Waianae Coast Film Festival: Made Possible in Part by the Sean M. Gage Memorial Fund

 Waianae_Coast_Film_Festival_2016_Flyer_FINAL

Dear Maile,

Aloha.  Attached is the flyer for the Waianae Film Festival which is being held this Friday,

April 1, 5:30 at the Waianae Intermediate School cafeteria.

This Film Festival includes most of the elementary schools in Waianae, the Intermediate School and the High School (Searider Productions).  Also participating are the Boys and Girls Clubs of Waianae and Nanakuli.Inda and I have sponsored the MultiMedia Program at the Waianae Clubhouse for the last two years.We have been very fortunate in having Tim Bradley come on board to provide the media instruction to the kids in the Program.  Tim is a graduate of Searider Productions and is great interacting with the kids.The funding for our sponsorship is from The Sean M. Gage Memorial Fund which we set up to honor our  son and to support various initiatives for youth and art.  In addition to supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, this Fund has also supported the Waianae Hawaiian Civic Club which we have done through our neighbor on Upena Street, Mele Worthington.  A photo of our son Sean is also attached.

Aloha,

John and Inda Gage

Sean M. Gage

 

 

Makaha Surfing Beach Erosion Update

  
Here is the City’s response regarding the Makaha Surfing Beach erosion. I know it’s not the best of news, but the good news is that the City and State are pledging to monitor the situation to determine the best time to move sand in the future.

JEFFREY JONES OF WAIANAE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB WINS 2016 STATE YOUTH OF THE YEAR AWARD; TATYANA SAMUELS NAMED NANAKULI BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB YOUTH OF THE YEAR

The program for the 03/30/16 Awards Luncheon at the Plaza Club.

  The NFL-YET Nanakuli Boys and Girls Club was also in attendance, and visited the Capitol before the awards luncheon. L-R: Claudia “Lala” Fernandez; Sen. Shimabukuro; Tatyana Samuels, and her grandmother and mother, Juliet and Veronica Malabey; and Kekoa Tupua.
Sen. Shimabukuro and Jeffrey Jones

 Jeffrey Jones was congratulated by Senator Brian Schatz (right) and other dignitaries.

I am thrilled to announce that Waianae’s own Jeffrey Jones won the State Youth of the Year Award on 03/30/16. Jones now goes on to the regional competition. It has been 10 years since a Waianae Boys and Girls Club member has won this honor. More information about Jones is in the news release below, published after he won the Oahu competition.

I also had the pleasure of being interviewed by Tatyana Samuels, who is the NFL-YET Nanakuli Boys and Girls Club’s Youth of the Year. Samuels is a 9th grader at Nanakuli High and Intermediate, and her goal is to become an attorney.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HAWAII CELEBRATES POWERFUL STORIES OF INSPIRING YOUTH AT 2016 YOUTH OF THE YEAR LUNCHEON

Waianae High School Student and Clubhouse Member Jeffrey Jones Named Youth of the Year

HONOLULU, HI – March 7, 2016 – The Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH) announces Jeffrey Jones, Waianae High School student and Clubhouse member as its 2016 Youth of the Year. Jones received the accolade at the BGCH Youth of the Year celebration on Saturday, March 5, which is held annually to celebrate BGCH youth and their exemplary contributions to the community. As Youth of the Year, Jones received a scholarship and a chance to compete in the state Youth of the Year competition.

“Since joining Boys & Girls Club when I was seven, I have overcome obstacles such as bullying and bad influences,” said Jeffrey Jones. “The Boys & Girls Club helped me become a strong, motivated and confident leader and as Youth of the Year I hope that I can empower and help others.”

Jones, a junior at Waianae High School, was recently selected by the State of Hawaii as a delegate at the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders, which will be held this summer in Boston, Massachusetts. He is also being nominated for his school’s National Honor Society and is the historian for the Waianae Clubhouse.

“The Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii is proud to honor local youth such as Jeffrey, who have truly inspired our Club kids, volunteers and staff their leadership, dedication, and service to others said Tim Motts, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. “Through the Youth of the Year program, we witness firsthand the incredible impact Boys & Girls Club Hawaii has on our youth and in turn, the impact they have on our community.”

Candidates Jaelyn Belarde and Rendle Mones of Lihue and Ernesto Yoro of Ewa Beach joined Jones in delivering speeches on how they developed the values of leadership service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles through BGCH. Over 300 community supporters were in attendance at the luncheon.

