The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given to employers for their support of their employees who also serve in the National Guard and Reserve. The Hawai‘i State Government was selected as one of only 15 employers from across the nation to receive the 2010 Freedom Award.  This is the first time a state is being recognized with the award.  A national selection board comprised of senior Defense officials and business leaders selects the award recipients.

Every terrorist movement must have its political wing.  And it is always useful for them to have some “interfaith” person telling of how wonderful that political wing is.  Some people somewhere may actually give credence to the implied authority carried by such persons and the media outlets which trumpet them.  But not many. 

"Judging from their most recent ad, it's clear National Democrats are rattled. They know the only way they can win is by trying to mislead the people of Hawaii. They know, and more importantly, the voters of Hawaii's First Congressional District know that my record is clear: I have supported measures that will put our fiscal house in order, create jobs and help our community."

“Some are asking ‘where is the local and national Democrats’ plan?’ and I remind them that it is already being implemented, and here in Hawaii has been the norm for over four decades.  Higher taxes and fees, more spending, bigger government, less liberty and doing whatever union bosses tell them to.  That’s the Democrat’s ‘Pledge.’  They should have the guts to put it on paper and roll it out the way Republicans have.”

Please join our panelists:

• - Garrett Toguchi, Chair, Hawaii Board of Education
• - Colbert Matsumoto, Spokesperson, Hawaii's Children First
• - Patricia Hamamoto,  Principal of St. Louis School

"I will vigorously implement the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative, and set a more aggressive, but achievable, mid-term goal of cutting by more than one-half Hawai‘i's annual foreign oil spending by 2018," Lt. Governor Aiona said. "Instead of shipping out $2 billion to $3 billion each year to buy foreign oil, we'll keep it in the local economy to create jobs."

The American people want, and our economy needs, more private sector jobs, not more public sector programs.  The Pledge to America answers this call.

“Instead of taking the simple step of offering small businesses the assurance that their taxes will not go up in a matter of months, this bill deepens our nation’s debt and provides no long-term incentives to create jobs. In fact, this bill permanently raises taxes by nearly $14.5 billion dollars. We cannot tax our way out of recession.

In her own words, Colleen Hanabusa said in one of her recent advertisements that she is the kind of politician that, “What you see is what you’ll get.” Since she asked for it, let’s take a look at her record…

It looks like Congress is going to scamper out of Washington, D.C. having done nothing to stop the largest tax hikes in history. In just 100 days, you will be paying higher taxes than you have in over a decade.  What does this mean for you, for your family, for your small business?

Executive Director Janet Grace commented, “Regardless of the outcome of the various races, all of Hawaii’s pro-life candidates are heroes to those of us who respect the sanctity of human life.”

Congressman Djou spoke on the House floor in support of S.1055 (H.R. 347) – granting the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.

High-income residents of New York City and President Barack Obama’s home state of Hawaii would have the highest marginal tax rates in the U.S. if Congress adopts the president’s proposal to increase taxes for top earners....

Recent news has shown that the Democrats’ healthcare takeover continues to grow more unpopular among the American public as it stunts job growth, imposes even more new taxes, and strips working families of their existing healthcare coverage. While the White House once claimed to be campaigning on ObamaCare, it now appears that Democrats like Hanabusa are running away from the healthcare takeover that they once supported.

Before Obamacare was passed six months ago today, former President Bill Clinton promised a leftist horde at the Netroots Nation convention: "The minute the president signs the health care reform bill, approval will go up, because Americans are inherently optimistic." Fast forward to last Sunday, when, after Meet the Press host David Gregory played a clip of Clinton's promise, the former President responded: "I was wrong."

HONOLULU - Lt. Governor Duke Aiona today released detailed policy plans for transportation and health care that he would seek to implement in an Aiona-Finnegan Administration. The specific policy agendas follow plans the gubernatorial candidate unveiled in recent weeks on jobs and the economy and education.

"We want to focus this campaign on the issues," said Lt. Governor Aiona. "It is only through an active and engaged public that we will achieve lasting solutions to the immediate problems facing our citizens."

The Board is in charge of the school system.  Its responsibilities include selecting the Superintendent; setting policies and priorities; approving how resources are distributed; and negotiating with the unions on things that matter in the classroom.

Despite its influence, the system has clearly failed the children, producing FURLOUGH FRIDAYS and MEDIOCRE TO POOR RESULTS.

Duke Aiona advocates the Power of Aloha program. It provides hundreds of students with lessons about character and making smart choices. 

“It’s easier to build strong children than it is to fix broken adults.” 

