community Newsletter for March 2012
Representative Jordan releases her Community Newsletter for March 2012, which provides 2012 Mid-Session Highlights, the Eku Stream Clean Up in Makaha, and Makaha Elementary School's visit to the Capitol.
View full article
March 9, 2012
Lawmakers Listen Town Hall Meeting on March 14
On Wednesday, March 14 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm at the Waianae District Park in the Multi-Purpose Room, I'll be hosting a Lawmakers Listen Town Hall Meeting with House Leadership. The following are tentatively scheduled to attend: Vice Speaker Joey Manahan; Chair Angus McKelvey, Committee on Economic Revitalization & Business; Vice Chair Sharon Har, Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources; Chair Marcus Oshiro, Finance Committee. Mid-session legislative highlights will be provided with an emphasis on Economic Revitalization & Business and Water, Land, & Ocean Resources. Refreshments will be served.
March 6, 2012
Eku Stream Clean Up in Makaha A Success
Mahalo to the over 25 volunteers who made the February 18 Eku Stream Clean Up in Makaha a success, resulting in the removal of 8 truck loads of green waste, 6 truckloads of rubbish, and 1 truck load of metal waste from the stream! I wanted to extend a few special thanks to Raymond Elsey, Jr., the Program Manager of E Kumu Wawae and the program participants who comprised half of the volunteers for the clean up; Pake Salmon, Communication Coordinator and volunteers of Ka Wai Ola O Waianae, a community driven initiative to stop illegal dumping and non point source pollution along the Waianae Coast; Al Frenzel, Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board member; Nicholas and Shelley Youngleson, Makaha residents; Lenore Pascubillo, Nanakuli resident, and Chad Flick of Schofield Barracks. I would also like to express my appreciation to State Civil Defense for conducting a recon of Eku Stream with a City and County drainage engineer prior to the clean up, Waianae District Park Director Jackie Spencer for allowing access to the staging area at Mauna Lahilahi Beach Park, the Waianae Boat Fishing Club for supplies, Fred Dodge for the gloves, and All Paradise Tree Service for assistance with the disposal of green waste. This clean up would not have been possible without the combined efforts of community members, organizations, and state and city government agencies and officials.
March 6, 2012
Miscellaneous Repair and Maintenance at Waianae High School
Construction totaling $2,415,771.00 at Waianae High School for Miscellaneous Repair and Maintenance for Race to the Top, Zones of School Innovation will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to BCP Construction of Hawaii, Inc. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction.
March 6, 2012
Representative Jordan's Community Newsletter for January-February 2012
Representative Jordan releases her Community Newsletter for January-February 2012, which provides highlights from the Opening Day of the State Legislature, the Puuhulu Area Stream Clean Up, and the House Finance Committee Budget Briefings.View full article
February 10, 2012
Waianae Volunteers Clear Stream in Puuhulu Area
KHON 2 News aired a story about the Puuhulu Area Stream Clean Up. View full article
February 10, 2012
Mahalo to the Puuhulu Area Stream Clean Up Volunteers
Mahalo to the over 150 volunteers who made the December 10, 2011 and January 16, 2012 Puuhulu area Stream Clean Up a huge success. The clean up focused on removing overgrown shrubs and trees in the stream bed from Puuhulu Bridge on Puuhulu Road to Puhawai Road in order to relieve some of the clogged streams and waterways.
January 31, 2012
Waianae Intermediate School Classroom Renovation - Buildings A, B, C, D, & E, Renovate Restrooms
Construction totaling $341,322.00 at Waianae Intermediate School for Classroom Renovation - Buildings A, B, C, D, & E, and to Renovate Restrooms will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to Hako Plumbing, Inc. dba Hako Construction. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction work.
January 13, 2012
$2 Million Released for Waianae Coast to Alleviate Flooding
Governor Abercrombie has released $2 million in general obligation bond funds for the planning, design and construction of a flood alleviation project for the Waianae Coast. Funding for this project was introduced in my capital improvement project request and subsequently included and passed by the Legislature in Act 164, during the 2011 legislative session. The project includes drainage improvements along Puhawai Road in Waianae and involves an intergovernmental working agreement between the State Department of Land and Natural Resources and the City and County of Honolulu. The area called Lualualei Flats is prone to flooding, primarily due to poor drainage infrastructure, lack of stream maintenance, illegal dumping in streams and ditches, illegal grading, and filling in of streams or diversion of surface runoff. Improvements will be made to the culverts and other related work.
December 30, 2011
Puuhulu Stream Clean Up A Success
Mahalo to the over 120 volunteers who made the December 10 Puuhulu Stream Clean Up a huge success, resulting in the removal of 6.32 tons of trash, 1.73 tons of green waste, as well as metal and other waste from the stream! This clean up would not have been possible without the combined efforts of community members, organizations, businesses, and federal, state, and city government agencies and officials listed below.
Government: United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono, US Army Corps of Engineers, Senator Maile Shimabukuro, Representative Jo Jordan, Representative Karen Awana, Hawaii State Civil Defense, Department of Defense, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Mayor Peter Carlisle, Department of Environmental Services, Department of Facility Maintenance, and Department of Planning and Permitting.
Organizations: Community Enhancement Club, E Kumu Wawae, Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy, Hoomau Ke Ola, Ka Wai Ola O Waianae, Kupu, Program for Afterschool Literacy Support, and Waianae Boat Fishing Club.
Businesses: All Paradise Tree Service and Paradise Lua Inc.
December 30, 2011
Representative Jordan's Community Newsletter for Winter 2011
Representative Jordan releases her Community Newsletter for Winter 2011, which provides an update on upgrades underway at schools in the Waianae Complex area. The newsletter also highlights House Finance Committee site visits over the past few months, my participation as an alternate House Appointee to the Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness, and an educational policy workshop I attended in Coronado, California.View full article
December 30, 2011
Live and Let Live Campaign in December
The Live and Let Live Campaign held its 2011 kick-off event on Saturday, December 3 at the Kapolei HPD station for this important community program that encourages increased driving safety during the holidays. This program has been in existence in the Leeward area for more than 25 years, and creates community awareness through sign-waving, a poster contest for high school students and other activities to help reduce traffic fatalities and accidents during the busy holiday season.
December 30, 2011
2011 Waianae Coast Annual Christmas Parade
The Waianae Coast Rotary Club and the Waianae Mall sponsored the Waianae Coast Community's 17th Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 26. This year's theme was "Embracing Waianae's Diversity." Mahalo to everyone who helped put on a great parade for our community.
December 30, 2011
Building N - Diesel Storage Removal at Waianae Elementary School
Construction totaling $36,900.00 at Waianae Elementary School for Diesel Storage Removal at Building N will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to FOPCO, Inc. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction work.
December 30, 2011
Miscellaneous Repair and Maintenance at Leihoku Elementary School
Construction totaling $74,104.00 at Leihoku Elementary School for Miscellaneous Repair and Maintenance for Race to the Top, Zones of School Innovation will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to CMK Builders, Inc. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction work. This appropriation for Leihoku Elementary School follows a contract awarded to Brian's Contracting, Inc. earlier this year for $3,950,000.00 to complete whole school renovations at Leihoku and Nanakuli Elementary Schools.
December 30, 2011
Congratulations to Waianae Student Journalists who Covered APEC Summit
Three Waianae High School students and two recent graduates covered First Lady Michelle Obama's visit to MA`O Organic Farms for Searider Productions, which can be viewed at http://vimeo.com/32295840. For more details, View full article
December 30, 2011
First Lady Michelle Obama Visits MA`O Organic Farms
First Lady Michelle Obama toured MA`O Organic Farms on Saturday, November 12 guided by student interns participating in the youth leadership training program, who also took part in a roundtable discussion. The First Lady's visit promoted organic farming and food sustainability as part of her Let's Move initiative, targeted at childhood obesity. The next day the First Lady hosted a luncheon for all the spouses attending APEC and 90% of the fruits and vegetables served were grown at MA`O.
December 27, 2011
Hawaii FIRST LEGO League West Leeward District Tournament
FIRST Lego League (FLL) is an exciting and fun global robotics program designed to ignite enthusiasm for discovery of the basic principles of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in children, ages 9 to 14. Each year, FLL teams of 3 to 10 children, embark on an adventurous challenge, based on current, real-world issues. This year's theme was Food Factor. The Hawaii FLL District Tournament for West Leeward was held at Waianae High School on November 12 . Congratulations to all the teams that participated and especially Leihoku Elementary & Waianae Elementary Schools who advance to the state competition in December.
December 14, 2011
Luane Higuchi named Leeward Oahu District Teacher of the Year 2012
Congratulations to Luane Higuchi from Waianae Intermediate School, who was named Leeward Oahu District Teacher of the Year 2012. Luane encourages her students to be responsible for their learning and believes extra-curricular activities are essential for student development. Most recently, Luane coordinated the American Savings Bank's Bank for Education contest, bringing $100,000 to Waianae Intermediate. As a media teacher, Luane has held numerous academic summer workshops and her students have created award-winning public service announcements.
December 5, 2011
Office of Information Practices Updates Their Website
Director Cheryl Kakazu Park from the State of Hawaii - Office of Information Practices (OIP) provided me with an update on the new changes, training, and website. The OIP, which promotes open and transparent government in Hawaii, administers two open government laws: 1) the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), HRS Chapter 92F, which requires open access to government records, and 2) the Sunshine Law, Part I of HRS Chapter 92, which requires open public meetings. Both laws are intended to open up government processes to public scrutiny and participation by requiring government business to be conducted as transparently as possible, while balancing personal privacy rights guaranteed under the Hawaii State Constitution. To explain the open government laws' requirements, OIP has training tools and guides readily available on their website at http://hawaii.gov/oip/index.html. Through OIP's attorney of the day service, members of the public or government agencies can call (808) 586-1400 to receive, usually within 24 hours, general advice to their open government inquiries. OIP's opinions, including a subject matter index, can be found on their website, along with the laws, rules, various forms, Openline newsletters, and other guidance.
December 1, 2011
Congratulations to the 2011 Leeward Young Artist Award Finalists
47 students were honored, selected as finalists from 240 entries submitted by teachers in the Leeward public school district. The finalists from Kamaile Academy included Paulina Esteban (Grade 9), Anuilagi Simi (Grade 10), Leionaona Verce (Grade 10) and the finalists from Waianae High School included Joseph Garnica (Grade 12), Shaundaera Pogorsky (Grade 12), and Skye Tuinei (Grade 10). From these finalists, 10 entries received a Leeward Young Artist Award, one of which was awarded to Skye Tuinei of Waianae High School.
November 22, 2011
Miscellaneous Repair and Maintenance at Waianae Intermediate
Construction totaling $816,500.00 at Waianae Intermediate for Miscellaneous Repair and Maintenance for Race to the Top, Zones of School Innovation will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to C C Engineering & Construction, Inc. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction work.
November 22, 2011
Miscellaneous Repair and Maintenance at Waianae Elementary
Construction totaling $284,747.00 at Waianae Elementary for Miscellaneous Repair and Maintenance for Race to the Top, Zones of School Innovation will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to Bauske Environmental, Inc. dba BENDCO. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction work.
