Entries for 'News Release'

“For too long, the State of Hawaii has had to bear a disproportionate burden in providing social services for Micronesian citizens who are legally allowed to travel to the United States without visas. While Micronesian citizens comprise less than 1% of Hawaii’s population, they consume over 20% of Hawaii’s social services. This burden is simply unfair to the taxpayers of Hawaii...."

The Hawaii Family Forum | Hawaii Catholic Conference surveyed candidates running for the US Congressional districts, Governor and Lt. Governor, House and Senate and the Board of Education.  These are their answers ...

He will propose legislation to place time limits on the issuance of permits and approvals that will increase efficiency and effectiveness in state government. If a permit or approval is not issued within the allotted time period, the application will be automatically granted.

He will post online all updated permitting and approval guidelines and procedures, create an online tracking system, put all state permits and leases online in a searchable database and subject all tax credits and public grants to public quarterly reporting.

The three names submitted by the Democratic Party to fill the vacant Senate District 22 (Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Hale‘iwa, Mokule‘ia, North Shore) seat are:  Laura Figueira, John Kampfer and Lei Learmont.

The three names submitted by the Democratic Party to fill the vacant Senate District 7 (Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau) seat are: Ronald Kouchi, Barbara Robeson and Sandra Wright.

Complete grade-by-grade results for math and reading in all DoE schools.  Some schools have grades in which ZERO students exceed expectations.

Standing out in the ratings are the “Dirty Dozen,” which include states that have not addressed the crime of human trafficking at all (Hawaii, Massachusetts, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming). The remaining states (Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Ohio, South Carolina, Oregon, and Virginia) criminalize only sex trafficking or labor trafficking but not both, only include human trafficking as a mere sentencing enhancement, or have laws that are too weak or so narrowly drafted that investigations and prosecutions of human trafficking cannot proceed. Conversely, states that have taken the most action to combat human trafficking in a comprehensive way include Connecticut, Minnesota, Texas, and Washington, among others.

FACT: Since Senator Inouye took control of Government Spending as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in 2007, the Federal Debt has grown 50% and the Federal Deficit has grown 900%!

FACT: Twice in the past year, Senator Inouye voted to increase the Debt Ceiling by a total of $2.1 TRILLION.

FACT: Senator Inouye has voted AGAINST a balanced budget amendment four times.

 $3M demolition job?

Here is the Gay-Athiest Lobby campaign target list. 

Companies including AIG, Lehman Brothers, Wachovia, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Union Bank, Wells Fargo and others essentially buy tax benefits from solar (and wind) companies that don’t have enough taxable income to use those credits on their own. Tax-equity investors get to use those tax credits as part of a strategy to shelter otherwise taxable income. (Sounds just like Hawaii ACT 215/221)

In both of his prior confirmation proceedings, Recktenwald was unanimously confirmed by the State Senate (25-0 for chief appellate judge and 22-0 for associate justice).

Prior to his appointment to the Intermediate Court of Appeals, Recktenwald served as the director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (2003-2007).  During his tenure, he focused on expanding protections against identity theft and enforcing Hawai‘i’s consumer protection laws, including guarding against unfair and deceptive trade and business practices, and insurance and securities fraud.  He also worked to make the department’s services more convenient for the public by expanding and enhancing on-line services.

“My responsibility is first and foremost to represent the people of Hawaii and that is absolutely what I have been doing. I think what you saw in the special election is that the majority of the people didn’t vote against me. The overwhelming majority of the voters voted against the establishment. They didn’t like the status quo and felt that the current representation in Congress needs a fundamental change. That’s what I’ve been doing, and that’s who I’m representing. I look forward to the judgment of the voters again in November.”

This Bill will have the dubious distinction of being the first ever to lower SNAP benefits from one period to the following period. For the first time ever, SNAP recipients will see their monthly benefits shrink. A family of four can expect their benefits to drop about $59 a month starting in April 2014. ($59 x 12 = $708/yr)

With unemployment at 9.5 percent and the national debt at an all-time high, the last thing middle-class families need is more of the Democrats’ reckless spending agenda. Instead of calling Congress back into session to create private-sector jobs, House Democrats have once again dismissed an opportunity to rein in runaway government spending and provide the fiscal discipline needed to create jobs.

(08/10/10) HONOLULU – A comprehensive settlement has been reached with the City and County of Honolulu that will address Clean Water Act compliance at Honolulu’s wastewater collection and treatment systems, the Justice Department, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Hawaii Attorney General’s Office, Hawaii Department of Health, and three environmental groups announced today.

The settlement which also resolves lawsuits brought by the Sierra Club, Hawaii’s Thousand Friends and Our Children’s Earth Foundation, includes a comprehensive compliance schedule for the city to upgrade its wastewater collection system by June 2020. Under the settlement, the Honouliuli wastewater treatment plant will need to be upgraded to secondary treatment by 2024. The Sand Island plant will need to be upgraded by 2035, but could be extended to 2038 based on a showing of economic hardship.

