HPD CHIEF CANCELS MEETING WITH HAWAII WOMEN'S LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS AND WOMEN HONOLULU CITY COUNCILMEMBERS

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

Hawaii Women's Legislative Caucus calls for accountability of HPD in extreme domestic violence case involving its officers

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

LAWMAKERS HIGHLIGHT NEED FOR MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND STATEWIDE COORDINATION AT INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING WITH STATE AND CITY AGENCIES

With the shortage of affordable housing options for the moderate income workforce, Hawaii lawmakers today held a joint Senate and House informational briefing to learn more about affordable housing needs in Hawaii.

Senators and representatives heard from various government agencies to learn about the status of existing and planned affordable housing projects, and their plans to address the growing need for affordable housing as the state's population and housing demands increase.

"We convened this informational briefing because there's an urgent need for affordable housing," said Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, chair of the Senate Committee on Human Services. "And it's necessary that we get everyone involved at each level and at the same table to discuss where we are at, what we are doing and what needs to be done to meet the housing needs of Hawaii's residents."

In 2011, the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) released the Hawaii Housing Planning Study which revealed 50,000 new units needed to be built between 2012 and 2016 to meet demands. Of that number, based on HUD income guidelines, about 19,000 are needed for household incomes of 80 percent of area median income (AMI) and below. (This is $43,250 for 1-person household, and $61,750 for 4-person household). HHFDC has procured a new updated study that will be released later this year.

"Hawaii's workforce deserves to live in housing they can afford," said Rep. Mark Hashem, chair of the House Committee on Housing. "Nearly half of Hawaii's homeless population are working persons who are unable to afford steady permanent housing. In addition to addressing the housing shortage for those at AMI, we also need to ensure there is enough help for hard-working low-income individuals to obtain housing units."

During the briefing, lawmakers questioned the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) about reserved housing requirements for workforce housing in the Kakaako district.

"Our constituents remain concerned that developers are reserving affordable housing units at the 140% of AMI mark, which is not reasonable for many of Hawaii's working population," said Chun Oakland. "HCDA needs to be doing more to address the housing needs of the people at 100% of AMI and below."

Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Government Operations and Housing, questioned the siloed approach to planning for affordable housing projects for transit oriented development (TOD).

"It seems like all agencies have their own plan and no one is working together," said Dela Cruz. "Instead of this siloed approach to workforce housing in relation to TOD, there must be an overall statewide approach. There's going to be housing located around the various TOD stations. Why are we not working together?"

This past session, the legislature created a TOD Working Group to bring together all major players to plan for the future in a comprehensive and succinct way.

Sen. Will Espero, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs, expounded on the effect veterans returning home will have on Hawaii's housing needs in the future.

"Our veterans fought for our nation's principles of freedom and liberty and deserve to raise their families in housing they can afford," said Senator Will Espero, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs. "As our veterans return home, we need to ensure they have access to services to ensure a smooth transition back to civilian life."

Other issues related to affordable housing discussed included the growing number of people on the waitlist of public housing and Hawaiian homelands. In public housing, there is approximately 30,000 people waitlisted (using three people per family as the average). That is about 10,000 families on the waitlist. For Hawaiian homelands, 26,926 applicants are waitlisted and 43,080 applicants are pending.

During the 2014 Legislative Session, lawmakers approved measures to help with affordable housing. They include:

SB2542 (Act 163) - Restores the allocation of conveyance tax collections to the rental housing trust fund to 50% beginning July 1, 2014. It is estimated that this law will generate $33,100,000 for the Rental Housing Trust Fund, which is used to leverage funds for the building of affordable housing units.

HB2251 (Act 162) - Increases the Hula Mae Multifamily Revenue Bond authorization limit from $750 million to $1 billion. The program will help first-time buyers afford a 30-year mortgage at a competitive rate and provides down payment assistance. There's a high demand for this type of financing and in 2013 the total dollar value of requests exceeded the amount available. Increasing this amount will allow for the continuation of development and preservation of affordable housing for lower income households.

The following government agencies who provided testimony include Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA), Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA), Department of Defense, City and County of Honolulu's Office of Housing.

See all of the briefing material here.

20th Annual Children and Youth Day Honors Hawaii's Keiki

The 20th Annual Children and Youth Day will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will take place on the grounds of the Hawaii State Capitol and its surrounding areas, Iolani Palace grounds, Punchbowl Street, the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, Kalanimoku Building grounds, and The Frank F. Fasi Civic Center.

