Gov. David Ige has appointed Kymberly M. Sparlin as his new policy director. Sparlin most recently served as the Energy Program specialist, military and federal partner coordinator and legislative coordinator with the Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism’s (DBEDT) Energy Office. Previously, Sparlin worked in various capacities at DBEDT as executive assistant to the administrator and project manager, as well as a consultant. Sparlin also worked as an office services administrator and administrative assistant at NCL America in Honolulu and was a legislative aide to Rep. Ryan Yamane in the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives. #KymberlySparlin #DavidIge #DBEDT #Energy #GovernorIgeApointment #Policy

STATEMENTS FROM SENATOR J. KALANI ENGLISH AND REPRESENTATIVE LYNN DECOITE ON THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE MOLOKAʻI COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER HONOLULU - Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English (District 7 - Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe) offered the following statement regarding the situation at Molokaʻi Community Health Center (MCHC): "MCHC has lost the confidence of the community and patients that it serves. The organization was founded to provide accessible comprehensive and community health care to the people of Molokaʻi and by having its doors closed in August, they failed to fulfill that mission. The Human Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is the federal agency responsible for the oversight of MCHC and I believe they need to conduct an investigation to determine if the health center is in compliance with HRSA’s policies and guidelines. The August closures highlights long-standing organizational issues and I believe residents deserve opportunities to have their voices heard. If the community is asking for change, MCHC should consider honoring that request." Representative Lynn DeCoite (House District 13 – Haʻikū, Hāna, Kaupō, Kipahulu, Nahiku, Pāʻia, Kahoʻolawe, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Molokini) offered the following statement: “My biggest concern is for the health, safety and well-being for our community. The Molokaʻi Community Health Center is a vital lifeline for Molokaʻi residents. I have been attending the local community meetings and talking with patients, MCHC administration, board members along with state and federal officials about all of the community concerns. It has become apparent that the trust between our community and the health center has been broken. The last thing I want is to see the center shutdown or closed. I believe the MCHC board and executive leadership should step down and allow the community to reorganize the health center and build back the trust.” ### #MolokaiCommunityHealthCenter #MCHC #HRSA #Molokai #Health #HawaiiState #HumanResourcesServicesAdministration #KalaniEnglish #LynnDeCoite

#CyberSecurity #CyberSecurityAwarenessMonth #DavidIge #JoshGreen #HomelandSecurity #BeCyberSmart #NationalcyberSecurityAlliance #HawaiiState #StopThinkConnect #DepartmentofDefense #HawaiiOfficeofEnterpriseTechnology

HILO – The site of the old Hilo Memorial Hospital will serve people once again, thanks to $2.5 million in ʻOhana Zone funds from the state. The Keolahou shelter and assessment center had a “soft” opening on Monday, Oct. 14, and a formal opening and blessing is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8. When the facility is fully operational, it will offer emergency shelter beds, case management and other resources, with the goal of improving access to needed services for those experiencing homelessness. It is a collaboration between the state, the County of Hawaiʻi, service provider HOPE Services Hawaiʻi and other community partners. “Each person experiencing homelessness has specific needs, and this center is providing individual assistance to those who seek help,” said Gov. David Ige. “Partnerships like this one allow us to improve the health and well-being of our community’s most vulnerable members.” HOPE Service, Hawai'i, INC staff getting ready to open doors and welcoming men experiencing homelessness into Hawai'i's first 'Ohana Zone! Photo credit: HOPE Services, Hawai'i, INC. There are 25 emergency shelter beds available in the initial phase. At full operation, the shelter will provide 50 emergency shelter beds for single men. The assessment center will allow individuals to connect with a case manager and other services. Individuals will be able to stay for up to 90 days. In 2018, state legislators appropriated $30 million to establish at least three ʻOhana Zone sites on Oʻahu, and one each on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Kauaʻi. The law requires that ʻOhana Zones be placed on state and county land and that those spaces provide services to assist homeless individuals and families to access permanent housing. Also, the state has prioritized sites that have existing facilities and infrastructure in place that can be paired with funding to address the needs of chronically homeless individuals and families. “We’re very grateful for the assistance of the state government, whose ‘Ohana Zone funding is making Keolahou a reality,” said Hawaiʻi Island Mayor Harry Kim. “I am so proud and grateful to everybody who have worked so hard to make this comprehensive program a reality, with involvement from the faith community, nonprofits, county departments and the private sector. “This program will hopefully be duplicated in Kona, pending environmental review. Both the Hilo and proposed Kona facilities would provide an assessment center to bring the homeless off the streets, an emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing and support services. We are truly grateful to all of our partners,” Kim said. HOPE Services Hawaiʻi is working with community partners such the Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council, Project Vision, Bay Clinic, Hawaiʻi Island HIV/AIDS Foundation, the Food Basket Inc., Arc of Hilo, Hawaiian Community Assets, and Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi. “We are honored to be working with visionary community partners, who will offer life-changing services for the men staying at Keolahou,” said Brandee Menino, chief executive officer of HOPE Services Hawaiʻi. “We are also grateful to the state and County of Hawaiʻi, particularly Sharon Hirota of the mayor’s office, for paving the way for the first ʻOhana Zone on Hawaiʻi Island to become a reality.” Other projects addressing homelessness are also in the pipeline for Hawaiʻi County. An assessment center at the Na Kahua Hale o Ulu Wini housing complex is expected to open by the end of the year, and the Village 9 affordable housing project and 20 units of permanent supportive housing at Keolahou are scheduled to welcome residents in spring 2020. #Kealahou #OhanaZone #Homelessness #SafeShelter #HiloMemorialHospital #KealahouShelter #HarryKim #BigIsland #HawaiiIsland #NaKahuaHaleOUluWini #HopeServices

The recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) were announced yesterday. Recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching: Richard Brian Ogawa, Kanoelani Elementary School Daphne Okunaga, Pearl City High School Daniel Taira, Lehua Elementary School Nel Venzon Jr., Mililani High School Awardees come from schools in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, and schools in the United States territories of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands.  Nominations and awards are facilitated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science Foundation.  The individuals and organizations announced today are 2017 and 2018 Awardees. Presidential award for K-12 teachers Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award given by the U.S. Government to kindergarten through 12th grade teachers of mathematics and science, including computer science. A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the State and national levels assess the applications before recommending nominees to OSTP.  Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Presidential award for STEM mentors PAESMEM recognizes the critical roles mentors play outside the traditional classroom setting in the academic and professional development of the future STEM workforce. Colleagues, administrators, and students nominate individuals and organizations for exemplary mentoring sustained over a minimum of five years.  Since 1995, PAESMEM has honored the hard work and dedication which mentors exhibit in broadening participation in the STEM pipeline. Mentors support learners from kindergarten through the collegiate levels, as well as those who recently started their careers in STEM.  Mentors share their expertise and guidance with learners, sometimes through formal mentoring programs.  Learners are often from traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM. About the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) : https://www.paesmem.net/about #PresidentialExcellenceAwards #PAEMST #ExcellenceInScience #ExcellenceInMathematics #EngineeringMentoring #DoDEA #Hawaii #HawaiiPublicSchools #HIDOE #STEM #HawaiiSenateApplauds

What is FAFSA? The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used by colleges and scholarship organizations to determine eligibility for need-based federal financial aid including grants, work study, and student loans, as well as merit-based scholarships. To qualify for any, students are often required to complete the FAFSA. This year’s application period launched on October 1. Both new and returning students who plan to attend college between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. Be aware of individual college, state and federal deadlines for FAFSA completion deadlines because financial aid funding is limited. Why should I complete the FAFSA? Here are a few of the main reasons to apply: If you want to be eligible for need-based financial aid, or a merit-based scholarship, students are often required to complete the FAFSA, regardless of family income. Hawai‘i students left $10 million in Pell Grants on the table last year. That’s enough money to send roughly 2,500 students to a University of Hawaii Community College, tuition free! Completing the FAFSA is a leading indicator of college enrollment. 90% of high school seniors who complete the FAFSA attend college directly from high school compared to just 55% for the students who don’t. How do I apply for the FAFSA? Apply here: FAFSA.gov Have additional questions? Contact your high school to find out about Financial Aid Education Nights, FAFSA Completion Workshops, or appointments you can go to for the help you need. FAFSA Overview (including determining eligibility) Types of Federal Student Aid What to Expect After the FAFSA (making and comparing financial aid offers) Important Links: FAFSA.gov: Apply for the FAFSA or learn more about it here. 7 Things You Need Before You Fill Out the 2020-21 FAFSA Form: Get your “ducks in a row” before starting your application by reading this important article. 11 Common FAFSA Mistakes: Save yourself from a headache by avoiding these common mistakes. College Within Reach: Unsure if going to college is an attainable goal? This website lays out your path to college attendance. Hawaii P-20: These folks are a valued partner of HIDOE, and help us make sure our students are ready, willing, and able to attend college. Cash for College: Earn your school cash prizes by completing your FAFSA! HIDOE FAFSA Data Dashboard: Want to see your school’s FAFSA participation rate, or how they stack up with the others? Visit this page. #FAFSA #FederalAid #StudentAid #FinancialAssitance #HIDOE #HawaiiDepartmentOfEducation #CashForCollege

