Click here to see what Senator Baker is working on this session and for information on bills affecting our community.
Sen. Roz Baker (District 6 - South and West Maui) has asked the Department of Health (DOH) to hold public hearings on the neighbor islands on proposed wastewater management policy changes, and to provide more time for meaningful comment. The changes will affect more than 77,000 homeowners on the neighbor islands and 11,000 on Oahu.
The proposed changes include prohibiting the installation of new cesspools and requiring sewer connections or upgrades of existing cesspools to a septic tank within 180 days after the sale of a property.
"There is no doubt in my mind that septic tanks are better than cesspools," said Sen. Baker. "However, the department should have been working with the community on a plan that could be supported. I also greatly appreciate DOH wanting to protect groundwater resources by reducing the number of cesspools in the state, but using the administrative rules process rather than actively engaging the affected communities is not the best approach. I would prefer a carrot rather than stick approach to give our community members a genuine voice in any proposal."
DOH has scheduled a public hearing for Thursday, October 2 on Oahu where only about 12 percent of all cesspools in the state are located. Video conferencing is also being made available on Kauai, Hawaii Island and Maui. Residents affected on Molokai, which has over 1,400 cesspools, will not be able to participate in the video conferencing.
In a letter addressed to Director Linda M. Rosen, she has asked DOH to hold public hearings on all neighbor islands, especially on Molokai where access to video conferencing is not available.
"There could be a lot of unintended consequences with these policy changes," said Sen. Baker, "such as problems with meeting the 180-day septic tank connection time frame or even being able to connect at all. The department should consider holding more public meetings and provide more time for meaningful comment from neighbor island communities."
Sen. Baker's Maui colleagues also support the call for public hearings on the neighbor islands. "I agree that the department should take the time to meet with and hear from the neighbor island and rural communities that will be impacted the most by this policy change," said Sen. Gilbert Keith-Agaran (District 5 - Wailuku, Waihee, Kahului).
"The DOH is making a flawed assumption with this proposal, that each homeowner has easy access to a public sewer system," added Sen. J. Kalani English (District 7 - Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe). Many residents in the small and rural communities I represent do not have access to public sewer systems. In fact, the majority of my district does not have any public sewer systems at all. This proposal will impact them the most and they deserve public hearings and enough time to ask questions and share their concerns. Improvements to our wastewater system are necessary, but let's make sure it's done right by giving our communities, especially those who will be most affected, an opportunity to provide input. I call on the DOH to conduct public hearings on these proposed rules in Hana, Haiku, Kula, Paia, Molokai and Lanai."
The Hawaii Women's Legislative Caucus today announced that they received a call from the Honolulu Police Department's (HPD) Chief of Police's office canceling Thursday's meeting with the Women's State Legislative Caucus and three women members of the Honolulu City Council.
A representative of the Women's Caucus spoke with the office of Chief of Police Louis M. Kealoha to ask that the commitment to meet with the women on Thursday be honored.
"The purpose of Thursday's meeting was for the Women's Legislative Caucus and the three women city councilmembers to have the opportunity to speak with Chief Kealoha directly," said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, a member of the Women's Caucus. "We hoped to work cooperatively with the police to strengthen efforts to end domestic violence and keep victims safe. We wanted to discuss concerns and questions about HPD's internal policies and procedures regarding domestic violence cases, especially when one of their own officers is a suspect that has been brought to us by victims' service providers."
"The Women's Legislative Caucus and women Honolulu City Councilmembers asked for the opportunity to discuss these issues with Chief Kealoha prior to the public informational briefing so that he could be prepared to respond fully in public, and to, hopefully, open the door to improved partnerships and outcomes in domestic violence cases," said Senate President Kim.
A representative of the Women's Caucus was told the meeting was cancelled because the internal investigation was not yet completed. "We made it clear that the Women's Caucus understands that personnel investigations are confidential and that we have no intention of interfering in that matter," stated Senator Laura Thielen, a member of the Women's Caucus. "We told Chief Kealoha's office that our concern and our meeting is to be focused on the broader HPD policies and response to domestic violence incidents."
The cancellation was completely unexpected. "Many of us rearranged our schedules to suit the Police Chief's requested meeting date and time. We are disappointed at his unexpected cancellation," stated Senate President Kim. "We sincerely hope this is not a sign of the lack of importance the department places on the issue of domestic violence. But it's perplexing to us why he would cancel such an important meeting with so many women leaders."
