An innovative learning program that provides at-risk youth the valuable life-skills they need to succeed was highlighted today as the Senate recognized Colette Miyamoto Kajiwara for being named the 2017 Outstanding Educator by corporate sponsors Spectrum and Hawai‘i Pizza Hut. Kajiwara is the Director of the Alternate Learning Center Store Front School in Wahiawa, where she has helped at-risk students for more than 30 years. Store Front provides curriculum for core subjects, while motivating Central O‘ahu students who face challenging situations at home or school. In Kajiwara’s own words, “We become the student’s friends, confidantes, advisers, disciplinarians and surrogate parents, and help rebuild lives. We teach our students that they need to be resilient to move forward, because backward is not an option if they want to survive.” #colettemiyamotokajiwara #spectrum #hawaiipizzahut #OutstandingEducator #alternatelearningcenterstoreFrontschool #Wahiawa #SenatorDelaCruz #donovandelacruz #hawaiisenate

The Hawaii Senate recognized Sheri Rolf for her almost three decades of service as Coordinator of the Hawai‘i Foodbank’s annual food drive. More than 120,000 households currently receive food assistance from the Hawai‘i Foodbank. It is estimated that one in five Hawai‘i residents will need food assistance this year and sustaining this effort relies on the hard work and dedication of the many volunteers statewide. Rolf and her volunteers just kicked off the 2018 Food Drive and this year’s Food Drive Day is April 21. In her own words, Rolf said she feels “lucky to have the privilege of serving in this position as it is the best volunteer job ever. We just want to provide hope for tomorrow.” #hawaiifoodbank #sherirolf #hawaiisenate #michellekidani

Zaria Dudley was recognized by the Hawai‘i Senate for her accomplishment of being named a 2018 Gold Medal Portfolio Award winner by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the nation’s longest running and most prestigious recognition and scholarship program for teens grades 7-12. Dudley is a senior at Leilehua High School and she is one of 16 students to be awarded for her nationally recognized portfolio “Life Unscripted.” Her work will be displayed at the Art Write Now 2018 National Exhibition, and she will be honored at Carnegie Hall on June 7, as part of a week of celebration in New York City. #hawaiisenate #zariadudley #2018goldmedalprotfolio #leilehuaHighschool #Lifeunscripted #donovandelacruz #senatordelacruz

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The Senate Committee on Judiciary today passed House Bill 2739 titled “Our Care, Our Choice Act.” The bill allows a mentally competent, terminally ill adult with a prognosis of six months or less to live, the option to make their own end-of-life decisions. The bill contains many of the legal safeguards that were in Senate Bill 1129 which passed the Senate in the 2017 Legislative Session and was deferred in a House Committee. The Judiciary Committee today advanced HB2739 unamended in a 4-1 vote. Prior to decision making, the members of the Committee shared their positions on the bill in a respectful, open discussion. “All of us felt the weight of this decision knowing that it is a very important, very personal issue in the community,” said Senator Brian Taniguchi (Dist. 11 - Manoa, Makiki, Punchbowl, Papakolea), Chair of the Committee on Judiciary. “I appreciate all of those who submitted testimony and shared their stories and opinions on this bill. Be assured, they all were read and considered. In the end, the majority of the Committee felt this bill gives qualified individuals a choice on the best care for themselves.” HB2739 now goes before the full Senate for third reading. If the bill passes in third reading, it will be transmitted back to the House and will be enrolled to the Governor for his review. # # # #Senatejudiciary #hawaiisenate #ourcare #ourchoiceact #SB1129 #sb1129 #BrianTaniguchi #HB2739 #HB2739

