Monday, December 27, 2010

Maile's Blog MOVED to http://21maile.com

Maile's appointment to the State Senate to fill the vacancy left by Congresswoman-elect Colleen Hanabusa prompted the creation of a new blog. The "21maile" blog will focus on news impacting Senate District 21 (Ko Olina, Nanakuli, Ma`ili, Wai`anae, Makaha, and Makua).

Mahalo nui loa to Maile's father, James Shimabukuro, PhD, for creating the new blog, and transferring all the past posts from the "maile45" blog.

From now on, please log on to Maile's new blog by clicking here or visiting this link:

http://21maile.com

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Governor fills Senate seats

FROM THE STAR ADVERTISER:

View press release from Governor's office HERE.

Governor fills Senate seats

Abercrombie chooses a former legislative colleague and a current House member

By B.J. Reyes

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Dec 22, 2010


Gov. Neil Abercrombie turned to present and past legislative experience in filling two Senate vacancies yesterday.

The governor named state Rep. Maile Shimabukuro and former state Sen. Malama Solomon -- an ally of Abercrombie's from their days in the Legislature -- to fill vacancies created by the resignations of Colleen Hanabusa (D, Nanakuli-Makua) and Dwight Takamine (D, Hilo-Hawi).

"Maile and Malama were selected from a group of fine candidates with outstanding credentials," Abercrombie said in a news release. "They are dedicated public servants who will help move the state forward in these difficult economic conditions."

Both said the economy and helping public education would be among their priorities in the Senate.

Shimabukuro, an attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, has represented the 45th House District (Waianae-Makua) since 2003. Abercrombie will appoint her successor.

Noting that there are fewer members in the Senate than the House, "Bills are able to move faster," Shimabukuro said. "I think it will be an exciting chance for me to try to push things through."

Solomon served in the Senate from 1983 to 1998 and as an Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee from 1980 to 1982. She was the lieutenant governor candidate on the 2006 Democratic ticket with Randy Iwase that lost to Linda Lingle.

Solomon is a former University of Hawaii-Hilo affiliate professor and a Hawaiian-studies teacher.

"I worked with the governor when he was a state senator in the Legislature, so the governor and I have an excellent working relationship," Solomon said by phone from the Big Island. "And I just feel that I could be of great service to our district.

"I know our needs and our priorities, and I felt comfortable putting my hat, so to speak, back in the ring."

Hanabusa and Takamine are leaving their elected offices with two years remaining on their terms. By law the governor must appoint a replacement who lives in the district from a list provided by the party of the departing member.

Hanabusa was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives last month and will head to Washington, D.C., when the new Congress convenes next year. Abercrombie has appointed Takamine director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, subject to Senate confirmation.



Find this article at:
http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/hawaiinews/20101222_Governor_fills_Senate_seats.html

no more Waianae landfills, say most District 1 candidates

FROM THE STAR-ADVERTISER


No more Waianae landfills, say most District 1 candidates

By Leila Fujimori

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Dec 22, 2010

Affordable housing, landfills and the tug of war between agriculture and development were among topics faced by candidates last night at a community forum.

Twelve of the 13 people running in the special election to replace former City Councilman Todd Apo participated in the District 1 forum at Nanakuli High and Intermediate. John Roco was the only candidate not there.

Apo resigned Nov. 8 to take a position with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. His successor will serve the remaining two years of his four-year term.

About 75 members of the community attended.

Most of the candidates agreed that the Waianae Coast should not have to bear any more landfills.

Kioni Dudley said a recycling system that is being used in 14 U.S. cities and Europe will "eat everything we have at the present time."

Tom Berg said, "I want it shipped and shipped now." He proposes getting rid of the Jones Act, which restricts cargo vessels serving Hawaii to U.S.-flagged ships.

Chris Lewis said new waste management technologies will take time. He said Oahu needs to take small steps that can be done now.

Bob McDermott suggested creating dust and trash barriers to minimize problems. James Manaku said Waimanalo Gulch can become an asset, suggesting technologies can be used.

Former Teamsters Union executive Mel Kahele said, "What we need to do with PVT is to get them out," referring to the company that operates the landfill.

"In two years, Waimanalo Gulch will end up in PVT," Kahele said.

Celeste Lacuesta said "the dust travels for miles" and "should not be anywhere near any housing. No PVT (Landfill) for the Nanakuli area."

Jason Espero, son of state Sen. Will Espero, said that looking at other technologies and finding a reasonable site for another landfill need to be done.

When asked what the city should do as far as low-income housing, Lewis said he supports an apartment-oriented design, rent assistance, work-force housing and Habitat for Humanity.

Berg suggested manufacturing prefabricated housing, retrofitting shipping containers for homes and even building yurts.

Dudley said, "What we need to do is get into rentals. No one can afford $400,000 for a house. We need affordable rent," and suggested $900 a month.

