HAWAII AEROSPACE CAUCUS EXPLORES THE 'FINAL FRONTIER'

State Senate and House legislators today announced the formation of the Hawaii State Legislative Aerospace Caucus.

Among the measures it has introduced this session are bills that call for studies for a space exploration research and development park; an international flight training center and associated aeronautical training programs at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Community College; and a laser optical communications ground station in Hawaii.

Other measures call for the banning of unmanned aircrafts, except by law enforcement agencies, to gather information, and exempts from the general excise tax amounts received from the construction of a space launch facility in the State to help reduce the overall cost of such construction.

The caucus is a joint bipartisan effort in collaboration with the private sector to develop a strong, secure and internationally competitive aerospace sector in Hawaii. It will be a highly visible, proactive and solution oriented organization ensuring academia, industry and government are in step with programs and policies which support a robust aerospace economic sector.

The caucus is co-chaired by Senator Will Espero, Senator Glenn Wakai, Representative Angus McKelvey and Representative Gene Ward. The legislative membership also includes Senator Russell Ruderman and Representatives Isaac Choy, Cindy Evans, Richard Fale, Faye Hanohano, Sharon Har, Ken Ito, Derek Kawakami, Bob McDermott, Mark Nakashima, Calvin Say, Clift Tsuji.

"This collaborative effort is a significant step forward in building upon the aerospace industry that we are establishing here in Hawaii," said Representative Angus McKelvey, Chair of the Consumer Protection & Commerce Committee.

The group also includes the Aerospace Advisory Committee and Starlight Reserve Committee-advisory councils made of public and private space industry experts. At the announcement, the founding charter members also voted to include former Governor George Ariyoshi, a member of the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES) board and champion for aerospace growth in Hawaii, as an honorary member of the Hawaii Legislative Aerospace Caucus.

"Hawaii can be at the forefront of this industry by ensuring a strong, secure and viable aerospace sector," said Senator Will Espero, Chair of the Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee. "It starts by bringing together community members from the education, business and government sectors to help create good policy that will help us meet competitive challenges to support a robust aerospace economy."

"Nothing ignites the imagination like space. Hawaii needs to boldly move forward into this area," said Senator Glenn Wakai, Chair of the Technology and Arts Committee, "There are many sectors in technology that can be replicated in other parts of the world. When it comes to aerospace, Hawaii is ground zero. This is an industry that cannot pick up and leave the islands. It provides infinite economic opportunities and will ignite exploration in the minds of our keiki."

"Aerospace can be a game changer for our economy," said Representative Gene Ward. "One of the main purposes of the aerospace caucus will be to highlight those opportunities and promote legislation and regulation of an enabling environment."

The primary purpose of the Aerospace caucus is to promote legislation that will develop a robust, growing aerospace field in Hawaii. These measures include:

SB3092 | HB1967 Relating to Higher Education (Companion Bills): Appropriates $450,000 for a program coordinator and technical support staff member to complete the necessary planning required for an international flight training center and associated aeronautical training programs at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii community college.

HB2151 | SB2583 Relating to PISCES and NASA Laser Communications Ground Station Initiative (Companion Bills): Appropriates $500,000 for an engineering assessment of a proposal to establish a laser optical communications ground station in Hawaii.

HB2150 | SB2584 Relating to PISCES Planetary Sustainability Technologies Initiative (Companion Bills): Appropriates $250,000 to support planetary sustainability technology demonstrations and university-based competitions.

HB2152 | SB2585 Relating to PISCES (Companion Bills): Appropriates $1,500,000 to the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES) to support administrative and general tasks, strategic program initiatives, and the preliminary development of the PISCES Research and Development Park.

SB2608 Relating to Unmanned Aircrafts: Prohibits the use of unmanned aircrafts, except by law enforcement agencies, to gather information and establishes certain conditions for law enforcement agencies to use an unmanned aircraft to obtain information. Requires all law enforcement agencies using unmanned aircrafts and the courts to report on their activities relating to unmanned aircrafts.