As part of the national Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the annual Youth of the Year competition is a premier recognition program for exemplary Club members. Led by the Alliance Board, a group of young professional volunteers, the BGCH Youth of the Year program includes an essay writing workshop with the University of Phoenix, an interview workshop with Kumabe HR, a speech workshop with Manoa Valley Theatre and a competition at Punahou School.

Since 1947, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has hosted the Youth of the Year competition to help Club members prepare for greater futures. Twelve candidates from BGCH’s seven Clubhouses on Oahu and Kauai participated in this year’s Youth of the Year program

For more information, visit:

2016 Youth of the Year – News Release

Art at the Capitol

 

Did you know that this Friday, the Capitol has an open to the public exhibition of artwork? Each office has artwork from the Art in Public Places: State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and we want you to come check it out! The event will take place from 4:30-7:00 PM, and is free admission. Here is the artwork in my own office if you’d like to come and enjoy some artwork!

Governor Tours UH West O’ahu Campus Tuesday March 29 2016

 

UH News Release link: http://www.hawaii.edu/news/article.php?aId=7786

Governor Tours UH West O’ahu campus

UH VIDEO NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Dan Meisenzahl, (808) 348-4936 Director of Media Production, Media Production

Link to video and sound: http://bit.ly/22MefeA

WHAT – Governor David Ige tours University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu Academy for Creative Media

WHEN – Tuesday, March 29, 2016

WHERE – University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu

WHO – Governor David Ige, First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige, UH West Oʻahu Interim Chancellor Doris Ching, UH Academy for Creative Media System Director Chris Lee along with faculty, students and staff

ADDITIONAL FACTS:

• Governor David Ige and the First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige toured the CyberCANOE (Collaborative Analytics Navigation and Observation Environment), ʻUluʻUlu, The Henry K. Giugni Moving Image Archive of Hawaiʻi, Roy and Hilda Takeyama Creative Media Lab, and a forensic anthropology lab.
• Creative media is one of the fastest growing programs at UH West Oʻahu.
• Creative media students have access to specialized input and output devices for use with print media, digital video, sound-driven compositions, and 3D graphics.
• UH West Oʻahu is the hub for UH students pursuing creative media bachelor’s degrees, and has articulation agreements with all seven UH Community Colleges.
• UH West Oʻahu commemorates its 40th anniversary in 2016 and offers 33 fields of study with a current enrollment of 2,700 students on its new Kapolei campus that opened in 2012.

BROLL (1 minute 20 seconds): http://bit.ly/22MefeA

• Governor walking with Chris Lee on campus (1 shot)
• Governor and First Lady in CyberCANOE (5 shots)
• Roy and Hilda Takeyama Creative Media Lab (2 shots)
• ʻUluʻulu Archive (3 shots)

SOUNDBITES:

Governor David Ige

(12 seconds)

“I have been a big proponent of the Academy for Creative Media and most importantly, it being a Systemwide program. It’s been tremendous progress to see what has unfolded here.”

(16 seconds)

“The ability of the ACM to be on virtually every campus across the system, I think is very important, as we’ve been working to develop digital media skills on in our public school students. It’s terrific that they now have a place to go regardless of where they are.”

 

Kamaile Academy PCS needs Career Day volunteers!

Kamaile Academy is searching for professionals interested in participating in Career Day on 4/14 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. (1-1:30 is the set-up). They coordinate this day for their secondary students in grades 8-12 at Kamaile Academy. The arrangement is more of a gallery walk, with a table for each participant to set up materials or an engaging activity to facilitate discussion. This year, theyʻre still searching for participants as their response was lower than last year.

Do you know of any interested professionals? Or are you interested? If so, please contact Kathleen Hoppe (contact information below).

So far, they already have professionals in the following areas:

• attorneys

• education (variety of areas)

• lifeguards

• military

• construction/engineering

• police

• hospitality industry

• airline industry

• computer sci/app development

• fire fighters

• beauty industry

• massage therapy

• public health nursing

• nursing

Mahalo nui!!

If you’d like to help out, please contact:

Kathleen Hoppe

Student Support Services Program Manager

Kamaile Academy PCS

(808) 697-7110, ext. 271

 

Campbell High Students Push to Ban Smoking in Automobiles When a Minor is Present

I enjoyed meeting with Campbell High School students, who are supporting SB 2083, which bans smoking in automobiles when a minor is present.  L-R: Cory Chun (American Cancer Society); Campbell High School students CJ Danielson, Robert Johnson, Josiah Villaro, Joshua Villanueva, and Sen. Shimabukuro.