Kahele and Victoria Yuen suggested the city partner with the state and federal government for affordable homes and helping the homeless.

Matthew LoPresti, a Hawaii Pacific University professor, said affordable housing and rentals and rent control are needed.

On the question of preserving agricultural lands versus development, most candidates support protecting agricultural lands.

LoPresti, however, said, "If we just say no to everything, we will lose," and suggested balancing agriculture and development.

McDermott and Rose Martinez said they support diversified agriculture.

Gary Velleses said he helped form a farmers association and "will stand for agricultural land."

"I think farmers should have priority," he said.

Mail-in ballots were sent out Dec. 6 and must be received by the city clerk's office by 6 p.m. next Wednesday.



Find this article at:
http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/20101222_No_more_Waianae_landfills_say_most_District_1_candidates.html

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Wai`anae High's "Project Graduation" Needs Your Support!

Fundraising for Wai`anae High's "Project Graduation 2011" is underway. The goal is to raise $45,000, so everyone's help is needed.

To inquire about upcoming fundraising events, how to "sponsor a senior," or how to donate to Wai'anae High School Project Grad, call 620-7604 or 520-4542

Or mail checks to:

Wai'anae High School Project Grad
Wai'anae High School
Attn: Nikki Kay
85-251 Farrington Hwy.
Wai'anae, HI 96792

Photos of Wai`anae Coast Christmas Parade 2010






Mahalo nui loa to the Wai`anae Coast Rotary Club for organizing another very successful Christmas Parade. This year, there were more floats and spectators than ever! Special mahalo to my driver, George Shishido, who Cal Domen has recruited to help with many events on our Coast.

TO VIEW MORE PICTURES OF THE PARADE, CLICK HERE OR GO TO THE LINK BELOW:
http://maileswaianaecoastphotos.shutterfly.com/531


Have a safe & happy holiday season!
~ Maile

Thursday, December 16, 2010

E ALA VOYAGING CANOE CLOSER TO COMING HOME


The Wai`anae Hawaiian Civic Club (WHCC) organized the building of the E Ala voyaging canoe in 1981. Although the canoe is currently docked at the Maritime Education Training Center (METC) at Sand Island, WHCC, Polynesian Voyaging Society, and many others want the canoe brought home to the Wai`anae Coast to be used for navigational and cultural education.

DLNR officials approved of a plan to permanently dry dock the E Ala in the area between the harbor and Wai`anae High. The next step is getting the BLNR’s approval. L-R: DLNR officials Wesley Choi, Ed Underwood, & Meghan Statts; DLNR Chair William Aila Jr.; and Wai`anae Coast residents Gege Kawelo, Laurie Lawrence, and Sam Kapoi. [Click the image to enlarge; Photo by Rep. Shimabukuro]

On November 16, 2010, Wai`anae Coast residents met with State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) officials asking for their approval to permanently dry dock the E Ala voyaging canoe in the area between the Wai`anae Boat Harbor and Wai`anae High School. Fortunately, the officials, from DLNR’s Division of Boating and Ocean Resources (DOBOR), approved of the proposal.

The next step is to submit plans to DLNR’s Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) for their approval. E Ala captain Sam Kapoi, who showed DLNR a video proposal the he and other Makaha Studios staff put together, is working on the plans for BLNR. "The goal is to build a space which will not only house E Ala, but also eventually become an ocean education center for community members to learn to navigation, canoe building, marine science, and other skills," Kapoi said.

“My goal is to continue to help this project along by hopefully obtaining funds to plan, design, and construct the E Ala Ocean Education Center,” said Rep. Maile Shimabukuro (D-45th). “It is wonderful to work with Wai`anae Hawaiian Civic Club President Gege Kawelo, Leeward Community College-Wai`anae Coordinator Laurie Lawrence, and E Ala Captain Sam Kapoi on this endeavor,” Shimabukuro continued.

“Mahalo nui loa to DOBOR administrator Ed Underwood, and key members of his staff, Meghan Statts and Wesley Choi, who came to Wai`anae to discuss and approve of this project," stated Wai`anae Hawaiian Civic Club President Gege Kawelo.

"Many thanks to former Wai`anae Harbormaster William Aila, Jr., who has supported this effort all along, and played an instrumental role in making this happen. We are very pleased that Governor Abercrombie selected Mr. Aila to serve as DLNR Chair last month," said Leeward Community College-Wai`anae Coordinator Laurie Lawrence.

To sign the Petition supporting the E Ala's return to the Wai`anae Coast, click here, or go to this link: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/urge-the-city-to-allow-e-ala-canoe-to-return-to-pokai-bay/

For more information, email maileshimabukuro@yahoo.com &/or elalawaianae@gmail.com.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Shop Locally for Christmas at Wai`anae Farmer's Market This Saturday!

