WHO: Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health and House Committee on Health and Human Services WHAT: Informational Briefing WHERE: Conference Room 229 State Capitol WHEN: Thursday, November 16, 2017 2:00 p.m. Senator Rosalyn Baker (S Dist. 6 - South and West Maui), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, along with Representative John Mizuno (H Dist. 28 - Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi), Chair of the House Committee on Health and Human Services, are holding an informational briefing on Thurs., Nov. 16, 2017 in Conference Room 229 at 2 p.m. to review current policy on electronic cigarettes, electronic smoking devices (ESD), and other tobacco products being introduced on the market. Representatives from the state and public health sector will be providing the latest data on ESD. There will also be discussion on ESD from the youth perspective and on the national front. The following individuals are scheduled to present: Lola Irvin, Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion Division Administrator, Department of Health Dr. Thomas Wills, University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center Isabelle Collier, Baldwin High School student Sara Kay, Punahou School student Trish La Chica, Hawai‘i Public Health Institute Dr, Robert Proctor, Stanford Professor and award-wining author To view the informational briefing notice: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2017/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPH-HHS_11-16-17_INFO_.HTM For further information or if you require auxiliary aids or services to participate in the informational briefing (i.e. ASL or foreign language interpreter, or wheelchair accessibility), please contact the Office of Sen. Baker at 586-6070 so that arrangements can be made. # # # #rozbaker #johnmizuno #Commerce #consumerprotection #health #tobaccoproducts #tobacco #lolairvin #thomaswills #isabellecollier #sarakay #trishlachica #robertproctor

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – State Senators Donna Mercado Kim, Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Breene Harimoto and Glenn Wakai recently sent a letter to President Trump and Congressional Leaders urging them to take meaningful action to address the country’s gun violence epidemic. Just within the span of 33 days, 85 people have been killed in mass shootings in Las Vegas, Nevada and Sutherland Springs, Texas. “This type of gun violence simply cannot continue,” said Sen. Kim. “Recent polls show that the majority of Americans support some type of gun safety so waiting to make changes that can protect the lives of innocent people is not acceptable." “Senseless deaths at the hands of those who are dangerous or possess guns illegally must be addressed now,” said Sen. Dela Cruz. “There are steps that can be taken immediately to make America safer and there is no reason to allow more lives to be taken due to gun violence.” “The occurrence of these mass shootings is far too common today and we hope that Congress will heed the pleas of the majority of Americans who agree something needs to be done to stop gun violence,” said Sen. Wakai. Recognizing this responsibility to take action to protect the public against gun violence, the Hawai‘i State Legislature passed HB459, which keeps the guns out of the hands of dangerous people by alerting law enforcement when those who fail background checks try to purchase weapons. The bill was signed into law on June 29, 2017. “We’re fortunate to live in a state where strict gun laws have helped to keep the incidents of gun violence relatively low. However, it is heartbreaking to hear the growing incidences of gun violence taking the lives of innocent adults and children and we, as leaders, must take action,” said Sen. Harimoto. Similar letters on gun control are being sent by other state legislators from across the country who attended the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) Legislator Conference in Washington, D.C. in October. Attached: Signed letter to President Trump and Congress # # # #gunsafety #donovandelacruz #donnamercadokim #glennwakai #breeneharimoto #HB459 #SutherlandSpringsTexas

