March 2020 COVID-19 Update

•	Symptoms of COVID-19
•	How Does it Spread?
•	Personal Healthy Habits to Help Prevent the Spread
•	How to Prepare for Lockdown

Click here to read the March 2020 COVID-19 Update.

March 2020 Newsletter

• A Message from Gil
• Photos of Senate Events
• Coronavirus Update
• The ALICE Model
• Notable Bills Crossed from the Senate to the House

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January 2020 Newsletter

• A Message from Gil
• Opening Day at the Legislature
• State of the State Address
• Myanmar Anti-Corruption Commission
• Notable Bills Introduced by Senator Keith-Agaran

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December 2019 Newsletter

• A Message from Gil
• Maui Site Visit
• Community Survey

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2019 End of Session Newsletter

Click here to read the 2019 End of Session Newsletter.

March 2019 Newsletter

• A Message from Gil
• Photos of Senate Events
• Notable Senate Bills Crossing from the Senate to the House

Click here to read the March 2019 Legislative Newsletter.

January 2019 Newsletter

• A Message from Gil
• Opening Day at the Legislature
• State of the State Address
• Notable Bills Introduced by Senator Keith-Agaran

Click here to read the January 2019 Legislative Newsletter.

2018 End of Session Newsletter

• End of Session Highlights

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March 2018 Newsletter

• A Message from Gil
• Non-Profit Organizations Seek Grants-in-Aid
• Senate Measures Cross to House

Click here to read the March 2018 Legislative Newsletter.

February 2018 Newsletter

• A Message from Gil
• Opening Day at the Legislature
• State of the State Address
• Aloha Shan Tsutsui
• False Ballistic Missile Alert Aftermath
• Notable Bills Introduced by Senator Keith-Agaran

Click here to read the February 2018 Legislative Newsletter.

July 2017 Newsletter

• A Message from Gil
• Community Courts Project Gets Boost
• Housing Solutions Discussed in House and Senate
• Filipino Veterans Memorial Among Bills Signed Into Law
• Heat Abatement Bill Signed Into Law
• Hurricane Preparedness

Click here to read the July 2017 Legislative Newsletter.

2017 End of Session Newsletter

• Measures Introduced That Passed
• Significant Bills That Failed
• End of Session Highlights

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2017 Mid-Session Newsletter

• Judiciary Confirmations
• Recent Visitors
• Update on 2017 Senate Bills
• Make Yourself Heard!

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February 2017 Legislative Newsletter

• Opening Day
• State of the State Address
• Legislation Introduced

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Mid-Session Newsletter 2016

Senate Bill Highlights
• Labor & Unemployment
• Education
• Judiciary & Law Enforcement
• Agriculture
• Housing
• Maui Measures

Click here to read the 2016 Mid-Session Newsletter.

February 2016 Legislative Newsletter

• Opening Day
• State of the State
• Maui Region Hospitals
• Measures Introduced

Click here to read the February 2016 Legislative Newsletter.

February 2015 Legislative Newsletter

• Judiciary and Labor Committee
• Maui Visitors at the Capitol
• Senate Bill Update

Click here to read the February 2015 Legislative Newsletter.

January 2015 Legislative Newsletter

• Opening Day
• State of the State
• State of the Judiciary
• Senate Bills Introduced

Click here to read the January 2015 Legislative Newsletter.

MAUI SENATORS WANT MORE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ON WASTEWATER SYSTEMS POLICY CHANGES PROPOSED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

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."

MAUI COUNTY TO RECEIVE OVER $500 MILLION IN CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FUNDING

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

April 2014 Legislative Newsletter

• Time for Conference!
• Maui Soda & Ice Works Honored
• Visitors at the Capitol
• New Maui Mana‘o

Click here to read the April 2014 Legislative Newsletter.

Maui Mana‘o - Episode 14

STATEMENT FROM MAUI SENATORS ON $305.5 MILLION FOR NEW CAR RENTAL FACILITY AT KAHULUI AIRPORT

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."

Maui Mana‘o - Episode 13

SENATORS SHOWCASE ART AT THE CAPITOL

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.

Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran was not able to participate this year, but during a visit to the Capitol on any given day, he invites the public to notice "the rooster," what his office staff calls a piece by Margaret Barnaby named "Kink" portraying a Ti-leaf plant and a pheasant. It gets its name from the bend in the stem of the Ti and Kalij pheasant's neck.

"Even though pheasants are not indigenous to Hawaii," said Keith-Agaran, "they have become part of Hawaii's culture, and I enjoy seeing the beauty of Hawaii portrayed through art, brightening up the office every day. The artwork in my office was chosen either by me or my staff, and each piece gives great pleasure to all who visit."

Visit Art at the Capitol's Facebook page and follow on Instagram.

MAUI TEEN HONORED BY STATE SENATE

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)

March 2014 Legislative Newsletter

• Celebrating Education
• Grants-in-Aid for Maui Services
• One-Stop Shop for Aging Issues
• Visitors at the Capitol
• Maui Capital Improvement Projects

Click here to read the March 2014 Legislative Newsletter.

MAUI'S KEONE KALI CONFIRMED AS CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER FOR THE HAWAI‘I OFFICE OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

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.

SENATORS RECOGNIZE MAUI SCHOOL TEACHER ANTHONY KAMAKA‘EU WILLIAMS

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."

STATEMENT FROM SENATOR GILBERT S.C. KEITH-AGARAN ON THE RELEASE OF NEARLY $1 MILLION FOR EASTER SEALS' MAUI CAMPUS

Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran today released the following statement on the release of capital improvement projects grant funding for Easter Seals' Maui location in Kahului:

"I worked with my colleagues in the state legislature to include $950,000 in funding in the budget for the construction of Phase 2 of Easter Seals' Maui Campus because Easter Seals offers valuable services to persons with disabilities so they may live, learn, work and contribute to society. Everyone regardless of disability should be afforded the opportunity to succeed.

"I am pleased that the money to complete the Maui Easter Seals complex is being made available by the Abercrombie-Tsutsui Administration. It makes the start of Lent a time of celebration as well as contemplation."

February 2014 Legislative Newsletter

• Committees at Work
• Maui Measures Move
• Wailuku's Shane Victorino Honored
• Visitors to the Capitol
• Update on Important Bills

Click here to read the February 2014 Legislative Newsletter.

January 2014 Legislative Newsletter

• Opening Day 2014
• State of the State
• Maui Visitors at the Capitol
• Legislative Measures Introduced
• Make Yourself Heard!

Click here to read the January 2014 Legislative Newsletter.

April 2013 Legislative Newsletter

• Ways and Means Passes Budget
• Capital Improvements on Maui
• Notable Bills
• Medal of Honor Ceremony
• Photo Gallery

Click here to read the April 2013 Legislative Newsletter.

Mid-Session Newsletter

• Mid-Session Highlights 2013
• Senator Keith-Agaran's Measures
• Other Notable Bills
• District Capital Improvement & Repair & Maintenance Projects

Click here to read the Mid-Session Newsletter.

February 2013 Legislative Newsletter

• Meet our 2013 Staff
• High School Interns
• Survey Results
• Photo Gallery
• Capital Improvements Maui
• Legislative News

Click here to read the February 2013 Newsletter.

January 2013 Legislative Newsletter

• Opening Day
• Aloha Order of Merit
• Notable Bills
• Photo Gallery

Click here to read the January 2013 Newsletter.