Happy Thanksgiving

As we sit back enjoy this wonderful holiday, let us not forget those that are less fortunate. Let us give thanks for all our blessings. And let us not forget our troops who are in harms way. Whether here or abroad, let us never forget what they are doing for us. And for our veterans and their families, especially those that have left us, you are not forgotten. God bless you all!

Call Your Councilmembers NOW!!

Tomorrow, Bill 2298 will be heard again in the Planning Committee of the Kauai County Council. The agenda reads:

A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 8, KAUA'I COUNTY CODE 1987, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE AND SINGLE-FAMILY TRANSIENT VACATION RENTALS

This bill will grandfather illegal vacation rentals on ag lands until the Important Ag Land study is completed. It will legalize an activity that is prohibited under State law. This bill has been deferred for several meetings because of the legal concerns surrounding Chapter 205-5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Chapter 205-5 clearly states that overnight accommodations are prohibited on lands that have been designated as agricultural. This bill will undermine State law and provide loopholes for illegal vacation rental operators.

From what I understand, only Kaipo Asing and Derek Kawakami are in opposition of the bill, mainly because of the conflict with State law. Please contact your Council members at CouncilTestimony@kauai.gov and tell them to vote NO on this bill. Your testimony to this email address will become part of the official record.

We have to stop this precedent setting action. This is only the beginning. The last Council did not entertain this because it was illegal. This new Council has a different vision. Let them know how you feel. Thank you.

The Future of Wailua Beach

I heard some disturbing news today. I heard that Mayor Carvalho has decided to move forward with the plan to construct the bike/pedestrian path along the Wailua Beach. This is disturbing because Wailua Beach is a sacred Hawaiian burial ground. This is not a disputed fact. This is common knowledge. It seems quite unreasonable to move forward. I am anxious to hear his reasons for taking this course.

The route through Wailua Beach is simply disrespectful. Many people may not see the cultural significance of this issue, but I believe that the majority of Kauai residents do. Kauai is different. We are unique. I could go on and on about how we differ from the rest of the Hawaiian Islands, but I won't. If you don't know that by now, something is definitely wrong.

Being different is not a bad thing. We have survived many disasters because we are different. We have maintained a somewhat traditional lifestyle because we are different. We continue to enjoy many cultural traditions because we are different. For this, we should be thankful. For this, we should be grateful. For this, we should display the ultimate show of respect to the host culture. We owe this to the ancestors of this very unique place.

Many native Hawaiians have spoken out. Many non-Hawaiians have spoken out. Our leaders have not listened. For those that continue the push to desecrate the Hawaiian burial grounds at Wailua Beach, shame on you. We are only temporary visitors of this sacred place called Kauai. We are only passing by. While we are here, we must honor the host culture. We must respect the past and the present. We must not allow our personal agendas to get in the way of this wonderful culture. The Hawaiian culture is so very special. Please honor them. Please do not disturb those that have left us. Building a recreational path over known, sacred burial grounds is unacceptable. It is not pono. It is disrespectful. It is NOT the Kauai way.

What a Concept!

The Honolulu Police Commission recently selected Honolulu's new Police Chief. They named Louis Kealoha, a 26 year veteran with HPD, as the new Chief. A Captain with HPD, Kealoha is a well-educated officer that has the respect of the rank and file, as well as the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers. It appears that HPD is on its way to improving the relationships between the administration and the rank and file. I wish them success as they move forward to a new era of leadership.

One of the most impressive things that I noticed about Chief Kealoha was his immediate acknowledgement of the fiscal challenges that he will be facing. Even more impressive was his plan to move forward. From the Honolulu Star Bulletin:

Kealoha said the budget restraints and cuts will give the department an opportunity to re-examine its structure to see where there is duplication of effort and to see what services might be transferred to civilians or the private sector.

He said he also wants to increase the role of volunteer staffing, perhaps by increasing the police reserve officer program.

