Entries for 'News Release'

Congressman Charles K. Djou (R-HI) reacted to the Honolulu City Council Executive Matters and Legal Affairs ("EMLA") Committee's recommendation of attorney and former HCDA Chair, Jonathan Lai, to succeed him on the City Council.

Case: "Hanabusa has to understand the deep disillusionment and frustration that many of us of any political party or no political party feel in the system of politics in Hawaii today and in our country. We don't want power to be trumping principle and people. We don't want division, we want unity. We don't want extremism, we want consensus. We don't want exclusion, we want inclusion. And those are the things that we all want desperately." 

(In other words, she has to stop being Colleen Hanabusa.)

The Governor’s order establishes the Duke Kahanamoku Surfing Reserve, which includes surf breaks bounded by the Ala Wai and the Waikīkī War Memorial Natatorium, as well as the North Shore Surfing Reserve, which includes surf breaks from Ali‘i Beach in Hale‘iwa to Sunset Beach.  Both surf reserves are located off the waters of O‘ahu. 

HONOLULU—Today the Democratic Party of Hawai’i held its State Convention and clearly displayed that they are out of touch with the people of Hawai’i.  Instead of addressing issues of importance to the people of Hawai’i, they focused on passing resolutions supporting physician assisted suicide, gay civil unions and increasing taxes on people who grow the economy and create jobs. 

HONOLULU 5-27-10 – Governor Linda Lingle today announced that the State has advanced more than $1.8 billion in capital improvement projects (CIP) statewide, exceeding the original goal of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s plan launched in December 2008 to accelerate public infrastructure construction as part of a comprehensive effort to stimulate the economy and create jobs.  Over the past 17 months, the State has successfully opened bids for, awarded contracts for or started construction on 827 capital improvement projects totaling $1,851,513,340.

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - U.S. Army Garrison, Hawaii (USAG-HI) will hold a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at 9 a.m., May 31, at the Schofield Barracks Post Cemetery. The public is invited to join the garrison as it honors Soldiers who gave their lives in service of our country.

Non-profits interested in participating in the program and receiving free help for their organization can attend an informational briefing at the Hawai‘i State Capitol Auditorium on Tuesday, June 1 from 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Lt. Governor Aiona, DLIR Director Darwin Ching and DHS Director Lillian Koller will provide information on the program, answer questions and assistance with filling out worksite applications.

Young people, ages 14 through 23, who are interested in the program should apply as soon as possible at their nearest DLIR Workforce Development Division Office. 

The Commission’s decision also strongly emphasized responsible management of public trust resources.  The Commission ordered Maui County to begin construction within three years to fix the extremely leaky Waikamoi Flume to eliminate waste and provide a more reliable water source for Upcountry domestic and agricultural uses.  Commissioners stated that Maui County needs to develop alternative water sources, conservation and reclamation for water supplies.  Maui County relies upon stream water for approximately 85 percent of its water needs for the Upcountry system.  Due to long-term drought, this is a precarious position for the people of Maui and the County needs to shift the balance of water supply to more reliable sources that do not come at the expense of Hawaii's resources and downstream users of these same waters.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Charles Djou (HI-01) received two key committee assignments today on the important House Budget and Armed Services Committees as he begins serving Hawaii's First Congressional District. Congressman Djou issued the following statements . . . .

"In the same move of removing restraint on one end of the charter school pipeline, this legislation effectively places a new constraint on the other end, which ultimately lessens the funding available for charters.  Especially as the number of charters continues to grow, charter schools will unfortunately see fewer and fewer dollars available."

For several months now he has been campaigning for Governor and collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars for his run for Governor while at the same time receiving full salary from Honolulu taxpayers.  This is clearly not in the best interest of Oahu.

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today announced that Darwin Ching has resigned as director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR).  Ching, who has served as director since August 2007, resigned his position in preparation for his campaign to run for Honolulu City Prosecutor. His last day as director will be June 15. 

“I appreciate Darwin’s leadership as labor director,” said Governor Lingle.  “During his tenure, Darwin was instrumental in assisting thousands of Hawai‘i’s workers who lost their jobs as the global recession impacted our state.  Throughout this challenging economic period, Darwin and his team remained focused on ensuring the well-being of Hawai‘i’s workers while helping to create new jobs for our residents.  I wish him well in his future pursuits.”