“The problem in Congress today is that it seems that the universal answer to every one of our nation’s problems is spend, spend, and—if that doesn’t work—spend some more. And this particular bill that we’re voting on today fits exactly in that genre—‘Spending can fix all of our nation’s woes.’

Editor's Note: For decades, Hawaii Democrats have based their power on their ability to get federal pork from DC.  Charles Djou is directly challenging the desirability of their pork.  This vote is probably the most direct challenge in decades to Hawaii Democrats' basic strategy.  Will it be a winning issue for Djou?  Election Day is Nov 2.

According to the study, 186 special funds spread across twenty different departments hold an estimated $1,412,357,203 in unspent revenues over and above their operational requirements. Some of the special funds were tagged by the auditor almost a decade ago for repeal.

Here are a few words from the individual most responsible for invention of Furlough Fridays.  How much money will be put up to promote the status quo and promulgate these arguments for continuing the structure which makes the waste, fraud, and corruption in the DoE possible?  Will the HSTA spend $100K in NEA money to oppose an appointed BoE just as they did in opposition to local school boards?  We will soon find out.

“I was honored to attend the mobilization ceremony today (Sunday Aug 8, 2010) for the 305^th MPAD/9^th MSC. It was a particularly special honor to be with a number of soldiers from the 1101^st GSU, my former unit in the Army Reserve, who will be deploying to Iraq with the 305^th."

Here's the real reason: "Sen. Clayton Hee, in opposition, raised concerns about whether Leonard would be open enough to Native Hawaiian rights. A court that strictly follows the rule of law may not have led to the recognition of customary Hawaiian rights, he said."

Congressman Djou articulated his concerns about the impact of Micronesian immigration to Hawaii on the City and County of Honolulu and the State of Hawaii's social service programs. Congressman Djou and Ambassador George both acknowledge that the status quo is not working.

Washington- The Obama White House promised this would be a summer of economic recovery, but after another disappointing month of high unemployment it is evident that is simply not the case. Now, Hawaii families can add another false promise to their growing list of grievances against Colleen Hanabusa's out-of-touch Democrat friends, whose runaway spending addiction has led the economy astray. With unemployment standing at 9.5 percent and over 130,000 jobs lost last month, Hawaii families are feeling burned by Hanabusa's Washington friends, whose trillion-dollar stimulus has failed to bring them out of this jobless recovery.

“In these tough economic times, people want ideas and solutions.  Duke Aiona’s creation of the Drug Court is an example of finding a better way to improve lives.  People want their leaders to be positive, not divisive and negative.  That’s what Duke’s whole life has been about.” 

"The achievements in Hawaii's public schools this year are truly remarkable and inspiring, and we are especially pleased with the results coming from the 14 schools in our Alliance partnership that achieved AYP targets," said Babette Moreno, EdisonLearning's Regional General Manager for Hawaii.  "The outcomes are a solid testament to the work done in the schools by the principals, teachers, students, and our dedicated partners at the DOE – who are all helping students to learn."

...among the various concerns facing us today, the most important one is the right to life. Without this most fundamental and “unalienable” right, we need not worry about any other issues. Accordingly, we must identify who among the candidates running for office will stand firm in defense of this right, for all people at all times, regardless of the circumstances.

Hawaii Right to Life PAC has researched the candidates (and when applicable, ballot questions) and provides the following information to assist you, the voter, in choosing life with your vote. By each of us taking a principled stand with our vote, we can make a real difference to save countless lives and improve Hawai‘i Nei for generations to come.

On Sunday, August 1, at approximately 6:39 a.m., two video cameras captured a Caucasian male, approximately 60 years old, stealing one of Arakawa’s campaign signs from privately owned property in Wailuku town. The suspect’s silver Nissan vehicle had a license plate identification ending with “722.”

HONOLULU - Lt. Governor Duke Aiona today announced that he has raised more than $370,000 in the first six months of 2010, including more than 1,350 donations of $100 or less. In the last six months of 2009, Duke Aiona raised nearly 950 donations of $100 or less.

Aiona has raised more than $2.3 million during his gubernatorial campaign. Approximately 88 percent of his donations have come from Hawai`i residents.

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today heralded the designation of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site, as another major milestone in the continuing effort to protect and preserve one of the most historically and culturally significant resources of Hawai‘i.  Papahānaumokuākea was inscribed as a World Heritage site at approximately 3:30 p.m. HST on Friday, July 30, 2010.

In what appears to be a deliberate new strategy, gay legal groups are targeting some of the states that have banned marriage by constitutional amendment. In Montana, (and now Hawaii) the ACLU sued the state for equal rights on behalf of several same-sex couples, arguing that even if marriage was foreclosed by law, the equality principles in the constitution still require that Montana offer all the rights and benefits of marriage to gay couples, short of the name itself.

Congressman Djou’s amendment would’ve restored, through offsets, the necessary funding to one of the largest movements of military assets in decades while helping to maintain a robust military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Congressman Djou’s amendment would’ve increased funding for military construction projects necessary to realign Marine Corps forces to Guam.  The funds would come from offsets within H.R. 5822....

