Karsten Thot Bridge Reopens As Work Continues

Good news for commuters who use Karsten Thot Bridge. The state Department of Transportation (DOT) informed us that as of Oct. 19, the bridge will open to traffic going both directions. Everyone is asked, however, to heed the speed limit of 15 miles per hour on the bridge from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily as work continues under the bridge.

It was possible to open the bridge because the structural repairs were completed and inspected. Sometime next year, the top of the bridge will be repainted to prevent corrosion, and it is anticipated that the work will be done during evenings and/or weekends.

Many questions were raised as to why the bridge had to be closed while work was going on. DOT attempted to restrict traffic to passenger vehicles and emergency vehicles in keeping within the 10-ton limit for safety, but this was not being complied with and was difficult to enforce. Therefore, the bridge had to be closed for the safety of crews working beneath it.

Continue reading on Midweek.com

KARSTEN THOT BRIDGE TO OPEN NORTHBOUND FOR WEEKDAY AFTERNOON RUSH-HOUR TRAFFIC ON MONDAY

HONOLULU - The state Department of Transportation (DOT) advises Oahu motorists of a change in the traffic detour for the Karsten Thot Bridge repair work in Wahiawa. Starting Monday, October 15, the northbound (Haleiwa-bound) lane of traffic across the bridge will be opened for passenger vehicle traffic-only from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. daily, on Mondays through Fridays. The southbound (Honolulu-bound) lane will remain open for morning commuters from 5 a.m. until 9 a.m. on weekdays for the duration of the project. The DOT urges motorists to use caution and proceed slowly over the bridge. The morning and afternoon lanes are open to passenger vehicles, emergency vehicles and school buses only. No city or tour buses or heavy commercial vehicles will be allowed. Pedestrians will continue to be able to use the bridge. The afternoon northbound single lane opening is possible because much of the major critical structural work underneath the bridge is nearly complete. However, structural work on other members continues and further work involving sandblasting and painting below the bridge still needs to be done. Due to the closure, work has progressed well. Estimates for the project completion date are still within the six-week initial projection. If work continues as scheduled, DOT anticipates completion by the end of October. Within the next year, additional work to repaint the top of the bridge structure will be put out to bid. This work is anticipated to take place during off-peak traffic times, such as at night or on weekends. While not considered part of this emergency work, the painting is important to reduce and prevent rust and corrosion. The 80-year-old steel bridge has been closed to vehicular traffic for critical emergency structural repairs that include replacing rivets and repairing and/or replacing steel beams.

During an inspection this past July, it was determined that the bridge needed immediate repairs. Since that time, a work platform was built underneath the bridge. Crews performed preliminary work and further inspections. The DOT made the difficult decision to close the bridge completely for safety reasons on Monday, September 17. Voluntary compliance with the passenger vehicle-only restriction and 10-ton limit was not being consistently followed and presented a danger. Since closing the bridge, DOT engineers have been monitoring and evaluating the traffic situation, listening to community concerns and complaints, and working with the Honolulu Police Department and the area military installations to mitigate the traffic issues. The DOT appreciates the public's patience as we continue work to make the Karsten Thot Bridge safe for all drivers as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

LIBRARY CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY

Waialua Public Library (Oahu) celebrated its 85th Anniversary on September 15 at the Waialua Bandstand in the Park, across the street from the Library. Governor Neil Abercrombie, Senator Donovan Dela Cruz and other state and City officials, State Librarian Richard Burns, and more than 400 people attended the free event. Click here to read more. (Photo and text courtesy Hawaii State Public Library System.)

CITY SEEKING ART PROPOSALS FOR WAHIAWA TRANSIT CENTER

The City and County of Honolulu Commission on Culture and the Arts will select two works of art for the Wahiawa Transit Center and is seeking proposals from artists or artist teams. The budget for each project is $100,000.00. The application deadline is January 11, 2013.

The Wahiawa Transit Center, at 956 California Avenue, is a two-story, 46,000 square foot structure with exterior historic-themed decorative elements. It functions as the main community bus station. The anticipated goal is for artworks that highlight the history and culture of Wahiawa with emphasis on the transportation history of the area.

The artworks are for the interior driveway walls. The West Project location is the west bus driveway and the East Project location is the east bus driveway. The art work may use one or both walls of each driveway for works such as a mural, frieze, fresco, sculpture, or other wall-mounted works of art that are permanently installed. The work of art may be installed on a substrate to be attached to the existing wall.

The selected artist or artist team must comply with Federal Transit Administration contractor requirements due to U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration funding of the commission.

Applications must be received by 4 p.m. on January 11, 2013 at:

Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts
Attention: Art for Wahiawa Transit Center
550 South King Street, Room 203
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.

