The Hawai‘i State Senate today voted 23-1 to approve a bill that proposes a constitutional amendment to give voters the opportunity to decide if the state should establish a surcharge on investment property to advance the state’s goal of providing quality education for the children of Hawai‘i. SB2922 calls for a Constitutional amendment to authorize the Legislature to establish a surcharge on investment real property to support public education. Currently, the state Constitution authorizes the Counties the capacity to levy property taxes. If the Constitutional amendment is ultimately approved by voters, Hawai‘i would join 49 other states in using property taxes to finance public education. Constitutional amendments are not required to be approved by the Governor, therefore the question that now proceeds to the ballot in November will be as follows: "Shall the legislature be authorized to establish, as provided by law, a surcharge on investment real property to be used to support public education?" Senator Michelle Kidani (Dist. 18 - Mililani Town, portion of Waipi‘o Gentry, Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia), Chair of the Senate Committee on Education who introduced the bill on behalf of the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association, explained that the language within the measure had been simplified through amendments to move the state forward in order to provide full funding for Hawai‘i’s public schools. “The public should be assured that the Senate has no intention of taxing the homes you live in, that is homes for which resident owners receive a homeowner’s exemption. Nor does the Senate intend to approve any surcharge on investment properties valued less than $1 million,” said Sen. Kidani. “Further, no consideration has ever been given to a surcharge on commercial properties. The intent is and always has been to focus on residential properties.” Should voters pass the Constitutional amendment, the Legislature will have to revisit the issue to determine the parameters of the tax surcharge. # # # #hawaiisenate #donnamercadokim #jilltokuda #michellekidani #rozbaker #SB2922 #sb2922 #constitutionalamendment #publiceducation

After two decades of sometimes divisive discussion on this emotional topic, the Legislature and governor have concluded that it is appropriate to give patients the ability to choose their own medical care at the end of life, and to also ensure that safeguards are in place to prevent any possible abuse of the process. Governor David Ige signed into law Act 002, formerly House Bill 2739, “Our Care, Our Choice Act” on April 5, 2018. This law will allow terminally ill Hawai‘i residents to request life ending medication beginning January 1, 2019. Hawai‘i joins just six other states that allow life ending measures for those who seek to die peacefully in the face of a terminal disease. “It is time for terminally ill, mentally competent Hawai‘i residents who are suffering to make their own end-of-life choices with dignity, grace and peace,” says Governor Ige. “On behalf of the Senate, I’m just delighted that we’re here and at this point,” said Senator Rosalyn Baker, chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, during the bill signing ceremony. Senator Baker recognized colleagues Senator Karl Rhoads for helping craft the bill and Senator Brian Taniguchi for passing the bill out of the Senate Judiciary committee. She also thanked the community for providing thought-provoking, heartfelt testimony during the hearings over the years. “I think most of us, at least all of us in this room, believe that the ultimate choice about how one ends one’s life is very important and I think it’s important for a state like ours to make that choice available. It’s the compassionate thing to do,” said Sen. Baker. Senate Bill 1129 was the precursor to enabling the long standing discussion of “death with dignity” that resulted in the passage of House Bill 2739 by both houses of the legislator. There was broad support for HB2739 within the Senate, which had advanced Senate Bill 1129 during the 2017 Legislative Session. SB1129 had similar safeguards as the House bill, but it was deferred by a House committee and never put to a House floor vote last session. In passing the measure this year, Senate President Kouchi acknowledged Senator Baker and Senator Gil Keith-Agaran, then-Chair of the Committee on Judiciary, for their efforts made last year to “put forward a public document that we could debate and discuss in order to get to the bill that we would be comfortable upon voting.” President Kouchi also thanked the public for being “engaged with the Senate every step of the way on this issue.” #ourcare #ourchoiceact #hawaiisenate #clarencenishihara #jilltokuda #BrianTaniguchi #ronkouch #donnamercadokim #lorraineinouye #rozbaker #karlrhoads #HB2739 #SB1129

