April 12, 2018
Reps. Nakashima and San Buenaventura to Host Community Meeting on Emergency Preparedness
WHO: Representative Mark M. Nakashima
Representative Joy A. San Buenaventura
WHAT: Community meeting on emergency preparedness
WHEN: Saturday, April 28, 2018
1-3 p.m.
WHERE: Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility
15-2910 Ku‘uhome Street
Pāhoa
Representative Joy A. San Buenaventura (Puna) and Representative Mark M. Nakashima (Hamakua) will be
holding a community meeting on emergency preparedness.
Confirmed guest speakers will include:
• Talmadge Magno, Civil Defense Administrator, Hawai‘i County
• Thomas Travis, Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, Director
• Dennis Hwang of UH Sea Grant, Coastal Hazard Mitigation Specialist
Topics for discussion will range from emergency shelter locations to hurricane preparations, and updates regarding the false missile alert. Speakers will consider unique characteristics of Puna homes such as catchment water use.
April 9, 2018
April 2018 Holomua Newsletter
Dear Friends,
We just completed “Crossover” which is the legislative deadline for House bills (HBs) to move
to the Senate and Senate bills (SBs) to move to the House and remain “alive”. The House approved
and sent 381 bills to the Senate for consideration.
February 28, 2018
HOSA UH Hilo Delegates at State Conference
HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) at UH Hilo delegates with Representative Mark Nakashima,
who presented each member with a certificate from the House of Representatives congratulating them
for their performance at last month’s Hawai’i Island regional competition and representing UH Hilo
at the State Leadership Conference held February 21-23 in Honolulu. (Left to Right) Jeremy Villanueva,
Lark Jason Canico, Kelly Gani, Representative Mark Nakashima, Leslie Arce, Travis Taylor, Sheldon
Cabudol, Deserie Pagatpatan.
February 7, 2018
No-cost Rx Delivery Now Available in Honoka'a
Honoka'a residents will now be able to have their prescriptions
delivered to their homes for free, thanks to a program from The
Hawai‘i Medical Service Association (HMSA) and CVS Health®, which
does business in Hawaii as Longs Drugs. The program is open to
HMSA members and the entire Honokaa community. See the Rx delivery
poster for more information
here.
February 7, 2018
September 2017 Holomua Newsletter
Aloha Friends,
I have heard concerns regarding the “Rail Bill” that was recently enacted into law during the
Legislature’s special session this summer. The deliberations were vigorous and at times
unfortunately contentious.
View full article
February 6, 2018
2018 District 1 Community Survey
Please take a few minutes to complete our community survey.
You can take the survey online at
here
or a hard copy version of the survey can be found in the January 2018 edition of my Holomua newsletter.
March 1, 2016
January 2016 Newsletter
Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! May your New Year be filled with much opportunity!
In the coming year, I plan to build upon the foundations from the previous years. As chair of the House Labor and Public Employment Committee, my goal has always been to continuously improve the function and accountability of government. View full article
April 8, 2015
March 2015 Newsletter - Holomua
Dear Friends,
Thank you for the opportunity to once again serve as your voice in the House of Representatives. We entered the 2015 legislature with two years experience as Chair of the House of Labor Committee and a better handle on the diversity of issues in the committee's portfolio. We have implemented Act 99 (SLH 2013) and have the Agricultural Workforce Development Advisory Board up and running providing programs and resources for the future agriculturalists throughout the state. View full article
April 4, 2014
March 2014 Holomua Newsletter
Dear Friends,
The House of Representatives is currently engaged in the "second pass" through bills that have crossed over from the Senate. Over on the Senate side, they are doing the same with House Bills. By this time, 90% of the topics have already been discussed once before and we are vetting bills that will be taken in to joint House-Senate Conference Committees in a few weeks.View full article
January 24, 2014
December Hamakua Times
The United States Supreme Court ruled that provisions in the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which limited federal benefits to same-sex couples was unconstitutional and over-turned Section 3 of DOMA. The Windsor case involved a same sex couple who were married in Canada. When one spouse died, the other inherited her property and was charged inheritance taxes by the Internal Revenue Service. In addition to the Internal Revenue Service, the Supreme Court ruling has the potential to impact other federal benefits like Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid and federal tax benefits to same sex couples who live in states where same gender marriage is legal.
