Civil Beat reporters Kevin Dayton and Blaze Lovell were joined by Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, Rep. Della Au Belatti and Sen. Gil Keith-Agaran in this recap of the 2022 legislative session.
Civil Beat reporters Kevin Dayton and Blaze Lovell were joined by Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, Rep. Della Au Belatti and Sen. Gil Keith-Agaran in this recap of the 2022 legislative session.
#OnThisDay: The Hawai‘i State Capitol building was dedicated during a ceremony that took place on Saturday, March 15, 1969. #HawaiiStateSenate
A ribbon cutting ceremony officially opened the new Moanalua High School Performing Arts Center today.
"Not always do we as legislators get to see our dreams and plans come to fruition. This new performing arts facility will enhance our students' experience. Thank you to all who have worked tirelessly to make this happen."
The Performing Arts Center features a 700+ seat auditorium that is equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual systems and LED lighting. The facility also includes rehearsal and instructional spaces, a dance and choral room, storage rooms, a music library and other supporting facilities for the school’s award-winning music programs and expanding performing arts programs.
Love's Bakery has been part of our community for almost 170 years. I am sadden with the closing as I am a regular customer of the thrift store on Middle Street. So many of us grew up with Love's being a part of our daily lives. Since 1990, Love's has been a landmark for us in the Kalihi community. Another local business closes due to the negative economic impact of COVID.
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2021/03/01/breaking-news/loves-bakery-to-close-lay-off-231/?fbclid=IwAR39Mxo92GSsM2QGEOIDdvXw1kBk9jWFB4_KzQDm1Wfn990AQGGtW6O6_S8
Honolulu 311 is the official mobile application for the City & County of Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Honolulu 311 provides a free, simple, and intuitive platform empowering people to report potholes, broken streetlights, cracked sidewalks, illegally dumping, vandalized/broken signs and more via your smartphone.
Go to https://www.honolulu.gov/.../224.../34774-honolulu311.html for more information.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hawaii State Capitol continues to remain closed. The Senate made operational changes to assist the public with legislative engagement. This information can be found on the Hawaii legislative website here ->bit.ly/3bYae0G
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/docs/HiLegSiteGuide.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0m0PQX-EcL7St3y67zG8QlaTFMw4BOwR-Afg5AdIUk1n7xVEuruAxMQso
Click here to download and watch the video.
Mahalo Sheetmetal Workers Local 293, Art Tolentino, business manager for this massive Toy Donation to the Moanalua Kaiser pediatric ICU! Bringing smiles to our Keiki patients. Joining in Kaiser's Chief Marketing officer, Chris Hause, Senator Fevella and Adrienne Flower Mrs Hawaii!
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State officials are asking construction contractors, financiers and investors around the world to come up with innovative ways to pay for and build a new, cost-effective and efficient Oahu Community Correctional Center that would ideally provide a template for future state construction.
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2021/02/01/hawaii-news/state-seeks-innovative-ways-to-finance-and-build-new-occc/?fbclid=IwAR2XCDF4aMwvLr6kjWJzlOv7wclTa9agSu5wB7PRtWJFcRYtmfmiXdBMcK4
1,423 Senate Bills + 1,397 House Bills = 2,820 total bills introduced in both chapters of the Hawai‘i State Legislature for the 2021 Legislative Session
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Throughout the 2021 Legislative Session, all Senate proceedings will be live-streamed on the Hawai‘i State Senate's YouTube page. In addition to the live streams, the Senate will continue working with public access television providers on all islands to broadcast Senate committee hearings and floor sessions. Members will be given the option to participate in all proceedings either in-person or remotely via videoconference. The public will have the opportunity to provide testimony in writing and via videoconference through the Legislature's website, allowing broader participation for those who previously were unable to get to the State Capitol.
ALOHA, FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS!
May has brought us more encouraging developments: Our social distancing and quarantine measures, combined with excellent medical care, have been successful in slowing, if not halting, the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor and mayors are slowly lifting the closures of public places and more business operations.
The Legislature has also reconvened, following a nearly two-month suspension of the 2020 session. Though the State Capitol will remain closed, legislators began meeting on May 11 for an abbreviated, nine-day emergency session, largely to evaluate and vote on fiscal measures brought forth by our respective money committees.
There are strict public access prohibitions and limitations on in-person participation, but the Legislature has taken steps to ensure that citizens have a voice in the democratic process. All hearings will be carried live on ‘Olelo TV, aired on Neighbor Island public access networks, and streamed live online. Legislators will hold daily news conferences via Zoom, and these will be available to the public live on the Senate’s Facebook page. A full schedule of hearings and meetings, plus instructions on submitting written testimony, are available at capitol.hawaii.gov.
The Senate has been holding hearings on nearly 260 nominations for boards and commissions, in keeping with our advise-and-consent responsibilities. Any appointments would have to be made in time for the nominees to assume their roles effective July 1 or thereabouts.
Below is a recap of what the Legislature took up this week, including the legislative budget and pay raise deferrals; what the COVID-19 committee learned when we met last week; and community and city-related assistance programs, such as free food and Aloha United Way 2-1-1 resources.
Stay safe, connected and prepared.
ALOHA, FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS!
This week marked the beginning of the easing of closure restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor is permitting certain business enterprises to resume operations, while parks and beaches were reopened for activity earlier in the week—all provided that social distancing measures are followed. This is a welcome development after weeks of a near-total lockdown and a hopeful sign that our path to recovery is slowly, but surely, on its way.
The Hawaii COVID-19 Public Health Recovery Task Force, a voluntary public-private coalition tasked with developing a plan for reopening our state, shared its ideas with the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 on April 30. With all the issues and concerns with unemployment insurance claims and travelers disregarding our mandatory 14-day quarantine, I must say it was refreshing to hear such positive ideas on how we can get our state back up and running in a safe and methodical way.
The group is generating a strategic, unified, evidence-based approach to measure and manage a phased recovery to a "new normal." You can view the plan here. The task force plans to coordinate with HIEMA and present the final draft to the governor by the end of next week.
I look forward to the plan's implementation and will keep you abreast of any updates on this front.
Meanwhile, our Special Committee continues to exercise legislative oversight of the state government's response to the pandemic. While our role is advisory, it has not stopped us from representing our constituents in strongly urging the governor and his department heads to be proactive and step up their efforts to respond to the public's needs during this crisis.
As examples, we prompted the state to establish the 14-day quarantine for all arriving visitors and returning residents and to develop stricter monitoring. We continue to press Labor Department officials to improve their responses to the huge backlog of unemployment insurance claims. In this regard, Senate employees wrote a training manual for new staffers and volunteers, and the Legislature provided more than 100 employees to assist the Labor Department in processing claims. We urged the governor to seek a cancelation or postponement of the RIMPAC exercises, and I was pleased to learn that the Navy will be moving the event from its usual early summer date to August 17-31. And we have urged the wearing of masks and more testing of the virus.
Below is a recap of what the committee learned and pushed for this past week.
Stay safe, connected and prepared.
ALOHA, FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS!
We're seeing encouraging signs that our efforts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic are showing success, with a reduction in new cases being reported. We’re not ready to declare an end to this crisis, by any means, but at least we’re making steady progress. We just need to stay strong and work together to get through this.
Meanwhile, our devoted legion of healthcare professionals and first-responders are doing an exceptional job in protecting us, and I hope you’ll find some way to express your gratitude for their service and sacrifices.
Senate Special Committee on COVID-19: I've received hundreds of emails expressing frustration with the current response to COVID-19 which has been more reactive than proactive. I understand and share many of your frustrations. I, along with my colleagues on the committee, continue to question, urge, and pressure the administration and the departments for quicker and more proactive action. However, please remember that the Senate serves only as an advisory role in the emergency response efforts led by the administration. Though we continue to urge and ask for more proactive measures, these decisions ultimately fall under the governor's authority. Rest assure, I will continue to hold the administration and the departments accountable to ensure that the States COVID-19 response is implemented quickly and effectively. But I am hopeful that we will be able to begin the economic recovery by allowing businesses and services that can practice social distancing and wear face masks to open soon.
Happy Easter, Friends & Neighbors!
This Easter weekend, many families would traditionally be dyeing eggs, choosing outfits for Sunday services, snacking on a chocolate bunny or marshmallow Peep, or attending a community-sponsored Easter egg hunt.
When I was a kid, there were no community Easter Egg hunts that I can recall. My parents would hide eggs around the house with the one golden egg worth a dollar or two which was a lot back then. Taking turns hiding the eggs in unique places in the house was just as much fun. Sometimes we'd make paper egg cutouts with messages or prizes written on them. My son, when he was little (pictured below with his grandpa), loved to hunt for the plastic eggs with treats in them.
Aloha, Friends and Neighbors.
This is an unprecedented time in our history. COVID-19 tallies from around the nation and state continue to rise, with no signs that its spread is slowing.
Our state and county leaders have imposed strict restrictions to curb the transmission of the virus. The Senate Special Committee on COVID-19, of which I am a member, is overseeing the development and execution of the state government’s plans and actions, assessing their effectiveness in safeguarding public health, and communicating this information to the public.
Today, in a memo to Governor Ige, the committee has requested that he join with the county mayors in requesting that President Trump suspend all non-essential travel to our state. Furthermore, the committee has urged the governor to cancel RIMPAC exercises in Hawaii.
Meanwhile, doctors and healthcare experts have been advising us of the best measures to prevent the transmission of this disease, among them washing hands frequently, avoiding face touching, and practicing social distancing.
A growing number of these experts are now recommending that all people wear face masks. The masks are believed to minimize the transmission of COVID-19 by those who are asymptomatic and to provide some measure of protection for the vulnerable. While we are still learning more about the virus every day, it wouldn’t hurt to follow the advice of these professionals.
With face masks in short supply, and public health officials urging the supply be conserved for healthcare workers, anyone with some sewing skill can make a personal supply or contribute to the supply for the medical community.
Here are some ways you can help:
Hawaii Mask Makers
Lists organizations and individuals statewide making masks for healthcare workers and the general public.
Web: hawaiimaker.com
Project Mask Up Hawaii
Provides instruction on sewing masks.
Web: https://spark.adobe.com/page/qHKbZJJcsreUM/
With time on your hands, this presents a welcome opportunity to spend more time with your family, have meals and play games together, read and pursue hobbies, and connect in ways that aren’t always practicable when you’re usually busy with work, school, and so many other activities outside the home.
There is so much uncertainty in our community. But I'm confident we will beat this virus through cooperation, generosity, and a shared commitment to doing everything in our power to protect ourselves and our families, and to help those in need. Be strong, be healthy, Hawaii.
Stay safe,
The National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) is proud to announce Senator Donna Mercado Kim to serve as their new Board of Directors Chair, leading the nation's oldest organization addressing the needs of elected women at all levels of government.