Karsten Thot Bridge Closure Traffic Update

Since the closure of Karsten Thot Bridge on Sept. 17 for emergency repairs, the state Dept. of Transportation (DOT) continues to work with the Honolulu Police Dept. (HPD), US Army Garrison Hawaii and the 25th Infantry Division to make traffic pattern and scheduling adjustments to minimize traffic congestion. Below is an update on traffic measures currently in effect. DOT thanks motorists for their continued patience during this necessary bridge repair work.

• The Karsten Thot Bridge southbound lane is open from 5 - 9 a.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays. Pedestrian traffic is allowed over the bridge at all hours using the designated walkway.

• HPD special and regular duty officers are providing rush-hour traffic control through major intersections in the mornings and afternoons on weekdays, excluding holidays.

• Schofield traffic exiting McNair Gate is limited to right turns only, turning south onto Wilikina Dr., from 5 - 7:30 a.m. and 4 - 6:30 p.m. Left turns into McNair Gate from Wilikina Dr. will not be allowed during these hours.

• Schofield traffic exiting Macomb Gate is limited to left turns only, turning north onto Wilikina Dr., from 4 - 6:30 p.m. Left turns into Macomb Gate from Wilikina Dr. are allowed during these hours.

• Modified traffic patterns at Schofield Barracks' Lyman Gate and Wheeler Army Airfields Kawamura Gate will continue, accommodating a higher volume of traffic during peak hours.

Hawaii Ranks Near Bottom for Doing Business - But Does It Matter?

(Honolulu Civil Beat) - Earlier this year, Hawaii gained the dubious distinction of having the worst traffic in the nation and some of the worst roads.

Now, the state can add another poor rating to the mix: a CNBC special report named Hawaii the second-to-worst state in the nation for business in 2012.

State officials weren't surprised by the news.

"We always rank at the bottom. It's not something new," said Eugene Tian, the economic research administrator at the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. Last year, Hawaii only did marginally better in the rankings - 48 out of 50.

Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz said that despite its predictability, the low score should still be cause for concern.

"It's not enough just to agree we're anti-business," he said. "We have to change it."

Dela Cruz said that because the state ranked at the bottom in almost every category, the study can't be ignored.

"If the rest of the world is looking at the rankings and they're seeing that we're anti-business, how are we going to attract investment?" Dela Cruz said.

Continue reading on Honolulu Civil Beat

How Hawaii Can Reverse the Brain Drain

(Honolulu Civil Beat) - Editor's Note: This is the second of two columns by Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz discussing why Hawaii is not doing as much as it could to boost the economy and how it can be better.

In 2007, Forbes conducted a study ranking American cities with the best- and worst-paying jobs. Honolulu received top recognition with above average salaries for busboys, bartenders, and lifeguards. Albeit these are much needed services, Honolulu needs to push the envelope in reversing the brain drain and keep our local people here. We need jobs in business, diplomacy, education, technology and science, energy, and film. First we need to create the environment and the culture to attract investment to achieve synergy and scale to make those jobs real.

This idea of creating a globally competitive Hawaii also provides possible answers to dealing with budget deficits, developing public private partnerships and investment opportunities, reversing the brain drain, focusing growth in the urban core and stopping urban sprawl in its tracks to protect agricultural land. This can only be done by truly envisioning and achieving regional centers of industry along the rail line:

Technology (Silicon Valley)
Film (Hollywood)
Finance (Wall Street)
Diplomacy (Geneva)
Medicine and health

The possibilities are endless due to location, weather, climate, and culture but leadership, coordination and vision in government are required.

Continue reading on Honolulu Civil Beat

A Real Plan for Supporting Hawaii Farmers and Creating Jobs

(Honolulu Civil Beat) - The Whitmore Village Agricultural Development Plan is an effort to help revitalize the economy and agricultural production in Central Oahu, once a region that led the industry with pineapple and other crops. The main objectives are to:

• demonstrate that farming is an attractive profession, agriculture is revenue generating, and a career in agriculture will allow a new generation of farmers the ability to live and work in Hawaii;

• create synergy and scale resulting in reduced costs of farming and ensuring supporting systems and activities become efficient; and

• develop a comprehensive, economically sustainable plan for agriculture that includes farms, packing and processing facilities, distribution systems, infrastructure and water, agri-tourism opportunities, public-private partnerships and long-term investments.

This plan includes the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC), Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), private sector partners and small, medium and large local farms.

Continue reading on Honolulu Civil Beat

Is Hawaii Globally Competitive?

(Honolulu Civil Beat)

Editor's Note: This is the first of two columns by Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz discussing why Hawaii is not doing as much as it could to boost the economy and how it can be better.

