Waianae Halau Places at Merrie Monarch

Ke Kai O Kahiki, a Wai’anae hālau under the direction of Kumu Hula La’akea Perry, placed third in Kane Overall at the 2016 Merrie Monarch Festival  in Hilo.

Ke Kai O Kahiki placed second in the Kane Kahiko competition and third in the Kane ‘Auana competition.

Ke Kai O Kahiki placed third in the Kane ‘Auana competition.  Photo courtesy of the Merrie Monarch Festival.

Ke Kai O Kahiki placed second in the Kane Kahiko competition.  Photo courtesy of the Merrie Monarch Festival.

 

Senate Ways and Means Proposes Fiscally Equitable Budget

The following press release was issued by the Hawai’i Senate Majority:

SENATE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE PROPOSES FISCALLY EQUITABLE BUDGET
April 5, 2016

Supplemental budget reflects community priorities, representative of needs statewide

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The Senate Ways and Means (WAM) Committee today introduced and passed budget amendments in HB1700 HD1 SD1 that reflects the priorities facing our communities, yet broadly represents and addresses needs across the state.

The Governor’s operating budget proposed to add approximately $335 million in general funds for fiscal year 2016-2017.  The Senate draft reduced this amount by approximately $215 million in general funds, resulting in a total operating budget add of $120 million in general funds for fiscal year 2016-2017.  The Senate draft did not include 100% pre-funding of Other Post-Employment Benefits, which was included in the Governor’s draft, and amounted to approximately $163 million dollars.

“The Senate draft of the supplemental budget balances priority needs with existing resources, ensuring programs and services can be maintained over time,” said Sen. Jill Tokuda (Dist. 24 –Kane‘ohe, Kane‘ohe MCAB, Kailua, He‘eia, ‘Ahuimanu), WAM Committee chair.  “Our Committee once again identified ways to encourage efficiencies and better utilize base appropriations to do more with less, without unsustainably adding to our budget.”

Fair Housing Awareness Day – 4/13/16

The Hawai’i Public Housing Authority, Representative Mark J. Hashem, and Senator Breene Harimoto, are sponsoring a Fair Housing Awareness Day at the Hawai’i State Capitol on April 13, 2016, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

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