Washington, DC — Congressman Charles K. Djou (HI-01) gave the following speech today from the floor of the U.S. House, advocating for a stronger and deeper relationship with the Republic of Korea...

HONOLULU - Lt. Governor Duke Aiona today issued the following statement regarding Mufi Hannemann's recent comments that his "opponents haven't spent one day in the private sector."

"Mufi Hannemann's comments are incorrect, and the record must be made clear on this matter. 

"I have not only worked in the private sector, but I have also owned my own business. ..."

“Hawai‘i’s Race to the Top application represents a collaborative effort among our Administration, the Hawai‘i Department of Education, non-profit organizations, legislators and community leaders."

“To stimulate the economy and help small businesses, I am proud to join my colleagues in co-sponsoring the Small Business Assistance and Relief Act. Whoever is in the majority—whether Democrats or Republicans—we need fiscal responsibility in Washington, D.C. and tax relief for every working family and small business to get our economy moving again.”

H.R. 5554, the Small Business Assistance and Relief Act, will help small businesses thrive by providing tax relief, reducing regulatory burden and boosting lending in the currently tight credit environment.

“After supporting a Democrat agenda that has buried Hawaii taxpayers under a mountain of reckless government spending and record-high debt, it looks like Colleen Hanabusa could once again support a job killing tax hike that would devastate the economy even further,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Small businesses are looking for some much-needed relief, but all they’re getting from Washington is the uncertainty that comes from the Democrats’ harmful agenda. If Hanabusa can’t finally stand up against the Democrats’ tax-hiking agenda, it will prove once and for all that her loyalties do not lie with Hawaii businesses and families.”

Based on Admission Act, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision announced yesterday upholds the State’s right to create OHA.  The use of the Admission Act to support this decision undermines the argument that an Indian tribe must be created to protect Hawaiian programs against discrimination complaints.  In this regard it is similar to the US Supreme Court decision in the Ceded Lands case.

Thursday July 29 and Friday July 30 -- four events on three islands.

“Raising $3.8 trillion in new taxes at any time is a bad idea. Raising these taxes in the middle of an economic downturn is a terrible idea. The current majority in Congress has spent hundreds of billions of dollars to try and turn around the economy with the so-called ‘stimulus’ package. It has utterly failed.”

During the most recent legislative session, the Republicans in the State Legislature introduced bills calling for a periodic comprehensive review of the DOE. Despite the groundswell of support from parents, students, and teachers for the Republican bills, the Democrat Majority in the Legislature allowed these bills to expire in committee without any explanation. What are they afraid an independent auditor will find? As Lieutenant Governor I will support Duke Aiona's goal for an independent audit of the DOE. An independent audit has not been conducted since 1973. The audit must be comprehensive, and include examining financial and management practices, and personnel administration. I will fight to make sure the audit is released to the public.

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today appointed Caroline S. Wong to the Board of Education to fill the seat vacated by Breene Harimoto, who resigned last month.  Wong will serve on a temporary basis until a new member is elected in the November General Election to serve out the remaining two years of Harimoto’s term.  Her appointment takes effect immediately.

The legislation penalizes entities that assist Iran in importing refined petroleum or in maintaining or expanding Iran’s domestic refining capacity. These sanctions penalize foreign financial institutions that do business with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, aid Iran’s nuclear program or support Iran’s sponsorship of terrorism. I was proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in supporting these sanctions.  

The bill that I co-sponsored has now become law, signed by the President on July 1, 2010.  

Each legislator has been scored based on his or her performance in the 2010 legislative session. Scores indicate the percentage of votes in which legislators voted in favor of limited government and greater individual liberty. While a few legislators seized the shortfall as an opportunity to make tough spending decisions, the vast majority voted to continue for the status quo-excessive spending and even higher taxes for the people of Hawaii.

Ms. Leonard, who turns 51 next month, joined the Intermediate Court of Appeals after Governor Lingle nominated her in November 2007 to fill a vacancy created by the death of Associate Judge John Lim.  She was confirmed unanimously (23-0) by the Senate and took her seat in January 2008.

The FTA has said that the City’s current financial plan is insufficiently robust to warrant entry into the next stage, Final Design. The Governor has said that she needs to see a plan that is robust enough to warrant entry before she will “accept” the Final EIS.

Mufi can continue this standoff by not having the City produce a new financial plan; Caldwell will do what he is told. Mufi can then continue to blame the Governor for holding up the project while deflecting blame from himself.

VIDEO of Djou interviewed on Fox News...

“With the economy reeling from an unprecedented national debt and an unsustainable addiction to expanding the size and spending of government, and with traditional values mocked and marginalized by an unaccountable, out-of-control Congress, we must bring sanity back to Washington, D.C.  More than any other Beltway politician, Daniel Inouye personifies the Pelosi-Reid Congress’s big spending, anti-family agenda. If we are to repair our economy and restore our nation, the reign of Daniel Inouye must end.”