Children, teens and families will have the chance to enjoy over 150 interactive, educational, and fun activities sponsored by community organizations. They will also be able to learn about the services and programs that are committed to keeping children and youth in their community excited about learning and exploring their talents and interests while keeping them healthy and safe. In addition, there will be six main stages of great entertainment and more than a dozen food vendors.

Other highlights include:
•   BrushBots Workshop
•   Sports activities (Spike 'n Serve Volleyball, Honolulu Bulls Soccer, U.S.T.A Tennis, and Hawaii State Jr. Prep. Football Clinic)
•   Aerospace activities in the State Capitol Auditorium on the Chamber Level of the Capitol
•   Pre-natal and early learning activities for infants, toddlers, and pregnant moms
•   Sustainability and recycling activities
•   Guinness Book of World Records World's Largest Heart at 2:00pm
•   Social entrepreneurship activities
•   Guided tours of Iolani Palace, The Governor's Office, and King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center
•   Dozens of rides and bouncers (Thor's Mountain, Mad Twister, Bungee Trampoline, Wild One Obstacle Course, Crazy Mountain, Trains, and Mad Hatter Climbing Wall)
•   Oversized displays and demonstrations (HFD's Keiki House, Ancient World of Europe, Ancient Warriors of Asia, Samadha Aerial Acrobatics, Martial Arts, State Sheriffs, Honolulu Police Department's K-9 Unit and Solo Bike, Hawaii Civil Air Patrol Glider, American Medical Response Ambulance, and car displays promoting safe driving)

"Twenty years since its inauguration, Children and Youth Day has blossomed into a wonderful and meaningful celebration of Hawaii's keiki," said Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, the event's chair. "Hawaii's children are an important and precious part of our lives. I highly encourage everyone to attend this year's event and help us honor our children and youth. A big mahalo to our generous sponsors and over 4,000 volunteers who helped make this event possible."

FREE PARKING will be available at all neighboring State and County public parking lots, Central Middle School, Board of Water Supply Parking Lot, and Alapai Transit Center Parking.

Last year, about 50,000 people attended the event, which has grown to become one of the largest community celebrations in the State since its inception. Children and Youth Day was established by law in 1993 as the first Sunday of every October. The event kicks off Children & Youth Month, which was established by law in 1997. For more information, please call Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland's office at (808)586-6130, e-mail cyd@thepaf.org, or go to www.HawaiiCYD.org.

Safe Places for Youth Mini Conferences Held at State Capitol

One hundred and fifty children and youth advocates gathered at the State Capitol today to attend a Safe Places for Youth Mini Conference. The conference provided an opportunity for members of the community to discuss the concept of the State's "Safe Places for Youth" initiative and receive community outreach and training.

Children, youth and community advocates identified the provision of "Safe Places for Youth" as a top priority during the 2012 Children and Youth Submit. As a result, Hawaii is embarking on an initiative designed to provide a network of safe places statewide where children and youth can seek help in a timely and supportive manner.

"Today's conference provided a great opportunity for members of our community to continue to discuss and build on our efforts to develop a network of places where youth can access safety and services," said Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, Co-Convener of the Keiki Caucus. "Protecting our youth from vulnerable situations, whether at home, school, or on the streets, is a top priority. Safe Places would give our youth a secure location to turn to when they need it most."

Senate Bill (SB) 391 and House Bill (HB) 395, relating to youth, were two measures introduced during the 2013 Legislative Session to help establish safe places for youth.

SB 391 requires the office of youth services to coordinate a two-year safe places for youth pilot program to establish a network of safe places where youth can access safety and services. It also establishes the position of safe places for youth program coordinator.

HB 395 requires the Office of Youth Services to coordinate a Safe Places for Youth Pilot Program to coordinate a network that youth may access for safety and where they may obtain advice, guidance, programs, and services. Additionally, the measure provides that in awarding custody and visitation of a minor child, the court shall consider the preference that custody be awarded to both parents to ensure maximum continuing physical, emotional, and meaningful contact with both parents.

Although neither measure made it through conference, both can still be acted on in the 2014 Legislative Session.

"This is an exciting community effort," said Chun Oakland. "This is a good plan and a valuable program. We will continue to work hard to pass supportive legislation this upcoming session."

Today's event was hosted by the Hawaii State Legislature's Keiki Caucus, Office of Youth Services, Hawaii State Student Council, and Hawaii Youth Services Network. View the media release.

Governor Signs Measures to Support Hawaii's Kupuna

Governor Neil Abercrombie today signed into law several measures central to the continued support and protection of Hawaii's kupuna.

