HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Next Avenue, public media’s first and only digital publication dedicated to covering issues for people 50 and older, has named State Senator Rosalyn Baker (Dist. 6 - South and West Maui) as one of the top 50 Influencers in Aging. Senator Baker was recognized for her advocacy in the area of caregiving by leading the effort to pass a bill that establishes the Kupuna Caregivers Program, the nation’s first benefit program to help an employed family caregiver stay in the workforce while ensuring the loved one has additional supports to age in place. The Kupuna Care and Caregivers programs are especially designed for families for whom assisted living facilities or nursing homes are too expensive. The bill was signed into law on July 6, 2017. The third annual list of top 50 Influencers in Aging includes advocates, researchers, thought leaders, innovators, writer and experts at the forefront of changing how we age and think about aging. “I’ve spent my political career advocating for those who are most vulnerable in our community, so I’m honored to be recognized for my work in an area that I’m passionate about – our seniors,” said Sen. Baker. “The Kupuna Caregivers Program is a team effort between government, community and the public, and acknowledges the critical need to help our State’s elderly maintain their dignity and quality of life in their golden years while ensuring family caregivers can stay in the workforce and not jeopardize their own retirement benefits.” Individuals are honored from each of the five areas that Next Avenue covers: Health & Well-Being, Caregiving, Money & Security, Work & Purpose and Living & Learning. “Next Avenue is proud to honor these 50 people who are transforming aging in a time when this work is especially crucial,” said Next Avenue Editorial & Content Director Shayla Stern. “More than 100 million Americans are over age 50 now, and as life expectancy increases, it is imperative that policies, housing, science, technology and culture all evolve to better serve our population. These honorees on our list of Influencers in Aging are on the leading edge of this revolution.” For a complete list of honorees and further information about Next Avenue’s 2017 Influencers in Aging, please visit: nextavenue.org/influencers. About Next Avenue Next Avenue is public media’s first and only national service for America’s booming 50+ population. The mission is to meet the needs and unleash the potential of older Americans through the power of media. Next Avenue does this by providing information and advice to help their audience navigate their lives and inviting them to join in an ongoing conversation about the issues and transitions we all face. Twin Cities PBS produces Next Avenue for the PBS system. Over 35 million people have visited nextavenue.org since it was launched in 2012. The content extends far beyond the Next Avenue website to reach over 15 million people monthly through social media and a national network of media partners and government and nonprofit allies. For more information, please visit nextavenue.org. # # # #rozbaker #ShaylaStern #KupunaCaregiversProgram #NextAvenueEditorialContent #PBS

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are pleased to announce the completion of the Halona Street Bridge replacement project on time and within budget nine months after construction began. Governor David Ige was joined by federal and state officials in a blessing ceremony today to celebrate the opening of the new bridge and road. “This project is a result of positive coordination between federal and state agencies working together for a common goal of improving transportation infrastructure,” said Gov. David Ige. “We are proud to be working with the FHWA on a dozen additional projects that will benefit Hawaii’s residents and visitors across the state.” “The successful completion of the Halona Street bridge project exemplifies the virtues of applying innovation to successfully advance transportation improvement projects,” said FHWA’s Central Federal Lands project manager Mike Will. “Prefabricated bridge elements, Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil and contracting innovations where industry is allowed to innovatively compete on both price and contract time, were contributing elements to early project completion.” The improvement project is an example of positive collaboration between Federal and State government. The project cost to replace the structurally deficient bridge was $7.2 million, 80 percent of which was provided by federal funding and 20 percent from HDOT Highways Division revenue. The bridge was originally built in 1938. Construction began January 2017. Project highlights included replacing the bridge foundation, pavement and railings, as well as replacing the water and gas lines beneath the bridge, all of which improve the safety and reliability of the structure. Halona Street has reopened for use connecting North Vineyard Boulevard to Houghtailing Street. We thank all the residents who live near the construction site and along the detour route for their patience as crews worked on the necessary improvements. For more information on the Halona Street Bridge project or the additional bridge and highway improvement projects being delivered through the federal and state partnership, please visit https://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/projects/hi/hidot/ Photo of the new Halona Street Bridge. View of the Halona Street Bridge from Kohou Street. Gov. David Ige, area residents and legislators, representatives from the Federal Highways project team, and Kahu Kordell Kekoa gather to bless the new Halona Street Bridge. From Left to Right: Nida Laganse; Nieves Joaquin; Ralph Rizzo, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Hawaii Division Administrator; Sen. Donna Mercado Kim; Dusty Escamilla, FHWA Regional Engineer; Gov. David Ige; Rep. Takushi Ohno; Jane Higa; Florence Higa; Kahu Kordell Kekoa ### #DonnaMercadoKim #DonnaKim