November 17, 2011
Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness Holds Two Meetings
The Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness (HICH), on which I serve as an alternate House appointee, was established by Governor Abercrombie via executive order and is composed of state department directors, federal agency representatives, and community leaders in order to develop a unified plan on addressing homelessness. The first meeting held on August 25 began with a welcome and introductions of all participants. Marc Alexander, Vice-Chair of HICH shared lessons learned from the 90-Day Plan to End Homelessness in Hawaii. A presentation on the 100,000 Homes Campaign was also made at this meeting and a video on this initiative can be viewed at http://vimeo.com/13288704. At the second HICH meeting held on October 12, the HICH agreed that Hawaii should participate in the 100,000 Homes Campaign. The HICH also agreed to establish 4 Investigative Committees as follows: 1) Investigative Committee on Stable and Affordable Housing, 2) Investigative Committee on Economic Security, 3) Investigative Committee on Health and Stability, and 4) Investigative Committee on a Homeless Crisis Response System. I will serve as an alternate on the Investigative Committee on Economic Security and the Investigative Committee on Health and Stability. The Investigative Committees conducted their first meetings in the beginning of November.
November 15, 2011
Briefing on Federal Health Care and Long-Term Care Funding Opportunities
A special briefing for legislators and community organizations on federal funding opportunities for the State by AARP Senior Legislative Representative Ilene Henshaw from Washington DC was held on October 11. The briefing focused on Opportunities for Hawaii to leverage federal funds available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Results of a new AARP Hawaii 2011 Long-Term Care Survey - including county-by-county results.
November 7, 2011
House Finance Committee Visit MA`O Organic Farms
The House Finance Committee started its site visits on Oahu on September 21 with a tour of the Honolulu International Airport and the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility. The next day, the Committee toured the Kamamalu Building and Waimano Ridge. Although I wasn't able to attend the site visit to Central Oahu and the North Shore region on September 27 because of an invitation-only conference in Coronado, California, the House Finance Committee then visited the Leeward Oahu region on October 5. The Committee visited MA`O Organic Farms and also heard from community partners including Ka`ala Farm, Inc. and Searider Productions. I was honored to showcase some of the great resources in our community. The Leeward Oahu site visit also included a tour of the Salvation Army Kroc Community Center, UH West Oahu, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Community Center in Kapolei. The next day, the House Finance committee conducted site visits in Windward Oahu including tours of Windward Community College and Heeia Fishpond. The remaining visits include Hawaii Island from October 25-27 and Maui from November 1-3. The details for the site visits are being handled primarily by the House Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro and his staff in coordination with House Finance Committee area legislators. I will continue to share updates on the upcoming site visits as details are finalized and released by the Chair and staff of the House Finance Committee.
October 26, 2011
Testimony Opposing the City's Proposal to Extend Waimanalo Gulch Landfill's Life and Attorney General Opinion
On October 3, 2011, I submitted testimony to the Planning Commission of the City and County of Honolulu in opposition to the Department of Environmental Services application to amend Special Use Permit No. 2008/SUP-2 deleting the July 31, 2012 deadline to cease disposal of municipal solid waste at Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill (WGSL). In short, I expressed my concern that this City administration continues to disregard commitments made to my community to close WGSL and seriously consider other sites outside of the Leeward Coast. I also enclosed an opinion from the Attorney General clearly stating that if the Planning Commission is inclined to approve the application to delete the municipal solid waste deadline, the matter must still go before the State Land Use Commission for approval.View full article
October 18, 2011
Miscellaneous Repair and Maintenance at Makaha Elementary
Construction totaling $292,203.00 at Makaha Elementary School for Miscellaneous Repair and Maintenance for Race to the Top, Zones of School Innovation will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to BCP Construction of Hawaii, Inc. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction work.
October 12, 2011
CSG Policy Academy for Newly Elected Legislators held in Coronado, California on September 27-28
The Council of State Governments (CSG) invited me to join a select group of leading policymakers to attend the Policy Academy for Newly Elected Legislators (PANEL) - an educational policy workshop for select first-term state legislators from CSG's western region. This invitation-only event was made possible through the generous support provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and CSG's 21st Century Foundation. The goal of PANEL is to inform and educate newly-elected legislators on successful implementation of rigorous academic standards, efforts to prepare students for global competitiveness, developing assessment systems aligned with common core state standards, building school capacity for student success, ensuring teacher effectiveness, and aligning state policies to improve college and career readiness. CSG engaged attendees in a facilitated discussion focused on promising policies and programmatic solutions designed to ensure every student has the knowledge and skills needed for a successful college experience or career. This initiative will enable first-term legislators to better serve our state by empowering us to make well-informed decisions on a range of important education issues.
October 10, 2011
In the Media
Midweek Article, "UH-West Oahu Shares Progress," features Town Hall Meeting sponsored by area elected officials.View full article
October 10, 2011
Representative Jordan's Community Newsletter for Fall 2011
Representative Jordan releases her Community Newsletter for Fall 2011. The newsletter provides an update on infrastructure improvement projects planned for our community as well as information about some of the recent conferences that I was invited to participate in Hawaii and on the mainland.
September 27, 2011
Highlights from CSG-West Annual Meeting on Jordan's Journal
Tune into my Olelo show - "Jordan's Journal" featuring Representative Marcus Oshiro, the current presiding Chair of the Council of State Governments - West (CSG - West), who discusses the planning and successful completion of the 64th Annual Meeting held in Honolulu from July 29 - August 2, 2011 on Channel 54 on any of the following dates and times:
9/26/11 Monday 1:00pm
10/2/11 Sunday 7:30pm
10/3/11 Monday 1:00pm
You can also view this show at anytime by becoming a fan of my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page at facebook.com/repjordan, which includes a link to "Jordan's Journal" on Vimeo. You will receive the most updated information on my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page, so become a fan today.
September 22, 2011
Expanding Preschool Opportunities in Waianae and Nanakuli
The State Department of Education is committing $6 million over the next three years for early childhood education as part of its Race to the Top initiatives. As a result, about 800 additional Hawaii children will be subsidized to attend preschool. The subsidies will benefit pre-K students living in the "Zones of School Innovation," which are the Nanakuli/Waianae and Kau/Keaau/Pahoa areas. About 75 children in the Zones of School Innovation are enrolled in preschools through the Preschool Open Doors, a statewide program administered by PATCH for the state Department of Human Services. With this additional funding, more children in the Zones of School Innovation will be able to participate in the program this year. Superintendent of Schools Kathryn Matayoshi announced that PATCH is accepting applications for children to receive preschool subsidies. Families can apply for subsidies for their 3- and 4-year-old via PATCH's website, www.patchhawaii.org, or by calling 808-791-2130.
September 19, 2011
Town Hall Meeting on UH-West Oahu
Join me and other area elected officials for the West Oahu Town Hall Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 21 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm at the Kapolei High School Cafeteria. UH-West Oahu Chancellor Gene Awakuni and UH-West Oahu administrators and faculty will provide updates on the construction of the new Kapolei campus, academic programs at the new campus and information on applications. For more information, call 808-586-8460 or email repjordan@capitol.hawaii.gov.
September 14, 2011
Miscellaneous Repair and Maintenance at Kamaile Academy
Construction totaling $364,115.37 at Kamaile Academy for Miscellaneous Repair and Maintenance for Race to the Top, Zones of School Innovation will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to MEI Corporation. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction work.
September 14, 2011
Ordnance Reef Technology Demonstration - Part 2 on Jordan's Journal
Tune into my Olelo show - "Jordan's Journal" for part 2 of the Ordnance Reef Technology Demonstration project with Dr. Eric DeCarlo, Professor of Oceanography at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Robert O'Conner, Fishery Information Specialist who discuss follow up efforts to determine what effects there have been after the initial removal project of underwater military munitions at Ordnance Reef on the ocean floor in coastal waters off Waianae on Channel 54 on any of the following dates and times:
9/12/11 Monday 1:00pm
9/18/11 Sunday 7:30pm
9/19/11 Monday 1:00pm
You can also view this show and part 1 of the Ordnance Reef Technology Demonstration project with J.C. King, Assistant for Munitions, Department of the Army and John Coughlin, Director, Engineering and Army Sciences for ARA at anytime by becoming a fan of my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page at facebook.com/repjordan, which includes a link to "Jordan's Journal" on Vimeo. You will receive the most updated information on my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page, so become a fan today.
September 14, 2011
House Finance Committee Conducting Site Visits on Kauai, Oahu, Hawaii Island, and Maui
The House Finance Committee will be conducting site visits beginning September 7-8 on Kauai and continuing on Oahu, Hawaii Island, and Maui until the first week of November. While the details are being handled by House Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro and his staff, the itinerary for the first site visit on Kauai includes reviewing capital improvement projects such as the funding for Hanalei River Breach, highway improvements to Route 560, and school improvements. I will continue to share updates on the upcoming site visits as details are finalized and released by the Chair and staff of the House Finance Committee.
September 14, 2011
Briefing with Herb K. Schultz, Regional Director of the US Department of Health & Human Services
Mr. Herb Schultz of the US Department of Health & Human Services briefed House Finance, Health & Human Services leadership on the Implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the Opportunities for Collaboration and Partnership. Opportunities identified by Mr. Schultz include consumer protections like eliminating co-pays, deductibles and other cost sharing for many preventive services; ending insurance discrimination so people who have been sick can't be excluded from coverage or charged higher premiums; reducing racial and ethnic health disparities by expanding initiatives to increase racial and ethnic diversity; affordable insurance coverage through Health insurance Exchanges that will offer one-stop shopping to individuals on an easy to use website; and essential benefits package that will take into account the health care needs of diverse segments of the population. Mr. Schultz explained that States can elect to establish and operate their own Exchange or choose to have the federal government facilitate an Exchange on their behalf. After providing an overview on affordable insurance exchanges, Mr. Schultz highlighted a few more opportunities including the Prevention and Public Health Fund totaling $1.25 billion for 2010 and 2011 for prevention and to expand primary care workforce; Medicaid Expansion to help low-income adults who have disability but don't meet the disability requirement of the SSI program and expands options for community based care; and Partnership for Patients which is aimed at keeping hospital patients from getting injured or sick by reducing preventable hospital acquired infections and helping patients health without complications by reducing hospital readmissions.
September 14, 2011
State Interagency Council on Homelessness
Speaker Say has designated me to serve as an alternate House appointee to the Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness (HICH), which Governor Abercrombie established by executive order. The 24-member council - composed of state department directors, federal agency representatives, and community leaders - will develop a unified plan on addressing homelessness. The Council will meet quarterly and report annually to the Governor, the Legislature and county mayors, including policy recommendations supporting the statewide plan. The Council will align its efforts with the US Interagency Council on Homeless (USICH) established by President Obama in 2009. Key mandates for the Council include: increasing transitional and permanent housing options; acquiring increased federal funding to support homeless efforts; replicating successful initiatives implemented in other states; and increasing the integration of social, health, training, and housing services to reduce duplication among homeless assistance programs. I attended the first meeting held on August 25.
