The State Department of Transportation (DOT) has rescheduled its informational meeting to Wednesday, January 16. The location is at the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility, 15-3022 Kauhale Street, Pahoa. Originally scheduled for last month, this meeting's topic is the intersection improvements at Keaau-Pahoa Road and Old Government Road in Pahoa. Construction work is expected to last 12 months.
(available online at www.courts.state.hi.us/courtinterpreting or by contacting OEAC).
•Attend a 2-day Basic Orientation Workshop (BOW) offered statewide in February - March 2013.
•Pass Written English and Basic Ethics Exams and clear a criminal background check.
The Court Interpreter Certification Program Application, BOW Registration Form and $75.00 registration fee must be received in the Office on Equality and Access to the Courts at 426 Queen Street #B-17, Honolulu, HI 96813, no later than 4:00 p.m. on January 15, 2013. If you have any questions about the Certification Program or require additional information, please contact: Office on Equality and Access to the Courts via phone: (808) 539-4860 or email: oeac@courts.hawaii.gov
December 19, 2012
DOT Postpones East Hawaii Public Meeting
The state Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that its public informational meeting, previously scheduled on Wednesday, December 19, will be postponed and rescheduled in January 2013. A date and location will be announced in a future DOT news release. The meeting is regarding intersection improvements at Keaau-Pahoa Road and Old Government Road in Pahoa to improve safety and traffic flow by converting the existing T-intersection into a single-lane modern roundabout. The project also includes slope reinforcement, landscaping improvements, electrical conduits and street lights, drainage improvements along with ADA compliant curb ramps and sidewalks, fencing, guardrails, signage and striping. Construction work time is estimated at approximately 12 months. The state DOT apologizes for the inconvenience and said it will notify the community of further information.December 3, 2012
Waiakea HS Robotics Club to Host Big Island VEX League Finals
On December 15th the Waiakea High School Robotics club will host the Big Island VEX robotic league finals. Vex league is a qualifying event for the 2013 VEX Robotics Competition World Championship that will be held April 17-20 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. This year's Vex Sacks Attack game will challenge students to build the most innovative robots possible while working in teams to integrate Science Technology Engineering and Math skills. The championship will gather many of the top robotics teams from around the world to celebrate their accomplishments and compete with/against the best of the best.
For additional information about this upcoming robotics event please contact Dale Olive at: Dale_Olive/WAIAKEAH/HIDOE@notes.k12.hi.us or, scienceguyme@yahoo.com
For additional information about VEX robotics please view: View full article
November 15, 2012
Funds Released for East Hawaii CIPs
The Governor released over $91 million for Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) statewide, including several in the Hilo area. The projects include: $750,000 for Lanakila public housing, $500,000 for Hawaii Community College, $25,000 for UH-Hilo's College of Agriculture, Forest and Natural Resource Management, and $500,000 for the Hilo International Airport. View full articleOctober 29, 2012
Tropical Trends Design Competition
On Sunday, Oct. 22, I attended the First Annual Tropical Trends Competition at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. This premiere flower designing event included two categories: Bridal Bouquet and Table Centerpiece & One Table Setting. Winners received cash prizes and plaques. The contest was one part of the 4th Annual Tropical Trends Conference, sponsored by the Hawaii Tropical Flower Council and the Hawaii Floriculture & Nursery Association.
View full article
October 16, 2012
State Launches New Website
The State's new website, data.hawaii.gov, is an important new tool that will help increase accessibility to public records.
Instead of solely responding to requests for information, state agencies will be proactively posting public data onto the state's new website at data.hawaii.gov. State agencies have already begun posting machine readable datasets, such as excel spreadsheets, to data.hawaii.gov where new summaries, charts, graphs, maps, and other visualizations can be created to fit the user's interests. Data.hawaii.gov was opened to the public for alpha testing on October 4, 2012 and allows users to view, search, sort, summarize, analyze, combine, and visualize datasets in a myriad of ways that users want and find relevant.
