DOCSLIB.ORG

Office of Information Practices State of Hawaii No

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Office of Information Practices State of Hawaii No OFFICE OF INFORMATION PRACTICES STATE OF HAWAII NO. 1 CAPITOL DISTRICT BUILDING 250 SOUTH HOTEL STREET, SUITE 107 HONOLULU, HAWAII 96813 TELEPHONE: 808-586-1400 FAX: 808-586-1412 EMAIL: [email protected] To: Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs From: Cheryl Kakazu Park, Director Date: February 11, 2021, 1:00 p.m. Via Videoconference Re: Testimony on S.B. No. 1321 Relating to Gaming Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony on this bill, which would license a gaming resort on Hawaiian home lands and establish a Hawaii Gaming Commission. The Office of Information Practices (OIP) takes no position on the substance of this bill, but has concerns regarding a provision providing complete confidentiality for financial information in a gaming license application, and a confusing special meeting provision for the Commission that may conflict with the Sunshine Law. Therefore, OIP has suggested amendments to the bill for the following reasons. Proposed subsection __-8(b), at page 33, lines 1-8, would provide complete confidentiality for all financial information submitted as part of a license application. For privately held companies, most if not all financial information included in a license or grant application or a contract bid can be withheld as confidential business information under the Uniform Information Practices Act in any case, but this provision would require confidentiality even for published financial information, such as the public filings a publicly held company must make or puffery about a company’s holdings from a sales brochure. It would be ridiculous Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs February 11, 2021 Page 2 of 3 to treat such information as confidential. OIP therefore recommends that this subsection be amended so that lines 4-6 instead read “. any financial information submitted by each applicant shall be kept confidential by the commission to the extent permitted by law.” The proposed Commission meets the definition of a “board” in part I of chapter 92, the Sunshine Law, and thus will be required to follow the Sunshine Law’s requirements. However, a special meeting provision in proposed subsection __-3(e), at page 15, lines 1-7, confusingly appears to set separate and slightly different requirements for special meetings and may be based on an incorrect assumption that special meetings would not be subject to the Sunshine Law’s requirements. First, under this bill a special meeting may be called “upon seventy-two hours written notice to each member.” The Sunshine Law doesn’t set a requirement for giving notice to board members, but does require filing public notice of meetings six days before the meeting date. Thus, if the Commission tried to call a special meeting by giving written notice to each member four days ahead of the meeting date, it would meet the seventy-two hours requirement in this proposal, but would not meet the Sunshine Law’s notice requirement, and thus could not hold the meeting. It could, of course, post public notice of the meeting six or more days ahead and also give written notice to its members seventy- two hours ahead, so strictly speaking this is not a conflict between the bill and the Sunshine Law, but it is confusing since it implies that written notice to the members would be the only requirement for calling a special meeting. Second, the bill also requires the commission to “keep a complete and accurate record of all its meetings,” but since the Sunshine Law already has detailed minutes requirements that would apply to the Commission’s meetings, the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs February 11, 2021 Page 3 of 3 additional “complete and accurate record” requirement in this bill is duplicative and confusing. While quorum requirements are not part of the Sunshine Law and thus OIP does not administer them, OIP also notes that it is unclear whether this bill requires all five members to be present for the commission to make a final determination, or simply requires a majority of the five members to vote in favor, regardless of whether all five are present or only three. OIP also recommends clarifying that requirement in its suggested language below. To avoid confusion resulting from requirements that overlap and duplicate the Sunshine Law, OIP recommends that subsection (e) be replaced with the following: (e) The