Kauai GOP News

Newsletter for the Republican Party of Kauai May 2018 RPK Officers Aloha Kauai Republicans,

Chairman: The Republican Party State Convention was held Saturday May 5, Steve Yoder - [email protected] 2018 from 8 AM to 1 PM at the Koʻolau Ballroom on . This was well attended, not as large as the state convention held last year on Kauai, with Vice Chairman #1 Suzanne Woodruff - [email protected] two hundred and two delegates, twelve guests, a photographer from the Star Advertiser, a reporter from Civil Beat and ten young Vice Chairman #2 republicans who helped me with crowd control at the convention. The Sandi Sterker - [email protected] , young men in their twenties and one thirteen year-old, helped with maintaining a spirit of cooperation amongst the delegates, Vice Chairman #3 keeping time limits when delegates were speaking from the floor, etc. The Nina Magoun - [email protected] delegates who addressed the convention were polite and conducted themselves in an orderly and professional manner. Secretary LaVerne Bessert - [email protected] Along with amendments and resolutions voiced from the floor, the main item was the HRP State Platform being approved by the assembly of Treasurer: Jennie Beck - [email protected] delegates representing their precincts. There was a parade of candidates who are running for office this year and it was tremendous to see two of our Newsletter Editor - four Kauai candidates, who were amongst the twenty-one delegates Ada Koene - [email protected] representing the Republican Party of Kauai, cross the stage. Those delegates were: Dave Hamman, Bob & Marilyn Bradford, Gary Duerst, Kauai County Upcoming Events Council candidate, Wally Nishimura, Jennie Beck, LaVerne Bessert, Titus & Madeleine Bontea, Michael Oda, Kauai County Council candidate Roy Saito, 1) May 29th Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM Anita Aquino (whose daughter is running for state rep. on Oahu), Jody there will be a HD15 district meeting at Heller, Nicole Sakurai, Ron Agor, US Senate candidate Ron Curtis, Thatch & Nicole Sakurai's home, 1970 Hanalima Nina Magoun, Roger Williams, Paul McCarthy and yours truly. Street Apt. L-203. The meeting will most likely take place at the recreation room on The highlight of the afternoon were the two senior high school students, the property. Please contact Larie Manutai, Melissa Newsham from Punahou and one Travis Afuso from Mililani who [email protected] (808) 727-572 or Nicole, [email protected] (808) literally brought the house down with their speeches, giving hope that our 722-3679 for more information. young people do understand conservative principles and self-reliance as the path to prosperity and a healthy United States of America. Travis, the senior 2) June 12th, Tuesday, tentatively, there from Mililani High spoke in such a manner if you closed your eyes, you'd will be an Andria Tupola Event. Date, Time think that President Ronald Regan was on that stage. and Location to be announced. I hope that many of you will join us at our next HRP State Convention in May of 2019.

Mahalo, Steve Yoder Kauai GOP County Chair (808) 855-550 [email protected] Page 2 Kauai GOP News — May 2018

The Republican Party of Kauai has lost a very dear friend and supporter on Thursday, May 10th. Ulla Heyn passed away after struggling with a long illness. Her husband, Bob of 32 years, was at her side when she passed. Both Bob and Ulla have been tremendous supporters of the RPK for many years, and haven't been able to attend many activities due to illness.

If you would like to be of help to Bob, he sure would appreciate a phone call or visit from time to time, and if you'd like to provide a covered dish for him, it would be greatly appreciated. Please, always call first. Bob's contact info (808) 245-7593, [email protected], 2433 Akoki Street in Lihue, near Costco.

National Committeewoman's Report 2018 RNC Spring Meeting in Miami, Florida

National Committeewoman, Miriam Hellreich

May 7, 2018

Dear Fellow Republicans,

I have just returned from the Spring Meeting of the RNC held in Miami, Florida. It was a most productive and encouraging meeting as our Republican Political Capital is increasing both financially and politically.

Despite the naysayers and the political pundits, our National Republican Party and our Republican Presidency are ALIVE and WELL!