October 9, 2012
Big Island Beekeepers Association (BIBA) Receives USDA Grant
Congratulations to Cary Dizon and BIBA members! This group was selected to receive grant money to promote the Hawaii Natural Honey Challenge. BIBA was awarded over $22,000 to expand and develop this event.
View full article
September 17, 2012
Keaau Middle School Repairs To Start
I was informed on September 6th that repairs to Keaau Middle School's Building F restroom and locker room will be initiated soon. The project's contract has been awarded, and I was assured that every effort will be made to minimize disruption to students, staff and faculty during construction work.September 12, 2012
More Coqui Reported on Oahu
The coqui frog, a designated pest in the State of Hawaii, continues to be found at various Oahu locations. The coqui is already well established on the Big Island. View full articleSeptember 7, 2012
Hilo Airport Repaving Project Begins on September 5th
The roads to Hilo International Airport from the post office area will be contraflowed in the coming months so crews may complete a repaving project. View full article
August 27, 2012
Kulani Correctional Facility
On August 24th, the Governor released funds for the possible re-opening of Kulani Correctional Facility. Totaling over $240,000, this may be the first step towards bringing inmates back to the prison. Its last inmates were transferred in September 2009. View full articleAugust 27, 2012
New Parking for Waiakeawaena Elementary
On August 23, the State Dept. of Education informed me that construction will begin on additional Kinoole Street parking for Waiakeawaena Elementary School. The funding for this project was included in House Bill 547, which I introduced in 2011. It was also included in the 2012 budget bill, House Bill 2012.
August 14, 2012
Funding for Waiakea High's Track Facility
On August 10, Governor Abercrombie announced the release of statewide funding for Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs), including $3 million for Waiakea High School's all-weather track. I want thank the Governor for releasing these funds. This project would not have been possible without the leadership of the Waiakea High School administration, the Department of Education, and especially the foresight of former Representative Eric Hamakawa, who started the effort for the campus track. Due to the challenging economy, funding for public school improvements has been very competitive. I am so pleased for Hilo-area students and the community-at-large who will have a completed track and facility.August 8, 2012
Two Illegal Snakes Turned In
A boa constrictor and a garter snake were turned in to the state Dept. of Agriculture in early August. Both reptiles were dead; one was found in Central Oahu, the other in a Waikiki hotel. View full articleJuly 17, 2012
HB 2242 Becomes Law
I joined the Governor and my House colleagues Reps Yamashita and Tokioka to acknowledge the efforts of House Agriculture Committee Vice-Chair Rep. Hashem on July 11th. Rep. Hashem's Bill, HB 2242 -regarding the Continuing Education for Veterinarians, is now Act 306 of 2012.
July 11, 2012
HB2100 Bill Signing Ceremony
On June 18th, another of my Bills became law. HB2100 appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii for statewide bee hive research. These studies help sustain local agriculture because bee populations are necessary for pollination. Special recognition and thanks to Dr. Lorna Tsutsumi of UH-Hilo for her initiative and inspirational efforts on behalf of this measure. HB2100 is now Act 129 of 2012. View the Governor's Message and the new law here: View full article
June 28, 2012
Coqui Frogs and Oahu
Honolulu Magazine recently published an article on the encroachment of coqui frogs on Oahu.
View full article
June 22, 2012
Rep. Tsuji's HB1943 Becomes Law
On June 15, one of my 2012 Bill introductions was signed into law by the Governor. House Bill (HB) 1943 re-establishes a canine unit under the State Dept. of Agriculture. The trained dogs are key to detecting invasive species, including the brown tree snake that has caused extensive harm in Guam. HB1943 is now Act 128 of 2012. Please use this link to see the Governor's Message and the new law. View full articleMay 15, 2012
More on House Bill 2100
Hawaii Tribune-Herald reporter Colin Stewart did a story on House Bill 2100, one of my bill introductions for the 2012 session. This Bill was enrolled to the Governor for his action on May 7, 2012. View full articleMay 7, 2012
House Bill 1943
I introduced House Bill 1943 to provide funds for detector-dog inspectors under the Department of Agriculture. The Hawaii Detector Dog Program (HDDP), which began in November 1989, was shutdown at the end of June 2009. Yet the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) Vision and Action Plan listed the re-establishment of this program as one of the ten most important actions that must be taken to protect our state. There is no 100% inspection of cargo and conveyances that are bound for Hawaii. We must take responsibility for protecting our shores and I believe the HDDP is an effective way of doing so.
