The Senate today honored the Moanalua High School Symphony Orchestra and their revered Music Director Mr. Elden Seta. Mr. Seta led his extraordinary students to this year’s American String Teachers Association’s National Orchestra Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, where they were one of twenty high school groups selected nation-wide to attend. Moanalua High School Symphony Orchestra placed first for the High School Full Orchestra category and were named Grand Champion in the High School Division. Recognized on the Senate floor for their outstanding performance were the following members: Emily Hadano, Symphony Orchestra President; Annika Wong, Symphony Orchestra Vice President; Megan Ganeku, Symphony Orchestra Secretary and Concert Master; Carissa Miyamoto, Symphony Orchestra Librarian; Brooke Kumasaka, Symphony Orchestra Librarian; Efren Enrique, Symphony Orchestra Equipment Manager; and Raidyn Mendez, Symphony Orchestra Equipment Manager. #MoanaluaHighSchool #MoanaluaHighSchoolSymphony #eldenseta #AmericanStringTeachersAssociationNationalOrch #Annikawong #MeganGaneku #CarissaMiyamotoBrookeKumasaka #EfrenEnrique #RaidynMendez

State Senators today recognized Mililani Town Association’s (MTA) 50th anniversary. The Mililani Town Association was created in 1968 to guide property use and ensure a safe and secure living environment for all its residents. First established by Castle & Cooke, Mililani Town has garnered national attention and was recognized in 1986 as an All-American City by the National Municipal League. They are also noted as one of Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” Acknowledgements go to the MTA Board of Directors; President Bob Barrett, Vice President Michelle Kidani, Secretary Josie Hart Ka‘anehe, General Manager David O’Neal, and Board Members Will Kane, Neil Takeda, Michael Magaoay, Val Okimoto, Noriko Salangdron, and Glenn Yoshimori. #hawaiiseante #bobbarrett #michellekidani #josiehartkaanehe #davidoneal #willkane #neiltakeda #michaelmagaoay #valokimoto #norikosalangdron #glennyoshimori #nationalmunicipalleague #mililanitownassociation #ronkouchi #donovandelacruz #mikegabbard #lesihar #breeneharimoto #RussellRuderman #clarencenishihara #rozbaker #karlrhoads #lorraineinouye #GilKeithAgaran #jkalanienglish #maileshimabukuro #glennwakai #willespero #joshgreen #kaialiikahele #laurathielen #gilriviere #stanleychang #donnamercadokim

WHO: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Representative Lei Learmont WHAT: Town Hall Meeting on emergency preparedness WHEN: Thursday, April 12, 2018 7:00 p.m WHERE: Wahiawa District Park Hale Koa Room 1129 Kilani Avenue Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (S Dist. 22 - Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawa, Whitmore Village, portion of Poamoho) and Representative Lei Learmont (H Dist. 46 - Wahiawa, Whitmore Village, Launani Valley) are sponsoring a town hall forum for the community to learn more about what the state is doing to educate and prepare the public for emergencies. The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, City and County of Honolulu’s Community Emergency Response Team and the Hawai‘i Department of Education have been invited to speak at the forum so families can learn how to prepare for various scenarios and to answer questions. The event is free and open to the public. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday April 12th, at the Wahiawa District Park in the Hale Koa Room beginning at 7:00 p.m. “On January 13, 2018, there was a warning of a nuclear missile attack coming to Hawai‘i.” said Representative Lei Learmont, “The Town Hall meeting is to help educate the community about what to do in the event of a missile attack. With the revelation that it was a false alarm, this provided an opportunity to more closely evaluate our emergency preparedness; as well as other potential emergencies like hurricanes and tsunamis.” “I want to ensure that the community has adequate information so they are prepared and safe in the event of any emergency.” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz. “Natural hazards and other various scenarios can happen at any time so the residents need to know how to prepare for the worst and protect their families.” For questions about the community meeting, please call the Office of Representative Learmont at 808-586-6700. # # # #wahiawalegislators #wahiawa #donovandelacruz #Hawaiiemergencymanagementagency #honolulucommunityemergencyresponse #leilearmont #hawaiisenate