Honolulu, HI – The Hawai‘i State Senate is accepting job applications for the upcoming 2020 legislative session. Working at the Hawai‘i State Senate is an opportunity to work in a dynamic public service organization, work closely with elected officials and the public, and learn more about the legislative process. Session jobs require a 4-6 month commitment, depending on the position. Most will begin on January 2, 2020 and end on the last day of the legislative session. Senate employees working 20 hours or more per week are eligible for health insurance through the Hawai‘i Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund. More information about employment opportunities with the Hawai‘i State Senate can be found online at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sjobs.aspx. To apply, please send a cover letter, position reference number, and resume to sclerk2@capitol.hawaii.gov #HawaiiStateSenate #GovernmentJobs #SessionHire #2020Session #HawaiiStateJobs #HawaiiStateLegislature

HONOLULU – Governor David Ige today announced three nominations for the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR). All three nominations are subject to confirmation by the Senate. “These nominees represent a balanced and broad spectrum of experience and bring diverse points of view to the Land Board. All share a passion for Hawaiʻi’s natural and cultural resources, and I know they will listen to the community as they make decisions that will move us toward a more resilient and sustainable future,” said Gov. Ige. Vernon Char is appointed to an at-large seat replacing Keith “Keone” Downing who left the board on April 29, 2019. Char’s term will end on June 30, 2021. Char is a practicing attorney with the law firm of Char Sakamoto Ishii Lum & Ching. He initially worked in the Office of Attorney General in charge of the Anti-Trust and Consumer Protection Division. Active in Bar Association matters, he was president of the Hawaii Bar Association and served a three-year term on the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association. He has also served on various state agencies during his career. He was a member of the Board of the Department of Land & Natural Resources in 2014-2015. He has also served on other state boards including the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and the Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commissions. He helped found the University of Hawaiʻi Alumni Association and served as its president in 1989. He received the association’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1992. His current interests include participating in Mānoa Forum programs. Char earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Hawaiʻi and law degree from Harvard Law School. Char is married to Evelyn Lau, a fellow graduate of the University of Hawaʻi. They have five children – three are attorneys and two are physicians. “I recognize the important and diverse responsibilities of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the community and look forward to again serving on the Board,” said Char. Wesley “Kaiwi” Yoon is appointed to an at-large seat filling the at-large seat of Chris Yuen whose term began on July 1, 2018. Yoon’s term will end on June 30, 2022. Yoon is the vice president of operations, planning and project management at the Bishop Museum. Yoon’s responsibilities include managing the daily operations of the museum’s 14-acre campus and working closely with the president & CEO and the senior management team to lead planning initiatives and implement program management processes throughout the institution. Prior to his current position, Yoon worked for the State Department of Land and Natural Resources from 2015-2018 and served two terms on the Legacy Land Conservation Commission from 2007-2014. Yoon is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools and holds a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. “It has and always will be an honor to serve the people and special places of Hawaiʻi, especially when it involves preserving and protecting our fleeting and fragile resources,” said Yoon. Christopher Yuen is re-appointed to the Board and moving from an at-large seat to the 1st Land District (Hawaiʻi County) seat. He replaces Stanley Roehrig whose term began on July 1, 2018. Yuen’s term will end on June 30, 2022. Yuen runs an organic farm north of Hilo growing lychees and bananas. He is an attorney and served as Hawaiʻi County Planning Director from 2000 to 2008. Yuen also served on the state land board from 1990 to 1998. Yuen was born and raised in Hilo. Over the years he has been involved in several campaigns to preserve coastal open space, including Keaukaha, Kalapana, Makalawena, Awakeʻe, the Kekaha Kai Park, and Kohanaiki. He has a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, a master’s degree in environmental science from the State University of New York, and a law degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law.  Yuen is married and has two children. “I’m grateful to Gov. Ige for allowing me to continue on the Board, working with the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, the key agency for the protection and wise use of our environment and natural resources,” said Yuen. #DavidIge #HawaiiAppointments #DLNR #DepartmentofLandandNaturalResources #VernonChar #WesleyYoon #ChristoperYuen #HawaiiState #HawaiiSenate