Senator Kim was elected by her peers at the 2019 NFWL Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas, where over one hundred elected women met to identify effective solutions to some of the nation's most timely and pressing issues. Providing a non-partisan environment that encourages dialogue and the sharing of information and experiences, women leaders are able to build coalitions, share the concerns of their constituents, and identify out-of-the-box solutions to the most pressing issues facing their communities today.
"We are so proud of Senator Kim and all she has accomplished," stated Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso, NFWL's Immediate Past Chair. "It has been an honor to work with her over the years as members of the Board, and we are all looking forward to her continued leadership in the Foundation. I know she will make next year one of the most exciting years that NFWL has seen."
Senator Kim begins serving in her new position on January 1, 2020 and will hold this office through the end of 2020. The Foundation will host its 2020 Annual Conference next fall, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Senator Donna Mercado Kim represents Hawaii's 14th Senatorial District in urban Honolulu. She has served in the Hawaii State Senate since 2000, the Honolulu City Council from 1984 to 2000 and the Hawaii House of Representative from 1982 to 1984.
Senator Kim has held leadership positions, including Senate President, Vice President, Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, the Committee on Government Affairs, the Committee on Tourism, the Special Committee on Accountability, and the Task Force on Reinventing Government. She currently serves as the Chair of Higher Education.
Senator Kim has been actively involved in NFWL since 2013.
"We congratulate Senator Kim, and are so glad to have her as a leader of our national organization," states Jody Thomas, NFWL's Executive Director.
To hear that the corrosion of the Red Hill fuel tanks is worse than expected is deeply troubling. I am disappointed that the Navy overestimated the thickness of some of the steel plates, especially since these plates are the only thing separating the fuel from releasing into the environment and into our precious aquifers. This issue cannot be taken lightly. I look forward to being invited and attending the Senate task force meeting on October 3 and intend to work with all respective parties to ensure that our aquifers and residents are not compromised.
http://www.staradvertiser.com/2018/09/26/hawaii-news/red-hill-fuel-tank-corrosion-worse-than-expected/?HSA=560677cc6477ff1b42ccb175ca68b170f2fbfd05
Hawai‘i State Senator Donna Mercado Kim was recently re-elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL), the nation's oldest organization addressing the needs of elected women at all levels of government.
"It's an honor to serve on the Board with these distinguished elected women who represent the best of our country's legislators," said Sen. Kim. "What I appreciate the most about working with the NFWL is that we are able to put party politics aside to work together on developing strategies and solutions that benefit our communities."
Kim was re-elected by her peers at the 2017 NFWL Annual Conference in Minneapolis, MN, where over 80 elected women met to identify effective solutions to some of the nation's most timely and pressing issues. Providing a non-partisan environment that encourages dialogue and the sharing of information and experiences, women leaders were able to build coalitions, share the concerns of their constituents, and identify out-of-the-box solutions to the most pressing issues facing their communities today.
"We are so grateful for Senator Kim's service to this organization," stated Jody Thomas, NFWL's Executive Director. "We look forward to continuing to work with her to make 2018 NFWL's best year yet."
Kim continues serving in her position through 2018. NFWL will host its 2018 Annual Conference next November 13-17 in Washington, DC.
Sen. Kim is currently the only state legislator from Hawai‘i to be a member of the NFWL Board and most recently served as an NFWL Southwest Regional State Director. Other elected women leaders from Hawai‘i who are members of NFWL include State Representatives Lynn DeCoite, Beth
Fukumoto, Dee Morikawa and Joy San Buenaventura.
Originally published on the Hawai‘i State Senate Majority website; click here to read the article on hawaiisenatemajority.com.
State Senators Donna Mercado Kim, Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Breene Harimoto and Glenn Wakai recently sent a letter to President Trump and Congressional Leaders urging them to take meaningful action to address the country's gun violence epidemic.
Just within the span of 33 days, 85 people have been killed in mass shootings in Las Vegas, Nevada and Sutherland Springs, Texas. "This type of gun violence simply cannot continue," said Sen. Kim. "Recent polls show that the majority of Americans support some type of gun safety so waiting to make changes that can protect the lives of innocent people is not acceptable."
"Senseless deaths at the hands of those who are dangerous or possess guns illegally must be addressed now," said Sen. Dela Cruz. "There are steps that can be taken immediately to make America safer and there is no reason to allow more lives to be taken due to gun violence."
"The occurrence of these mass shootings is far too common today and we hope that Congress will heed the pleas of the majority of Americans who agree something needs to be done to stop gun violence," said Sen. Wakai.
Recognizing this responsibility to take action to protect the public against gun violence, the Hawai‘i State Legislature passed HB459, which keeps the guns out of the hands of dangerous people by alerting law enforcement when those who fail background checks try to purchase weapons. The bill was signed into law on June 29, 2017.
"We're fortunate to live in a state where strict gun laws have helped to keep the incidents of gun violence relatively low. However, it is heartbreaking to hear the growing incidences of gun violence taking the lives of innocent adults and children and we, as leaders, must take action," said Sen. Harimoto.
Similar letters on gun control are being sent by other state legislators from across the country who attended the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) Legislator Conference in Washington, D.C. in October.
Click here to view the signed letter to President Trump and Congress.
Senator Kim spent the morning with 3rd grade students from Kalihi Uka Elementary. She gave them a tour of the Senate Chambers and shared her journey of becoming a legislator and growing up in Kalihi.
Senator Kim joined Gov. Ige, government officials, and representatives from the royal societies to celebrate the re-dedication of the Princess Victoria Kamāmalu Building on the 179th anniversary of the princess' birth. The building is being occupied by the departments of health and human services. Three of the four Department of Human Services' division administrative offices are housed in one central location. Additionally, the attached agency, the Office of Youth Services (OYS) also moved to the building.
Princess Victoria Kamāmalu Building Facts:
• The total cost to rehab the building was $27,203,900.
• Lease cost savings to the state are approximately $2.2 million per year.
• The contractor was Ralph Inouye Co. Ltd.
• The project began in March 2015 and was accepted by the state on Feb. 28, 2017.
• The building has nine floors, and there are offices in the basement.
• Three divisions of the department of human services occupy floors 2-7:
• Social Services Administrative Offices for Child Welfare Services and Adult Protective and Community Services
• Benefit, Employment and Support Services for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program) and related aid to families, Child Care Program, and Homeless Program
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Office of Youth Services (an attached agency)
• The department of health occupies floors 8-9, and the Disability Communication Access Board is in the basement.
The Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority (HPHA) invites members of the community to attend planning sessions for the proposed redevelopment of the HPHA Administrative Offices. Come and learn the latest information on the School Street Redevelopment Project at one the following meetings:
Wednesday, October 18, 2017 | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
HPHA Administrative Offices
1002 North School St., Bldg. A
OR
Thursday, October 19, 2017 | 10:30am - 12noon
Lanakila Senior Center
1640 Lanakila Avenue
For additional information about the Redevelopment of the HPHA Administrative Offices at School Street, please visit www.schoolstredevelopment.org to stay connected to our neighbors and keep you informed of the process.
For more information about the meeting or if you require special accommodations, please contact bob.fard@rhf.org with subject line: "School Street Meetings - October 18-19" at least 48 hours in advance. Click here to view the flier.
Senator Donna Mercado Kim and former Grads and former Cheerleaders from Farrington High School reunited on September 23 at the Governors homecoming football game where they challenged the Castle Knights. The event was a great turnout (4,000 plus). Harris Nakamoto, Kaiser Permanente, and Class of 1992 presented a $10,000 check to the Farrington football program. In addition, the Kusunoki Family presented a $1,000 scholarship and a football given by Kusunoki's dad who passed away in 1949. Principal Alfredo Carganilla took the honor of receiving the football.
Links to pictures as well as a video complied by Alan Kang can be found below. Go Govs!
Pictures: Farrington High School 2017 Homecoming
Video: https://youtu.be/GZu-13iLmTY
On September 17, Senator Kim joined Apona Street residents, area legislators, HPD, and Army representatives to discuss the possibility of converting Apona into a one-way street. While the meeting was originally intended to have the residents vote on converting Apona into a one-way street, the conversation shifted due to the City Department of Environmental Services' (ENV) opposition to the one-way idea. Based on the department's response, ENV would not be able to do trash pick up due to their automated trucks, and they would not convert back to manual collection due to resource allocation issues.
Below is a summary of what was discussed at the meeting and the agency responsible for carrying out the project.
ITEMS UNDER CONSIDERATION:
City Department of Transportation Services, Army Garrison, and Tripler
• Place a "NO RIGHT TURN" sign at the corner of Apona and Jarret White.
• Place another sign at the bottom of Apona and Ala Mahamoe to say something along the lines of "NO TRIPLER ACCESS FROM APONA ONTO JARRET WHITE" to alert vehicles that Apona St. is not a viable access way to get to Tripler.
Honolulu Police Department
• Enforce the "NO RIGHT TURN" at the corner of Apona and Jarrett White with an initial education phase prior to ticketing vehicles. While HPD is unable to monitor the area on a regular basis, residents are encourage to call 911 if they see vehicles violating the sign.
ITEMS TO BE IMPLEMENTED:
Senator Kim made a request to the State Department of Transportation to look at ways to address the traffic on Jarret White and to discourage vehicles from turning left onto Apona from Jarret White, and they have responded positively.
State Department of Transportation
• Install a curbed island to deter cars from turning left onto Apona St. The island will be positioned to block the left turns into Apona St. but still allow left turns onto Jarret White. A new "NO LEFT TURN" sign will be installed inside the curbed island to further discourage the left turn movement into Apona.
• Extend the right turn late on Jarrett White approaching Mahiole Street approximately 250 feet to provide additional storage space for right turning traffic. This will allow the school traffic the ability to access the right turn lane earlier in the mornings.
Students from Fern Elementary visited their state capitol on October 2, where they received a civics lesson from Senator Kim. Students learned, among other things, the history of the building, the importance of voting, and ways to get involved in their community.
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The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have completed the Halona Street Bridge replacement project nine months after construction began. Senator Kim was joined by Governor David and federal and state officials in a blessing ceremony on September 29 to celebrate the opening of the new bridge and road.
The project cost to replace the structurally deficient bridge was $7.2 million, 80 percent of which was provided by federal funding and 20 percent from HDOT Highways Division revenue.
The bridge was originally built in 1938. Construction began January 2017. Project highlights included replacing the bridge foundation, pavement and railings, as well as replacing the water and gas lines beneath the bridge, all of which improve the safety and reliability of the structure.
Halona Street has reopened for use connecting North Vineyard Boulevard to Houghtailing Street.
For more information on the Halona Street Bridge project or the additional bridge and highway improvement projects being delivered through the federal and state partnership, please visit https://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/projects/hi/hidot/
Moanalua High School kicked off homecoming week on Sept 25. Senator Kim participated in the week-long festivities as a judge for the banner competition.
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A special session was held on September 25-26 to confirm 2 vacancies in the Circuit Court on the island of Hawaii. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Kim attended the hearing as well as the floor session, where Judge Henry T. Nakamoto, already a judge for the District Family Court, and attorney Robert D.S. Kim were unanimously confirmed.