View the news release
Following the public release of a surveillance video showing a Honolulu Police Department
(HPD) sergeant allegedly brutally beating his girlfriend in a Waipahu restaurant, the Hawaii Women's State Legislative Caucus and the three women members of the Honolulu City Council are calling on HPD to explain its policies and procedures for handling criminal actions involving its own officers and how the failure to act that occurred earlier this week is not repeated.
According to reports, HPD officers responding to the scene did not arrest the sergeant, nor did they file any reports of the incident that night. It was only on the following day, after a citizen provided HPD and the press with the surveillance video, that HPD took action to remove the sergeant of his police powers and begin an internal investigation into the incident, according to a Hawaii News Now report.
The Joint Women's Legislative Caucus and City Council members released the following statement:
"We are calling for a meeting with the Chief of Police, followed by an informational briefing with the Honolulu Police Department and Police Commission. The public has a right to know the department's policies and procedures for response to domestic violence or any other crimes when the offender is a police officer, particularly one who serves in a supervisory role.
"HPD officials must explain to the public why the alleged assailant was not charged and arrested given evidence of probable cause, including multiple witnesses who had to come to the woman's aide and a video surveillance depicting the appalling domestic violence assault.
"It is absolutely unacceptable that HPD officers chose not to enforce our domestic violence laws. The fact that the woman denied the incident is to be expected under the circumstances. Indeed, the responding officers' failure to take action clearly communicated that her safety will not be protected by them. If similar situations have occurred in the past, any victim of violence would deny it out of fear of retaliation.
"This incident sends a dark message to victims of domestic violence and all residents of Oahu, that members of HPD, who are supposed to serve and protect, may turn a blind eye to domestic violence or other criminal acts committed by of one of their officers.
"The integrity of HPD has been mired and trust has been lost. We demand public accountability."
View the news release
Sen. Roz Baker today applauded the administration's release of $19.5 million specified by the Legislature for the acquisition of Lipoa Point at Honolua in West Maui. The land will be preserved as conservation land in perpetuity.
During the 2013 session at the behest of Sen. Baker and Rep. Angus McKelvey, lawmakers passed a bill (HB 1424, Act 241, SLH2013) for the acquisition of lands at Honolua Bay with the intent of protecting it from future development. In January 2014, $500, 000 was released to support activities supporting the land acquisition including title search, property appraisal and boundary surveys.
"Release of these funds means that the State is moving forward with purchasing acreage at Lipoa Point," said Baker. "Rep. McKelvey and I fought to get the Legislature to include $20 million in its budget to fund this acquisition. These are pristine lands threatened by development. As stewards of the aina, we had to make every effort to protect our natural resources for future generations."
"Mahalo to the Governor for recognizing the importance of the timely acquisition of this precious resource to be preserved as conservation land in perpetuity," added Baker. "And congratulations to all who advocated and stood with us to protect Lipoa Point."
Sen. Roz Baker, who represents District 6 - South and West Maui, is pleased to announce that funding identified by the Legislature for a new air conditioning system at Kihei Public Library has been released by the administration. The library will receive $400,000 for construction.
"Improving the conditions of community infrastructure which supports education and literacy is part of the legislature's commitment to the people of Hawaii and my commitment to the people of Kihei," said Baker. "Once construction on replacing the air conditioning is completed, families will have a betterexperience when they go to Kihei Public Library. In addition, modernizing our air conditioning systems brings us up-to-date with energy efficiency. We will see less energy used and more money saved. Air condition for Kihei Public Library and other construction projects identified by my colleagues and I willalso help revitalize our economy by creating jobs that will get our people back to work."
Baker will keep the community informed of the start and timeline of construction as they become known.
Community members are encouraged to contact her at 808-586-6070 or senbaker@capitol.hawaii.gov should questions arise.
The Hawaii State Senate approved on final reading HB1700 CD1, the state supplemental budget bill, which includes over $500 million in capital improvement projects (CIP) for Maui County, which includes the islands of Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i. Senators Roz Baker, J. Kalani English and Gilbert Keith-Agaran worked throughout the legislative session to secure this funding in the budget bill.
"The projects funded in the budget definitely improve the quality of life for our residents," said Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee chair, Senator Rosalyn Baker, who represents District 6 - South and West Maui. "The funding we secured is for upgrades to our hospitals, schools, roads, parks, harbors and airports - all important for our growing community."
"I am committed to ensuring that our bridges, highways, harbors and airports on Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i are safe and worked diligently to secure their funding," said Senator J. Kalani English, Transportation and International Affairs Committee chair, who represents District 7 - Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe. "In the aftermath of the recent airplane tragedies on Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i, it is critical that the state continues such funding."