This decision by the United States Supreme Court renewed the push for same sex marriage in
Hawaii because it was only with marriage that a couple could claim the federal benefits. Other portions of DOMA including provisions that did not require states from recognizing same sex marriages from other states was left in place. This created the question of whether same sex marriages from other states would be valid in Hawaii as Hawaii did not recognize same sex marriages.
Using his constitutional authority, Governor Abercrombie called the legislature into special session on October 28, 2013. Many people have argued that this demonstrated that the Governor was forcing the issue down the legislature's throat, that people were not being given the opportunities that they would have during a regular session, and that the bill was a done deal.
The Governor has the constitutional right to call the legislature into session, however the legislature is under no obligation to act. The opponents could have moved to recess the session as soon as it began and it could have closed on the first day, but this did not happen. Once the legislature decided to move ahead, it was now a legislative decision.
In anticipation of the receipt of an extraordinary amount of testimony, the House of
Representatives encouraged citizen participation in the hearing process by accepting written testimony by personal delivery, U.S. Postal Service, and the Legislature's website. Additionally, individuals with an interest in submitting oral, in-person testimony were able to do so and reserve in advance a place in the speaking order.
The House received more than 23,000 pieces of written testimony on this issue with over 5,000 individuals registered to testify orally. The committees began hearing testimony on Thursday,
October 31, 2013, and continued through Tuesday, November 5, 2013. This unprecedented hearing process lasted more than 55 hours, during which more than 1,000 persons were able to testify.
This was not a done deal and we did hear the people. Many of the testifiers expressed concerns on the infringement of their religious freedoms. To address this, the House amended the bill by expanding the religious exemption to more closely model similar provisions in effect in the state of Connecticut. The House amendment makes it clear that a clergy member, minister, priest, rabbi, religious officer, or religious society that provides solemnizations shall be immune from any fine, penalty, injunction, administrative proceeding, or any other legal or administrative liability for declining to perform any marriage or civil union specifically because performing the marriage or civil union is in violation of their religious beliefs or faith.
Further, the bill expands the religious organization and facilities exemption to:
(a) Apply to religious organizations and to nonprofit organizations operated, supervised, or controlled by a religious organization;
(b) Establish that none of these entities shall be required to provide goods or services or their facilities or grounds for the solemnization or celebration of a marriage if the solemnization or celebration is in violation of their religious beliefs or faith; and
(c) Expressly provide that these entities shall be immune from any fine, penalty, injunction, administrative proceeding, or any other legal or administrative liability for the failure or refusal
to provide goods, services, grounds, or facilities pursuant to this measure.
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. ~ George Santayana.
As a history teacher, I often quoted this to my 9th grade World History students at Honoka'a High School. It was true philosophically because we find that history often repeats itself and takes great wisdom and political courage to avoid making the same mistakes. This was also true for my students because if they failed my class, they would be condemned to be back repeating the class during the summer.
In discussing this historic legislation, I believe it is imperative that we consider the following issues and concerns:
The Civil Rights Act of 1964:
In reacting to the Civil Rights Bill of 1964, then Senator Strom Thurmond, a democrat from South Carolina, said, "This so-called Civil Rights Proposals, which the President has sent to Capitol Hill for enactment into law, are unconstitutional, unnecessary, unwise and extend beyond the realm of reason. This is the worst civil-rights package ever presented to the Congress..."
In listening to much of the opposition on the same sex marriage legislation, I heard much of the same issues and concerns that were voiced by Senator Thurmond almost 50 years ago. You will remember that much of our society today is built on the foundation of this 1964 landmark legislation that outlawed major forms of discrimination against racial, ethnic, national and religious minorities, and women. It ended unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, at work, and facilities that served the general public.