Murder Mystery Surrounding an Often Overlooked Hawaiian Patriot: Robert William Kalanihiapo Wilcox

SR 124/SCR 163 commemorates and honors the life of Robert William Kalanihiapo Wilcox, an enduring patriot and advocate for the rights of native Hawaiians, who served as Hawaii’s first elected representative to the United States Congress. Members of his family, friends, and supporters gathered today to tell us about him and share their personal stories of who he was.

Senators were fascinated by the story of Mr. Wilcox’s heroic efforts to defend the monarchy, and of his untimely death, allegedly due to ingesting glass shavings in a drink served to him at a social function by his detractors. Ironically, the hearing on Mr. Wilcox’s resolution occured on 03/28/16, the day that the DOE and other HI institutions observed Prince Kuhio Day. The irony lies in the fact that Prince Kuhio’s legacy often over-shadows that of Mr. Wilcox, leading to many to falsely believe that Prince Kuhio was HI’s first delegate to Congress (when in fact, Mr. Wilcox was HI’s first delegate).

In photos (not in order) Gordon Lunalilo Wilcox, Beatrice Anderson Wilcox of Waianae, Isaac Hatori, Elizabeth Moreno, Albert Harold Braine, Ariana Savea, Kealohi Medeiros, Fairlena Paul, Alexander Liholiho, Lorna Souza, Virginia Stoddard, Palani Vaughan, Senator Michael Gabbard, Senator Lorraine R Inouye, Senator Maile Shimabukuro, Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Senator Rosalyn Baker, and Senator Clarence Nishihara

Special mahalo nui loa to Senator Brickwood Galuteria for introducing the resolution, and to Palani Vaughn, the Wilcox `Ohana, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the many others who have advocated for this important recognition. Here is a link to the measure status:
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx…

Tax Filing Assistance provided by VITA at the State Capitol: Saturday April 2

VITA will provide tax assistance at the State Capitol on Saturday, April 2.

Anyone interested should contact 724-2436 to make an APPOINTMENT for guaranteed service. At the time you set your appointment, additional details will be given (room #, etc).

 

Those with SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS are required bring the following with them:

– a picture ID (both husband and wife)

– Social Security cards (husband, wife, and ALL dependents)

– Any income related documents (W-2, 1099s, etc)

– Proof of medical insurance and any 1095-A forms

 

While walk-ins are accepted, VITA cannot guarantee providing service to everyone if there’s a large turnout without appointments. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO CALL 724-2436 AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.
 

Connect-A-Vet Resource Fair Held

The following is a press release provided by the Hawai’i State Judiciary:

Hawaii State Judiciary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2016

 

CONNECT-A-VET: FIRST CIRCUIT VETERANS TREATMENT COURT REACHES OUT TO VETERANS IN THE COMMUNITY

HONOLULU, HI- The Veterans Treatment Court of the First Circuit teamed up with community service providers to host the Hawaii State Judiciary’s first “Connect-A-Vet” resource fair, aimed at assisting veterans in the community.  The event provided information on Veterans Treatment Court, offered assistance with completing applications and other documents to help expedite access to veterans’ services.

The service providers who helped make this resource fair possible were: the Army Substance Abuse Program; Veterans Benefits Administration; Veterans to Nurses; Catholic Charities Hawaii; US Army Hawaii-Suicide Prevention Program; Cloudbreak Hawaii; Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); VA Pacific Islands Health Care System; the Salvation Army; Disabled American Veterans; and the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Housing.

“We wanted to provide a one-stop-shop for our veterans to access more information and get assistance with forms, so they can begin receiving many of the benefits they have earned,” said Judge Edward Kubo, Presiding Judge of the First Circuit Veterans Treatment Court.  “I’d like to thank all the service providers and the Veterans Treatment Court team for making today’s resource fair possible.”

U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz, U.S. Representative Mark Takai, and the City and County of Honolulu City Council commended the Veterans Treatment Court team for their outstanding outreach to veterans in the community.

“One of the keys to success of the Veterans Treatment Court is getting the veterans the healthcare assistance they need, whether it’s to address service-related injuries, mental health issues, or provide substance abuse treatment,” said Amy Rohlfs, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System Public Affairs Officer.  “That’s why we’re here today.  When our veterans are able to heal physically and mentally, they are able to take on the other challenges in front of them and get back on their feet again.”