"Capital improvement projects and grants to Maui's non-profits support our communities by creating valuable facilities and providing important employment opportunities" said Tourism Committee vice-chair, Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran, who represents District 5 - Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului. "These projects are investments in our island's future."
Highlights of CIP funding to Maui County include:
Maui
$6,000,000 UPCOUNTRY MAUI WATERSHED PROJECT, NEW PIPELINE SYSTEM
$6,000,000 UPCOUNTRY MAUI AGRICULTURAL PARK, LAND ACQUISITION, DESIGN AND
CONSTRUCTION
$625,000 MAUI ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER, IMPROVEMENTS AND FACILITY/GROUNDS EXPANSION
$4,000,000 HALE MAHAOLU EWALU, INC, SENIOR AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING CAMPUS AT THE KULAMALU TOWN CENTER SUBDIVISION
$550,000 MAUI ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD, INC.
$140,000 MAUI ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, INC., CONSTRUCTION FOR VARIOUS FACILITIES
$927,532 MAUI FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICE, INC.
$130,000,000 KIHEI HIGH SCHOOL, GROUND AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS
$18,000,000 KING KEKAULIKE HIGH SCHOOL, NEW AUDITORIUM
$750,000 MAUI HIGH SCHOOL, WEIGHT TRAINING AND WRESTLING ROOMS, RENOVATE AND
EXPAND THE BAND/CHOIR BUILDING
$2,500,000 CENTRAL MAUI NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL, NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
$1,500,000 KALAMA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR COVERED PLAY COURT
$700,000 HAIKU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 2 PORTABLECLASSROOMS
$50,000 MAUI HIGH SCHOOL BOOSTER CLUB
$125,000 HUI MALAMA LEARNING CENTER
$75,000 LAHAINA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL, PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
$75,000 NAHIENAENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, CROSSWALK AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
IMPROVEMENTS
$950,000 EASTER SEALS, CONSTRUCTION FOR PHASE 2 OF THE MAUI CAMPUS
$1,500,000 WAIOHULI HAWAIIAN HOMESTEADERS ASSOCIATION, INC., CONSTRUCTION FOR PHASE 2 OF THE WAIOHULI COMMUNITY CENTER AND PARK MASTER PLAN
$4,000,000 PULEHUNUI SITE IMPROVEMENT, PLANS, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION FOR SITE IMPROVEMENTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE OF A MASTER?PLANNED MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT IN PULEHUNUI, MAUI.
$500,000 KA LIMA O MAUI, CONSTRUCTION FOR A NEW PROGRAM, ADMINISTRATIVE AND
SUPPORT FACILITY
$34,600,000 MAUI MEMORIAL?HOSPITAL, NEW PARKING GARAGE
$2,225,000 J. WALTER CAMERON CENTER, FACILITY REPAIRS, RENOVATION AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS
$200,000 HANA HEALTH, PLANS, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION TO REPLACE THREE LARGE
CAPACITY CESSPOOLS
$150,000 HALE MAKUA HEALTH SERVICES, PLANS AND CONSTRUCTION FOR A NEW NURSE CALL SYSTEM
$850,000 MAUI MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER, MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENTS
$2,000,000 MAUI MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER, FACILITY REPAIRS
$2,650,000 KULA HOSPITAL, FACILITY REPAIRS
$500,000 KULA HOSPITAL, CESSPOOL CLOSURES AND INSTALLATION
$2,000,000 MAUI FAMILY YMCA, NEW GYMNASIUM
$1,175,000 MAUI ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY INC, CONSTRUCTION FOR VARIOUS FACILITIES AT THE MEO INC. TRANSPORTATION CENTER SITE
$1,000,000 PULEHUNUI FEASIBILITY STUDY AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING
$2,500,000 WATER TRANSMISSION AND STORAGE FOR UPCOUNTRY MAUI
$9,700,000 CENTRAL MAUI REGIONAL PARK, ESTABLISHMENT OF A REGIONAL PARK
$5,000,000 MAUI OFFICE ANNEX BUILDING, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION FOR A FACILITY TO SUPPORT DEPARTMENTAL OPERATIONS AND PROGRAMS IN CENTRAL MAUI
$800,000 KAANAPALI BEACH RESTORATION AND BERM ENHANCEMENT
$370,000 MAALAEA SMALL BOAT HARBOR, REPLACEMENT OF WOODEN PIERS
$360,000 AHIHI KINAU NATURAL AREA RESERVE KANAHENA PARKING IMPROVEMENT
$250,000 KULA FOREST RESERVE, RECONSTRUCTION/RESURFACING TO EXISTING ACCESS ROADS