View full article
May 7, 2012
Interview With Howard Dicus
Mahalo to Howard Dicus of Hawaii News Now who invited me to his Business Report segment on Wednesday, May 2. We discussed agricultural issues in the current Legislative Session.View full article
April 26, 2012
Ag Inspector Positions Supported in State Budget Bill- HB2012
On April 23, House Finance conferees agreed to funding for inspectors statewide through the state general fund versus a special fund. By doing so, more money is available to fight invasive species. View full articleApril 26, 2012
Hawaii-grown Coffee Regulations
Associated Press reporter Treena Shapiro recently interviewed me regarding House Bill 280. View full articleApril 16, 2012
Agricultural Inspector Cuts Increase State's Vulnerability
Associated Press reporter, Audrey McAvoy interviewed me for her story on cuts in the number of inspectors who check cargo and passengers entering Hawaii. There were 95 inspectors in 2009 before the reduction-in-force. Currently there are 50 inspectors, and statistics show that more pests are entering our state. View full articleApril 16, 2012
Haleiwa Farmers' Market
There have been several recent media reports focused on the Haleiwa Farmers' Market and the State Department of Transportation. Current zoning of the market's site is for agricultural use, not for doing business. I arranged a meeting between stakeholders and officials on April 12th to hopefully find a workable solution to this situation. View full articleApril 10, 2012
Congratulations Michael Tokunaga!
Hilo's own Michael Tokunaga of S. Tokunaga Store is the winner of the Small Business Administration's (SBA) State of Hawaii 2012 Small Business Person of the Year Award. On April 3, Michael was recognized by the State House. His wife Peggy and daughter Mykala also attended. Michael will also be honored in Washington, D.C. next month. Pictures are available in my photo gallery.
March 19, 2012
Bee-Coming Sustainable
Saturday, March 10th was a day buzzing with activity at UH Hilo's Lab Farm in Panaewa. The first Bee-Coming Sustainable event featured van tours to view beehives, honey extraction demonstrations and ono food sampling. Another highlight was the awarding of educational scholarships to three advanced beekeeping students. Celebrity chef Alan Wong and UH Hilo professor Dr. Lorna Tsutsumi are the main forces behind this extraordinary effort. Pictures from this event are in my photo gallery.
March 14, 2012
Supporting HB2368- Medical Residency Program
House Bill 2368 seeks to alleviate the physician and nursing shortage in Hawaii by establishing a medical residency program at UH-Hilo. As a member of the Hilo Medical Center (HMC) Foundation Board, I am keenly aware of this concern and am an advocate for HB2368. A nice tie-in with the Bill is the recent completion of the River Cottage Project by HMC Foundation. The cottage would be home during medical residency. The project took over a year to complete and a celebration took place on March 2, 2012. My photo gallery contains pictures from that event. For more information on the River Cottage please see this article:View full article
March 9, 2012
Na Pua Noeau's Family afFAIR at UH-Hilo
The 20th Annual Hawaiian Family afFAIR took place on Saturday, March 3 at the UH-Hilo campus. This year's theme was "E Ola Mau" and celebrated the perpetuation of life through health and wellness. Ms. Terri Napeahi, founder of Hilo's Papa Mu Gallery, was honored at this event. Exhibits and presentations from education, health and social service organizations provided attendees with an opportunity to learn about building a healthy ohana. Mahalo to Na Pua Noeau's Director Dr. David Sing for inviting me; please see my photo gallery for some pictures from this fun community event.