Many argue that same sex marriage is different, because it is a choice. It is not how you were born, and you can change or hide it if you wanted. However, during the debate, it was also pointed out that religion is also a choice. That the protection of the right is really based on protecting us from mob rule and mob mentality. That fear can be a powerful motivator and that the purpose of the laws is to protect everyone's individual rights and not just those of the majority but also those of the minority. We must also be vigilant to preserve these ideals as we never know when the tables will turn and we will find ourselves on the short end of the stick.
Freedom of Religion
I believe in an America where religious intolerance will someday end-where all men and all churches are treated as equal-where every man has the same right to attend or not attend the church of his choice-where there is no Catholic vote, no anti-Catholic vote, no bloc voting of any kind-and where Catholics, Protestants and Jews, at both the lay and pastoral level, will refrain from those attitudes of disdain and division which have so often marred their works in the past, and promote instead the American ideal of brotherhood. -John F. Kennedy
Religious freedom is an individual civil right that allows you to practice your religious beliefs without interference. This also means that others are also free to practice their religions as they believe without outside interference as well. The issue arises when one religious group feels the need to impose their religious views on the rest of society or a person's individual civil right comes in conflict with another individual's practice of their religion freedom.
The same sex marriage bill as amended by the House tries to strike this balance by providing protections to religious institutions from undue intrusion on its religious beliefs by those seeking to promote their rights to same sex marriage.
Under our Hawaii Public Accommodations Law, you cannot discriminate based on Race,
Color, National origin, Religion, Sex, Disability, Age, Genetic information, Sexual orientation, Martial status, AIDS/HIV, arrest and court record, or credit report.
A question was raised by a constituent who asked about the case of a B&B who refused service to a same-sex couple. This case was brought to my attention last year as Chair of the House
Labor Committee as we deliberated on a domestic worker bill. A B&B owner was approached by
a same sex couple who sought to rent out a room in their home. The owners did not want to rent to a same sex couple and found them another place to stay. The owners were found to be in violation of the public accommodations law and forced to pay restitution. This had already occurred and the same sex marriage bill would have no baring in this situation. However, based on this information and due to the close nature of working with a family in the home, I amended the domestic worker bill last session Act 248 to allow for the hiring and firing of domestic workers without the protection of Hawaii Civil Rights laws.
Does the Legislature have the Authority?
Following the Court's decision in 1996, the Legislature proposed an amendment to Hawaii's
Constitution to clarify legislative authority to define marriage by passing H.B. No. 117, Regular
Session 1997. Section 1 of the bill expressly states:
The legislature further finds that the question of whether or not the State should issue marriage licenses to couples of the same sex is a fundamental policy issue to be decided by the elected representatives of the people. This constitutional measure is thus designed to confirm that the legislative has the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples and to ensure that the legislature will remain open to the petitions of those who seek a change in the marriage laws, and that such petitioners can be considered on an equal basis with those who oppose a change in our current marriage statutes. (emphasis added)
The bill that created the constitutional amendment question for the voters in 1998 specifically left open the possibility that the legislature should be open to the consideration of changing the marriage law in the future. The legislative intent of the bill is clear and provides the rationale for the legislative action that has occurred.
Same Sex Marriage Timeline
1993 - The Hawaii Supreme Court in Baehr v. Miike (originally Baehr v. Lewin) ruled that denying marriage to same-sex couples constituted discrimination based on sex in violation of the right to equal protection guaranteed by the state's constitution.
1994 - The Hawaii State Legislature amends HRS 572-1 the marriage statue by defining marriage as an institution for "one man and one woman."
1996 - Judge Kevin K.S. Chang ruled that the state did not prove that it had a compelling interest in denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples and that HRS 572-1 amended by the legislature in 1994 was unconstitutional.
1998 - Hawaii voters approved a constitutional amendment to the Hawaii Constitution granting the Hawaii State Legislature the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples.
1999 - The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that in light of the constitutional amendment approved by voters, HRS 572-1 passed by the legislature in 1994 was constitutional.