(Alexandria, VA) - From September 21 to 22, Senator Donna Mercado Kim joined an additional thirty elected women from across the country for the National Foundation for Women Legislator's inaugural State Director Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. This summit was by-invitation only and was restricted to NFWL State Directors, Board of Directors, and Committee Chairs.
The summit was unique in its leadership focus. All programming aimed to provide elected women with concrete resources and tools to bolster their leadership skills.
One main component of the programming was civil discourse. With what many consider to be a challenging political climate, NFWL brought in Next Generation - The National Institute for Civil Discourse (NICD). NICD facilitated a thought-provoking discussion about the role of civil discourse in government and how civility can be improved among elected officials. Elected women were even trained on how to improve civility.
"The National Institute for Civil Discourse is honored to continue our outstanding partnership with the National Foundation for Women Legislators to develop great leaders and improve governance," said Dr. Carolyn J. Lukensmeyer, Executive Director of the National Institute for Civil Discourse. "In today's climate of extreme polarization, we're proud to support the foundation's commitment to building civility among lawmakers at every level to ensure that elected officials can work together and achieve progress. Every attendee to this leadership summit should be commended for their dedication to improving discourse and strengthening relationships across partisan divides."
"I'm proud to be a part of this organization that believes in building strong women leaders and lawmakers to help tackle the important issues of our states," said Sen. Kim. "As the Southwest Regional State Director, I had the opportunity to meet with women legislators from across the country who share the same concerns and priorities and who are also working hard to make our home states better, more resilient and to create greater understanding and respect within our communities."
NFWL Executive Director Jody Thomas shared, "Without the elected women who chose to serve as leaders within our organization, we could not do all the work that we do. These women represent some of the most dedicated public servants in America and we are immensely proud to have them in our organization." Thomas added, "NFWL thanks Senator Kim for taking time out of her busy schedule to join us in Washington, D.C. We look forward to seeing how she takes what she learned at the summit and applies it to her work as an elected woman."
About the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Inc. (NFWL)
Through annual educational and networking events, the National Foundation for Women Legislators supports elected women from all levels of governance. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, NFWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but rather serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience. www.womenlegislators.org
On August 22, the state Office of Planning and the Kalihi 21st Century Transformation Initiative's Vison Committee presented Gov. David Ige with their Final Vision report. The initiative's top priorities are economic development and housing to support Kalihi's current and future generations.
The committee, which included Senator Kim, consisted of members from both public and private sectors. Community members also had opportunities to provide their input at three public informational meetings at Farrington High School.
Together, they established a list of redevelopment priorities to include economic development, affordable housing, ensuring the safety, health and well-being of current and future Kalihi residents, open spaces/infrastructure, preservation of pride and culture, and Kalihi as an iconic area of Honolulu.
The state is considering the 16-acre site of the existing O‘ahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC), a key parcel that could provide many opportunities for the Kalihi community.
The Department of Public Safety is currently going through an Environmental Impact Statement process, reviewing potential sites. The state is also considering keeping OCCC on site, but in a reconfigured footprint.
Senator Kim and the Moanalua Seniors
As an annual tradition, Senator Kim visited various senior groups in her district in celebration of Grandparents Day, which was held on September 10. She brought her signature Filipino sweet rolls for the seniors to enjoy. The senior groups included Moanalua, Hui Aikana Halawa, and Aiea Lani.
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First graders from Linapuni and Ka‘ewai Elementary gathered in the auditorium of their respective schools to receive a special gift from Senator Donna Mercado Kim - colorful sackpacks filled with essential back-to-school items.
"Going back to school should be an exciting time for children who head back to class with all the tools they need to learn. But for families where money is tight, this isn't always the case," said Sen. Kim. "Having the opportunity to give these kids a small dose of this excitement and giving them the confidence they need to succeed this school year through this program warms my heart."
In addition to Linapuni and Ka‘ewai, Sen. Kim chose to assist students at Kalihi Waena Elementary. These schools are among Oahu's campuses with the highest number of students who come from low-income families and have a large percentage of students receiving free or reduced-cost school lunches.
As a member of the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL), Sen. Kim was selected to receive the donation of school supplies as part of an NFWL partnership with the Office Depot Foundation.
The drawstring-style sackpacks come in seven different kid-friendly designs. Each colorful sackpack includes a zippered pouch containing essential back-to-school items - a ruler, crayons, a pen, a pencil, a pencil sharpener and an eraser.
.JPG "Senator Kim with 44 first graders from Ka‘ewai Elementary show off their new sackpacks.")
.JPG "Senator Kim poses with the 45 first grade kids of Linapuni Elementary as they proudly display their new sackpacks.")
.JPG "Senator Kim with 56 first graders from Kalihi Waena Elementary.")
The legislature approved funding for the City and County of Honolulu to complete its $8.2 billion rail project during a special legislative session that took place on August 29 - September 1. The governor signed SB4 into law on September 5, which addresses the $2.378 billion shortfall. Details of the bill can be found below.
Funding Rail Through Extending the GET
• Extends the current general excise tax (GET) surcharge on Oahu for three additional years, from December 1, 2027 through December 31, 2030. This will provide $1.046 billion.
• Reduces the State Department of Taxation's administrative fee on the GET surcharge from 10 percent to one percent.
• Having both GET and TAT sources of funding for the City and County's rail project also provides greater security for the project in case either the GET or TAT does not perform as expected.
Funding Rail Through Raising the TAT
• Raises the hotel room tax charged to visitors (Transient Accommodation Tax) by one percent from 9.25 percent to 10.25 percent for 13 years, from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2030. This also applies to timeshares. This will provide $1.326 billion.
• Increasing the TAT by one percent (to 10.25 percent) for 13 years (through 2030) is a small amount that empirical studies find is unlikely to negatively affect tourism. Research by several UH economics professors found that the increases to the five percent TAT of 1987 did not have a statistically significant adverse impact on visitor arrivals. The TAT has been raised four times since its enactment in 1987.
• A one percent increase in TAT has a minimal impact for tourists. Example: on a $200 hotel room, a visitor now pays $18.50 TAT per night. With the TAT increase, a visitor would pay $20.50 per night, an additional $2 per night.
• The hotel room tax is collected statewide and goes directly into the general fund, not to the island where it is collected. Each county receives a specified share of the tax regardless of total amounts collected. Raising the tax does not change each counties specified amount.
Increasing Funding to Counties
• Permanently increases the counties' share of the TAT from its current $93 million base to $103 million every year.
Increasing Accountability
• Requires a state-run audit of the rail project and annual financial reviews to help HART address its numerous deficiencies leading to cost overruns and delays.
• All funds collected for rail go into a newly-created Mass Transit Special Fund. Rather than simply giving the money to the City, the State Comptroller will reimburse the City for its costs as the project moves forward. This will allow the state to keep track of both spending and construction progress.
• Currently, the GET surcharge is automatically transferred to the city on a quarterly basis without any oversight. This bill will change that practice to ensure accountability and transparency by having the Comptroller review and approve the expenses before the City and HART are reimbursed. It also establishes better internal control and ensures that waste and fraud does not occur.
• This bill addresses the immediate rail construction shortfall of $2.378 billion by collecting funds upfront through a small TAT increase instead of adding additional years of GET surcharge on the back end. This will likely reduce the financing costs of the project by hundreds of millions of dollars.
• Disallows funds to be used for anything other than construction costs.
On August 23, Senator Kim and Representatives Johanson and Ichiyama hosted a Moanalua Community Talk Story to discuss the cash-strapped Rail Transit Project and special session. About 60 residents attended the meeting and dined on chili, hot dogs, and rice.
.JPG "Sen. Kim and Reps. Ichiyama and Johanson listen to resident's concerns about the rail's mismanagement and escalating cost.")
.JPG "Sen. Kim and Reps. Ichiyama and Johanson listen to resident's concerns about the rail's mismanagement and escalating cost.")
The Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) launched Hawaii's first publicly funded Pre-Kindergarten program in the 2014‑15 school year. The program provides high-quality early learning experiences to students in the year prior to kindergarten eligibility. As a partnership between the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) and Executive Office on Early Learning, 21 pre-kindergarten classrooms on 19 HIDOE elementary school campuses statewide constitute Hawaii's first State-funded pre-kindergarten program. The program is a first step toward developing Hawaii's early learning system and is currently in its fourth year.
EOEL has selected five new schools to open new public pre-kindergarten classrooms in the 2018‑19 school year. Schools were selected based on a competitive application process and include:
Kohala Elementary (Big Island)
Kula Elementary (Maui)
Kilohana Elementary (Molokai)
Kailua Elementary (Oahu)
Kalihi Uka Elementary (Oahu)
Kapalama and Keolu Elementary Schools have been designated as alternates and have been invited to participate in EOEL's Early Learning Induction Program, which is required for school teams to attend prior to opening a new EOEL Pre-Kindergarten Classroom.
Senator Kim along with Councilmember Fukunaga, DTS Deputy Director Jon Nouchi, and Momi Akana from Keiki O Ka Aina conducted a site visit of the Kalihi Street S-Curve on July 28. The group discussed options on how to make it safer for vehicles and pedestrians to pass through this contentious area, an issue that has been ongoing for many years.
Hurricane season has arrived and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) recommends residents prepare an "emergency kit" of a minimum of 14 days of food, water and other supplies.
The reason the agency is increasing the recommendation to 14 days (previously 7) is based on the documented experience from other states and jurisdictions that have gone through similar disasters.
HI-EMA recommends putting together an emergency kit now and maintaining it throughout the hurricane season to avoid long lines at stores and gas stations shortly before and after a potential tropical storm event. Please do not return your supplies to the store after a hurricane or storm passes -- keep them for the entire season and plan to partially consume and replenish to keep the items fresh.
The time to prepare your kit is now. Get ahead of the game. Don't try to purchase your 14 days of supplies or fill your tanks with gas the day before the hurricane arrives. It will be too late!
HI-EMA also recommends residents and visitors take the following actions to prepare for any possible hurricane or tropical cyclone.
• Talk with family members and develop a clear understanding what you will do if a hurricane or tropical storm threatens. Prepare an action plan that includes details such as whether your family plans to shelter in place or evacuate.
• Know if your home is in an inundation zone, flood zone, or susceptible to high winds and other hazards. Know if your home is retrofitted with hurricane resistant clips or straps.
• Stay tuned to local media and their websites/applications regarding weather updates.
• Sign up for local notification systems (i.e., HNL Info, Blackboard CTY).
• Get to know your neighbors and community so you can help each other.
• Download the "Ready Hawaii" app from the iTunes or Google Play! store. This app can aid in your emergency planning and will list shelters if they are opened for evacuation.
• Walk your property and check for potential flood threats. Clear your gutters and other drainage systems. Remove and secure loose items. Keep your car gas tanks filled.
• Prepare your pets by checking or purchasing a carrier and other preparedness items. A pet carrier is necessary for your pet's safety if you plan to evacuate to a pet-friendly shelter. Don't forget 14 days of food and water for your furry family members.
