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
Monday, December 27, 2010
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
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
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
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.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
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
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
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