In 1999, the Honolulu Star Bulletin published an article by Lavonne Leong, "Isles Lose Many of the Best and Brightest." When University of Hawaii graduates in finance were asked, "What advice would you offer current and soon-to-be graduating students in your major?" almost twenty-five percent responded, "Move to the mainland."

Let's fast forward to 2012. Is the advice the same?

We have heard the catch phrases of "diversify our economy" and "reverse the brain-drain" time and time again for more than 30 years. We have even heard the terms "gateway" and "where east meets west." And what progress have we made?

The world is rapidly changing and we are discussing the same challenges and reliving the same debates. Same approaches to same problems have given us "what should have been obvious" same results.

Simply put, we must have a common goal to make Hawaii the most globally competitive state and Honolulu the most globally competitive city starting yesterday. We all need to feel the sense of urgency.

Cities encouraging redevelopment and mixed-use are more competitive offering graduates more money, more opportunities and prestige. Simply put, Hawaii is not globally competitive enough to keep students born and raised in Hawaii at home or offer them a lateral profession to draw them back home. Census reports show that in 1997 and 1998, almost 17,000 more people moved from Hawaii to the mainland than vice-versa. Hawaii continues to lose its best and brightest.

This problem stems from a shortage of affordable housing, low-paying salaries, and a lack of opportunities. Yet, in other globally competitive cities high home prices and the high cost of living are offset by higher paying careers.

Continue reading on Honolulu Civil Beat

Whitmore Village Site a Boon for Agribusiness

Over the years we have heard time and again about the diversification of the agricultural industry, food substantiability and security, and the importance of preserving agricultural land.

Unfortunately, a lack of vision, planning, coordination and not making the proper investments have left the industry limping along. We have not restructured government to appropriately respond to the globally competitive situation that places Hawaii farmers at a severe disadvantage. Because of evolving federal regulations and an increasing number of low-priced imports, some local farmers have abandoned their efforts, and younger generations feel the situation is too overwhelming and difficult to pursue.

Now is the time for us to show and execute leadership to create a successful revenue-generating model for agriculture that we can later template all across our state. Continue reading on Midweek.com.

Democrats Consider Expelling Senator Dela Cruz over TOD Bill

(Hawaii Free Press News Read) - SA: State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz has asked Oahu Democrats to dismiss a complaint that alleges he violated the party's environmental platform by sponsoring a bill that would have encouraged development around Honolulu rail stations.

The complaint, filed by Lynn Sager, chairwoman of the party's environmental caucus, alleges that the bill was in direct opposition to the party's platform goal of sustaining the environment. Sager and the other activists who signed the complaint want the party to determine whether Dela Cruz should be reprimanded, censured or expelled.

Dela Cruz said his bill was intended to help guide residential, commercial and mixed-use development around Honolulu rail stations and promote transit ridership. The bill died on the last day of the legislative session in May after critics, including many in the environmental community, claimed it could shut the public out of the planning process.

Dela Cruz said the complaint does not reflect "the 'D' that I cherish." Read more on HawaiiFreePress.com.

Dela Cruz denies allegation that bill shuns Dems' goals

(Honolulu Star-Advertiser) - State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz has asked Oahu Democrats to dismiss a complaint that alleges he violated the party's environmental platform by sponsoring a bill that would have encouraged development around Honolulu rail stations.

The complaint, filed by Lynn Sager, chairwoman of the party's environmental caucus, alleges that the bill was in direct opposition to the party's platform goal of sustaining the environment. Sager and the other activists who signed the complaint want the party to determine whether Dela Cruz should be reprimanded, censured or expelled. Read more on StarAdvertiser.com.

Dela Cruz allowed to raise debatable ideas, isn't he?

(Honolulu Star-Advertiser) - In our nation's quest to form a more perfect union, was there ever thought given to just making people be quiet?

What if the problem we face is not that the issues are too complex, the solutions too costly or the options too limited? Read more on StarAdvertiser.com.

Hawaii Senators to Ask Gov to Halt Lanai Sale

(Honolulu Civil Beat) - This Lanai business is heating up.

Word is that some of Hawaii's state senators don't want the pending sale of the island to go through.

Senate President Shan Tsutsui is said to be sending a letter to Gov. Neil Abercrombie asking him to halt the sale.

They're sick of Lanai being in a constant state of upheaval - and they want to state to condemn the land, or buy it.

"I would hate see Lanai sold and in a constant state of upheaval and transition," said Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz.

Civil Beat reported back in December that Castle & Cooke had put Lanai up for sale. What's new is that Maui's mayor and the governor have been notified that a potential buyer identified. Read more in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

Senator Dela Cruz's Bill Becomes Law

Bill allowing agriculturally based businesses on farmland is signed
(Honolulu Star-Advertiser) - Agriculturally based businesses would be allowed in agriculture districts under a measure signed into law today by Gov. Neil Abercrombie.