On the silver screen, Maggie Q takes on the bad guys as a rogue assassin and secret agent. But while back home in Hawai‘i, the Mililani High School graduate is fighting for the welfare of much gentler beasts. Margaret Denise Quigley, better known as Maggie Q, stopped by the offices of several State Legislators to discuss the animal rights bills that were introduced this legislative session. “I’m a local girl, born and raised in Hawai‘i, so it’s very important to me that Hawai‘i right now has an opportunity to be a leader,” said Maggie. “I wanted to create a relationship so that I can come back and lend my support when the time comes because I think it’s going to be very important to testify for what these animals can’t say for themselves.” A number of measures were introduced this session but never made out of the House including SB2113 which would have required that available alternatives to animal tests be used for testing cosmetics in Hawai‘i and SB2115 which would have phased-out the sale of any cosmetic product that involved new animal testing. Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment, vowed to reintroduce the bills next session. In addition to many movies and her current lead role on “Designated Survivor”, Maggie co-produced the award-winning documentary “Earthlings”—about the plight of animals and the environment. #MaggieQ #mililanihighschool #margaretquigley #mikegabbard #designatedsurvivor #earthlings

Priorities include health and homeless services, additional ambulances House and Senate conferees today approved a final version of HB1900 HD1 SD1, the state budget bill, which includes operating and capital improvement monies to run the state government. The bill puts a priority on appropriating funds for critical health and human service needs that will benefit our residents statewide. House Finance Chair Sylvia Luke said this budget provides $15 million to fund homeless services, $3 million more than requested by the Governor, to allow the State the flexibility needed to take decisive action and systematically address long-standing problems in the community. "Instead of dividing various amounts for separate programs, the state Homeless Programs Office needs the flexibility to decide where best to use the money. The state cannot be rigid, especially with our homeless population. It must be able to move funds around to take care of circumstances as they come up," said Representative Luke (Makiki, Punchbowl, Nu‘uanu, Dowsett Highlands, Pacific Heights, Pauoa). The committee also agreed on funding $4.5 million to provide three new ambulances and staff for Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i Island and Honolulu; a $28 million operating subsidy for the Maui Health System; and $3.8 million in additional funds for the Kūpuna Care program and $1.2 million more for the Kupuna Caregiver Fund. The House Finance and Senate Ways and Means conference committee worked quickly to close the budget a week earlier than scheduled. On Wednesday, the committee passed Senate Bill 192 to provide $125 million in immediate disaster relief funding for Kaua‘i and other areas affected by recent destructive flooding. The state constitution requires that the budget bill be passed before other appropriation measures. “We worked double time to pass disaster relief for those impacted by the floods and we were challenged to find the funding to adequately address the other critical needs of the state. But we were able to work together and what we presented here today is a good product that we can be proud of,” said Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village, portion of Poamoho) Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. At today’s hearing, the committee highlighted many budget items upon which the House and Senate reached agreement. Department of Accounting and General Services $163,425 for 3 positions and supplies to Central Services for maintenance and servicing of state cemeteries. $150,000 to establish a motor vehicle replacement schedule for neighbor island school repair and maintenance. Department of the Attorney General $50,000 for Community Protection and Outreach. Additional 2 positions and $500,000 for the Internet Crimes Against Children task force. Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism $1,500,000 for the Excelerator Program to aid development of local businesses. $500,000 for an Aquaculture accelerator initiative to help local startups in the aquaculture industry. Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs $1,210,906 federal grant spending ceiling and 2 positions to implement insurance market reforms and consumer protections for Insurance Regulatory Services. Establishment of Deputy Securities Commissioner for Business Registration and Securities Regulation. Department of Defense $1,646,200 in general funds for renovation, repair, and maintenance projects at facilities statewide. $95,000 for a director for the Hawai‘i State Fusion Center. Department of Education Additional $500,000 for the Early College program. $500,000 to provide additional support to English Language Learners. $4,500,000 and one position for Alternative Learning Centers. $400,000 for the Teacher Certification Stipend Program to help increase the number of qualified public-school teachers. $1,100,000 for the Alternative Teacher Route Program to help with recruitment and certification of potential public-school teachers. $850,000 in general funds for athletic travel to provide students with the opportunity to compete in interscholastic athletic competitions. Department