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – In unanimous floor votes, members of the Hawai‘i State Senate today confirmed the appointments of Third Circuit District Family Court Judge Henry T. Nakamoto to the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit (Hilo) and attorney Robert D.S. Kim to the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit (Kona). “These two appointees were brought before the Senate with high regard from those within the legal community,” said Senator Brian Taniguchi (Dist. 11 - Manoa, Makiki, Punchbowl, Papakolea), chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. “The breadth of their experience, legal knowledge, and expressed commitment to the community and public service make these judges solid additions to the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit.” Henry Taro Nakamoto has served as a Family Court judge and a District Court judge since June 2014. Before serving on the bench, he was a partner and director at Nakamoto, Okamoto & Yamamoto, and an associate at Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel. He was born and raised on Hawai‘i Island and practiced law there for 23 years. Nakamoto completed a B.A. in economics at Cornell University before earning his J.D. at Hastings College of Law. Nakamoto’s confirmation fills the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Judge Glenn S. Hara. He will serve for a term of 10 years. Robert D.S. Kim has been a private practice litigator who has extensive civil, family and criminal trial experience. Kim served as the West Hawai‘i Bar Association President for many years. Kim graduated with a B.A. in political science from the University of Hawai‘i, Hilo and earned his law degree at the William S. Richardson School of Law. Kim’s confirmation fills the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Judge Ronald Ibarra. He will serve for a term of 10 years. Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i Senate Communications (L: Robert D.S. Kim, R: Henry T. Nakamoto) #HenryNakamoto #RobertKim #hawaiisenate #BrianTaniguchi

(Alexandria, VA) – From September 21 to 22, Senator Donna Mercado Kim joined an additional thirty elected women from across the country for the National Foundation for Women Legislator’s inaugural State Director Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. This summit was by-invitation only and was restricted to NFWL State Directors, Board of Directors, and Committee Chairs. The summit was unique in its leadership focus. All programming aimed to provide elected women with concrete resources and tools to bolster their leadership skills. One main component of the programming was civil discourse. With what many consider to be a challenging political climate, NFWL brought in Next Generation – The National Institute for Civil Discourse (NICD). NICD facilitated a thought-provoking discussion about the role of civil discourse in government and how civility can be improved among elected officials. Elected women were even trained on how to improve civility. “The National Institute for Civil Discourse is honored to continue our outstanding partnership with the National Foundation for Women Legislators to develop great leaders and improve governance,” said Dr. Carolyn J. Lukensmeyer, Executive Director of the National Institute for Civil Discourse. “In today’s climate of extreme polarization, we’re proud to support the foundation’s commitment to building civility among lawmakers at every level to ensure that elected officials can work together and achieve progress. Every attendee to this leadership summit should be commended for their dedication to improving discourse and strengthening relationships across partisan divides.” “I’m proud to be a part of this organization that believes in building strong women leaders and lawmakers to help tackle the important issues of our states,” said Sen. Kim. “As the Southwest Regional State Director, I had the opportunity to meet with women legislators from across the country who share the same concerns and priorities and who are also working hard to make our home states better, more resilient and to create greater understanding and respect within our communities.” NFWL Executive Director Jody Thomas shared, “Without the elected women who chose to serve as leaders within our organization, we could not do all the work that we do. These women represent some of the most dedicated public servants in America and we are immensely proud to have them in our organization.” Thomas added, “NFWL thanks Senator Kim for taking time out of her busy schedule to join us in Washington, D.C. We look forward to seeing how she takes what she learned at the summit and applies it to her work as an elected woman.” About the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Inc. (NFWL) Through annual educational and networking events, the National Foundation for Women Legislators supports elected women from all levels of governance. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, NFWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but rather serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience. www.womenlegislators.org # # # #DonnaMercadoKim #NationalFoundationforWomenLegislators #NFWl #NationalFoundationforWomenLegislators