Permissible commercial activity includes the preparation and sale of certain food grown by the owner or operator of a retail food establishment and the sale of logo items related to a producer's agricultural operation.

"The ability to be able to take what you grow and turn it into products and to be able to sell it is really what this is all about - to get people used to not just the brand names but the fact that they're able to support agriculture as a result," Abercrombie said. Read more on StarAdvertiser.com.

Bill expands permitted farm activities

(Honolulu Star-Advertiser) - Agriculturally related businesses would be allowed on farm land under a measure signed into law Friday by Gov. Neil Abercrombie.

Permissible commercial activity includes the preparation and sale of certain food grown by the owner or operator of a retail food establishment and the sale of logo items related to a producer's agricultural operation.

"The ability to be able to take what you grow and turn it into products and to be able to sell it is really what this is all about - to get people used to not just the brand names but the fact that they're able to support agriculture as a result," Abercrombie said.

The proposal, Senate Bill 2375, was introduced by Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz (D, Kaena-Wahiawa-Pupukea).

"Farmers are being forced to diversify their products in order to make ends meet while continuing to provide local food for the community," he said. "This bill allows for additional opportunities for them to create revenue." Read more on StarAdvertiser.com.

New laws support local farmers

(Hawaii 24/7) - Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed a number of measures into law including two bills that are aimed to benefit local farmers who want to sell their products and/or establish agricultural-based commercial operations.

Senate Bill 2375 authorizes agricultural-based commercial operations in agricultural districts that will increase farmers' ability to sell their products and promote food sustainability for the islands.

Senate Bill 2646 is intended to promote and support diversified agriculture by exempting certain nonresidential agricultural buildings that are on commercial farms from county building permit requirements.

"To truly support our local farmers we must empower them," Abercrombie said. "These measures not only provide for that to take place but it also promotes diversified agriculture. I want to thank the Legislature for recognizing the importance of helping our farmers."

Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, who introduced SB 2375 stated, "Farmers are being forced to diversify their products in order to make ends meet while continuing to provide local food for the community. This bill allows for additional opportunities for them to create revenue."

SB 2375 immediately goes into effect; SB 2646 is effective July 1, 2012. Read more on Hawaii247.com.

Investment In Agriculture Big For Central Oahu

My long-term goal is to transform the area into a modern agriculture processing and distribution hub to reduce the dependence on imported produce.

Farmers are forced to make a substantial investment to meet food safety standards, thus escalating the cost for Hawaii's local producers. Those who eventually will farm on the Galbraith lands must invest in constructing food safety-certified facilities and/or transport their produce elsewhere, which would add to their overhead costs.

The state made a solid commitment to secure portions of Galbraith Estate to promote farm ownership and diversified agriculture. I believe that the acquisition of this land with the facilities in Whitmore will provide opportunities for farming and related agricultural industries. Read more on Midweek.com.

TOD developers say legislative help is needed

(Pacific Business News) - The state Legislature's failure to pass laws designed to spur transit-oriented development along the 20-mile rail-transit line being built between Kapolei and Ala Moana Center could derail such projects before they even get started, developers said.

Senate Bill 2927, which was introduced by Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, D-Kunia Village-Mililani Mauka-Wahiawa, would have waived development fees and eased some requirements for transit oriented development, or TOD, near the rail's 21 stations.

"What transit serves as is not only as a way to move passengers, it is also an economic engine," said Michael Dieden, president of Los Angeles-based Creative Housing Associates.

"It's definitely a short-sighted economic blow to the Honolulu economy," he said about S.B. 2927's failure.

Private-public partnerships for TOD that have incentives from the government are essential for encouraging development around transit, and it's done all over the world, he added. Dieden's company has done work extensively in Southern California and in the Bay Area. Read more in Pacific Business News.

Bills would allow state to make money from private developers

(HawaiiNewsNow) - Queen Liliuokalani School in Kaimuki ceased to be a school this past year, when the Board of Education decided to close it. Education officials said the campus and its buildings would be used for a teacher resource center and storage. But it's not generating any revenue for the state. A measure in the legislature would allow that to happen through public-private partnerships.

Under the bill, the state could identify what lawmakers call "underutilized assets. The former Liliuokalani School campus would be one example. Read more on HawaiiNewsNow.com

Transit Oriented Or Main Street Redevelopment Program

Read more on KHON2.com.

Proposal would create Koreatown district

(Honolulu Star-Advertiser) For almost a decade, a push to draw more Korean visitors to Hawaii has spurred the growth of the Korean business district in urban Honolulu.