commission[, subject to chapter 92,] shall hold at least one meeting in each quarter of the State’s fiscal year. The commission shall hold its initial meeting within one year of the effective date of Act . Special meetings may be called by the chairperson or any three members [upon seventy-two hours written notice to each member]. Three members shall constitute a quorum, and a majority vote of the five members [present] shall be required for any final determination by the commission. [The commission shall keep a complete and accurate record of all its meetings.] Thank you for considering OIP’s proposed amendment. STATE OF HAWAI‘I LESLIE H. KONDO State Auditor OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR 465 S. King Street, Room 500 (808) 587-0800 Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813-2917 [email protected] SENATE COMMITTEE ON HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS The Honorable Maile S.L. Shimabukuro, Chair The Honorable Jarrett Keohokalole, Vice Chair S.B. NO. 1321, RELATING TO GAMING Hearing: Thursday, February 11, 2021, 1:00 p.m. ________________________________________________________________________________________ The Office of the Auditor takes no position on S.B. No. 1321 and offers the following comments. The bill establishes a Hawai‘i gaming commission, which would have the authority to, among other things, supervise all casino gaming operations in the State. The bill directs the Auditor to “conduct a program and financial audit of the [Hawai‘i gaming] commission” after the first full fiscal year of operation, and every four years after the initial audit. We have some concerns about our capacity to perform the recurring work required by this bill without additional staff. In addition to the work we are asked to perform at the close of each legislative session, we are statutorily mandated to regularly audit the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, and the Deposit Beverage Container Program; to review the special funds, revolving funds, trust funds, and trust accounts of all state departments; to assess proposed special and revolving funds; and to analyze the State’s tax exemptions, exclusions, credits, and deductions. If tasked with regularly performing program and financial audits of the commission, we will retain an independent CPA firm to audit the authority’s financial. We suggest the commission be required to reimburse us the costs that we incur to perform the audits, similar to the Department of Health’s obligation to reimburse us for the costs we incur to audit the Deposit Beverage Container program every other year. See Section 342G-107, HRS. Thank you for considering our testimony related to S.B. No. 1321. We are committed to providing meaningful audit findings that address the issues identified by the Legislature. DAVID Y. IGE WILLIAM J. AILA, JR GOVERNOR CHAIRMAN STATE OF HAWAII HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION JOSH GREEN TYLER I. GOMES LT. GOVERNOR DEPUTY TO THE CHAIRMAN STATE OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS P. O. BOX 1879 HONOLULU, HAWAII 96805 TESTIMONY OF WILLIAM J. AILA, JR, CHAIRMAN HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION BEFORE THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS HEARING ON FEBRUARY 11, 2021 AT 1:00APM VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE SB 1321 RELATING TO GAMING February 11, 2021 Aloha Chair Shimabukuro, Vice Chair Keohokalole, and members of the Committee: The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) strongly supports this bill, which establishes a Hawaiʻi Gaming Commission authorized to issue a single forty-year license for an integrated resort on Hawaiian Home Lands designated for commercial use on the island of Oʻahu excluding lands west of Ko Olina. July 9, 2021 marks the one hundredth anniversary of the signing of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920. While over 10,000 beneficiary families have received homestead awards in that time, another 28,000 beneficiaries and their families wait for the hope of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole’s promise to his people. As a condition of Statehood, the State also carries this promise to the native Hawaiian people to fulfill the mission of the Department. While recent funding allocations from the legislature are historically high, there remains a gap between the annual $20-$30 million the State can afford to allocate to the Department, and the nearly $200 million that the Department and the Hawaiian