• Set aside an emergency supply of any needed medication and keep a copy of your prescriptions in case you run out of medication after a disaster.
• Secure your important documents in protective containers.
Hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30.
Have you driven down Ala Moana lately and wondered what that Old Pump Station turned into? There's a new Senior Community Center in town!
Nā Kūpuna Makamae Senior Center (NKMC) provides innovative, quality services and programs dedicated to our seniors, their families, and community that will empower, educate, enlighten, and entertain. NKMC invites seniors of all ages to participate in activities and programs offered at the center. Activities and programs range from arts and cultural experiences, dance, life-long learning opportunities, health & wellness, nutrition, and special events. For more information, call 773-7047 or visit www.nakupunamakamae.org.
Senator Kim attended a bill signing for HB 1420 relating to Filipino Veterans Burial Assistance. The bill appropriates $50,000 for FY 2017-18 for burial grants for Filipino-American veterans who fought alongside the Allied forces during World War II. The burial grants will cover funeral and burial costs, including the cost of returning their remains to the Philippines for burial. Qualifying veterans must live in Hawaii and funds shall be matched on a one-to-one basis from private sources.
On July 10, the Apona Street Advisory Group convened its first meeting to discuss and come up with solutions to help solve the speeding, traffic, and other related issues on Apona Street and Jarrett White Road. The group is composed of area legislators, Tripler Army Medical Center, city and state Department of Transportation, HPD, MGCA members, and an Apona Street resident. It was exciting to see representation from the state, city, federal, community, and even the Governor's chief of staff gathered together in one room! Given the political climate up on Capitol Hill, that seems to be a rarity these days. Nevertheless, this group gathered together in a united effort to help the Moanalua Gardens community. Through our collaboration, we were able to come up with various solutions to address the speeding and traffic concerns - an issue that has been long-standing for many years. I want to thank everyone for taking time out of their busy schedules to make it out yesterday. The meeting was indicative of our commitment to and appreciation for the Moanalua Gardens community.
This upcoming school year, the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) will expand a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) free meal program, called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), from 30 public schools to a total of 52 across the state.
The CEP program allows a school district, a group of schools or a single school to serve free meals to all students even if they do not qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch reimbursements.
The expanded program will provide free meals for over 8,500 more students. The program has helped over 18,000 students to receive free meals over the past two years and provided significant relief for many families.
Oahu schools being added to the program in school year 2017‑18 include the following:
Aiea El., Central Middle, Governor Sanford B. Dole Middle, Kaala El., Kaewai El., Kahaluu El., Kaiulani El., Kalihi El., Kauluwela El., Mayor Joseph J. Fern El., Palolo El., Puuhale El., Waipahu El., William P. Jarrett Middle
Beginning in early June, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) will be working on the H‑201 Moanalua Freeway westbound from the Halawa Interchange to the Aiea pedestrian overpass on the H‑1 Freeway. The work on the Moanalua Freeway will add a full-time dedicated westbound lane through restriping and will improve the pavement surface in the project area.
The H‑201 additional westbound lane from the Red Hill area to the Aiea pedestrian overpass project will cost approximately $4 million and is estimated to be complete in mid-August. Work will take place at night to minimize impacts to the travelling public and will include asphalt concrete paving of 1.5 miles from the H‑201 westbound Stadium/Aiea off-ramp (Exit 1E) to the Aiea Heights Drive Overpass.
The new lane widths vary across the project, ranging from 12' to 10'. The narrowest lanes of 10' will be beneath the Kahuapaani overpass.
HDOT believes this project will help to improve westbound traffic by adding capacity in an area that typically is congested during the afternoon peak.
The 2017 Legislative Session is over and now we are in our first full month of the interim. The interim provides time to assess issues that were taken up during the session that were unable to advance through the legislative process, such as medical aid in dying. The interim allows respective parties and stakeholders to come together and refine any disagreements that were raised during the committee hearings so that the measure can be re-introduced next session with less controversy or push back.
One issue that may call the Legislature into a special session is the rail project. As you know, both the Senate and the House are at an impasse as to how to fund the cash-strapped project.
Another issue that has made news recently involves the State's foster care program. Last August a settlement was reached that challenged the payment rates for Hawaii's foster care program. However, the House scuttled the plan during the last days of the session, declining to provide any money in the budget for the settlement, stating that attorney fees in the settlement were too high.
I will keep you updated on these matters as well as others that may surface during the interim as details unfold.
Lastly, I want to assure you that even though the Legislature is in interim, my staff and I work daily, and I remain committed to representing my constituents and the people of Hawaii to impact change and accountability where it is needed. I will continue to work diligently to make our community a better place to live and work.
If there are any topics and issues that you are interested in hearing about, feel free to contact my office with your suggestions.
The Hawai‘i State Senate adjourned the 2017 regular session taking action on a number of priority areas including homelessness, healthcare, education, and the environment. These priorities align with the Senate's commitment to the Legislative Program set forth at the start of the 2017 session. Below are a list of approved allocations
HOMELESSNESS
• $40 million over the next two years on homeless programs
• $500,000 each year for services for homeless individuals with serious and persistent mental health challenges
• $800,000 for outreach and counseling services for chronically homeless individual families with severe substance use disorders
• $300,000 each year for clean and sober housing for chronically homeless individuals
EDUCATION
• $90 million to address conditions for school facilities statewide
• SB423 was passed which ensures that public school students will receive a school meal, even if the student's meal fund account balance is zero
• $1 million in general funds for the Early College High School Initiative
ENVIRONMENT
• $1 million to address Rat Lungworm disease
• Measures were passed to fight invasive species such as the Coffee Berry Borer and to provide support in the Rapid Ohia Death response
• SB559 ensures statewide support for Hawai‘i's green initiatives and measure the efforts being made to mitigate the effects of climate change throughout the state
ELDERLY
• $4M for Kupuna Care
• By passing HB607, Hawai‘i becomes the first state in the nation to pass legislation which authorizes a program to support those who provide care for the elderly.
On the stalemate over funding for the rail project, the Senate remains open to negotiate an agreement with the House to ensure adequate financing to complete the project, yet minimize the impact on the most vulnerable citizens of the community.
HB 100, the state's budget bill, was passed during today's final reading. Below is a list of District 14 schools, organizations, and projects that were included in the bill. Should the Governor sign the bill into law, the schools will receive funding for its respective project.
MOANALUA HIGH - $15,000,000
CONSTRUCTION FOR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
RED HILL ELEMENTARY - $2,500,000
DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND EQUIPMENT FOR A COVERED PLAY COURT
SALT LAKE ELEMENTARY - $800,000
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION FOR A COVERED PLAY AREA
FORT SHAFTER ELEMENTARY - $350,000
PLANS FOR THE MASTER PLAN OF THE EXPANSION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE/CLASSROOM BUILDING FOR A MULTI-PURPOSE SCIENCE CENTER
AIEA HIGH - $3,900,000
PLANS AND DESIGN FOR A NEW BUILDING, AND RENOVATION AND EXPANSION FOR A GIRLS' ATHLETIC LOCKER ROOM, WEIGHT TRAINING FACILITY, AND OTHER ATHLETIC FACILITIES
AIEA INTERMEDIATE - $550,000
CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT TO COMPLETE CAFETERIA RENOVATION
MAEMAE ELEMENTARY - $1,600,000
PLANS, DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION OF A COVERED PLAY COURT
FARRINGTON HIGH - $2,000,000
PLANS, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND EQUIPMENT FOR CAMPUS MODERNIZATION
FERN ELEMENTARY - $450,000
PLANS, DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION OF A COVERED WALKWAY FROM B BUILDING TO THE CAFETERIA
KALAKAUA MIDDLE - $150,000
PLANS, DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION TO REPAIR THEIR INOPERABLE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
KALIHI STREET - $1,500,000
PLANS AND DESIGN FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS, WIDENING AND REPAIR TO KALIHI STREET FROM KALAEPAA DRIVE TO 3080 KALIHI STREET
PALAMA SETTLEMENT - $35,000
PARENTS & CHILDREN TOGETHER (PACT) - $200,000
ADULT FRIENDS FOR YOUTH - $150,000
AFTER-SCHOOL ALL-STARS HI - $100,000
PALAMA SETTLEMENT - $35,000
The Legislature passed nearly 200 measures during final reading and will adjourn Thursday, May 4.
The session was filled with familiar issues and concerns frequently seen over the past years. Key measures supporting our workers, kupuna, keiki and the environment along with more controversial matters like regulating vacation rental companies such as Air B&B and funding the rail system, were just a handful of measures taken up by the Legislature. All bills that have passed both chambers will now be enrolled to the Governor for consideration. The Governor has until June 26 to notify the Legislature of an intent to veto, and the Legislature must act on any veto by July 11.
I appreciated receiving your input on various matters throughout the session. Your level of engagement and active involvement - either by participating in the surveys, attending public hearings, or writing to me to express your positions - was most welcome. I hope to continue hearing from you throughout the interim.
Dave Shoji, alongside his wife Mary, was honored on the Senate floor for his years of dedication and devotion to the State of Hawai‘i and to Wahine Volleyball at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. The Senate presented Shoji with a koa paddle along with a certificate expressing gratitude to him for being a true example of good sportsmanship and strong leadership.
The women of the Senate showed their support for Equal Pay Day by wearing pink hats during April 4th's floor session. Equal Pay Day was originated by the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) in 1996 as a public awareness event to illustrate the gap between men's and women's wages.
With less than a month left before this session ends on May 4, the halls of the Capitol are filled with people making last minute appeals and jockeying for their bills. Calls, e-mails and letters from the community continue to pour into my office -- all signs that the democratic process is alive and well.
House bills that have passed their respective Senate committees will be voted upon on April 11 by the full Senate. Similarly, Senate bills will be voted on by the full House. Many measures have differing House and Senate versions, and those will be reviewed by conference committees in the hopes that a suitable final proposal can earn approval in both houses.
Mahalo to all of you who have made your voices heard.
Education Week 2017 at the State Capitol kicked off on Monday, March 20 with a salute to the Department of Education's outstanding teachers, the first of a series of formal presentation ceremonies in the Senate Chambers celebrating the successes in the classroom and community.
Senator Kim introduced Tracey Idica, Central District Teacher of the Year. Tracey Idica is a 34-year teacher certified in English Language Arts instructor at Aiea High School who encourages her students to "dream big and make a difference." She sets the stage for success with her students through the TRIBES agreements: mutual respect, attentive listening, right to participate/pass, appreciations/no put downs.
Hawai‘i's public school teachers number just over 12,000. The eight teachers recognized on the floor of the Senate were chosen through a rigorous selection process that includes the teacher's ability to inspire students to learn; to have earned respect among students, parents, and peers; to be active in the community as well as school; and to be able to perform the task of representing the teaching profession nationally and internationally.