A Korean "superblock," anchored by Palama Super Market, sits at the corner of Kalakaua Avenue and Makaloa Street. It's one of several strip malls that cater to Korean customers. Read more on StarAdvertiser.com

If Oahu is going to have rail, lawmakers should pass SB 2927

(Pacific Business News) Rarely do developers in Hawaii get any kind of break when it comes to fees and other requirements. And, while we often wish that local and state governments were easier to do business with, we do not have problems with reasonable laws designed to ensure the thoughtful use of our natural resources.

At the same time, we think the state would not be violating this approach even if it were, on occasion, to give developers some motivation for growth that helps achieve a well-planned and highly desired outcome.

That is why - despite our objections to the elevated-rail transit system ... Read more in Pacific Business News

Developers: SB2927 would spur TOD projects

(Pacific Business News) The state is trying to entice potential transit-oriented developers to build along the planned 20-mile route of Honolulu's elevated rail-transit system by passing a law that would waive development fees and ease some other requirements. The legislation also would help fast-track the development process near the rail stations.

Senate Bill 2927, introduced by Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, D-Kunia Village, Mililani Mauka and Wahiawa, has passed the Senate and is currently in the state House.

State and City and County of Honolulu officials said they are hopeful the bill will help encourage development along the rail line from Kapolei to Ala Moana...Read more in Pacific Business News

Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Introduces Stricter Legislation for Dog Breeders

Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz has introduced Senate Bill 2274, a measure that would require county animal control officers to establish a process for permitting and inspecting the premises of dog breeders. In February 2011, the Hawaiian Humane Society rescued 153 dogs from Bradley International, a commercial breeding operation in Waimanalo. The Waimanalo business has brought media attention and discussion about the industry.

Moved by the news of the animal rescue, Senator Dela Cruz agreed to be a foster parent to two French bulldogs, that he named Ola and Liko, that were part of the group animals forfeited by the owner of Bradley International. He has since been able to adopt the two dogs. Touched by the ordeal his pets went through, Senator Dela Cruz said, "It is incredible to observe how providing nurture and love to dogs can foster changes in their personality, from dogs that were once fearful to dogs that are now happy and fun loving."

Read more on HawaiiSenateMajority.com

Alleged puppy mill prompts stricter legislation

(KHON2)"It's disturbing to see the animals used in that fashion." said Dela Cruz.

That's why he introduced Senate Bill 2274.

"It will establish and identify animal control officers in each county and they would develop a process for permitting. That way dog breeders or anyone associated with dog breeding will have to follow that process," said Dela Cruz.

It would also establish a process for inspecting the dog breeding facilities.

Read more on KHON2.com

Caylee's Law Requires Parents To Report Child's Disappearance Within 48 Hours

(Associated Press) Parents and guardians who fail to report missing children could face felony charges under a bill before the Hawaii Senate.

Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz introduced a bill he called "Caylee's Law," which refers to a widely-publicized missing child case in Florida.

The bill is named for Caylee Anthony, whose mother Casey Anthony didn't report Caylee's disappearance for about a month.

Dela Cruz said his bill places greater responsibility on parents and guardians by holding them accountable for reporting missing children in a timely manner. The bill would make it a felony if a parent or guardian fails to report the disappearance of a child under 12 within 48 hours.

Also posted on KITV.com, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and The Republic.

Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Introduces "Caylee's Law"

In reaction to the death of 2-year-old Caylee Anthony, Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz has introduced a measure that would make it a felony for a parent or guardian who fails to report a missing child 12 years old or younger within 48 hours to a law enforcement agency. The bill, Senate Bill 2275, is being referred to as "Caylee's Law."

The disappearance of Florida girl Caylee Anthony sparked public debate and outrage across the country. Casey Anthony, the mother of Caylee, did not report the child's disappearance for about a month after her disappearance.

"This bill focuses on protecting Hawaii's keiki by ensuring that greater accountability and responsibility be placed on parents and guardians to report a missing child in a timely manner," said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, who represents District 22, which encompasses the areas of Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Whitmore, Hale‘iwa, Mokule‘ia, Waialua, Sunset Beach, Pupukea. "My office received a large of number emails requesting that something be done to prevent such future instances."

The bill would also impose a duty on parents and guardians to report the death of a child or the location of a child's corpse to law enforcement agency within 2 hours of discovery. Failure to do so would result in a felony.   View the media release

Auto Safety Advocacy Group: Police Cars 'Death traps'

(from KITV.com) Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz is introducing a measure that would require a driver to take certain safety precautions when approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped ahead of a driver while performing official duties.

Senate Bill 2663 requires approaching drivers to slow down and make a lane change to an adjacent lane away from the stopped emergency vehicle.

If the bill becomes law, a driver would face a misdemeanor if convicted. If the violation results in fatality, the driver could face up to a charge of negligent homicide in the first degree.

