VOL.16 Issue 10 Fall, 2016

In This Issue

►► Message From Kalani pg 1

►► Prime Minister Abe Visits Hawai’i pg 1

►► International Austronesian Conference pg 2 ►► CIP Funds Released pg 3 Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe Visits ►► Maui Mana'o Episode 4 pg 3 Hawai'i In A Historic Visit ►► DOT Hāna Hwy Meeting pg 3 On December 26, Sen. J. Kalani English was invited to attend a reception with the Japanese ►► Moloka'i High School Construction pg 3 Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe. Over one hundred dignitaries and invited guest filled the ball- ►► APIL 57th Board of Directors pg 4 room at the Hawai'i Convention Center to hear from the Japanese Prime Minister. He was in Hawai'i to join President Obama in acknowledging the 75th anniversary of the bombing of ►► 29th Legislature Senate Leadership Pearl Harbor. Although former Japanese leaders have visited Pearl Habor in the past, Prime and Committees pg 5 Minsiter Abe became the first to set foot on the Arizona Memorial. ►► SGAC Leaders Policy Conference pg 5 Abe’s visit was another chapter in the reconciliation between the United States and Japan ►► 2016 Snapshot Highlights pg 6 and similarly mirrored President Obama’s visit to the peace memorial in Hiroshima back in May. Following the devastating events of World War II, the two countries were able to forge one of the most enduring diplomatic relationships in recent history. Message from Kalani “The world needs the spirit of tolerance and the power of reconciliation now — and especial- ly now,” said Prime Minister Abe. “....people all around the world, will continue to remember Aloha to 2016. Let us rejoice in our successes, let us Pearl Harbor as the symbol of reconciliation.” also remember those loved ones who have passed. Sen. English, who is a graduate of the East-West Center’s Institute of Culture and Communi- From the hosting of the IUCN World Conservation cation understands the importance of these reconciliation efforts. Having previously worked Congress, to the shake up in our national politics, 2016 has had its fair share of celebrations and chal- with many leaders from Japan and across Asia, Sen. English is all too familiar with the events lenges. As we look forward, I am excited for what that led to the historic visit. the new year has to offer. My staff and I are already “The coming together of President Obama and Prime Minister Abe at Pearl Harbor was the busy with preparations for the 29th Legislature, which will convene on Wednesday, January 18, culmination of seventy-five years of diplomat- 2017 at 10:00am. We remain dedicated to serv- ic efforts towards reconciliation,” said Sen. ing the people of Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, English. “Despite the tragic events of World Moloka'i, Lāna'i and Kaho'olawe. War II, the United States and Japan have Ho'opōmaika'i iā 'oukou pākahi a pau i kēia maka- emerged from the ashes as close allies bound- hiki hou. Blessings to each and everyone of you in ed together by aloha.” the New Year. Top - Sen. English, members of the legislature, dignitaries and officials greet Prime Minis- ter Abe. Right - Bishop Yoshiaki “Sharkey” Fujitani, Stacey Hayashi (Author, Filmmaker of “Go For Broke”), Sen. English and Herbert Vol.16 • Issue 10 • pg.1 • Fall, 2016 Yanamura. Dec. 26, 2016. 2016 International Austronesian Conference