Homes Commission believe is necessary to carry out its duties. To date, there has been no legislative proposal in 100 years that both ensures reliable and consistent funding at the levels that this bill proposes or that envisions a solution to the ever-growing waitlist. This bill amends the criminal code to enable the Hawaiian Homes Commission the freedom to evaluate the possibility of gaming. Should the Hawaiian Homes Commission ultimately decide to exercise its autonomy over its lands by entering into an development agreement, it will not be done so without extensive beneficiary consultation and due diligence. However, the ability to make that informed decision is one reserved for the Commission on behalf of its beneficiaries. Approving this bill is a reaffirmation of the Senate’s commitment to native Hawaiian self-determination and self-sufficiency as a priority for our State. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands SB 1321 HWN, 2-11-2021 Page 2 The Department believes, conservatively, a gaming facility on Hawaiian Home Lands could generate a minimum of $30 million in annual tax revenue. This unprecedented revenue source is greater than the Department’s total annual revenue receipts from all commercial lands combined.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Hawaii Clean Energy Final PEIS
    1 APPENDIX A 2 3 Public Notices Notices about the Draft Programmatic EIS Appendix A The following Notice of Availability appeared in the Federal Register on April 18, 2014. Hawai‘i Clean Energy Final PEIS A-1 September 2015 DOE/EIS-0459 Appendix A Hawai‘i Clean Energy Final PEIS A-2 September 2015 DOE/EIS-0459 Appendix A DOE-Hawaii placed the following advertisement in The Garden Island on May 5 and 9, 2014. Hawai‘i Clean Energy Final PEIS A-3 September 2015 DOE/EIS-0459 Appendix A DOE-Hawaii placed the following advertisement in the West Hawaii Today on May 6 and 12, 2014. Hawai‘i Clean Energy Final PEIS A-4 September 2015 DOE/EIS-0459 Appendix A DOE-Hawaii placed the following advertisement in the Hawaii Tribune Herald on May 7 and 12, 2014. Hawai‘i Clean Energy Final PEIS A-5 September 2015 DOE/EIS-0459 Appendix A DOE-Hawaii placed the following advertisement in the Maui News on May 8, 2014. Hawai‘i Clean Energy Final PEIS A-6 September 2015 DOE/EIS-0459 Appendix A DOE-Hawaii placed the following advertisement in the Maui News on May 13, 2014. Hawai‘i Clean Energy Final PEIS A-7 September 2015 DOE/EIS-0459 Appendix A DOE-Hawaii placed the following advertisement in the Maui News on May 18, 2014. Hawai‘i Clean Energy Final PEIS A-8 September 2015 DOE/EIS-0459 Appendix A DOE-Hawaii placed the following advertisement in the Molokai Dispatch on May 7 and 14, 2014. Hawai‘i Clean Energy Final PEIS A-9 September 2015 DOE/EIS-0459 Appendix A DOE-Hawai‘i placed the following advertisement in the Star-Advertiser on May 14 and 19, 2014.
    [Show full text]
  • July 2018 Engineers News
    OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 3 WWW.OE3.ORG Vol. 76 #7/JULY 2018 fifty-year members honored Retirees Enjoy the Good Life at Dixon Picnic Election Notice See page 27 for important information regarding the 2018 election of Officers and Executive Board Members. ON THE COVER Congratulations to all of our 50-year honorees, including 16 those able to attend last month’s Retiree Picnic, featured here. The other photos featured are from projects throughout the year these honorees joined, 1968. See coverage of the Retiree Picnic here, and visit our online gallery at www.oe3.org. (A complete list of 50-year honorees is available on pages 14-15.) 18 ALSO INSIDE Public Employee News Janus 08 information The Supreme Court’s decision about Janus may not have 08 gone the way we wanted, but Local 3’s Public Employee 26 Department is proactively handling the situation. Read about it here and get the details on some of our standout Public Employee members and contracts. 10 28th Annual Surveyors Competition This year’s competition had the biggest turnout ever and 10 some of the best talent the Northern California Surveyors Joint Apprenticeship Committee (NCSJAC) has ever seen. See some of the winners and read about how these apprentices got their start in one of Local 3’s most lucrative and growing professions. Local 3 Hawaii Primary Election Recommendations Hawaii’s Primary Election is Aug. 11. Be prepared by 10 12 checking out Local 3’s recommendations for this election here and online. Then use these recommendations, when you cast your vote! OE3 JATC Top Hand Competition: Sept.