The Hawaii Legislature is disenfranchising thousands of Hawaii’s voters who have consistently lobbied the Legislature in large numbers against HB444 for the past 2 years.

"I look forward to putting my support for Hawai`i's working families and small businesses against (Hannemann's) record of raising taxes and increasing the cost of living for our residents on O`ahu.

"Hawai`i can't afford him."

“As the country faces a looming fiscal crisis, it’s time to finally do something about Washington’s out-of-control spending.  A balanced budget amendment will force Congress to take a serious look at its priorities and find a solution rather than handing the problem to future generations."

“We are pleased that we are able to get refunds out to tax filers,” said Governor Lingle.  “We are able to issue the refunds at this time because of higher than expected tax collections, which is an encouraging sign that our economy is beginning to recover.  I want to again thank Hawai‘i taxpayers for their patience and understanding as we continue to work to address our budget shortfall, while setting the foundation for a stronger economic future.”

Governor Lingle announced on Monday, May 17 that the State would immediately begin issuing state income tax refunds that were processed during the months of January and February.  She made the decision after tax revenue collections for the first 10 months of the current fiscal year came in higher expected. 

Hawaii will hold the latest primary in the nation on September 18th. And just because only one Democrat will emerge to face Djou on that date doesn’t mean Hawaii Democrats’ civil war will end. In fact, the finger-pointing taking place in local Democratic circles could produce an even larger, more fractured field of candidates in the primary, leaving Democrats with little time to repair bruised egos and allowing Djou to stay far above the fray as the fall campaign season begins. Only one Republican holds a more Democratic seat than Djou, and Djou will be a top target, but Democrats have their work cut out for them. President Bush’s 47 percent share here in 2004 and GOP Gov. Linda Lingle’s big majorities in 2002 and 2006 show that HI-01 is open to voting for the right kind of Republican, especially when Democrats are a mess.

"We achieved a comprehensive solution because everyone brought something to the table and cooler heads prevailed for the sake of our children."

The agreement was made possible due to a unique three-way public-private partnership between the State, teachers and the major banks in Hawai‘i.   The plan calls for use of $57.2 million from the Hurricane Relief Fund, $2.2 million in federal funds, and six planning days the teachers have agreed to give back to the state. A $10 million line of credit from local banks is also available if needed.

“I am happy to announce that furloughs are over and children will be able to return to the classroom for the entire upcoming school year.  We have been able to do this without laying off teachers, increasing the size of classes, raising taxes, or adversely impacting the State budget,” Governor Lingle said.  “I am particularly proud that the major banks in our state stepped up and offered a line of credit that will give the Department of Education access to additional funds, if needed, to help end the furloughs.”

Colleen's goal, as confirmed election night by her campaign manager, was not to beat Charles but to finish second.

IWV determined to engage with an Electioneering Communication designed to inform voters of three key data points:

• First, that Case had voted 72 times for higher taxes IWV Report on Hawaii 1 Special Election GEB International Inc. during his four-year tenure representing Hawaii’s Second Congressional District;
• second, that Case had received three “F” ratings from the nonpartisan National Taxpayers Union; and,
• third, that Case had recently hired indicted former Illinois Governor Rod Blagjojevich’s political consultant, better known to the FBI as “Advisor B” on their surveillance tapes of Blagojevich — and that this advisor had counseled the disgraced former governor to try to swap Barack Obama’s Senate seat.

Today, the people of Hawaii have sent a message to our Congress that we will not sit idly by and watch our great Nation stripped of its best by burdensome debt and wasteful government spending.  We sent a message that we need our government to focus on creating jobs and making life better for all of us.

Hawaii stood up to the old boy network tonight and elected a Member of Congress that will be accountable to the people and will put Hawaii’s interests first. I am eager to start working with the people of Hawaii to restore confidence in our nation and our government.”