2011 - Hawaii Legislature adopts Civil Unions providing Hawaii marriage rights and benefits to couples.
2013 - United States Supreme Court held in United States v. Windsor, that restricting U.S. federal interpretation of "marriage" and "spouse" to apply only to heterosexual unions is unconstitutional, granting Federal marriage benefits to all legally married couples.
January 24, 2014
Happy New Year! 2014 is the year of the Green Wood Horse!
The Wood Horse year is a dynamic year with swift victories and unexpected adventure. Energy is flowing and it is a time for leaders to come forward. Decisive action, not procrastination will bring victory. One must act quickly in a Horse year.
With this in mind, we are poised to step off quickly this year to move forward in establishing a hydrogen economy here in the islands. While other states with mineral resources have been cool to the idea of investing in hydrogen -- Hawaii, out in the middle of the pacific -- has geothermal, an abundance of renewable energy resources and lots of water which are all the resources you need to make an abundance of hydrogen.
This legislative session, I will be introducing legislation that will further our commitment to developing the infrastructure and training necessary to prepare Hawaii for the planned roll-out of consumer models of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in 2015 by Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda (partnered with General Motors).
On the Big Island, this will mean an ambitious program to develop our hydrogen manufacturing capacity utilizing renewable energy to electrolyze water to separate out the hydrogen (The H in H2O).
Initially utilizing wind, solar and hydroelectric power, we will manufacture hydrogen at locations around the island that will supply up to five fueling stations strategically placed to allow vehicles to be fueled around the island.
The hydrogen fuel cell vehicle shares many of the same characteristics as its gasoline driven counterpart. It takes a few minutes to refuel, it can travel about the same distance on one fill up, and it is better able to handle hills much like a gasoline car.
Unlike gasoline driven cars, it will not require the import of fossil fuel, there are no carbon emissions, and eventually you could make your own fuel at home.
When I was first elected in 2008, I deplored the fact that the volatile nature of the global fossil fuel market really hamstrung residents of Hawaii Island who are forced to spend an increasing percentage of our income on transportation. By embracing this technology, we will free ourselves from these outside forces over which we have no control.
To kick start hydrogen use in Hawaii, I hope to see an investment in hydrogen fuel cell transit busses, the conversion of some or all of our government fleets to hydrogen fuel cells, and including hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the rental car fleets on island.
As Chair of the House Committee on Labor and Public Employment, I am striving to enhance our state workforce development program to be much more proactive in identifying future workforce needs. Areas such as STEM, agriculture, and healthcare are areas which can have a positive impact on our economy.
Another issue that falls into the Committee's jurisdiction is the minimum wage which is currently at $7.25, and has not increased for the past seven years. This measure failed last session when the House and Senate could not agree on this issue of tip credit.
During conference negotiations, the House sought a moderate increase in the tip credit while the Senate insisted that the tip credit increase be equal to the actual increase in the minimum. The Senate position would raise the tip credit from 25 cents to $2.25.
The tip credit is applied to tipped employees and is the amount deducted from the hourly minimum wage. This would mean that while the minimum wage would have increased to $9.25, tipped employees would continue to make just $7.00/hour.
The 28th Hawaii State Legislature convenes on Wednesday, January 15, 2014. For information regarding the legislature, you may visit the website at www.capitol.hawaii.gov.
I appreciate hearing from you with your questions or concerns. You may email me at repnakashima@capitol.hawaii.gov , call my office 974-4000 ext 6-6680 or (808)586-6680.
March 4, 2013
February 2013 "Holomua" Newsletter
Dear Friends,
Thank you for the opportunity to once again serve as your voice in the House of Representatives. This year is one of change and as the song goes, "Everything Old is New Again". Even during my short tenure in the House, it became very obvious that there was a growing chasm within the majority Democrats and we were becom-ing a "House divided." Thus after 14 years as Speaker of the House, Representative Calvin Say was succeeded by former Speaker Emeritus Joseph Souki of Maui. The Old/New Speaker was elected on a platform of transition that seeks to utilize the best talents of all members of the House.
