Maui County

“The fact is, the final EIS is not on my desk as some have incorrectly stated.  The EIS is currently being reviewed by the Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC), which is analyzing the EIS section by section to make certain that it meets the requirements of the state’s environmental law, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes Chapter 343."

Nearly 400 gathered at the Hilton Hawaiian Village this evening at the Hawaii Republican Party's 8th Annual Governor's Ball.  The event helps raise funds for the Hawaii Republican Party's Victory Program for the upcoming election year. 

Civil Beat just released the poll (below). The good news is that Panos doubled his support since the last poll - but Carlisle is still in the lead, with 10% of those polled undecided.

“Nine years ago, amid the confusion, shock and rubble, we witnessed something remarkable unfold. Out of the ashes, American courage and charity emerged. Our resilience as a people was tested and strained, but it did not break. We came together and rose above the pettiness that so often marks our day-to-day reality."

Colleen Hanabusa today unveiled her fall campaign slogan with the release of her first campaign commercial: “What you see is what you get.”  

In the commercial, we didn’t “see” her husband John Souza, the former State Sheriff, trucking company magnate, and land baron now known as “Mr Invisible”, but that doesn’t mean we don’t “get” it.

She didn’t mention Ko Olina or the Pali Golf Course but we do “get” it.

“A lot of politicians talk about the economy and jobs, I decided to actually do something about it with this job fair.  Hawaii residents understand that doing is always better than talking."

Honolulu, HI — Congressman Charles K. Djou (HI-01) issued the following statement today, expressing relief that North Korea had released the South Korean fishing vessel, the Daesung 55, and its crew yesterday at the East Sea military demarcation line. Congressman Djou introduced a resolution at the time of its seizure, condemning North Korea’s provocations and calling for the release of the Daesung 55 and its crew. Congressman Djou’s statement also praises South Korea for joining the United States in trade sanctions against Iran and urges China to do the same

Furst cites a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ad aired against Rep. Charles Djou (R) before the May special election vote in Hawaii.

Djou and the youthful new leaders reshaping the Hawaii Republican Party suggest that their opponents are living in the past and counting on tradition to overcome voter dismay with deficit spending, rising taxes and protracted economic crisis.

The Hawaii Republican Party filed a formal complaint this afternoon with the Office of Elections, raising concern about a violation of laws that prohibit campaign activity within 200 feet of a polling place.  Yesterday, Colleen Hanabusa held a press conference and had news crews film her as she filed her Primary Election ballot at Honolulu Hale. 

Cam is proud to have the endorsement of Honolulu City Councilman Gary Okino of Aiea. Councilman Okino's support shows that standing up for traditional values is a Hawaiian principle, not a partisan one--and that more people across the Islands need to be exposed to the facts on Senator Inouye's voting record.

Weekend retreats offer a safe, supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express, release and reconcile painful post-abortive emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing.

Paychecks Hawaii, the private, independent, Smart Business Hawaii political action affiliate, announced its picks for the September 18 Primary Election....

“Just last week, Congressman Charles Djou cast his vote in the Primary election for Hawaii’s First Congressional District. His main opponent, however, has not cast her vote yet. In fact, she will not be voting in this election. As a candidate asking for the vote of the people, it’s worth asking: ‘If Colleen Hanabusa won’t be voting for herself, why should anyone else?’"

Due to an event scheduled at the same time by the League of Women Voters, the Townhall Meeting at Haha‘ione Elementary School Cafeteria for Tuesday, September 14 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. has been cancelled.

Complete list of employers planning to attend tomorrow's job fair.

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today appointed Laura Figueira to fill the vacant O‘ahu North Shore Senate seat and Ronald Kouchi to fill the vacant Kaua‘i Senate seat.  They will serve on a temporary basis until new Senators are elected in the upcoming General Election and take the oath of office.  The two vacancies were created by the resignation of Robert Bunda and Gary Hooser in July. 

Breaking technology is now offering a safe and affordable alternative to large nuclear reactors, called Small Modular Reactors, or SMRs.  Even enlightened environmentalists have changed their minds about energy and now support nuclear. Greenpeace activist Patrick Moore, Gaia theorist James Lovelock, Greenpeace UK Executive Director Stephen Tindale,  Friends of the Earth board member Bishop Hugh Montefiore and environmental icon Stewart Brand have all switched sides in the nuclear energy debate....