of Human Services $450,000 for the State Rent Supplement Program to provide housing support for vulnerable families. $15,000,000 lump sum to fund homeless programs and services across the state. $5,250,000 to Medquest to support online enrollment for Medicaid. Department of Health $28,000,000 in operating subsidy for Maui Health System. $4,500,000 for (3) new ambulances, (1) each for County of Kaua‘i, County of Hawai‘i, and the City and County of Honolulu. $3,877,063 in additional funds for the Kūpuna Care program. $1,200,000 in additional funds for the Kūpuna Caregiver fund. Department of Land and Natural Resources $450,000 for the Hawaii Association of Conservation Districts to support environmental protection efforts. $500,000 to support fire response activities for DOFAW across the state. $800,000 to combat the spread of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death on the island of Hawai‘i. $500,928 to establish a DOCARE training academy. Department of Taxation Funds for 6 additional investigator positions for the Special Enforcement Section. Department of Transportation $11,000,000 for replacement of the Wiki Wiki Shuttle bus fleet with electric vehicles. $39,000,000 for Consolidated Rental Car Facilities at Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International Airport and Kahului International Airport. $11,000,000 for Special Maintenance Highway Projects, Statewide. $500,000 for Safety Oversight on the Rail Project. University of Hawaii $300,000 for the Student Success Initiative to help support the wide variety of students and their individual needs at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. $300,000 for Rat Lungworm Research at Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy. $130,000 for 6.2 positions for the Health Sciences Academy at the University of Hawai‘i at West O‘ahu. $260,000 to support the Apprentice Program at the University of Hawai‘i, Community Colleges. $750,000 and 8 positions for student success initiative at University of Hawai‘i, Community Colleges. The Capital Improvement Project portion of the budget includes about $800 million for Department of Education projects and an additional $40 million to finish construction of the new women's prison which will free up space at the overcrowded Oʻahu Community Correctional Center. Capital Improvement Project Totals: FY2018: $1.027 Billion General Obligation Bond Funds FY2019: $734.4 Million General Obligation Bond Funds FY2018: $2.289 Billion All Means of Financing Funds FY2019: $2.369 Billion All Means of Financing Funds HB 1900, the budget bill, will be voted upon by the Legislature next week and if approved, sent to the governor for his signature. Budget worksheets detailing the appropriations in the overall Executive, Judiciary and Office of Hawaiian Affairs budget bills are available on the Capitol website athttp://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/budget/2018budget.aspx. ### #statebudget #hawaiisenate #RonaldKouchi #jkalanienglish #donovandelacruz #GilbertKeithAgaran #michellekidani #kaialiikahele #glennwakai #maileshimabukuro #brickwoodgaluteria

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – To provide disaster relief following devastating flooding on Kaua‘i and other affected areas statewide, House and Senate Legislators today allocated a total of $125 million to make road, bridge and other infrastructure repairs for the stricken communities. "Kaua‘i residents need our help immediately," said House Speaker Scott K. Saiki (McCully, Kāheka, Kakaʻako, Downtown). "The rains and flooding have decimated roads, bridges, power lines and other infrastructure. With the ground soaked and more rain predicted, we cannot wait to act. We need to move quickly on funding repairs and give those in need some hope for the future." “I am in complete agreement with Speaker Saiki and additionally, I would like to thank my legislative colleagues for their support in recognizing the dire needs of Kaua‘i residents,” said Senator Ronald D. Kouchi (Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau). The House Finance and Senate Ways and Means committees added wording to Senate Bill 192 during a conference committee hearing to appropriate $100 million in general funds to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people, and provide relief from disaster damages, losses and suffering caused by the flooding on Kaua‘i. The committee also provided $25 million for flood-related repairs statewide. "This tragedy is very personal for me because I have many friends and family in the flooded areas, and critical because I represent these communities in the Legislature," said Representative Nadine K. Nakamura (Hanalei, Princeville, Kīlauea, Anahola, Kapaʻa, Wailuā). "I want to thank Speaker Saiki, President Kouchi, Chairs Luke and Dela Cruz and all my colleagues in the Legislature for their compassion and quick action to make this relief funding happen." “Many of us have spent the last few days witnessing the utter devastation that has once again struck our family and friends on the island of Kaua‘i,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village, portion of Poamoho), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Rather