    [Show full text]
  • Hawaiian 2018 Will Be Cele- Brated at Aloha Stadium on Aug
    @lcX`Alcp )'(/ | Mfc%*,#Ef%. www.oha.org/ Ke Au Hawai‘i – The Year THE LIVING WATER OF OHA kwo of the Hawaiian 2018 will be cele- brated at Aloha Stadium on Aug. 4. - Illustration: Kaleena Patcho KE AU HAWAI˛I PAGE 2018 14 InsIDe: special 12-page pullout election guide follow us: /oha_hawaii | /oha_hawaii | fan us: /officeofhawaiianaffairs | Watch us: /OHAHawaii Iulai2018 3 ‘O¯lelO A kA lunA HO‘Okele meSSAge frOm tHe CeO Get InFOrmeD BeFOre tHe PrImarY eleCtIOn Aloha mai ka¯kou, tional mandate, but because we want that information to be accessed, understood and applied as we work together to improve the well- awai‘i voters will be electing fi ve trustees to the Offi ce of being of the lähui and the state as a whole. Hawaiian Affairs board in 2018. OHA’s Board of Trustees OHA was created during the 1978 Constitution Convention to right administers a $370 million trust in the interest of Native the injustices suffered by Native Hawaiians since the overthrow of Hawaiians, so it’s critical to be informed about the candi- the monarchy 125 years ago. The agency is an advocate for Native dates and the positions they are vying to fi ll. Hawaiian rights, including access rights mauka to makai for tradi- HThis month’s issue of Ka Wai Ola provides an opportunity for all tional and customary practices. OHA also has a rightful claim to candidates in the gubernatorial and OHA races to address our read- ceded lands revenue, and the fi duciary duty to manage these funds to ers directly on key Hawaiian issues.
    [Show full text]
  • Statement of JOHN DE FRIES Hawai'i Tourism Authority Before The
    Statement of JOHN DE FRIES Hawai‘i Tourism Authority before the SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM SENATE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY, INTERGOVERNMENTAL, AND MILITARY AFFAIRS SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH Monday, March 22, 2021 3:00 PM State Capitol, Conference Room #224 via videoconference In consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 1286 HD2 RELATING TO TRAVEL Chairs Wakai, Nishihara, and Keohokālole; Vice Chairs Misalucha, English, and Baker; and members of the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism; Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs; and Senate Committee on Health: the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) is providing comments on House Bill 1286 HD2, which exempts any person from the post-arrival mandatory self-quarantine if the person receives a negative test result prior to arrival. It allows the governor to establish statewide conditions for an exemption. It requires certain COVID-19 tests for travelers who do not have a test result upon arrival to avoid mandatory self-quarantine. It also requires any person who does not obtain a negative test result for COVID-19 pre-arrival to be responsible for all costs associated with that person's mandatory self-quarantine. This bill would standardize the protocols across the state for all travelers to Hawai‘i and between the counties, which would help to make it less confusing for everyone. There are different protocols for trans-Pacific travelers and interisland travelers, which have been a challenge to navigate and understand. A consistent statewide policy for trans-Pacific and interisland travel that is based on protecting the people and communities of Hawai‘i is a prudent approach.