Third Special Session of 2017 to be held Nov. 14 – 15, 2017 HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – A Special Session of the Hawai‘i State Senate is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2017 and Wednesday, November 15, 2017 to confirm four judicial appointments, three for the Circuit Court of the First Circuit and one for the District Family Court of the First Circuit – O‘ahu. On Wednesday, November 1, 2017, the Senate received three letters of appointment from Governor David Ige naming Paul B. K.Wong, Matthew J. Viola, and Rowena A. Somerville to serve as judges of the Circuit Court of the First Circuit. On this day, the Senate also received a letter of appointment from Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald naming Jessi L.K. Hall to serve as a judge of the District Family Court of the First Circuit. The appointees were chosen by Governor Ige and Chief Justice Recktenwald from a list of candidates submitted by the Judicial Selection Commission. Pursuant to the Hawai‘i State Constitution, Article VI, Section 3, the Senate has 30 days from the date of the appointment to consent to the appointments. Therefore, the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor will hold a hearing on the appointments on Monday, November 13, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in Conference Room 016. The Senate will convene for the first day of the Special Session at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 in the Senate Chamber. The second day of the Special Session is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. and adjourn following action by the full Senate on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. Information and hearing notices on the Third Special Session can be viewed on the Hawai‘i State Legislature’s website:www.capitol.hawaii.gov. #hawaiisenate #chiefjusticrecktenwald #hawaiijudiciary #specialsession

HONOLULU – At the direction of the President of the United States, Gov. David Ige has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawai‘i state flag will be flown at half-staff starting on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017 at the State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard in the State of Hawai‘i. The flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset, Nov. 9, 2017. This action honors the victims of the mass shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. “I extend my deepest condolences to the grieving families who lost loved ones at the mass shooting in a church in Texas and continue to pray for the recovery of those wounded.” said Gov. Ige. Link to President’s Proclamation: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/11/06/presidential-proclamation-honoring-victims-sutherland-springs-texas # # # #SutherlandSpringsTexas #Halfstaff #victimstexas #GovernorIge

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The public is invited to gather with Royal Orders and societies, cultural practitioners, kānaka, leaders of Ali‘i Trusts and dignitaries at the Queen’s promenade and statue on the grounds of the Hawai‘i State Capitol on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. for Aloha Lili‘u, a centennial observance of the life and legacy of Queen Lili‘uokalani. Over 100 churches across the state will toll their church bells at 8:30 a.m. in honor of the last reigning monarch in Hawai‘i, replicating the moment of her passing on November 11, 1917. In addition to the bells, there will be 100 conch shell blowers (pū), as well as hula dancers (‘ōlapa), drums (pahu), and chanters (mea oli) from across the islands to pay homage to the Queen. The program that morning will include pieces written by Queen Lili‘uokalani, performed by Hawaiian musicians Marlene Sai, Manu Boyd, Owana Salazar and the Aloha Lili‘u Choir led by Nola Nahulu. “A century after her passing, she is still beloved by her people, many of whom have benefitted from her legacy,” said State Senator Kai Kahele, co-organizer of Aloha Lili‘u. “We hope through this observance, we can all be reminded of and emulate her spirit and character of grace, courage, strength and compassion.” “More than just marking a milestone in history, this event is intended to provide an historical admonition for us today to act with intention which benefits the greater good and encourages the best in all of us,” said Senator Brickwood Galuteria, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs and co-organizer of Aloha Lili‘u. “This also begins a year of discussion and reflection on how the Queen’s legacy continues to impact our lives today and how as a State, we can continue to improve the lives of the people of Hawai‘i.” For more information on Aloha Lili‘u, please visit www.alohaliliu.org. Media assets are provided in the links below: Queen Lili‘uokalani and Iolani Palace b-roll video: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BwiifbDKEtMbV19nbUFleGE2clU?usp=sharing Queen Lili‘uokalani historical photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B3suWZrBNvAKNDZHenNaOTZBdGs?usp=sharing Story ideas on Queen Lili‘uokalani: Girl Scouts In 1917, just five years after Girl Scouting was founded, Kamehameha School for Girls teacher Florence Lowe organized the first official Girl Scout troop in the Hawaiian Islands based out of Honolulu. The council is the