I hope all of the government leaders throughout the State will follow suit. With the economy in a tailspin, now is the time to reassess the structures of government. Now is the time to cut all duplication of services and other wasteful spending of taxpayer funds. Although easier said than done, it all starts with the acceptance that changes need to be made. From that point, an honest and objective look at the entire operation must be made. Duplication of services are wasteful and need to be addressed. Cuts will have to be made, provided that public safety is not compromised.

To sum it up, Chief Kealoha said it best. He said:

"There's going to be big cuts," said Kealoha, interviewed later. "I believe this is the time we're going to demonstrate who we are. ... We're going to succeed through this, without compromising service to the community."

Good luck Chief Kealoha. We wish you well and look forward to a new and improved Honolulu Police Department. God bless and stay safe.

Better Business Bureau Starts Kauai Advisory Council

About BBB

Vision: An ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other.

Mission: To be the leader in advancing marketplace trust.

BBB accomplishes its mission by:

• Creating a community of trustworthy businesses.
• Setting standards for marketplace trust.
• Encouraging and supporting best practices.
• Celebrating marketplace role models.
• Denouncing substandard marketplace behavior.
• BBB does not compare businesses against each other, but evaluates businesses against its Standards for Trust.

BBB Standards for Trust

BBB Standards for Trust are a comprehensive set of policies, procedures and practices focused on how businesses should treat the public—fairly and honestly in all circumstances.

• Build Trust
• Advertise Honestly
• Tell the Truth
• Be Transparent
• Honor Promises
• Be Responsive
• Safeguard Privacy
• Embody Integrity

Full BBB Accreditation Standards at kauai.bbb.org.

About Hawaii’s BBB

• Established in 1945, Hawaii’s Better Business Bureau® (BBB) is the local authority on trust in the marketplace.
• BBB is an unbiased, nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Only businesses and charities that meet and adhere to BBB standards can receive BBB accreditation.
• Hawaii’s BBB provides objective advice, free business and charity reports, and educational resources on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB also offers fair and timely dispute resolution programs for consumers and businesses.

Kauai BBB Advisory Council

Purpose

• Provide input from BBB Accredited Businesses on Kauai to Hawaii’s BBB and its board of directors.
• Work with BBB to better serve Kauai consumers, businesses, donors and charities
• Help BBB understand Kauai’s marketplace.

• Representatives of local BBB Accredited Businesses.

Members

Chairman, Mel Rapozo - M & P Legal Support Services, Lihue
John Belliveau – A/V Kauai, Kapaa
Lesther Calipjo – Kauai Foreign Cars, Lihue
Lori Cardenas - Aunty Lilikoi Products, Waimea
Candace Mack - Kauai Calls! Set Your Heart Free, Kapaa
Lani Phillips - Lani’s and Boyd Upholstery, Lihue
Ryan Thompson - Cypress Electric Communications, Kapaa

Kauai BBB Data

• 151 BBB Accredited Businesses.
• BBB Reliability Reports on approximately 700 businesses; almost 30 with F rating.
• More than 3,500 inquiries about Kauai businesses so far this year; 464 in October.
• 260 complaints against Kauai businesses.
• 49 business complaints from Kauai residents.
• Kapaa and Lihue in weekly top 10 traffic to Hawaii’s BBB Web site.

Contact Hawaii’s BBB

Web site: kauai.bbb.org
On Twitter: twitter.com/HawaiiBBB
E-mail: info@hawaii.bbb.org
Phone: 1-877-222-6551 (toll free)
Fax: 808-628-3970

Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Landfill Site Selection (MACLS) Meeting in Kalaheo

Attention everyone. If you are concerned about the plans to site the new landfill in Kalaheo, let your feelings be known to your leaders on Thursday, November 19th, at Kalaheo Elementary School at 6pm. This is your opportunity to voice your concerns and get your questions answered. Many people have approached me about this very important issue, questioning the selection committee's decision to site the landfill in Kalaheo. This is a great chance to find out more information.

Personally, I find it strange that the County would disrupt an active agricultural operation by constructing a landfill in the near vicinity of the farm. As we continue to strive for sustainability, and the preservation of agriculture here on Kauai, placing a landfill in a viable coffee farm seems to be counter-productive. Also, the fact that the landowner is not a willing partner will not only delay the process by years, but also increase the cost substantially. I'm not sure if these factors were considered in the committee's decision.