"We have lost two Honolulu Police officers while in the line of duty over the past four months. We must enact laws that further protects and ensures the safety of our emergency responders," said Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz, who represents District 22, which encompasses the areas of Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Whitmore, Hale‘iwa, Mokule‘ia, Waialua, Sunset Beach, Pupukea. "Our community mourns the loss of the Honolulu Police officer who was stationed in Wahiawa."  Read more at KITV.com

Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Introduces "Move Over" Bill

In the wake of a recent tragic traffic fatality involving a Honolulu Police officer, Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz is introducing a measure that would require a driver to take certain safety precautions when approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped ahead of a driver while performing official duties.

Senate Bill 2663 requires approaching drivers to slow down and make a lane change to an adjacent lane away from the stopped emergency vehicle. If the bill becomes law, a driver would face a misdemeanor if convicted. If the violation results in fatality, the driver could face up to a charge of negligent homicide in the first degree.

"We have lost two Honolulu Police officers while in the line of duty over the past four months. We must enact laws that further protects and ensures the safety of our emergency responders," said Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz, who represents District 22, which encompasses the areas of Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Whitmore, Hale'iwa, Mokule'ia, Waialua, Sunset Beach, Pupukea. "Our community mourns the loss of the Honolulu Police officer who was stationed in Wahiawa."   View the media release

Governor's focus will turn to stability

(from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser) "We need to hear a strategy on how we're going to move the economy forward," said state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz (D,Kaena- Wahiawa-Pupukea). "The governor has talked about quick fixes in regards to CIP (capital improvement projects) and construction, so we need to make sure that there is a process to achieve that. And I think the Senate has already put forward a position that we're going to support a lot of money and projects. There is already a number of Senate vehicles looking at how we can expedite streamlining so we can get those projects on line."

Dela Cruz said Hawaii has to position itself to become more economically competitive in the Pacific and more globally relevant so the state is not as vulnerable to short-term swings in the economy. "We really need to be at the point where we're not reacting to things," he said, "that we're going to be positioning the state for the future." Read more in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser

DLNR Listening Session to Be Held on Oʻahu's North Shore

HONOLULU -- Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, chair of the Senate Committee on Water, Land and Housing (WLH), is hosting the Department of Land and Natural Resources' (DLNR) North Shore Listening Session on Tuesday, January 31. The DLNR Administration team, including Chairperson William J. Aila, Jr., First Deputy Guy H. Kaulukukui, and Water Deputy Bill M. Tam, will attend to hear community comments, questions, and concerns regarding topics under the Department's jurisdiction. This final meeting on O'ahu concludes a series of listening sessions being held statewide over the past several months.

Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (D22-Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Whitmore, Hale'iwa, Mokule'ia, Waialua, Sunset Beach, Pupukea), has been coordinating and attending these talk story sessions. "The meetings and site visits DLNR has been conducting is unprecedented and have been very successful. I applaud Director Aila and Deputy Kaulukukui for attending these sessions to help Senators address community concerns and needs," he said.

"I encourage everyone to attend the listening session, especially if they have any concerns or comments on any function, activity or project under DLNR's jurisdiction," Senator Dela Cruz added.

"These listening sessions are purely for the Department to visit with communities and receive feedback on the communities' ideas and concerns relating to Department responsibilities," said William J. Aila, Jr., Chairperson of DLNR. "Community participation is essential to caring for our land and natural resources in Hawaiʻi."

The DLNR is responsible for managing 1.3 million acres of state land, 3 million acres of state ocean waters, 2 million acres of conservation district lands, our drinking water supply, our fisheries, coral reefs, indigenous and endangered flora and fauna, and all of Hawaiʻi’s historic and cultural sites. DLNR's management responsibilities are vast and complex, from the mountaintops to three miles seaward of our beautiful coasts. The health of Hawaiʻi's environment is integral and directly related to its economy and quality of life.

For more on DLNR and its divisions visit www.hawaii.gov/dlnr.

If you are unable to attend but would like to send your comments, questions, and concerns to the DLNR please e-mail: DLNR2011ListeningSessions@hawaii.gov .

We Must Protect Our Native Forest

(From L to R: Senator Donovan Dela Cruz; First Deputy Guy Kaulukukui, Dept. of Land & Natural Resources; and Marigold Zoll, Division of Forestry & Wildlife, at the summit of Mt. Kaala discussing watershed protection.)



The Natural Area Reserves System (NARS) was established to preserve and manage Hawaii's natural resources. The system presently consists of 20 reserves on five islands, encompassing 123,431 acres of the State's most unique ecosystems, many of which occur nowhere else in the world. On Oahu's Mt. Kaala, rare native plants and animals, like the critically endangered Oahu Tree Snail, or kahuli, cling to existence in an ancient Hawaiian forest near the misty summit.