February 10, 2012
Waimea's Cherry Blossoms
In 1953, the picturesque Big Island town of Waimea received its first cherry blossom trees. Since then, the town's Church Row has become famous for the beautiful trees. On February 6th, I was honored to participate in a tree planting ceremony at Church Row to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Japan's gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the United States to encourage goodwill between the two countries.
For more coverage, please see my photo gallery and refer to this Hawaii Tribune-Herald article:
View full article
February 9, 2012
Video from Waimea
Big Island Video News covered the annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival. View videoFebruary 3, 2012
The Buzz About Bees
HB 2100- Relating to Bees, was heard in my House Agriculture Committee on January 27. UH-Hilo entomology professor Dr. Lorna Tsutsumi testified in support. UH-Hilo's bee hives are located in approximately 100 acres in Panaewa outside of Hilo. Dr. Tsutsumi explained the role of bees and agriculture and shared information on her curriculum.
January 20, 2012
2012 Priorities
The 2012 Legislative Session is underway and the Big Island's lawmakers hope to address many of the issues facing our State. The Hawaii Tribune-Herald recently interviewed me and some colleagues on this topic. View full articleDecember 30, 2011
Agricultural Theft
A Ka'u coffee farmer is one of the latest victims of agricultural theft. The Hawaii Tribune Herald's article may be viewed here: View full articleDecember 27, 2011
High Demand for Local Food
The State House and Senate Agriculture Committees held an informational briefing on Wednesday, December 7th at the State Capitol. Presenters were the State Dept. of Agriculture and Ulupono Initiative, and the subject was Ulupono Initiative's "Local Food Demand Study of Oahu Shoppers." I was interviewed by Hawaii Public Radio after the meeting. View full articleDecember 5, 2011
Big Island Legislative Workshops
As it has done for many years, the State's Public Access Room will hold public outreach and training sessions on the Big Island beginning December 12, 2011. The schedule is as follows:Monday, December 12 6:00 p.m. Mountain View Public Library
Tuesday, December 13 5:00 p.m. Hilo Public Library
Wednesday, December 14 5:30 p.m. Waimea Thelma Parker Library Conference Room
Thursday, December 15 6:00 p.m. Naalehu School Cafeteria
Saturday, December 17 12:00 noon Kailua-Kona Civic Center's Liquor Control Conference Room
December 5, 2011
Inspecting Christmas Trees
Before Thanksgiving, I was invited to observe the Dept. of Agriculture conduct one of many inspections of imported Christmas trees. Wasps and slugs were found in this particular shipment so the trees needed to undergo a hot water treatment process. The inspection took place at the Plant Quarantine facility on Oahu. Please see my photo gallery for more pictures.
November 7, 2011
New Phone System at HHSC facilities
All phone numbers for Hawaii Health System Corporation (HHSC) hospitals and clinics in the East Hawaii Region will change throughout the month of November. This is due to a new phone system installation in its facilities.The new MAIN NUMBERS are as follows:
Hilo Medical Center effective Nov. 7: Hospital (808) 932-3000; Administration (808) 932-3100
Hale Ho'ola Hamakua effective Nov. 14: Hospital (808) 932-4100; Administration (808) 932-4102
Ka'u Hospital effective Nov. 21: Hospital (808) 932-4200; Administration (808) 932-4370
October 31, 2011
Standing Together Against Bullying
Please see this article and my photo gallery for coverage of Waiakea Intermediate's rally on October 26, 2011.