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – An attentive crowd filled the auditorium at the State Capitol to hear what the state Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) is doing to prepare for the possible, but unlikely, nuclear strike on Hawai‘i. Senator Clarence Nishihara, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs, organized the public meeting in light of the recent concerns regarding North Korean nuclear and missile tests. Representatives from HI-EMA presented its coordinated public message of “Get Inside, Stay Inside, Stay Tuned.” HI-EMA recommends residents and visitors seek shelter in a building or other substantial structure should an attack warning siren be sounded as the public will have less than 12 to 15 minutes before missile impact. They stressed the importance of personal preparedness, including having emergency supplies ready and keeping enough food on hand for 14 days. HI-EMA suggests listening to local AM-FM radio stations for official information. HI-EMA has been working on improved communication with the U.S. Pacific Command and the State Warning Point to enhance a missile launch notification process. It has also conducted a nationwide survey of evidence-based best practices in 28 states and federal agencies and is currently launching five working groups to conduct ongoing preparedness and response planning. These groups are analyzing new laws and plan to work with state lawmakers and other local officials on how to improve emergency response efforts. In collaboration with all counties, HI-EMA has developed a response guide to help with immediate response following a warning system activation. HI-EMA is currently going out to communities throughout the state to provide education and awareness on emergency preparedness.

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – A Special Session of the Hawai‘i State Senate is scheduled for September 25 – 26, 2017 to consider two judicial appointments for the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit – Hawai‘i Island. On Wednesday, August 30, 2017, the Senate received two letters of appointment from Governor Ige naming current District Family Court Judge of the Third Circuit, Henry T. Nakamoto, to the Third Circuit Court (Hilo) and attorney Robert D. S. Kim to the Third Circuit Court (Kona). Both appointees were chosen by Governor Ige from a list of candidates selected by the Judicial Selection Committee. Pursuant to Article VI, Section 3 of the Hawai‘i State Constitution, the Senate has 30 days from the date of the appointment to advise and consent on the two appointees. Therefore, the Senate will convene a two-day Special Session at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 25, 2017 to consider both appointments. # # # Click here to Reply or Forward #hawaiisenate #Judiciaryhawaii #HawaiiIslandThirdCircuit #GovernorIge #RobertKim #HenryNakamoto #HawaiiStateConstitution

Each Fall, MNHCoC produces a conference to explore issues of importance to business leaders who strive to incorporate Hawaiian values into their businesses and those of Native Hawaiian ancestry. The annual Hui Holomua Business Fest offers a full day of expert speakers, thoughtful discussions and networking along with an exhibition of locally-owned businesses. Sen. Schatz will be this year’s keynote speaker and will address this year’s theme, “Ka ʻIkena ʻŌiwi: Native Wisdom.” This year’s conference theme highlights the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience or NATIVE Act. The bipartisan, legislation introduced by Senators Schatz (D-Hawaii) and John Thune (R-S.D.). was enacted September 2016, to enhance and integrate Native Tourism, empower native communities and expand the nation’s unique cultural tourism opportunities. Sen. Schatz will be joined by Native American speaker: Ben Sherman, Chairman of the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance; Native Alaskan speaker Camille Ferguson, Executive Director of the American Indian and Alaska Native Tourism Association; and Native Hawaiian speaker Ramsay Taum, Founder of Life Enhancement Institute of the Pacific. Hawaii State Senator Brickwood Galuteria will offer opening remarks about the potential for indigenous tourism programs to increase Native Hawaiian well-being. The morning sessions/speakers are free to attend. The noon luncheon and keynote session is $75 for MNHCoC members and $85 for non-members. Those wishing to attend must RSVP pre-paid by Sun, Oct 1. Click here to reserve a seat. #BrickwoodGaluteria #HuiHolomuaBusinessFest #BenSherman #CamilleFerguson #RamsayTaum #NativeAmericanTourism #BrianSchatz #NATIVE

INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING ON STATE’S PLANNED RESPONSE TO POTENTIAL REGIONAL MILITARY THREATS WHO: Sen. Clarence Nishihara, Chair of Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs; Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency WHAT: Informational Briefing WHERE: State Capitol Auditorium WHEN: Thursday, September 21, 2017 10:30 a.m. In light of recent concerns regarding North Korean nuclear and missile tests, Senator Clarence Nishihara, Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs will be holding an Informational Briefing on contingencies and planned responses to potential regional military threats to the State on Thursday, September 21, 2017from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the State Capitol Auditorium. Representatives from the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency will be providing a presentation on preparation and planning efforts being conducted between the counties and other Federal and State agencies and departments. To view the hearing notice: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2017/hearingnotices/HEARING_PSM_09-21-17_INFO_.HTM #hawaiisenate #ClarenceNishihara #NorthKorea #missles