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means passed HB2010 HD1 SD1 on Tuesday which attempts to address accountability issues raised during an audit of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) and procure a responsible approach to planning and protecting Hawai‘i’s infrastructure and natural resources by renaming the Convention Center Enterprise Special Fund to the Convention Center Operations and Maintenance Special Fund, to make it clear that the Convention Center monies and HTA's operations should not be co-mingled. It also repeals the allocation of transient accommodations tax revenues to that fund, amends the allowable uses of that fund, and adds a cap to the amount of moneys deposited into the fund. Recognizing the important marketing efforts of the HTA, the current marketing budget of the HTA remains unamended. However, the measure was modified to address the specific needs of agencies that work with, or are impacted by, the tourism industry, which will better ensure that those specific needs are properly addressed in a timely manner. Rather than requiring one agency to address the impacts of tourism on state infrastructure and natural resources, allocating the funds directly to those with proper expertise will allow for a more efficient and effective remedy to specific issues that have arisen due to the large number of visitors to the State. HB2010 HD1 SD1 appropriates the following amounts to HTA's operations: $6 million Convention Center operations $2.8 million Administrative expenses (status quo) $49.2 million Marketing (status quo) $2.5 million Research (status quo) $5.8 million Sports marketing (status quo) $66.3 million “Tourism has grown significantly and HTA has taken a piecemeal approach to sustaining our environment, keeping tourists safe, developing tomorrow's workforce, and preserving our culture. There is no comprehensive action plan. About 40% of HTA’s budget pays for programs and grants outside of marketing Hawai‘i to tourists. They have no in-house expertise to evaluate grant applications, nor a process for getting experts into their Advisory Groups. In many instances, HTA uses tax dollars to hire consultants to vet grant applications that staff cannot manage,” said Senator Glenn Wakai, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology. In an effort to put resources into the proper hands, HB2010 HD1 SD1 proposes re-appropriating funds to programs with a nexus to economic development and tourism. This will also benefit HTA by allowing them to focus on marketing: $16.5 million DBEDT – To encourage the diversification of our economy through tourism $3.5 million DOE - To ignite and cultivate interest in pursuing careers in hospitality $7.9 million UH and Community Colleges – To expand hospitality workforce development $3 million UH Athletics – To subsidize student travel as ambassadors of Aloha $9.6 million DLNR – For lifeguards, maintenance of parks, trails, restrooms, small boat harbors, aquatic resources, and marine management $3 million (Current DLNR funding in statute) $8 million Four Counties - To address visitor safety $8 million Grants: Hawaiian cultural initiatives, product development, and tourism related funds as determined by the Legislature $59.5 million In Summary: $141.4 million Current HTA Base Budget $66.3 million New HTA base budget $59.5 million Nexus funded programs $15.6 million General Fund (Convention Center savings due to paying off all bond debt) The proposed amendments in HB2010 HD1 SD1 provides more oversight and accountability by lawmakers by addressing several of the areas reported in February 2018 by the State Auditor including an inability to define needs, monitor contracts, and evaluate the impact of its expenditures. The audit pointed to a number of deficiencies with the management of the HTA including lax oversight, deficient internal controls, failed to enforce contract terms, disregarded its own procurement policies, awarding sole source contracts based on questionable justifications, paying contractors without existing contracts, voluntarily waiving ownership of intellectual property, shifted expenses to other budget lines, and lacks the rigor to manage and oversee contracts. To view the report: Management Audit of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority “Allowing the HTA's budget to remain status quo only condones the undisciplined spending pointed out by the audit,” said Sen. Wakai. “This bill injects accountability into an agency that denies any shortcomings and continues to shirk its responsibility to the public. In passing HB2010 HD1 SD1, Senators feel an obligation to guard the public's money rather than ignore the agency's "haphazard approach to procurement."’ # # # #hawaiisenate #hb2010 #HTA #HawaiitourismAuthority #HawaiiConventionCenter #glennwakai #entertprisespecialfund #brickwoodgaluteria #kaialiikahele #lorraineinouye #brick #donovandelacruz #GilbertKeithAgaran #LorraineInouye #jkalanienglish #maileshimabukuro #gilriviere #breeneharimoto

As the “silver tsunami” grows in our community, it has become even more urgent to empower seniors through education, awareness, and good health. That is the mission behind Kūpuna Power Day being held on Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the State Capitol Rotunda. Now in its sixth year, Kūpuna Power Day brings together more than 40 organizations to provide vital information for the health, safety, and well-being of Hawai‘i’s seniors. The free event is open to the public, especially Kūpuna, to enjoy a program packed with entertainment and knowledge they can use to thrive in their golden years. Seniors, as well as caregivers, can get tips on topics ranging from the latest news on Medicare and Medicaid, to getting tech savvy and pedestrian safety. This event has become known for its star-studded performances by notable local artists. This year is no different with Danny Kaleikini, Marlene Sai, and Melveen Leed taking the stage. Seniors will also be asked to lace up their sneakers and take part in fun fitness stretching. “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.” An important part of this event is recognizing 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 are 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. Photos of last year’s Kūpuna Power Day can be downloaded from the Hawai‘i Senate Majority Flickr site: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hawaiisenatemajority/albums/72157680780228710 # # # #hawaiisenate #brickwoodgaluteria #donnamercadokim #dannykaleikini #kupuna #kupunapowerday #hmsa #hawaiigas #OHA #KamehamehaSchools #silvertsunami