oldest council west of the Mississippi. At that time there was a second group meeting in what is now Kaka`ako. However, according to official records Lowe’s troop was the first to submit paperwork to Girl Scout headquarters. The groups became Troops One and Two, respectively, with Queen Lili`uokalani, the last Hawaiian monarch, as their sponsor. The Queen promised Troop Two her personal silk Hawaiian flag, which is now proudly displayed in the Girls Scouts Honolulu headquarters. Red Cross In support of the efforts of the American Red Cross during World War I, Queen Lili‘uokalani became a patron member of the organization, becoming the eight thousandth member. On Sept. 14, 1917, a Red Cross flag that the Queen sewed was presented to the Hawai‘i Chapter of the Red Cross and was raised above Iolani Palace. It is presently at the Diamond Head headquarters. The Iolani Palace throne room was also opened to the Red Cross volunteers to prepare surgical dressings for the hospitals overseas. Schofield Barracks Church In 1913, Queen Lili‘uokalani raised money for the construction of Soldiers Chapel on Schofield Barracks. It was the first church on the post and housed a bell donated by the 5th U.S. Calvary Regiment in 1912. While it is unclear why she chose to give the church to soldiers who were from the country that played a role in her overthrow, some believe it was an example of her generosity and ability to forgive. In addition to the original chapel entrance and the bell donated by the 5th Calvary, it also houses a rare 1931 pipe organ, one of only two of its kind in Hawai‘i. The Soldiers Chapel is on the National Register of Historic Places. Lili‘uokalani Trust The trust was founded in 1909 for the benefit of orphan and destitute children with preference given to Native Hawaiian children. The trust serves approximately 10,000 children each year through direct services and collaborates with community partners to serve thousands of other children. In her will, she entrusted her estate to provide for orphan children of Hawaiian blood, amended later to include other destitute children. Her legacy is perpetuated today through the Lili‘uokalani Trust and it’s programs including the Lili‘uokalani Children's Centers. Washington Place During 1895, Washington Place was the site of the dramatic events of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. It was there that the queen was arrested by the new governmental forces that were aided by a detachment of United States Marines. The queen was tried before a military tribunal, where she was charged with concealment of treason against the new government, the Republic of Hawaiʻi. She was convicted and was confined for several months at Washington Place after her release from imprisonment at ʻIolani Palace. Hawai‘i lost its last ruling monarch on Sunday, November 11, 1917, when Lili‘uokalani died of complications from a stroke at the age of 79 at her Washington Place home. At midnight, preceded by the flaming torch (the emblem of the Kalākaua Dynasty) and sacred kahili, her body was taken from Washington Place to Kawaiahaʻo Church where she lay in state for the next seven days. The rain which fell that week was looked upon as a good ho‘ailona or omen. On Saturday the 17th, her casket was taken to Iolani Palace. Her funeral service the following day was conducted in her former Throne Room. Her remains were then taken in a procession along King Street and up Nu‘uanu Avenue and placed in the Royal Mausoleum at Mauna ‘Ala. Vesak Day (Buddha’s birthday) The Queen was remembered for her support of Buddhist and Shinto priests in Hawai‘i and became one of the first Native Hawaiians to attend a Vesak Day celebration of May 19, 1901 at the Hongwanji Mission. Her attendance in the celebration helped Buddhism and Shintoism gain acceptance into Hawaiian society and prevented the possible banning of the two religions by the Territorial government. Her presence was also widely reported in Chinese and Japanese newspapers throughout the world, and earned her the respect of many Japanese people both in Hawai‘i and in Japan. St. Andrews Cathedral The Queen was baptized at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, whose cornerstone was laid by King Kamehameha V on March 5, 1867, and Davies Hall, whose cornerstone was laid by Queen Liliʻuokalani on May 9, 1906, using a silver trowel now kept in the Archives of the Diocese of Hawaiʻi. On May 30, 1909, Davies Hall was completed and dedicated for use as the Parish Hall of the Cathedral and for service to the community of Honolulu, which it continues to do more than 100 years later. Quilt The priceless quilt was sewn by Lili'uokalani and her companions during her imprisonment in Iolani Palace. The Queen's Quilt demonstrates "all the best