than sit and wait, it’s clear that the Legislature must commit our efforts to the rebuilding process for those impacted by the floods in these final days of session. In this joint effort by both chambers, we wish to offer our kokua through the adoption of this conference draft for Senate Bill 192.” Because of the desperate circumstances, this Senate bill was selected as the best way to quickly authorize this emergency funding. "We all know when it is important to take action quickly, and clearly this is one of those times," said Finance Committee Chair Representative Sylvia Luke, (Makiki, Punchbowl, Nu‘uanu, Dowset Highlands, Pacific Heights, Pauoa). "While State and Counties officials work to get a complete assessment of the damages, we know it is important to supply this immediate infusion of cash support to the people of Kaua‘i in their time of need." The funds will be allotted to the State Department of Defense for disaster relief this fiscal year for the repairs and will lapse at the end of the next fiscal year.

House and Senate conferees began negotiations today on a final version of HB1900 HD1 SD1, the state budget bill. Early agreement on a number of budget items included $7.1 million to increase payments supporting foster children and resource caregivers; $1.7 million for services at Aging and Disability Resource Centers; $3.4 million for rescue and fire fighting staff and vehicles at Lihue Airport; and $500,000 for repair and maintenance projects and $500,000 for books and materials for public libraries statewide. Lawmakers will continue to meet to iron out differences between the House and Senate versions through April 27, the deadline for all fiscal bills to pass out of conference committee. A final conference draft will then be voted upon by the Legislature and if approved, will be sent to the Governor for his signature. Among the operating budget items agreed upon to date are: Department of Accounting and General Services $265,000 to Hawai‘i State Digital Archives for server infrastructure and network-attached storage to support archival processing and preservation. Department of the Attorney General $95,000 for the Hawai‘i Integrated Justice Information System. Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs $142,400 to establish an in-house attorney to provide legal expertise for the Division of Financial Institutions. Department of Defense $146,200 for the Homeland Security Office. $1,646,200 in general funds for renovation, repair, and maintenance projects at facilities statewide. $150,000 for the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency. $200,000 for repair and maintenance of building and structures at the Hawai‘i State Veterans Cemetery. Department of Education $20,000 for Professional Learning System $65,016 for two positions for the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning. Department of Human Services $7,129,680 to increase payments supporting foster children and resource caregivers across the state. $240,000 for programs to encourage rehabilitation of youths in the juvenile justice system. Department of Health $94,894 to fund a program for youth who are at risk of mainland placement. $1,700,000 to fund continued services at Aging and Disability Resource Centers. $27,546 to fund one Information Specialist to assist in providing support for online and web-based resources to Hawai‘i residents. Department of Land and Natural Resources $92,100 for two program managers to oversee the Division of Aquatic Resources. $26,478 for one fire response coordinator for the Division of Forestry and Wildlife's ‘Oahu Branch. $84,730 for one position to oversee the state's water audit program. $53,010 to establish 24/7 dispatch communications for the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement. $450,000 to establish a data management system for Historic Preservation. $73,422 for three positions to monitor nearshore aquatic resources. $188,820 for ten positions to improve visitor experience and preserve State Parks across the state. Department of Public Safety $142,144 for psychological screening of applicant Deputy Sheriffs and Adult Corrections Officers. $93,101 for the Narcotics Enforcement Forensic Drug Laboratory. Department of Taxation $86,170 to establish one investigator position for the Special Enforcement Section. Department of Transportation $200,000 for automated passport control kiosk maintenance. $3,414,352 for airport rescue and fire fighting staff and vehicles at Līhu‘e Airport. $400,000 towards the Hawai‘i Statewide Transportation Master Plan update. University of Hawaii $79,000 for an Instruction and Student Support Coordinator at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. Hawaii State Public Libraries $500,000 for repair and maintenance projects for public libraries statewide. $500,000 for library books and materials. Budget worksheets detailing agreements and disagreements in the state, judiciary, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs budget bills are available on the Capitol website at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/budget/2018budget.aspx. The conference committee will reconvene on Friday, April 20, at 2 p.m. in room 309.