Below are some of the measures that were voted on by the Senate today and will now crossover to the House for their consideration:
KUPUNA
SB 534 SD2--Requires the executive office on aging to establish the kupuna caregivers program to assist community members who are providing care for elders to stay in the workforce.
EDUCATION/TAX
SB 686 SD2--Establishes an education surcharge on residential investment properties and visitor accommodations for the purpose of funding public education
AID IN DYING
SB 1129 SD2--Establishes a medical aid in dying act that establishes a regulatory process under which an adult resident of the State with a medically confirmed terminal disease may obtain a prescription for medication to be self-administered to end the patient's life.
RAIL
SB 1183 SD2--Authorizes counties that have established a surcharge on state tax prior to 7/1/2015 to extend the surcharge in perpetuity. Authorizes counties that have not established a surcharge by 7/1/2017 to establish a surcharge on state tax. Provides that the State shall retain an unspecified portion of surcharge proceeds for DOT. Requires a county's share of the county surcharge on state tax to be paid to the county on a monthly basis.
Below are measures that were unable to advance through the legislative process and therefore could not be voted upon by the full Senate. Similar House companion bills were also unsuccessful.
MINIMUM WAGE
SB 107 SD1--Increases the minimum wage to $10.50 per hour in 2018 and $12 per hour in 2019, $13.50 per hour in 2020, and $15 per hour in 2021. Increases the tip credit to an unspecified amount of cents in 2018. Requires the department of labor and industrial relations to annually calculate the adjusted minimum wage rate to the nearest 5 cents using the Honolulu region CPI-W.
VEHICLE TAXES
SB 1012--Increases the annual motor vehicle registration fees from $45 to $75; increases the annual state vehicle weight tax by $0.01 per pound.
RED HILL FUEL TANK
SB 1259--Requires, on or before 9/1/2018, that the department of health adopt rules for underground storage tanks and tank systems to conform with certain federal regulations and that include additional requirements for field-constructed underground storage tanks and tank systems.
Today, the Senate voted on 318 bills, ahead of Thursday's "crossover" deadline when House and Senate bills pass from one chamber to the other. We are now one-third of the way through this legislative session.
Measures relating to the GE Tax surcharge to fund the troubled rail system, establishing a medical aid in dying act, and creating an education surcharge on residential investment properties and visitor accommodations to fund public education passed the Senate floor and will now head over to the House. However, many bills did not make the cut, including increasing the minimum wage and raising the vehicle registration, fuel, and weight taxes to fund the state highway system.
I will continue to keep you abreast of developments at the Legislature and in the community in the weeks to come. In the meantime, I encourage you to stay informed of the status and discussions on the remaining bills circulating at the Legislature by going online to www.capitol.hawaii.gov.
Senator Kim attended the 13th Annual Kina‘ole Awards, which recognizes outstanding contributions of individuals who have excelled both professionally and in service to the community.
This year's recipients included Darrel Galera, former teacher and principal of Moanalua H.S.; Craig Hirasaki, MHS Class of 1983 and a member of the Moanalua Alumni Foundation; and Paul Fernandez, a community leader at both the local and international levels for over 60 years and is recognized as the "Ambassador of Goodwill." Senator Kim had the honor of introducing Paul at the event, who has served with the Lions Clubs International, Kalihi Business Association, Honolulu Chamber of Commerce and the Moanalua Gardens Community Association.
Proceeds from the event supplement funds for equipment, supplies, and campus programs. In 2016, the PTSA was able to provide post-high school scholarships, teacher and staff appreciation gifts, breakfast on ACT test day, training for MeneMAC students, May Day event sponsorship for the Hawaiian Club, travel assistance for the various student clubs and organizations representing Hawaii in national competitions on the mainland and much needed air conditioning to hot classrooms.
Farrington held its very first alumni luncheon on Feb. 26. The day consisted of great food & entertainment, classmates reminiscing, and meeting other fellow Farringtonians. The former Govs also had a chance to tour the school's new facilities, including the long-awaited Edward "Skippa" Diaz Stadium and the newly rebuilt Auditorium. The tour was led by current student leaders.
Alum Kim pauses for a photo with Mary Diaz and the Diaz family
Farrington High School celebrated the highly anticipated dedication ceremony of its Edward 'Skippa' Diaz Stadium at Kusunoki Field on February 23 in front of a crowd of more than 2,400 students, community members and dignitaries, including Senator Kim, an alum of FHS.
The $19.5 million stadium includes a new locker room, laundry and equipment rooms and athletic training room. This August will mark the first time in the school's 80-year history that the football team will play a home game at their campus.
The stadium project included the demolition of the existing track and field, tennis courts, landscaping and auditorium parking lot. The new construction includes an all-weather six-lane polyurethane track, synthetic turf field, batting cage, storage facility building, locker rooms, concession stand, ticket booth, five stadium field lights, seating for 3,000 and other support facilities. The project was awarded on Aug. 20, 2014 with the final inspection on Feb. 9, 2017.
The new auditorium and stadium are part of a renovation master plan for the school, which started in 2012. There are nine phases to the plan with the athletic facilities being part of Phase I. Phase II includes plans for the demotion of the swimming pool, old lockers rooms and weight room to make way for a new gymnasium, band and choral rooms and supporting infrastructure and utilities. The plan also calls for new classrooms and more than 100 new parking stalls. All phases of the master plan are contingent on funding.
Designer Kiniokahokuloa "Kini" Zamora was presented with a Senate certificate recognizing his success on the television series "Project Runway" and for his achievement in launching fashion company KINIandDINKO with Dean "Dinko" Satta, and two clothing lines, KZ Hawaii and Kini Zamora.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Farrington High School's Edward Thompson Skippa Diaz Stadium was held at Kusinoki Field today.
Visit khon2.com to read the full article.
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
Senate President Donna Mercado Kim issued the following statement on the Hawaii State Board of Land and Natural Resources' decision to approve a temporary housing first transition center lease and right of entry at Sand Island to the City and County of Honolulu. The Sand Island Housing First Transition Center includes a vague plan to temporarily house 100 homeless families.
Kim is disappointed that the Board issued a lease without details of the project and without giving the public an opportunity to provide input. In written testimony sent to the Board on September 12, 2014, she suggested that the Board defer action to issue a direct least of land until the next month's meeting. Kim said that a one month delay will not affect the project but will go a long way to involving the community and giving the city time to develop and share details of the project.
Kim's statement on BLNR's decision to issue a lease of land to the City and County of Honolulu for a housing first transition center without input from the community or details of the project:
"Despite the lack of public input, the community's opposition, and details of the city's plan, BLNR approved the lease of land for a temporary housing first transition center for the homeless at Sand Island.
"The only person to vote against the motion was Vernon Char, who suggested granting the immediate right of entry but to delay decision-making on the issuance of the lease until further details were provided by the City on the planned project.
"Char's motion was in line with the recommendations I made in written testimony to BLNR on September 12. I had also requested that we give the public an opportunity to express their thoughts and concerns on a project that could impact their community, and require the City to submit quarterly reports to ensure accountability and transparency.
"Although disappointed with the decision to approve the lease, I am glad that the Board did so with several important conditions. They include requiring the City to work with the Department of Health (DOH) and to submit progress reports to the Board; requiring the DOH to approve the site as safe with no health hazards; requiring an environmental assessment should the City extend the 3-year lease; and requiring more public input be obtained."
Senate President Kim's testimony
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
Senate President Donna Mercado Kim today issued the following remarks on the passing of former lawmaker Robert "Bob" Herkes, who passed this week at 83:
"I am saddened to learn of the passing of former lawmaker Robert "Bob" Herkes and my thoughts and prayers are with Jo-Anna and their family. Our state lost a revered man who dedicated his life to public service, and we were lucky to have him serve as a state senator, state representative and Hawaii County Council member. Even after leaving the Legislature, Bob never stopped contributing to the well-being of our state. The Senate in April confirmed him as a member of the Hawaii Tourism Authority Board and he was scheduled to attend his first meeting just a few days ago. Until the end, he was committed to improving the lives of Hawaii's people.
"Bob cared deeply about his home and its people. He fought tirelessly to strengthen our communities and create a better life for all. Many will remember him for effectively passing legislation helping homeowners during the mortgage foreclosure crisis, and spearheading efforts to address the impacts of VOG on health and safety, agriculture, the economy and tourism. Because of his work, Hawaii Island received a mobile medical van that acts as a roving clinic in under-served areas.
"He was a respected lawmaker, sharp businessman and compassionate mentor and friend. We will miss him dearly.
"On behalf of the Hawaii State Senate, we offer our deepest condolences to his wife Jo-Anna, sons Bob, Ken and Dough, and all family and friends at this difficult time."
Aloha,
After learning from Hawaii News Now that UH failed to consider a viable presidential candidate that was recommended to them, I can no longer remain silent on this issue.
I speak out not in favor of any candidate, but in the best interest of the students and the University. This is such an important decision. Finding the best candidates far outweighs the Regents excuses why they are only left with two candidates.
Therefore, I am supporting the UH Manoa Graduate Student Organization and its resolution vote of "no confidence" in the search process, and I call for the Board of Regents to re-open their search.
Please join us by signing an online petition asking the Board of Regents to re-open the search for the next system-wide President of the University of Hawaii.
Click HERE to sign the petition: Demand that that Board of Regents re-open the search for the University of Hawaii's new President.
The final selection should also include the three newly confirmed Regents and should not be pushed to a vote to accommodate the three outgoing Regents whose terms expire on June 30th.
Mahalo,
Senator Donna Mercado Kim
Senate President
The Hawaii State Senate today adjourned the 2014 session passing more than 240 bills that align with its initial priorities to make Hawaii a better place for everyone now and in the future through initiatives supporting Hawaii's keiki, kūpuna, workers and the environment.
"The ability to compromise and work together is essential to making good laws that help Hawaii's people today and in the future," said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim. "It is thanks to the patience and passion of our members and advocates that we were able to complete another successful session."
"With anything we do in life, it's always about balance. That's the same way we look at it here in our majority caucus," said Sen. Brickwood Galuteria. "Every issue will have two opposing sides. Our job as lawmakers is to come out at the end of session with worthy legislation that improve the quality of life of our people. I think we did just that and I'm proud of my colleagues in the Senate Majority.
The Senate Majority, whose members are Democrats, this afternoon took action on its final bills of the session. Some of the major bills discussed and approved were several education measures that align with earlier action emphasizing the Senate's commitment to Hawaii's keiki, the future of Hawaii.
Lawmakers passed four bills relating to education, one prohibiting teachers from using seclusion and creating conditions and procedures for the use of restraint in schools in order to promote the safety and well-being of students (HB2257), and another raising the salary cap of the superintendent of education in order to attract and retain exemplary candidates (HB2257). The third bill will allow charter schools to charge fees on the use of facilities to help cover operating costs (HB1745).