KONA, HAWAII – The recently opened Keahuolu Courthouse in West Hawaiʻi was formally blessed and the art work dedicated Tuesday morning under sunny Kona skies before 300 people. Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald named the Self-Help Center in the new courthouse after Third Circuit Chief Judge Ibarra (ret.). From left, Chief Justice Recktenwald, Chief Judge Ibarra (ret.), Neal Tanaka, Su Ibarra, Susan Tanaka, Ronson Ibarra, and Megan Moniz. Children are Avery and Bryce Tanaka The courthouse, which opened to the public on September 3, replaced courthouses previously located in three separate buildings. The name Keahuolu honors the ahupuaa in which it is located. Third Circuit Chief Judge Greg K. Nakamura was the emcee for the event that featured remarks by Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald, Gov. David Y. Ige, Hawaii Island legislators Rep. Nicole E. Lowen, and Sen. Dru Mamo Kanuha, Third Circuit Chief Judge Ronald Ibarra (ret.), and Jonathan Johnson, executive director of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. “Today’s celebration represents a significant milestone for West Hawaii. This building will provide a safe, secure, and modern place where people can come together to obtain justice,” said Chief Justice Recktenwald. “It has been a long time coming, but it has been worth the wait. I have been told that discussions about the need for a courthouse for Kona have been underway in one form or another for more than 30 years. Thanks to everyone’s hard work and commitment, I am proud to say this project was completed on time and on budget,” he added. The Chief Justice thanked retired Chief Judge barra, current Chief Judge Nakamura, Lester Oshiro, Dawn West, Cheryl Salmo, Lani Ng, the entire Third Circuit team, Rod Maile, and Joanne Krippaehne. He also expressed deep appreciation to Gov. David Ige and Lt. Gov. Josh Green; the Hawaiʻi Island legislative delegation; Senate and House leadership and the Ways and Means and Finance committees; Department of Accounting and General Services; Hawaii County Council; Rider Levette Bucknall; AHL; Nan, Inc.; and SSFM. The West Hawaii Bar Association, Hawaii County Bar Association, and the Hawaii State Bar Association were also recognized for their unwavering support as the Judiciary sought funding for the courthouse. “The days of holding court in the ‘old hospital’ or the ‘old farm and garden shop’ remain fond memories, but it is time to move forward,” the Chief Justice said. “Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this new Keahuolu Courthouse a reality, we will be able to provide justice to this community for years to come in a place we can all rightfully be proud of.” Jonathan Johnson introduced artists Matthew Salenger and Jerry Vasconcellos. According to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Salenger’s sculpture, Creating Kamaaina, “explores our connection to place.” Vasconcellos’ sculpture, Hoo Pohaku, was created using stone from the courthouse construction site. “It is an affirmation to stand firm in the light of our truths,” according the foundation. These works of art were produced as part of the stateʻs Art in Public Places Program, which was established to enhance the environmental quality of public buildings and spaces. Guests were entertained by Kaulana Na Pua O Liliuokalani under the direction of Kumu Hula Bernadette Pelena Keeling. Kahu Danny Akaka, Jr., and his daughter, Kalei, bless the Creating Kamaʻāaina sculpture by Matthew Salenger. Just before Kahu Danny Akaka, Jr. and his daughter, Kalei, performed the blessing ceremonies, Chief Justice Recktenwald made a surprise presentation to recently retired Chief Judge Ibarra, naming the Self-Help Center in his honor. Judge Ibarra was a tireless advocate for those who needed help with civil matters, but could not afford an attorney. He was pivotal in launching the original Kona Self-Help Desk in 2013. The plaques reads, in part, “Under Chief Judge Ibarra’s vision and leadership, the Third Circuit significantly expanded access to justice for all. This Self-Help Center is named in his honor.” The 140,000-square-foot Keahuolu Courthouse sits on 10 acres of land. It has five courtrooms, as well as rooms for grand jurors and regular jurors; Driverʻs Education Office; Juvenile and Adult Client Services; Sheriffʻs operations; and administrative offices. There are 292 parking stalls for court visitors. The facility cost $95.8 million for construction, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. AHL was the architect and Nan Inc. the general contractor. Celebrating the blessing and dedication of the Keahuolu Courthouse in West Hawaii are, from left, Supreme Court Associate Justice Michael Wilson, Judge Wendy DeWeese, Judge Darien Ching Nagata, Judge Mahilani Hiatt, Judge Kanani Laubach, Gov. David Ige, Chief Judge Ronald Ibarra (ret.), Judge Henry Nakamoto, Kahu Danny Akaka, Jr., Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, Chief Judge Greg Nakamura, Associate Justice Paula Nakayama, and Judge Margaret Masunaga. #KeahuoluCourthouse #Keahuolu #GregNakamura #MarkRecktenwald #DavidIge #NicoleLowen #DruKanuha #RonaldIbarra #JonathanJohnson #HISAM #WestHawaii #MatthewSalenger #JerryVasconcellos #StateFoundationonCultureAndArts #CreatingKamaaina #KaulanaNaPuaOLiliuokalani #BernadetteKeeling #JoshGreen #RiderBucknall #RodMaile #JoanneKrippaehne