SB2582 Relating to Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Requires individual consent or a search warrant to track an individual through the use of unmanned aircraft systems. Prohibits the repurposing of data without a search warrant. Prohibits unmanned aircraft systems from carrying weapons onboard. Requires the police departments to implement guidelines of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Aviation Committee.

SB3053 Relating to Unmanned Aerial Systems Test Sites: Establishes the Hawaii unmanned aerial systems test site chief operating officer position to, among other things, serve on the Pan-Pacific Unmanned Aerial Systems Test Range Complex management team. Establishes an advisory board to oversee and manage unmanned aerial systems test site operations. Appropriates the funds to staff and operate Hawaii's unmanned aerial systems test site activities.

HB2614 Relating to Taxation: Exempts from the general excise tax, amounts received from the construction of a space launch facility in the State.

For more information, please contact:

Senate
Senator Will Espero: 808-586-6360
Senator Glenn Wakai: 808-586-8585

House of Representatives
Representative Angus McKelvey: 808-586-6160
Representative Gene Ward: 808-586-6420

Related links:
News Release | Aerospace Advisory Committee roster | Starlight Reserve Committee roster | HCR 123 (2010)

SENATE OFFERS VIDEOCONFERENCING OPTION FOR PUBLIC TESTIMONY STATEWIDE

Beginning this legislative session, all Hawaii residents will now have the chance to testify at hearings before the Senate Committees on Education (EDU) and Technology and the Arts (TEC) without physically being there. In January 2013, the Senate began a pilot project to allow neighbor island residents the opportunity to participate in the legislative process without traveling to Oahu. Understanding that access is also a barrier for Oahu residents, the committees will now pilot the videoconferencing technology statewide.

"Ensuring access and citizen and stakeholder participation is especially important when it comes to issues dealing with public education and our schools," said Senator Jill Tokuda, chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee. "Expanding our use of this type of technology to connect people with policymakers will only strengthen and enhance the quality of legislation produced."

The Hawaii State Senate will launch its Statewide Videoconferencing Pilot Program beginning with the Senate Committee on Education's first hearing on Monday, January 27, 2014 at 1:15 p.m. and continue with hearings from both the Senate Education Committee and the Senate Committee on Technology and the Arts throughout the 2014 Legislative Session.

"It's not uncommon for people to have to sit through a two-hour hearing just to speak for one minute on one measure," added Senator Glenn Wakai, chairman of the Senate Technology and Arts Committee. "If we can reduce the barriers to civic engagement by reducing the cost and time people spend to voice their concerns, we are on our way to creating a better Hawaii."

In its inaugural year, the Neighbor Island Videoconferencing Program was piloted by the Senate Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Technology and the Arts. In its second year, the two committees will continue to pilot this project, increasing the amount of constituents that can be reached and who can testify by expanding statewide. Hearing notices for the pilot project hearings will indicate that videoconferencing testimony will be allowed and contain a link to instructions for the public on how to participate. Because this is a pilot project, there are some limitations to how many individuals are able to participate. Following the completion of the legislative session, the project will be evaluated.

During Monday's Senate Education Committee, lawmakers will take up two measures that address air conditioning in schools. The bills call for the creation of a master strategic plan for the cooling of public schools.

For more information on the hearing and instructions on how to submit testimony and/or participate via videoconferencing or in person, please refer to the hearing notice at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2014/hearingnotices/HEARING_EDU_01-27-14_.HTM

View the news release.

Senator Glenn Wakai Appointed as Palau's Honorary Consul

A local lawmaker is now a diplomat. State Senator Glenn Wakai was recently appointed as Palau's honorary consul to Hawaii by Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr.

In appointing the State Senator, Remengesau expressed his appreciation for Wakai's contribution and support to Palau and its citizens in Hawaii. As Palau's honorary consul, Wakai will be working with the Republic of Palau to seek ways to strengthen Palau's emergency relief capacity and bolster the nation's relationship with the U.S.

