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!!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, November 2, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
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
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
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