The Council of Indigenous Peoples of the indigenous peoples. Republic of China (Taiwan) has been holding Pres. Tsai believes that the International Austronesian Conference the duty for recon- since 2002. This year, Sen. English was invited ciliation lies with the as a presenter on the topic “The Internation- government. Where al Experience of State’s Apologizing to In- modern laws and tra- digenous Peoples and Subsequent Actions.” ditional cultures are The theme of the 2016 Conference was Rec- at odds, the govern- onciliation, Coexistence and Sustainability: ment will deliberate Articulating the Social-Ecological Wisdom of solutions. Under the Austronesian Family.” The Conference was principle of respecting held in Taipei, Taiwan from November 23-27. self-identity, relevant laws will be examined the establishment of the ideals of self-gover- The indigenous peoples in Taiwan are the so that ethnic group identity will receive the nance.” inhabitants of the islands before the ma- rights and status it deserves. Further, the ide- During the trip, Sen. English also toured the jor Chinese immigration began in the 17th als of indigenous self-government will be re- Tangaanua community of the Kanakanavu Century. They belong to the Austronesian alized step by step; 3 laws that are important peoples of central southern Taiwan. The is- peoples, the majority in Southeast Asia, Tai- to indigenous peoples will be deliberated by sues that were important to this community wan in the north, extending to Easter Island the legislature, the Indigenous Peoples Self- were: post disaster reconstruction, govern- and reaches Madagascar in the eastern coast Government law, the Indigenous Peoples ment recognition of indigenous status and of Africa. Land and Sea areas law, and the Indigenous self-identification and cultural conservation. On August 1, 2016, President Tsai Ing-wen Peoples Languages Development Law. More apologized to the indigenous peoples on importantly, Pres. Tsai called for the entire behalf of the government for four centuries society to come together, to know their his- View Walking Tour here: https://www.you- of mistreatment. The President stated that tory, land, and the many cultures of the eth- tube.com/watch?v=dlWkpezETTY&featu the indigenous peoples were the first inhab- nic peoples and work towards reconciliation re=youtu.be itants and throughout the course of history and a shared existence and shared prosperity became displaced, foreign, and marginalized. for a new future for Taiwan. Pres. Tsai hopes that the apology is the be- “The paper I presented at the Conference in ginning that will set Taiwan and all its people Taiwan correlates to Pres. Tsai’s Apology,” on the path towards reconciliation. She es- said Sen. English. “The paper addresses the tablished an Indigenous Historical Justice United States (US) Governments’ reconcili- and Transitional Justice Commission under ation process in the aftermath of the 1993, her office and will personally work with “Apology Resolution” (US Public Law 103- the indigenous peoples to pursue histori- 150). In the twenty-two years that have cal justice. The Commission will serve as a passed, much still remains to be done by mechanism for collective decision-making by both the US and the Native Hawaiians in

Vol.16 • Issue 10 • pg.2 • Fall, 2016 Maui Mana'o: Health Care, Capital Improvement Project Release Funds 'Īao Valley and 2017 Legislative Session

These projects received funds between Paia Elementary School The status of Maui’s health care system, Sept. 1- 30, 2016. • Description: Finance design for a new clean-up efforts in' Iao Valley, and important classroom building issues that may be introduced in the 2017 Maui • Amount: $1,400,000 Legislative Session are among the topics dis- TOTAL: $4,400,000 • Est. Completion Date: September 2018 cussed in the latest edition of Maui Mana‘o. Phase II, Kahului Airport, Maui The television program, hosted by Senate • Description Additional design funds for Communications Director Jill Kuramoto, is a apron pavement structural improvements Moloka'i lively and informative conversation with the at Kahului Airport. TOTAL: $200,000 Maui Senate delegation: Sen. English, Sen. • Amount: $100,000 Kalaupapa Settlement (Dist. 8) and Sen. Gil Keith- • Est. Completion Date: December 2016 • Description: Conduct an assessment of Agaran (Dist. 5). Kula Hospital the hazardous material at the Kalaupapa Maui Mana‘o: Episode 4, aired on ‘Ōlelo • Description: Project will replace old win- Settlement in preparation of the manage- Channel 49 on several dates and times in the dow units with split system air conditioning ment turnover from the Department of month of December. To view this and previ- systems and result in energy efficiency and Health to the National Park Service. ously aired editions of Maui Mana‘o, please cost savings. • Amount: $200,000 visit: http://olelo.granicus.com/ViewS- • Amount: $400,000 • Est. Completion Date: De- earchResults.php?view_id=30&types%5B • Est. Completion Date: February 2017 cember 2017 (plans only) Clip%5D=on&types%5BAgendaItem%5D Kula Hospital =on&types%5BCaption%5D=on&allword • Description: Energy efficiency audit to as- s=maui+mana%27o sess energy usage and recommend improve- Lāna'i Mahalo to ‘Ōlelo. Please visit www.olelo.org ments to lighting, air conditioning, hot TOTAL: $1,000,000 for a complete listing of the ‘Ōlelo program- water heaters, and other energy consuming Lāna‘i Community Hospital ming schedule. devices. • Description: Plumbing and facility repairs • Amount: $500,000 to its patient care and support areas. • Est. Completion Date: June 2017 • Amount: $1,000,000 Kula Hospital • Est. Completion Date: June 2017 • Description: Window replacement, roof- ing, painting, spalling repair, nurse call system, security and other improvements. • Amount: $2,000,000 • Est. Completion Date: December 2017