"I am appreciative to the Governor for signing these priority measures," said Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, chair of the Senate Committee on Human Services and co-convener of the Hawaii State Legislature's Kupuna Caucus. "As Hawaii's population ages, it remains incumbent upon us to offer the programs and tools necessary to make certain that our parents and grandparents are well taken care of. The enactment of these bills shows the State's continued dedication to serving Hawaii's kupuna, ensuring that they can continue to thrive."

House Bill (HB) 529, relating to care homes, requires all operators of adult foster homes, assisted living facilities, and expanded adult residential care homes to obtain and maintain a sufficient amount of liability insurance with respect to their operations.

HB 120, relating to health, requires the Department of Health to post on its website reports of all inspections at state-licensed care facilities occurring on or after January 1, 2015. It also establishes a Working Group on Licensed Care Facilities.

SB 106, relating to aging, establishes and funds a position for an Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Services Coordinator. The measure also appropriates funds for programs and services that support the State's elderly population, including Kupuna Care and Health Aging Partnership and establishes the Task Force on Mobility Management.

HB 398, relating to human services, establishes a working group to review issues relating to the transition of oversight of home and community-based facilities from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Health. The working group is required to submit a report prior to the 2014 Regular Session.

SB 102, relating to elderly, requires financial institutions to report instances of suspected financial abuse of an elder directly to the appropriate county police department and the Department of Human Services.

View the media release.

Site Visit to Kokua Kalihi Valley

On May 3, 2013, Senator Chun Oakland along with Senator Ruderman, Vice Speaker Mizuno and Councilmember Fukunaga and other community advocates took a tour of Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services (KKV) to experience the broad array of comprehensive and holistic health care services provided to the Valley's low-income Asian and Pacific Island immigrant population.

KKV serves over 10,000 community members each year and through its programs and activities strives to create healthy environments in which relationships can flourish. The mission of KKV is to work toward healing, reconciliation and the alleviation of suffering in Kalihi Valley by serving communities, families and individuals through strong relationships that honor culture and foster health and harmony. Visit www.KKV.net to find out more about Kokua Kalihi Valley.

"The People's Pulse" (Summer 2012)

The Hawaii Business Roundtable and the Pacific Resource Partnership have released their Summer 2012 edition of "The People's Pulse", a periodic public opinion newsletter based upon telephone tracking studies conducted by the OmniTrak Group.

This edition of "The People's Pulse" includes findings from a survey of 701 residents conducted between May 3-21, 2012. Among the highlights of the survey are:

 1. Hawaii Resident Confidence Jumps
 2. Public Education: Career Readiness
 3. Education: State-Funded Early Learning
 4. Education: Redeveloping Public Schools

Visit the Hawaii Business Roundtable's website to view this report.

Governor Signs Bill to Support Long-Term Care Facilities

Today Governor Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill (SB) 2466, Relating to Long-Term Care Facilities, into law. The measure establishes the nursing facility sustainability program special fund.

The revenue generated by SB 2466 will ensure that long-term care facilitates in Hawaii will be compensated for their services to Medicaid patients and the uninsured. This measure also will assist the State and the Department of Human Services in maintaining and providing medical assistance to those in need.

"Long-term care facilitates in Hawaii have faced major financial challenges in providing quality health care for our residents," said Senate Committee on Human Services Chair Suzanne Chun Oakland. "These challenges have been largely a result of payments to Medicaid enrollees for care not covered by the actual cost of care. This measure will help to improve the quality of life for Hawaii's residents by making certain that Medicaid recipients have access to health care."
View the media release.

Liliha Town Hall Meeting held at Lanakila Elementary School

On April 16, 2012, Senator Chun Oakland participated as a panelist to share her experience on the Legislative Proposals regarding Hawaii Medical Center (HMC) East with residents of Liliha. Mahalo to Representative Corinne Ching for organizing this town hall meeting. (Photos courtesy: John-Marlo Ting)

Building Ready States: A Governor's Guide to Supporting a Comprehensive, High-Quality Early Childhood State Systems.

This report by the NGA Center offers six policy strategies governors can use to build and nurture a comprehensive, high-quality early childhood system including:

• Coordinate early childhood governance through a state early childhood advisory council (ECAC);
• Build an integrated professional development system;
• Implement a quality rating and improvement system (QRIS);
• Develop a longitudinal and coordinated early childhood data system;
• Align comprehensive early learning guidelines and standards for children from birth to age 8 with K-3 content standards; and
• Integrate federal, state and private funding sources.

(Description from the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices)

Visit NGA.org to view the full report.