Currently, these fragile ecosystems are under attack. Invasive pests wreak havoc on our native forest which has dire consequences if left unchecked. Due to extensive budget cuts to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), NARS must rely on the Federal government and an extensive volunteer group to assist in management projects that include the removal of feral ungulates and non-native weeds.

Senator Dela Cruz believes that the State must make a solid commitment to ensure that our native forests will be around for now and in the future. Understanding the important role that native forests play in our State's water resources and economy, Senator Dela Cruz has dedicated his efforts to seek stable funding for the preservation of special places like Mt. Kaala for future generations.

Senate Committee on Water, Land, and Housing Hosts DLNR Listening Session

HONOLULU -- The Senate Committee on Water, Land and Housing (WLH) Chair Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz is hosting the Department of Land and Natural Resources' (DLNR) O‘ahu Listening Session on Monday, January 9. The DLNR Administration team, including Chairperson William J. Aila, Jr., First Deputy Guy H. Kaulukukui, and Water Deputy Bill M. Tam, will attend to hear community comments, questions, and concerns regarding topics under the Department's jurisdiction. DLNR has been attending listening sessions statewide over the past several months.

Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (D-Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Whitmore, Hale‘iwa, Mokule‘ia, Waialua, Sunset Beach, Pupukea), has been coordinating and attending these talk story sessions. "The meetings and site visits DLNR is conducting are very successful and have never been done before. Director Aila and Deputy Kaulukukui are being proactive in conducting these sessions to help Senators address community concerns and needs," he said.

"These listening sessions are purely for the Department to visit with communities and receive feedback on the communities' ideas and concerns relating to Department responsibilities," said William J. Aila, Jr., Chairperson of DLNR, "community participation is essential to caring for our land and natural resources in Hawai‘i."

The DLNR is responsible for managing 1.3 million acres of state land, 3 million acres of state ocean waters, 2 million acres of conservation district lands, our drinking water supply, our fisheries, coral reefs, indigenous and endangered flora and fauna, and all of Hawai‘i's historic and cultural sites. DLNR's management responsibilities are vast and complex, from the mountaintops to three miles seaward of our beautiful coasts. The health of Hawai‘i's environment is integral and directly related to its economy and quality of life.

For more on DLNR and its divisions visit www.hawaii.gov/dlnr.

If you are unable to attend but would like to send your comments, questions, and concerns to the DLNR please e-mail: DLNR2011ListeningSessions@hawaii.gov.

2011 APEC Summit a Rare Opportunity for Hawaii

"This is the chance for Honolulu to position itself as globally competitive. This is a rare opportunity. We need to showcase ourselves as world leaders in cultural relations, environmental management, education, technology, agriculture, tourism, and economic development"

Read more on HawaiiBusinessOnline.com.

Agriculture

Today, many farmers are struggling to make ends meet. While meeting and speaking with them, we begin to notice a trend with concerns in areas such as food safety, agriculture theft and vandalism, rising land cost, and the availability of financing. Our plan is to introduce a legislative package in the upcoming session that will assist local farmers to overcome some of these challenges.

Across the State farmers are constantly falling victim to ag theft and vandalism whether it is bananas being stolen from a farm in Windward Oahu or the butchering of papaya trees on Hawaii Island. These types of crimes and senseless acts drastically affect a farmer's livelihood. We plan to create tougher penalties against agriculture crimes. The legislation that we are proposing would increase the penalty from a citation to a criminal offense. The intent is to impose harsher penalties to prevent such crimes from occurring. Further, we are proposing to appropriate funds to the Department of Agriculture for stricter enforcement to curb agriculture related crimes.

The biggest challenge, which many farmers can attest to is financing. In order to build a food safety certified facility or install security cameras on a property, farmers would need a large amount of working capital. While various grants and loans are available for farmers to obtain such capital, we are proposing to amend the law to increase the eligibility and permitted use for our State's loan guarantee. The current loan program requires a project to be located on important agricultural lands (IAL). Under our proposal, we would like to include, but not be limited to, all agricultural lands. By doing so, we can encourage more farmers to make critical improvements at a reasonable cost. In addition to the amendment, the creation of a business plan program facilitated by a non-profit will be included to provide the technical assistance for farmers to draft a sound business proposal.

Food safety issue continues to be a challenge for local farmers because of evolving multiple standards imposed on them by private companies with which they do business. Some of these standards were designed for large corporate farms while the vast majority of farms in Hawaii are much smaller in scale and family owned. Rather than waiting for the Federal Government to develop standards that will apply to all farmers, we are introducing legislation to allow the Department of Agriculture to develop a State uniform food safety standard that supersedes all others. It is practical and reasonable to have one set of standards to which everyone adheres. It would eliminate confusion as to which or whose set of standards take precedent. The State can then also assist those farmers who need help meeting food safety requirements.