No community wants a landfill in their backyard. The reality is that the landfill will have to go somewhere. I cannot believe that out of all the available locations on this island, Kalaheo was the best choice. I believe that the better choice would have been up on Maalo Road in Kapaia. This site is far away from neighborhoods, near the existing KIUC power plant (in the event we ever get a waste to energy plant), and not currently being used in active agriculture.

I hope the people of Kalaheo, especially the employees of Kauai Coffee Company, show up in force at this meeting. The consultants need to know what the feelings of the community really are. I understand that they may be soliciting comments for a future EIS. Let your feelings be known. Don't sit back and watch it happen. Get involved.

Lingle Calls For End to School Furloughs

Hot off the press. The Honolulu Star Bulletin reports:

"The governor now favors taking $50 million from the rainy day fund to do away with school closings in 2010-11"

"Lingle said part of her decision to change her position and use the rainy day fund came from watching Hawaii debate the issue while she was traveling in China. She said the state needs to refocus on the economy and on creating jobs."

Hmmmm. I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that, while she was in China focusing on the economy and creating jobs, the U.S. Secretary of Education publicly stated that Hawaii was at risk of losing future federal funds because of the stupid decision to reduce the number of instructional days. Or maybe because the entire nation was criticizing Hawaii for messing with our children's education. Or maybe because we are the laughing stock of the entire world, AGAIN!

Whatever the reason is, it is a little too late to do what should gave been done a long time ago. This doesn't change the fact that Lingle's priority was never the children.

GOD HELP OUR CHILDREN!!

TVRs on Ag Land May be Allowed by Council

I have been informed by a very reliable source that the Council has the required votes to pass Bill 2298. This would allow TVRs on lands that are zoned agriculture. Although I am not surprised, I am terribly disappointed. Councilmembers Asing and Kawakami have both voiced their opposition to the bill, mainly due to Chapter 205-5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. It baffles me how the other 5 members of the Council have chosen to ignore this very important State law. This law is very clear and prohibits any overnight accommodations on ag land. For those of you that disagree or may not be familiar Chapter 205-5, here it is in its entirety:

§205-5 Zoning.

(a) Except as herein provided, the powers granted to counties under section 46-4 shall govern the zoning within the districts, other than in conservation districts. Conservation districts shall be governed by the department of land and natural resources pursuant to chapter 183C.

(b) Within agricultural districts, uses compatible to the activities described in section 205‑2 as determined by the commission shall be permitted; provided that accessory agricultural uses and services described in sections 205‑2 and 205‑4.5 may be further defined by each county by zoning ordinance. Each county shall adopt ordinances setting forth procedures and requirements, including provisions for enforcement, penalties, and administrative oversight, for the review and permitting of agricultural tourism uses and activities as an accessory use on a working farm, or farming operation as defined in section 165‑2; provided that agricultural tourism activities shall not be permissible in the absence of a bona fide farming operation. Ordinances shall include but not be limited to:

(1) Requirements for access to a farm, including road width, road surface, and parking;
(2) Requirements and restrictions for accessory facilities connected with the farming operation, including gift shops and restaurants; provided that overnight accommodations shall not be permitted;
(3) Activities that may be offered by the farming operation for visitors;
(4) Days and hours of operation; and
(5) Automatic termination of the accessory use upon the cessation of the farming operation.Each county may require an environmental assessment under chapter 343 as a condition to any agricultural tourism use and activity. Other uses may be allowed by special permits issued pursuant to this chapter. The minimum lot size in agricultural districts shall be determined by each county by zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, or other lawful means; provided that the minimum lot size for any agricultural use shall not be less than one acre, except as provided herein. If the county finds that unreasonable economic hardship to the owner or lessee of land cannot otherwise be prevented or where land utilization is improved, the county may allow lot sizes of less than the minimum lot size as specified by law for lots created by a consolidation of existing lots within an agricultural district and the resubdivision thereof; provided that the consolidation and resubdivision do not result in an increase in the number of lots over the number existing prior to consolidation; and provided further that in no event shall a lot which is equal to or exceeds the minimum lot size of one acre be less than that minimum after the consolidation and resubdivision action. The county may also allow lot sizes of less than the minimum lot size as specified by law for lots created or used for plantation community subdivisions as defined in section 205-4.5(a)(12), for public, private, and quasi-public utility purposes, and for lots resulting from the subdivision of abandoned roadways and railroad easements.