Another vital component of First Circuit’s Veterans Treatment Court is the 25 mentors who come alongside each court participant to help support them through the process of recovery. Many of the mentors were at the resource fair today offering their assistance and support to those navigating the various informational booths and assisting individuals interested in the Veterans Treatment Court referral process.

The mission of the Veterans Treatment Court is to enhance public safety by holding veterans accountable for their behavior, while providing a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation.  This comprehensive approach includes access to substance abuse and mental health treatment, and assistance with housing and job training.  For more information, please visit: http://www.courts.state.hi.us/special_projects/veterans_court.html.

CNHA 16 for 2016 Initiative

The following is a press release from the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement:

Local Non-Profit Engaging Hawaii Youth to VOTE!

Kapolei, HI – The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is encouraging youth serving organizations to participate in its 16 for 2016 youth voter initiative.  Last year, CNHA launched the 16 for 2016 Initiative, focused specifically on youth civic engagement and voter registration targeting 16-24 year olds.  Launched by students from Kapolei High School at the 14^th Annual Native Hawaiian Convention, the goal of the initiative is to develop partnerships with local high schools, college campuses and youth serving organizations to increase voter turnout among young adults in 2016.  Additionally, the initiative aims to continue on-going outreach to students who are eligible by Hawaii state law to register to vote at the age of sixteen.

The State of Hawaii has one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the country based on its voting age population and the number of citizens registered to vote.  Among Native Hawaiians, general disengagement by our communities results in even lower rates than the general populace.  In 2004, CNHA started its work around voter awareness that later grew into voter registration efforts.  In 2014, CNHA joined forces with No Vote No Grumble and adopted a program priority to increase participation by community-based organizations (CBOs) to support a statewide field plan around civic engagement that includes voter registration, GOTV efforts, voter education, and training.  The strategy has grown to be more comprehensive with a focus on increasing the overall participation in democracy by Native Hawaiians.  In 2016, CNHA will continue its work with additional outreach focused on Native Hawaiian youth.

“Youth civic engagement leads to reduced risky behavior, increased success in school and greater civic participation later in life,” said Michelle Kauhane, CNHA President & CEO.  “Our goal is to inspire young adults throughout Hawaii to get involved, engage in their communities and vote!  It’s a right that too many take for granted”, added Kauhane.

According to CNHA, there are a number of factors that directly relate to an individual’s participation or non-participation in the democratic process.  However, civic skills, habits and motivations of young adults often result from opportunities for engagement during childhood and adolescence. The 16 for 2016 Initiative will provide young adults with an early introduction to civic engagement to establish voting as an important right and responsibility.

CNHA is looking to engage as many community partners as possible to support the 16 for 2016 Initiative.  For more information on 16 for 2016 or to schedule a training/informational session on the initiative, please email policy@hawaiiancouncil.org

The policy center at the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement convenes non-governmental organizations around policy priorities and solutions to meet the challenges in Hawaiian communities. CNHA is a national network of Native Hawaiian Organizations, providing assistance in accessing capital and technical resources, and is a policy voice on issues important to Native Hawaiian communities. Its mission is to enhance the cultural, economic, political, and community development of Native Hawaiians.  For more information about CNHA please contact us at 808.596.8155, toll-free at 1.800.709.2642, by e-mail at info@hawaiiancouncil.org, or at www.hawaiiancouncil.org.

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SR 32 and SCR 60: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Housing and Urban Development; Section 8 – Passed Unamended

SR 32 and SCR 60:Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Housing and Urban Development; Section 8 -passed unamended before a joint hearing with Human Services and Housing Committee on March 24,2016 1:15pm. All the testimonies  were in support.

SR 32: is the Senate Resolution

SCR 60: is the Senate Concurrent Resolution

 

SCR 60 has been moved to be voted in the Senate on the floor where it will move to the House of Representatives.

 

Brief Overview of what SR 32 and SCR 60 are about:

Requesting the revision of federal regulations so that housing subsides through the section 8 rental assistance and homeownership program  paid  directly to an applicant of the supplemental nutrition assistance program are excluded from the calculation of household income to determine eligibility for the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

 

The office of Senator Shimabukuro would like to thank Carolyn Schmidt, a resident of Makaha, for coming out and testifying on the resolutions.

 

 

Hawaii Habitat for Humanity at the Capitol

Hawai’i Habitat for Humanity met with Legislators and staff to provide an update on their organization and latest initiatives.