$1,500,000 MAUI REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY COMPLEX, NEW COMPLEX
$20,000,000 LIPOA POINT, LAND ACQUISITION
$72,600,000 KIHEI-UPCOUNTRY HIGHWAY, LAND ACQUISITION FOR A NEW TWO?LANE HIGHWAY
$50,000,000 KAHULUI AIRPORT, LAND ACQUISITION
$10,000,000 KAHULUI AIRPORT, ACCESS ROAD
$10,000,000 U'UNENE AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS, KAMEHAMEHA AVENUE TO KUIHELANI HIGHWAY
$6,350,000 HANA AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS, NEW AIRCRAFT RESCUE AND FIRE FIGHTING STATION
$6,000,000 KAHULUI HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS
$3,080,000 TRAFFIC OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING INTERSECTIONS AND HIGHWAY FACILITIES
$2,000,000 GUARDRAIL AND SHOULDER IMPROVEMENTS ON STATE HIGHWAYS
$500,000 PIILANI HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS
$20,500,000 HANA HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS
$100,000 KAHULUI BASEYARD IMPROVEMENTS
$200,000 KIHEI BOAT RAMP, RE?GRADING, LAYING, PATCHING, REMOVAL, AND LINE-STRIPING
$8,500,000 HONOAPILANI HIGHWAY, WIDENING AND/OR REALIGNMENT FROM HONOKOWAI TO LAUNIUPOKO
$5,463,000 HONOAPIILANI HIGHWAY, HONOLUA BRIDGE, REHABILITATION AND/OR REPLACEMENT
$3,000,000 HONOAPIILANI HIGHWAY SHORELINE IMPROVEMENTS, EROSION MITIGATION AND ROADWAY WORK IN VICINITY OF OLOWALU
$2,250,000 HONOAPIILANI HIGHWAY, IMPROVEMENTS FROM UKUMEHAME TO OLOWALU
$2,500,000 HALEAKALA HIGHWAY INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS AT KULA HIGHWAY
$3,250,000 HALEAKALA HIGHWAY, INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS AT MAKAWAO AVENUE
$550,000 HALEAKALA HIGHWAY WIDENING AT MILE POST 0.8
$1,115,000 HANA HIGHWAY, MAKANALI STREAM BRIDGE REHABILITATION AND/OR REPLACEMENT
$1,100,000 HANA HIGHWAY, KAILUA STREAM BRIDGE, REHABILITATION AND/OR REPLACEMENT
$519,000 HANA HIGHWAY, WIDENING, KAAHUMANU AVENUE TO HALEAKALA HIGHWAY
$1,105,000 HANA HIGHWAY, KOPILIULA STREAM BRIDGE, REHABILITATION AND/OR REPLACEMENT
$1,000,000 HANA HIGHWAY, MOKULEHUA STREAM BRIDGE, REHABILITATION AND/OR
REPLACEMENT
$950,000 HANA HIGHWAY, ULAINO STREAM BRIDGE, REHABILITATION AND/OR REPLACEMENT
$910,000 HANA HIGHWAY, PUOHOKAMOA STREAM BRIDGE, REHABILITATION AND/OR REPLACEMENT
$1,545,000 HANA HIGHWAY/KAAHUMANU AVENUE BEAUTIFICATION, DAIRY ROAD TO NANILOA OVERPASS
$2,700,000 MAUI FOOD INNOVATION CENTER, PLANS, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION FOR THE MAUI FOOD INNOVATION CENTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII, MAUI COLLEGE
$1,800,000 HOAPILI HALE, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION FOR EXTERIOR REMEDIAL IMPROVEMENTS
$600,000 HOAPILI HALE, EXHAUST MONITORING AND VENTILATION SYSTEMS UPGRADES
TOTAL: $486,984,532
Moloka‘i:
$2,200,000 MOLOKAI IRRIGATION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
$1,750,000 MOLOKAI HOMESTEAD FARMERS ALLIANCE, REPAIRS, IMPROVEMENTS AND INSTALLATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS FOR THE LANIKEHA CENTER
$400,000 MOLOKAI ATHLETIC COMPLEX, PLANS, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF GYM, FOOTBALL FIELD, TENNIS COURTS AND BASEBALL FIELD
$1,000,000 GUARDRAIL AND SHOULDER IMPROVEMENTS ON STATE HIGHWAYS
$500,000 MOLOKAI OHANA HEALTH CENTER, RENOVATION AND RELOCATION
$521,000 KALAUPAPA SETTLEMENT IMPROVEMENTS, CLOSE LANDFILLS AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS
$599,000 KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY, MAKAKUPAIA STREAM BRIDGE, REHABILITATION AND/OR REPLACE
$2,250,000 MAUI COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MOLOKAI EDUCATION CENTER
Total: $9,220,000
Lānai:
$1,750,000 LANAI COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, NEW FACILITY
Kaho‘olawe:
$2,500,000 KAHOOLAWE ISLAND RESERVE, PLANS, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM AT BASECAMP
MAUI COUNTY GRAND TOTAL: $500,454,532
Maui's Kahului Airport will receive $305,500,000 in capital improvement projects (CIP) funding appropriated by the legislature. Governor Neil Abercrombie released funds for the construction of a new multi-level consolidated car rental facility and roadway improvements at Kahului Airport.