DOT Public Information Meeting Regarding Emergency Moloka'i High School Work On Hāna Highway (Route 360) Construction To Begin

On December 14, 2016, the Department of caused by severe weather that continue to The Department of Education (DOE) has Transportation (DOT) held a public informa- impact Hāna Highway annually. Despite awarded a contract to International Roof- tion meeting at Helene Hall to discuss matters frsutration, community members expressed ing & Building Construction, Inc. in the relating to the work that is necessary to repair their appreciation to the DOT for their efforts. amount of $1,019,000.00 to complete vari- damage that Hāna Highway sustained during “The Department of Transportation is look- ous roof repairs on Building O. recent September storms. ing for lasting solutions to curb the damage Donald Smith, a Maintenance Engineer with to the highway,” said Sen. English. “While the We are pleased to inform you that con- the DOT provided an update on the work that processes may seem slow and at times an in- struction on the subject project will be ini- is being done to improve conditions along convenience, my staff and I remain dedicated tiated shortly. Hāna Highway. Many of those who attended to allocating the necessary funds to ensure the meeting expressed concerns regarding the that the Hāna Highway remains open, sound temporary remedy to the continual problems and in good repair.” Vol.16 • Issue 10 • pg.3 • Fall, 2016 57TH Meeting of the Association of Pacific Island Legislature Board of Directors

This year, Sen. English, who previously served as President of Association of Pacific Island Legislatures (APIL) from 2008-2010 repre- sented Hawai'i at the 57th Meeting of the APIL Board of Directors that was held on De- cember 7-9, 2016 in Weno, Chuuk-Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). He was among dozens of legislators who gathered for the opment and marine conservation, that are so, Pacific Islands will meet the expanding three-day event. important to Hawai'i,” said Sen. English. “The demands of the tourism industry and begin The event began with an opening ceremony, presentations were very informative and to experience prosperous economic devel- hosted by the Chuuk State Legislature. Gov- helped educate APIL delegates on what is be- opment. ernor Johnson S. Elimo and Speaker Innocen- ing done across the Pacific to address these The three-day event culminated with the te I. Oneisom of the Chuuk State Legislature important issues.” announcement of the APIL 36th General opened the ceremony by welcoming APIL Thirteen resolutions were introduced by Assembly to be held in June 2017 on Christ- delegates to Weno, Chuuk-FSM, the coun- member governments of APIL to address mas (Kirimati) Island, Republic of Kiribati. try’s largest city. Outgoing APIL President, many issues that are impacting the Pacific. In A farewell reception hosted by the Chuuk Kenneth Keidi of the Republic of the Mar- matters of health and human services, Sena- State Legislature was held at the Blue Lagoon shall Islands also provided opening remarks. tor Jerry Fagolimul of the FSM State of Yap Resort, where delegations offered closing re- Sen. English officiated the swearing-in-cere- introduced a resolution (57-BOD-03) relating marks and presentation of gifts. mony as new officers took their oath of -of to the feasibility of developing a New Pacific “APIL is a great venue for Pacific leader to fice for the 2016/2017 term. The new officers Regional Airline. The resolution explains that convene, learn and collaborate with one include: a shortage in the visitation of international another about various issues that affect the flights, in the States of Kosrae and Yap are • President: Vice Speake Robert I. Taulung Pacific,” said Sen. English. “For us as people “depressing the economic development of (Kosrae, FSM) of the Pacific, we are both genealogically and the region and endangering the lives and physically connected through ka moana o • Vice President: Speaker Fernando Scaliem welfare” of its people, especially in times of Kanaloa (the ocean). It is through this con- (Pohnpei, FSM) medical emergencies. nection, that we will be able to come to- • Secretary: Senator Nelson Stephen (Chuuk, The matter of workforce development was gether, find solutions to current issues and FSM) another important issue that was also ad- further advance our people into a more • Treasurer: Vice Speaker Joseph Deleon dressed, via resolution 57-BOD-07. Delegate prosperous future.” Yutaka Gibbons Jr. of the Republic of Palau Guerrero (Northern Marianas Common- The Association of Pacific Island Legislatures introduced this resolution to address the wealth) (APIL) was formed in 1981 and is comprised work restrictions that prevent many Pacific During the three-day event, Sen. English of legislative representatives from 12 Pacific Islanders from easily traveling to islands attended various presentations that were island governments. APIL meets regularly that are experiencing a rapid development hosted by APIL Subsidiaries and Partners. to consider matters in areas where regional in tourism. The resolution calls on mem- These presentations were centered around cooperation, coordination, exchange and as- bers of APIL to join together in a concerted the issues of economic development, human sistance may help governments achieve their and coordinated effort to recruit, help train services, innovation and conservation. goals through collective action. and ease the travel and work restrictions “These presentations provided excellent for skilled groups of men and women from To learn more, please visit: insight on issues, such as economic devel- across the Pacific. The hope is that by doing http://apilpacific.com