features" of the crazy quilt style: a nine-block format with center medallion separated by sashing and bound by a narrow border that "brings order and repose to the business of the kaleidoscopic color and randomly pieced irregular shapes within the individual blocks." The richly colored plain, printed and brocaded silks and ribbons incorporated into the quilt are believed to be from the queen's wardrobe and that of her retainers. Appliquéd to a muslin backing, every seam is "exquisitely" embroidered in "crazy stitches” with the work done in multi-colored silk threads and further embellished with ink, painting and a profusion of embroidered flora and fauna. Some of the items stitched on the quilt include a silk brocade figure of the mythical phoenix, a bird said to represent good fortune; an embroidered pocket watch with Roman numerals; a helmet of the Queen's guard uniform; and a pueo, or owl. Within the quilt's center patches, believed to have been created by Lili'uokalani, are stitched messages documenting the most significant events of her life: "Imprisoned at Iolani Palace ... We began the quilt here"; and "Queen's Garden" and "Oct. 11, 1894," the date the garden was planted in Pauoa Valley by her supporters. Lili‘ukalani Garden On her 73rd birthday, Lili‘uokalani gave a birthday present to her people. She had her trustees set aside a piece of property near Waikahalulu Stream in Nu‘uanu, which is known today as Lili‘uokalani Garden. The lush and secluded grounds were said to be her favorite picnic spot and in her will bequeathed the land to the City and County of Honolulu to be used for the public’s enjoyment. The 7.5-acre garden is managed by the Honolulu Botanical Gardens of the State Parks and Recreation Department. ### #LILIUOKALANI #marlenesai #manuboyd #owanasalazar #alohalili39uchoir #nolanahulu #KaiKahele #BrickwoodGaluteria #Hawai39iStateCapitol #Hawai39iSenate #HawaiiSenate #IolaniPalace #hawaiisenate

Governor Ige celebrates re-dedication of the Princess Victoria Kamāmalu Building Link to photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/govhawaii/sets/72157662158916278/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/hawaiisenatemajority/albums/72157686861390212 HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige, cabinet members, state employees and representatives from the royal societies celebrated today the re-dedication of the Princess Victoria Kamāmalu Building on the 179th anniversary of the princess’ birth. “I made it a priority to move our public servants back into this state-owned facility to improve efficiency, enhance collaboration and increase cost savings. I’m pleased that the state will see a lease cost savings of $2.2 million going forward” said Gov. Ige. Employees of the departments of health and human services occupy the building. For the first time in decades, three of the four Department of Human Services’ division administrative offices are housed in one central location. Additionally, the attached agency, the Office of Youth Services (OYS) also moved to the Princess Victoria Kamāmalu Building. “Having three of our four divisions and one attached agency in one building will help us achieve our collective department goals. I believe that our move into Kamāmalu building is a win-win – it brings the department closer as an ‘ohana so we can serve Hawai‘i more efficiently and effectively,” said DHS Director Pankaj Bhanot. “I’m delighted to have our staff work in this historic building which is conveniently located near the Capitol, providing better access to the public, said Health Director Dr. Virginia Pressler. “Our Early Intervention Services, Disability and Communication Access Board, and State Council on Developmental Disabilities are excited to serve the public in their new location.” Princess Victoria Kamāmalu Building Facts The total cost to rehab the building was $27,203,900. Lease cost savings to the state are approximately $2.2 million per year. The contractor was Ralph Inouye Co. Ltd. The project began in March 2015 and was accepted by the state on Feb. 28, 2017. The building has nine floors, and there are offices in the basement. Three divisions of the department of human services occupy floors 2-7: Social Services Administrative Offices for Child Welfare Services and Adult Protective and Community Services Benefit, Employment and Support Services for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program) and related aid to families, Child Care Program, and Homeless Program Vocational Rehabilitation Office of Youth Services (an attached agency) The department of health occupies floors 8-9, and the Disability Communication Access Board is in the basement. ### #BreeneHarimoto #DonnaMercadoKim #GovernorIge #KamamaluBuilding #PankajBhanot