Under Speaker Souki's leadership, I have been given the privilege of serving as Chair of the House Committee on Labor and Public Employment. In this new role, I have jurisdiction on many bread and butter issues impacting our families, such as minimum wage, sick leave, worker's compensation, unemployment insurance, and collective bargaining, just to name a few.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding bills moving through the legis-lature, please feel free to contact me.
Aloha and Best Wishes
View full article
January 18, 2013
2013 Bill Introduction
The following are a list of bills that I will be introducing in the 2013 Legislature. Among the legislative goals that I have set for this session are measures that will develop the economy, preserve our environment, enhance education, and improve government.View full article
January 18, 2013
Happy New Year 2013- the Year of the Snake!
This is the year of the Water Snake, and all things will be possible. Saving money and being thrifty should be your top priorities. Delusion and deception are common in the year of the Water Snake. Stay Alert! To gain the greatest benefits from this year, you must control spending and use your talents wisely. If you are planning to get married, or begin a business partnership, be sure to thoroughly investigate the other person's finances and background before you legalize the alliance.
May 7, 2012
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Facility
Representative Nakashima coordinated visitations by the House Committees on Higher Education and Energy and Environmental Protection to the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Facility at Joint Base Hickam/Pearl Harbor to learn more about the current technology and plans for introduction of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles into the consumer market.
The Hawaii Center for Advanced Transportation Technology serves as a catalyst to expand transportation technology development in Hawaii and is currently working in partnership with the US Air Force to develop and demonstrate zero emission and low emission transportation technologies to meet military and commercial needs.
A new electrolyzer which was being installed during our visit will continue to test the durability of the technology in the field. An electrolyzer is a device that converts water into hydrogen and oxygen. The new electrolyzer is portable, small enough to fit in half a Matson Container, and is able to desalinate and purify the water before splitting the water molecule into its parts. This is important in military application as it would cut down on the need to transport hydrogen via supply lines and will allow for the manufacture of hydrogen closer to the point of use in the field. A hose need simply be put into a stream, pond or ocean to create the needed hydrogen for transportation.
An array of photovoltaic panels provide the necessary power to run the electrolyzer and no fossil fuels are utilized anywhere in the hydrogen creation process making it a totally renewable resource.
(Left) Photovoltaic panels provide power to the electrolyzer making the process renewable and a totally fossil fuel free process.View full article
May 7, 2012
Kalo Challenge
Ka Hana Noeau, a mentoring and leadership development group hosted their 4th Annual Sustainability event at the Intergenerational Center at Kamehameha Park in Kapaau. This year's special ingredient is kalo which has been raised by several Kohala families in part of a sustainability demonstration project that has been on-going in Kohala for the past couple of years.
Several "celebrity" teams made of of representatives of the Governor's Office, County Council, Kohala Boys, ILWU, Mayor's Team and others prepared a variety of dishes from pastas, stews, and dumplings competing for selection as "Most Savory," "Most Creative," "Most Aromatic," "Best Presentation," and the "People's Choice" awards.
Participation had grown each year with six teams participating in the chicken cook off in the first year to a field of eleven teams this year participating in the Kalo Challenge. These dishes have also been increasingly harder to judge as the judges bring a number of differences and expectations to the table. Judging on such a diverse number of criteria also adds complexity to the challenge of balancing of diverse tastes, eye appeal and textures. An additional category which was much straight forward was based on sustainability. This was measured by the cooking team's use of a variety of items that were brought in by local farmers and placed on a table for use by the teams. The OHA Team led by Trustee Robert Lindsey took this recognition by utilizing sixteen ingredients from the table in their entry.View full article
May 7, 2012
Honoka'a High School Jazz Band's Wonderful performance
"I strongly encourage everyone to take time out of their busy schedules and listen to the music produced by these very talented youths," Solomon said. "Under the direction of their band director Gary Washburn, these students have demonstrated how music education has benefited them to be successful in school and in life."View full article
May 7, 2012
Hilo High School Gym
On April 12th, the "last and final charette" for the Hilo High School gym was held. Representatives from the state, county, American Red Cross, Alumnae, and HHS were in attendance.