Overall, many of the notable bills this session focused on prevention and maintaining core services and projects. Lawmakers funded initiatives that address imminent problems (as part of the joint majority package) such as the rise in kūpuna population, spread of invasive species, and effects of climate control. Lawmakers also remained committed to providing continued support for the people most in need, including Hawaii's keiki, kūpuna and workers who earn the lowest wages.
The governor has 45 days from the time a bill was received to veto it, sign it into law, or allow it to pass into law without his signature.
Highlights of Bills Passed this Session
The Hawaii State Legislature today approved more than 135 on final reading ahead of the adjournment sine die this Thursday, including the state supplemental budget, measures supporting kūpuna and protecting the environment, and flagship bills raising minimum wage and funding the Turtle Bay Conservation Easement. The measures will now be enrolled to Governor Neil Abercrombie for consideration. The Governor has until Monday, June 23 to notify the legislature of an intent to veto and until Tuesday, July 8 to sign.
"Through the diligence and efficiency of my colleagues in both the Senate and House, not to mention their willingness to compromise, we have passed key measures that support our workers, kūpuna, keiki and environment," said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim.
"Caring for our kūpuna and protecting our environment was a priority of the legislature this year," said Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria. "The four measures we passed will help fund preventive measures to care for our aina and seniors."
State Supplemental Budget
HB1700 includes funding for core services such as education, health, the University of Hawaii, human services, the environment, public safety, and supporting and caring for the lives of Hawaii's people.
Through prudent money management, and in order to reflect a weak economic forecast, lawmakers reduced Gov. Neil Abercrombie's executive budget request by $173 million in general funds over fiscal biennium 2013-15. The governor's $200 million budget request for FY2015 was significantly cut down to $65.7 million.
Funding for capital improvement projects amounted to just over $5 billion, of which $2.3 billion is funded in general obligation (GO) or reimbursable bonds. This number includes the lapse and reauthorization of $339 million in GO Bonds for the State Educational Facilities Improvement (SEFI) Fund. The budget includes $40 million for grant-in-aid (GIA).
"We've had some challenges balancing the budget this session, especially with lower-than-expected tax revenue projections," said Sen. David Ige, chair of the Ways and Means Committee, "but through the commitment of both Senate and House members to work together to balance the needs and concerns of everyone in our community, we were able to make the smart financial decisions to close the budget."
Flagship Measures Passing Final Reading:
Increasing Minimum Wage
Senate Bill 2609 will boost the income of Hawaii's lowest paid workers giving them more money to spend and invest, increasing economic activity and growth, while allowing them to care for their families. The final version of the bill increases the state's minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 over the next four years. For workers who earn at least $7 more than the minimum wage, businesses can deduct a 75 cents tip credit. The current tip credit is 50 cents.
Preserving Hawaii's Lands
House Bill 2434 will provide the $40 million needed to complete the agreement reached last week between the State of Hawaii, City and County of Honolulu, The Trust for Public Land, and Turtle Bay Resort (TBR) to establish a conservation easement on 665.8 acres of land at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku.
JOINT MAJORITY PACKAGE BILLS
Supporting Hawaii's Kūpuna
HB1713 SD2 and SB2346 SD1 HD2 supports Hawaii's kūpuna through funding of aging, long-term care and investor education programs.
Protecting the Environment
HB1714 establishes an interagency sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation committee under the State Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The final joint majority package bill, HB1716, which appropriates $5 million to the Hawaii Invasive Species Council for invasive species prevention, control, outreach, research, and planning, passed out of committee earlier this month.
Although the Senate passed out SB2478, a bill updating the chiropractic scope of practice, the House voted to recommit the both measures to committee. Both the House and Senate recommitted SB2799, relating the salary of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation Executive Director.
The Senate deferred a vote on HB1652, a bill establishing a 5-year pilot program at the University of Hawaii Hilo School of Pharmacy and a University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Pharmacy Special Fund, until Thursday, May 1. And the House deferred vote on SB3065, the Dole land exchange bill, and until then as well.
Thursday, May 1, is adjournment sine die, the final day of the 2014 Legislative Session and the last day for the lawmakers to vote on measures. Senate will convene session at 11 a.m.
Click here to view Highlights from the Budget.
Senate President Donna Mercado Kim issued the following remarks on SB3122 relating to OHA's Kakaako-makai parcels:
"Conference is meant as an open dialogue to discuss and resolve differences between House and Senate bills in a collaborative manner. Although this bill did not survive this legislative session, I'm sure debate will continue on this issue."
In the spirit of collaboration, House and Senate conferees today struck a balance passing out several conference drafts that support the people of Hawaii and protect and preserve the land that they live. The bills now goes to the full Senate and House for a final floor vote.
"The Legislature for the third year in a row worked efficiently and effectively to end conference negotiations on time," said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim. "In the past, certain bills required extending the deadline for negotiations. Efficiency is important to the Senate as we continue to do work for the people of Hawaii."
Increasing Minimum Wage
Senate Bill 2609 will boost the income of Hawaii's lowest paid workers giving them more money to spend and invest, increasing economic activity and growth, while allowing them to care for their families. The final version of the bill increases the state's minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 over the next four years. For workers who earn at least $7 more than the minimum wage, businesses can deduct a 75 cents tip credit. The current tip credit is 50 cents.
"From the start of the session, the Hawaii State Senate has been committed to improving the lives of Hawaii's people and raising the minimum wage is just one of the measures that will do just that," said Sen. Clayton Hee, Judiciary Chair. "Raising the minimum wage is not only good for Hawaii's people, it's the right thing to do and makes good economic sense. My colleagues and our counterparts in the House worked tirelessly to work out differences and through compromise were successful in approving this much-needed piece of legislation."
Preserving Hawaii's Lands
House Bill 2434 will provide the $40 million needed to complete the agreement reached last week between the State of Hawaii, City and County of Honolulu, The Trust for Public Land, and Turtle Bay Resort (TBR) to establish a conservation easement on 665.8 acres of land at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku.
"The Senate has always been committed to funding this important conservation easement on the North Shore," said Sen. David Ige, Ways and Means Chair. "This session and last, we advanced legislation funding the agreement, and were ready to include the $40 million in the state budget. I'm pleased with the result and thank those members who worked quickly and diligently to pass out this bill before the deadline."
State Supplemental Budget
HB1700 includes funding for core services such as education, health, the University of Hawaii, human services, the environment, public safety, and supporting and caring for the lives of Hawaii's people. Through prudent money management, and in order to reflect the weak economic forecast, lawmakers reduced Gov. Neil Abercrombie's executive budget request by $173 million in general funds over fiscal biennium 2013-15. The governor's $200 million budget request for FY2015 was significantly cut down to $65.7 million.
Funding for capital improvement projects amounted to just over $5 billion, of which $2.3 billion is funded in general obligation (GO) or reimbursable bonds. This number includes the lapse and reauthorization of $339 million in GO Bonds for the State Educational Facilities Improvement (SEFI) Fund. The budget includes $40 million for grant-in-aid (GIA).
"Education was a real winner in this bill," said Ige. "We were able to make key investments at every level ensuring that our students have the best access to quality education. We also made investments to protect our agriculture lands by adding positions to the pesticides branch in the Department of Agriculture, funded many key programs in other areas and closed on time with a balanced and fair budget despite challenges."
JOINT MAJORITY PACKAGE BILLS
Supporting Hawaii's Kūpuna
HB1713 SD2 and SB2346 SD1 HD2 supports Hawaii's kūpuna through funding of aging, long-term care and investor education programs.
Protecting the Environment
HB1714 establishes an interagency sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation committee under the State Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The final joint majority package bill, HB1716, which appropriates $5 million to the Hawaii Invasive Species Council for invasive species prevention, control, outreach, research, and planning, passed out of committee earlier this month.
"The Senate and House members of the 2014 legislative session put forth a joint majority package that addresses the combined interests and priorities of our State and I am pleased that the remaining three bills in the package have made it out of conference," said Senate Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria. "These bills support the present and future of our state as it supports our kūpuna and addresses the effects of climate change for our future generation. Here in Hawaii, we are lucky to live in a place that cherishes our culture, traditions and environment, and protecting those ideals is one of our duties as lawmakers."
The Hawaii State Legislature will be honoring local boy Bruno Mars for his great successes in his musical career. Tonight Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, along with Jerry Chang, UH Hilo's director of university relations, and Bruce Coppa, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's chief of staff, will present Bruno with a certificate recognizing his outstanding career and saluting the impact he has made on the world with his music.
"Bruno Mars is an extremely talented young man and Hawaii is very proud of him," said Kim. "He represents our state well and I congratulate him for pursuing his musical gifts."
"His extraordinary career began as a musical child prodigy, and since then he has honed his skills as a performer, composer, songwriter and producer," she added. "He's an inspiration to many and has a bright future ahead of him."
Bruno, 28, is playing his last sold-out show Monday after a weekend of wowing fans. Hawaii is the first stop on Mars' second leg of his Moonshine Jungle World Tour.
Highlights of the Senate Certificate Honoring Bruno Mars
His friends and classmates at Roosevelt High School remember him as Peter Gene Hernandez, but even as a teenager he was showing signs of the tremendous talent within. The son of musical parents and professional entertainers, Bruno, as he was nicknamed at an early age, formed a band with friends and performed with his family's act at the Ilikai Hotel.
Already a prodigy as a child, he honed his act and repertory, not to mention his musical gifts, during his many years of performing in Waikiki.Following his graduation from high school in 2002, Bruno Mars left the islands to seek his fortune in Los Angeles.
His career developed slowly, and it was only after he turned his creativity to composing did he begin to enjoy greater exposure. Bruno made a decision to focus on his songwriting and producing skills, helping other performers develop their careers. It was not until 2010 that Atlantic Records gave him the opportunity to sing in the chorus for his composition, "Nothin' on You" recorded by rapper B.o.B., and he finally found himself as a pop performer as well as a composer.
Bruno released his first solo single, "Just the Way You Are," several months later and hasn't looked back since. The few short years following his breakthrough as a performer have been nothing short of remarkable, as he earned a Grammy Award for best male pop vocal performance, had his debut album reach platinum status, sold 45 million singles to date around the world, copped numerous industry honors in the United States and elsewhere, been named as one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world, and wowed football fans as the featured half-time act at the 2014 Super Bowl. Bruno Mars, a young man born in Hawaii, has become a musical phenomenon and a global icon, and an exceptional representative of the people of these islands.
The Senate and House of Representatives of the Twenty-seventh Legislature of the State of Hawaii hereby commends and congratulates Bruno Mars on his outstanding career and extends our best wishes for his continued success throughout the years to come.
Senate President Donna Mercado Kim today issued the following comments on the passing of Brandon Cayetano, son of former Gov. Ben Cayetano:
"I am saddened to hear of the passing of Brandon Cayetano. On behalf of the Hawaii State Senate, it is with great sorrow that I extend our deepest condolences to the Cayetano family for the loss of their beloved son and brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with former Governor Ben Cayetano and his family during this difficult time."