GUEST SPEAKERS Page 3 Kauai GOP News — May 2018

Special speakers: Steve Moore Economist at Heritage Foundation and a Senior Economic Advisor for President Trump. Other speakers were: Senator Marco Rubio, who spoke in firm support of President Trump’s policies, Jr., Charlie Kirk, Director of Turning Point USA, a national student movement dedicated to identifying, organizing and empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets and limited government. The articulate Candace Owens, the new Communications Director for Turning Point USA, is a young African American, journalist, super star who speaks on behalf of the Republican cause. She admonishes her fellow African Americans to be “victors” not “victims”. Her posting drew 80 million views when she responded to Kanye West who said he liked the way she thinks. Candace says she wants to “lead a black revolution against the Democrat Party and remove the left’s strangle hold on black culture.”

Senator Marco Rubio Donald Trump, Jr., Candace Owens, Miriam Hellreich & Charlie Kirk

IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID!

There is no denying the FACTS that President Trump and Vice President Pence are leading our country into a more prosperous future. It’s not just the 3.9 % unemployment rate that is worth celebrating. The growth rate of the economy over the last four quarters was just under 3%, a level that almost all liberal economists said was impossible to achieve and yet with Donald Trump after one year in office, here we are. In just more than one year in the White House, he has achieved a growth rate that is higher than Obama was able to achieve in eight years.

The Labor market is booming Our nation has over 2.7 million new jobs African American and Hispanic unemployment rates are at all time lows The TAX CUTS are working – 8 in 10 Americans are seeing more money in their paychecks More than 4 million workers (including local companies in Hawaii) like Walmart, COSTCO and our major banking institutions, are receiving wage increases and bonuses which puts more money in the pockets of our citizens. The RNC has created a new website Page 4 Kauai GOP News — May 2018

– PaycheckPresident.com to post videos from Americans across the country to share how the Trump Tax cuts have helped their families. We encourage our Hawaii residents to visit this site and share your story. Steve Moore, Fox Contributor, Economist from the Heritage Foundation and a Chief Economic Advisor said, “if our current economic numbers are in place a year from now, President Trump with certainly win re-election."

AMERICA'S POSITION IN THE WORLD

Few people could have imagined that in the course of 15 months in office that President Trump would be announcing TALKS WITH NORTH KOREA following his commitment to work with China and others to decrease aid to North Korea. He has been steadfast in his commitment that until North Korea agrees to stop their current development of a nuclear program and to dismantle what is currently in place, they will suffer the economic consequences. Unlike previous administrations, President Trump will insist on verifiable inspections to make certain the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is complete. What a difference a Republican President can make! It was a surreal experience to watch the TV coverage of Kim Jung Un crossing the DMZ to shake hands with South Korean President Moon.

Another major campaign promise that President Trump has kept, was his decision to support Jerusalem as the official Capitol of Israel. In recent years, all Presidential candidates have said, during their campaigns, that they supported Jerusalem as the Capitol City. But when they were elected, none kept that promise, fearing the repercussions it would have on relations with Syria and other Middle East countries. Israeli President Netanyahu made it clear in his response to President Trump’s announcement, “there can be no peace without Jerusalem as the capitol” and Israel is forever grateful to President Trump for keeping this promise that is so vital to the Jewish people.

RNC IS READY TO DEFY HISTORY

RNC Chairman Ronna Romney McDaniel announced that we have raised $171 million during this cycle to date, putting us far ahead of the DNC. Those funds are being invested in digital and data programs which proved to be winning strategies during the 2016 campaign. The RNC has made hundreds of millions of survey calls that have modeled nearly 90 billion voter predictions to better understand and engage the electorate.

We know that the challenges we face are tough, but the RNC is more passionate and committed than ever, this is why we have already won 5 out of 6 House special elections this past year. The mainstream media said it could not be done. Victory in 2018 is possible because we have the best team in place. The ground game for knocking on doors, making phone calls and registering voters will be more robust than ever before. Republicans may win a number of Governor’s seats in unlikely states like Oregon. Arizona is a state to watch for major congressional and gubernatorial wins. They just won one of the 5 congressional seats taken by Republicans.

The RNC is investing a quarter of a billion dollars in Midterm election strategies to defend our majorities in congress. K The Democrats continue to obstruct and undermine the country. They refused to vote for historic tax cut legislation and they have repeatedly refused to confirm President Trump’s qualified nominees. Right now, there are 188 nominees waiting in limbo to be confirmed. On an average, it is taking 84 days to confirm each one. That is almost 20 days longer than the previous four presidents.