Hawaii Attorney General Files Motion to Protect $3.6 Billion in Military Construction Funds from Being Diverted for Rejected Border Wall Construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border took place last month near Tijuana, Mexico. PHOTO: SCOTT OLSON/GETTY IMAGES HONOLULU – Attorney General Clare E. Connors, as part of a multistate coalition, filed a motion for partial summary judgment to block the Trump Administration from unilaterally and unlawfully diverting $3.6 billion in military construction funds toward construction of a border wall. The funds in question were appropriated by Congress for specific military construction projects, not a border wall. Congress has rejected multiple attempts to fund the border wall through budget appropriations, and has twice passed resolutions – in March 2019 and again in September 2019 – terminating President Trump’s false national emergency declaration. The states ask the court to enjoin the Trump Administration from unlawfully diverting the funding on the basis that it is unlawful and unconstitutional and would cause the states irreparable harm by: damaging the environments of California and New Mexico where the border barriers would be built; eliminating $493 million for military construction projects within the states’ jurisdictions resulting in the loss of thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of tax revenue; and by increasing risks to the health and safety of both military personnel and surrounding communities. “ This diversion violates the separation of powers that is fundamental to our democracy,” said Attorney General Connors. “This illegal act has a direct impact on military facilities at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay, and, therefore a direct impact on the financial health of our state.” President Trump is unlawfully attempting to divert a total of $3.6 billion from over 120 military construction projects to build 11 sections of border fencing, including seven in California and New Mexico located on federal, state, and private lands. On September 3, 2019, the Secretary of Defense identified half of the funds, $1.8 billion, to divert from 60 domestic military construction projects. Specifically at risk in Hawaii are two projects: (1) a consolidated training facility for Air Force Reserve units at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam; and (2) security improvements to the Mokapu Gate at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay). The states further assert that the Trump Administration is:  Violating the U.S. Constitution’s separation of power doctrine and the Appropriations and Presentment Clauses. Congress has the “power of the purse” not the President. Congress refused to appropriate this funding for a border barrier and instead limited the appropriation to $1.375 billion for fencing in a specified area. President Trump exceeds his authority in bucking the will and role of Congress;  Exceeding its lawful authority under 10 U.S.C. section 2808 to construct a border barrier across vast swaths of the U.S.-Mexico border, as it fails to meet the conditions imposed by Congress to undertake military construction projects in a national emergency;  Violating the Administrative Procedure Act’s prohibition on arbitrary and capricious agency action by failing to address any of the harms to public health and safety arising from the defunding of over 120 military construction projects, including cancellation of a $26.5 million project in Hawaii to improve security at one of only two access points to the Marine Corps Base at Kaneohe Bay, which the Marine Corps asserted was necessary to bring it into compliance with current anti-terrorism and force protection standards;  Failing to meet the required environmental review by the National Environmental Policy Act, which would harm California and New Mexico’s water and air quality, wildlife, land, environmental resources, and would harm public health. #BorderWall #DivertedMilitaryFunds #Congress #MexicoBorder #MotionToProtect #ClareConnors #Trump #ViolationofConstitution #AdministrativeProcedureAct #EPA #EnvironmentalReview #Environmental #EnvironmentalImpact