    [Show full text]
  • Elected Officials and Schedule
    FACTSHEET OFFICE OF ELECTIONS FS104BO025 STATE OF HAWAII 23 September 2020 Elected Officials and Schedule U.S. President and Vice President 4 year term beginning noon on twentieth day of January following election Maximum of 2 terms Jurisdiction Incumbent Next Election State of Hawaii ..................................................... (R) Donald J. Trump ............................................................... 2020 State of Hawaii ..................................................... (R) Michael R. Pence ............................................................. 2020 U.S. Senator 6 year term beginning noon on third day of January following election Jurisdiction Incumbent Next Election State of Hawaii ..................................................... (D) Mazie K. Hirono ................................................................ 2024 State of Hawaii ..................................................... (D) Brian Schatz ..................................................................... 2022 U.S. Representative 2 year term beginning noon on third day of January following election Jurisdiction Incumbent Next Election District I ................................................................ (D) Ed Case ............................................................................ 2020 District II ............................................................... (D) Tulsi Gabbard ................................................................... 2020 Governor and Lieutenant Governor 4 year term beginning noon on first
    [Show full text]
  • Hawaiian 2018 Will Be Cele- Brated at Aloha Stadium on Aug
    Iulai (July) 2018 | Vol. 35, No. 7 www.oha.org/ Ke Au Hawai‘i – The Year THE LIVING WATER OF OHA kwo of the Hawaiian 2018 will be cele- brated at Aloha Stadium on Aug. 4. - Illustration: Kaleena Patcho KE AU HAWAI˛I @LC8@ALCP )'(/ )'(/GI@D8IP<C<:K@FE>L@;< JG<:@8CJ<:K@FE F]ÔZ\F] F]ÔZ\F] F]ÔZ\F] H8 ?XnX``Xe8]]X`ij ?XnX``Xe8]]X`ij ?XnX``Xe8]]X`ij JK8K<D<EKJ >fm\iefi FÊX_l 8k$CXi^\ DXl` page =IFD1 G8><* G8><- G8></ G8><() 2018 14 MFK<II<>@JKI8K@FE;<8;C@E<1 GI@D8IP<C<:K@FE1 INSIDE: Special 12-page pullout election guide K?LIJ;8P#ALCP() J8KLI;8P#8L>LJK(( ;FEËK=FI><KKFI<>@JK<IMFK< :fm\i`ccljkiXk`fe1E\cjfe>XjgXi follow us: /oha_hawaii | /oha_hawaii | fan us: /officeofhawaiianaffairs | Watch us: /OHAHawaii Iulai2018 3 ‘o¯lelo a ka luna Ho‘okele messagE frOm the ceo gEt INformED bEforE thE PrImary ElECtIoN Aloha mai ka¯kou, tional mandate, but because we want that information to be accessed, understood and applied as we work together to improve the well- awai‘i voters will be electing five trustees to the Office of being of the lähui and the state as a whole. Hawaiian Affairs board in 2018. OHA’s Board of Trustees OHA was created during the 1978 Constitution Convention to right administers a $370 million trust in the interest of Native the injustices suffered by Native Hawaiians since the overthrow of Hawaiians, so it’s critical to be informed about the candi- the monarchy 125 years ago.
    [Show full text]
  • Clean Energy Jobs
    April 21, 2021 The Honorable Nancy Pelosi The Honorable Kevin McCarthy Speaker of the House Minority Leader U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Charles Schumer The Honorable Mitch McConnell Majority Leader Minority Leader U.S. Senate U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McCarthy, and Minority Leader McConnell: We, the undersigned state and local officials, are asking Congress to seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help our communities recover by creating and sustaining millions of good paying jobs, putting us on the path to 100% clean energy and building a more equitable and just society. We applaud President Biden and Congress for passing COVID relief, including desperately needed state and local government funding and expanded vaccinations. The American Rescue Plan was a vital first step but as state and local leaders we know the everyday reality facing our communities. There is still much more to be done to deliver the recovery our communities need and deserve, while tackling the interconnected crises of climate change, economic inequality, and racial injustice. The country needs a large-scale jobs and recovery package to put millions back to work. We can make transformative investments in sustainable infrastructure and buildings, clean energy, and clean manufacturing to reduce pollution, address environmental injustice, and prepare for the threats of climate change. Clean energy is the fastest-growing industry in America. It can revitalize domestic manufacturing and expand high-quality union jobs to help rebuild the middle class.