Building Strong Systems of Support for Young Children's Mental Health

Key Strategies for States and a Planning Tool
Authors: Sheila Smith, Shannon Stagman, Susan Blank, Christine Ong, and Kendra McDow
Publication Date: June 2011

This report describes key strategies for creating a comprehensive system of supports for young children's mental health and provides examples from states using these strategies. It also includes a tool that state planners can use to assess progress and plan steps toward building a strong system of early childhood mental health supports. (Description from the National Center for Children in Poverty)

Visit NCCP.org to view the full report.

Governor Signs Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness Bill into Law

Governor Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill 2804 into law on June 8, 2012. The measure establishes the Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness under the Department of Human Services. The Council will identify critical strategic goals and initiatives that would mitigate homelessness as well as ensure that homeless persons obtain permanent housing and become reintegrated into the community.

"I am glad that the Governor signed this bill into law to further help one of the most vulnerable populations in our State. Because Homelessness is a multifaceted and complex matter, one of the functions of the Council is to work collaboratively with various organizations to find ways we can better serve and assist individuals and families," said Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, chair of the Senate Committee on Human Services.

Under the law, the Department of Human Services is required to conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing safe havens in Hawaii and to submit a report to the Legislature prior to the convening of the 2013 Regular Session. The law goes into effect on July 1, 2012.

The Governor also named Colin C. Kippen as the new Coordinator on Homelessness today.
View the media release.

Student Advocates Honored for Helping Hawaii "Play it Safe"

Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland joined Lt. Governor Brian Schatz and Rotarian Dave Hamil in a ceremony recognizing winners of this year's "Play It Safe" Safety and Nutrition Awareness Poster Contest. The event was held in the Governor's Ceremonial Room on May 16, 2012.

Sponsored annually by the Play It Safe International Program, the contest seeks to educate students from preschool through third grade on the importance of safety awareness and prevention.

"The Play it Safe International Program has greatly expanded safety awareness through the education of children," said Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, who serves as the advisory chairperson for the Play It Safe International Program here in Hawaii. "Through being educated at an early age on the importance of health and safety awareness prevention, Hawaii's youngsters are being protected from the potential hazards and risks encountered during the course of their daily lives."

This year, eleven elementary school student award winners were presented with Certificates of Recognition by the Twenty-Sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii for their poster designs and advocacy of youth safety. During the ceremony Lt. Governor Schatz also provided a proclamation, signed by the Governor and himself, proclaiming May 16, 2012 as Play it Safe Day in the State of Hawaii.

Others in attendance included Lani Moo, members of the Hawaii State Sheriffs, Honolulu Police Department, Rotary Club of Waikiki, and Assistance League of Hawaii.

The winners of this year's poster contest include:

Award	Winner's Name	School
Overall Winner	Kacey Yamane	Nuuanu Elementary
Child Safety & Nutrition Winner	Jayan Francis A. Cornelio	August Ahrens Elementary
School Winner	Ashlyn Chang	Nuuanu Elementary
School Winner	Gwen Edades	Likelike Elementary
School Winner	Penicia Pene	Pohakea Elementary
School Winner	Kayla Abalos	Kapunahala Elementary
School Winner	Kaili Afoa	Palisades Elementary
School Winner	Keyt Franzez Agcaoli	Ewa Elementary
School Winner	Mateo Alvarez	Mokapu Elementary
School Winner	Aaron Ramos	August Ahrens Elementary
School Winner	Elle Ishihara	Manoa Elementary

Traffic and Transportation Town Hall Meeting Presentations

These two presentations (in pdf format) are provided by the State Department of Transportation and City Department of Transportation Services. They outline major projects/changes affecting streets in and around Senate District 13. The presentations are from the Traffic and Transportation Town Hall Meeting held on 1/10/12 at Likelike Elementary School.

Click here to view the State Department of Transportation presentation
Click here to view the City Department of Transportation Services presentation

Youth Recognized for Play It Safe Safety Poster Contest

Senate and House Hold Info Briefing on Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation

Pictures captured by Honolulu Pulse during the 2011 Children and Youth Day

View photos on HonoluluPulse.com

"Ke Kumu Wai"

Summer 2010 Newsletter - "It is with sincere gratitude that I express my appreciation to everyone in State Senate District 13 and across the State of Hawaii who have helped make this a productive legislative session. I am deeply moved and humbled by the community's efforts to provide valuable input to help us move past this difficult time in our state's history.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to my legislative colleagues and support staff. The Legislature passed significant legislation this year. Kupuna services, children's health and safety, public education, energy, food security, economic development, affordable housing, homeless services, and support to businesses were among our numerous priorities..." -Senator Chun Oakland