The car rental facility will include a customer service building, quick turnaround, ready return vehicle parking spaces, four 15,000-gallon fuel storage tanks, a people mover system to and from the terminal, site improvements, roadway connections to airport terminal roadways, additional employee parking spaces and potential flat-plate, non-reflective photovoltaic panels. A new access road to the facility will run from Hana Highway to Airport Loop Road.
"Residents and visitors alike will see improvements in customer service as the new car rental facility will streamline the car rental process," said Senator Roz Baker, who represents South and West Maui. "Airport modernization is good for Maui and the State, and projects like this will certainly improve our tourism industry."
"Right now customers have to drive through the terminal roadway system to get to the existing rental car facilities, causing congestion in front of the terminals," said Senator J. Kalani English, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, who represents Hāna, east and upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i and Kaho‘olawe. "A new access road from Hana Highway to Airport Loop will help to alleviate traffic congestion at the airport."
"I'm glad the governor released funds appropriated by the legislature for this large and important project that benefits all of Maui," said Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran, who represents Wailuku, Waihe'e, and Kahului. "It will create more local construction jobs, stimulate the economy, and improve the overall customer experience for residents and visitors. I am looking forward to work on this project breaking ground."
Sen. Roz Baker and other state lawmakers join the Easter Bunny, House staffer Nandana Kalupahana, to present more than 100 donated Easter baskets full of essential household items to The Institute for Human Services (IHS) to help families in need. (Photo Courtesy of Senate Communications)
The Women's Legislative Caucus today donated more than 100 Easter baskets full of essential household items to The Institute for Human Services (IHS) to help families in need.
Baskets filled with laundry soap, utensils, dishes, toiletries, towels, and school supplies will benefit clients who get help and support in transitioning out of homelessness. The items in the baskets will be a nice welcome for the families and individuals who are just starting off in a permanent home.
"The Caucus has been doing these drives for about 10 years now," said Senator Roz Baker (D - South and West Maui). "Community support really helps nonprofits like IHS. We're so grateful to everyone who took the time to make these beautiful baskets and share aloha with those in need."
The Women's Legislative Caucus is a bipartisan organization which consists of the women Senators and women members of the House of Representatives. The Caucus works closely with women's organizations and concerned individuals across the State, as well as with the Governor, state agencies and other legislators to advocate for programs and services that benefit women.
For information on how you can organize a food, toiletry, clothing or other drive for IHS, email drives@ihs-hawaii.org.
Senators opened their doors for an evening at the capitol "museum" during the 6th annual Art at the Capitol event on Friday, April 4 from 4:30 - 7 p.m. Each senator brings a distinct perspective to the decor of their offices through the personalization of their walls according to interest and taste. The works of art are placed in public areas of the Capitol as part of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts' "Art in Public Places" program, which was established in 1967, and was the first program of its kind in the nation.
In Sen. Roz Bakers' office you will find an oil painting by Kenneth Bushnell called "Gothic Kite #1," an acrylic painting from a local artist completed in 1975.
"I chose this painting because I found it to be a soothing display of favorite colors," said Baker. "It reminds me of the connection and flow that we can relate to in working through the legislative process."
"The works of art in my office represent my district and our state and I look forward to sharing them with the public each year," she added.
Visit Art at the Capitol's Facebook page and follow on Instagram.
On March 17, 2014 the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held an informational briefing to receive an update from the Hawai‘i Health Connector, the Insurance Commissioner and the Governor's Healthcare Transformation Coordinator regarding Connector operations and Hawaii's implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with significant deadlines ahead including the end of the individual open enrollment period on March 31, 2014. The Hawai‘i Health Connector focused on plan enrollment, improvements to IT operations, discussions about sustainability, and recent Federal guidance that affects Connector operations.