Today the Hawaii State Senate and the Hawaii State House of Representatives convened a special joint session to recognize four military service members with Hawaii ties who have given the ultimate sacrifice of life while serving our country.
The recipients of the Hawaii Medal of Honor include: United State Army Sergeant Tofiga Tautolo, 23; United State Air Force Captain Reid Nishizuka, 30; United State Army Sergeant Drew Scobie, 25; and United State Army Sergeant Edward Balli, 42.
The Hawaii State Legislature presented the families of these brave heroes with the Hawaii Medal of Honor. As of January 20, 2014, Hawaii has lost 331 service members with Hawaii ties.
Senate President Donna Mercado Kim issued the following statement:
"Today is a day of remembrance as we recognize the courage embodied by the service members who have sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation and the freedoms we treasure. The men honored today are our sons, brothers, husbands and best friends, and they will never be forgotten."
If you're a loyal fan standing in line to purchase a coveted concert ticket, and plan to attend that concert, you should be able to have more than six percent of a chance to purchase that ticket, said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim. The lawmaker has introduced a resolution urging concert and entertainment venues to require only in-person ticket sales for the first 48 hours.
The resolution was triggered by the disappointment of local residents after the quick sale - three concerts sold out in 2-hours - of tickets for local boy Bruno Mars' Hawaii shows in April. It was later announced that people from the mainland and Canada snagged 42 percent of the 17,000 tickets. Even more frustrating was for those who stood in the long lines at the Blaisdell box office, only six percent of tickets were bought there. It's also been reported that scalpers who purchased tickets in bulk are selling them for exorbitant prices. Kim is hoping to change this for concertgoers so that those who will actually go to a performance are able to purchase tickets from the original venue at the actual ticket price, and not from a secondary market at inflated prices.
"Despite waiting in line for hours, many fans were unable to purchase tickets to the upcoming Bruno Mars concert at the Blaisdell Center," said Kim. "Anyone who takes the time to show up in person should have the opportunity to purchase tickets for at least the first two days before opening up to online sales. It's unfortunate that out-of-state ticket brokers and scalpers will resell these concert tickets back to local residents for an enormous profit."
The resolution names and urges the following entities to set purchasing terms: Hawaii Community Development Authority, Stadium Authority, Department of Enterprise Services of the City and County of Honolulu, Board of Regents, President of the University of Hawaii and Chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
These entities hold concerts at venues such as Kakaako Park, Aloha Stadium, the Neil S. Blaisdell Center, Waikiki Shell, University of Hawaii Stan Sheriff Center and the Hawaii Convention Center.
"Our residents should enjoy a night of entertainment without having to pay inflated prices," said Kim.
Senate President Donna Mercado Kim is strongly urging University of Hawaii officials not to balance a potential $2 million budget deficit by raising student fees. Through a senate resolution, she points out the already high student fees per semester that amount to $1,400,000 per year to the UH Athletics Department. Students currently pay a $50 mandatory fee per semester.
Officials have blamed the deficit on a disappointing 1-11 football season with low ticket sales and the inability to meet a $1 million fundraising goal. However, although acknowledging these facts, the resolution also points out that the discontent and dissatisfaction of some longtime financial supporters with the leadership and transparency of the Board of Regents and the President, and their public statements on no longer contributing funds.
"University officials made bad leadership decisions and now we are seeing the result of them," said Kim. "Why are we asking our students to pay for the shortfalls of university decision makers? We shouldn't allow students to shoulder the burden of the UH Athletics Department or any other department."
According to the resolution, student fees should be based on an objective criteria or an appropriate formula rather than an apparently arbitrary amount decided by the University. It goes on to say that if fees are raised to close a budget deficit, once it is balanced, those fees should be reduced accordingly.
"This is not what we want to teach our future generation of leaders," she added. "By passing the buck to them, we're saying 'Look, if you make a mistake and don't meet expectations, you can just force someone else to deal with it.'"
The Hawaii State Senate today recognized Dennis Francis, president and publisher of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, who was recently named "Publisher of the Year" by Editor & Publisher Magazine, the leading journal of the newspaper industry.
Francis merged Hawaii's two daily papers, the Honolulu Advertiser and Honolulu Star-Bulletin in 2010 and turned two struggling newspapers into one prosperous one. Over the past three years, the Star-Advertiser has successfully introduced a breaking news app for smart devices, created an innovative digital pricing structure, and promoted open and transparent government by filing lawsuits requiring public agencies to release information on their proceedings. Additionally, Frances is actively involved in the community and serves on a number of organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, American Red Cross, Aloha United Way and Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.
"Francis is well-deserving of Publisher of the Year," said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim. "His successes in professional achievements are more than matched by his charitable work. On behalf of the entire Senate body, I commend Dennis for his many contributions to our community, and wish him many more years of success and fulfillment in his professional and personal endeavors."
A dialogue focused on clean energy, technology and local households is at the center of a town hall meeting being held by 'Aiea and Pearl City area lawmakers on Thursday, August 15, 2013, at the Pearl Ridge Elementary School's cafeteria at 7:00 p.m.
"The impact of rising rates of traditional energy sources is being felt in the pockets of many of our local households, who are having to dig deeper and deeper to pay the monthly electric bill or fill up the gas tank, "said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, who represents District 14 (Kapalama, ‘Alewa, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, portions of Halawa and ‘Aiea). "This meeting is the perfect opportunity for residents to learn about the different forms of clean energy available, so they can make informed decisions that will hopefully save them money in energy costs."
Apart from the typical solar and photovoltaic (PV) approach, residents will be updated on other alternative energy technologies available for their homes as well as tax credits and financing options to help fund such systems. Several electric vehicles will also be on site for residents to view and test drive the latest in vehicle technology.
In addition, information tables will be available, allowing for one-on-one questions with numerous industry professionals to help guide the residents in choosing the best energy saving technologies that are cost effective and tailored to their needs.
Guest speakers include representatives from the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Hawaii Energy, and Hawaiian Electric Company. The Department of Taxation will also be present.
The town hall is being hosted by lawmakers representing the ‘Aiea and Pearl City areas: Sen. David Y. Ige, Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, Rep. Aaron Johanson, Rep. K. Mark Takai, Rep. Roy Takumi, Rep. Gregg Takayama, and City Councilmembers Breene Harimoto and Carol Fukunaga.
View the media release.
The Senate approved its version of the 2013-2014 budget bill, which includes funding for five of District 14's capital improvement projects (CIPs).
The Senate and House must now meet in conference committee to determine the final budget that will be sent to the Governor for his approval.
District 14 CIP Projects Introduced in 2013 Legislature:
|
School/ Organization |
Funding Amount | Project | Status |
| Kapalama Elementary School | $250,000 | Design and construct a new door to replace existing door for fire safety improvements | Proposed for Funding in Senate Budget Bill |
| Moanalua Gardens Foundation | $450,000 | Kamananui (Moanalua) Valley improvements | Proposed for Funding in Senate Budget Bill |
| Farrington High School | $3,750,000 | Plan, design, and construct an all weather track and supporting facilities | Proposed for Funding in Senate Budget Bill |
| Red Hill Elementary School | $420,000 | Design and construction to resurface driveway and parking lot | Proposed for Funding in Senate Budget Bill |
| Farrington High School | $6,250,000 | Plan, design, construction and equipment for the modernization of campus facilities | Proposed for Funding in Senate Budget Bill |
| Aiea Intermediate School | $560,000 | Cafeteria stage improvements and support spaces | Not Funded |
| Fern Elementary School | $100,000 | Construct additional parking lot | Not Funded |
| Kalihi Uka Elementary School | $75,000 | Install wheelchair lift to cafeteria and library located on the 2nd floor | Not Funded |
| Kapalama Elementary School | $310,000 | Bathroom renovations | Not Funded |
| Aiea Intermediate School | $1,670,000 | Design and construct an applied technology center | Not Funded |
Mahalo to all the volunteers and the Moanalua community for a successful Aloha Aina Recycling Drive on Saturday, April 6. Many community members helped to keep our landfills free of scrap metal, appliances, batteries, electronics, paper, cans, bottles, and cardboard by recycling.
Senator Kim joined Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii, the Department of Health, and the Child Abuse Prevention Planning Council on Sunday to plant pinwheels in the State Capitol Lawn to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect prevention. You can see the pinwheels on display until April 14 on the Beretania Street Lawn.
A big congratulations to the MHS Symphony Orchestra for being invited a third time to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, one of our country's most prestigious musical performance venues. Ninety-one fellow musicians, under the guidance of band teacher Elden Seta, performed at the esteemed site for an Easter Sunday concert.
The school's symphony orchestra holds the distinct honor of being the first student orchestra in the country to be formally invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in 1998.
Read more in the April 2013 Community Report
Mahalo to all of our student visitors to the Capitol during the Legislature's annual Education Week. Among our visitors were members of the Farrington High School 9th Grade Class, as well as Robotics Teams from Farrington High School, Kalakaua Middle School and Moanalua Middle School.
Read more in the April 2013 Community Report
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| Farrington High School Robotics Team | Moanalua Middle School Robotics Team | Kalakaua Middle School Robotics Team |
Governor Abercrombie has released capital improvement project (CIP) funds for the following school projects.
• $253,777 for Phase 1 of Aiea Intermediate's campus drainage improvements and waterline replacements.
• $90,550 for restroom renovations for Building A at Kalihi Uka Elementary
Read more in the April 2013 Community Report
A community town meeting to take place on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at the Pearl Ridge Elementary School cafeteria will feature Mayor Kirk Caldwell, who will discuss his priorities as Mayor, including issues such as the timely construction of rail, traffic congestion, and improvements to the sewer system. The meeting will be held from 7:00-8:30pm. Call Representative Takayama's office at 586-6340 for more information.
Read more in the March 2013 Community Report
State legislators and community leaders celebrated breaking ground for the new Aiea Public Library. The ceremony took place on March 16, 2013 to mark the start of the new facility being built at the old Aiea sugar mill. The library is scheduled for completion in November of this year.
Read more in the March 2013 Community Report
Governor Abercrombie has released capital improvement project (CIP) funds for two District 14 projects.
• $700,000 for Phase IV of the Kalihi Valley Homes project, which will include site and dwelling improvements.Read more in the March 2013 Community Report
• $221,570 for upgrading Aiea Intermediate school's fire alarm system.
Senate President Donna Mercado Kim is proposing six bills in her legislative package that directly impact the University of Hawaii. The bills are based on findings and recommendations from the Senate Special Committee on Accountability's informational briefings to review the oversight, accountability, and transparency of the operational and financial management of the University of Hawaii System, chaired by Senator Kim in September and October 2012.
"The discussion and call for University of Hawaii flexibility and autonomy has been around since the 1980s. Over the past three decades the Executive and Legislative branches of the State of Hawaii have worked together to provide the University of Hawaii with more flexibility and autonomy. However, that autonomy and self governance has evolved to a point where the Senate feels that, in the interest of statewide concern, the University of Hawaii needs to be held more accountable and operate in full transparency," explained Senate President Donna Mercado Kim.