TOWN HALL MEETING ON DISASTER PREPAREDNESS WHO: Senators Will Espero, Mike Gabbard WHAT: Town Hall Meeting WHERE: Kapolei High School Cafeteria 91-5007 Kapolei Pkwy WHEN: Monday, November 13, 2017 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. In light of recent concerns regarding North Korean nuclear and missile tests, Senators Will Espero (Dist. 19 - ‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of ‘Ewa Villages) and Mike Gabbard (Dist. 20 - Kapolei, Makakilo, and portions of ‘Ewa, Kalaeloa, and Waipahu) will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting on contingencies and planned responses to potential military threats to the state on Monday, November 13, 2017 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Kapolei High School Cafeteria. At the Town Hall Meeting, representatives from the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) will discuss what the agency is doing to prepare our state for the nuclear threat, what efforts are being conducted among the counties and what steps it is taking to educate the public and our community. The Town Hall Meeting is free and open to the public. # # # #WillEspero #MikeGabbard #KapoleiHighSchool #TownHallMeeting #HawaiiEmergencyManagementAgency #HIEMA

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today announced three appointments to the First Circuit Court (Island of Oʻahu) as follows: Rowena A. Somerville – 50, Attorney, Hearings Officer, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, is appointed to the First Circuit Court (Island of Oʻahu), to fill the vacancy left when former Circuit Judge Derrick H. M. Chan was elevated to the position of Associate Judge for the Intermediate Court of Appeals in April 2017. Somerville has been an attorney in Hawaiʻi for over twenty years, dedicating her entire legal career to public service. She is currently an Administrative Hearings Officer at the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and has presided over one hundred special education due process hearings. She previously served as a Deputy Attorney General in the Land and Transportation Division and as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu. She began her career as a law clerk at the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission and followed that by a clerkship at the District Court of the First Circuit. Somerville earned her law degree from the University of Hawaiʻi, William S. Richardson School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 1996. “I am deeply honored and humbled that Gov. Ige has nominated me to serve as a First Circuit Court judge. It has been a privilege to serve the community for over twenty years as an attorney, and I am looking forward to the confirmation process,” said Somerville. Matthew J. Viola – 55, Judge, District/Family Court of the First Circuit, is appointed to the First Circuit Court (Island of Oʻahu), to fill the vacancy created by the vacancy left by the retirement of former Circuit Judge Dexter D. Del Rosario in December 2016. Judge Viola is currently the lead judge of the domestic (divorce) division of the Family Court, First Circuit Court of the State of Hawaiʻi. Since his appointment as a family court judge in August 2010, he has served as the presiding judge of the Juvenile Drug Court of the First Circuit. Prior to his appointment as a family court judge, he was in private practice, primarily handling employment law and general civil litigation cases. While working as a sole practitioner, he served as a part-time family court per diem judge since 2002 and as a contract attorney for the City and County of Honolulu Ethics Commission since 2003. From 1995 to 2002, he was an attorney with Simons, Wilson & Viola. Viola attended Williams College, where he received his B.A. degree, magna cum laude. After attending Stanford Law School, where he graduated with distinction in 1991, he worked as an associate attorney with a San Francisco law firm for two years before moving to Hawaiʻi and clerking for Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice Paula Nakayama from 1993 to 1995. "I am honored and humbled by Gov. Ige's nomination. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the people of the State of Hawaiʻi," said Viola. Paul B. K. Wong – 49, Judge, District Court of the First Circuit, is appointed to the First Circuit Court (Island of Oʻahu), to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of former Circuit Judge Karl K. Sakamoto in December 2016. Judge Wong was appointed to the District Court of the First Circuit on May 29, 2012. Prior to his appointment, he was a Partner with the law firm of McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, LLP, and a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu. Wong is a graduate of the University of Southern California and Boston College Law School. “I am deeply grateful to Gov. Ige, and his administration for the privilege and trust to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. I look forward to discussing my qualifications with the Senate, and if confirmed, will commit all my energies and skills to be deserving of the honor,” said Wong. “All three of these appointees understand that legal issues have a real and lasting impact on our people and in our communities. They are thoughtful, innovative and deeply committed to equitable problem solving. I know they will exercise patience and dedicate the time needed to assure fair administration of justice,” said Gov. Ige. The process used to select these appointees is the same process used in prior selections and will be used whenever Gov. Ige makes judicial appointments. Gov. Ige personally interviewed each candidate, received input from retired Hawai‘i State Supreme Court Associate Justice James Duffy, who reviewed the qualifications of the nominees and solicited feedback on each from the law community, and reviewed testimony submitted by the public. The Senate confirmation also allows opportunities for the general public to weigh in. All three appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. ### #hawaiisenate #RowenaSomerville #MatthewViola #PaulWong #HawaiiJudge #JamesDuffy #HawaiiSenate #GovernorIge

Senators Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Michelle N. Kidani, and Donna Mercado Kim Joined Latino Elected Officials for NALEO Legislative Summit on Health Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Senators Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Michelle N. Kidani, and Donna Mercado Kim joined the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, the nation’s preeminent Latino leadership organization, and more than 30 other Latino state legislators from across the country for the NALEO Legislative Summit on Health held on October 19-21, 2017. With Latinos representing the second largest population group in the nation, the overall health of the Latino community is intricately tied to the future of the United States. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the rate of Latinos without health coverage decreased from 39 percent in 2013 to 29 percent in 2016. While an impressive gain, large numbers of Latinos still live without coverage even though more than half qualify. As changes are made to how Americans are able to access healthcare loom, there is concern that gains may be reversed. The NALEO Educational Fund’s Legislative Summit on Health provided Sens. Dela Cruz, Kidani, Kim and other state legislators with an opportunity to enhance their understanding of the major health policies and legislation that state legislatures will tackle in future legislative sessions. This Summit convened national and state experts, advocates, and other relevant stakeholders to explore the role state legislators and other state and federal lawmakers play in the development and implementation of the various aspects of health care policy and its impact on state budgets and other policy areas. “We were given many opportunities to meet and speak with our peers from across the country,” said Sen Dela Cruz. “It’s a great feeling to be able to represent Hawai‘i.” “This entire summit was very informative, we were able to listen and learn from many experts in different fields to gain a comprehensive overview of health care as a whole,” stated Sen. Kidani. “Affordable healthcare is and continues to be an important issue for Hawai‘i, so the more insight we gain into what works and what may not, the better we can serve our communities,” said Sen. Kim. Through the convening, Sens. Dela Cruz, Kidani, Kim and other state legislators had the opportunity to network with fellow colleagues and experts from throughout the country, receive timely information and exchange legislative policies and ideas regarding the most effective ways to address the challenges and opportunities around healthcare delivery. Topics addressed through the Summit curriculum included: state health policy trends, Latino health and prevention strategies, the future of the Affordable Care Act, and the challenges of the American healthcare delivery system. A full agenda is available at http://www.naleo.org/2017_health. ### #DonovanDelaCruz #DonnaMercadoKim #MichelleKidani #NALEO #LEGISLATIVE #HEALTH