August 29, 2011
Highlights from the Ordnance Reef Technology Demonstration Project on Jordan's Journal
Tune into my Olelo show - "Jordan's Journal" featuring J.C. King, Assistant for Munitions, Department of the Army and John Couglin, Director, Engineering and Army Sciences for ARA who discuss the Ordnance Reef Technology Demonstration project involving the limited recovery of underwater military munitions (UWMM) at Ordnance Reef on the ocean floor in coastal waters off Waianae and the destruction (demilitarization) of any recovered UWMM using commercially available technologies on Channel 54 on any of the following dates and times:
8/29/11 Monday 1:00pm
9/4/11 Sunday 7:30pm
9/5/11 Monday 1:00pm
You can also view this show at anytime by becoming a fan of my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page at facebook.com/repjordan, which includes a link to "Jordan's Journal" on Vimeo. You will receive the most updated information on my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page, so become a fan today.
August 29, 2011
Opposition to the City's proposal to extend Waimanalo Gulch Landfill's life
On August 13, I submitted comments to the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting in opposition to the application to amend Special Use Permit No. 2008/SUP-2 to delete the July 31, 2012 deadline to cease disposal of municipal solid waste at Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill. In summary, I requested the public comment period be extended to allow the community a reasonable opportunity to submit comments on the issue. I also noted that the Planning Commission must deny the application because it doesn't have the authority to modify the State Land Use Commission's Order dated October 22, 2009, which added the July 31, 2012 deadline to cease disposal of municipal solid waste. Finally, I expressed my deep concern that the City continues to disregard commitments to close Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill and seriously consider other sites outside of the Leeward Coast.View full article
August 29, 2011
NCSL Legislative Summit 2011 held in San Antonio, Texas from August 8-11
I participated in the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit with more than 4,800 attendees in San Antonio, Texas from August 8-11. NCSL is the bipartisan voice of the states serving the legislators and staffs of the nation's 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. The NCSL Legislative Summit is the largest and most important meeting of the year for legislators and legislative staff. The main topic at the summit focused on state budgets in light of the sluggish economy. At the same time, many more issues were addressed in the 150 policy sessions held during the summit and provided the perfect opportunity for policymakers to exchange ideas.
August 25, 2011
Town Hall Meeting on Education Summary
Thank you to everyone who attended the Town Hall Meeting on Education and submitted Feedback Forms. The overall response from the meeting was positive as reflected in the Summary. For others who planned on attending, but weren't able to make the meeting, Olelo will televise the meeting as follows:
Friday, September 9, 7pm on Ch. 54
Tuesday, September 13, 9am on Ch. 49
Wednesday, September 21, 12pm on Ch. 49
Friday, September 30, 4pm on Ch. 54
View Article
August 12, 2011
Representatives from Kamehameha Schools on Jordan's Journal
Tune into my Olelo show - "Jordan's Journal" featuring representatives from Kamehameha Schools who provide an overview of Kamehameha Schools past presence and future commitments along the Waianae Coast on Channel 54 on any of the following dates and times:
8/15/11 Monday 1:00pm
8/21/11 Sunday 7:30pm
You can also view this show at anytime by becoming a fan of my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page at facebook.com/repjordan, which includes a link to "Jordan's Journal" on Vimeo. You will receive the most updated information on my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page, so become a fan today
August 12, 2011
CSG-WEST 64th Annual Meeting held in Honolulu from July 30 to August 2
I participated in the Council of State Governments-WEST (CSG-WEST) annual meeting with over 600 attendees that was held in Hawaii this year. CSG-WEST is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that brings Western state legislators from the 13 western states to share best policy practices, cooperate on regional issues and engage in professional development training. In addition to attending the conference, I assisted with greeting and hosting attendees at the many events and tours. I also served as a volunteer during one of the sessions on "Keys to Political Communication." The meeting theme, Halawai, which is Hawaiian for "Where Leaders Gather," reflects the need for western state legislators to assemble and seek opportunities to collaborate and share experiences and lessons learned about what works and what doesn't work in serving their constituents.
July 28, 2011
Community Spotlight featuring Mark Dannog on Jordan's Journal
As a prelude to the Town Hall Meeting on Education, tune into my Olelo show - "Jordan's Journal" featuring Mark Dannog, an alumnus of Waianae Elementary, Intermediate, and High Schools and former student member of the Hawaii State Board of Education on Channel 54 on any of the following dates and times:
8/1/11 Monday 1:00pm
8/7/11 Sunday 7:30pm
You can also view this show at anytime by becoming a fan of my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page at facebook.com/repjordan, which includes a link to "Jordan's Journal" on Vimeo. You will receive the most updated information on my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page, so become a fan today.
July 28, 2011
Town Hall Meeting on Education
Join us for a Town Hall Meeting on Education with special guests Lisa DeLong, Department of Education Complex Area Superintendent of Nanakuli & Waianae and Dee Jay Mailer, Kamehameha Schools Chief Executive Officer on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 from 7:00 - 8:30pm at the Waianae District Park Multipurpose Room. For more information, call 808-586-8460 or email repjordan@capitol.hawaii.gov. View flyer
July 28, 2011
Representative Jordan's Community Newsletter for Summer 2011
Representative Jordan releases her Community Newsletter for Summer 2011. The newsletter focuses on education based on feedback received from a survey included in the first newsletter that the most important issue of concern is education. School improvement projects for the Waianae community totaling over $6 million is highlighted and a breakdown of general funds appropriated for education for FY 2010-2011 is included in the newsletter.
July 28, 2011
Afternoon Zipper Lane Update
At an Informational Briefing before the House Committee on Transportation on July 22, the Department of Transportation (DOT) provided an update on the current status of CIP projects and when asked by members of the House Committee provided a status of the westbound Zipper Lane during peak afternoon travel. The DOT shared that the State has prevailed against the protest that was lodged regarding the state's contract selection process. At this time, the contractor is awaiting approval from the Department of Health and the Federal Highways Division. Although the DOT wasn't able to provide a timeframe on when the project would be completed at this point, the process is moving forward.
July 28, 2011
Greenways and Trails Bill Becomes Law
Governor Abercrombie signs HB 1405, a bill I introduced into law, which promotes smart growth, the critical preservation of open space, and sustainability in Hawaii through the establishment of a statewide system of greenways and trails. Although the legislature was unable to allocate funding or staff toward this effort, the Office of State Planning is seeking support and stakeholder participation from county/state agencies. Anyone interested in participating to gather information for the report due later this year, should contact our office. You can also tune in to Hawaii Public Radio's coverage on the bill.
July 28, 2011
State of Hawaii Leadership Familiarization Tour of Pearl Harbor
The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites partners invited State leaders to participate in a Tour of Pearl Harbor on July 23. The partners provided updates on several sites including the recently completed Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, visitor enhancements at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, ongoing restoration of the Ford Island Control Tower by the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, and new air-conditional systems and ongoing teak deck restoration at the Battleship Missouri Memorial. The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites collectively provide a powerful historical journey. The National Park Service and three non-profit entities are the caretakers of several of America's most treasured icons, each an enduing tribute to the honor and sacrifices of American veterans and a window through which the State of Hawaii shares real-life examples of valor with future generations.
July 28, 2011
Governor Signs Bill Relating to Intellectual Disabilities Into Law
On July 11, I participated in a bill signing ceremony for House Bill 761, which changes references in the Hawaii Revised Statutes by substituting "intellectual disabilities" wherever the term "mental retardation" appears. This bill follows a national movement led by self-advocates to use people-first language that is less offensive and more respectful, and to eliminate the negative stigma that is associated with the term mental retardation. Two of my constituents submitted testimony on this bill before the House Human Services Committee and both individuals shared their personal experience in supporting this measure. These individuals are the champions that we should recognize in this nationwide effort and in representing their voice, it is my privilege to co-sponsor this bill and ultimately participate in the bill signing ceremony hosted by the Governor.
July 28, 2011
Congratulations to the New and Returning Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board Members
I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate the new and returning members to the Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board who held their initial convening meeting on July 5. As a former member of the Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board, I know firsthand the hard work and dedication required to serve as a neighborhood board member. I look forward to working with the Board for our community.
July 21, 2011
Status Report on proposed Jack in the Box at Waianae Valley Road and Farrington Highway
My office was contacted by Tom King of Jack in the Box. He informed our office that they have received their permit. They plan to start site demolition on July 25th. The facility will consist of a single story structure with a drive thru. The current entrance from Farrington Highway will continue to be used and a new side entrance off of Waianae Valley Road will be located near the current vacant lot behind the Old Masago's lot. The current Waianae Valley Road entrance into the property will be closed to help accommodate a new required right turn lane off Waianae Valley Road. Construction is estimated to be complete by the end of 2011. Additional details as the project proceeds will be shared with the community.
July 12, 2011
Kapolei-Area Town Hall Meeting on Traffic & Transportation Issues
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Kapolei-Area Town Hall Meeting on Traffic & Transportation Issues held on Thursday, June 30 featuring officials from the State Department of Transportation (DOT) and City Department of Transportation Services (DTS). Representative Har and her staff took the lead in coordinating this meeting and I am truly grateful for their hard work. For those who weren't able to attend the meeting, I have included the presentations made by the State and City transportation officials and will post future dates that the event will broadcast on Olelo.Town Hall Meeting Town Hall Meeting (short)
June 27, 2011
Leadership Forum for State Lawmakers - Opportunities for Working Families in Tight Budget Times
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) invited me to participate in a leadership forum - Opportunities for Working Families in Tight Budget Times to be held in Denver, Colorado from June 26-28 at the recommendation of Speaker Say. NCSL is inviting 12 states to send small teams to this meeting. At this meeting, I will have an opportunity to examine issues related to working families with leading experts in the field. I will also have up to four hours to work with colleagues on issues important to our state, and return home with an action plan. During these state team sessions, and throughout the meeting, NCSL policy experts will be on hand to provide assistance. Issues covered at the Forum will include: Asset Building - Saving for Education, to Buy a Home or Start a Business, Jobs/Workforce, Low or No-Cost Policy Approaches, Maximizing Public Investments in Tight Budget Times, NCSL Partnership on Hunger, and Tax Credits for Working Families.
June 23, 2011
$600,000 Awarded in Grants to Community Organizations on Oahu's Leeward Coast
The Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism and the Department of Health awarded $600,000 in grants to 11 community organizations to undertake various environmental projects on Oahu's Leeward Coast. These organizations were selected on the basis of their project's positive environmental impact on Leeward communities, and their contribution to further the goal of protecting and enhancing the public health and the environment, as well as educating children, families and the community about important environmental issues. A few of these organizations include: Alternative Structures International - $60,000 for the installation of solar voltaic panel systems and energy saving upgrades at 2 transitional homeless shelters with 120 family units, Ka'ala Farm, Inc. - $23,000 to erect a hog-wire fence around the Nanakuli Valley Cultural & Botanical Preserve to mitigate damage to archeological sites and the killing of new native plantings by feral pigs, Kupu/Hawaii Youth Conservation Corp - $77,000 to help restore the Waianae Mountain Watershed and create service-learning opportunities for Leeward Coast youth to earn college credits, Nani O Waianae - $73,000 to organize community watch groups to regularly patrol "hot spots" in Waianae where illegal dumping occurs and to report these incidents to the proper authorities; and SeaHawaii Foundation - $69,000 to produce, in conjunction with Searider Productions, 3-4 minute video segments and a website to document the goals, progress and results of each project funded by the SEP grants.