Members of the Hawai‘i Senate today recognized exceptional middle and high school students who are acknowledged for their outstanding school and community service. Students were selected for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, for the State of Hawai‘i. This is the largest youth recognition program in the U.S. Mahealani Sims-Tulba is a senior at Sacred Hearts Academy. Mahealani authored a book on bullying called “It’s Okay to Be Different,” and she uses this book to connect with and encourage your people who might be facing bullying. She has also established a non-profit foundation called “BRAVE,” which stands for “Be Respectful and Value Everyone.” Additionally, Mahealani created a music video to share her message, appears in weekly television programming, initiates an annual toy drive for children in need, and participates in numerous community events. Grace Kennedy is an eighth grader at St. Anthony School in Kailua, Hawai‘i. Grace is a board member for “Kidz For A Cause” and she has raised thousands of dollars to benefit sick and abused students. Grace began her volunteerism by selling tickets to a benefit theater show and raised $1,000 to help purchase clothes, toys, and school books for the Children’s Justice Center on O‘ahu. As a Prudential Spirit award recipient, Grace will travel to Washington D.C. next month and attend an awards gala at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. Justin Wong is a senior at Roosevelt High School and he has worked with the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders to reduce political polarization amongst his peer group by introducing public dinner discussions and initiating discussions online. Justin has 400 volunteer service hours and has served two terms as President of his school’s Leo Club. Emily Smith is a sophomore at Ho‘ala School in Wahiawa. Emily is the founder of “Lend-a-Paw,” a pet-rescue organization that aims to ensure that shelter animals are well fed and able to live in safe environments. “Lend-a-Paw” manufactures dog treats and pet toys, and they also support fundraising efforts, all of which is shared with the community through a YouTube Channel and via school presentations. #educationweek2018 #mahealanisimstulba #sacredheartsacademy #GraceKennedy #KidzforaCause #JustinWong #E #Emilysmith #LendAPaw #BRAVEFoundation #ItsOkaytobedifference #prudentialspiritofcommunityawards #nationalassociationofsecondaryschoolprincipal #hawaiisenate

The Senate today honored the Hawai‘i School Counselor of the Year, Bianca Yanuaria of Keolu Elementary. School counselors have a great impact on students, and Yanuaria is recognized for her care and service to our youth, chosen from over 600 public and private schools in the state. Yanuaria is recognized for the positive impact she makes on her students and school. During her four years at Keolu Elementary, she has created a recess program to deal with conflict resolution on the playground, reduced absenteeism by 11%, and started an “Aloha” committee to build relationships among faculty. In response to her honor, Yanuaria said “it is humbling to be recognized for doing what I’m passionate about.” #BiancaYanuaria #Hawaiisenate #keolaelementary

The Hawai‘i Senate today recognized the Waialua High School Robotics Team, also known as “The Hawaiian Kids” for winning the 2018 Festival de Robotique in Montreal, Canada. Lead by Glenn Lee, the program’s coach, engineer and project director, the students designed a robot named “Poi Pounder XIX Wave Rider” and won out over 54 other international teams. They also garnered the Industrial Design Award sponsored by GM. Coach Lee is also a top ten finalist in the Varkey Foundation’s 2018 Global Teacher Prize, chosen from a field of 30,000 applicants from more than 170 countries. The Wailaua Robotics team is the first robotics-related program in the state and their motto is “It’s not about winning…It’s about teamwork, commitment, and responsibility!” Honored on the Senate floor today along with Coach Lee was mentor Victoria Pescaia and team members Abraham Shell, Anthony Miyatake, and Toshio Yoshizumi. Also honored by the Senate were the members of the Leilehua High School CyberPatriot team for their recognition as the Top U.S. Army All Service Team in the Nation in 2017. CyberPatriot is the nation’s high school cyber defense competition that challenges teams to develop solutions to real-life cyber security situations. Leilehua High School Army JROTC team has previously won two Army Service Championships in 2012 and 2013, making this their third win, in addition to three consecutive Hawai‘i State CyberPatriot Championships. This year, the Leilehua CyberPatriot team is once again the Hawai‘i State Champion and they will attend the National finals in Baltimore, Maryland in April. Honored on the Senate floor was LHS CyberPatriotic Team coach Nick Spiridgliozzi, Team Captain Jacob Huerta, and team members Tyler McWilliams and Jared Olive-Stalling. #hawaiisenate #educationweek #waialuahighschoolroboticsteam #TheHawaiianKids #donovandelacruz #senatordelacruz #cyberpatriot #leilehuahighschool #leilehuahighschoolarmyJROTC