(c) Unless authorized by special permit issued pursuant to this chapter, only the following uses shall be permitted within rural districts:

(1) Low density residential uses;
(2) Agricultural uses;
(3) Golf courses, golf driving ranges, and golf-related facilities; and
(4) Public, quasi-public, and public utility facilities.

In addition, the minimum lot size for any low density residential use shall be one-half acre and there shall be but one dwelling house per one-half acre, except as provided for in section 205-2. [L 1963, c 205, pt of §2; Supp, §98H-5; HRS §205-5; am L 1969, c 232, §1; am L 1977, c 140, §2; am L 1978, c 165, §1; am L 1991, c 281, §4; am L 1994, c 270, §2; am L 2005, c 205, §4; am L 2006, c 237, §5 and c 250, §3]

You be the judge. It is clear to me and many others. Why our local legislators are trying to legalize an illegal activity is beyond me. Maybe the pressure from the real estate community is too much for them to handle. If you feel that the County should leave the State law alone, let your Councilmembers know. Call or email them right away. Time is of the essence.

And The Judge Didn't Stop The Furloughs! Shameful!!

Do you know if your kids go to Kauai High School, and because of block scheduling....in the month of Nov, they will have only 15 school days (7- A days and 8- B days). If math is on an A day...they will have math only 7 days in the entire month of Nov! December is worse...6 -A days and 5- B days! Tell me how can the teacher teach their subjects in such time, what is worse, how can the kids learn ?!!! For the entire 2nd quarter, they will have only 19- A days and 19- B days!19 days to learn Alg II, or Spanish, or etc..... our poor kids, they are getting "shafted" big time!

Here is a letter to one of the teachers at Kauai High School:

Thank you Mr. ** for your comments and suggestions to help **. If you don't mind, can I ask you a question in general? What are the KHS teacher's plans or directives with working around the furlough days? With less school days to teach, are the teachers revising their curriculum accordingly? It seems like it would be difficult to cover the same amount of material in less days? And it would be unfair to "double up" on the material because of less school days? Ultimately the kids would hurt the most, but what can we as parents expect with respect to the furloughs? Because of "block scheduling", in the month of November the students would have only 7 days of your class. Nov = 7 A days & 8 B days = 15 days of schooling. December is worse with only 6 A days and 5 B days! Because you teach math, it is harder for you, as a teacher to "cram" material into less days....and keep comprehension levels up. I believe you cannot "speed up" learning. I don't mean to "attack" you or put you on the spot, I just wanted to know what changes (if any) we can expect because of furloughs. Thank you for your time.

A Concerned Parent

IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE

As our legislators sit back and watch the future of out keiki get compromised, we need to move to action. We need to initiate change ourselves. I am looking for people that will walk the walk, not talk the talk. I'm looking for people that are willing to MAKE CHANGE, not just talk about it. I am looking for THOUSANDS of concerned citizens to come together to DEMAND change from our legislators. If this issue does motivate people to get involved, nothing will. It is so sad to see that more people gave a damn about the Superferry than for our keiki. This is not right. People, let's PUT UP OR SHUT UP. If you are interested in joining this movement, let me know. More importantly, you need to pass this on. My email is melrapozo@gmail.com and I want to make sure that the future of our kids is the PRIORITY! I am looking at peaceful demonstrations, letter writings, political forums, etc. We need to change the laws to require minimums in instructional days. We need to bring local control to our school districts. This system is broken and we need to fix it. Please spread the word. Email me and lets all stand up and fight for our keiki.