June 23, 2011
Ordnance Reef Technology Demonstration Planned for a 3 Week Period During July 2011
The Ordnance Reef (HI-06) Technology Demonstration involves the limited recovery of underwater military munitions (UWMM) and the destruction (demilitarization) of any recovered UWMM using commercially available technologies, including development of new components and procedures, for the recovery and destruction of UWMM. Disposed UWMM are present at Ordnance Reef (HI-06) on the ocean floor in coastal waters off Waianae. This demonstration of technologies is designed to evaluate the remote recovery of UWMM and the at sea destruction of recovered UWMM. The munitions targeted for recovery during the demonstration lie at depths of 20 feet to 120 feet. The munitions will be recovered and brought to the surface for disposal while limiting impacts to coral, live rock, and marine life. For more information, visit www.ordnancereefhawaii.org
, the new page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ordnance-Reef-Hawaii/169281289801652?sk=wall , and future video feeds from the technical demonstration at http://www.youtube.com/ordnancereefhawaii
June 23, 2011
Additional Dates for A Conversation with Representative Sharon Har on Jordan's Journal
In case you missed the previous showings of my Olelo show - "Jordan's Journal" featuring Representative Sharon Har, you have a couple more chances to catch the show on Channel 54 on the following dates and times:
6/26/11 Sunday 3:00pm
6/28/11 Tuesday 10:30pm
You can also view this show at anytime by becoming a fan of my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page, which includes a link to "Jordan's Journal" on Vimeo.
June 17, 2011
A Conversation with Representative Sharon Har on Jordan's Journal
As a prelude to an upcoming Kapolei-Area Town Hall Meeting on Traffic & Transportation Issues scheduled for Thursday, June 30 from 7:00 - 8:30pm at the Kapolei High School Cafeteria, tune into my Olelo show - "Jordan's Journal" featuring Representative Sharon Har on Channel 54 on any of the following dates and times:
6/18/11 Saturday 5:00pm
6/19/11 Sunday 2:00pm
6/20/11 Monday 1:00pm
6/21/11 Tuesday 8:30pm
You can also view this show and all previous shows at anytime by becoming a fan of my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page at facebook.com/repjordan, which includes a link to "Jordan's Journal" on Vimeo.
June 17, 2011
Legislative Town Hall Meeting Summary
Thank you to everyone who attended the Legislative Town Hall Meeting and submitted Feedback Forms. Meeting attendees learned a lot and the feedback received was all positive as reflected in the Summary. For others who planned on attending, but weren't able to make the meeting, Olelo will televise the meeting as follows:
Sunday, July 10, 7:30pm on Ch. 54
Tuesday, July 12, 11:30am on Ch. 49
Wednesday, July 13, 8:00am on Ch. 49
Thursday, July 14, 1:00pm on Ch. 54
View full article
June 16, 2011
Additional Dates for Budget Talk with House Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro on Jordan's Journal
In case you missed the previous showings of my Olelo show - "Jordan's Journal" featuring Representative Marcus Oshiro, you have a couple more chances to catch the show on Channel 54 on the following dates and times:
6/18/11 Saturday 4:30pm
6/19/11 Sunday 10:30am
You can also view this show at anytime by becoming a fan of my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page, which includes a link to "Jordan's Journal" on Vimeo.
June 8, 2011
Budget Talk with House Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro on Jordan's Journal
As a prelude to the Legislative Town Hall Meeting with special guest House Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro scheduled for Wednesday, June 15 from 6:30 - 9:00pm at the Waianae District Park Multi-purpose Room, tune into my Olelo show - "Jordan's Journal" featuring Representative Marcus Oshiro on Channel 54 on any of the following dates and times:
6/9/11 Thursday 6:30pm
6/10/11 Friday 2:30pm
6/11/11 Saturday 5:30pm
6/12/11 Sunday 1:30pm
You can also view this show and the two previous shows featuring Senator Maile Shimabukuro and DLNR Chairperson William Aila, Jr. at anytime by becoming a fan of my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page, which includes a link to "Jordan's Journal" on Vimeo. You will receive the most updated information on my Representative Jo Jordan Facebook page, so become a fan today.
June 8, 2011
Legislative Town Hall Meeting Update
Join us for a Legislative Town Hall Meeting with special guest House Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 from 6:30 - 9:00 pm at the Waianae District Park Multi-purpose Room. Governor Neil Abercrombie is unable to attend the meeting as originally planned because his mother-in-law has passed and her private memorial service is scheduled for the same evening. I offer my sincerest condolences to the Governor and his family. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we are fortunate to have Representative Marcus Oshiro share his extensive knowledge of the State budget. View full article
June 3, 2011
Legislative Town Hall Meeting
Join us for a Legislative Town Hall Meeting with special guests Governor Neil Abercrombie and House Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 from 6:30 - 9:00 pm at the Waianae District Park Multi-purpose Room. For more information, call 808-586-8460 or email repjordan@capitol.hawaii.gov.
View full article
June 3, 2011
Representative Jordan's Legislative Update 2011
Representative Jordan releases her report of the 2011 Legislative Session, which briefly summarizes important measures that have become law or are poised to become law.View full article
June 1, 2011
Keaau Beach Park Clean Up
On Saturday, May 21, I participated in the Keaau Beach Park Clean Up organized by the Makaha Hawaiian Civic Club. One of the main objectives of the Makaha Hawaiian Civic Club has been to adopt the different parks within Makaha and plan clean ups for each site. The voluntary service provided by organizations like the Makaha Hawaiian Civic Club is invaluable to our community.
May 23, 2011
Waianae Intermediate School Wins Olelo Youth Xchange Student Video Competition in the Animation and Mini Documentary Categories
Students in elementary, intermediate and high school were challenged to create videos addressing issues affecting their community, the state, country or world in the Olelo Youth Xchange Student Video Competition. Of the 582 entries received this year that were submitted by more than 1300 students, Waianae Intermediate School were the winners in the Animation category for "Sponge & Mr. Bucket" and the Mini Documentary category for "Behind the Smile." Congratulations to all the participants and winners of the Olelo Youth Xchange Student Video Competition who are learning the value and importance of speaking out and speaking strong by using the creative and powerful medium of video.
May 12, 2011
Replacement of Fire Alarm/Public Address System at Kamaile Academy
Construction totaling $272,850.00 at Kamaile Academy to replace the fire alarm and public address system will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to C & C Electrical Contractor, Inc. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction work.
May 9, 2011
Afternoon Zipper Lane Update
The State of Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) provided an update on the public's request to expedite the development of a westbound Zipper Lane during peak afternoon travel. DOT initiated a project in 2009 to modify the existing Zipper Lane to accommodate afternoon traffic on H-1 from the Radford Drive Overpass to the Waiawa Interchange. The project was awarded to a contractor in fall 2010. However, two unsuccessful contractors protested the award and the state's contract selection process, causing the state to halt the project while they addressed the protests. Despite the state's response that they made the award in accordance with state and federal regulations, the contractors have petitioned to a formal hearing with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The additional hearing will further delay the project for 6 months to a year. The DOT is aware of the importance of this project to the public and is working to handle the protests as quickly and efficiently as possible, so the afternoon Zipper Lane Project can resume.
May 9, 2011
Solar Water Heating Rebates Available
The State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism's State Energy Office will direct additional American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to support the highly successful Hawaii Energy Solar Water Heating Rebate Program. With these additional funds, 220 waitlisted customers will receive the $1,500 and new applicants will receive a $1,000 rebate for their solar water heating systems. The rebates will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis until July 1, 2011, or until the ARRA funds run out. On July 1, 2011, the rebate will return to $750.
Solar water heating systems reduce a family's electricity costs and allow it to utilize clean energy resources. The benefit to the state's energy independence is clear. Therefore, in addition to these rebates, solar water heating systems are eligible for tax credits of 35% from the state and 30% from the federal government. Hawaii Energy also offers the "Hot Water, Cool Rates" solar interest buy-down program through Participating Lenders. This program provides rebate and low interest rate incentives to residents who finance their solar water heating systems. For more information on the Hawaii Energy Solar Water Heating Rebate Program or the "Hot Water, Cool Rates" program visit www.hawaiienergy.com
May 9, 2011
Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve Gets Predator-Proof Fence
The Department of Land and Natural Resources completed construction of a predator-proof fence at the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve to protect the native species that live there. The fence is 700 yards and encloses more than 59 acres of natural habitat for eleven endangered plant species, Hawaiian monk seals, and native sea-birds. The fence protects these endangered species and their nesting areas from predators like cats, dogs, mongooses, rats, and mice, giving the populations a chance to recover over the next few years and to prosper into the future. While the fence closes off the area to predators, it still allows for public access to the area reserve seven days a week through three non-locking double door gates. The fence is the first of its kind in the United States and the Hawaiian Islands and will be used as a model in other conservation areas. For more information about the Kaena Point Nature Reserve and the predator-proof fence visit the websites of the Hawaii State Department of Parks at http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/kpsalf, the Kaena Point Ecosystem Outreach Team at http:www/state.hi.us/dlnr/dofaw/kaena/index.htm, or the Friends of Kaena at http://www.restorekaena.org.
May 9, 2011
Leihoku Elementary School Students Visit the State Capitol
Ninety 5th graders from Leihoku Elementary School toured the State Capitol and Judiciary in a field trip to learn about the branches of state government. Students visited with Representative Jordan in the House gallery, where they had an opportunity to ask her what she does, how she got her job, what she liked about being a representative, and where she sits in the House Chambers. They also shared with her their future goals of being veterinarians, pediatricians, detectives, naval men, and teachers. It was an informative and inspiring visit for both the Leihoku students and Representative Jordan.
May 4, 2011
May is Foster Care Month
The month of May is National Foster Care Month. Throughout the month, various activities and events are hosted to bring awareness of the need for foster families and the benefits they provide to foster care youth. To get more information about becoming a foster/resource caregiver, visit the Partners in Development Foundation website at http://www.pidf.org. Information on support for foster/resource caregivers and foster children is provided by Family Programs Hawaii at http://www.familyprogramshawaii.org. Information on support services to strengthen families in foster care and training for foster youth in transition is provided by Epic Ohana, which can be reached by phone at 838-7752 or email at epic@epicohana.org. To report child abuse, call the state Department of Human Services Social Services Division at 832-5115. Finally, for information on other statewide events for National Foster Care Month, visit Foster Care Month
May 4, 2011
Hawaiian Community Assets Receives Funding to Aid Waianae Families in Transitional Shelters
Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA), a non-profit organization, received a $316,678 grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to establish financial education and credit training classes, a Renter Matched Savings Program, and Credit Builder Loan Program for homeless families living in transitional shelters on the Waianae Coast. The Renter Matched Savings Program provides participants with a 5:1 match on savings of up to $500 for a total of $3,000 to cover the costs of rental and utility deposits, moving expenses, and other costs associated with securing a rental apartment. The Credit Builder Loan Program has a fixed 6% interest rate over 12 months with the maximum loan amount at $250. Borrowers "re-pay" the loans over a 1 year period and once the loan is repaid in-full, receive their $250 back. These two programs in addition to the financial education classes will reduce some of the barriers that prevent homeless families from transitioning into permanent housing. HCA is continuing to seek funding from local banks, credit unions, foundations, and the general public to invest in these programs for homeless families. Anyone interested in supporting these programs can contact HCA Program Coordinator, Jeff Gilbreath at 808-587-7653 or via email at jeff@hawaiiancommunity.net.