HAWAII'S 2018 STATE CONVENTION

Congratulations to Chairman Ostrov and the entire Convention team who presented an exciting and fresh perspective on our Party’s mission to elect more Republicans to office in November and beyond. A major announcement at the convention was the improvement in the HRP’s financial status as well as the fact that we will be paying off the remainder of the mortgage on the HRP

Page 5 Kauai GOP News — May 2018

Headquarters at 725 Kapiolani Blvd. The building is co-owned by the Oahu League of Republican Women and the . The payment of this debt represents 8 years of consistent fundraising by the Capital Campaign Committee and more recently, the HRP Finance Committee. Congratulations to everyone for now having paid for a permanent home for the benefit of future candidates and the activities of the Hawaii Republican Party.

Our HRP Convention Chairman, Gary Grimmer and Honorary Chairman Marilyn Moniz Kaho'ohanohano delivered an enthusiastic message for the future of our Party. Mililani High School Senior, Republican Travis Afuso riveted the audience as he talked about his Republican beliefs which led him to be Valedictorian of his class and to be accepted at West Point Military Academy. The President of the Republican Club at Punahou, Melissa Newsham, eloquently shared her love of writing and her appreciation for the freedom to exchange ideas with people who agree and disagree with her political beliefs. Both students were presented with a $500 scholarship from the Oahu League of Republican Women.

After hearing these two speakers, the more than 200 delegates attending the state convention left with an increased sense of confidence in the future of the Republican Party in Hawaii.

CALL TO ACTION:

We were pleased to meet the wide array of candidates who will be carrying our Republican banner in November. The most important thing you can do is to select one of these candidates (contact GOP HQ for contact information for the candidates) and offer to assist them with their races. They need financial support, but they also need the logistical help that is needed to walk door to door, register voters and to turn them out for absentee ballot voting and at the polls on Election Day. We have often had a number of good candidates who have lost by less than 100 votes on Election Day. YOU can make the difference! Help us out by getting trained to use the GOP App to identify voters who can help us win the ground game in the final voting in November. This is a call to all who have the passion to do things differently and to WIN!

Do you know someone who would like to become a member of the Republican Party of Hawaii? Click here to request information.

If you know people who would be good candidates for the many positions that are up for election in November, please contact our Party Headquarters at 808-593-8180 and give us their names. Candidates still have until June 5th to file to run.

Winston Churchill said:

“Sometimes it is not enough to just do our BEST, but we must do what is REQUIRED.”

Let’s do what is required for our Republican candidates to win in November.

Thank you for your steadfast support for our Hawaii Republican Party! It is my pleasure to serve as your National Committeewoman and to work with each of you!

Miriam Hellreich, NCW 808 284 3235

Page 6 Kauai GOP News — May 2018

Wally Nishimura Roy Saito, Ron Agor

Jodi Heller, Ron Curtis Nina Magoun

Gary Duerst, Wally Nishimura, Steve Yoder Nina Magoun, Michael Oda, LaVerne Bessert

Page 7 Kauai GOP News — May 2018

Vote for John Miller HD-46 Henry Vincent, Andria Tupola

Marilyn Moniz-Kahoʻohanohano Convention sign-in Amy Shiroma (Bob Hickling in the background)

Page 8 Kauai GOP News — May 2018

GOP Convention 2018 Koʻolau Ballroom GOP Convention 2018 Koʻolau Ballroom

Lauren Matsumoto, Shirlene Ostrov Brett Kulbis

Page 9 Kauai GOP News — May 2018

Aaron Wilson, Gwen Honjo Andria Tupola,

Andria Tupola, , Lauren Matsumoto, GOP Convention 2018 Koʻolau Ballroom

Page 10 Kauai GOP News — May 2018

Celyn Chong Kee, Peggy Regintine Kaeo Kealoha-Lindsey, Mela Kealoha-Lindsey

GOP Parade of Candidates 2018 Shirlene Ostrov With KITV Reporter

Page 11 Kauai GOP News — May 2018

Melissa Newsham HS Guest Speaker Carol Thomas, Melissa Newsham

Val Okimoto Ohana Ohana

Page 12 Kauai GOP News — May 2018

Lauren Matsumoto, Travis Afuso Guest Speaker

PREAMBLE

The Republican Party of Hawai’i is a passionate group of people united by shared beliefs and common purpose.

We are the party of independent individuals and the institutions they create together: families, schools, congregations and communities. We serve to advance the ideals and goals they produce.