Kohala Hospital will be receiving much needed renovations following the release of capital improvement project funds that were recently released by Governor David Ige. The $1 million in general obligation bonds will be used for the design and construction for interior renovations and exterior remodeling of Kohala Hospital, the only critical care facility in rural North Hawai‘i. The appropriation is part of a lump sum funding request by Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation to improve hospitals statewide. Kohala Hospital recently underwent renovations of its emergency department, which increased the efficiency and security of the department and doubled the capacity of the emergency room. Additional monies for the emergency department improvement project were provided by the Kohala Hospital Charitable Foundation. “The funding to provide Kohala Hospital with a much needed makeover is long overdue,” said Senator Lorraine R. Inouye, who represents the districts of North Hawai‘i Island and supported the funding request in the 2017 Legislative Session. “I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature and the Governor for recognizing the healthcare needs of my constituents and visitors to Hawai‘i Island.” # # # #lorraineinouye #KohalaHospital #hawaiisenate #kohalahospitalcharitablefoundation #CIP

The Hawai‘i State Senate today confirmed the appointments of Associate Judge Lisa M. Ginoza as chief judge, Intermediate Court of Appeals, District Judge James Ashford to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit, and Kevin T. Morikone to the District Court of the First Circuit. Associate Judge Ginoza has been licensed to practice law in Hawai‘i since 1989. She earned her Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the William S. Richardson School of Law, where she was an editor for the University of Hawai‘i Law Review. Prior to her appointment to the Intermediate Court of Appeals, Judge Ginoza served as First Deputy Attorney General of the State of Hawai‘i, where she assisted the Attorney General in leading a department with over one hundred seventy attorneys. Judge Ginoza also previously served as a partner with McCorriston Miller Mukai Mackinnon. Judge Ginoza has been active in the legal community throughout her career, including as a member of the Commission on Professionalism. She will serve for a term of ten years. “Judge Ginoza has the experience, temperament, judiciousness, and other competencies to be the Chief Judge of the Intermediate Appellate Court, and has the broad legal expertise, superb character, outstanding judicial temperament, and unwavering commitment to justice that are essential for a Chief Judge,” said Senator Brian Taniguchi (Dist. 11 - Manoa, Makiki, Punchbowl, Papakolea), Chair of the Committee on Judiciary, upon her confirmation. Judge James H. Ashford received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Claremont McKenna College, and his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Loyola Law School. He was admitted to the Hawai‘i bar in 1988. He currently serves as a District Judge of the First Circuit, where he presides primarily over criminal cases brought in the District Court. He has also presided over civil and felony criminal trials while on temporary assignment to the Circuit Court. Prior to his appointment to the District Court of the First Circuit, Judge Ashford served as a litigation partner with Cades Schutte. In his private litigation practice, Judge Ashford represented clients in proceedings at every level of the Hawai‘i state court system, including the Intermediate Court of Appeals and the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. He is also currently president of the Hawai‘i State Trial Judges Association. He will serve for a term of ten years. “Based on the testimony submitted on his behalf, Judge James H. Ashford has the experience, temperament, judiciousness, and other competencies to be a First Circuit Court Judge, and has the strong personal integrity, superb judicial temperament, and legal acumen that are essential for a First Circuit Court Judge,” said Sen. Taniguchi. Kevin T. Morikone received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a certificate in Ethnic Studies from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, and his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the William S. Richardson School of Law, where he graduated cum laude. He was admitted to the Hawai‘i Bar in 2007. Since October 2015, he has served as a per diem District Family Judge in the Family Court of the First Circuit while continuing his private practice at Hosoda and Morikone, LLC. Morikone has been a partner at Hosoda and Morikone, LLC, since 2011. As a per diem District Family Judge in the Family Court of the First Circuit, Morikone has presided over temporary restraining order proceedings, adoptions, guardianship proceedings, paternity proceedings, uncontested and contested divorces, and cases involving detention homes. He has also served as an arbitrator in the Court Annexed Arbitration Program. Morikone has been actively involved in the legal community throughout his career, including as a volunteer for Appellate Advocacy and Trial Practice courses and as pro bono legal counsel for the Oahu Interscholastic Association. In addition, he has served as the Foreclosure Commissioner since 2013, and participated in Lawyers League Softball since 2003. Morikone will serve for a term of six years. Said Sen. Taniguchi, “The testimony submitted on his behalf commended Kevin T. Morikone with having the experience, temperament, judiciousness, and other competencies to be a District Court Judge of the First Circuit, and that he has the intellect, experience, and demeanor to fully and faithfully discharge all the duties associated with the judicial office of District Court Judge.” The Senate also confirmed the appointment of Ken Kitamura as the deputy director of the Department of Budget and Finance. Prior to his appointment with the Budget and Finance department, Kitamura served as the Business Management Officer of the Department of Human Services, Fiscal Management Office since January 2014. He previously served as an Administrative Services Officer, Business Manager, and a Program Budget Analyst of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. In addition, he was a Business Services Officer of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and a Legislative Aide in the Honolulu City Council. He also served as a special projects manager, budget supervisor, associate auditor and an analyst with the Hawai‘i State Legislature. Kitamura earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Chaminade University of Honolulu and a Master's in Public Administration degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. Photos courtesy: Hawai‘i Senate Communications (L to R: Judges James H. Ashford, Lisa M. Ginoza, Kevin T. Morikone); Ken Kitamura # # #

