Senator Gil Kahele and Lima Tamasese representing Senator Malama Solomon at the dedication of another segment in renaming "Saddle Road" to the Daniel K. Inouye Highway near Waiki Bypass.
The Queen's Health Systems (Queen's) officially entered into an affiliation agreement on Monday with North Hawaii Community Hospital (NHCH). Queen's is the corporate parent of The Queen's Medical Center (QMC).
Under the agreement, NHCH will become a corporate entity under Queen's, similar to QMC and Moloka‘i General Hospital.
Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 4 (Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona) on the island of Hawai‘i, issued this statement in response to the formal agreement:
"I am very pleased to learn that The Queen's Health Systems has entered into an affiliation with North Hawaii Community Hospital," said Senator Malama Solomon. "This agreement represents an important step towards creating the solid foundation necessary to meeting the growing healthcare needs of the North Hawai‘i community. I look forward to the continued delivery of high quality healthcare services for all of our residents."
The affiliation is expected to be effective January 1, 2014.
View the media release.
Governor Neil Abercrombie recently announced the release of $2.5 million in general obligation bonds for Phase 1 of 5 of the Waimea District Park project.
"I would like to thank Governor Abercrombie for releasing these bonds, enabling us to move forward with the creation of a district/regional park in Waimea" said Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 4 (Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa and Kona) on the island of Hawai‘i. "I look forward to the completion of the Waimea District Park and to being able to provide a beautiful and safe place for our family and friends to gather, play and rejoice."
The funding, which was appropriated in the State Budget during the 2013 Legislative Session, will go towards the initial design and engineering of a district/regional park in Waimea, South Kohala district. The first phase will include infrastructure such as road improvements, water, sewer, power, grading and construction of two multi-use fields and restroom facilities.
Honolulu- Governor Neil Abercrombie recently announced the release of $2.5 million in general obligation bonds for Phase 1 of 5 of the Waimea District Park project.
"I would like to thank Governor Abercrombie for releasing these bonds, enabling us to move forward with the creation of a district/regional park in Waimea" said Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 4 (Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa and Kona) on the island of Hawai'i. "I look forward to the completion of the Waimea District Park and to being able to provide a beautiful and safe place for our family and friends to gather, play and rejoice."
The funding, which was appropriated in the State Budget during the 2013 Legislative Session, will go towards the initial design and engineering of a district/regional park in Waimea, South Kohala district. The first phase will include infrastructure such as road improvements, water, sewer, power, grading and construction of two multi-use fields and restroom facilities.
View the media release.
The State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife, recently received over $1.7 million in federal grant funds. The appropriations will fund select conservation and restoration projects aimed at protecting Hawaii's endangered species.
"I applaud the Department of Land and Natural Resources for their efforts to preserve our State's natural beauty and endangered wildlife," said Senator Malama Solomon, chair of the Senate Committee on Water and Land. "Funding for these projects will go a long way toward the protection and enhancement of Hawaii's unique environment and ecosystem."
Projects funded under the approved grants include:
• $578,250 for the purchase and management of Kalauao Valley in the central Koolau Mountains of Oahu to provide additional public access and conserve and protect endangered species.
• $248,524 for the establishment of capacity and initial management actions that will lead to the long-term development of self-sustaining population of the critically-endangered Alala.
• $249,952 for the implementation of conservation and management efforts targeting 41 snail species federally-listed Achatinella genus, as well as five rare species of Amastriade family.
Grant funding was awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. View the media release.
Senate Water and Land Chair Malama Solomon will conduct site visits on the islands of Maui and Lana‘i from Wednesday, September 18 to Friday, September 20, 2013. Invited by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), the Senator will receive updates on various programs, projects, and concerns. Senator Gilbert Kahele, chair of the Tourism Committee, will also be joining the group.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
• Koa forest watershed project
• Iao Valley State Monument
• Lipoa Point
Thursday, September 19, 2013
• New DOCARE enforcement boat Ha‘ena State Park
• Lahaina Harbor
• Manele Bay Small Boat Harbor
• Lana‘i Island watershed
Friday, September 20, 2013
• Lana‘i Island Baseyard
"I applaud the Department of Land and Natural Resources for organizing these informative site visits and look forward to learning more about their work on the islands of Maui and Lana‘i," said Senator Malama Solomon. "Through working collaboratively with the department we will be able to better define and address the needs of all of our islands."
These visits are part of a number of statewide site visits the Senator and DLNR are conducting this interim. View the media release.
Senator Gil Kahele and Lima Tamasese representing Senator Malama Solomon at the dedication of another segment in renaming "Saddle Road" to the Daniel K. Inouye Highway near Waiki Bypass.