HONOLULU, May 18, 2010 – Christopher J. Wong, small business owner and non-profit advocate announced his candidacy for the City Council tonight at the Mandalay Restaurant in downtown Honolulu. In attendance to this intimate event were Chris Wong Campaign Committee Honorary Chair, Oswald K. Stender; publisher of Hawai‘i’s Most Wanted magazine and Committee Chair Mary Jean Castillo-Barkley; business leaders and elected officials in support of his candidacy.

PA‘IA, MAUI – The State Commission on Water Resource Management will hold a meeting on Tuesday, May 25, in Pa‘ia, Maui, to hear public testimony and decide on a petition to amend the interim instream flow standards for 19 east Maui streams: Waikamoi, Alo, Wahinepe‘e, Puohokamoa, Haipua‘ena, Punalau, Honomanu, Nua‘ailua, ‘Ohi‘a, West Wailuaiki, East Wailuaiki, Kopili‘ula, Puaka‘a, Waiohue, Pa‘akea, Wai‘a‘aka, Kapa‘ula, Hanawi, and Makapipi.

Charles Djou Election Night Party

When:  Saturday, May 22, 2010, 4:30pm-7:30pm

Where: Hawai'i Republican Party Headquarters

“This trip to China is another important component in our ongoing effort to expand long-term economic development and business opportunities for Hawai‘i in the emerging China market,” said Governor Lingle.  “It is vital that our state continue to build and strengthen relationships in Asia, especially China, that will position Hawai‘i businesses and residents to capitalize on future economic and investment opportunities and strengthen our cultural and educational partnerships.”

On Saturday, you can also drop your ballot off at the State Capitol near the Father Damien statue until 6pm. 

HONOLULU, Hawaii -- Approximately 200 Soldiers assigned to the 307th Integrated Theater Signal Battalion (ITSB)’s Headquarters, Headquarters Company (HHC) and Bravo Company, are deploying to Afghanistan for one year to provide signal support as part of the Operation Enduring Freedom surge.

This is the 307th's first deployment into combat since the Vietnam War.

HONOLULU - Lt. Governor Duke Aiona today announced more than a thousand jobs that pay $8 or more per hour are available immediately for young people, ages 14 through 23, from low-income families through the new 2010 Summer Youth Employment Program.

We are reprinting excerpts from an April 23 letter to Honolulu Councilmember Ann Kobayashi from Honolulu Attorney John C. McLaren who wrote “on behalf of former Governor Ben Cayetano and other unidentified people” according to the May 6 Advertiser.  Kobayashi and Cayetano are key supporters of Neil Abercrombie.    The allegations contained in the letter have been forwarded to the State procurement office for investigation.  

As of April 30, 2010, actual tax revenue collections indicate the revenue decline for the current fiscal year will be smaller than forecasted by the Council on Revenues.  For the first 10 months of FY10, actual tax collections were down 1.0 percent.  In contrast, the Council on Revenues has forecasted negative revenue collection growth of 2.5 percent.

“The fact that the decline in actual tax collections is less than what the Council on Revenues projected is an encouraging sign,” said Governor Lingle. 

Lt. Governor Aiona on Thursday announced at a news conference at the State Capitol that Hawai`i residents will soon be able to save money on new energy-efficient refrigerators when they replace their old models, as a result of $2 million in federal stimulus funds allocated to the State of Hawai`i to be used for Energy Star appliance rebates.

Whereas marriage is a fundamental institution of society, which must be protected and reserved for the unique and complementary union between one man and one woman; it is in the interest of the Government to accord special rights and privileges to the institution of marriage in order to foster and support marriage between one man and one woman so as to maintain society in the optimum family setting providing benefit to the couple and a father and a mother for any resultant offspring; no other human relationship provides that optimum setting for a child;

“It is no surprise that the three former governors would come out in full support of electing someone who would perpetuate Hawai'i’s broken political system since they are responsible for creating it.  Their encouragement to vote for any Democrat only illustrates that they want to continue the culture of wasteful out of control spending and high taxes in Washington D.C.,” stated Ka’auwai. 

HILO, HAWAI‘I — Teams of local middle and high school students competed today using underwater robots that they designed and built over the past weeks and months.  At the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Student Life Center Pool, students used their underwater robots, known as remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs), to navigate the precarious terrain of active undersea volcanoes in a mock setting. 