View full article
October 31, 2011
Congressional Field Hearing on Oahu
I was invited by U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka to testify at a field hearing on October 27, 2011 in Honolulu. Coordinated by the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, this hearing was entitled "Safeguarding Hawaii's Ecosystem and Agriculture against Invasive Species." I was asked to address the grave threat of invasive species to Hawaii's ecosystem and to provide recommendations to enhance Federal ag quarantine and inspection activities to meet Hawaii's unique needs. Senator Akaka recently introduced the Safeguarding American Agriculture Act of 2011 with his colleague, U.S. Senator Feinstein. This news article provides more background. View full articleOctober 10, 2011
Take a Stand Against Bullying
Community members are invited to join Waiakea Intermediate School's Titans Social Action Club (TSAC) at its school-wide anti-bully rally on Wednesday, October 26, 2011. TSAC is student initiated, school supported club for students in grades 6-8. The rally begins at 7:20 a.m. at the front of the school on Puainako Street. I will participate along with police officers in support of this empowering event.
View full article
October 10, 2011
Focus on UH-Hilo
Mahalo to UH-Hilo for inviting me to be a guest on its "Focus on UH-Hilo" television program. This show discusses news, events, programs and UH's many partnerships within the community. It airs statewide at 8 PM on the first and third Friday of the month on Hilo's Na Leo cable channel 55. My segment is scheduled for broadcast on October 7th.
September 21, 2011
Hilo Happenings
The 2011 Hawaii County Fair was a success! Events included invasive species exhibits, an art contest and a parade and autograph session with the Senior Little League World Series Champions. Please see my photostream below for pictures. Also, please see this video on the new Keaukaha-Panaewa Farmers Market:View full articleSeptember 15, 2011
Hawaiian Farmers Market Debuts in Hilo
The Keaukaha Panaewa Farmers Association (KPFA) held a dedication ceremony for its Hawaiian Farmers Market on Saturday, September 10, 2011. It was honor to participate in this event. Please see my photo gallery for pictures and access this link for more details. View full articleSeptember 6, 2011
Beekeeping Experts To Meet On The Big Island
The international Western Apicultural Society is holding its annual conference from September 12-15, 2011 at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel in South Kohala. Several bee specialists from the Mainland will join Hawaii-based experts to discuss new research and bee colony recovery, Hawaii's beekeeping industry and alternatives to conventional beekeeping. Also, the Big Island Beekeepers Association 2nd Annual Hawaiian Natural Honey Challenge will be held in conjunction with the conference. Registration forms are available by calling conference organizer Cary Dizon at 808-966-7421.
August 26, 2011
CONGRATULATIONS HILO ALL-STARS!
Hilo Town is once again the home of the Senior Little League World Series champions! The Hilo All-Stars beat the team from Tyler, Texas on August 20, 2011 with TKO of 11-1 in the 5th inning. Congratulations to all team players, coaches and supporters!
View full article
August 22, 2011
Big Island Beekeepers Association (BIBA) Meeting
BIBA's next meeting will be on Wednesday, August 24 at UH-Hilo, UCB127 beginning at 6:30 p.m. I will be there to discuss House Bill 866, which I introduced in January to aid Hawaii's beekeepers. On July 8th, Gov. Abercrombie signed my Bill into law, making it Act 200 of 2011. BIBA members will also talk about their goals for the 2012 legislative session. The public is welcome to participate.For more background on HB866/Act 200 please access this link: View Link
August 9, 2011
CSG-WEST Wrap Up
Hawaii hosted the 64th Annual Meeting of the Council of State Governments-West (CSG-West) from July 29-August 2 in Honolulu. Lawmakers from the 13 western-most states participated in various committee sessions and addressed diverse topics including education, energy, public lands, water and the environment. Weekend events included a tour of Pearl Harbor and The Arizona Memorial. Please see my photo gallery for highlights of this very successful conference.
August 8, 2011
Invasive Species Panel
On August 1, I was part of an invasive species panel who spoke at the CSG-West conference. The leaders of the CSG-West's Water and Environment Committee asked me to coordinate a panel to discuss some aspects of Hawaii's invasive species efforts. It was a great forum to exchange ideas with other state legislators on how we can learn from each other's work on this constant concern. Please see my photo gallery for more panel pictures.
August 3, 2011
Honoring the late Senator Matsuura
Hawaii's late state Sen. Richard Matsuura was honored on Sunday, July 31 at CSG-West. He was given the Bettye Fahrenkamp Award for Distinguished Legislative Leadership. Matsuura served in the state House from 1981-1984 and in the state Senate from 1985-1996. The Senator passed away in 1997. His widow, Ruth Matsuura, M.D. accepted the award at Sunday's luncheon. Please see my photo gallery for more pictures.
July 13, 2011
The 64th Annual CSG-WEST meeting
The 64th annual meeting of the Council of State Governments-WEST will take place in Honolulu from July 30-August 2. Hawaii's Legislature will welcome lawmakers from the 13 Western states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Hawaii's House Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro is the 2011 CSG-WEST chair. As a participant in CSG-WEST's Water and the Environment Committee, I organized a three-member panel on invasive species management. I will serve as the moderator during our panel's presentation on August 1. For more information on this annual meeting, please visit CSG West .July 12, 2011
Sustainable Horticulture
The College of Agriculture at UH-Hilo recently announced a Sustainable Horticulture class to assist community individuals and organizations in learning how to successfully grow plants. This could be for home gardening or for business and economic purposes. This class is unique because it is being offered on Public Access Television so students do not need to go to campus to attend the class; they can do so from the comfort of their home. While viewing of the class via television is free, students need to enroll in the class to have access to the handouts. Please see this document for more information: View full articleJune 27, 2011
Adopt-a-Beehive
I had the unique opportunity to join Hawaii's celebrity chef Alan Wong to launch UH-Hilo's Adopt-a-Beehive program on June 25, 2011.View full articleJune 15, 2011
Big Island Video News covered the Hilo Town Meeting on June 7, 2010
View full articleJune 15, 2011
Hilo Town Meeting
House Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro joined me and other Big Island Representatives at a Hilo Town Meeting on Tuesday, June 7 at UH-Hilo. Please see the photo gallery also.View full articleMay 4, 2011
Rep. Tsuji's Bill To Become Law
The Governor's Office informed me that one of my bills- HB 865- will be signed into law on Wednesday, May 4. This measure provides additional funding for the prevention & eradication of invasive species in Hawaii. I am grateful for all the support from the Abercrombie Administration, industry stakeholders and my fellow legislators. Please check back for photos from the bill signing ceremony.April 1, 2011
Congratulations Robert Fujimoto!
On March 28, the House honored the U.S. Small Business Administration's State of Hawaii 2011 Awardees, including Robert Fujimoto of HPM Building Supply, Ltd. in Hilo.
March 31, 2011
2011 Ag Awareness Day
Legislators, staff and the general public filled the 4th floor of the State Capitol for this year's Ag Awareness Day on March 30. Over 35 exhibits plus the popular Farmers Market made it a very lively event. Proceeds from the market will go to Food Bank organizations on Oahu and the Big Island. Please visit my photo gallery for some pictures from this annual event.March 24, 2011
Congratulations Aulani!
Keaau High School student Aulani Salvador is the 2011 Youth of the Year Award winner from the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island. She visited the State Capitol on March 10 and it was honor to meet her and present a congratulatory certificate on behalf of the House of Representatives.February 23, 2011
Coqui Found At Oahu Sites
There have been three coqui captures so far in 2011.View full articleJanuary 26, 2011
Addressing Invasive Species
Catherine Cruz interviewed me after a public update on invasive species at the State Capitol on January 25, 2011. View full articleJanuary 18, 2011
Building a better future
The UH-Hilo Campus continues to grow with a new Student Services Building. I was honored to participate in its ground breaking on January 15, 2011.View full articleNovember 17, 2010
Hawaii News Now Interview
Lisa Kubota of Hawaii News Now interviewed me regarding today's public hearing on the coffee berry borer invasion. View full articleNovember 10, 2010