May 4, 2011
Robotics Results
The Waianae High School Robotics Team, who won the "Rookie All-Star Award" and "Highest Rookie Seed Awards" in the Hawaii competition on March 26, 2011, traveled to St. Louis, Missouri for the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) International Robotics Championship from April 27-30. In the St. Louis competition, the Waianae team placed 14th out of 82 teams and once again won the award for the highest rookie seed. Congratulations to the hard-working and innovative Waianae High School Robotics Team for their achievements.
May 4, 2011
Ke Ola Mamo Health Fair on May 7 at Waianae District Park
The second annual Waianae Coast Health Fair, E Ola Pono Kakou "Let's All Live Well," is being held at Waianae District Park on Saturday, May 7 from 9 am - 3 pm. During the event, there will be free health screenings and activities available to the community. Services include diabetes, vision, hearing, and dental screenings, Lomi Lomi sessions, Laau Lapaau demonstrations, BMI evaluations, blood pressure checks, tobacco cessation consultations, entertainment, Zumba, Step, and Hulaerobics classes, games, prizes, and more. Free parking is available at the Waianae Boat Harbor.
May 2, 2011
Kamaile Academy Selects New Leadership
The Waianae charter school, Kamaile Academy, which serves over 900 students grades K-9, announced its new leadership this week. Principal Emma Weiss, Vice Principals Anna Marie Winslow, Paul Kepka, and Chris Cale, Counseling Center Director Janeen Mahealani Agosto, and Student Support Services Director Kenneth S. Ferenchak were selected to lead the school beginning in June 2011. Additional information about the background of these new leaders and the school's new vision is available at http://www.hookakoo.org
May 2, 2011
Waianae Police Station Permit Hearing
The Waianae Police Station has applied for a permit to replace the current substation with a new two-story substation, fuel dispensing station, above- and under-ground fuel storage tanks, parking lot, and landscaping. The public hearing for the Special Management Area Use Permit will be held on May 10, 2011 at 10:30 am at the Waianae Public Library, Meeting Room (85-625 Farrington Highway, Waianae, HI 96792). The public may review the applications at the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting at 650 South King Street, 7th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813, Monday through Friday between 7:45 am and 4:30 pm.
May 2, 2011
Free Legal Clinics at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center on May 7
The Hawaii State Bar Association will be sponsoring free legal clinics for the public on Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and the Nanakuli Sack N Save. Volunteer attorney members will be providing free legal information to the public at various locations across the state on May 7. Legal information will be provided on a variety of topics including: bankruptcy, divorce, child custody, elder care, employment law, estate planning, landlord/tenant issues, wills and trusts, and more. All information is free, confidential, and open to everyone. No appointments are necessary. More information about event locations and services can be found at http://www.hsba.org/younglawyers.aspx
April 28, 2011
Joint Special Meeting of the Waianae Coast and Nanakuli/Maili Neighborhood Boards
A joint special meeting of the Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board and the Nanakuli/Maili Neighborhood Board will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2011. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an update on the ongoing and planned activities at Ordnance Reef and topics of discussion include updates on the Remotely Operated Underwater Munitions Recovery System Technology Demonstration, Energetic Hazards Destruction System, Remedial Investigation/Risk Assessment, Coral Assessment and Mitigation Plan, and Community Outreach Program/Maili Propellants. The meeting will be held from 7:00pm - 9:30pm at the Waianae District Park Mulitipurpose Room, 85-601 Farrington Highway, Waianae, Hawaii 96792-2406.
April 28, 2011
Representative Jordan's April Newsletter is Available
Representative Jordan has released her April Community Update Newsletter. You can become a regular paperless subscriber to Representative Jordan's monthly 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.
April 28, 2011
Waianae Student Earns Scholarship to Travel to Vietnam
The Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) awarded fifteen Hawaii public high school students with an all-expense-paid summer study tour of Vietnam. Waianae High School student Cody Kau will join students from other public high schools for a two week tour of Vietnam. Students will travel to Hanoi, the Mekong Delta, and Sa Pa, staying with local families, experiencing the culture, and learning the history of Vietnam. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is granted to only a lucky few public school students. PAAC is able to provide the annual Summer Study Tour Scholarship opportunity through funding by the Freeman Foundation. Students are encouraged to apply to this scholarship for next year through PAAC Hawaii.
April 26, 2011
19 families move into self-sustained homes in Kaupuni Village, Waianae
In a dedication presentation on April 21, 2011, 19 families were given the keys to their new energy efficient homes in Kaupuni Village in Waianae. Developed through a partnership between Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and Hawaiian Electric Company, Kaupuni Village is the nation's first zero net energy community--meaning it obtains all of its energy through natural resources. Each of the 19 single-family homes is equipped with energy efficient appliances and sky lights to reduce energy consumption, photo-voltaic and hot water solar panels to generate its own electricity, and high performance window glazing, a light colored roof, and insulated exterior walls to keep the homes naturally cool. These innovative construction techniques allow the homes to produce their own energy and emit zero carbon emissions. In addition, through support from Waianae businesses, Ma‘o Farms and Ka‘ala Farms, residents will plant a garden and develop a fish pond to grow their own food in their community center.
Because of its self-sustaining, community-oriented design, Kaupuni Village is being callled a 21st century ahupua‘a, where the community works together to live off the land and replenishes what they use. It is a model that proves that our communities can be self-sustainable, and it will be used by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in future developments. With the rising costs of oil and Hawaii's remote location, it is critical that we exert our energy independence and live off our own natural resources. Kaupuni Village is the beginning of our sustainable future.
April 26, 2011
The Land Use Commission (LUC) Denies the Tropic Land Petition on April 21, 2011
Tropic Land, LLC's petition to rezone 96 acres of agricultural land in Lualualei, Waianae to urban use had been deferred from a hearing on April 8th, when a motion to deny the petition failed due to a lack of "yes" votes. The LUC reconvened on April 21 for decision making. Commissioner Kanuha put forth a motion to approve the petition with multiple conditions, including one that would require Tropic Land to obtain an easement lease of Lualualei Naval Access Road within 5 years of petition approval. The motion was voted upon, with 5 commissioners voting to approve and 3 voting to deny. Those in opposition felt that they could not support rezoning the land without access to it being secured. The motion did not have the required 6 "yes" votes, therefore, the petition was denied. The 96 acre parcel will remain as agricultural land to the delight of the Concerned Elders of Waianae who had been fighting this petition for quite some time. There is still a chance that Tropic Land, LLC. could re-petition to the LUC, or could appeal to the court system to continue their quest to rezone the land, however for now, the petition is denied.
April 21, 2011
Waianae High School Students Visit the State Capitol
Students from Waianae High School's Business and Human Services academies visited the State Capitol on Wednesday, April 20. They toured the State Capitol, the Governor's Office, and the House and Senate Galleries where they met with both Representative Jordan and Senator Shimabukuro. The students shared with Representative Jordan that they had plans to become lawyers, paralegals, and FBI agents. While they enjoyed seeing how the legislative process works, none had political aspirations just yet. They concluded their morning tour observing the floor sessions of both the Senate and the House, where they were recognized by both bodies.
April 20, 2011
Waianae High School Student News Team broadcasts April 25 on PBS Hawaii
As we reported in the March 2011 newsletter, Waianae Intermediate and High Schools are participating in Hiki Nō, the nation's first statewide student news network. Student teams from across the state put together half-hour newscasts, uninterrupted by commercials. The shows broadcast on PBS Hawaii online at www.pbshawaii.org/hikino and on-air channel 10 at 5 PM on Mondays. Waianae Intermediate School's broadcast aired on April 4, but can still be found online. Waianae High School's student news broadcast will be featured on Monday, April 25 at 5 PM. Tune in to support them.
April 20, 2011
Submit your written comments for the Wildland Fire Fighting Portable Dip Tank Project EA
The City and County of Honolulu, Board of Water Supply (BWS) is proposing to develop three wildland firefighting portable dip tank areas for use by the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD). The HFD uses helicopters carrying dip tanks to fight wildland fires, uncontrolled fires in a countryside or wilderness areas. These dip tank sites are set up in large, level, open areas that are reasonably close to wildland fire areas, and where water is available by hydrant. The proposed sites in Makaha, Lualualei, and Makakilo are relatively close to areas, which commonly experience wildland fires during the dry season. These dip tank areas will enable the HFD to provide quicker and more effective firefighting of wildfires. The 14,000 square foot Makaha location is in Makaha Valley, adjacent to the BWS's Makaha 242 reservoirs, Makaha Booster No. 1, and Makaha Shaft. It will occupy the BWS property in Tax Map Key (TMK) 8-4-002:011. The 55,000 square foot Lualualei project site is in Lualualei Valley on land owned by the State Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. It is located at TMK: 8-6-003:075. The 5,000 square foot Palehua project area is located at the top of Makakilo Subdivision adjacent to BWS's Makakilo 1230 Reservoir. It is located at TMK: 9-2-003:088.
Because the proposed projects will be constructed on public lands with public funds, the BWS is conducting an Environmental Assessment (EA) of the projects. The EA will include an archaeological study for each site. Wilson Okamoto Corporation, the consultation company completing the EA, is soliciting public comments on the proposed project. Written comments must be submitted by Friday, April 29, 2011 addressed to: Wilson Okamoto Corporation, 1907 South Beretania Street, Suite 400, Honolulu, Hawaii 96826, Attention: Ms. Tracy Fukuda.
April 18, 2011
US Army Completes Environmental Assessment for Munitions Removal at Ordnance Reef
The US Army Corps of Engineers has completed the Environmental Assessment (EA) for their project to demonstrate their Remotely Operated Underwater Munitions Recovery System at Ordnance Reef. The nearly 10 square kilometer area off Wai'anae Coast has long been an area of public concern because of the many military munitions that were discarded there through the 1970s. The Army has applied for a permit to demonstrate their non-human diver recovery operations, in order to test the new technology and establish a safe means to remove and destroy the underwater military munitions. The completion of an EA, to assess the potential environmental and socioeconomic impact of the project, is the first step in obtaining their permit. The EA findings showed no significant impacts on the man-made or natural environment. These findings including additional information about the project can be found at http://ordnancereefhawaii.org . Copies of the EA and Draft Findings of No Significant Impact (FNSI) can also be obtained by contacting Lori Wong, 808-438-0665, or Dawn Lleces, 808-438-0474 at the US Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, Attn: CEPOH-PP-E/L. Wong, Ft. Shafter, HI 96858-5440; or by email at OrdnanceReef-EA@usace.army.mil. Copies of the EA and Draft FNSI are available for review at the following libraries: Wai'anae Public Library and Kapolei Public Library. The findings were posted on April 8, 2011. If you wish to pose comments to the US Army Corps of Engineers regarding the EA findings, you have until May 7, 2011 to do so. Comments will be considered, addressed, and incorporated where applicable into the Findings of No Significant Impact.