The Hawai‘i Senate today honored Alternative Structures International, better known as Kahumana, for their service to our communities. Through the State’s Homeless Program Office, Kahumana is the largest provider of homes and jobs for homeless families. Father Phil Harmon, Founder, and Tom McDonald, CEO, are fundamental in the growth of this non-profit that services over 1,000 keiki and adults each year. Kahumana is located in Waianae and is celebrating their 40th birthday this year. Recognized for their unique approach, they are taking their model of sustainability and community wellness to other communities throughout the state. Kahumana has placed 155 people in permanent jobs at places such as Aulani Resort, Monkey Pod Restaurant, and in numerous retail stores. Working with the State’s Developmental Disability Division, Kahumana is also a provider of services to people with developmental disabilities and autism through its Leeward and Windward Learning Centers. In addition, for ten years Kahumana has been making 1200 local healthy lunches a day, featuring produce from the Kahumana Organic Farm, and delivering them to over 35 locations. They are currently seeking to build a new kitchen in order to double the number of lunches they can produce and deliver throughout O‘ahu. #tommcdonald #kahuamana #waianae #developmentaldisabilitydivision

The Hawai‘i Senate recognized Puamakamae DeSoto for her vast accomplishments at such a young age. Puamakamae, age 12, is the youngest person to receive the Waterwoman of the Year honor at the 2018 Buffalo Big Board Surfing Classic. She received the highest overall combined score of any female at the event after competing in seven events at the contest, including the alaia shortboard and SUPsquatch divisions. Puamakamae is also on the honor roll at ‘Iolani School, a published poet and photographer, and a volunteer at Nā Kama Kai’s Ocean Clinics every month. She follows in the footsteps of other waterwomen from the West Side of O‘ahu, and her contributions to ocean culture and the community inspire and remind us of how the ocean empowers our youth and adults alike. #puamakamaedesoto #waterwoman #buffalobigboardsurfingclassic #hawaiisenate #nakamakaioceanclinic

The Hawai‘i Ethics Commission and the Commissioners who volunteer to help safeguard the public trust by promoting, educating, and enforcing the highest standards of ethical conduct in state governance were honored today by the Hawai‘i State Senate. This year marks the 50th year of the establishment of the State Ethics Commission. On the floor, recognized for their service: Commissioner Rey Graulty, Chair, a former State legislator and he also served as State Insurance Commissioner, Circuit Court Judge, and Ethics Professor at Chaminade University; Commissioner Ruth Tschumy, Vice Chair, a retired educator, author, member of many non-profit boards, and volunteer mediator with the Mediation Center of the Pacific; Commissioner Melinda Wood, a community volunteer, former immigration specialist, and retired East-West Center grants specialist; Commissioner David O’Neal, General Manager of Mililani Town Association and previously worked in the healthcare industry; and Commissioner Susan DeGuzman, a retired state judiciary employee of 30 years. Also recognized was Ethics Commission Executive Director Daniel Gluck and Associate Director Susan Yoza. Prior to taking the helm of the Ethics Commission, Gluck served as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) legal director for ten years. Yoza, an attorney, has been with the Ethics Commission since 1986 and has served as the Associate Director since 1987. The 1967 bill that established the State Ethics Commission passed without much fanfare. However, over the years, the Commission has worked hard on the difficult ethical issues that comes with public service. In its first 10 years, the Ethics Commission issued over 1,350 formal and informal opinions, many of which are still effective today. Hawai‘i was also a national leader after the 1970’s Watergate scandal — helping form what’s known today as COGEL, the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws. #hawaiisenate #hawaiiethicscommission #reygraulty #ruthtschumy #davidoneal #suzideguzman #danielgluck #aclu #cogel #councilofgovernmentalethicslaway

