An NPR recap of OHA’s Public Lands Trust Revenues Bill, SB 2124

OHA CEO Kamana’opono Crabbe, testified before the Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee.

An NPR recap of SB 2124: Office of Hawaiian Affairs Asks Lawmakers to Lift Funding Cap.

The state agency responsible for improving the well-being of Native Hawaiians is asking the legislature to lift a decade-old funding restriction. HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.

http://hpr2.org/post/office-hawaiian-affairs-asks-lawmakers-lift-funding-cap

Senator Shimabukuro was quoted by HPR as saying that, “the good thing about it is that it appears to be budget neutral. There’s about $8 million dollars that are in question here. Those extra monies had to be returned by OHA, and have been sitting in an account that is just sitting there unused. So, I think it makes sense to return those monies to OHA, and lift the cap.”

Emergency Access Road Update

On 2/8/16, the Ahupua’a o Nanakuli Homestead met to discuss the status of a potential extension of the Wai’anae Coast Emergency Access Road (WCEAR).  The next step is a site visit/walk from Helelua St. to the road behind Yuen’s store, and ending at Haleakala Ave.  The site visit will take place on 02/26/16 from 12:30-1pm. The next meeting is scheduled for 03/14/16, 7pm, at Ka Waihona o ka Na`auao.  Interested stakeholders are invited to attend.  Pictured are (clockwise from bottom left): Stacelyn Eli, Rochelle Kawelo, Kawika Keola, Karen Awana, Sen. Shimabukuro, Rachel & DeMont Conner, Richard & Shirley Landford, Garnet Clark, Jewelyn Kirkland, and Stephanie Kawelo.

 

Nelson Bill Advances

On 02/10/16, the Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee passed SB 3029, which implements the recent Nelson lawsuit.  More specifically, it “Ensures the legislature fulfills its responsibility under article XII, section 1, of the state constitution by appropriating sufficient general funds for the administration and operating expenses of the department of Hawaiian home lands for fiscal year 2016–2017.”  Here’s a link to the bill: http://capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=3029&year=2016

Wai’anae Coast residents testified in support of the DHHL Nelson lawsuit bill on 02/10/16.  L-R: DHHL Deputy Director William Aila Jr., DeMont & Rachel Conner, DHHL Director Jobie Masagatani, Garnet Clark, Hawaiian Affairs Committee Chair Sen. Maile Shimabukuro, Georgiana Navarro, Kapua Keliikoa-Kamai, Rochelle Kawelo, and Stephanie Kawelo.

Legislative Alert: State Employees; Air Travel; DLNR; Carbon Offset Program(SB 2999) Senate Hearing 2-16-16 2:50pm Room 229

Legislation introduced by Senator Shimabukuro has been scheduled for hearing before the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Environment Technology (EET) and Transportation and Energy (TRE).

Tuesday 16, February 2016 2:50pm
Hawaii State Capitol, Conference Room 229
415 South Beretania Street

SB 2999-Requires state agencies to participate in a carbon offset program to offset carbon emissions caused by their employees’ air travel. Requires DLNR to establish and administer a carbon offset program.

To keep updated on the bill status: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2999&year=2016

There is also a House Companion: HB 2558  To stay updated on the House Companion:  http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2558&year=2016

The last day to submit testimony is Monday February 15 2015 2:50pm. Testimony received after the deadline will not be put into public record however, you are still welcome to testify at the hearing.

Wishing Good Luck to Students as they prepare for the ACT March 1

Its Great to be a Teacher

It’s more than a job – It’s a calling. 

Help answer the need for educators in Hawaii.

Be a part of a movement to make a difference on Hawaii’s future generations. Join us for an event designed to help you start your career as a substitute teacher or transition into a full-time teaching role.

What you’ll learn:

• Why teaching is rewarding: Hear a panel of award-winning, state-recognized educators share their perspectives.
• How to become a teacher: Speak with representatives from the public, private or charter school system about becoming a substitute or full-time teacher.
• Sharpen your teaching skills: Attend complimentary breakout sessions in Classroom Management, Instructional Strategies, and Tips for Success.
• Where to enroll: Learn about different paths to licensure from teacher preparation providers from across the state.

Who should attend:

• Substitute Teachers, Emergency Hires, Educational Assistants, ParaEducators from any Hawaii public, private or charter school.
• Anyone interested in learning how to become a substitute or full-time teacher in a Hawaii public, private or charter school. 

When: Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (HST) – Add to Calendar Where: Leeward Community College – Education Building. 96-045 Ala ‘Ike. Pearl City, HI 96782 – View Map