April 15, 2011
Tropic Land, LLC. Decision Meeting on April 21
The Land Use Commission will be deliberating and taking action on the Tropic Land, LLC request to amend the agricultural land use district boundaries into urban land use boundaries for 96.0 acres in Lualaualei, Waianae. The meeting will take place on April 21, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. at the Leiopapa A Kamehameha Building at 235 S. Beretania Street Rm. 405, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
April 13, 2011
The Land Use Commission Defers Tropic Land Decision
On April 8, 2011 the Land Use Commission (LUC) heard final oral arguments regarding Tropic Land, LLC's petition to amend the agricultural land use district boundaries into urban land use for approximately 96 acres in Lualualei. The public was allowed to testify in support and opposition of the petition prior to closing arguments by the attorneys for Tropic Land, LLC, and the Concerned Elders of Waianae. The State Office of Planning and the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting, both stated that they had no position on the petition. However, they recommended that the LUC impose conditions on Tropic Land, LLC, if the petition is approved. Specifically, they asked that Tropic Land, LLC obtain finalized agreements from the US Navy regarding the easement lease of Lualualei Naval Road and secure agreements from other lessees to contribute to the road's maintenance within 5 years of the petition's approval. They also asked that Tropic Land, LLC produce a Traffic Impact Analysis Report (TIAR) that could be agreed upon by the Department of Transportation, since so far both had conflicting reports on the exact traffic impact of the future light industrial park. They felt that approval should also be contingent on including it within the updated Waianae Sustainability Community Plan within the next five years. Finally, they recommended that the LUC impose conditions to protect the natural resources of the area. Tropic Land, LLC indicated that they were willing to meet many of these recommended conditions.
Commissioners Jencks and Miller put forth a motion to deny the petition because they felt it was premature for the LUC to approve the re-zoning if Tropic Land, LLC had not yet obtained an easement lease. However, this motion to deny the petition failed, with only the two original commissioners supporting it. When no other commissioners presented any motions to pass or deny the re-zoning petition, the LUC chair had to defer the decision to a future meeting. It will be brought up again for action on either April 20, or April 21, 2011, depending on the meeting schedule date.
April 12, 2011
Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill (WGSL) Public Information Meeting
A public information hearing will be held to report to the public on the efforts of the Department of Environmental Services with regard to the continued use of the WGSL. The public hearing will be held on April 18, 2011 at 5:00 pm at Honolulu Hale, Mayor's Conference Room, Room 300, at 530 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96803. For more information about the public hearing, call the Department of Environmental Services, Refuse Division at 768-3401.
April 12, 2011
Pilila'au Army Recreation Center (PARC) Seawall Repairs begin April 14
The PARC seawall repairs are not expected to begin until April 14. Recreational activities will be limited around the work site, as there will be temporary barricades and construction equipment staging near the project. Repairs will consist of placing reinforced concrete on the first 180 feet of the existing seawall, as this area is in danger of collapse. Beach users should take appropriate safety precautions when around this area. Caution signs will be posted around the work area. The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of May, pending weather and ocean swells. PARC staff appreciates your patience and cooperation during this facility improvement project. For further information, call the U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public Affairs Office at 656-3159.
April 6, 2011
Tropic Land, LLC. Decision Meeting on April 8
The Land Use Commission will be hearing oral arguments, making deliberations, and taking action on the Tropic Land, LLC. request to amend the agricultural land use district boundaries into urban land use boundaries for 96.0 acres in Lualaualei, Waianae. The meeting will take place on April 8, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. at the Leiopapa A Kamehameha Building at 235 S. Beretania Street Rm. 405, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
April 6, 2011
Board of Education Meeting on April 7 in Leeward District
The BOE general business meeting, with the current board members, will be held on April 7, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. at Ka Waihona o ka Na'auao New Century Public Charter School located at 89-195 Farrington Highway, Waianae, HI 96792. The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. for general business and reports, but will recess until 6:00 p.m. when public testimony and petitions will be heard. A complete agenda can be found at View link
April 6, 2011
AKAMAI Finance Academy at Waianae High School
I had the privilege of meeting the Waianae High School AKAMAI Finance Academy (AFA) Prep students at a ribbon cutting ceremony and informational briefing last week. Waianae High School is one of 31 high schools statewide to participate in the AFA Prep Program, which trains high school students to use the Bloomberg Professional financial system to learn about the finance industry. In their weekly meetings, students develop portfolios of US listed stocks. They learn to research and value stocks, monitor their "purchases," and produce analysis reports. With these skills, students have an edge in working in the finance world. The Prep program can be continued in the AFA college program, which provides further finance training and internship opportunities in the local industry.
AFA is sponsored by the AKAMAI Foundation, a non-profit program which brings together Hawaii asset managers, academia, and the public sector. Their goal is to cultivate the finance industry in Hawaii by providing training on investment banking, private equity and asset management. The AKAMAI Foundation sees Hawaii as a key location to develop an Asia-focused asset management industry. This industry will bring high paying jobs to our local economy and will help us retain skilled, young workers.
March 31, 2011
Representative Jordan's Community Update Newsletter for March 2011
Representative Jordan released her March community update newsletter. The newsletter contains information about the State Budget, Education Highlights, and the Results of the Community Survey from last month's newsletter.
March 31, 2011
Waianae Robotics Team Qualifies for the International Championship
Waianae High School's Robotics team won the Rookie All-Star Award and Highest Rookie Seed Awards in the FIRST in Hawaii Regional Robotics Competition on Saturday, March 26, 2011. The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition required students to build a robot that could perform specific tasks during the competition. It required students to use critical thinking, problem solving skills, academic knowledge, and innovation to solve common engineering problems.
This was the first year that Waianae High School had a robotics team. Their success as a rookie team has qualified them to advance to the international championship in St. Louis, Missouri from April 27-30. They will join five other Hawaii teams who have already secured their spots in what has been called the "Super Bowl of Smarts." The Waianae team is mentored by math teacher and robotics coach, Weyland Bailey. He praised his students for their problem-solving, troubleshooting, and teamwork in Saturday's competition, noting that his students made history as the first robotics team at Waianae.
March 24, 2011
Public Workshops for the Statewide Pedestrian Master Plan
The State Department of Transportation is developing a Statewide Pedestrian Master Plan (Plan) and is seeking public involvement in the process. The Plan will help to increase pedestrian safety and mobility, support a multimodal transportation system, and provide guidance on the best use of resources to implement pedestrian initiatives. The first in a series of public workshops is scheduled for Wednesday, March 30, 2011 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Waianae High School.View full article
March 23, 2011
Honolulu Community Action Program (HCAP) Leeward Center Begins Construction
Ground-breaking on the new HCAP leeward community center in Waianae began in early March 2011. The new facility will allow HCAP to provide expanded programs to youth and senior citizens. Some of the new programs include Malama Pono, a mentoring program for youth with incarcerated parents, an after school science, technology, engineering, and math program, a challenged youth drop-in center, and a healing center for the elderly. The new facility will allow for partnerships with the City and County Division of Elderly Affairs and Hawaii Pacific University, who will provide wellness classes for senior citizens. The construction is expected to be completed by October 2011. Until that time, many of their regular programs are continuing on location in a trailer behind the construction site. These services include aid for low income families in filing taxes, obtaining solar panels and low-energy refrigerators, and rent subsidy. The HCAP Headstart program is not impacted by the construction. For more information on obtaining services, people can call 696-4261 or drop-in to make an appointment.View full article
March 23, 2011
Community Leaders Tour of Makua
Colonel Douglas Mulbury, the Garrison Commander for US Army-Hawaii invited me and several community leaders to a tour of Makua on March 15. The purpose of the tour and briefing was to update leaders on the status of the work at Makua, the plans going forward, and to answer any questions. Presentations were made by the Colonel and other Army personnel informing the community of the Army's efforts to balance training needs with environmental and cultural considerations.
March 23, 2011
Teachers From Makaha Elementary, Waianae Intermediate and High Schools Honored
The Hawaii State Legislature honored and recognized Dawn Homont, a seventh-grade physical education teacher at Waianae Intermediate School and recipient of the 2010 Milken Teacher of Promise Award. The Milken Teacher of Promise Award was established to recognize outstanding public school teachers in Hawaii during their first four semesters of teaching. Demonstrating the highest qualities of a professional educator, Dawn Homont, has been described by her nominator as "having stringent expectations for her students" out of a belief that "strong bodies enhance strong minds." An enthusiastic and motivated teacher, Dawn Homont has selflessly given of herself to her students, school, and community. My congratulations go out both to Dawn Homont and the fortunate students of Waianae Intermediate School.
In addition, six educators earned National Board Certification and were also recognized during the Hawaii State Legislature Education Week 2011. Winona Calbero, Shanna Laa, and Scott Oberg of Makaha Elementary School, Kathryn Ambrass and Wendi-Ann Nagata of Waianae Intermediate School, and Wendy Fujitani of Waianae High School all earned National Board Certification in 2010. To earn certification, these teachers went through a year of intense performance evaluation. They had to prove their knowledge of the subject matter they teach, provide evidence that they know how to teach students effectively, and show their ability to manage and measure student learning. These teachers join an elite group of educators state-wide who have this certification. We are proud to have all of these exceptional educators working with the youth of our community.
March 18, 2011
The State Budget
The House passed the State Budget as reflected in House Bill 200, House Draft 1. The Fiscal Year 2012 proposed budget passed by the House reflects a 7.1% increase over Fiscal Year 2011. Much of the increase is due to the cost of ending furloughs for state workers which under present collective bargaining agreements is set to end on June 30, 2011. Despite this increase, the budget from the House is still less than the budget prepared by the previous Administration, which increased expenditures by 13%, but provided no details on how to pay for them and the new Administration that anticipated growth of 2% and relied on controversial revenue enhancement and expenditure reduction proposals that were not adopted by the Legislature. A comparison of the budgets proposed is reflected in the accompanying chart.
Without additional revenues proposed by the new Administration to pay for the restoration of critical services, establishing a new normal must be explored with three goals in mind: 1) controlling the growth of overall expenditures, 2) providing the new Administration with the flexibility to retool and reprioritize to achieve a new normal, and 3) requiring higher levels of accountability. The legislature must also address a budget deficit of nearly $1 billion over the next two years in accordance with the March 10, 2011 Council on Revenues projection. Therefore, the legislature's priority and great challenge will be to preserve essential services for the public while balancing the state budget, as required by law.
Responses to my Community Survey distributed last month reflect support for raising taxes to fund government programs and secondly to cutting services and raising taxes. The House passed a number of revenue generation bills, while still being mindful of the need to protect low to middle income residents who can least afford higher expenses. The House also proposes to cut about $120 million per year over the next two years, keeping in mind that the legislature already closed a $2.1 billion deficit in 2009 and a $1.2 billion deficit in 2010. Considering that the state's total general fund budget is about $5 billion, the $3.3 billion in budget cuts over the past two years is a very large percentage of the state budget.