The U.S. Constitution is our founding document and the enduring covenant between the government and the governed. And, we uphold the principles established therein: limited government, separation of powers, the rights of the people and authorities of states. Because government is financed by taxing citizens, it is imperative that government programs and spending first and foremost directly benefit those citizens.

That premise has been ignored for 6 decades while Democrats have ruled Hawai’i resulting in long-reaching economic harm. Their mismanagement has saddled the people with staggering debt, burdensome regulation and has sent reasonable expectations of homeownership and financial security too far from reach.

The Republican Party of Hawai’i has a plan for reversing this course, and, a vision for a thriving Hawaii as outlined in our Platform. Let it serve as both guide and action plan in all strategies for improvement within legislative and civic action.

PLATFORM

TAXATION and ECONOMY

We call on all state and local lawmakers to aggressively reform and measurably reduce all current taxes and spending. Specifically:

• Remove Excise Tax from basic necessities: food, rent, medicine and medical care • Eliminate punitive over-regulation. • Reduce excessive licensing and other fees that impede employment.

We endorse measures that would cap property taxes on personal residences when owners reach age 65.

1

We advocate the removal of state taxes on all retirement income, to include deferred earnings within IRA, 401K and accounts of the same nature. We also support the removal of Hawai’i estate tax.

We believe wage limits, earnings and employee benefits are best assessed within their home jurisdiction and, therefore, those determinations ought to be remanded to the states. We advocate for stark reduction of government land holdings for the facilitation of private ownership.

In the interests of aiding the statewide economy and reducing costs and hardship for all people in the Hawaiian Islands, we favor the continued pursuit of:  Amending The Jones Act (aka Merchant Marine Act of 1920) and permanent exemptions for Hawai’i.  Full funding by the Federal Government for costs incurred by the State of Hawai’i resulting from the Compact of Free Association (COFA) agreement.

GOVERNMENT

The Republican Party of Hawai’i sees the current course of governing as reckless and unsustainable.

We remind elected leaders they are public servants under oath to serve the needs of the people. We urge all government bodies in Hawai’i to make the following changes:  Return to an accountable zero-based budget.  Identify the urgent needs and issues with the highest negative impact and of most concern to the masses and prioritize spending accordingly.  Real cost and benefits must be debated openly; new expenditures should be defendable under scrutiny and justified against measurable benefits.  Restrict the size and growth of government to match that of the private sector.  Remand services and programs to private enterprise wherever possible.  Operate under true transparency by allowing online public access to all expenditures, contracts and audit findings.

Finally, we propose a contingency requiring lawmakers to first reduce spending and existing regulation prior to raising taxes and fees.

EDUCATION

The Republican Party of Hawai’i firmly believes that families are the best stewards of a child’s education, and a parental role in choosing curriculum is essential to the quality of the child’s education and overall development.

We object to a ‘one size fits all’ approach to learning as it embraces low expectations. Instead, we favor a learning environment that allows for the natural incentives that come from competition, and, where advanced students are encouraged to proceed at a faster pace.

2

We oppose Common Core state-wide standards, learn-to-test curriculum and data collection practices that place results on student records indefinitely.

We support and encourage ongoing efforts to remove Comprehensive Sexuality Education from all grade levels (K-12) and propose further that the subject matter of procreation be limited to human physiology and reproduction. We strongly endorse removal of Planned Parenthood involvement in public education.

The Republican Party of Hawai’i proposes adding high school courses in vocational, technical and trade skills.

We endorse the autonomy of home schooling and strongly support options for other alternatives for education.

The Party applauds financial mechanisms such as Education Savings Accounts (ESA), vouchers, and tax breaks on tuition. We support current efforts underway on the federal level to allow benefits under Title I (grants for the poor) and IDEA (aid for the disabled) to be carried and applied to any school the recipients attend.

TOURISM

As host to nearly 9-million visitors a year who will spend upwards of $17 billion here, Hawai’i is given both responsibility and opportunity. The Party acknowledges that in order to stimulate and sustain Hawai’i’s leading industry it must remain the most attractive place on earth. And that currently necessitates improvements in many areas of infrastructure.

TRANSPORTATION:

The Republican Party of Hawai’i finds that HART (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation) is a questionable investment and a major drain on the taxpayers of Hawaii. We calls for an independent forensic audit along with a sensible review of the current and true transportation needs of Honolulu.