Hawaii Information Consortium’s (HIC) website has once again been nationally recognized, this time as a winner in the 14th annual W³ Awards. It was also recently honored with the Award of Distinction from the Communicator Awards for its innovative, modern and mobile-oriented design. Receiving more than 5,000 entries from across the globe, the W³ Awards honor outstanding websites, web marketing, web video, mobile sites/apps and social content created by some of the best interactive agencies, designers and creators worldwide. “​We were once again amazed by the high level of execution and creativity found in the entries we received this year. Our W³ winners continue to embody what the internet is all about as they once again raise the bar in Web development and design. We are truly honored to have the privilege to experience such a diverse and remarkable pool of work this year” said Derek Howard, director of the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts. HIC helps government agencies solve their biggest problems using technology. Over the past 20 years, HIC has built more than 160 digital government services on behalf of their state, local and federal partners through a public-private partnership with the State of Hawaii. The site redesign was completed in tandem with a company rebrand in February 2019. The HIC logo was redesigned to solidify our company name, Hawaii Information Consortium. Our abbreviated name, “H I C”, is meant to be said by pronouncing each letter with a bold font and uppercase lettering used for emphasis. The three circles are an abstract representation of our company values:  technology, partnership and solutions, which continuously overlap and combine in everything we do. Stories weaved throughout the site show that HIC understands and knows how to implement the latest technology and that it works with government partners every step of the way to build a lasting partnership. A portfolio highlights HIC’s best work and the capabilities section defines technical capabilities in a way meaningful to government agencies. HIC also created new social media presence on all the major platforms to share the softer side of HIC, emphasizing all the activities that create HIC’s unique and engaging culture. #HawaiiConsortium #W3Awards #CommunicatorAwards #HIC #HawaiiState #Technology #DerekHoard #AcademyofInteractiveandVisualArts #Government #HawaiiGovernment

(Honolulu) – Dredging of the Ala Wai Canal to remove accumulated silt and sediments, remove abandoned Hawaiian Electric Company cables, and to repair two sections of canal wall begins this month. Extensive public outreach was conducted by the DLNR Engineering Division to inform canal users, like canoe clubs, of the work. Dredging is expected to remove 186,000 cubic yards of material from depths ranging between six and eight feet. The dredged material is suitable for ocean disposal at an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved site – the South O‘ahu Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site. The walls being repaired include the Mauka side fronting the Ala Wai Community Park and between the Kalakaua Avenue and McCully Street bridges. DLNR last dredged the canal in 2002. As with that project, work hours for current dredging are Monday-Saturday from 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. As canal users were previously informed, there will be temporary construction impacts including constraints to water recreation, sporadic walkway closures, and minor noise. The project is expected to last for a year. The long-term benefits of canal dredging include maintaining the ability of the canal to efficiently convey stormwater flows to the ocean to reduce the risk of flooding and to improve aesthetics and use of the canal for recreational users. The project contractor is Hawaii Harbors Constructors JV. The cost of dredging and wall repairs is $21,151,615. Project information including plans and tentative schedule can be found on the DLNR Engineering Division website: http://dlnreng.hawaii.gov/projects/ala-wai-canal-dredging/ #AlaWai #AlaWaiCanal #HawaiianElectric #DLNR #HawaiianDredging #HawaiiHarborsConstructors #HawaiiState #EPA #Environmental