(HONOLULU, Hawai‘i) – Hawai‘i State Senator Donna Mercado Kim and the Office Depot Foundation are pleased to announce that three Kalihi schools have been chosen to receive colorful new sackpacks containing essential school supplies as part of the 2017 National Backpack Program, in partnership with the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) and the Office Depot Foundation (ODF). “It gives our kids pride and they’re proud to come to school and proud that people take an interest in them,” said Ka‘ewai Principal Bert Carter of today’s sackpack donation. “They’re real happy when Senator Kim comes to visit and to share her knowledge with them.” The first graders at Ka'ewai Elementary received a lesson in civics answering questions about state facts and local government. They were all smiles when they gave the correct answer and received their sackpacks. “Going back to school should be an exciting time for children who head back to class with all the tools they need to learn. But for families where money is tight, this isn’t always the case,” said Sen. Kim. “Having the opportunity to give these kids a small dose of this excitement and giving them the confidence they need to succeed this school year through this program warms my heart.” Sen. Kim visited students at Linapuni Elementary School on Monday and will be at Kalihi Waena Elementary later this month. As of the end of last year, Office Depot and the Office Depot Foundation will have helped more than 4 million children since the National Backpack Program began in 2001. This is the 12th year of the partnership with NFWL and the 17th year of the National Backpack Program. Hawai‘i was very lucky to once again be chosen to participate in this national program. Only 50 elected women from across the nation were chosen and provided with the sackpacks to share with the children in their community. In 2016, the Office Depot Foundation provided the National Foundation for Women Legislators with sackpacks for distribution by elected women officials in approximately 15 states. “Our goal in providing this program to our elected women is to equip them to further serve every member of the community they represent,” said NFWL Executive Director Jody Thomas. “These children are the future of our country and not only are we able to set them up to succeed in school and compete in an ever-competitive job market once they grow older, they’re given a sense of hope and a peace of mind.” The new 2017 drawstring-style sackpacks come in seven different kid-friendly designs. Each colorful sackpack includes a zippered pouch containing essential back-to-school items - a ruler, four crayons, a pen, a pencil, a pencil sharpener and an eraser. The sackpacks do not have any Office Depot or Office Depot Foundation logos or markings. Photos courtesy: Hawai‘i Senate Communications ### About the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Inc. (NFWL) Through annual educational and networking events, the National Foundation for Women Legislators supports elected women from all levels of governance. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan organization, NFWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but rather serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience. For more information, visit www.womenlegislators.org. #DonnaMercadoKim #Sackpack #KaewaiElementary #OfficeDepot #NFWl #NationalFoundationforWomenLegislators

(HONOLULU, Hawaiʻi) --- Senator J. Kalani English was presented with the 2017 Award for Transformational Achievement in Energy Policy and Legislation on August 28 by the Hawaiʻi Energy Policy Forum (HEPF) at its 9th Annual Hawaiʻi Clean Energy Summit held at the YWCA Laniākea. Senator English receives the Transformational Achievement in Energy Policy and Legislation. (L-R) Gov. Ige, Sen. English, Sharon Moriwaki and Michael Hamnett. Photo Courtesy: Hawaiʻi Senate Communications The award recognizes Sen. English’s leadership in introducing SB 559: Relating to Climate Change, signed by Governor Ige as Act 32. Anticipating President Trump’s withdrawal from the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and, recognizing Hawaiʻi’s vulnerability to climate change, Sen. English pursued legislation to establish a legal commitment to combat climate change by systematically reducing greenhouse gas emission. Act 32 continues the Paris commitment, and expands on it to provide strategies and mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; establishing the Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to develop strategies and goals and to conduct and report on implementation; and funding a coordinator beginning in FY2017. “We are grateful to Sen. English for sharing the bigger picture on the Paris Agreement and goals,” said Sharon Moriwaki, Co-Chair of the Hawaiʻi Energy Policy Forum. “His work serves as a reminder that it is not just about the goals—it is about action and now is the time to take action.” In his acceptance speech, Sen. English expressed the importance of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) which are voluntary international calls to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Many of these goals, more specifically, Goals: 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 17 (Partnerships for The Goals) directly relate to clean and sustainable energy, transportation and policy making. “I commend the work of the Hawaiʻi Energy Policy Forum for its role in bringing together public and private partners to sit down and collaborate on seeking smart energy solutions for Hawaiʻi,” said Sen. English. “I am very honored for the recognition and I look forward to a continued relationship with HEPF in achieving our State’s sustainability goals.” # # # About the Hawaiʻi Energy Policy Forum (HEPF) Established in 2002 as a unique experiment in collaborative energy planning and policy making, the Hawaiʻi Energy Policy Forum (HEPF) is an organization of over 40 representatives from the electric utilities, oil and natural gas suppliers, environmental and community groups, renewable energy industry, academia, and federal, state and local government—all working together to seek smart energy solutions to sustain a healthy, prosperous, and secure Hawaiʻi. For more information, please visit www.hawaiienergypolicy.hawaii.edu/about/index.html #jkalanienglish #sharonMoriwaki #HawaiiEnergyPolicyForum #UnitedNationsSustainableDevelopmentGoals #SDG #TransformationalAchievement #HawaiiCleanEnergySummitYWCA #Laniakea #DavidIge