Excellence in education was honored today in the Senate Chambers as Senators recognized the Hawai‘i Department of Education’s (HIDOE) 2018 Teacher of the Year recipients. The Teacher of the Year award is part of a prestigious national program that honors teaching excellence, and the overall Hawai‘i State Teacher of the Year is chosen from one of the seven HIDOE districts and public charter school winners. This year Vanessa Ching, from Ewa Makai Middle School, is named the 2018 State Teacher of the Year. Ching has taught in the HIDOE for 14 years. Besides teaching, Ching is also the Student Activities Coordinator, Year Book Advisor, and Green Program Coordinator at Ewa Makai Middle School. As a result of her students’ advocacy for a plastic-free Hawai‘i, Ewa Makai is the only school in Hawai‘i to have won the National Green Ribbon School certification. Ching says, “All we need is a belief in ourselves because when we have high expectations of ourselves and know that we can accomplish our goals, others will follow.” The 2018 District Teachers of the Year are Amanda Fretto, Francine Hughes, Gregg Iha, Erika Kaneo, Del Onaga, Cristin Priolo, and Naomi Salaveria. Amanda Fretto teaches at Kamakahelei Middle School on Kaua‘i, and she is a certified special education teacher with a Master’s in Educational Psychology. Fretto is described by a colleague as having the “heart of a lion and compassion to do what she does like no other.” Francine Hughes is from the Maui District, and she is certified in Elementary Education with a Master’s in Educational Leadership. Hughes has 20 years of teaching experience and her shared leadership style successfully promotes collaboration and understanding of DOE initiatives. Gregg Iha is the Central District winner and he initiated the “Six Pillars of Character” program for students and adults in the Mililani Complex. Iha lives by the creed: “Sometimes you lead by force of character, sometimes you lead with love, but always lead with honor and strength of character.” The Hawai‘i District awardee is Erika Kaneo of Waiākeawaena Elementary. Kaneo works with 2nd and 3rd graders and she designs effective, differentiated and individualized instruction. She is described as a teacher “who believes in helping students and teachers at different levels to grow to their full potentials, while approaching problems as opportunities and that combination is a key to success.” Del Onaga is the Windward District winner where he teaches at-risk youth at Olomana School. Onaga is a certified Career and Technical Education teacher in Industrial and Engineering Technology and he is the lead teacher for his school’s Engineering Academy. His teaching style is described as “a combination of quiet support and calm persistence of high expectations that allow his students to thrive.” Cristin Priolo is the Public Charter Schools award recipient. Priolo has a Master’s and Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education. She centers her teaching on the belief that students become passionate about learning when they are able to connect world issues to their own life experiences. One parent describes her as a “milestone person, someone unforgettable, who impacts you for a lifetime.” Naomi Salaveria of Liholiho Elementary is the Honolulu District Teacher of the Year. Her passion is working with special education students with high needs, and she teaches students with multiple disabilities, including autism and orthopedic handicaps. Salaveria is also a volunteer at Shriner’s Hospital.

Hawai‘i Senators were able to touch, taste, and talk with local business during today’s Manufacturing Day at the State Capitol. Locally based companies were able to showcase their Made-in-Hawai‘i products through exhibits that were free and open to the public. This was also an opportunity for businesses to discuss initiatives to grow Hawai‘i’s economy. Manufacturing Day is hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i. #hawaiisenate #manufacturingday #jkalanienglish #williamespero #rozbaker #michellekidani #clarencenishihara #glennwakai #alohashoyu #tarochips