    [Show full text]
  • President Donna Domingo Confirmed for Hawaii Tourism Authority Board
    OF May/June 2014 VOICE THE ILWU page 1 Volume 54 • No. 3 The VOICE of the ILWU—Published by Local 142, International Longshore & Warehouse Union May/June 2014 President Donna Domingo confirmed ADDRESS L A for Hawaii Tourism Authority board BE L HONOLULU—On April 15, 2014, the Hawaii State Senate confirmed the appointment of ILWU Local President Donna Domingo to the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) Board of Directors. The HTA is a state agency that develops policy, coordinates research, and implements and manages plans and programs that ensure a healthy tourism industry in Hawaii. The HTA Board of Directors consists of twelve members, who are appointed by the governor (L-r) Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, Senator Glenn Wakai, ILWU Local 142 President and confirmed by the Donna Domingo, and Senator Gilbert Kahele, chair of the Senate Tourism Committee. legislature. Support all IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME ACTIVE MEMBERS ILWU endorsed OF INTERNATIONAL LONGSHORE AND WAREHOUSE UNION, LOCAL 142, AFL-CIO, AND YOUR RIGHTS UNDER LAW candidates As a result of your current employment, you are eligible for membership in the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 142, AFL-CIO. Union membership is a right and privilege to be proud of. HONOLULU—ILWU Local 142 released the complete list of the union As an active member of ILWU Local 142 you have the right to participate in the affairs of the Union. endorsed candidates for congressional, state and county races (See page 8). Your participation includes involvement in the formulation of proposals for contract negotiations, voting on proposed Endorsements were made only in changes to your collective bargaining agreement, attending and participating in regular and special Union meetings, the Democratic Party races and ILWU Union elections, and other affairs of the Union as provided in the ILWU Local 142 Constitution and Bylaws.
    [Show full text]
  • KAI KAHELE EARNS EARLY ENDORSEMENTS from KEY COMMUNITY LEADERS Raises $105,310 in Online Donations During the Month of October
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 2019 CONTACT: Micah Alameda NUMBER: 808-783-4069 EMAIL: [email protected] KAI KAHELE EARNS EARLY ENDORSEMENTS FROM KEY COMMUNITY LEADERS Raises $105,310 in online donations during the month of October [HONOLULU] – Sen. Kai Kahele, democratic candidate for Hawaiʻi’s 2nd congressional district, earned early endorsements from the following key community leaders from across the State of Hawai‘i: § Sen. Stanley Chang § Hon. Steven Levinson, § Sen. Kurt Fevella Ret. Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice § Sen. Dru Kanuha § Dr. Amy Agbayani, § Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole Civil Rights Activist § Sen. Clarence Nishihara § Dr. Patricia Nekoba, § Sen. Gil Riviere Educator § Sen. Maile Shimabukuro § Toni Lee, § Rep. Stacelynn Eli Native Hawaiian Community Leader § Rep. Cedric Gates § Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, § Rep. Joy San Buenaventura Native Hawaiian Community Leader § Rep. Chris Todd § Sivan Leoni, § Rep. Tina Wildberger Fmr. UH Men’s Volleyball Teammate § HI County Councilmember Sue Lee Loy § Rick Tune, § CMSgt. Robert Lee (Ret.) Fmr. UH Men’s Volleyball Teammate Hawai’i National Guard They join former Hawaiʻi Govs. John Waiheʻe, Ben Cayetano and Neil Abercrombie, who serve as honorary co-chairs of the Kahele for Congress Campaign Committee, as well as, Honolulu City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson and former Vermont Governor and Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, who have previously announced their formal endorsements of Kahele’s candidacy. --more-- “October turned into a banner month for our campaign. I am grateful and humbled to receive the strong support of these key community leaders. They come from every corner of the state and span the entire political spectrum. While they may not agree on every issue, I am proud that they stand united in their support of our grassroots movement and my bid for Congress.