“Charles has run a great campaign and his message bold, independent leadership is exactly what people want to hear," said Hawai'i Republican Chairman Jonah Ka’auwai.  “The state party has been an active partner with his campaign and the grassroots support has been tremendous.  It is this type of energy we will take into November and the state convention helped showcase the future of the Republican Party.” 

Kalani HS: Political indoctrination?

HONOLULU – Joining a boisterous crowd of 700 convention delegates and grassroots supporters wearing t-shirts and waiving signs in support of Duke Aiona at the 2010 Hawai`i Republican Party State Convention, Lt. Governor Duke Aiona, the leading Republican candidate for Governor, delivered a keynote address highlighting his grassroots campaign for balanced, efficient and accountable government while setting an agenda to create jobs, improve education and strengthen the economy in Hawai`i.

In a surprise appearance, former Democratic State Senator David Matsuura introduced Lt. Governor Aiona to the supportive crowd and crossed party lines to endorse his campaign for Governor.

This year, the event will be hosted by the Hawai'i Republican Party and Convention Chairman Representative Gene Ward.  The agenda includes the adoption of a new Party Platform by Convention Delegates and remarks by Governor Linda Lingle, Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona, Congressional candidate Charles Djou and Chairman Jonah Ka'auwai.  Elected officials, including Senator Sam Slom, Representative Lynn Finnegan and Representative Cynthia Thielen as well as several Republican candidates for offices across the state will also be in attendance.

In the third and final broadcast debate of the special election in Hawaii’s First Congressional District, Charles Djou scored a resounding victory over his two opponents.  Highlighting his campaign themes of fiscal responsibility, job creation and government accountability, Djou clearly showed why the voters in the May 22 special election have a choice between the status quo in Washington, DC, or his fresh ideas and vision for Hawaii’s future. 

Ed Case has hypocritically taken more than a quarter million dollars from special interests groups. Case has taken $286,476 from political action committees (PACs) and $71,500 from labor industry PACs, as of May 2, 2010.

(Kapolei, HI)- Former local television news anchor and reporter, Ramsay Puanani Wharton, today announced her candidacy for the 2nd Congressional District. She was surrounded by family and supporters as she filed her nomination papers at the Office of Elections in Pearl City.

“I’m running for Congress because our current Representative has shown little or no leadership on the key issues upon which our voters have made clear they want our Washington Representatives to focus: job creation, restraint in spending and lower taxes,” said Wharton.

Current Hawaii law requires a homeowner to "retreat" from his or her own home when invaded by a criminal engaging in a felony. The new law establishes provisions relating to owner to felon; limited liability. Provides that any owner of any interest in real property shall not be liable to any perpetrator for any injury or death that occurs upon the real property during the course or after the commission of certain felony offenses.

Honolulu has the fifth highest debt per capita of America’s larger cities (See list below).  Note that this debt does not include our inevitable shortfall in rail taxes, the $1.2 billion liability for secondary sewage treatment (the city lost both the suit and the appeal to EPA) or the funds needed for our roads which are some of the worst in the nation and will require billions for restoration (as opposed to the wasteful two inch overlays currently done in a hurry in order to “buy votes”).

“As our campaign continues to grow, I'm adding new leaders to my core team that will help me draw upon the community to shape the next chapter in Hawai`i’s future,” said Lt. Governor Aiona. “They bring together the right mix of campaign experiences, fresh ideas and an unwavering commitment to reduce the financial burden on our working families and businesses, create jobs and improve our education system so all of our children have the opportunity to compete in a global economy based on knowledge and innovation.”

East Hawai`i campaign headquarters will officially open its doors to the public on Thursday, May 13, at 5:00 p.m. The Lieutenant Governor will be on hand for the grand opening ceremony to deliver remarks and talk story with campaign supporters and their families at the new office, which is located at 142D Kino`ole Street at the old Hilo Hotel.

KITV ran a segment in last night’s 10pm news where they picked apart the latest misleading ad from the Case campaign.  Political analyst Neil Milner called the Case commercial, “fancy political footwork in the sense that it suggests a more explicit link between Case and Obama than really exists.”  Milner goes on to say “I’m not making an ethical judgment here; I am just saying it isn’t what it says it is.”