WHO: Sen. Lorraine Inouye (Dist. 4 - Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona) WHAT: Town Hall Talk Story session WHEN: Sunday, March 25, 2018 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Prince Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Elementary and Intermediate School 27-330 Old Māmalahoa Highway Pāpa‘ikou Residents are invited to talk story and weigh in on key measures that are moving through the Legislature during this Session. This is the second of Sen. Inouye’s Legislative Talk Story sessions for residents of Senate District 4. “This is an opportunity to talk about the very challenging issues and concerns faced by individuals, families, and kupuna, and also by businesses, farmers, and not-for-profit organizations,” said Sen. Inouye. “This is what being a State Senator is all about – having the experience and relationships to work with residents from throughout our very diverse district to problem solve and create opportunities.” Measures of particular interest to the Pāpa‘ikou community include a $1.5 million Capital Improvement Program funding request to build a covered court complete with night lighting and necessary fencing at Kalaniana‘ole School. Also of interest to Kalaniana‘ole School families will be SB2083 to secure funding to introduce Expanded Learning Opportunities, also known as after-school programs, for this Title I school. There will be time for discussion on other community-specific issues including the “Our Care, Our Choice” bill, proposed legislation to create an airport authority, kupuna care, and invasive species eradication efforts. # # # #lorraineinouye #Legislativetalkstory #HawaiiSenateDistrict4 #Kupuna

Members of the Hawai‘i Senate honored Hui O Ho‘ohonua (HOH808) for their work in restoring the land surrounding Pu‘uloa at Pearl Harbor. HOH808 is a non-profit, community development networking organization that is dedicated to restoring this area to ‘āina momona (abundant land) by resurrecting lo‘i (taro), fishponds, and creating sustainable community gardens. Their mission statement is “The Impossible Is Where We Start,” and their hard work and determination is evidenced by restoring Kapapapuhi Point Park’s entire shoreline area, wahi pana (sacred sites), and the three Apokeo fishponds. These sites will be used to educate the community about the cultural importance of the area, and highlights their recent accomplishment with the passing of HCR214 that celebrates “Malama Pu‘uloa Month” through October. Recognized on the floor today were the vital members of this organization, including Tony Chance, Executive Director; Sand Webb, Chair, Board of Directors; Heath Todd, Vice President; Trey Lima, Project Leader; and Carena Phillips, Visual Communications.

Hawai‘i youth who are excelling both in and outside of the classroom were honored today on the Senate floor. This year’s finalists for the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaiʻi’s State Youth of the Year were recognized for their excellence in academics, volunteerism, and student involvement. These outstanding youth are valued members of their respective communities. Mia Dahl is a freshman at the Hawai‘i Academy of Arts and Sciences in Pahoa where She maintains a 4.0 GPA. As the Hawai‘i Island State Youth of the Year, she also volunteers to help other students at her school with homework and with the school’s garden. Mia aspires to be a pediatrician in her community one day. Caylie Peterson is a sophomore at King Kekaulike High School, where she maintains a 3.7 grade point average. As the Maui State Youth of the Year, she has been a Boys and Girls Club member for six years and serves as a role model for the younger members. Caylie is active in her school’s Japanese Club and Drama Club. She created her own business by growing and selling chili peppers, lemons, and limes in her own garden. Caylie also represents the Hāʻiku Clubhouse in the annual Little Chef Big Chef competition. Cornelius Phillips the Oahu State Military Youth of the Year finalist and is a member of the Keystone Torch and Pacific Teen Panel program, and he plays for the Schofield Teen Center basketball team. He is a senior at Mililani High School where he maintains a 3.6 grade point average. Cornelius is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), volunteers regularly in service activities, and he recently won a scholarship to attend Louisiana Tech University. Hannah Bethard is very involved in the SMART Girls program, an all-female leadership program. She is a sophomore at Radford High School. As an Oahu State Military Youth of the Year finalist, she is a member of both the cooking and art clubs, and she is the Vice Commander for her schoolʻs Junior Reserve Officersʻ Training Corps (JROTC). The top honor of 2018 Youth of the Year was awarded to Shalain Maxin. Shalain is a senior at McKinley High School where she is co-captain in her schoolʻs JROTC and has attained the third highest rank in her batallion in the ROTC program. She is also a member of the Girls Power and Leadership-in-Training programs. Through club activities, she has created opportunities to both empower her peers and give back to the community. # # # #boygirlsclub #corneliusphillips #oahustatemilitaryouth #cayliepeterson #kingkekaulikehighschool #misdahl #hawaiiacademyofartsandsciences #hannahbethard #smartgirlsprogram #shalainmaxin #mckinleyhighschool #HawaiiStateYouthoftheYear #Boysandgirlsclubofhawaii