"This appointment is truly an honor, which I accept with happiness and determination. I don't plan to simply attend events and smile at cameras. I recognize our neighbors in the Pacific sometimes have difficulty adjusting to life in Hawaii. I aim to empower the Palauan community in Hawaii," says Senator Glenn Wakai (Kalihi, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Foster Village). "I have already organized meetings with their local leaders to map out a game plan for more community involvement and creation of individual success stories. This new relationship between Palau and Hawaii will lead to Better Days in the Pacific."

Wakai is serving his second term as a Hawaii State Senator, following eight years in the State House of Representatives. He is the current chair of the Senate's Committee on Technology and the Arts. He has created a non-profit, Reach out Pacific (www.reachoutpacific.org), which takes containers of medical and educational supplies to impoverished islands throughout the Pacific.

Prior to his political career, Wakai spent more than a decade as a television newscaster, first in Guam and Saipan, before returning to Hawaii to work at KHON2 and KHNL.

Wakai is a graduate of Mid-Pacific Institute and the University of Southern California. View the media release.

Governor Enacts Open Data Measure

Governor Neil Abercrombie today signed into law a measure to enhance government transparency and accountability in Hawaii through increasing public awareness and access to open data.

House Bill (HB) 632, relating to open data, requires the State's Executive Branch departments to make electronic data sets available to the public.

"Here is an example of how ONE excellent idea, turned into ONE bill, which resulted in ONE significant policy change," says Senator Glenn Wakai, Chairman of the Technology and Arts Committee, "If we are going to reinvent government, step ONE is Open Data. Having data available to the public will lead to a more responsive and more accountable government."

Open data has been a top initiative of the State's Chief Information Officer (CIO). In August of 2012 the State launched its open data site, data.hawaii.gov, with data sets being voluntarily provided by departments and agencies. The site incorporates data that is readily available in digital format and commonly requested by the public. The intent of this measure is to continue and ensure the open data efforts of the CIO in the multi-year, multi-phased program open data initiative.

The CIO, in consultation with the Office of Information Practices, will develop policies and procedures to implement the open data program initiative. View the media release.

Senator Glenn Wakai, along with fellow Senators, Representatives and Burt Lum, joined Governor Neil Abercrombie for the signing of House Bill 632, relating to open data. Lum played an active role in raising awareness of the importance of open data and drawing community support during the 2013 Legislative Session. (L-R: Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, Sen. Glenn Wakai, Burt Lum, Gov. Neil Abercrombie, CIO Sonny Bhagowalia, Rep. Angus McKelvey, Rep. Clift Tsuji, Rep. Karl Rhoads, Sen. Michelle Kidani.
Photo Courtesy: Senate Communications.)

Aliamanu/Foster Village Town Hall Meeting

Wednesday, April 10, 2013
6:00-7:30pm
Radford High School Cafeteria

Click here to view the flyer.

EXCLUSIVE: Debate stirs over community service mandate for certain public housing residents

(KHON2 News) - Unemployed folks living in federal housing are being asked to do community service or move out. It's a federal requirement that's been in affect for more than a decade, but there's a new push to enforce it here in Hawaii. Continue reading on KHON2.com...

Bills would allow state to make money from private developers

(HawaiiNewsNow) - Queen Liliuokalani School in Kaimuki ceased to be a school this past year, when the Board of Education decided to close it. Education officials said the campus and its buildings would be used for a teacher resource center and storage. Read the article and see the news segment on Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers Listen

"Lawmakers Listen" provides a unique opportunity for our community to have a face-to-face discussion with district legislators, House leadership and Chairs of key House Committees. Please join them on Thursday night (April 12, 2012) starting from 6 p.m. at Salt Lake Elementary School Cafeteria. Click here for more details.

Farrington High School at Top of List to Receive Funding

(KITV News) - You don't need to look far to find what needs fixing on Farrington High School's campus. "You've got bottle caps up there," said Department of Education Public Works Administrator Duane Kashiwai as he peered up at the ceiling.