GOD HELP OUR CHILDREN!!

Aiona: No Need for Special Legislative Session

From the Star Bulletin Breaking News:

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona says there is no need to call a special legislative session to reduce or eliminate controversial teacher furloughs in Hawaii.

In a statement, Aiona today said a special session would be premature because the revenue picture for the fiscal year that ends June 30 would be unclear. Instead, he says state education and teacher union officials could reopen contract talks to discuss pay cuts or shift furlough days to non-instructional days.

He also said officials could agree to ease the process for parents and school principals to convert waiver and planning days into instructional time.

His comments mirror those of Gov. Linda Lingle and Republican legislators. Aiona intends to run for governor next year.

Why am I not surprised? Lt. Gov. Aiona is following in the footsteps of Gov. Lingle. It would be politically incorrect for him to go against the Governor. Unfortunately, I believe that this position will hurt him in his run for Governor. As I stated in an earlier post, I will not vote for anyone that did not help stop the shameful act of taking away instructional days from our kids. And believe me, tens of thousands of voters share this feeling.

Many are saying that it is too late for a special session. Why is it too late? Why are we stalling? Some legislators have told me that they will not support a special session unless the Governor agrees to it. Why not?

I believe that many of our legislators do not understand the impact that their silence on this issue will have on their bids for re-election. They are taking this way too lightly. People will not forget what happened to our kids. This shameful act has made national news. I saw a piece on ABC News and we really looked bad. This will spark many ex-voters to vote again. This will spark many non-voters to register to vote. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise.

God help our children!

Don't Know Who to Call?

From Kanu Hawaii's website, here is a list of legislators, and their contact information, that have not yet supported the special session to address the furloughs. Here is the article:

List of Senators/Representatives on Furlough Fridays
By Safia Lehua Slater

This is a list of all Representatives and Senators who have not yet declared support for a Special Session to address Furlough Fridays. It will be updated daily. As legislators go on record in support of a Special Session, their names will be removed from this list. Click on the name of your Representative or Senator for a link to their contact info.

REPRESENTATIVES

Aquino, Henry J.C. - District 35
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96797
Email: repaquino@capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6520 Fax: 808-586-6521 Room #: 310

Awana, Karen Leinani - District 44
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96707, 96792
Email: repawana@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8465 Fax: 808-586-8469 Room #: 403

Cabanilla, Rida - District 42
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96706, 96797
Email: repcabanilla@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6080 Fax: 808-586-6081 Room #: 442

Chang, Jerry L. - District 2
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96720, 96721
Email: repchang@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6120 Fax: 808-586-6121 Room #: 435

Chong, Pono - District 49
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96734, 96744
Email: repchong@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-9490 Fax: 808-586-9496 Room #: 404

Coffman, Denny - District 6
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96725, 96739, 96740, 96745, 96750
Email: repcoffman@capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-9605 Fax: 808-586-9608 Room #: 317

Evans, Cindy - District 7
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96738, 96740, 96743
Email: repevans@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8510 Fax: 808-586-8514 Room #: 425

Har, Sharon E. - District 40
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96707, 96709, 96797, 96860
Email: rephar@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8500 Fax: 808-586-8504 Room #: 438

Herkes, Robert N. - District 5
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96704, 96718, 96725, 96726, 96737, 96750, 96771, 96772, 96777, 96785
Email: repherkes@Capitol.hawaii.gov Phone: 808-586-8400 Fax: 808-586-8404 Room #: 320

Ito, Ken - District 48
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96744
Email: repito@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8470 Fax: 808-586-8474 Room #: 420

Karamatsu, Jon Riki - District 41
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96797
Email: repkaramatsu@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8490 Fax: 808-586-8494 Room #: 302

Keith-Agaran, Gilbert S.C. - District 9
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96732, 96733, 96779, 96784, 96793
Email: repkeithagaran@capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6210 Fax: 808-586-6211 Room #: 424

Lee, Marilyn B. - District 38
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96789
Email: replee@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-9460 Fax: 808-586-9466 Room #: 434