    [Show full text]
  • HPGS Newsletter-Volume 41 No 9 September 2020
    Volume 41, No. 9 September 2020 HPGS 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Offi cers: Aloha Kakou! Eileen Phillips, President Debbie Kim Morikawa, President-Elect Kathy Wyatt, Past President Now that we are all back in lockdown, the world seems to be Cynthia Arnold, Secretary/Treasurer quieter. The weather has been beautiful and the breezes are consistent. I am excited for our upcoming Fundraiser Event that Directors: will be happening on Friday, November 6th at 5:30pm. It will Laurie Adamshick be a virtual event honoring a special someone in our geriatric Poki`i Balaz Humberto Blanco community. That someone will be Cullen Hayashida! Even Kathy Jaycox though the venue will be from your own home, there will be entertainment and Christy Nishita grateful moments of appreciation for the honoree. Make sure you register in order Rick Tabor to get the Zoom Link to attend. Donations for this fundraiser go to a great cause: John A. H. Tomoso Supporting students who focus on an education in Geriatric services and care. Sherry Goya, Executive Director We need young people to move into these areas and become the nurses, social 808-722-8487 • [email protected] workers, and physicians, which we will all need in the future. See the attached fl yer for more information and check the box “Please email me the zoom link to P. O. Box 3714 attend on November 6th.” Honolulu, HI 96812 www.hpgs.org Looking forward to seeing you all there! With a word of encouragement, I was pleased to read an article in the Midweek HPGS raises funds and awards scholarships to about Hawaii’s task force continuing to work day and night to manage the college students interested pandemic in Hawaii.
    [Show full text]
  • Former U.S. President Obama Endorses Kai Kahele for Congress District 2
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Alan Tang, Olomana Loomis September 25, 2020 Mobile: (808) 261-8412 Email: [email protected] ​ Former U.S. President Obama Endorses Kai Kahele for Congress District 2 [HONOLULU] – Former U.S. President Barack Obama today announced his endorsement of State Senator Kaiali‘i Kahele, the Democratic nominee for Hawai‘i’s Second Congressional District. Kahele is one of 29 U.S. House nominees endorsed by the former Hawai‘i native in his second wave of 2020 endorsements. Obama said in his announcement, which appeared on Twitter and Facebook shortly after 3:00 am HST, “I’m proud to endorse these outstanding Democratic candidates who will work to get the virus under control, rebuild the economy and the middle class, and protect Americans’ health care and preexisting conditions protections from Republican assault. They’re dedicated to shoring up and strengthening our democracy, a project that’s going to take time and require all of us — but it begins by electing Democrats right now. So give these candidates your vote — and vote early if you can, either by mail or in person.” Upon receiving news of the endorsement, Kahele exclaimed, “It’s such an honor, and I’m humbled to be endorsed by an island son of Hawai‘i. This means so much to me. I’m excited and hope to bring the values of aloha and hard work to the United States Congress, just like President Obama did to the White House. I’m fired up and ready to go.” Kahele shared a brief video today on his Twitter, Facebook and Instagram platforms.
    [Show full text]
  • Hgea Announces 2016 Primary Election Endorsements
    News Release June 20, 2016 16-007 HGEA ANNOUNCES 2016 PRIMARY ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS Contact: Jenny Nakagawa 808 543-0024 or Caroline Sluyter cell 808 859-5947 Hawaii Government Employees Association, the state’s largest labor union, announced its endorsed candidates for the 2016 Primary Election today. “Candidates seeking our endorsement went through an involved process including a question and answer session with our Political Action Committee members,” said State Political Action Committee Chair Jon Gasper. “Endorsed candidates understand the issues that are important to working people, their families and our communities.” Candidates endorsed by HGEA are selected by a member-driven process that starts with political action committees, which are made up of rank and file HGEA members from various bargaining units. Political action committee recommendations are then reviewed by the HGEA board of directors, which is composed of members elected by their respective bargaining units and/or island memberships. Following is the slate of HGEA endorsed candidates, minus Maui, whose endorsements were not yet released due to scheduling challenges: (Note: An “open” endorsement means the union does not endorse a candidate. Members are encouraged to support and vote for any of the candidates in that race. “No action taken” means candidates did not contact HGEA for endorsement consideration in a timely manner or at all.) U.S. SENATE Brian Schatz U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 1 Colleen Hanabusa U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2 Tulsi Gabbard (more) HAWAII
    [Show full text]