The Insurance Commissioner discussed the impact of recent changes to ACA, the opportunities presented to individuals and small businesses as well as the significance of the open enrollment period.
The Healthcare Transformation Coordinator outlined state agency stakeholder actions that affect ACA implementation in Hawai‘i.
The following individuals were invited to participate:
1. Tom Matsuda, Interim Executive Director, Hawai‘i Health Connector
2. Gordon Ito, Insurance Commissioner, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
3. Beth Giesting, Healthcare Transformation Coordinator, Office of the Governor
View the presentation materials.
The Hawai‘i State Senate yesterday honored Maui's Mason Aquino in a special floor presentation as one of five finalists for the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i Youth of the Year. At a luncheon later that day, Mason was named as the Youth of the Year.
The annual award is a premier recognition program for exemplary Club members who give back to their community, achieve academic success and display strong moral character.
"Mason's leadership, resilience against adversity, academic achievement and commitment to his community is an inspiration to his peers," said Sen. Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, who represents Wailuku, Waihe‘e, and Kahului.
"The Boys and Girls Club on Maui really does contribute so much to our community, including influencing keiki to achieve great things," said Sen. Rosalyn Baker, who represents South and West Maui. "It shows in the next generation of leaders like Mason."
"We're so proud of Mason and all of his success," added Sen. J. Kalani English, who represents Hāna, east and upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i and Kaho‘olawe. "He exemplifies the essence of the Boys & Girls Club and serves as an excellent role model to other keiki."
(Photos courtesy of Senate Communications)
Maui's Senate delegation join Keone Kali flanked by his parents for a photo after a floor vote confirming Kali as CIO of the Hawai‘i Office of Information Management and Technology. (Photo Courtesy of Sen. J. Kalani English)
The Senate today confirmed Keone Kali as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Hawai‘i Office of Information Management and Technology. Kali previously served as the State's Deputy CIO for operations and was appointed by Governor Neil Abercrombie to fill outgoing CIO Sanjeev Bhagowalia's position when he was appointed as Chief Advisor for Technology and Cyber-Security. Kali also served as the Director of Information Technology and acting Chief Technology Officer for the Pacific Disaster Center on Maui and the CIO for the City of Beverly Hills.
"I am pleased that my colleagues joined me in confirming Keone Kali as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the State of Hawai‘i," said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents Hāna, east and upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i and Kaho‘olawe. "With nearly twenty years of experience in information technology, business development and management, I believe that Kali is the best person to lead the State's 12-year technology plan to modernize its IT systems."
"Kali has a proven record of success," said Senator Roz Baker, who represents South and West Maui. "I have no doubt that under Kali's leadership, the State will improve the delivery of government programs and services to the people of Hawai‘i."
"Kali has the experience and skills needed to propel the State's e-gov goals," Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran, who represents Wailuku, Waihe‘e, and Kahului. "Embracing new technologies will improve government services and increase its accessibility to Hawai‘i's residents."
The plan also emphasizes open government, a concept that has been the centerpiece of Bhagowalia's IT career. It will reinforce the state's e-gov goals by improving mobile and online access to all government services, and the planning for it all will involve the people who actually do the separate jobs throughout the government.
The Hawai‘i State Senate today recognized Anthony Kamaka‘eu Williams in a special presentation on the chamber's floor for being named the 2014 Maui School District Teacher of the Year. Williams is a fourth grade Hawaiian language immersion teacher at Pā‘ia Elementary School. Williams was one of seven District Teacher of the Year recipients and will receive a monetary award from the Polynesian Cultural Center and gifts of instructional software from SMART Technologies for this honor.
"I commend Kumu Kamaka‘eu for this great honor. His passion for the Hawaiian language and teaching students is inspirational to all educators," said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents Hāna, east and upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i and Kaho‘olawe. "Just 30 years ago, the Hawaiian language was close to becoming extinct. The Hawaiian language lives on thanks to committed teachers such as Kumu Kamaka‘eu who have dedicated their lives to the Hawaiian Immersion Program."
"Congratulations to Kumu Kamaka‘eu," said Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran, who represents Wailuku, Waihe‘e, and Kahului. "In addition to classroom education in Hawaii, Kumu Kamaka‘eu leads extracurricular activities in order to provide a Hawaiian language environment to students outside of the school day. It is truly encouraging to see educators so invested in our keiki."
"This is a well-deserved accolade for Kumu Kamaka‘eu. He is an extraordinary educator who was also voted Maui Hawaiian Immersion Teacher of the Year in 2012," said Senator Roz Baker, who represents South and West Maui. "Kumu Kamaka‘eu plays an important role in keeping the Hawaiian language alive as well as maintaining the rigors of the Common Core standards. I admire his dedication to students and the community."