Sherri K. Dodson (Maui Executive Director) and Patrick F. Hurney (West Hawai’i Executive Director)

Below are links to materials provided to Senator Shimabukuro regarding Habitat for Humanity’s latest initiatives:

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR GIA FUNDS

Click image to access Habitat for Humanity’s Goals for GIA Funds

HOUSING MATTERS

Click image to access “Housing Matters” handout

HOMEOWNERSHIP IS IMPORTANT

Click image to open “Homeownership is Important” brochure

ANNUAL REPORT

Click image to access Habitat for Humanity’s Annual Report

 

State Job Openings

This is the Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD) recruitment center. The links provided on this page will help you locate job openings for the State of Hawai‘i Executive branch, excluding the Department of Education and non-civil service positions with the University of Hawai‘i. The links will also provide you with the tools to apply for job openings online through the NeoGov application:

State Job Opportunities

Information Technology (IT) Job Openings

The Office of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) continues to seek applicants for civil service and non-civil service positions to meet the State of Hawaii’s current and future technological needs. This month, Senior Systems Engineer and Technical Analyst were added to ETS’ online list of current IT positions in recruitment. Visit ETS’s IT Positions in Recruitment webpage: 

IT Positions in Recruitment

Ahi Shootout: Save the Date!

  

Waiʻanae Coast Community Connections Meeting

Get an update on City and State projects at the inaugural Pili o Waiʻanae Poʻe on March 30, 2016 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at the Māʻili Community Learning Center’s Lualualei Room. Senator Shimabukuro will be discussing transportation issues and providing legislative updates. Please see the flyer below for more details. We hope to see you there!

Boy Scouts at the Capitol

Did you know that girls can join the Boy Scouts? That was just one of a few insights shared with Senator Shimabukuro, her staff, and others at the Aloha Council Boy Scouts of America’s March 18, 2016 Report to the State event. The Boy Scouts told legislators about recent accomplishments and encouraged attendees to continue supporting the Scouts.

If you are interested in learning more about the Boy Scouts, please visit their website.

 

 

 

Information on Waianae YMCA Q&A

 

Office of Senator Shimabukuro

A constituent of Senator Shimabukuro’s district raised a question that has been on the minds of many residents on the Waianae Coast as well as our office.

Do you know if there are any further plans by the YMCA for the land  they bought near the waste water treatment plant?  Would you be able to provide us with any information of the development plans for the land purchase near the waste water treatment plant?

Thank you for your time.

YMCA : Executive Vice President & COO Michael Doss 

We continue to use this location to provide youth outreach programs to the Waianae community. I can provide more info on the types of programs we are providing if you are interested.

Regarding the development of the property, we recently completed a capital campaign feasibility study through which we received a lot of feedback about our Waianae location and how we might use it to serve the community. Based on this feedback, we plan to set a course of action within the next 12 months.

Sincerely,

Michael Doss Executive Vice President & COO

YMCA of Honolulu Metropolitan Office

Office of Senator Shimabukuro:

Could you provide me with information specifically on the programs offered at the YMCA Waianae location? What are your further plans for programs to be offered at the YMCA Waianae location?

 

YMCA: Executive Director of Honolulu YMCA Kyle Ishizaka

My name is Kyle Ishizaka, Executive Director of the YMCA Of Honolulu – Kalihi Branch.

The Kalihi Branch has oversight of the programs provided to teens in Waianae.

Currently we have a contract with the Department of Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD) to provide School Based Substance Abuse Treatment at Nanakuli Inter and High School and at Waianae Inter and High School.

We bring students to the Waianae facility from these schools during the after school hours and school breaks to provide treatment groups and activities.

We also provide a teen drop in center after school at the Waianae site.  Our drop in program provides structured activities to all youth on the Waianae Coast.

We also provide After care for teens discharged from Substance abuse programs at the site.

This is a twelve session program and assists youth to build a support network and create a relapse prevention plan.

It is also designed to assist youth to re-engage in the community where their alcohol or drug use originated in.

Both the Drop in program and After Care program are funded by a City and County Grant In Aid (GIA)

I hope this helps to answer the questions you and Senator Shimabukuro may have.

Thank you,

Kyle Ishizaka

Executive Director

YMCA of Honolulu-Kalihi Branch

 

Kanu Me Ka Laulima Kakou: Community Development and Financing March 23-24 2016

4th Annual Conference on Community Development Financing – Kanu Me Ka Laulima Kakou