The proposed bills range in topics from procurement for construction projects, to revising the number of University General Counsels, having the Board of Regents undergo annual training on board policies and procedures, requiring the Board of Regents to file annual disclosures of financial interest which would become public record, clarifying how the members of the Board of Regents are selected by the Governor, and revising the makeup of the Board of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH).
For reference purposes, the bills are:
SB 1383 - Repeals the President of the University of Hawaii's authority to serve as the Chief Procurement Officer for construction contracts.
SB 1384 - Limits the Board of Regents to appointing one University General Counsel.
SB 1385 - Requires the Board of Regents to undergo annual training and certification.
SB 1386 - Requires the Board of Regents to file annual disclosure of financial interest.
SB 1387 - Gives the Governor the authority to reject the list of nominees to the Board of Regents presented by the Regents Candidate Advisory Council.
SB 1388 - Reduces the number of members of the Board of Directors of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH) and removes the authority of the President of the University to also serve as the President of RCUH.
View the media release.
With the flu season well underway, Senate President Donna Mercado Kim received her flu shot vaccination this afternoon at the State Capitol. HMSA, with its partner CVS-Longs, and Kaiser Permanente offered vaccinations for their working members at the State Capitol today. The event was coordinated through the offices of Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, Vice Speaker John Mizuno, and Representative Dee Morikawa.
The flu season officially begins on October 1st of each year, and continues through mid-May of the following year. To learn more about how to protect yourself against the flu visit the Department of Health's website at: http://flu.hawaii.gov/general-info.html.
Senate Vice President Donna Mercado Kim (Sen. District 14) has been selected as the President of the Senate and will preside during the 27th Hawaii State Legislature, which will convene on January 16, 2013. Senator Ronald D. Kouchi (Sen. District 8) will serve as Senate Vice President. Senator David Ige (Sen. District 16) will continue as Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, with Senator Michelle Kidani (Sen. District 18) serving as his Vice Chair.
The Senate acted quickly to organize after Maui State Senator Shan Tsutsui (Sen. District 5) took the oath of office as Lieutenant Governor yesterday. The Senate line up remains mostly intact to allow members continuity in their committee work as the Senate has been preparing for the upcoming session.
"We are solidified in dealing with the pressing issues facing our State. The Senate continues to be organized in a cooperative and focused manner. I'm humbled to receive the confidence and support of my colleagues" said Senate President Kim.
"We reached an agreement quickly so that we can continue to focus our attention on the issues and begin preparations for the 2013 session," said Senate Vice President Kouchi.
A complete listing of Senate Leadership and Committee Chairmanships is as follows:
President: Donna Mercado Kim
Vice President: Ronald D. Kouchi
Majority Leader: Brickwood Galuteria
Assistant Majority Leader: Michelle Kidani
Ways and Means, Chair: David Ige
Ways and Means, Vice Chair: Michelle Kidani
Majority Floor Leader: Will Espero
Majority Policy Leader: Les Ihara, Jr.
Majority Whip: Gil Kahele
Majority Whip: Jill Tokuda
Judiciary and Labor, Chair: Clayton Hee
Commerce and Consumer Protection, Chair: Roz Baker
Agriculture, Chair: Clarence Nishihara
Technology and The Arts, Chair: Glenn Wakai
Economic Development, Government Operations, and Housing, Chair: Donovan Dela Cruz
Energy and Environment, Chair: Mike Gabbard
Education, Chair: Jill Tokuda
Tourism and Hawaiian Affairs, Chair: Brickwood Galuteria
Health, Chair: Josh Green, M.D.
Higher Education, Chair: Brian Taniguchi
Human Services, Chair: Suzanne Chun Oakland
Public Safety and Military Affairs, Chair: Will Espero
Transportation & International Affairs, Chair: J. Kalani English
Water and Land, Chair: Malama Solomon
View the media release.
There's been tremendous public interest in the Senate Special Committee on Accountability's hearings on the University of Hawaii's management issues.
While public reaction to the hearings have included calls for everything from firing top UH administrators to subpoenaing public officials to have them testify under oath, that is not the purview of the Accountability Committee or the desire of the Legislature.
Here are the facts to help you understand the committee's scope:
• The committee's task is to review the oversight, accountability, and transparency of the operational and financial management of the University of Hawaii, including the Manoa athletics program.The University as an autonomous entity:
• Since the legislature is not in session, the committee may conduct informational briefings to gather information and request individuals to testify before the committee. After gathering the information, the committee will submit a report with recommendations.
• At this stage the committee does not have the authority to subpoena or put any individuals under oath.
• Once the 2013 Legislature opens, a resolution needs to be voted upon to establish the Special Committee on Accountability as an investigative committee with the authority to subpoena testifiers to appear before the committee.
• The voters approved a Constitutional amendment granting a significant degree of autonomy to the University of Hawaii to govern its own affairs.
• The Board of Regents members are appointed by the Governor from a list of recommended nominees and confirmed by the Senate. Once they are confirmed there is no provision to remove a Regent from the Board
• With self-governance in place, the Legislature cannot take action to overturn UH decisions or to hire and fire administrative/leadership personnel.
The Senate Leadership has assigned the Senate Special Committee on Accountability the task to "review the oversight, accountability, and transparency of the operational and financial management of the University of Hawaii System, including but not limited to the University of Hawaii at Manoa Athletics Department."
As Chair of this Committee, Senator Kim will conduct the briefing looking into the transparency and accountability of the University's operations, in the wake of the recent cancelation of the Stevie Wonder concert and the administration's responses to that situation.
The committee is comprised of Vice Chair Senator Jill Tokuda and Senators Les Ihara, Jr., Ron Kouchi, and Sam Slom as members.
The first public informational briefing will be held on Monday, September 24, 1:00 p.m., in State Capitol Room 211. Only written testimony will be accepted which can be submitted by email to
SCATestimony@capitol.hawaii.gov (10mb limit) or by mail to:
Senate Special Committee on Accountability
415 South Beretania St. Room 210
Honolulu, HI 96813
Senator Kim accepting the "Legislator of the Year" honor
The Friends of the Library of Hawaii recently named Senator Kim "Legislator of the Year" for her efforts to preserve vital funding for the library system during her term as chair of the Ways and Means Committee and for her leadership in securing support for the Salt Lake and Aiea public libraries during her legislative tenure.
The award was presented by Governor Neil Abercrombie and the Friends at a January 11 ceremony at Washington Place. Said Senator Kim, "I accept this honor not for myself but for my fellow legislators, past and present, without whom I could not effectively represent the residents of my district...for all the employees of the Hawaii State Public Library System, who devote themselves to providing this important public service across the islands...and to the patrons of our libraries - young, old, and in-between - who are the reason we work so hard to support this cherished American institution."
Celebrating Palama Settlement Centennial and the Tourism Committees tour Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club and the Disney Aulani Resort. Read more in the December 2011 Community Report.
Information on the upcoming APEC Summit taking place November 8 - 13 and how you can help your neighborhood through the Prosecutor's Drug Nuisance Abatement Program. Read more in the November 2011 Community Report.
Senator Kim at the 5th annual China-United States Tourism Leadership Summit. The After School All-Stars program held a presentation at Dole Middle School with a surprise visit by founder Arnold Schwarzenegger. Read more in the October 2011 Community Report.
State reapportionment is in its final stages for public hearings at the listed locations with the final plan due on September 26th. Information on the pedestrian safety program "Walk Wise Hawaii" which took place at the end of August. Read more in the September 2011 Community Report.
Update on the ongoing HSTA contract negotiations at the Aiea / Pearl City Town Hall meetings. Capital Improvements worth $2,000,000 for Dole Middle School and Aiea Intermediate School. Come see Frank DeLima at the AARP hosted "Tips for Successful Aging" seminar. Read more in the August 2011 Community Report.
Wrap-up of the 2011 Legislative Session and information on the possibility of a Special Legislative Session. Support Hiki No, the nation's first student news network with area participants Moanalua and Farrington High School. Stay informed and involved in the legislative process with the help of the Public Access Room. Read more in the June 2011 Community Report.
Update on the conclusion of the 2011 Legislative Session. Supporting success for Hawaii's students through the Step Up program in our public schools. Moanalua High Schoolhas been selected as one of 15 model high schools by the International Center for Leadership in Education. Read more in the May 2011 Community Report.
April 2011 Community Report-325 bills were passed from the Senate to the House on March 8. Families of 16 Service Members received the Hawaii Medal of Honor from the State Legislature. Over 100 turned out for Moanalua/ Salt Lake Town meeting March 29. Read more in the April 2011 Community Report.
March 2011 Community Report- Updates on legislative bills and resolutions, town hall meetings, Aloha Aina Earth Day at Farrington High School, capital improvement project funds for Kalihi-Waena Elementary and Moanalua Elementary Schools... Read more in the March 2011 Community Report.
January 2011 Community Report- Highlights include the new Senate Leadership assignments, an invitation to Meet & Greet Governor Neil Abercrombie and Lt. Governor Brian Schatz, tourism-related news on 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, and kudos to Hawaii 3R's, the non-profit organization which recently awarded a grant of $96,900 to Moanalua High School. Read more in the January 2011 Community Report.
Highlights include congratulations to Dole Middle School recognized as first Hawaii school to receive 2010 School of Distinction award, Investigation of the Dept. of Budget and Finance's handling of state's investment in student loan auction rate securities, funding for Kalihi-Palama Health Center in fight against chronic kidney disease. Read more in the November 2010 Community Report.
News highlights include information on the two Constitutional Amendments to be on the ballot, congratulations to Red Hill Elementary for meeting AYP goals, free flu vaccines for kids, an update on Kuhio Park Terrace, the First Annual Appreciation Day Celebration, and a schedule of town events and community meetings. Read more in the October 2010 Community Report.
"The embattled deputy state transportation director in charge of airports abruptly stepped down last week with just five days' notice. Brian Sekiguchi's management skills and ethics have come under fire by a key state senator...At a July 19 hearing, State Senate Ways and Means Chairwoman Donna Mercado Kim accused Sekiguchi of taking at least one day of vacation in April of 2009 without putting in for vacation time..." View full article
Included are: highlights and accomplishments of the 2010 Legislative Session, community survey results, Senator Kim on the Hot Seat, 2010 Donna Mercado Kim Aloha Spirit Awards. Read more
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser yesterday published the following editorial:
"The director of Hawaii's airports through most of the Lingle administration abruptly resigned this month, but his departure should not abort investigations of the state Transportation Department's airports division. Taxpayers deserve to know whether the irregularities preceding Brian H. Sekiguchi's departure took the form of sloppy administration, lack of oversight, criminal wrongdoing or all of the above..." View full article
August 2010 Newsletter - Senator Kim's Committee on Ways and Means is conducting a series of informational briefings at the State Capitol this summer with the state's Department of Taxation, Department of Transportation, Department of Human Resources Development, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the Department of Budget and Finance in regards to various issues.