Volume 1 | Issue 6 Summer | 2013

Hawaii State Senator PUNA | Hawai‛i Island District 2 | KA‛U

Message from Russell... Albizia Tree Control Demonstration Receives $35,000 While the intensity of the legislative In Funding From Hawai’i Invasive Species Council session has passed, there is still a lot to do during the interim with community meetings, conferences, and The Big Island Invasive Species Council informational briefings in the district that (BIISC), a voluntary partnership of private have provided a wealth of information citizens, community organizations, and ideas. I would like to express my thanks to those of you in the district businesses, land owners and government that have reached out to express your agencies to address invasive species concerns and ideas for Senate District issues on the island of Hawai‘i, is now 2. I have gained invaluable insight from meeting with the Black Sands Community these meetings and hope to improve Association as well as other stakeholders community participation in the process. to plan an Albezia control demonstration.

The Albizia problem has been given a The Community is invited to to participate major boost with $35,000 in funding for and learn about the effective methods being a Control Demonstration to be held in used to help eradicate one of the most Puna in the fall. Puna is the ideal region invasive and costly tree species in the State to showcase the wide range of issues in of Hawai’i. albizia control including collaboration with stakeholders from the community, private- The Big Island Invasive Species Council A map of the Keau’ohana State Forest Reserve and sector, and state and county government (BIISC) has been awarded $35,000 for a Black Sands Subdivision region, markers indicate to remove albizia. coordinated albizia, falcataria moluccana, areas populated with albiza trees. tree control demonstration in the Keau’ohana Photo Courtesy: Big Island Invasive Species Council. DBEDT has announced that investment State Forest Reserve and Black Sands grade agricultural energy audits for Hawai’i Subdivision. The reserve and subdivision are rural small businesses and agricultural remove albizia that are threatening homes, located in the Puna District of Hawai’i Island. producers are available for those interested infrastructure and high-value native forests. in energy efficient practices. This announcement comes in the wake The Hawai’i Invasive Species Council (HISC) of tropical storm Flossie, which toppled If you need to find a number or find a approved this funding as part of the council’s an albizia tree onto power lines, closing contact for a government agency, the $2.55 million budget for fiscal year 2014. highway 132 and causing an outage for Legislative Research Bureau has just BIISC will also receive $308,900 for invasive 1,358 Hawai’i Electric Light Company released the 2013 Government Directory plant control and support opperations, customers for over 6 hours. as both a free PDF download and a $129,526 for axis deer control and $43,495 printed version for just $7.00. for outreach. “We identified this area of Puna as an ideal As always, if you have a concern or a region to showcase the wide range of issues In May of this year, Senate Resolution 41 question, need assistance or information in albizia control, develop best management was passed by the state legislature. The on a particular issue, please do not practices and empower communities to limit resolution, which was introduced by Senator hesitate to contact my office. the spread of these menacing trees in their Russell Ruderman, directs the HISC to own neighborhoods,” said BIISC Manager develop a statewide strategic management Aloha, Springer Kaye. plan for albizia, starting with Hawai‘i Island. An albizia stakeholders meeting was held The Hawai’i Island control demonstration on May 30th, hosted by Senator Ruderman aims to collaborate with stakeholders from and the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest the community, private-sector professionals Research Station. and state and county government to continued on page 4 1 www.russellruderman.com • http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov Energy Audits Opportunities For Hawai’i Rural Businesses Senator Russell Ruderman And Agricultural Producers Being Offered By USDA Hawai’i State Senate Investment grade agricultural energy audits As part of USDA requirements, all applicants will be responsible for paying a small share 2nd District for Hawai’i rural small businesses and agricultural producers are available for those of the audit cost upfront, which will be calculated on a business-by-business basis. interested in energy efficient practices. Member of the Upon completion of the audit, the applicant Senate Committees on may be able to recoup the audit participant Through a $100,000 federal grant via the share through incentives from Hawai’i Education U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Energy’s Whole Building Assistance program. Energy for America Program, the energy Energy & Environment audit initiative will provide approved farms, The energy audit program is a partnership Water and Land agricultural producers and other rural small between the Department of Business businesses with an investment grade audit Ways and Means & Economic Development and Tourism that will examine current energy usages, (DBEDT), U.S. Department of Agriculture, provide detailed project costs and savings Hawai’i Energy follow and GDS Associates. calculations, and recommend energy savings For more information: conservation measures. http://energy.hawaii.gov/energy-audit- opportunities In Search Of A Safe Swimming Area At Poho’iki Beach Park

Senator Russell Ruderman met with area residents Luanna Jones, Oshi Simsarian, and Bird Enriques to discuss the growing need for, and possible placement of, a keiki swim area in the Pohoiki area. As a result of the lava inundation of Kalapana, and with the geographical makeup of the coastline, Puna is lacking a safe beach area for beginning HOW TO REACH US swimmers and kids.