The Hawai‘i State Senate on April 16 voted to advise and consent on Jennifer Potter to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Jennifer “Jennie” Potter was nominated by Governor David Ige to replace Lorraine Akiba, whose term expires on June 30, 2018. Potter begins her six-year term on July 1, 2018. “Based on her history with municipal districts in California, working for the Natural Energy Institute here in Hawai‘i, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the experience she has in regards to demand side, pricing, and researching smart options, I think she’s going to provide the wealth of background and knowledge to the PUC to help move the agenda forward,” said Senator Rosalyn Baker, chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health. Potter is an assistant specialist with the Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute (HNEI). Before joining HNEI, Potter was a senior scientific engineering associate in the Electricity Market and Policy group at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab where she was the project lead on the 2025 California Demand Response Potential Study for the California Public Utilities Commission. Potter’s experience includes working with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District in various positions, including enterprise performance data manager, principal market analyst, and project manager. She was also an electric analyst for the City of Roseville in California. Potter earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Economics from Southern Oregon University, and her Master of Science degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.

The Hawai‘i State Senate today voted to confirm Ryker Wada to serve as the Director of the Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD). Wada was appointed by Governor David Ige in January 2018 to fill the position following the retirement of James Nishimoto. Wada has served as deputy director of DHRD since December 2016. Prior to his work at the department, he was the Personnel Regional Officer for the Windward District of the Department of Education. He also served as the Managing Attorney for the Honolulu Office of the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i. Wada earned his B.A. from the University of Washington and a J.D. from the University of California Hastings College of Law. “Ryker Wada has a long standing reputation of public service and a strong commitment to family and his team,” said Senator Jill Tokuda (Dist. 24 - Kane‘ohe, MCBH, Kailua, He‘eia, ‘Āhuimanu) Chair of the Senate Committee on Labor. “He has a positive vision of how the Department should serve our state and employees, and his confirmation as Director of DHRD represents a new opportunity for him to continue to apply his skills in service to the people of Hawai‘i,” Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i Senate Majority # # # #rykerwada #richardwada #DHRD #hawaiisenate #WindwardDepartmentofEducation #Jilltokuda #DepartmentofHumanResourcesDevelopment

The “Silver Tsunami” took over the State Capitol rotunda on April 12 as the sixth Kūpuna Power Day brought savvy seniors, service providers, and musical stars together for a day to empower Hawai‘i’s elder population through education, awareness, and good health. More than 40 organizations were on hand to provide vital information to seniors, as well as caregivers, get tips on topics ranging from the latest news on Medicare and Medicaid, as well as getting tech savvy and how to stay safe while walking and crossing streets. This event has become known for its star-studded performances by notable local artists. This year was no different with Danny Kaleikini and Marlene Sai taking the stage. Seniors were also asked to lace up their sneakers and take part in fun fitness stretching and tai chi. “This day is all about empowering the Kūpuna with education, entertainment, and exercise,” said Senator Brickwood Galuteria, organizer of the event. “Our population is aging and we need to continue to provide our Kūpuna with support so they can live self-sufficiently. The ‘silver tsunami’ is coming and we want to prepare all our residents for when that time comes.” This day was particularly significant in that it was dedicated to the memory of the late U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka. Sen. Akaka was always in attendance at Kupuna Power Day to help hand out the award named in his honor. The Daniel Kahikina Akaka Award for Outstanding Senior Service recognizes those who are doing extraordinary work in support of our seniors. This year, the honorees of the Daniel Kahikina Akaka Award for Outstanding Senior Service were John McDermott, Hawai‘i Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the non-profit, island-wide meal service provider Lanakila Meals on Wheels. Kūpuna Power Day is sponsored by the Na Kūpuna Makamae Center, a project of Pacific Gateway Center, and through the generous support of donors including AARP, Walgreens, Territorial Savings Bank, HMSA, Hawai‘i Gas, OHA, Kamehameha Schools, Laborers’ International Union Local 368, and the City and County of Honolulu.