In addition, this project has diverted attention away from the balance of Oahu’s roads and highways. They now need a critical look and timely repairs. We believe that current and future transportation and traffic considerations ought to include ideas and bids from private business, and that these bids be evaluated in fair and open competition.

HOMELESS

Hawaii’s homeless numbers are the highest per capita in the nation. HRP believes this is a direct consequence of poor enforcement of existing laws, statutes and ordinances. County Codes in Hawai’i, Honolulu, Maui and Kauai expressly restrict access and use of public parks and prohibit squatting in public domain that alone is sufficient to prevent tent placement. But there is added leverage with laws against vagrancy, panhandling and loitering; and, the sit-lie ordinance.

3

Summoning the will of authority and the manpower to enforce these existing laws are necessary for public health and safety. We see the 190 current job openings for police officer at Honolulu Police Department as an opportunity toward these goals.

FAMILY

The Republican Party of Hawai’i endorses the Hawaiian concept of ‘Ohana and sees family as a crucial pillar in every community. It has been proven that the family structure, whether brought together in marriage, by guardianship or adoption, benefits both the individual and society. ‘Ohana enhances the cause of liberty because lessens the need for government in their daily lives. The Party recognizes there is an increasing demand for low cost housing the availability of such housing has a direct impact on the health and future of families.

LIFE

The Republican Party of Hawai’i believes life begins at conception and ends with natural death; and affirm, without exception, that all human lives existing within those markers have the same rights and protections guaranteed all Americans.

We see the sanctity and value of every life as equal, no matter the physical or mental diagnosis given before or after birth. We support bills that limit the options and occurrence of abortion. And, we endorse measures that protect babies in the womb, including: Born Alive Protection Act, 20- Week Pain Capable limits and Heartbeat Protection Act.

We staunchly oppose the allocation of any public funds for abortion and organizations that make it available.

We urge Senate passage of the Hyde Amendment (H.R.7) which has already passed in the House, and expressly limits the application of the funding.

IMMIGRATION

The Republican Party of Hawai’i embraces the compassionate rescue of refugees and recognizes that immigrants enrich our country. We also support existing immigration laws and proposed reforms that concurrently address the needs of national security.

We do not support amnesty for those who have violated immigration laws. Requiring immigrants to enter legally through an adequate vetting process is just and vital to the safety of Americans.

We state our strong objection to safe-harboring any person who has entered the country illegally and seeks ‘sanctuary’ status in Hawai’i. It is a federal offense to knowingly harbor or conceal anyone who is in the U.S. unlawfully. Therefore, establishing any sanctuary perimeters - sanctuary state, city or zone – clearly undermines the rule of law and violates public trust.

4

AGRICULTURE

The Republican Party of Hawai’i believes agriculture in Hawai’i has a great future and it should be nurtured by the state in terms of mentoring, market development, invasive species/pest control, and, food and pesticide safety training. Sufficient long-term leases of state lands are allotted sustainable water resources, upgraded with irrigation and road access and made available to farmers. We encourage the return of farming programs to public high schools.

MILITARY

Military presence provides for the security of the state. We believe the military must not be used for social experimentation. Since 1776, peace in America has been preserved through strength. We support a military that is funded to protect our nation, our people and our way of life. Specifically, this means that Hawai’i should:  Provide training grounds for exercises that are crucial to defense readiness  Encourage development of a more reliable missile defense system to ensure security of our residents  Provide adequate services needed to reintegrate veterans into the community

CELEBRATE NATIVE HAWAIIANS

The Republican Party of Hawai’i recognizes and affirms the philosophy and efforts of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, a Republican and the first prince and native Hawaiian elected to U.S. Congress. In his 19-years of service he supported legislation for native Hawaiian rights to a land base for housing, farming and preservation of traditional and cultural practices. His dream was fulfilled with passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1921. The Party urges the State of Hawai’i and State Department of Interior amend rules to accelerate awarding of homestead leases, lower the ‘blood quantum’ requirement, and consider converting leasehold to fee simple. The Party recognizes ‘olelo Hawai’i is an official state language, and supports the availability of ‘olelo Hawai’i translation in public affairs.

*** POSTAMBLE The Republican Party of Hawaii recognizes the truth: government is meant to serve the people. As such government is charged with the responsibility to craft long-term solutions rather than short- term fixes. We pledge to hold our government responsible for securing the safety for our 'ohanas, for expanding our economy, and for promoting fairness and justice for every citizen of Hawai'i.

5