The State Budget passed by the House represents one step in the legislative process. It is incumbent upon all of Hawaii's people to work together to emerge from the State's economic challenges. This budget represents the next step in the ongoing evolution to a new normal.View full article
March 18, 2011
Member Highlights from the House Finance (FIN) Committee
Over 450 bills were referred to the House Finance (FIN) Committee. The measures referred to FIN ranged in topics from capital improvement projects, emergency appropriations, employees' retirement system, employer contributions for public employees, federal funds, federal grants, government, investments, public finance, state bonds, the state budget, state finances, state funds, state treasury, taxation, tax reform, and all bills from each subject matter committee that required an appropriation or had any fiscal impact. Of these measures, the House approved over 250 bills from FIN and I have provided a short description of a few bills that may be of interest including bills to extend the 5% legislative salary decrease from June 30, 2011 to June 30, 2013 (HB 575, HD1), increase the percentage of moneys from the excess general fund balance to be deposited into the emergency and budget reserve fund as a temporary source of funding for the State during times of emergency, severe economic downturn, and unforeseen reduction in revenues (HB 564, HD1), appropriate funds from the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund into the State general fund to balance the State budget (HB 1043, HD1), repeal, terminate, or close certain revolving and trust funds (HB 79, HD1), delay the standard deduction and personal exemption increases, but make them permanent (HB 793), temporarily place a cap on itemized deductions claimed on state income tax returns until January 1, 2016 (HB 794, HD1), place a temporary limit on the amount of transient accommodations tax revenues distributed to the counties (HB 795, HD1), suspend temporarily the exemptions for certain persons and certain amounts of gross income or proceeds from the general excise and use tax and require the payment of the tax at a graduated rate (HB 799, HD1), repeal the income tax exemption for income derived from stock options or stock from a qualified high technology business (HB 805), temporarily increase from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2015, the transient accommodations tax rate on time share units by 2% (HB 809, HD2), extend the $3 per day surcharge on rental motor vehicles beyond August 31, 2011 (HB 1097, HD1), allow for increase in the State motor vehicle registration fee (HB 1101, HD2), allow for increase in the state motor vehicle weight tax (HB 1102, HD2), limit life insurance benefits only to retired employees who retired before July 1, 2011 (HB 814, HD1), provide for the taxation of the pension income of an individual filer with federal adjusted gross income of $100,000 or more, a joint or surviving spouse filer with federal adjusted gross income of $200,000 or more and a head of household with federal adjusted gross income of $150,000 or more (HB 1092, HD1), institute a moratorium on retirement benefit enhancements until the retirement system's funded ratio is 100% (HB 1035, HD1), eliminate Medicare part B reimbursements for employee-beneficiaries and spouses of employee-beneficiaries hired after June 30, 2011 (HB 1041, HD2), impose an excise tax on tobacco products (HB 273, HD1), increase liquor tax rates (HB 840, HD1), transfer all moneys in the photo enforcement revolving fund to the general fund (HB 775), increase the solid waste management surcharge (HB 786, HD2), make the physician workforce assessment fee permanent (HB 1203, HD2), create a nexus standard for taxing out-of-state businesses on their business activities in Hawaii (HB 1183, HD2), delay the availability of the existing Ethanol Facility Tax Credit (HB 563, HD1), increase the fee assessed for the inspection, quarantine, and eradication of invasive species (HB 865, HD2), reduce the new farmer program loan interest rate (HB 1248, HD1), establish the Return-to-home Program to assist eligible homeless individuals (HB 70, HD2), make appropriation for flood mitigation on Farrington Highway between Maili and Nanakuli and in the area of Lualualei Valley (HB 505, HD2), an automated extended benefit claims system (HB 169, HD2) and the operational expenses of the Hawaii Civil Air Patrol (HB 121, HD1), make permanent the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children (HB 4, HD2), establish a funding formula for charter school facilities (HB 159, HD1), protect students by defining "bullying", "cyberbullying", and "harassment" (HB 688, HD2), establish the Farm-to-School Program in the Department of Agriculture to increase the procurement of locally-grown fruits and vegetables (HB 1380, HD3), authorize schools to grow food in school gardens for consumption in the school lunch program (HB 198, HD2), establish a Permanent Weed and Seed program (HB 1513, HD1), grant explicit authority to the Auditor to inspect the documents and financial affairs of the Department of Taxation (HB 382, HD2), enhance the State's authority to invest in state bonds (HB 562, HD1), establish a task force to review, investigate, and study the feasibility and cost of establishing the bank of the State of Hawaii (HB 853, HD1), require the Department of Taxation to evaluate certain tax credits and tax exemptions and report to the Legislature and provide automatic repeal of the tax credits and tax exemptions (HB 1270, HD1), establish a task force within the Department of Taxation to reform Hawaii's tax laws (HB 1319, HD1), establish a task force to review and update the Hawaii state planning act and the planning, programming, and budgeting system (HB 1529, HD2), and establish an Advisory Committee to assist the Director of Finance in making short-term investments (HB 1179, HD3). These bills that passed out of the House will now be considered by the Senate.
March 14, 2011
Vice Chair Highlights from the House Human Services (HUS) Committee
Over 100 bills were referred to the House Human Services (HUS) Committee. The measures referred to HUS ranged in topics from conducting an audit of public assistance programs, strengthening domestic abuse orders and support for victims of domestic violence, establishing sex trafficking offenses, requiring rates for Medicaid reimbursements, supporting foster youth, and expanding economic opportunities to reduce poverty. Of these measures, the House approved over 20 bills from HUS and I have provided a short description of a few bills that may be of interest including bills to permit reasonable visitation to grandparents (HB 56, HD2), ensure that Child Protective Act hearings are consistent with federal law (HB 1064, HD2), clarify that awards of visitation rights may include visitation by electronic communication (HB 616, HD2), strengthen penalties for violation of a temporary restraining order (HB 238, HD2), provide greater protections for victims of domestic violence (HB 1003, HD2), require private health insurance plans be the primary insurer for QUEST enrollees (HB 561, HD1), appropriate funds for health care payments (HB 1065, HD1), work program services and maintenance of effort contracts (HB 1066, HD1) and the vocational rehabilitation and services for the blind (HB 758, HD1), require Medicaid recipients to re-enroll annually (HB 569, HD1), allow a minor to give informed consent for emergency shelter and related services (HB 684, HD2), and repeal the authority of the Executive Director of the Office of Youth Services to transfer youth to adult correctional facilities (HB 1067, HD1). Two bills that I introduced referred to HUS passed out of the House. House Bill 718, House Draft 1 allows the Department of Human Services to develop and administer a program assisting former foster youth with housing options. House Bill 1407, House Draft 1 amends provisions of the code relating to adoption records allowing access by parties to the proceedings under certain circumstances. These bills that passed out of the House will now be considered by the Senate.
March 14, 2011
Leihoku & Nanakuli Elementary Schools 2007 Whole School Renovation
Renovations to Leihoku & Nanakuli Elementary Schools totaling $3,950,000.00 will be initiated shortly. The contract to complete the renovations has been awarded to Brian's Contracting, Inc. A pre-construction conference to discuss scheduling and construction start date will be held between the contractor and the school in order to minimize disruption and disturbance during the construction work.
March 10, 2011
Member Highlights from the House Health (HLT) Committee
Over 180 bills were referred to the House Health (HLT) Committee. The measures referred to HLT ranged in topics from requiring public hearings for the licensing or renewal of a special treatment facility, establishing medical enterprise zones, requiring public notice of all inspections of care facilities, regulating practices of pharmacy benefit management companies, licensing home health agencies, providing coverage for autism spectrum disorders, palliative care and smoking cessation methods, requiring the state health service and facilities plan be adopted, and designating "Farm to School Month".
Of these measures, the House approved over 20 bills from HLT and I have provided a short description of a few bills that may be of interest including bills to establish the Hawaii Medical Doctor Loan Program for medical school graduates with training from Hawaii-based medical programs working in rural areas of the State (HB 902, HD2), require contracted health and human services providers to develop and update annually a health and human services delivery plan (HB 904, HD2), establish the Hawaii health benefit exchange in compliance with federal law (HB 1201, HD1), appropriate funds to match the federal disproportionate share hospital allowance (HB 594, HD2), for perinatal care (HB 129, HD2), kupuna care (HB 160, HD2), and certified kidney and liver transplant providers in Hawaii (HB 608, HD3), require a working group to discuss potential improvements to the current prior authorization process for prescription medications (HB 1384, HD2), establish a hospital-based screening and assessment and intensive home visitation program (HB 614, HD2), expand the definition of "quality assurance committee" to include members from various health care organizations (HB 597, HD1), establish health care-associated infection reporting requirements (HB 889, HD2), prohibit the sale or distribution of caffeinated beer beverages unless labeled and accompanied by a warning (HB 904, HD2), require dental hygienists pass the National Dental Hygiene Examination for licensure (HB 1053, HD1), and require the Disability and Communication Access Board to charge fees to defray expenses of reviewing construction plans to ensure compliance with law (HB 756, HD3).
One bill that I co-sponsored, House Bill 761, House Draft 1, referred to HLT passed out of the House and changes references in state law from "mental retardation" or like terms to "intellectual disability" or like terms. These bills that passed out of the House will now be considered by the Senate.
March 10, 2011
Member Highlights from the House Hawaiian Affairs (HAW) Committee
Over 40 bills were referred to the House Hawaiian Affairs (HAW) Committee. The measures referred to HAW ranged in topics from clarifying provisions relating to inadvertently discovered native Hawaiian burial sites, providing public land trust funds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) for development of farm and home ownership, establishing a pilot program within the Department of Public Safety that assigns select low-custody inmates on a work detail that restores historical sites selected by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), requiring native Hawaiian land plants for the landscaping of public buildings, requiring the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct an audit of all state-held lands and an inventory of ceded lands, permitting the sale of hand-pounded poi by an individual producer directly to consumers, and requiring OHA to develop a pilot program to establish kanaka villages for homeless native Hawaiians.
Of these measures, the House approved 5 bills from HAW providing state lease preferences for the reconstruction, restoration, repair, or use of Hawaiian fishponds (HB 377, HD2), establishing the Heeia Community Development District in Koolaupoko, Oahu (HB 389, HD3), requiring more specificity in all concurrent resolutions for the review of proposed exchanges, sales, or gifts of state land (HB397, HD2), increasing the limit DHHL is currently authorized to borrow or guarantee on loans to cover DHHL's guarantee requirements for its housing program (HB 1063, HD1), and requiring the Department of Agriculture to provide water to Molokai irrigation system users who lease tracts of land under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (HB 1483, HD1), which will now be considered by the Senate.
March 10, 2011
Member Highlights from the House Culture & the Arts (CUA) Committee
Over 20 bills were referred to the House Culture & the Arts (CUA) Committee. The measures referred to CUA ranged from supporting student art programs, requiring cultural impact assessments, imposing a statewide ban on consumer fireworks except by permit for religious and cultural events, providing for regulation of music therapy, strengthening historic preservation, and designating President Barack Obama Day and National Assistance Dog Week. The House approved House Bill 1637, House Draft 1, which makes the kukui tree the official state heritage tree and the ohia lehua the official state native tree, which will now be considered by the Senate.
March 4, 2011
Keaau Beach Park 24-Hour Closure for Maintenance
From Wed., March 9 at 12:00pm to Fri., March 18 at 3:00pm, Keaau Beach Park will be closed for maintenance. During those hours no one may remain in the park. All personal property must be removed by Wed., March 9 at 12:00pm. Any property remaining in the park may be impounded. Perishable property and trash will be discarded. Impounded property must be claimed by April 5. Please call the Department of Parks and Recreation's Leeward District Office, 675-6030, between 9:00am and 3:00pm on weekdays to make arrangements for pick-up or if you have any questions. Any property not claimed by April 5 will be disposed.