The gym will be built in one phase and when completed with seat 1376 in the bleachers when open, and 880 in the closed position. The gym will be built to meet the requirements of being a shelter as well as meeing ADA requirements. Various green energy initatives such as solar water heating will also be included in the gym design.
Ground breaking for the gym which has been delayed for over a year is now planned for June, 2012.View full article
April 24, 2012
Hawaii's 2nd Annual Micro Robotics Bipedal Robot Workshop
I would also like to encourage interested teams to participate in the upcoming Hawaii Micro Robotics Bipedal Robot Workshop which will be held at Hawaii Community College August 25-26. This workshop includes the opportunity to design and build an easy biped robot, the new Bipeduino. Elementary, middle and high schools with robotic teams are eligible to participate. For further information and registration, please contact Art Kimura, Hawaii Space Grant Consortium at art@higp.hawaii.edu, or (808) 934-7261.
These activities stimulate high technology education and assist in creating a technically capable workforce by developing the skill sets necessary to support high technology robotics-based activities as programs for potentially larger efforts. As a result, this will increase the number of students who have access to programs that are transitional between high school and college.
The 26th Legislative Session has adjourned and during the interim, I will hold meetings to update you on what was accomplished this session and what new laws will affect you. I will also continue to focus on the issues important to you, and will always be available to you during the interim. I appreciate your ideas and participation and should you have any suggestions or concerns please feel free to email me at repnakashima@capitol.hawaii.gov or call 974-4000, extension 6-6680.
MahaloView full article
April 24, 2012
Liquid Robotics PacX Challenge
On April 5, 2012, I was pleased to be able to celebrate the arrival of Liquid Robotics' wave-powered Wave Glider marine robots at Kawaihae Harbor, and learn about its amazing technology as well as the Pacific Crossing (PacX) Challenge competition.
The four Wave Gliders docked at Kawaihae Harbor before continuing their record-setting journey across the Pacific Ocean for the PacX Challenge.
In November 2011, Liquid Robotics launched their wave gliders from San Francisco Bay, and last month broke the world record for distance by an unmanned wave-powered vehicle. They survived 26-foot waves in a gale force storm, defied turbulent mid-ocean currents, all while transmitting real time ocean data and staying on course to their first destination: the Liquid Robotics' Marine Engineering and Test Facility at Kawaihae Harbor.
The purpose of this crossing was to foster new scientific discoveries in ocean science by collecting and transmitting global ocean data during the yearlong journey. This expedition has also created an opportunity for students, marine researchers, and aspiring oceanographers to follow the robots as they cross the Pacific Ocean.
The Wave Glider is the first marine robot to use only the ocean's endless supply of wave energy for propulsion (no manpower, no emissions, no refueling). It is a reliable and economical autonomous satellite-controlled and self-powered robotic marine drone that has the capability of efficiently completing long missions with minimal environmental impact. Marine data gathered -- including ocean winds, wave heights, weather, oxygen, and currents -- will help address challenges such as ocean acidification, fisheries management, and natural disaster mitigation.
After a short checkup on the Big Island, the wave gliders will split into two pairs for the next leg of the PacX voyage. The Piccard Mar and Fontaine Maru are headed westward, crossing the Mariana Trench and taking on the Kuroshio Current to Japan. The Benjamin and Pap Mau are going through the Coral Sea and headed for Australia.
In addition to providing free unlimited access to ocean data, Liquid Robotics is inviting scientists, students and educators to compete in the PacX Challenge competition that will be awarded to the person(s) whose research "best represents the spirit of exploration and discovery embodied by this journey". The grand prize of $50,000 and six months of Wave Glider data services should inspire and ignite interest within the Big Island school system. Those interested in competing are required to submit a one-page research abstract. In December 2012, a board of distinguished U.S and international ocean scientists will evaluate the submissions and select one grand prize winner. I encourage taking advantage of this unique opportunity.
The submission deadline for participating in the PacX Challenge is July 17, 2012.