Honolulu, HI — Congressman Charles K. Djou (HI-01) appeared on Hawaii News Now “Sunrise” this morning to discuss returning to Washington, the President’s latest economic proposals and the First Congressional District Job Fair this week:

Washington- It’s been more than 18 months since Colleen Hanabusa's Democrat friends passed a trillion-dollar stimulus bill promising to keep unemployment under eight percent and create four million jobs and, so far, one thing is clear: It’s an utter failure. With unemployment at an unacceptably high 9.6 percent, the economy in a complete tailspin and the nation deeply in debt, Democrats now want to ram through a $50 billion spending bill in a last ditch attempt to salvage their crumbling political careers.

Charles Djou opens his Campaign HQ and releases his first campaign commercial of the fall election season. (VIdeo)

Remember, none of this has anything to do with how much money is coming out of your pocket to line theirs....

VOTE EARLY! Here is a complete list of Walk-in absentee/early voting sites and hours for all four counties.

Washington- House Democrats’ summer recess is almost over and it’s time for Colleen Hanabusa and her out-of-touch friends to face the music. With another failed attempt at recovery under their belts, Democrats are facing a bruising uphill battle this November. With unemployment at an unacceptably high 9.6 percent and way above the once-promised eight percent, Democrats have officially run out of excuses. Their trillion-dollar stimulus failed to produce jobs and their runaway spending spree has left the nation in debt, putting their Democrat majority up for grabs this fall – and making Hanabusa accountable for supporting her party’s failed economic agenda.

THREE MONTHS after Intajak arrived in America, in October 2004, Global Horizons sent him to Hawaii to work for the Maui Pineapple Co. Here, the pay was better than in Yakima—$9.50 an hour—but the conditions were worse. One Global Horizons agent, Intajak and other workers told me, was in the habit of carrying a knife, a gun, or a baseball bat, and of threatening workers with "deportation" if they didn't behave or meet their quotas. Just four days in, Intajak says, he watched the man beat a coworker. 

The Maui Pineapple Co.'s land is nestled among gorgeous foothills, shrouded in mist and covered with volcanic soil the color of dark coffee. The now-defunct company was part of Maui Land & Pineapple Co., whose majority owner is Steve Case, cofounder of AOL; another primary shareholder is eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, a generous benefactor of anti-slavery organizations.... 

Lt. Governor Aiona on Thursday delivered remarks on the importance of providing affordable, quality health care at a dedication ceremony for a new Shriners Hospital for Children in Honolulu. The hospital will help provide specialty care and innovative research for children from Hawai`i and the Pacific Northwest.

According to the Board of Water Supply, there were 364 water main breaks per year between 2005 and 2009.

“Today marks a historic and monumental shift—and we have our brave men and women in uniform to thank for that. The progress made in Iraq has been difficult and undeniable. It is remarkable to reflect on how far Iraq has come from a nation ruled by a tyrant to a functioning democracy in the heart of the Arab Middle East. This is what our courageous troops have accomplished.

Join Congressman Charles K. Djou and many prospective employers looking to hire at the 2010 First Congressional District Job Fair. This job fair is free of charge and is open to all residents of Honolulu who are unemployed or underemployed and are looking for better opportunities.

HONOLULU - House Minority Leader Lynn Finnegan, Republican candidate for Lt. Governor, today announced the endorsement of several members of her Minority Caucus in her election bid. The Minority Caucus elected Lynn Finnegan as their leader five years ago.

“The team’s achievements clearly reflect the guidance of their parents, coaches and teachers.  I want to especially recognize Team Manager Brian Yoshii and coaches Kiha Akau and Jason Heleski for their leadership in mentoring these young athletes and providing them a strong foundation for success both on and off the field.

“The loss to Japan today in no way takes away from what the Waipio All-Stars have brought to our state: tremendous pride to their families, their community and the entire State of Hawai‘i."

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle congratulated the Waipio All-Stars Little League team for winning the U.S. Championship Little League World Series title today, in a 10-0 shutout victory over the team from Pearland, Texas. ...

“I can’t wait for tomorrow’s championship where I know Waipio will continue to play at the highest level as they pursue their second Little League World Series championship. Special kudos to the coaches and volunteer staff who led by example.”

“Mr. Carlisle is fortunate that his statements about his involvement in the Republican Party do not have to stand up in court.   Although he claims that he was not an “active member” and only involved for a “few months”, the fact is Carlisle was a registered party member for 4 years, chaired two State Republican Party Conventions, emceed a major party fundraiser, and ran as a party member for reelection in 2008."