March 3, 2011
Makaha Elementary, Waianae Intermediate, and Waianae High Schools Awarded Grants from Hawaii 3R's
Hawaii 3R's is a non-profit organization with a mission to tackle the backlog of repair and maintenance projects in Hawaii's public school facilities by leveraging available funds with volunteer labor and business support. The following schools have been awarded grants from Hawaii 3R's:
Makaha Elementary $71,800 To renovate computer lab
Waianae Intermediate $54,400 To renovate computer lab
Waianae High $104,300 To renovate portables for new technology network
If you are interested in volunteering with these projects, you can contact the school directly. Typically, volunteer days start in the morning and work lasts for a few hours, ending with lunch and a short mahalo presentation. The success of Hawaii 3R's stems from strong community support, volunteers and in-kind donations of goods and labor.
February 28, 2011
Representative Jordan's Community Update Newsletter
Representative Jordan released her community update newsletter. The newsletter contains information about the legislation that she is working on this session and other important community information. It also contains a community survey so you can voice your opinion on issues that matter to you. The survey can be completed and mailed back to Representative Jordan, State Capitol Room #324, 415 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Or, you can click on the link below to complete the survey online. Mahalo for taking time to fill out this survey. Click here to take survey.
February 25, 2011
Tuition Assistance for Five Graduate Level Courses Available with Priority to Early Childhood Education Teachers
If you are a full-time early childhood education (ECE) or elementary school teacher in one of Hawaii P-3's demonstration project communities (Castle, Honokaa, Kahuku, Kailua, Kalaheo, Farrington, Nanakuli, or Waianae Complexes) you are eligible to apply for membership into the Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education (P-20) sponsored PK-3 Graduate Certificate cohort. The next cohort is set to begin this Fall!
P-20 will select a cohort of approximately 15 teachers (priority to those who teach in ECE and grades K-3) and provide them with 100% tuition assistance (books and fees are not included) for all five graduate courses (15 credits) that make up the University of Hawaii at Manoa PK-3 Graduate Certificate. All 15 UH credits earned can be applied toward a Master's of Education degree in Curriculum Studies with an emphasis in PK-3. All applications must be submitted by March 1, 2011.View full article
February 23, 2011
The House Approves Legislation for the Appointment of Board of Education Members
In the 2010 General Election, the people of Hawaii voted in favor of the Governor appointing the Board of Education (BOE) members, in place of the current BOE election process. The current version of the bill, Senate Bill 8, SD1, HD2, provides that the BOE will now consist of nine unpaid members: three representing the City and County of Honolulu, three representing the Counties of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai, respectively, and three At-large members. These members will be nominated, with the advice and consent of the Senate, and approved by the Governor. They will have qualification requirements and various terms, which can be a maximum of three 3-year terms. However, the Governor may remove any of the members for any reason.
In addition to these nine members, two non-voting members will sit on the BOE. A military representative will be invited by the appointed BOE, and a student representative will be elected by the students, through the state student council. A separate bill, HB 338, HD1, to address the voting rights of the student member, is currently being reviewed by the House Finance Committee.
February 22, 2011
DLNR Announces Temporary Closures for Makua Beach and the Keawaula Section of Ka`ena Point State Park
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces temporary closures at Makua Beach and the Keawaula section of Ka`ena Point State Park, starting this week. DLNR and the Department of Health are cooperating with the U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii who will be conducting work in these areas as part of its Military Munitions Response Program, which performs activities to address potential munitions hazards resulting from past military training activities.
Scheduled dates for the area closures are expected as follows:
Tuesday, February 22, through Thursday, February 24, from 7 to 10 a.m.
Monday, February 28, through Wednesday, March 2, from 7 to 10 a.m.
During these dates, work may be done at either section of Makua Beach or Keawaula but they will not both be closed at the same time. Closure signs will be posted around each location and security personnel will be on site to ensure public safety. Intermittent traffic stops may occur.View full article
Information Sheet
Fieldwork Update
February 22, 2011
The Governor's Proposed Biennium Budget Briefing
Governor Abercrombie and Director Kalbert Young of the Department of Budget & Finance briefed the House Committee on Finance and the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on the Governor's proposed biennium budget for fiscal years 2012 and 2013. The legislature will now have an opportunity to review the proposed budget.View full article
February 18, 2011
Waianae Intermediate School Awarded $100,000 Grand Prize in Bank for Education Program
On Friday, February 18, 2011, American Savings Bank presented the $100,000 grand prize award to Waianae Intermediate School for its achievement in the Bank for Education program that ran from September 18 through November 26, 2010. Bank for Education is a unique program designed by American Savings Bank to involve local communities in supporting the education of Hawaii's students. I presented a congratulatory certificate to Waianae Intermediate School on behalf of the House of Representatives.
February 17, 2011
Governor Releases Capital Improvement Project Funds for Electrical Upgrades to Waianae and Makaha Schools
Governor Neil Abercrombie is releasing Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds for electrical upgrades for the following schools:
Makaha Elementary School
Leihoku Elementary School
Waianae Elementary School
Waianae Intermediate School
Waianae High School
The Governor is dedicated to accelerating Hawaii's economic recovery through a broad ranged series of capital improvement actions called the New Day Work Projects, which is aimed at decreasing unemployment, increasing business activity, and getting people back to work while strengthening communities across Hawaii.
February 16, 2011
Oahu Regional Transportation Plan 2035 Final Public Meeting Planned
The Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OahuMPO) has released the draft of the Oahu Regional Transportation Plan 2035 (ORTP 2035) for review. The ORTP 2035 will be the official guide for transportation facilities and services planned for Oahu through the year 2035. The meeting to discuss transportation improvements and programs considered for inclusion in ORTP 2035 with the Project team will be held on Thursday, February 24 from 6pm to 8pm with presentation at 6:30pm at the Neal Blaisdell Center, Pikake Room, 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu.View full article
February 15, 2011
Hawaii Families As Allies Statewide Family & Youth Conference
Parents, family members, caregivers of children, adolescents or youth with emotional, behavioral and/or mental health challenges are invited to attend the Conference on Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 10am to 3pm at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Hawaii Suite. Youth will have separate sessions. The Oahu Registration Deadline is February 28, 2011. Registration includes interactive and informational workshops, various agency displays, lunch, prize giveaways and more.View full article
February 11, 2011
2011 Neighborhood Board Election
Anyone interested in serving on the Neighborhood Board have until Friday, February 18, 2011 to submit their candidate forms. As a former Chair and member of the Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board, I would encourage anyone interested in public service to consider serving on the Neighborhood Board.View full article
February 11, 2011
Mortgage Foreclosures
The House passed HB 894, HD1, which places a five month moratorium on non-judicial foreclosures. The economic downturn has resulted in many families experiencing financial challenges. While the legislature is considering several measures to address the growing number of foreclosures, lenders in anticipation of these changes are beginning to proceed at a quicker pace to complete the non-judicial foreclosures. Thus, the House voted to move this bill forward in order to halt non-judicial foreclosures for five months after the bill is enacted into law, while more comprehensive measures are reviewed by the legislature. This bill will crossover to the Senate for review.
February 10, 2011
Planning Commission Public Hearing for the Waianae Sustainable Communities Plan
The Planning Commission of the City and County of Honolulu will be holding a public hearing on the Waianae Sustainable Communities Plan on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 1:30pm at Kapolei Hale.View full article
February 8, 2011
Ka Papa O Kakuhihewa Fund
Request for Proposals 2011
The Ka Papa O Kakuhihewa Fund Advisory Committee will review applications and make recommendations for grants for projects that are most consistent with the purpose and priorities of the fund, which is "to promote resource conservation programs for the community that would affect the use of natural resources such as water and land. The goal is to promote and support programs that create and instill a conservation ethic in our keiki and Ohana, an attitude that recognizes and respects living on an island of finite resources." Applications must be delivered or postmarked on or before February 15, 2011.View full article
February 8, 2011
University of Hawaii, West Oahu Update
At an informational briefing held before the House Committee on Higher Education on February 1, 2011, the University of Hawaii reported that the new campus is set to open in August 2012. The University also reported that enrollment at the Pearl City campus has increased 49% since it opened and continued high enrollment is anticipated.
February 8, 2011
Internships Available
2011 Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps Summer Program
Kupu needs Team Leaders with strong leadership skills and experience, and a desire to work with youth while making a difference in Hawaii's environment. All applications are due by February 28, 2011.
View full article
February 8, 2011
Neighborhood Board Report Summary
On February 1, 2011, I delivered my first Neighborhood Board report as Representative of House District 45. I have included a short summary of the report here.
Legislative Priorities--The following bills are a few of my legislative priorities:
HB 1393 Relating to Homeless Assistance
HSG, FIN
Establishes an Office of Homelessness within the Department of Human Services to assume jurisdiction over homeless assistance. As a first step to implementing the "Plan to Address Homelessness and Housing on the Leeward Coast of O`ahu" prepared by the Leeward Housing Coalition, this bill creates an office of homelessness to be placed within the department of human services for administrative purposes. This bill was introduced in accordance with one of the recommendations identified by the Coalition in its plan, which is to "create a 'centralized' information gathering/dissemination entity and process that can include a single point of access."
HB 1394 Relating to Makua Valley
PBM,HAW/WLO,CUA,FIN
Establishes the Makua Valley Reserve Commission to oversee preservation and restoration activities in Makua Valley on Oahu. This bill establishes the Makua Valley Reserve Commission to be placed within the Department of Land and Natural Resources and tasks the Commission with the general administration of Makua Valley. This bill specifies that the Makua Valley Reserve shall be used solely and exclusively for 1) preservation and practice of all rights customarily and traditionally exercised by native Hawaiians for cultural, spiritual, and subsistence purposes; 2) preservation and protection of the valley's archaeological, historical, and environmental resources; 3) rehabilitation, revegetation, habit restoration, and preservation; and 4) education. A specific provision in the bill provides that prior to the return of the Makua Valley Reserve from the Army to the State, the Commission may enter into discussions with the Army to facilitate the expedient return of the Valley Reserve upon the expiration of the Army's lease.
HB 1405 Relating to Planning
WLO,FIN
Requires the Office of Planning to establish a statewide system of greenways and trails. The purpose of this bill is to promote smart growth and sustainability in the State by requiring the Office of Planning to develop and establish a statewide system of greenways and trails. The legislature finds that given Hawaii's limited natural resources, the implementation of smart growth principles, including the preservation of open space, is crucial to the sustainability of the islands.
HB 1665 Relating to Landfills
EEP/WLO, HLT
Places a moratorium on any new solid waste landfills and the expansion of any existing private solid waste landfills on the leeward coast from Kaena point to Waimanalo gulch on or after 8/1/11. The purpose of this bill is to place a moratorium on the construction of any new landfills, whether green waste landfills or otherwise, or the expansion of any existing private solid waste landfill on the leeward coast from Kaena point to Waimanalo gulch on or after August 1, 2011.
Capital Improvement Projects
In addition to the bills referenced above, I also introduced HB 1664 titled "Relating to the Capital Improvement Projects for the Benefit of the Forty-Fifth Representative District. The following is just one of the projects for the fiscal year 2011-2012: To be expended by the department of Land and Natural Resources:
Construction for flood mitigation near Lualualei Flats/Puhawai stream on Oahu. Funding for the construction would cost $2,000,000.
Resolution Introduction Deadline
The deadline to introduce resolutions is Wednesday, March 16, 2011. If you would like me to introduce a resolution, please contact my office no later than Monday, February 28, 2011 so the appropriate arrangements can be made.