10th annual event features local artists, interactive art project, Legislators art contest WHO: Hawai‘i State Senators and Representatives WHAT: 10th Annual Art at the Capitol WHEN: Friday, April 6 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. WHERE: Hawai‘i State Capitol The public is invited to attend the 10th annual Art at the Capitol on Friday, April 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the State Capitol. At this festive and free event, visitors are welcome to view the work of local artists that are displayed in the offices of the Legislature. The theme this year, “Share Your Voice,” reflects on the self-expression inherent in creating the pieces of art in and around the State Capitol. It also is the intention behind a unique art exhibit that invites the public to share their thoughts and aspirations. Hawai‘i is joining in a global public art project created by artist Candy Chang. Now installed on the fourth floor of the State Capitol is a wall that invites people to reflect on their lives and share their personal aspirations to the question, “Before I die, I want to….” The project is intended to help restore perspective and understand the people around us in a new and enlightening way. More than 2,000 similar walls have been created around the world. Also on display this year is the exhibit featuring the abstract self-portrait artwork created by State Legislators. The Legislators’ pieces will be judged by artists with the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the public is invited to vote on their favorite portrait in a “People’s Choice” award that will be announced that evening. Art at the Capitol begins with the Opening Program at 4:30 p.m. in Conference Room 325 that includes an introduction of artists and special guests. Self-guided tours start at 5 p.m. and the galleries of the Senate and House will be open to view a new video about artist Candy Chang and her unique participatory public art projects along with videos from previous years of Art at the Capitol. Throughout the evening, music will be performed by the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony. The program ends at 7 p.m., however the public is invited to continue the celebration of local art and music just across the street at the Hawai‘i State Art Museum, which will be open until 9 p.m. Art at the Capitol was developed as an extension of the “Art In Public Places” program sponsored by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. For photos and videos of previous Art at the Capitol events: www.facebook.com/artatthecapitolhawaii http://www.youtube.com/ArtAtTheCapitolHI # # # #artatthecapitol #candychang #Hawaiistatecapitol #BrianTaniguchi #dellaaubelatti

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means (WAM) amended the language for a Special Purpose Revenue Bond (SPRB) to assist SpinLaunch, Inc.with the construction of a satellite launch system in HB2559 so it is no longer site specific. The bill initially recommended SpinLaunch, Inc. would construct a satellite launch system on the Island of Hawai‘i. At a hearing on March 29, the WAM Committee changed the measure to allow for the construction of a launch facility “in an unspecified area in Hawai‘i.” Senator Glenn Wakai (Dist. 15 - Kalihi, Mapunapuna, Airport, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, Pearl Harbor), who introduced the Senate companion bill said, "I heard from the people in Ka‘u. I don't want to give residents the impression that any future launch site was destined for their neighborhood." SpinLaunch, Inc., a technology company in San Jose, California, proposes to build a small satellite launch site in Hawai‘i. They were initially looking at a spot around Pohue Bay in the Ka‘u District of Hawai‘i Island. That interest was met with strong opposition. Sen. Wakai, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology, has encouraged SpinLaunch to respect the wishes of the community and to look at other sites around the state. "I sincerely apologize for alarming the people of Ka‘u," said Sen. Wakai, "I still believe Hawai‘i can play a role in the global aerospace industry, but not at Pohue Bay." Sen. Wakai will be joining Moku O Keawe Aha Moku O Ka'u in a community meeting on April 14, 2018 at 10:00 at the Na'alehu Community Center to discuss the intent of the bill. A special purpose revenue bond is a bond authorized by the Hawai‘i Legislature to assist a business to build a project in the public interest. The bonds do not use any public funds and the state is not liable to pay back the debt. SPRBs are not grants or subsidies, and do not place the state’s credit at risk. This is a financing option to allow a business to get a lower interest rate. SPRBs are sold to private investors in exchange for tax-exempt interest payments. # # # #glennwakai #senatewaysandmeans #specialpurposerevenuebond #spinlaunch #pohuebay #kau #Hawaiiisland