(http://www.liquidr.com)
April 24, 2012
2012 Post-Session Legislative Community Meetings
I invite you to one of the following post-session meetings.
The 2012 Legislative Session adjourns on May 3, 2012.
I will provide a recap of the session, review of bills passed, and Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) approved for construction in the coming year.
Please mark your calendars!View full article
April 19, 2012
Jam with the Honoka'a High School Jazz Band!
Aloha Capitol Jazz Fans!
Take a break on Friday, April 20, 2012 and celebrate National Jazz month!
Representative Mark M. Nakashima (Honoka'a Graduate) and Senator Malama Solomon invite you to attend this special concert by the award winning Honoka'a High School Jazz Band!
10:00 a.m.
Capitol Rotunda
See attached flyer for more information
Enjoy the jazz!
View full article
April 10, 2012
Big Island Candies Raised $430.00 for the Hawaii Food Basket!
Our office is happy to announce that we have raised $430.00 for the Hawaii Island Food Basket!
Mahalo for all of you who have kindly purchased your crunch bars to support this great cause!View full article
March 12, 2012
Congratulations to Kohala Middle Schools team "6000 n 60"!
Kohala Middles School Students won National Siemens Award!
Each year the Siemens Foundation holds a "We Can Change the World Challenge" that encourages student teams to work with a teacher or mentor to identify a wide range of environmental issues of concern and create a plan to make sustainable, reproducible improvements in their local communities. The idea behind the challenge is to empower youth to introduce change! Students are judged based on their local environmental issue, community engagement, creativity and innovation, scientific approach, and the ability to expand their entry content in other communities. Each member of the first place team received a $10,000 U.S. savings bond, a discovery trip to Costa Rica, a pocket video camera to document their adventure, and a Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge green prize pack.
With the guidance of their team mentor, Lani Bowman, a group of Kohala Middle School students took the first place award for the grade 6-8 division of the 2010-2011 Siemens "We Can Change the World Challenge". The students are Isabel Steinhoff, Rico Bowman, Genevieve Boyle, and Mina Apostadiro. The team of students, known as "6000 n 60" focused on the disposal of household batteries and how there were no local opportunities to recycle them. "6000 n 60" represents their goal
to collect 6000 batteries in 60 days. Their prediction was that if people were given the opportunity to recycle batteries and given information on how to better use those batteries, the community would be more aware of the ways in which they dispose their batteries and be more likely to participate.View full article
February 28, 2012
The Hamakua CDP is Coming to You!
The Community Development Plan (CDP) will map the future of your Hamakua community so this is YOUR chance to make sure we heard what YOU said & are headed in the right direction!View full article
February 25, 2012
Mid-Session Community Meetings
Aloha,
Representative Mark Nakashima will be holding a series of mid-session community meetings. Please come and share your thoughts or concerns with him. He will also be providing updates on district projects and current legislation. Please mark your calendars. He will also be meeting with seniors groups at their respective Senior Centers. Mahalo!
Hamakua Community
Thursday, February 23, 2012 6:30 PM, North Hawaii Education & Research Center (NHERC)
Kohala Community
Monday, February 27, 2012 4:00 PM, North Kohala Library
Rural South Hilo Community
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 7:00 PM, Kalanianaole School
North Hilo Community Council
Wednesday, March 28, 2012 6:30 PM, Location to be announced
If you have any questions, please contact our office toll free at 974-4000 ext 6-6680
Aloha!View full article
January 30, 2012
January Newsletter
Happy New Year! Welcome to 2012 Year of the Dragon!View full article
July 28, 2011
Rural Outreach Services (ROS) Initiative in Honokaa
Hawaii 24/7 (07/22/11) - "Government and community resources coming to Hamakua" (video)
Gov. Neil Abercrombie and other officials kicked off the state's first rural initiatives program. The program, headquartered at the University of Hawaii, Hilo-North Hawaii Education and Research Center (NHERC), brings 38 federal, state and local agencies and nonprofits on a rotating basis to a central Big Island location. View full article