Click on the image to enlarge.

The Wai`anae Farmer's Market (WFM) is every Saturday at Wai`anae High School (WHS) from 8-11:30am. Don't miss it!

Click on the link below to view a photo album of the WFM's Grand Re-Opening at WHS in May 2010:
http://maileswaianaecoastphotos.shutterfly.com/377
For more information, call
697-3516 or email: waianaefarmersmarket@wcchc.com

Holiday Gifts for Him or Her: Fashion with Mana`o (Wai`anae Girl Does Good!)


Kealopiko is a clothing line created by three ladies, Hina, Jamie, and Ane (pictured). [Note: Ane Bakutis, kneeling on the far right, grew up in Wai`anae]. The designs on the clothing are things from the natural, cultural, and historical traditions of Hawaii: our native plants and animals, olelo Hawaii (Hawaiian language), our alii (royalty) and the long and amazing moolelo (story) of our existence in these islands. When designing their clothing, the Kealopiko team searches out elements of the past and the present that help people connect to the islands and give them a sense of all things Hawaiian.

The latest Makahiki line and the Hilu line (Kealopiko's line of keiki clothing) are now available on their website. Ordering from their website is easy and fast, so please check them out on the Internet. Also, the remaining shirts and designs from their first lines (that are being phased out) are often available online. So, if you are looking for an older design, chances are you can find it online.

Not only do they make clothing that is comfortable, beautiful and truly represents Hawaii, part of Kealopiko’s mission is to give back to the place they are so thankful to be from. They do this by donating a portion of their profits to organizations that support cultural education and environmental conservation in Hawaii.

Be sure to check them out!
Website: http://www.kealopiko.com/
Phone: 808.216.9229
*For specific dates & store locations that carry Kealopiko, please
check out the "events" page on their website.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Camp permits not for homes

FROM THE HONOLULU STAR ADVERTISER:


Camping permits at city parks are intended for people occasionally pitching tents, but many of Oahu's 4,000 homeless have found them to be long-term residences. The growing problem should pressure the city to find other "safe zones" for the homeless so city beach parks can return to their intended use by residents as places to relax.

Camping permits are free to the public year-round from Friday morning until the following Wednesday morning at more than a dozen beach parks on Oahu. Homeless people have found they are able to pitch their tents as their sleeping place for six days of the week at no cost at city parks, having learned how to obtain permits for Waianae Coast beaches at Kapolei Hale.

State parks where camping is allowed, meanwhile, are a tenuous alternative for the homeless. Permits cost $12 a night for up to six people, requiring organization and expenditure by the poorest of the poor.

In an effort urging the city to grant more beach camping permits for the Waianae Coast, brothers Morris and Thurston Kamealoha have collected 400 signatures on a petition, and state Rep. Maile Shimabukuro, D-45th (Waianae-Makaha-Makua), supports the effort. The Kamealohas had been ordered by police during a birthday/fishing party to leave a beach because they lacked a permit for a tent where their children were resting.

City Parks Director Les Chang has informed Shimabukuro that the city is developing online permitting that "should help minimize long lines and provide a more equitable opportunity for those seeking a recreational camping permit." That may give people with Internet connections an advantage, effectively forcing the computerless to the back of the lines.

The problem, though, of finding a place for the homeless to spend the night will remain. Neither the city nor state can afford to purchase land as "safe zones" for the homeless to lay their heads. As mayor, Mufi Hannemann supported the concept of tent cities but warned that they must come with rules, water, sanitation and private partners to secure them and provide basic services without imposing shelter rules that would result in an exodus.

Gov.-elect Neil Abercrombie stated during this year's campaign, "In the short term, we need to partner with community agencies, the private sector and others to get needed services to individuals and families ... As we go forward, we need more housing that working people can actually afford." Upon becoming mayor, Peter Carlisle signed into law a ban on tents and shopping carts on sidewalks, having tactlessly uttered as a candidate that sprinklers should be turned on in the middle of night in parks where the homeless are camping.

The Lingle administration opposed legislation that would have enabled campsites as "safe zones" for the homeless on city or state park land. But with new administrations on the state and city levels, renewed efforts must be made for inspired options. In July, three state representatives floated the idea of the public and private sectors coming together to create an outdoor area for homeless tents in the short term. This idea should be explored. The current situation in Waianae in which limited camping permits intended for public enjoyment are co-opted for makeshift homes should not continue.


Find this article at:
http://www.staradvertiser.com/editorials/sbeditorials/20101112_Camp_permits_not_for_homes.html

Hawaii Housing Alliance

The Hawaii Housing Alliance creates and supports healthy, safe, and stable communities for children, families, and workers by advocating for homes that are affordable. We conduct research, educate communities, business leaders, and policy makers, and advocate for homes our workers can afford. Our mission is important to every person living in Hawaii, and particularly those who have families and children they want to see stay in Hawaii and raise their own families.