WHO: Sen. Brickwood Galuteria, senior care service providers, iconic local musicians, savvy seniors WHAT: Kūpuna Power Day, “Celebrating Generations of Aloha” WHEN: Thursday, April 12, 2018 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. WHERE: State Capitol Rotunda The 6th Kūpuna Power Day begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 12 at the State Capitol Rotunda and this year’s event will be one of the most memorable to date. While celebrating and empowering seniors through education, awareness, and good health, Kūpuna Power Day 2018 will also be dedicated to honoring the late U.S. Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka, a dedicated statesman and champion for seniors, veterans, and all people of Hawai‘i, who passed away on April 6. “Senator Akaka was the embodiment of Aloha, serving the people of Hawai‘i with dignity and humility, which is why we named an award after him, one that recognizes individuals and organizations who are supporting our seniors so they can age in place with grace and pride,” said Sen. Brickwood Galuteria, organizer of the event. The Daniel Kahikina Akaka Award for Outstanding Senior Service honorees this year will be John McDermott, Hawai‘i Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the non-profit, island-wide meal service provider Lanakila Meals on Wheels. More than 40 organizations will be attending to provide important information for the health, safety, and well-being of Hawai‘i’s kūpuna. The event is free and open to the public of all ages. The schedule for Kūpuna Power Day 2018 is as follows: 8:30 a.m. Kūpuna Power Resource Tables Open 9:00 a.m. Kūpuna Power Welcome: Senator Brickwood Galuteria Pule: Kahu Kenneth Makuakane Pledge of Allegiance: Dorothy Douthit – Pacific Gateway Center Board Chair Star Spangled Banner: Danny Kaleikini Hawai‘i Pono’i: Marlene Sai and Melveen Leed Kūpuna Power Day Proclamations: Governor David Ige Mayor Kirk Caldwell What is Kūpuna Power? Knowing Your Resources: Sen. Brickwood Galuteria Enhanced Fitness Stretch: Randy Lau – Tai Chi Instructor Hula by the Nā Kūpuna Makamae ‘Āhinahina: Ku’u Lei Puakenikeni Entertainment with Danny Kaleikini Avoiding Identity Theft: Scott Spallina – Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Entertainment with Marlene Sai The Biggest “ISM” there is…AGEISM!: Dr. Jackie Young Entertainment with Melveen Leed The Daniel Kahikina Akaka Award for Outstanding Senior Service John McDermott - Long-Term Care Ombudsman Lanakila Meal on Wheels Enhanced Fitness Stretch: Randy Lau – Tai Chi Instructor Walk Wise Kūpuna: Lance Rae Kūpuna Power Recap…Knowing Your Resources: Sen. Brickwood Galuteria Hawai‘i Aloha: Danny Kaleikini and Marlene Sai Kūpuna Power Resource Tables open until 11:00 a.m. Kūpuna Power Day is sponsored by the Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center, a project of Pacific Gateway Center, and through the generous support of donors including AARP, Walgreens, Territorial Savings Bank, HMSA, Hawai‘i Gas, OHA, Kamehameha Schools, Laborers’ International Union Local 368, and the City and County of Honolulu. Photos of last year’s Kūpuna Power Day can be downloaded on the Hawai‘i Senate Majority Flickr site: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hawaiisenatemajority/albums/72157680780228710 # # # #kupunapower #hawaiisenate #brickwoodgaluteria #danielakaka #senatorakaka #melveenleed #randylau #marlenesai #pacificgatewaycenter #aarp #walgreenshawaii #territorialsavingsbank #hmsa #hawaiigas #OHA #KamehamehaSchools #InternationalUnionLocal368 #Danielkahikinaakakaaward #kupuna #senionservice #dorothydouthit #davidige #kirkcaldwell