(HONOLULU, Hawai‘i) – Hawai‘i State Senator Donna Mercado Kim and the Office Depot Foundation are pleased to announce that three Kalihi schools have been chosen to receive colorful new sackpacks containing essential school supplies as part of the 2017 National Backpack Program, in partnership with the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) and the Office Depot Foundation (ODF). Today’s visit to Linapuni Elementary School is the first of the sackpack school visits. The 45 first graders at Linapuni Elementary received a lesson in civics answering questions about state facts and local government. They were all smiles when they gave the correct answer and received their sackpacks. “Going back to school should be an exciting time for children who head back to class with all the tools they need to learn. But for families where money is tight, this isn’t always the case,” said Sen. Kim. “Having the opportunity to give these kids a small dose of this excitement and giving them the confidence they need to succeed this school year through this program warms my heart.” Sen. Kim will be visiting students at Kaewai Elementary School and Kalihi Waena Elementary later this month. As of the end of last year, Office Depot and the Office Depot Foundation will have helped more than 4 million children since the National Backpack Program began in 2001. This is the 12th year of the partnership with NFWL and the 17th year of the National Backpack Program. Hawai‘i was very lucky to once again be chosen to participate in this national program. Only 50 elected women from across the nation were chosen and provided with the sackpacks to share with the children in their community. In 2016, the Office Depot Foundation provided the National Foundation for Women Legislators with sackpacks for distribution by elected women officials in approximately 15 states. “Our goal in providing this program to our elected women is to equip them to further serve every member of the community they represent,” said NFWL Executive Director Jody Thomas. “These children are the future of our country and not only are we able to set them up to succeed in school and compete in an ever-competitive job market once they grow older, they’re given a sense of hope and a peace of mind.” The new 2017 drawstring-style sackpacks come in seven different kid-friendly designs. Each colorful sackpack includes a zippered pouch containing essential back-to-school items - a ruler, four crayons, a pen, a pencil, a pencil sharpener and an eraser. The sackpacks do not have any Office Depot or Office Depot Foundation logos or markings. Photos courtesy: Hawai‘i Senate Communications ### About the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Inc. (NFWL) Through annual educational and networking events, the National Foundation for Women Legislators supports elected women from all levels of governance. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan organization, NFWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but rather serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience. For more information, visit www.womenlegislators.org. #SenatorKim #DonnaMercadoKim #LinapuniElementarySchool #Sackpack #OfficeDepot #NFWL #NationalFoundationforWomenLegislators

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 on Monday, Sept. 11, 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. This action will mark Patriot Day, in honor of the nearly 3,000 people who died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and those who so nobly aided their fellow citizens in America’s time of need. The president also proclaims Friday, Sept. 8 through Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017 as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance in honor of those lost 16 years ago, as well as their grieving families and the brave first responders who acted with such heroism. The president’s proclamation is attached. http://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/governors-office-news-release-flags-to-be-lowered-to-half-staff-for-patriot-day-on-monday/ #September11 #911 #PatriotDay #DavidIge