Appointments reinforce Legislative effort to bring accountability to City’s rail project Honolulu, Hawai‘i – Senate President Ron Kouchi and House Speaker Scott K. Saiki today named their four appointees to serve as Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) board members in compliance with the Legislature’s bill passed this summer to fund the City’s rail project. The Legislature voted to provide funding to ensure the rail project is completed and federal funding is secured, and, importantly, included provisions to bring accountability to the most expensive public works project in Hawai‘i history. The bill requires that the House Speaker and the Senate President each appoint two non-voting members to the HART board “to ensure the appropriate use of state authorized funds to finance a mass transit project.” Speaker Saiki named Tobias “Toby” Martyn and Kamani Kuala‘au as his appointees to the board. “With the substantial amount of state funding going to this project, it is important that the state has a clear channel of information on project costs,” said Speaker Saiki. “Both Toby and Kamani have the experience and knowledge needed to understand the financial complexities of this huge endeavor.” Martyn has more than 30 years of experience in asset management, institutional sales, trading and underwriting, and public finance. He is currently Vice President of Investments at Stifel and previously was Senior Executive Vice President of Investment Services Group at the Bank of Hawai‘i. Kamani Kuala‘au is Senior Vice President at asset management firm Atalanta Sosnoff Capital, where he manages accounts in the Asia/Pacific markets. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools and Princeton University, Kuala‘au began his career in finance at Public Financial Management, a national financial advisory firm dedicated to serving state and local governments. Kuala‘au is also the Chairman of King Lunalilo Trust and serves on the board of directors for Goodwill Industries of Hawai‘i and PBS Hawai‘i. “I would like to thank both Toby and Kamani for the generous commitment of their time and energy to help ensure that rail costs are contained and well managed,” Saiki said. Senate President Kouchi named Kalbert K. Young and Wesley Machida as his appointees to the board. “It is hoped that the former and current state finance directors and their financial knowledge and experience will be a tremendous asset to the HART Board on an ongoing basis,” said Senate President Kouchi. Kalbert K. Young is the University of Hawai‘i’s Chief Financial Affairs Officer, Mr. Young’s responsibilities include directing the university’s system wide financial management and budgetary functions. Prior to his current position with the University of Hawai‘i, Mr. Young was the State of Hawai‘i’s Director of Finance with the State of Hawai‘i Department of Budget & Finance (B&F) from 2011 thru 2014, and the Director of Finance for the County of Maui from 2004 thru 2010. Mr. Young has also served as a trustee of the State of Hawai‘i Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) and as a trustee on the State of Hawai‘i Deferred Compensation Plan. Wesley K. Machida is the current Director of Finance with the State of Hawai‘i’s Department of Budget and Finance. As the Director of Finance, Mr. Machida is responsible for administering the State budget and State debt, developing financial plans and strategies for the State, and overseeing the State Treasury. By appointing Mr. Young and Mr. Machida as non-voting members of the HART Board, Senate President Kouchi added, "the State's and the University's involvement and input is critical to achieving rail's full potential as there are three of the twenty-one rail stations at or on University system wide campuses and the State is providing the funding and oversight for rail construction. Having both Mr. Machida and Mr. Young serving on the HART Board will ensure a strong tie in between HART, the City and County of Honolulu, the University of Hawai‘i and the State.” Other oversight measures provided for in the Legislature’s bill include: Establishment of a Mass Transit Special Fund to allocate funding. This fund adds transparency, enhances fiscal accountability and ensures the money is used only for capital costs. The State Comptroller will review all costs incurred by HART. Only after costs have been certified will the funds be released to the City and HART. The State Auditor will conduct an audit and annual fiscal reviews of HART. ### #hawaiisenate #ronkouchi #HART #Tobiasmartyn #kamanakualaau #scottsaiki #wesmachida #kalbertyoung #ERS