In an odd sequence of events, Republican Lieutenant Governor candidate Adrienne King last week first claimed and then retracted her claim to have won the endorsements of both the Kona and Maui TEA Party groups.  Rep. Pat Saiki, Honolulu’s Republican Congresswoman from 1986 to 1990, also rejects King’s continuing use of Saiki’s name as an endorser.  

"Even Mr. Carlisle, who promises to 'put our financial house in order' admits this is not fiscally responsible.  Despite this, he wants to build a mega rail system--even bigger than the one currently planned.

"It is our belief that Hawaii’s political class is purposely waiting until after the elections, at which time it will announce a 'November surprise' of massive tax increases to pay for rail, sewers, and pay increases."

Hawaii politicos have spent a lifetime snagging federal dollars and then doing what they please, so it is illogical and unreasonable to assume that RTTT will be any different. 

The HSTA’s worthless signature was a key to the DoE’s RTTT application being ranked third in the nation, how will they undo it?

“While today’s news is promising, it is just the beginning. The road to success in the public school system is long, but with the kind of resolve that the State of Hawaii has displayed, it is not one that is impossible.”

“We outlined an ambitious vision and long-overdue public education reform goals for our state, which included assisting struggling schools, improving school performance from kindergarten to college, and ensuring that all of our students are equipped and prepared to enter both college and the working environment.

“This is an historic opportunity, and we must continue to work together to implement the reforms necessary to cultivate a brighter future for our young people.”

I like Panos Prevedouros: his energy and enthusiasm; outside-politics base and perspective; and fresh thinking and independence. We need him and many others like him to seek and serve in elective office. In this election, though, he and Carlisle are the change candidates against a status quo Caldwell; I don't want that vote to be split at the risk of Caldwell prevailing. As well, as a cautious mass transit supporter, I don't believe rail should be effectively scuttled on this vote. So for me Prevedouros is a yes, but not this one.

Washington- In another attempt to distract from their record of runaway spending and economic failure, House Democrats have handed down new marching orders to Democratic candidate Colleen Hanabusa. Their latest strategy to gloss over their job-killing agenda is to instruct loyal followers like Hanabusa and her Washington friends to highlight the party’s so-called small business agenda. Likely missing from the latest directive, however, is any mention that Washington Democrats are pushing forward with a plan to slam small businesses with massive tax hikes that are certain to kill jobs, prevent businesses from hiring, and set the already-struggling economy back even more.

House Republicans this weekend continued to blame Democrats for a lethargic economy, charging that last year's stimulus bill has hobbled the country with debt while failing to prevent the job losses that supporters promised.

"For every problem facing our nation, the answer from Washington has been to spend and spend, and – if that doesn’t work – spend some more," Rep. Charles Djou (R-Hawaii), said Saturday, delivering the Republicans' weekly radio address.

Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Voice of America, AP, Bloomberg, Politico...they're all talking about Charles Djou's speech.  And the local media?  Oh, that's right, they're busy doing point-by-point color commentary on the trash-talking Democrats who want to be Governor.

Rep. Djou: “Even if the powers-that-be in Washington do not support less government and less spending, they should at least provide those of us who do with a chance to give the American people the common-sense fiscal discipline they are demanding.”

"The poll numbers referenced by Mr. Carlisle in the Midweek story do not exist.  The Hawaii Republican Party has not conducted nor shared poll numbers with the Carlisle campaign and the public needs to know that the numbers he is referring could just be made up."

Peter Carlisle is not a member of the Hawaii Republican Party.  The only Hawaii Republican Party member in the race for Honolulu Mayor is Panos Prevedouros. 

Congressman Djou meeting with the Hawaii Restaurant Association

“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 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.

 $3M demolition job?

I am the child of immigrants, a citizen by birth, and at age 39 I proudly placed my hand on the Bible and swore to protect our Constitution as a member of the U.S. Congress. My story is not unique. For more than 200 years our ancestors abandoned their homes and risked their lives to come here, work hard, and provide a better life for their families. The opportunity to do so is part of what makes our country the greatest on Earth.

I understand that our immigration system is broken and share the frustration of so many Americans with our porous borders. America needs comprehensive immigration reform; it is critical to our nation's future. But it is simply unrealistic to believe that we can fix the problem by amending the Constitution.