The Senate and House commerce and consumer protection, health, and human services committees will be holding an informational briefing to receive an update from the Hawai`i Health Connector and various state agencies regarding implementation of Hawaii's insurance exchange and other matters relating to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
The briefing will be held on Wednesday, Oct 9, 2013, in Hawai‘i State Capitol Conference Room 329 at 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
"This informational briefing provides us with an opportunity to come together to discuss the progress and challenges being faced by the Hawai‘i Health Connector following its October 1 launch," said Senator Roz Baker, chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection. "Like many health insurance marketplaces across the nation the Connector is working hard to provide information and services to the public about their health insurance choices. We want to see how the system is doing and examine other issues that impact Hawaii's health care consumers."
"There are a myriad of issues that have arisen due to the interplay between the Affordable Care Act and Hawaii's Prepaid Health Care Act," said Representative Angus McKelvey, chair of the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce. "By engaging in a constructive discussion between the stakeholders and their respective counterparts we can better identify and address these issues."
The following individuals have been invited to participate:
• Coral Andrews, Executive Director, Hawai‘i Health Connector
• Gordon Ito, Insurance Commissioner, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
• Tom Matsuda, ACA Implementation Manager, Officer of the Governor
• Ed Wang, Prepaid Health Care Program Chief, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
• Dr. Kenny Fink, Administrator, Med-Quest Division, Department of Human Services
The Hawai‘i Health Connector is the online health insurance marketplace for Hawai‘i. A non-profit organization, the Connector was established by the Hawai‘i State Legislature in 2011 (Act 205), in order to comply with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. The Connector's insurance marketplace program launched earlier this month.
This informational briefing will be broadcasted by Capitol TV.
No public testimony will be accepted.
For more information, please click here to see the Notice of Informational Briefing.
View the media release.
Governor Neil Abercrombie today signed into law a measure to establish a Emergency Medical Services Special Response Vehicle (SRV) in Ma‘alaea, Maui.
Senate Bill 498, relating to emergency medical services, appropriates $600,000 in FY 2013-2014 to create a twenty-four-hour, seven days-a-week, SRV unit based in Ma‘alaea, Maui.
"The establishment of an SRV unit based in Ma‘alaea will have a significant impact on the lives of our Maui residents, improving response times and health outcomes," said Senator Roz Baker, who represents Senate District 6, encompassing south and west Maui. "Equipped with all the appropriate life-saving, emergency response equipment and staffed by advanced life support trained paramedics, this vehicle will allow faster response times when resident ambulances are out of the district or called to remote areas. This unit is vital to stabilizing patients in the initial stage of injury, illness or cardiac arrest and will ultimately save lives in south and west Maui."
"The addition of this rapid response vehicle in Ma‘alaea will expand EMS and benefit more than just this community," said Speedy Bailey, General Manager for American Medical Response Hawaii.
"This specialized paramedic unit will provide rapid, cutting-edge advanced life support and medical incident command for Ma‘alaea and the surrounding areas," said David Kingdon, Paramedic with Maui County EMS and Instructor with the University of Hawaii. "The addition of this important EMS resource will greatly enhance our ability to adapt to the growing and changing needs of our community."
Population growth in west and south Maui has increased significantly over the years, corresponding with a steady increase of approximately 1,000 emergency medical services-related phone calls per year. The population growth, in concert with increases in call volume, has impacted the timely response capabilities of the two ambulances that serve residents in these districts, especially if emergency medical services must respond from an "out-of-district" location. The new Ma‘alaea-based SRV unit will support the two ambulances already servicing Maui, helping to reduce death and disability among residents and visitors on the island.
View the media release.
During the 2012 Education Week, Maui Senators had the opportunity to share their legislative experience with a student shadow from the Kamehameha Schools Maui Campus. Participating in this year's "Ask Your Senator" project, Ka‘ili Mossman, a junior at Kamehameha Schools Maui, submitted a question to the Maui Senators:
"I understand that some states have a term limit. Why doesn't Hawaii have one?"
Click here for a review of the conference on the Mortgage Servicing Settlement.
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| From L to R: Isla Young, Maui President of Business and Professional Women; Senator Roz Baker; Chelsea K.E. Fernandez (Photo courtesy of the Office of Senator Kidani) |
(Photo courtesy of the Office of Senator Kidani) |
Click here for the Discussion of the Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force 2012 Report.
The complete Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force report is available for download at: http://lrbhawaii.info/reports/legrpts/2012/mort.pdf.