Granted the campus is old -- it celebrated its 75th birthday this year. Read more on KITV.com

Educators Show Need for 'Invest in Hawaii' Construction Money

(HawaiiNewsNow) - Half a billion dollars could start pumping into Hawaii's economy within months. The money from a state bond sale would pay for renovations at nearly every public school in Hawaii along with scores of other properties. Read more on HawaiiNewsNow.com

Star Advertiser Photo Gallery: Farrington High School

Fill Your Stomach and Fill Your Mind

Please join Senator Wakai and Representative Johanson at Foster Village/Aliamanu/Aiea Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, April 4, 2012, starting from 6 p.m. at Radford High School Cafeteria. Click here to view more details.

Lawmakers tackle future of Aloha Stadium

(Hawaii News Now) "With the site of next year's Pro Bowl still up in the air, lawmakers are tackling future plans for Aloha Stadium again. Ideas include building a brand new facility or creating a development around the existing one." Read more on HawaiiNewsNow.com

Budgets cut, but not weeds, so residents take on park maintenance

(Hawaii News Now) "Salt Lake District Park has only one maintenance person to take care of the facility, which includes a baseball field, a swimming pool and a gym. And that's why about 20 volunteers showed up Saturday with gardening gloves, rakes, weed whackers and dozens of garbage bags."   Read more on HawaiiNewsNow.com

Watch the video on HawaiiNewsNow.com

A Town Hall meeting in early July at Salt Lake Elementary drew 80 residents

Senator Glenn Wakai and Representative Linda Ichiyama hosted a 2 1/2 hour town hall meeting on July 6, 2011. The evening began with a power point presentation (see attached) by Senator Wakai and Representative Ichiyama going over this past legislative session. Topics ranged from the state budget, district capital improvement projects, to community activities and legislative initiatives. The night ended with a lively question and answer session. Thank you to Mrs. Ichiyama for making ono chili and hot dogs for those in attendance.

Senator Wakai and Representative Ichiyama - July 7, 2011 Town Hall Presentation

Aloha Aina Day Coming to a Community Near You: Aliamanu-Foster Village

If you have used cooking oil, HI-5 beverage containers, scrap metal and appliances, newspaper, cardboards and other items left around your home, please bring it over to the next Aloha Aina Day at the Oahu Veterans Center (1298 Kukila St.) on Saturday, July 9, 2011, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Various organizations will be collecting used or unwanted materials. Many of them will be recycled and prevented from filling the landfills. Please see attached flyer for more specific details on what other items will be accepted. This is a great way to help yourself and, at the same time, help your community.

Aloha Aina Day Flyer.

Donated Goods Head for Western Pacific

(Honolulu Star-Advertiser) "Bookshelves languishing in a basement at the University of Hawaii were given a new life yesterday as they were packed into Matson containers destined for islands in the western Pacific."

Read "Donated Goods Head for Western Pacific" in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Pension Tax Idea Galvanized Potent Voting Block

(Honolulu Star-Advertiser) "As the first session of the 26th Hawaii Legislature clunked to a close Thursday afternoon, Sen. Glenn Wakai (D, Salt Lake-Foster Village) tweeted: "We dodged a bunch of bullets - NO increase in the general excise tax, pension tax, soda tax or alcohol tax."

Read "Pension Tax Idea Galvanized Potent Voting Block" in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Reach for the Stars from Hawaii

(Honolulu Star-Advertiser) "Today marks the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's historic address before Congress, during which he set forth his visionary and ambitious goal toward "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth" - within a decade."

Read "Reach for the Stars from Hawaii" in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Abercrombie, Schatz to Attend Town Hall Meeting

(Hawaii News Now) "Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz will talk with residents of Aiea and Pearl City during a Town Hall meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Pearl Ridge Elementary School cafeteria."

Read "Abercrombie, Schatz to Attend Town Hall Meeting" on KFVE