Magaoay, Michael Y. - District 46
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96712, 96731, 96759, 96762, 96786, 96791, 96854, 96857
Email: repmagaoay@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6380 Fax: 808-586-6381 Room #: 432

Manahan, Joey - District 29
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96817, 96819, 96898
Email: repmanahan@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6010 Fax: 808-586-6011 Room #: 421

Nakashima, Mark M. - District 1
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96710, 96719, 96720, 96727, 96728, 96743, 96755, 96764, 96773, 96774, 96776, 96780, 96781, 96783
Email: repnakashima@capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6680 Fax: 808-586-6684 Room #: 319

Nishimoto, Scott Y. - District 21
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96815, 96816, 96826
Email: repnishimoto@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8515 Fax: 808-586-8519 Room #: 441

Oshiro, Blake K. - District 33
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96701, 96782, 96819, 96861
Email: repboshiro@capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6340 Fax: 808-586-6341 Room #: 439

Oshiro, Marcus R. - District 39
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96786, 96789
Email: repmoshiro@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6200 Fax: 808-586-6201 Room #: 306

Pine, Kymberly Marcos - District 43May be your representative if you live in zip code 96706Email: reppine@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-9730 Fax: 808-586-9738 Room #: 333

Rhoads, Karl - District 28
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96801, 96802, 96803, 96804, 96805, 96806, 96807, 96808, 96809, 96810, 96811, 96812, 96813, 96814, 96817, 96827, 96837, 96840, 96841, 96843, 96846
Email: reprhoads@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6180 Fax: 808-586-6189 Room #: 326

Sagum, Roland D. - District 16
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96705, 96716, 96741, 96747, 96752, 96756, 96769, 96796
Email: repsagum@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6280 Fax: 808-586-6281 Room #: 426

* Say, Calvin K.Y. - District 20
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96816, 96822
Email: repsay@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6100 Fax: 808-586-6101 Room #: 431

Shimabukuro, Maile S.L. - District 45
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96792
Email: repshimabukuro@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8460 Fax: 808-586-8464 Room #: 406

Souki, Joseph M. - District 8
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96732, 96793
Email: repsouki@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-9444 Fax: 808-586-9499 Room #: 433

* Takumi, Roy M. - District 36
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96782
Email: reptakumi@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6170 Fax: 808-586-6171 Room #: 444

Tokioka, James Kunane - District 15
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96715, 96741, 96746, 96756, 96765, 96766
Email: reptokioka@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6270 Fax: 808-586-6271 Room #: 322

Tsuji, Clift - District 3
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96720, 96749
Email: reptsuji@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8480 Fax: 808-586-8484 Room #: 402

Wooley, Jessica - District 47
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96717, 96730, 96744, 96762
Email: repwooley@capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8540 Fax: 808-586-8544 Room #: 327

Yamane, Ryan I. - District 37
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96789, 96797
Email: repyamane@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6150 Fax: 808-586-6151 Room #: 419

Yamashita, Kyle T. - District 12
May be your representative if you live in zip code 96768, 96788, 96790
Email: repyamashita@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6330 Fax: 808-586-6331 Room #: 422

*Hold important leadership positions in the House.

SENATORS

English, J. Kalani - District 6
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96708, 96713, 96729, 96742, 96748, 96757, 96763, 96768, 96770, 96779, 96788, 96790
Email: senenglish@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-587-7225 Fax: 808-587-7230 Room #: 205

* Hanabusa, Colleen - District 21
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96707, 96792
Email: senhanabusa@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-7793 Fax: 808-586-7797 Room #: 409

Hemmings, Fred - District 25
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96734, 96795, 96825
Email: senhemmings@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-587-8388 Fax: 808-587-7240 Room #: 221

* Kim, Donna Mercado - District 14
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96701, 96817, 96819, 96859, 96861
Email: senkim@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-587-7200 Fax: 808-587-7205 Room #: 210

* Kokubun, Russell S. - District 2
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96718, 96720, 96749, 96760, 96771, 96772, 96777, 96785
Email: senkokubun@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-6760 Fax: 808-586-6689 Room #: 407