In town halls and on public squares, in every corner of this country, people have gathered and spoken out – in small groups and larger crowds, through phone calls and in letters, through websites and new technologies. Though these petitions come from different walks, their message is uniform: Washington has not been listening. Politicians in Washington have imposed an agenda that doesn’t reflect the priorities of the people. What’s worse, the most important decisions are made behind closed doors, where a flurry of backroom deals has supplanted the will of the people. It’s time to do away with the old politics: that much is clear. It’s not enough, however, to swap out one set of leaders for another. Structure dictates behavior, so we have drafted this blueprint on a process of listening to the American people and fielding their concerns and ideas for turning things around.

Neil Abercrombie may believe “it’s not my job” to participate in gubernatorial debates, but it apparently is David Shapiro’s job to spin it. 

Washington, DC — Congressman Charles K. Djou (HI-01) appeared on CNBC’s “Worldwide Exchange” this morning to discuss the departure of Larry Summers from the White House, the failed economic policies of this Administration and the current majority in Congress and what needs to be done to achieve economic growth. Clip and excerpts below....

Instead of listening to his generals, Obama drew up his own strategy calling for only 30,000 troops, denying Mrs. Young's son the "safety in numbers" she so desperately wanted. After the Pentagon kept trying to reopen the President's decision, Obama reportedly lost his poise, saying, "Why do we keep having these meetings?" and "I'm done doing this!"

"It was reported recently that our opponent said it's not his "job" to debate Duke Aiona. This campaign must be about issues in order for the people of Hawai‘i to make an informed decision on their choice for Governor.

"Our working families and small businesses are facing big challenges, and our opponent has yet to show how he'll accomplish all the promises he's making.

"The people of Hawai‘i need real solutions, not just talk.

The Star-Advertiser’s editors endorsed the call for debates, writing:

We like that Aiona has already challenged Abercrombie to six debates, which will serve to enlighten. He's taken the offensive to call for specifics on balancing the budget, growing the economy and jobs, and revamping education. For his part, Aiona vows a "clear path" on how the GOP will lead the state. We can hardly wait -- frustrations linger over Furlough Fridays and legislative stalemates -- and will be listening intently.

Neil Abercrombie’s answer?  “It’s not my job”

When you are losing—you want distractions.

When you are winning—you do not want distractions.

We are winning at present. -- we should remain the “focus like a laser on spending” movement.

Reid bypassed usual Senate procedure and included "the DREAM Act" in the defense bill. The DREAM Act creates a "path to citizenship" for illegal immigrants who entered the U.S. before the age of 16, have lived here for 5 years, and either serve in the military or attend college. But the bill also prohibits the government from deporting anyone who has even filed an application for the program. This essentially gives amnesty to anyone who applies regardless of whether they actually qualify for the act's protections. Worse, the program would also allow applicants to sponsor their immediate family members for a green card.

In an astounding display of amnesia and misplaced sympathy, Hawaii rallied around the defendants. After entering their plea deal, the farmers, Michael and Alec Sou of Aloun Farms, orchestrated an outpouring of letters begging the judge for leniency at sentencing. Business leaders, community activists, politicians — even two former governors, Benjamin Cayetano and John Waihee, and top executives at First Hawaiian Bank — joined a parade attesting to the brothers’ goodness.

The men were paragons of diversified agriculture and wise land use, the letter writers said. They had special vegetable knowledge that nobody else had, and were holding the line against genetically modified crops. If they went to prison, evil developers would pave their farmland. Think of the “trickle down impact,” one woman implored the judge. Besides, their produce was delicious.

HONOLULU - The Duke Aiona for Governor campaign hand-delivered a letter signed by Lt. Governor Duke Aiona, formally challenging his opponent in the general election for Governor to a series of six in-depth debates in the weeks leading up to Election Day....

"By debating each important issue for an extended period of time, our residents will get to see how each of us will govern, so they can make an informed decision in the general election," added Lt. Governor Aiona. "All you have to do is say ‘yes.’"

Murkowski is the only Republican US Senator currently backing the Akaka Bill.  Her support has been seen as necessary to gather the votes to overcome any filibuster by Republican senators.  With Murkowski effectively declared persona non grata by the Republican caucus, her ability to do political deals for votes on any cloture resolution is effectively nullified. 

Contrary to what you hear from the White House, the Obama tax hikes do not just hit the wealthy. Economic life at all levels is so tightly interwoven that tax increases for one segment of the population will ultimately affect everyone. Nearly everyone will pay something, either in lower income, higher interest rates or more expensive products...

Today, as we embark on the next phase of our campaign, we are launching a new television commercial entitled "Making A Difference."

It highlights my work in the short time I've been privileged to serve you as your congressman.

Republicans showed unprecedented unity with the unveiling of a 2011 legislative action plan outlining specific proposals to improve Hawaii’s economy, education and government.