Things were ‘hopping’ at the State Capitol on March 29 when the House and Senate Legislators and staff joined together to help bring Easter cheer to those in need as part of the 19th Annual Women’s Legislative Caucus Easter Basket Drive. More than 240 baskets filled with basic necessities including socks and school supplies to household items and health care products were donated to the Institute of Human Services, Windward Spouse Abuse Center, and the Salvation Army. The Easter Bunny, resembling State Rep. Sean Quinlan, made a traditional appearance. Because every bunny needs a friend, this year he brought a sidekick, the Easter Duck, who looked similar to State Rep. Daniel Holt. The duo lent a helping paw and wing to deliver the baskets to awaiting trucks. #InstituteforHumanServices #WomensLegislativeCaucusEasterBasketDrive #WindwardSpouseAbuseCenter #Rozbaker #Jilltokuda #jkalanienglish #laurathielen #MichelleKidani #DonnaMercadoKim #karlrhoads

Hawai‘i is fortunate to have a tradition of hard working and determined immigrants who came to the islands to create better lives for their families, communities, and future generations. The State Senate today recognized the accomplishments of one such group of immigrants: the Okinawan community in Hawai‘i. There are over 325 restaurants that are owned and operated statewide by the Uchinanchu descendants, those that emigrated from Oroku, Okinawa. Ushi Takara started America Café in 1923 and mentored dozens of Uchinanchu to open their own restaurants, with over 75 individuals coming from Oroku. Almost a century later, the honorees have been bringing Hawai‘i’s people together around food, and they run and operate the go-to places for Hawai‘i’s families. Recognized on the floor today were Sidney Takara, Howard Takara, Gene Kaneshiro, Ethel Teruya, Beverly Taira, and Shari Tamashiro. Sidney Takara is the grandson of Ushi Takara, the “Father of Oroku Restaurants” and founder of American Café. Howard Takara is the son of Yuri Takara, owners of Harriet’s Saimin and Yuki’s Café. Howard worked at his father’s restaurant for 10 years and also serves as a Board member of the Oroku Azajin Club. Gene Kaneshiro is the son of Fred Kaneshiro and nephew of Gentaro Kaneshiro, owners of Columbia Inn. Gene ran Columbia Inn for many years. Ethel Teruya is the wife of Wallace Teruya and sister-in-law of Albert Teruya, owners of T & W Coffee Shop, Times Grill and later Times Super Markets. Beverly Taira is President of the Oroku Azajin Club. Beverly has served many years as a board member, and she helped in the documentation of the 75 Oroku Azajin restaurants Shari Tamashiro was instrumental in documenting the history of the family restaurants. She guided Howard Takara, Holly Takara and Gene Kaneshiro in recording the oral histories of 12 restauranteurs and the creation of the Okinawan Restaurant Exhibit at Honolulu Hale. Senate honors also went to Galen Teruya is the grandson of Albert Teruya. Galen served as President of the Oroku Azajin Club in 2014-2015, and Judy Uyehara Morita, daughter of Masaji Uyehara, owner of Aiea Drive Inn, Ilima Drive Inn, Keone’s Lounge and Smile Café. Also recognized by the Senate were the family members and community members of several other iconic Hawai‘i restaurants who were in the Senate gallery: Karen Teruya Nakamura is the daughter of Robert and Nancy Teruya, owners of Aloha Grill. This restaurant also once had a bowling alley. Ruby Teruya Uehara is the daughter of Kana Teruya, owner of Lucky Grill, U.S. Café, Choice Inn and Kaimuki Inn. John Takara is the nephew