Vol.16 • Issue 10 • pg.4 • Fall, 2016 Hawai'i State Senate Leadership and Committee Assignments Twenty-Ninth Legislature 2017-2018

On Nov. 29, 2016, the Hawai'i State Senate Vice Chair: Sen. Kaiali‘i Kahele Vice Chair: Sen. confirmed the Senate Leadership and Stand- Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Sen. , Sen. Laura H Thielen ing Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs for Sen.Will Espero, Sen. Sen. , the 29th Legislature. Senate Leaders, Com- Government Operations (GVO) Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and mittee Chairs, Vice Chairs and members are Chair: Sen. Donna Mercado Kim Military Affairs (PSM) as follows: Senate Leadership Vice Chair: Sen. Russell E. Ruderman Chair: Sen. Clarence K. Nishihara President: Sen. Ronald D. Kouchi Sen. , Vice Chair: Sen. Vice President: Sen. Michelle N. Kidai Sen. Karl Rhoads, Sen. Jill N Tokuda. Sen. Rosalyn H Baker, Sen. Les Ihara, Jr., Majority Leader: Sen. J. Kalani English Hawaiian Affairs (HWN) Sen. Laura H Thielen Majority Caucus Leader: Sen. Brickwood Chair: Sen. Maile S.L. Shimabukuro Transportation and Energy (TRE) Galuteria Vice Chair: Sen. Brickwood Galuteria Chair: Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye Majority Floor Leader: Sen. Will Espero Sen. J Kalani English, Sen. Josh Green, Vice Chair: Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz Majority Whip: Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz Sen. Donna Mercado Kim Sen. J Kalani English, Sen. Breene Harimoto, Assistant Majority Whip: Sen. Maile S. L. Shimabukuro Sen. Brian T. Taniguchi Higher Education (HRE) Chair: Sen. Kaiali‘i Kahele Water and Land (WTL) Agriculture and Environment (AEN) Vice Chair: Sen. Michelle N. Kidani Chair: Sen. Karl Rhoads Chair: Sen. Mike Gabbard Sen. Will Espero, Sen. Brian T Taniguchi, Vice Chair: Sen. Mike Gabbard Vice Chair: Sen. Gil Riviere Sen. Gilbert S. C. Keith-Agran Sen. Lorraine R Inouye, Sen. Laura H Thielen Sen. , Sen. Donna Mercado Kim Sen. Karl K. Rhoads, Housing (HOU) Sen. Russell E. Ruderman Chair: Sen. Will Espero Ways and Means (WAM) Vice Chair: Sen. Breene Harimoto Chair: Sen. Jill N. Tokuda Commerce, Consumer Protection, Sen. Kaiali’i Kahele, Vice Chair: Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Health (CPH) Sen. Clarence K. Nishihara, Sen. J Kalani English, Sen. Breene Harimoto, Chair: Sen. Rosalyn H. Baker Sen. Gilbert S. C. Keith-Agaran Sen. Brickwood Galuteria, Vice Chair: Sen. Clarence K. Nishihara Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye, Sen. ,Sen. Will Espero, Human Services (HMS) Chair: Sen. Josh Green Sen. Kaiali’i Kahele, Sen. Glenn Wakai, Sen. Les Ihara, Jr., Sen. Russell E Ruderman, Sen. Gil Riviere, Sen. Brian T. Taniguchi, Sen. Michelle N Kidani, Vice Chair: Sen. Stanley Chang Sen. Breene Harimoto, Sen. Maile S. L. Shimabukuro, Economic Development, Tourism, Sen. Jill N Tokuda, Sen. Glenn Wakai and Technology (ETT) Chair: Sen. Glenn Wakai International Affairs and the Arts (IAA) Vice Chair: Sen. Brian T. Taniguchi Chair: Sen. Brian T. Taniguchi Sen. Rosalyn H. Baker, Sen. Brickwood Vice Chair: Sen. J. Kalani English Galuteria, Sen. Stanley Chang, Sen. Les Ihara, Jr., Sen. Laura H Thielen Sen. Maile S. L. Shimabukuro Education (EDU) Judiciary and Labor (JDL) Chair: Sen. Michelle N. Kidani Chair: Sen. Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran

State Government Affairs Council (SGAC) Foundation’s 32nd Annual Leaders’ Policy Conference

Sen. English was one of a select group of legis- The purpose of the SGAC Foundation is to foreign relations; Alzheimer’s – A looming lative leaders invited to attend the SGAC An- conduct research, sponsor conferences and public health crisis; The opioid epidemic; and nual Conference that was held in Dana Point, seminars and promote other educational ac- The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) re- California from November 19-22. The con- tivities related to State Governments. form legislation. ference was presented by the SCAC Foun- “States Leading the Wave of Change” was the “The conference provided a unique opportu- dation, in cooperation with the National theme for this year’s conference. The theme nity to build relationships with other legis- Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and reflects the States’ role regarding critical is- lative leaders,” said Sen. English. “These re- The Council of State Governments (CSG). sues facing the nation such as: Tax incen- lationships help build a national framework tives versus Comprehensive reform; Work- that we can tap into to help resolve some of Vol.16 • Issue 10 • pg.5 • Fall, 2016 force development and investing in America; the issues we face at home.” State-run retirement savings programs; US J. KALANI ENGLISH 2016 Highlights Senate Majority Leader COMMITTEES Vice Chair, Senate Committee on Tourism & International Affairs • • • Vice Chair, Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs • • • Member, Senate Committee on Transportation & Energy Clockwise from top - Maui College Moloka’i • • • Campus 1st Hawaiian Studies Graduates. Member, Senate May 14, 2016. Committee on Ways & Means Sen. English honors heroes in the fight against invasive species. Feb. 26, 2016. Kahului Airport Consolidated Rental car facility. April 15, 2016. Sen. English participanted at the V Baku Inter- national Humanitarian Forum in The Republic of Azerbaijan. Sept. 30, 2016. Sen. English with friends at the International Astronesian Conference. Nov. 27, 2016.

Sen English with Michael Bennett of The Ben- nett Foundation. April 2016. Sen. Engish, Nainoa Thompson, Dame Meg Taylor, Gov. Ige at Pacific Ocean Summit. Sept. 1, 2016.

Hawai'i State Legislature Bill Status and Documents www.capitol..gov/

HOW TO REACH US Hawai'i State Capitol, Room 205 415 South Beretania Street , HI 96813 ph 808-587-7225 fax 808-587-7230 From Maui, toll free 984-2400 + 77225 From Moloka'i and Lāna'i, toll free 1-800-468-4644 + 77225 e-mail: [email protected] To receive this newsletter by e-mail, please send your request to: [email protected] • • • Join us on Facebook facebook.com/HawaiiSenateMajority

Vol.16 • Issue 10 • pg.6 • Fall, 2016