However, our mission is also important to you. Affordable housing is a key component to solving Hawaii’s homeless crisis. The downturn of Hawaii’s economy and construction industry has caused many of our working families to find themselves suddenly homeless as a result of falling behind in rent or losing their home due to foreclosure. The working homeless, and homeless families are just two of the kinds of people we find on our streets these days.

There are also mentally ill people who have lost their medication and mental health services due to cuts and eliminations of state programs who now find themselves on the street, unable to receive the health care and medication that enabled them to be employed and live productive, independent lives.

I believe the Hawaii Housing Alliance is a resource that could benefit your organization and help you accomplish your mission because of our common interests in housing Hawaii’s people. Won’t you become a member of our online community for free?

Please take a few minutes to visit www.hawaiihousingalliance.com and fill out the online form. Joining the movement of the Alliance will grow attention to the issue of homeless and affordable housing, and help us educate our communities, business leaders, and policy makers on the true issues of homelessness, affordable housing, and viable solutions.

Thank you for your time and consideration. If you have any further questions please feel free to email me at nani@hawaiihousingalliance.com.

Mahalo,

Nani Medeiros
Managing Director
Hawaii Housing Alliance

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Health Care Reform: Pre-Existing Insurance Plan in Hawai`i

Aloha,

I would like to share information that could help uninsured individuals who have a pre-existing condition.

Rather than establish a state plan, Hawai`i joined the federal government's high-risk pool. Information on eligibility and how to apply are at:

http://www.healthcare.gov/law/provisions/preexisting/states/hi.html

This link has more details about “Health Care Reform and Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions":

https://www.pcip.gov/

Please spread the word so people who can benefit from this new health insurance program apply as soon as possible!


Aloha,
Barbara
Hawai`i Covering Kids

www.facebook.com/HawaiiCoveringKids
http://www.coveringkids.com

"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future." (FDR)

Read Aloud America Program

RAP is back to Waianae!

Aloha Waianae Readers!

First I'd like to introduce myself. I'm the new volunteer coordinator here at Read Aloud America. I hope you are all still interested in RAP and promoting literacy. I'm looking forward to our upcoming semester but I need your help.

RAP will be back to your area this Spring! Let me know if you are interested in reading. Also if you know anyone who would like to become a volunteer reader, Please have them register online on our website. Please remember that our volunteers commit to all six sessions at our Read Aloud Program.

On February 3, RAP will commence at Leihoku Elementary School. The dates are as follows:

THURSDAY Nights- All age groups are still available
Feb 3, 17
Mar 3, 31
Apr 14, 21

http://readaloudamerica.org/volunteer_reg.htm

Tricia O. Ching
Volunteer Coordinator
Read Aloud America
Phone: 808.529.9932
Fax: 808.593.1984
tricia@readaloudamerica.org


There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.
This traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the chariot
That bears a human soul!"

-Emily Dickinson

Notice of Public Hearing re Ono Polynesian Inc.




Click on image for a larger view.

December Leeward CC Newsletter

Click HERE to view newsletter.

Kamuela Enos of MA`O Farm featured in OHA's monthly newsletter

Click HERE to view on OHA website or cut and paste link below.

http://www.oha.org/kwo/2010/12/KWO1012.pdf

Health Officials Restrict Poi Pioneer - Honolulu News Story - KITV Honolulu

Health Officials Restrict Poi Pioneer - Honolulu News Story - KITV Honolulu

`Ōlelo Wai'anae Donations

Aloha,

We wanted to let you know that we will be launching the opportunity for the community to make donations to ‘Olelo on the home page of our web site today. The tax deductable donations will be via PayPal. In addition to the Donate tab on our home page, beginning December 10, you will also notice Donate links on ‘OleloNet pages.

While this is a first for ‘Olelo, many other PEG Access organizations across the country, including others in Hawaii, have been accepting online contributions for quite some time.

Please contact us if you have any questions or comments.



Mahalo,


Keali`i Lopez
President and CEO
'Olelo Community Media

DOT response to safety issue on Farrington Highway fronting Makaha Surfside

Aloha Representative Shimabukuro,

Thank you for your letter and concern regarding this site of the November 2nd fatality.

By copy of this email to Edwin Sniffen, Highway's Administrator, I am asking him to review your email and see if any action can be taken to add a crosswalk or propose another solution that addresses ongoing safety concerns. I appreciate your suggestion that legislative funding might assist and Ed can comment on that as well.

Best regards,

Mike Formby
DOT

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Great Stocking Stuffer: Rotisserie Chicken Tickets in Support of Kamehameha Schools c/o '82!


Tickets are only $10 each and on sale now - call 808-221-6420 for more info. [Click the image to enlarge]