of Keikyu Takara, who owned Bluebird Café and McCully Fountain. Muriel (Teruya) Arakaki and brother William Teruya are the daughter and son of Harry Teruya, who owned Chef’s Café and Sierra Cafe. Lorraine (Takara) Egusa and Russell Takara are the daughter and son of Taru and Chiyoko Takara, who owned Kaimuki Inn and George’s Inn. James and Jane Uyehara are the son and daughter-in-law of Jenichi Uyehara, who owned Metropolitan Grill. Gary Kobashigawa is the son of Roy Kobashigawa, who with his two brothers, Mike and Larry, owned Sheridan Grill. Margaret Takara is the daughter-in-law of Kojiro Takara, who owned Star Grill. Mary-Ann Uehara is the grand-daughter of Kana and Uto Uehara, who owned Bert’s Café. Helen Uyehara is the daughter-in-law of Ichiro and Kameko Uyehara, who owned Happy Café and Kakaako Inn. Liz Teruya is the grand-daughter of Saburo Teruya, who owned Kapiolani Grill. Barbara Teruya is the daughter of Robert Uehara, who owned Chidori Restaurant and Ellen’s Bar & Grill. Jason Takara is the son of Edward and Roberta Takara, who owned E & R Koffee Kup and Jane’s Coffee Shop. Violet Irinaka is the daughter of Kame Uyehara, who owned Denver Grill. George Kamimura is the Grandson of Kame Taira, who owned Pacific Bakery & Coffee Shop and Palama Hotdog Shop. Francis Takara and Mae Katahara are the son and daughter of Charles Takara, who owned New Aala Café and Nancy’s Grill. Gary and Neal Uehara are the sons of Harold Uehara, who owned LaSalle Grill. Herbert Uehara is the nephew of Tsuneko Uehara, who owned Clover Inn and U.S. Cafe. Frederick Takara is the son of Saburo Takara, who owned Café Paris and Ramona CAFE. Karen (Teruya) Nakamura is the daughter of Robert and Nancy Teruya, owners of Aloha Grill. This restaurant was located in the heart of Honolulu on Bethel Street. It not only provided service to families and banquets, but also had a bowling alley. Karen has also supported and helped document the majority of Oroku Azajin restaurants. Ruby (Teruya) Uehara is the daughter of Kana Teruya, who owned Lucky Grill, where Ruby and her siblings worked while going to school. Kana also owned U.S. Café, Choice Inn and Kaimuki Inn. Alice Masutani and Lorraine Kajikawa are the daughters and Dustin Ebesu is the grandson of Kamado and Yoshiko Uyehra, who owned Café Seven Seas. Karen (Uyehara) Kanemasu and her husband, Wayne are the daughter and son-in-law of Herbert and Margaret Uyehara, who owned Capital Drive Inn and New Capital Cafe. Sandra (Uyehara) Ikehara is the daughter of Masao Uyehara, who owned Lindy’s Café and Silver Surf Fountain. Jane (Uyehara) Suwa is the daughter of Paul Uyehara, who owned Paul’s Coffee Shop. #orozuaza #hawaiisenate #Oroku #Okinawa #ushitakara #americancafe #sidneytakara #howardtakara #genekaneshiro #ethelteruya #beverlytaira #sharitamashiro #FatherofOrokuRestaurants #HarrietsSaimin #yukicafe #OrokuAzajinClub #FredKaneshiro #GentaroKaneshiro #ColumbiaInn #WallaceTeruya #AlbertTeruya #TWCoffeeShop #TimesGrill #TimesSuperMarkets #OkinawanRestaurantExhibit #AieaDriveInn #IlimaDriveInn #KeonesLounge #SmileCafe #RobertTeruya #NancyTeruya #AlohaGrill #RubyTeruyaUehara #KanaTeruya #LuckyGrill #USCafe #ChoiceInn #KaimukiInn #BluebirdCafe #McCullyfountain #MurielTeruyaArakaki #WilliamTeruya #HarryTeruya #Chefscafe #SierraCafe #TaruTakara #ChiyokoTakara #GerogesInn #MetropolitanGrill #JameUyehara #JaneUyehara #GaryKobashigawa #SheridanGrill #KojiroTakara #StarGrill #MaryAnnUehara #Kana #KanaUehara #utoUehara #BertsCafe #PaulsCoffeeShop #Lindyscafe #Silversurffountain #CafeSevenSeas #CapitalDriveInn #NewCapitalCafe #DustinEbesu #Cafesevenseas