* Sakamoto, Norman - District 15
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96701, 96818, 96819, 96820, 96838, 96849, 96853, 96858, 96860
Email: sensakamoto@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8585 Fax: 808-586-8588 Room #: 230

Slom, Sam - District 8
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96815, 96816, 96821, 96824, 96825
Email: senslom@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-8420 Fax: 808-586-8426 Room #: 222

Takamine, Dwight Y. - District 1
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96710, 96720, 96721, 96727, 96728, 96743, 96764, 96773, 96774, 96776, 96780, 96781, 96783
Email: sentakamine@capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-7335 Fax: 808-586-7339 Room #: 204

Tokuda, Jill N. - District 24
May be your Senator if you live in zip code 96734, 96744, 96863
Email: sentokuda@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-587-7215 Fax: 808-587-7220 Room #: 218

*Hold important leadership positions in the Senate.

Does Anyone Disagree With This Letter?

The following letter to the editor was printed in The Garden Island newspaper. Please share your thoughts on this letter.

The Education Governor

A recent letter claims that Neil Abercrombie has not spoken out about teacher furlough days (“Don’t alienate anyone before a primary,” Letters, Oct. 28). Nothing could be further from the truth.

Congressman Abercrombie has been front and center on this issue. He met with President Obama’s education secretary, Arne Duncan, to talk about how the furloughs might affect Hawai‘i’s ability to get federal funds for education. Duncan responded by writing an opinion piece calling this furlough plan a mistake.

Abercrombie was the only gubernatorial candidate to show his support in person at the Oct. 23 rally at the State Capitol. Abercrombie shared his feelings with upset parents and students and stressed that these lost school days need to be restored now.

Other candidates have dodged reporter interviews or shrugged their shoulders with tired and lame excuses. For example, in a commentary last month in The Garden Island, Lt. Gov. Aiona said the administration had its hands tied. He wrote: “The decision to furlough teachers on instructional days was made by the Board of Education, the DOE and the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association.”

Days after that appeared, Gov. Lingle admitted she made a mistake and should have not have agreed to the collective bargaining deal that resulted in all these 17 lost days of classroom time.

Neil Abercrombie is the only educator running for governor and has consistently been endorsed by educators. He understands that it’s the students who come first; today, tomorrow and forever.Neil Abercrombie will be Hawai‘i’s long-overdue education governor.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR ALL THAT ARE CONCERNED ABOUT FURLOUGHS

To All concerned about the school furloughs:

Although there appears to be movement in the Senate to end the school furloughs, the battle is nowhere near over. It is VITAL that you e-mail, write or call Senator Hooser, Governor Lingle, and Representatives Tokioka, Morita, and Sagum, and let them know that 34 days of lost school days is unacceptable. One legislator recently commented that they have not been getting enough public input, given the importance of this issue. PLEASE TAKE 3 MINUTES to call, e-mail, or write to them. If you don't know which Representative is yours, contact them all. Also, my feeling is that there are a lot of moms writing in. If every husband/boyfriend did so as well, we would double the testimony in favor of ending school furloughs! Here is their contact info:

Governor Linda Lingle
State Capitol, Room 415
Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813
Phone: (808) 586-0221 or 586-0222 or 586-0034
e-mail:governor.lingle@hawaii.gov

Senator Gary Hooser
Hawai'i State Capitol, Room 214
415 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone 808-586-6030
from Kauai, toll free 274-3141 + 66030
e-mail:senhooser@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative (District14) Mina Morita
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 314
415 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
phone 808-586-8435
fax 808-586-8437
from Kauai, toll free 274-3141 + 68435
e-mail:repmorita@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative (District16) Roland D. Sagum III
Post Office Box 25
Lawai, Kauai, Hawaii 96765
phone: 652-9811
e-mail: repsagum@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative (District 15) James Tokioka
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 322
415 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
phone 808-586-6270
from Kauai, toll free 274-3141 + 66270
e-mail:reptokioka@capitol.hawaii.gov