The plan, spearheaded by the Republican Caucus, was unveiled today by incumbents and key State House Senate Republican candidates.  

The Lt. Governor is proposing the following debate schedule.

• Friday, Sept. 24 -- Jobs and the Economy
• Week of Sept. 27 -- Education
• Week of Oct. 4 -- State budget and Spending
• Week of Oct. 11 -- Native Hawaiian Issues
• Week of Oct. 18 -- Health and Human Services
• Week of Oct. 25 -- Energy

"I am humbled that the voters of Hawaii's First Congressional District have placed their trust in me. Once again, the voters have spoken: the status quo in Hawaii and in Congress is unacceptable and they want change. Over the next 45 days, I look forward to taking our message of fiscal responsibility and government accountability to all parts of this Congressional district and earning the people's trust to represent them in the U.S. House."

HD33 –D Gay marriage activist Blake Oshiro wins 52.4% to 44.3% against county councilman Gary Okino. 

Transsexual BoE incumbent Mr Kim Coco Iwamoto is sandwiched between an HGEA boss and an HSTA boss for top three positions on BoE.  Voters will have a chance to abolish this mess Nov 2.

Republican Don Couch is leading for S Maui seat on Maui Council

Fred Blas is leading for Hawaii County Council Dist 4 Puna

Faye "Islam Day" Hanohano will face off against Marlene Hapai for HD4 Puna

“We are very excited with Lynn Finnegan’s victory tonight. A Duke Aiona and Lynn Finnegan ticket brings an exciting balance of experience and new ideas for the people of Hawaii.  This kind of young, vibrant leadership is exactly what Hawaii needs.

“I also want to congratulate Adrienne King and her campaign for a fantastic campaign and even more for having the courage to run a solid campaign as a Republican in Hawaii.  King inspired so many others by her leadership and grace."

Here’s a photo of Hawaii Democrats’ Lt Governor candidate Brian Schatz at a 2006 Dan Akaka primary campaign rally in Larry Mehau’s barn. 

UPDATE Aug 4: Hannemann commercial "Abercrombie is a follower"

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi defends:  "Neil Abercrombie was an outstanding member of Congress and he will be an outstanding Governor."

Abercrombie campaign responds: Neil’s Record in Congress

1) Pay-for-play politics with military contractors and other contributors

2) Efforts to organize dependency groups controlled by political cronies and put them in control of "land and assets" (Akaka Bill)

3) Efforts to undermine the traditional family and marriage, and efforts to extend "hate crimes' protection to pedophiles

4) Consistent support for socialized medicine, Carbon Tax and other tax increases.

5) Consistent opposition to Israel and advocacy on behalf of the foreign policy interests of Islamist terrorist groups.

The Universal Service Fund (USF) is that pesky tax on your phone bill that subsidizes connections for rural or lower-income households. The multibillion-dollar fund has caught enormous flak over the years for waste, fraud and abuse. And amid an ongoing and much-needed debate in Congress on how to reform the USF, the Federal Communications Commission is set to rule any day on the future of one small, politically connected company that built its entire business around receiving these taxpayer funds.

in approximately late 2007 and early 2008, federal authorities began conducting an investigation into allegations of bribes and kickbacks paid by vendors to officials of the American Samoa Government in connection with the government’s purchase of school bus parts and services.

Primary Election Vote on Saturday, September 18, 2010 -- 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

While Hillary Clinton and the Obama administration back the current round of peace talks between Israel and the PLO, Hawaii-based “peace” activists’ favorite Hamas aid group does its best to undermine the talks with more disruption on the ground and in the water.

Top women leaders from seven nations will gather in Waikīkī to share their personal and professional stories at the 7th annual International Women’s Leadership Conference (IWLC).  These remarkable women will each share their own incredible story of success in the hopes of inspiring audience members to move forward with their own hopes and dreams, while contributing to the community.

On September 17, we celebrate the creation of our Constitution, one of the greatest governing documents ever conceived by the hand of man. This is the day we commemorate the birth of the United States as a nation, based on the rule of law and dedicated to the preservation of personal liberty, political freedom, economic opportunity, and the natural rights with which we are all endowed by our Creator.

But 223 years after the formal signing of the Constitution, our country stands at a dangerous crossroads....

The Democratic Gubernatorial Primary race? “It’s war” according to Abercrombie-backer, East Hawaii ward heeler George Yokoyama. 

Neil Abercrombie agrees.  And he predicts that Republican Lt Governor Duke Aiona will win as a result. 

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today announced state Department of Transportation (DOT) Director Brennon Morioka has accepted a job as executive vice president of Shioi Construction, Inc., in Pearl City.  His last day at the DOT will be Thursday, Sept. 23.