Our goal is to achieve sustainability but without help, our agriculture industry cannot survive.



Pictured (L-R) Dr. Stuart Nakamoto, Sen. Dela Cruz, Dr. Jari Sagano

Issues Loom at Lahaina Harbor Following Tsunami

"Several mariners are seeking help to address issues with the depth of the channel at Lahaina Harbor, attributing the problem of sand deposits to the surge from the March 11, 2011 tsunami and subsequent swells."

Please visit Maui Now for article and video.

Dela Cruz Targets Childhood Obesity

DC808 caught up with state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz in downtown Washington on Friday.

Dela Cruz participated in the Leadership for Healthy Communities summit on obesity prevention.

For more information please visit Civil Beat for an article and video.

Caylee's Law

The Caylee Anthony case has attracted widespread attention worldwide. With the acquittal of Casey Anthony of her daughter, Caylee's, disappearance and subsequent death, there has been much anger with thousands of Facebook postings and a "I Hate Casey Anthony" Facebook page, resulting in death threats as reported by CNN. Many people feel the justice was not served.

In the days following the verdict, I received many emails from all over the island proposing that we need laws to make it a felony if parents, guardians, and caretakers do not report the disappearance of a child in a timely matter.

I do agree that unless there is timely reporting of a child's disappearance, it becomes much more difficult for authorities to find the child and find the child safe before a tragic occurrence happens.

Therefore, my office is working on drafting pertinent legislation to address this kind of situation if no such law exists. I am proposing that the disappearance of a child needs to be reported within 24 hours and failure to do so, will be a felony. We need to protect our innocent children and prevent a similar situation from ever happening again. I plan to introduce the bill at the next legislative session in January.

Senators discuss the future of Mauna Kea with the University of Hawai‘i, the Office of Mauna Kea Management, and concerned members of the community

Senators discuss the future of Mauna Kea with the University of Hawai‘i, the Office of Mauna Kea Management, and concerned members of the community

On March 24, the Senate Committees on Water, Land, and Housing, and Hawaiian Affairs met with representatives from the Office of Mauna Kea Management, the University of Hawai‘i, and concerned agencies and community members to discuss the plan to integrate the Hawaiian culture into the management and operations of Big Island's Mauna Kea Lands. They explored possible solutions to sustain the ecological, cultural, and financial viability of Mauna Kea.

View the video on ‘Olelo or scroll down to the Videos section.

State legislators tour Big Island agriculture institutions

State legislators took a tour of the Big Island to inspire out-of-the-box-thinking to address important issues such as green job creation, food and energy self sufficiency, agricultural diversity, and the challenges faced by agricultural businesses. They visited a number of sites such as Green Point Nursery, Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Puna Geothermal Venture's power plant, the proposed 30-meter telescope on the summit of Mauna Kea, Kamuela Vacuum Cooling Plant, and Hamakua Springs Country Farm.

Participating legislators included members from Senate Committees on Water, Land, and Housing, and Agriculture; and the House Committees on Water and Land, and Agriculture; and Cabinet members from the Departments of Agriculture and Land and Natural Resources.

Please click here for a video of the tour.

Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz explains why the Rail Transit project is important to Hawaii

Click here to watch the video on blip.tv.

Water, theft, dams concern Kaua‘i farmers

The Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau put together last fall a Commodity Committee, which prepared a list of issues to present the senators.

Wayne Katayama, from Kaua‘i Coffee and the Hawai‘i Coffee Growers Association, said ever since the Kaloko Dam broke in March 2006 there has been a large focus on administrative and safety standards for all reservoirs in the state.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources on Nov. 22 approved a new set of administrative rules for inspection and maintenance of dams and reservoirs, Katayama said. With those rules, the DLNR also set a schedule for the impoundment of water and implementation of construction and improvement fees.

Click here to read the article on TheGardenIsland.com.

Senate leaders tour salt pans

State Senators get acquainted with Hanapepe salt pan salt presented to them by Ku‘ulei Santos during a visit to the salt pans. One of the concerns Santos expressed was the closure of half of the Burns Field (Port Allen Airport) air strip in the background to create parking for parking for visitors to the area. Ku‘ulei Santos talked about issues impacting the operation there, and how the traditional, 2,000-year-old history of salt-making in that area is among other things the only place in the world salt is made via an evaporation technique this close to the ocean. "We are meeting with leaders in the farming community to discuss their direct concerns and also to take a firsthand look to better understand their needs," said Dela Cruz.

Click here to read the article on TheGardenIsland.com.