Senator Rosalyn Baker recently traveled to Washington D.C. to accept the National Distinguished Advocacy Award. The award is the most prestigious honor given by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in recognition of the Senator's years of relentless commitment to strong public health and tobacco control policies.
(L to R: Cory Chun, American Cancer Society Hawai‘i Pacific, Government Relations Director; Hawai‘i State Senator Roz Baker; Bernie Sakoda, from Kaua‘i, State Lead Ambassador; Mia Ako, from Kaua‘i, Ambassador Constituent Team (ACT) Lead 2; and, Keahu Matsumoto, Oahu, ACT Lead 1 at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Leadership Summit, National Distinguished Advocacy Award breakfast in Washington D.C.)
Mortgage Foreclosure (Act 48) - Reforms our foreclosure laws and provides a process for Hawai‘i homeowners to meet with their lenders face-to-face to try and save their homes from foreclosure and work out a mutually acceptable solution. The mortgage foreclosure dispute resolution program uses trained neutrals to facilitate communication between the parties to maximize the likelihood of a successful outcome. The program is administered by the State's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs with assistance from the State Judiciary's Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution. Although some lenders seem to want to disregard our laws, we believe the transparency, notice and consumer protection provisions of the law will assist homeowners whether in a judicial or non-judicial foreclosure action. For further information regarding this legislation and the resolution program, please visit the DCCA website for more information.
Please click here to review some of our community projects as well as important legislation that passed during our 2011 Legislative Session.
Please click here to review some of our community projects as well as important legislation that passed during our 2011 Legislative Session.
On July 6, 2011, Governor Neil Abercrombie signed SB1520 into law which recognizes Native Hawaiians as the "only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli population" of these islands. The new law creates a commission of qualified members to take the first steps in creating a Native Hawaiian government entity and supports efforts of our Congressional delegation to achieve federal recognition. Senator Rosalyn Baker was proud to be among the 23 ayes in the Senate to send SB1520 to the Governor. (Photo courtesy of Senate Communications)
Senate Bill 219 protects female inmates and their unborn babies. The measure prohibits the physical and mechanical restraint, including shackling and handcuffing, of inmates who are pregnant or in postpartum recovery. The bill, which went into effect upon approval, was a part of the Legislative Women's Caucus package. Senator Baker, a member of the Legislative Women's Caucus, was a co-introducer along with lead sponsor, Senator Jill Tokuda. (Photo courtesy of Senate Communications)
Senate Bill 892, addresses the provisions in the Hawaii Revised Statutes regarding service animals that are either obsolete or inconsistent with federal law. By updating our laws, owners will be able to acquire new rights and properly protect those that had been offered before. The bill, introduced by Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, went into effect upon approval. Senator Baker is a member of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Military Affairs and Government Operations, the lead committee approving this measure. Senator Baker is a longtime advocate for Hawaii's deaf and blind community. (Photo courtesy of Senate Communications)
From a recent PUC decision to open inter-island shipping lines to Pasha, the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held an informational briefing to gather more information on the impact of the decision. The briefing was well attended by many Neighbor Island business people. Please follow the link to read the article in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser:
"A recent state decision to open up regulated interisland shipping to competition might cause shipping rates to rise and service to fall, according to about 30 neighbor island business representatives who spoke yesterday at a Legislative briefing..."
The Senate convened in a special session to consider Governor Lingle's nomination of Katherine Leonard as the Chief Justice of Hawaii's Supreme Court. The Senate did not confirm this nominee and the following floor speech outlines Senator Baker's position on this nominee:
"Madam President, it is with regret and some sadness that I find I must rise in opposition to Governor's Message No. 4, the nomination of Katherine Leonard as Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court... By all accounts, she has been an able jurist during her short tenure on the Intermediate Court of Appeals. She is deemed very bright, writes well, and is considered a very capable legal analyst. But Madam President, the duties and responsibilities of the Chief Justice require more than just having a good legal mind..." Read more
The Pacific Business News today published the following article on Act 182, the Permitted Transfers in Trust Act:
"A new state law allows for the establishment of a type of trust that lawmakers hope will boost Hawaii's financial sector by attracting millions of dollars for its asset management business.
Backers of Senate Bill 2842, now Act 182, said the intent of the measure is to offer incentives to high-net-worth individuals throughout the United States and globally to transfer at least part of their liquid net worth into Hawaii for asset and trust management..." View full article
Sustainability is on the minds of all in the state. Senators participated in a pilot paperless effort, reducing their consumption by millions of pages. As a result, all public documents are now available online. Read more