LIHUE — The Hawaii Farm Bureau’s 70th annual meeting will be prefaced Monday by the Ag Summit Reception and screening of “Food Evolution” on Kauai. The Ag Summit, a partnership with the Kauai Chamber of Commerce, will feature a mini sunshine market and Kauai Made product showcase from 5 p.m. at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall with the movie starting at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday morning, the 70th annual meeting gets under way at the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club with discussions on tourism and agriculture led by Mufi Hanneman, the president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association. Scott Enright, the chair of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, will be providing an HDOA update, and Vincent Kimura of Smart Yields will be talking about agriculture technology for the 21st century. Delegates to the convention on the Monday Farm Tour to Clay Ueno’s taro farm will get a taste of technology when Fred Cowell of Kauai Coffee Company demonstrates the use of his drone in farming. Also on the agenda are the Produce Safety Network, a Farm to School discussion, and a legislative update from Sen. Mike Gabbard. Gov. David Ige will lead a tribute to Rep. Clift Tsuji and his contributions to agriculture. In related news, on Nov. 1, Randy Francisco of the county’s Office of Economic Development will be hosting an unmanned aircraft vehicle and drone industry update for business and commercial users. The event will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall, said Laurie Ho, secretary of the Kauai County Farm Bureau. Co-hosted by the Kauai Economic Development Board, the Kauai Visitors Bureau, the Kauai Board of Realtors, the Kauai County Farm Bureau, the Kauai Wedding Professional Association and the County of Kauai, the presentation by the Kauai Film Industry will be led by Kela Pinto of Skies the Limit Production, who specializes in designing, building and flying UAV/drones for television and film. October 22, 2017 12:05 am Dennis Fujimoto - The Garden Island | #kauai #HawaiiFarmBureau #KauaichamberofCommerce #KauaiWarMemorialConventionHall #MufiHanneman #KauaiiMarriottResort #Scottenright #Agriculture #HDOA #ClayUeno #HawaiiSenate #MikeGabbard

THE SENATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THE TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE INTERIM OF 2017 COMMITTEE ON HOUSING Senator Will Espero, Chair Senator Breene Harimoto, Vice Chair Sen. Josh Green Sen. Clarence K. Nishihara Sen. Kaiali‘i Kahele COMMITTEE ON HOUSING Rep. Tom Brower, Chair Rep. Nadine K. Nakamura, Vice Chair Rep. Henry J.C. Aquino Rep. Joy A. San Buenaventura Rep. Mark J. Hashem Rep. Bob McDermott Rep. Sean Quinlan COMMITTEE ON HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS Senator Maile S.L. Shimabukuro, Chair Senator Brickwood Galuteria, Vice Chair Sen. J. Kalani English Sen. Gil Riviere Sen. Josh Green COMMITTEE ON OCEAN, MARINE RESOURCES, & HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS Rep. Kaniela Ing, Chair Rep. Cedric Asuega Gates, Vice Chair Rep. Richard P. Creagan Rep. Calvin K.Y. Say Rep. Lynn DeCoite Rep. Gregg Takayama Rep. Matthew S. LoPresti Rep. Cynthia Thielen NOTICE OF INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING DATE: Thursday, October 19, 2017 TIME: 10:30 a.m. PLACE: Conference Room 229 State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street A G E N D A The purpose of this informational briefing is to discuss the efforts of Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) to provide homes for its beneficiaries and tackle the affordable housing crisis; including its policies relating to the building of homes and the awarding of lots. Additionally, DHHL will update the joint committees on their strategic plans and initiatives to build higher density developments, including condominiums, along the rail transit line and within the urban core. The Sovereign Councils of the Hawaiian Homelands Assembly is also invited to provide an update on its work and efforts to help and assist beneficiaries. The Honolulu Habitat for Humanity will give a presentation on the work it does to build or renovate homes for Hawaii’s Native Hawaiian community. Finally, Hawaiian Community Development, a non-profit dedicated to housing, community, and economic development that benefits families living on Hawaiian Home Lands, will present their efforts in providing affordable housing for DHHL beneficiaries. The following participants are invited to speak: Jobie M.K. Masagatani, Chair................. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Robin Danner, Chair................................ Sovereign Councils of the Hawaiian Homelands Assembly Kali Watson, Executive Director.............. Hawaiian Community Development Jim Murphy, Executive Director............. Honolulu Habitat for Humanity If you require auxiliary aids or services to participate in the informational briefing (i.e. ASL or foreign language interpreter, or wheelchair accessibility), please contact the committee clerk at least 24 hours prior to the briefing so that arrangements can be made. For further information, please call the Committee Clerk at 586-6360.