Hawai’i State Capitol This beach park was greatly expanded as Room 217 a County park following the destruction of Kalapana in 1990, with the help of FEMA 415 S. Beretania Street providing the majority of funding for the Honolulu, Hawai’i 96813 project. At present, the State owned boat ramp, which is not a legal swim area, is the premier swim spot for children in all of Puna, Phone: 808.586.6890 Area resident Luanna Jones and Senator Russell and is used by surfers as well for entering and Ruderman at Pohoiki Bach Park. Fax: 808.586.6899 exiting the water due to its easy accessibility.

From Hawai’i Toll Free Unfortunately, when boats enter or leave Sen. Ruderman is dedicated to working with 974.4000 + 66890 the ocean on the ramp, a highly dangerous the community and government to getting situation occurs with kids and motorboats a safe area for Puna. The County council moving about on the water only a few feet has also expressed a strong interest in this Email: apart in the rapidly moving surges. Many project. [email protected] residents have expressed their concern that this is an obvious accident just waiting to Sen. Ruderman stated, “I am very excited to For updates and more information, happen and the need to do something before develop a safe swim area which has been so or to receive this newsletter the avoidable happens. badly needed in Puna” ∆ by email, go to: www.russellruderman.com 2013 Hawai’i Government Directory Now Available For Free For Hawai’i State Legislature bill The Legislative Reference Bureau Library numbers, and mail and email addresses. status and documents, go to: has published the 2013 Hawai’i Government Guides and administrative rules are also http:www.capitol.hawaii.gov Directory of County and Federal Officials available. Printed copies are available for and the Guide to Government in Hawai’i. $7.00 each.

Online users can download for free the For more informmation go to: department and agency directory listings, http://hawaii.gov/lrb/capitoli/dirguide/ including office, title phone and fax 2 www.russellruderman.com • http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov Senate Ways & Means Visits Puna on Hawai’i Island Tour

“This was an informational briefing to help bring 130 and visited the site of the proposed needed improvements to Puna. Pahoa roundabout.

The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the Leading the group was Chairman of the members with the needs in each district, so that when funding requests come in next year, they committee, Senator , and Vice better understand the need. The Pahoa library, Puna Chair, Senator Michelle Kidani. Senate Community Medical Center and the Pohoiki boat President, , also joined ramp are three places where major funds are needed the WAM committee on this trip. The visits next year. on Hawai’i Island include facility tours of State facilities and briefings to update I hope to begin planning for a Puna regional library, the Senators on programs, projects, and support the expansion of PCMC into an emergency concerns on Hawai`i Island. room and eventually a full medical center, and to develop a safe swim area in Puna. These three projects are not ranked by priority; I am working on all Only one of the events, a community three.” - Senator Ruderman information briefing on Grant in Aid funding at Waimea Middle School cafeteria on On August 21, as part of the Senate Tuesday, August 20 at 5:30pm, was open to Committee on Ways and Means‘ (WAM) two the public. day visit to Hawai’i Island, Senator Ruderman Itinerary for WAM Hawai’i Island Site Visit hosted the group on a tour of sites in Puna. Clockwise from top - Senators , Michelle The Senators visited the Puna Community included the Puna Community Medical Kidani, J. Kalani English, President Donna Mercado Medical Center, Pahoa Public Library, and Center, Pahoa Public Library, Pohoiki Swim Kim, Gilbert Kahele, Suzanne Chun Oakland, and Pohoiki Boat Ramp. The need for emergency Area and Boat Ramp Isaac Hale Park, Daniel Russell Ruderman visit Pohoiki. medical facilities, a new library and safe K. Inouye College of Pharmacy Research Labs, swim area in Puna was discussed. The Hale Ala Honua, University of Hawai`i at Hilo, Senators also visited the Pahoa Public Library, Puna Senators also experienced the drive from Old Hilo Memorial Hospital, University of Community Medical Center , and the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharrmacy. Hilo to Pahoa along perilous State Highway Hawai`i at Hilo briefing. ∆

Fern Acres Picnic Celebrates 65 Years Of Community Pride

On July 14th, an impressive turnout of over Since its development in 1958, Fern 120 residents of Fern Acres were greeted by a Acres has been served by an ever evolving gorgeous sunny day in the rainforest of upper community association made up of an Puna. Community Association President eclectic band of members and volunteers Frank Commendador and his energetic that have diligently worked to improve staff hosted a fun, informative community- the subdivision and the quality of life of building meeting, with many newer arrivals those living there. Their efforts have been meeting long time Fern Acres residents. instrumental in bringing in electricity, paved roads, and other modern amenities to this A vast assortment of ono food was enjoyed area. The Association has active committees by all as the Fern acres residents gathered including those on Fire, Roads, and Planning, Community Association President Frank Commendador and Sen. Ruderman at the Fern Acres together in celebration of their subdivision. that have helped shape the community. Community Picnic. The picnic brought people together to become better acquainted with their In January of 1970 there were just two 600 homes. Fern Acres, along with its neighbors and fostering the pride that comes houses in Fern Acres growing to over 300 in neighboring subdivisions are the fastest with the creation a neighborhood full of 1992, and currently there are approximately growing subdivisions in the state. ∆ good friends and resources. www.russellruderman.com • http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov 3 Multiple Generations Come Out To Support The LGBT Pride Parade in Hilo Town

Hawai’i island residents expressed has come so far since then, and their pride and support for Lesbian, Gay, that it has enjoyed such recent, Bisexual & Transsexual (LBGT) civil rights monumental successes. including marriage equality. Marriage equality was on everyone’s mind as the U.S. Sen. Ruderman was the only Supreme Court had just issued an historic elected official attending, which decision earlier in the week ruling that was noted by many as they thanked state laws banning same sex marriages Sen. Ruderman for his support and are unconstitutional and affording same attendance – as well as expressing sex couples federal benefits. Floats were their sentiment that hopefully next adorned in very colorful decorations and year they will see more elected bolstered with music providing a loud officials actively participating. soundtrack to celebration. The parade also Richard Koob certificate presentation Hilo’s First Pride Day had a healthy family atmosphere including Sen. Ruderman said, “It was an Parade was held on Saturday, July 6th and was a huge success lots of kids, grandparents, aunties and honor to be a part of the Pride with several hundred people marching and several hundreds uncles, representing multiple generations Parade and gratifying to see so more lining the parade route through Hilo. of participants and supporters. Afterwards, many people turn out in support.” ∆ a festival was held at Mooheau Bandstand with dozens of booths providing education Senator Ruderman states position have contacted me regarding this issue.” and food, while music, circus and dance on marriage equality... performances filled the main stage area. Two-thirds of both the State Senate and “I support equal rights for every American House of Representatives must agree to call Senator Russell Ruderman presented an citizen, regardless or color, religion, a special session or the Governor can call Honorary Senate Certificate to long-time ethnicity, or sexual orientation. The Supreme one. community leader Richard Koob of the Kalani Court and a majority of our country agree Retreat Center, who is retiring this year. that such rights cannot be denied. I fully Currently, the majority of Senators support Richard, along with Pat Rocco were among support equal marriage rights for all, and a special session to pass a marriage equality the organizers of the first Pride Parades in support calling a special session to grant bill, but the House does not have a strong the early 1970’s, and both expressed their them. Thank you to all constituents who majority at this time. excitement and gratitude that the movement

Sen. Ruderman visited the Island Albizia Funding County of Hawai’i Office of continued from page 1 Around the Aging in Hilo to visit with Pauline Fukunaga and “As the fastest growing tree in the world, Nick Los Banos to discuss with brittle wood and shallow roots, albizia District county services available poses a serious threat to the public safety, for the communities of infrastructure, economic viability and native Puna and Ka’u. forests across the state of Hawai’i,” explained Senator Ruderman, who represents District In Na’alehu Sen. Ruderman met with 2 (Kea‘au, Pahoa, Kalapana, Kapoho, members of the Ka’u Scenic Byway Kurtistown, Mountain View, Glenwood, Committee for a brieifing on the Volcano, Pahala). “It is crucial that all sectors byway’s develpment. of government, as well as the general public and private sector, work together to control this invasive species for our mutual benefit. This demonstration project is a great start to state-wide management of albizia.”

John Cross, Edmund Olson Trust, Land BIISC is a voluntary partnership of Manager, points out the Ag parks, private citizens, community organizations, coffee mill, and homes in Pahala that businesses, land owners and government the proposed hydroelectric and exisiting irrigation system woould benefit. agencies to address invasive species issues on the island of Hawai‘i. It plans to meet with the Black Sands Community Association as well as other stakeholders this month to plan Sen. Ruderman and other legislators visited Hawaiian the demonstration. Volunteers and others Legacy Hardwoods (HLH). On the Hamakua coast, interested in the Hawai’i Island albizia tree the HLH organization is working to restore native Koa control demonstration, please contact Hi’ipoi trees to the thousands of acres of former Koa forests Kon of the BIISC at 933-3340 or at which have been logged and used for pasture land. [email protected]. ∆

4 www.russellruderman.com • http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov www.russellruderman.com • http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov