HONOLULU, Hawaii: The Hawaii State Department of Transportation has issued the following media release, announcing an increase in the monthly parking fees at four neighbor island airports, starting March 1st, 2012.

From the DOT media release:

The state Department of Transportation (DOT) advises users of Kahului and Kapalua Airports on Maui, Lihue Airport on Kauai, and the Hilo and Kona International Airports on the Big Island, that monthly parking rates at these locations will increase from $90 to $160 beginning Thursday, March 1, 2012.

The monthly rate increase is proportionate to daily and hourly rate increases that went into effect at airports statewide on May 1, 2011. The monthly parking rate increase at Honolulu International Airport to $240 went into effect June 1, 2011.

For more parking rate information at these airports, please contact the offices below.

• Lihue Airport, Kauai: AMPCO System Parking, (808) 245-8716
• Kahului and Kapalua Airports, Maui: Standard Parking, (808) 871-0610
• Hilo International Airport, Hawaii: AMPCO System Parking, (808) 969-6642
• Kona International Airport, Hawaii: AMPCO System Parking, (808) 329-5404

11:15 am | Governor Abercrombie Releases $15.6 Million for Additional CIP Projects

HONOLULU, Hawaii: Continuing to expedite the release of funds for “shovel-ready” Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) mentioned in Monday’s State of the State address, Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the release of more than $15.6 million for various projects that invest in the state’s public safety, wastewater, civil defense and communications infrastructure.

“Each of these projects represents a long-term investment in our state and its people in the form of maintaining core services, facilities and resources, and generating jobs within our state,” said Governor Abercrombie. “I look forward to continuing to work with state Legislators to identify and expedite similar Capital Improvement Projects in the coming weeks.”

· $6,650,000 – State Department of Public Safety, various facilities statewide – Design, construction and miscellaneous items for repairs and alterations at O’ahu Community Correctional Center, Halawa Correctional Facility, Hawai’i Community Correctional Facility, Kaua’i Community Correctional Facility, Waiawa Correctional Facility, Women’s Community Correctional Facility, and other correctional facilities

· $3,518,308 – State Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), Public Works Division – Project funded staff positions for the third and fourth quarters of Fiscal Year 2012

· $3,157,000 – Wastewater Treatment Revolving Funds, statewide – Construction for wastewater treatment projects (Funds fulfill 20 percent state match required for $15,781,000 in federal funds.)

· $1,650,000 – Hawai’i Army National Guard, Building 117, O’ahu – Design, construction and works of art for the renovation of the Building 117 at Kalaeloa

· $664,338 – DAGS, Information and Communications Services Division (ICSD), various facilities on O’ahu – Acquisition and installation of trunked radio repeater systems at the Hawaiian Telcom radio station at Pu’u Papa’a, Kane’ohe; ICSD radio facility at Round Top, Honolulu; and control station at the ICSD Assistance Center, Honolulu

(Source: Hawaii Office of the Governor)
8:50 a.m. | Hawaii State Senate Introduces Bipartisan Bill Aimed at Stimulating Economy

HONOLULU, Hawaii: The Hawaii State Senate is united in support of Senate Bill 2012, which will be formally introduced and referred to its respective committee during Session this morning, Friday January 27, 2012. Garnering bipartisan support, Senate Bill 2012, also known as “The Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012,” is an aggressive general obligation bond-funded $500 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP) package aimed at creating jobs by investing and stimulating our local economy from all corners of the state, from Hilo to Hanalei.

With Hawaii experiencing the lowest interest rates on record and significant savings made from the State’s most recent bond authorization and issuance, now is the time to invest in our State. The program will create shovel-ready jobs for all trades in the construction industry – from carpenters to consultants. According to conservative estimates by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism’s (DBEDT) job multiplier, this measure could create or sustain up to 4,000 direct jobs.

“Investing now in needed State capital projects will have a direct positive impact on our economy. With interest rates at a historic low, there has been no better time to make a significant investment in our State’s infrastructure, said Sen. David Y. Ige, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

Projects to be considered should focus on smaller repair and maintenance projects to address aging infrastructures and to extend the useful life of existing state-owned assets and facilities. Projects should also include those that address health and safety code concerns. State departments that have been identified as part of the Program are: the Department of Education, including the State Public Library System; the University of Hawaii, including athletic facilities; the Department of Accounting and General Services; the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Defense; the Department of Health, and health care facilities of the Hawaii Health Systems, the Department of Human Services; the Department of Land and Natural Resources; the Department of Public Safety and the Judiciary. Funding will be distributed depending on the individual department’s needs and ability to commence work immediately.
Another priority of the bill is to develop sustainable and energy resources, such as photovoltaic technology. Investing in renewable energy and upgrades to information technology initiatives throughout schools, hospitals, and office buildings will ultimately lead to cost savings and a reduction of the State’s carbon footprint.

“This bill encourages the use of energy efficient materials whenever possible in the projects. It’s important that we invest in alternative energy throughout our State facilities now to save tax payers money in the future,” said Sen. Michelle Kidani, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

In order to expedite the backlogged repair and maintenance projects, Senate Bill 2012 would make revisions to the State’s permitting, approval and procurement process. As a result, the accelerated process would get workers off the bench and on the job immediately, putting more money in workers’ pockets. With this jolt in the economy, the safety net would be improved and a wide range of social and educational services would be provided.

“The Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012” is expected to be heard by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means in the upcoming weeks.

For more information on Senate Bill 2012 go to: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/

(Source: Hawaii State Senate)

By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

[Video feed courtesy KITV]

HONOLULU, Hawaii: Governor Neil Abercrombie delivered his second State of the State address before the state Legislature on Monday, laying out the initiatives his administration will pursue over the session. The governor struck a different tone than the troubled address he delivered a year ago, in the midst of a daunting budget crunch.

“One year ago,” Abercrombie said, “I stood before you to present the sobering fiscal reality facing Hawai’i. At that time, we faced an enormous deficit and the effects of fractured government services. The discussion was not about “whether” we needed to find additional revenues, but about “where” we needed to find them.

But by working together and through shared sacrifice, we have started to turn the corner. This past year has not been easy but we have accomplished our purpose.

I want to thank the Legislature for your collaboration.

Thank you to the public for weathering through those difficult choices.

Thank you, especially to our state employees, who agreed to labor savings and additional payments for health benefits.

There was no way for us to have balanced our budget and achieved today’s fiscally favorable outlook without the commitment of everyone. To all of you who came to work each day bearing the burden of cuts and slashes to your programs for the past three years; and to those of you who gave up furloughs because of your commitment to serving Hawai’i’s people, I thank you. Mahalo plenty to each and every one of you.”

The governor got to the Hawaii State Teachers Association situation early on… it ws just a few days ago that teachers rebuked a tentative contract agreement in a union vote, sending negotiators back to the drawing board, and jeopardizing millions in federal Race To The Top money.

“Together, we are moving forward. And moving forward means leaving behind the drama of the recent past.

It is for that reason that I have again, requested that the Hawai’i State Teachers Association provide us with a proposal as soon as possible. After good faith negotiations achieving two agreements, the teachers still have not ratified a contract. I will continue to press for a resolution.

Nonetheless, we must continue our focus on our children and students’ performance. We cannot wait any longer. We wanted to cross the Race to the Top finish line side-by-side with the HSTA. Make no mistake we will cross that finish line. Our students deserve no less. We will be using all management, administrative, legislative and legal tools we have at our disposal to implement an evaluation system that not only measures, but achieves student growth; turns around low-performing schools; and supports teachers in increasing their effectiveness.

Just as we must concentrate on providing for our children’s future, it is critical that we continue the economic momentum we have achieved. Since last year, Hawai’i’s recovery has been steady.”

Abercrombie then outlined a number of initiatives that he will be moving forward in order to strengthen the economic recovery that began in 2011.

“The first is construction. All the signs show that private investment and construction appears hesitant and tentative. Therefore, it is the public sector that must step up to invest in repairs and maintenance, construction projects and infrastructure improvements. By aggressively putting these projects into action, we will ensure that job creation continues.

Our recent bond and refinancing sale of nearly $1.3 billion, along with $1 billion of projects that are already on the budget books and another $300 million proposed in this supplemental budget will spur an immediate rise in job growth.

These New Day Work Projects were chosen because they not only address critical infrastructure needs, but more importantly, they are primed and ready to go. We looked for projects that were not mired in permitting delays, or only in design and planning stages, but those that are ready to provide impact now.
After my initial discussions with the House and Senate, I know that we are all committed to looking at an aggressive budget schedule for these repair and maintenance construction projects. I am committed as well to working with you to make sure that we have a healthy and strong construction budget and a solid plan to continue our investment in our economy.”

The governor then addressed a topic dear to Hawaii Island’s heart… the preservation and protection of the state’s watersheds.

“Finally, in this area of our economic future, we must never forget that we need to invest in being proper stewards of our Hawai’i nei. We must nurture our environment, not only because it is pono, but because it is an essential investment for kama’aina and visitors alike.

It is for that reason that I am proposing that we invest $5 million in protecting our watersheds. If we are going to nurture the ahupua’a of every island, if we are to keep our oceans blue, then we must save Hawai’i’s forests and preserve our water resources.

Paradise is our home, it needs our devotion and care.”

The governor also promised to make the TV and Film Tax Credit permanent, investing $1 million towards early childhood education and health initiatives, while investing another $1.4 million to establish Aging and Disabilities Resource Centers to assist challenged kupuna.

Abercrombie also talked about an emergency appropriation for a grant of $1.8 million to support the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii in light of the closure of two Hawai’i Medical Center hospitals.

Once again, the governor set his sights on a cause that stirred controversy last year… an attempt to tackle the obesity epidemic through legislation.

“The fact remains that the link between sugar-sweetened beverages and health is undeniable. I have proposed the establishment of a task force, with members from the public and private sectors, to identify and then implement a solution to this very real health issue in our state. The group’s objective will be navigating us away from the path that has led obesity rates in Hawai’i to have doubled in the last 15 years. Sadly, more deaths and illnesses have occurred from chronic diseases than from contagious diseases in Hawai’i.

As our Director of the state Department of Health recently noted, obesity is not just about losing weight for our children… “It is a deadly accurate predictor of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other mental and physical ailments” that can follow our children throughout their lives.

For these early childhood education and health initiatives, we are requesting $1 million.”

The state’s prison system, and improvements to the criminal justice system, were also a central theme.

“All these initiatives are not only about saving or spending money or programs and projects. It is about “how” to spend precious taxpayer dollars. A key example of this is the Justice Reinvestment Initiative. The data is clear that from 1997 to 2010, violent and property crime has steadily decreased by nearly half. Despite these improvements in public safety, the incarceration population has remained the same. We must change the way in which our laws work, change the way in which the system works, so that we can make a clear distinction between those who need to stay in prison to keep the public safe versus those who present little risk. But, we must also provide proper and consistent supervision to those who are released so that we act with dispatch when any offender fails to take advantage of the opportunity offered for a productive life.

After an unprecedented collaboration between the Governor’s Office, Justice Department, Public Safety Department, key lawmakers, the Judiciary and The Council of State Governments Justice Center, we will be proposing legislation that improves the criminal justice system utilizing the most up-to-date strategies. And we will do this with existing resources.”

And finally… talk about an energy policy, that framed Hawaii Island front and center.

“Currently there are about 80 renewable energy projects that are demonstrating progress in becoming commercial enterprises that have the potential to help the State of Hawai’i achieve its collective energy goals. This Administration will continue to look at every option – wind, solar, natural gas, photovoltaic, geothermal, biofuels, ocean energy and other technologies. We will be aggressive but respectful in our approach to our island environment.

These projects are just the first step, and in the next few months we will be unveiling a comprehensive roadmap for the state, beginning on Hawai’i Island, for building a world leading, sustainable economy standing on our people’s history of self-sufficiency in both food and energy. It is time for us to work together to put willpower to our resources and make this a reality for the state.

That is why I have assigned Lt. Governor Brian Schatz to coordinate and support our energy priorities. We must stay the course when it comes to advancing our clean energy future and ensure that collaborative decisions are being made. Swift and appropriate regulation must take place, as well as healthy competition and local entrepreneurship, community involvement and integration.

The time of sustainability rhetoric is over. Bold action is needed now. We must address two critical issues to position ourselves for increasing use of alternative energy – reliability and infrastructure.

While Hawai’i has an abundance of natural resources to tap into, the system cannot maintain itself solely with sources that shift with changing winds or the sun hiding behind the clouds. The system demands a clear measure of reliability of energy to feed into the grid. Therefore, one of my primary energy initiatives will be to provide the Public Utilities Commission with the explicit authority to develop, adopt and monitor electricity reliability standards. This will include jurisdiction over how independent power producers connect to the grid. Currently, while the PUC can take on issues through its formal docket process, there is no comprehensive authority to oversee reliability standards. To ensure that we have control over the reliability of the energy feeding into the system, we need to give the PUC this authority.

But more importantly, we need to create the infrastructure for stability. This means making the long-term infrastructure investments that ensure our electric grids are stable, reliable and modern enough to integrate alternative and renewable energy technologies. Our investment now will benefit future generations. Had we made this commitment in years past we would be benefitting from it today.

One of those investments is an undersea cable that can connect our island grids to provide stable, reliable electricity between islands. This integrated grid will provide stable energy prices and equalize rates between the islands, which will benefit all of us. To pay for this critical piece of infrastructure, we are proposing legislation that will attract private capital resources and expertise. In today’s uncertain world, we cannot postpone Hawai’i’s clean energy future any longer. We can only get there if we move now. There is no legislation more critical to our future.

I assure you, the energy debates that will take place this session will echo the debates that took place here when I was a legislator in these chambers in the 1970s. Let us not repeat a history of failure to act in 2012.”

The Governor will be submitting the measures that were mentioned in his speech as well as other proposals such as a bill to make appropriations for fiscal years 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 to recapitalize the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund and the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund.

The Governor’s office will also be introducing a resolution to study the efficacy of combining state government health policy, planning and purchasing into a single agency in order to advance transformation of Hawaii’s Healthcare System and universal access.

Overall, the Governor is introducing about 15 pieces of legislation this legislative session. The various state departments will be introducing about 170 measures.

By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

[President Obama video courtesy The White House]

A presidential speech given many miles away in Disney World will have a big impact on Hawaii tourism revenue, local leaders hope.

President Barack Obama unveiled plans to establish a new national tourism strategy focused on creating jobs on Thursday.

President Obama announced efforts to expand the Global Entry Program, which makes it easier for frequent visitors to the United States — who’ve undergone a background check — to travel in and out of its borders. Obama told the audience that he has directed his administration to add additional nations to the list of those whose citizens are allowed to visit America without a tourist visa.

The president is also mindful of the booming middle class in places like China, India and Brazil… a market that is largely lost due to onerous restrictions and long waits.

In the United States, tourism is big business. In 2010, the U.S. welcomed nearly 60 million international visitors to America, and they helped to boost our economy to the tune of $134 billion, according to the White House.

And in Hawaii, tourism still stands as the number one industry.

Governor Neil Abercrombie spoke highly of the president’s efforts, referencing a meeting he had with the president during APEC on the subject of tourism last year.

“The President’s announcement today is a wonderful New Year’s gift to the people of Hawai’i,” Abercrombie said on a written statement. “President Obama clearly understands that improving the visa and foreign visitor processing and travel promotion will spur economic growth. We look forward to experiencing that growth here in Hawaii.”

“I’m also looking forward to sharing this good news with our friends in China.” Abercrombie continued. “This executive order will result to their benefit of travel and our continued strengthening of relationships.”

The initiative has bi-partisan support in Hawaii. Republican senate hopeful Linda Lingle issued a statement in support of President Obama’s plan on Thursday. This campaign video posted to YouTube months ago shows that Lingle intends to further a similar agenda, if elected.

By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

[Video by David Corrigan]

HILO, Hawaii: The members of the Hawaii State Teachers Association have voted “no” to ratification of a proposed new contract.

According to the union, 67% voted no, while only 33 % voted yes.

At this voting location at Hilo Intermediate School, teachers cast their decision by ballot Thursday evening…

We spoke to a few supporters of the proposed contract, but as the final results suggested, we found many more who had voted down the latest offer.

In a message to teachers posted to Facebook, HSTA president Wil Okabe said after the vote, “I talked to hundreds of you this week personally and at some of the polling locations. I could tell from the questions many teachers had that the vote would be against ratification.”

Okabe went on to write “… beginning tomorrow, I will initiate a union-wide conversation about our options going forward, listen to your suggestions, roll up my sleeves, and get back to work. Many of you have suggested that we return to the negotiating table. Others of you believe a strike vote should be our next step. And still others have suggested that we continue with our legal challenges. Each of these points of view should be considered and discussed.”

From the State of Hawaii Office of the Governor:

HONOLULU, Hawaii:  After nearly eight months of working on the Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI), Governor Neil Abercrombie today endorsed the JRI Working Group’s policy recommendations to improve the state’s criminal justice system. The series of policy recommendations aim to reduce recidivism, ensure accountability for people convicted of crimes and make the criminal justice system more efficient.

“In addition to making improvements at various levels, this comprehensive plan helps us to reach our goal of bringing home Hawai’i inmates,” said Governor Abercrombie. “In the last 10 years, crime, arrests and convictions have all gone down yet the number of people in costly mainland prisons has not declined.”

With more than 6,000 people behind bars in Hawai’i, the state’s prison system is over capacity and requires anywhere from one quarter to one third of prisoners to be housed in mainland prisons. But, the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center projects that the policy changes recommended in the plan would drastically reduce the need for costly out-of-state prison beds, saving the state as much as $150 million over five years.

The policy proposals have inter-branch support and draws on exhaustive research of Hawai’i’s criminal justice system conducted by the CSG Justice Center, in partnership with the Pew Center on the States and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. Governor Abercrombie and legislative leaders established the 24-member JRI Working Group in mid-2011. The JRI Working Group is co-chaired by Senate President Shan Tsutsui, Director of the Department of Public Safety Jodie Maesaka-Hirata, and First Circuit Judge Steven S. Alm.

Senate President Tsutsui said, “This is a very well-developed package of common-sense policies. We have an opportunity to bring our prison population in line with numbers last seen nearly a decade ago, which reduces the tens of millions of dollars that are going to mainland prisons. More importantly, we can do this while making Hawai’i safer through more targeted programs, treatment and supervision.”

The comprehensive plan suggests that a portion of state dollars that would have otherwise been spent on mainland prison contracts should instead be reinvested in strategies that the research demonstrates are most likely to make the state safer. The proposed reinvestment consists of $7 million annually to go toward key unfilled positions, training in best practices, treatment programs in the community and more supervision officers.

“This data-driven, justice reinvestment approach allows a state to utilize the most up-to-date strategies in criminal justice while using existing funding and resources. That is a critical element in any collaborative effort of this scale,” said Denise O’Donnell, Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the US Department of Justice.

The policy proposals address a number of gaps highlighted in the comprehensive analyses, including recommendations to:

• Optimize the pretrial process through more timely assessment of risk for flight and re-offense and earlier determination of suitability for pretrial release. Procedural delays in this process make Hawai’i among the slowest in the nation.
• Base programming requirements on knowledge about what works and focus resources on high-risk offenders. Before they can be released, many low-risk offenders are being forced to complete programs that are proven to have little impact on their behavior. This clogs the system and delays access to programs for high-risk offenders who would benefit greatly.
• Use swift, certain and proportionate responses to supervision violations. Parole officers have limited options for responding to violations leaving them few suitable outlets for minor infractions.
• Mandate supervision for all felons following their prison sentences. Currently, 41 percent of people who max out their prison sentence are high risk for re-offense and they are almost twice as likely to be re-arrested following release than those on parole.
• Improve accountability and consistency of restitution collection and enhance reentry through victim safety planning. Court-imposed restitution orders are frequently left unpaid and resources are inadequate for a coordinated safety plan when people are released from prison.

“We in Hawai’i can do a better job of rehabilitating people and bringing them back as productive members of society,” added House Speaker Calvin Say. “When people are working on bettering themselves, it’s important to have family close along with proper supervision that will help them stay crime and drug free.”

Director Maesaka-Hirata explained the importance of supervision for those leaving prison: “The transition period from being in prison back to the community is a critical time to ensure people are able to commit to a life free from drugs and crime. That’s very difficult to do without someone holding them accountable. These policies options would change that.”

Despite the fact that fewer people are going in to jail and prison, the numbers haven’t budged because of a backlog in the jailing process.

“The violent and dangerous and those who won’t stop stealing need to be in prison. Unfortunately, the greater majority of others are in prison or jail longer than what is shown to be effective for ensuring public safety because of inefficiencies and bottlenecks in the system,” stated Judge Alm. “Through the Justice Reinvestment process, we are developing ways to make the entire system – courts, defense, prosecution, corrections – work more swiftly and efficiently, without risking public safety.”

Senator Will Espero, chairman of the Public Safety, Military and Intergovernmental Affairs committee expressed his hope for the coming legislative process: “This is an incredible set of policy ideas that will improve our corrections and judicial system. The work done by the Justice Center staff will provide efficiencies and savings for our state.”

“Hawaii’s research-based, inter-branch effort is demonstrating to states everywhere how to bring together stakeholders and generate effective solutions,” said Richard Jerome, manager, Pew Center on the States’ Public Safety Performance Project. “State leaders have come together to produce policies that will protect public safety, hold offenders accountable and cut corrections costs.”

The full report can be accessed: http://justicereinvestment.org/states/Hawaii/pubmaps-hi.

About the Council of State Governments Justice Center:
The Council of State Governments Justice Center is a national nonprofit organization that serves policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels from all branches of government. The Justice Center provides practical, nonpartisan advice and consensus-driven strategies—informed by available evidence—to increase public safety and strengthen communities.

The CSG Justice Center’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative addresses corrections spending and public safety is a partnership with the Public Safety Performance Project of The Pew Center on the States, with additional support to CSG from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice. These efforts have provided similar data-driven analyses and policy options to state leaders in 14 other states.

For more information about CSG Justice Center’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative, contact Robert Coombs at 917-743-6069.

From the Hawaii State Department of Transportation:

HONOLULU, Hawaii: Beginning Monday, March 5, 2012, proof of “legal presence” will be required for driver licenses and learner’s permits throughout Hawaii.

The state Department of Transportation (DOT) and all county Motor Vehicle, Licensing and Permits Divisions will implement the Legal Presence Act requirements in accordance to Act 28 of the 2010 state Legislative session. This is a major component of the federally mandated REAL ID Act of 2005 that will affect driver licensing requirements statewide.

Proof of “legal presence” will be required of all individuals renewing, reinstating and applying for a Hawaii driver’s license or learner’s permit. Existing permit holders must also comply with requirements before passing their road tests. These requirements apply to all U.S. citizens and foreign-born

“In response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, the new requirements passed by Congress are intended to strengthen the reliability of state-issued identification and to make it much more difficult for criminals to commit I.D. fraud,” said DOT Spokesman Dan Meisenzahl. “At some point in the near future, all U.S. citizens will need a compliant Real ID for air travel within the United States. We have to make sure Hawaii and its residents are prepared.”

Individuals must provide a valid or certified copy of their Social Security card. In addition, to demonstrate legal presence, the Drivers Licensing Offices will also require at least one of the following documents:

• A valid, un-expired U.S. passport
• An original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with a state Department of Health or equivalent agency in the individual’s state of birth
• A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the U.S. Department of State, Form FS-240, DL-1350 or FS-545
• A valid, un-expired permanent resident card issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Form I-551
• A certificate of naturalization issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Form N-550
• A certificate of citizenship issued by the DHS, Form N-560
• A valid U.S. Active Duty/Retiree/Reservist Military ID Card (DOD ID DD-2)
• A valid foreign passport with Visa and I-94 issued by Customs and Border Protection, DHS

Additional requirements may apply. For instance, married women who have changed their last names must also provide a valid or certified copy of their marriage licenses.

In conjunction with implementation of the Legal Presence Act, Hawaii will be issuing temporary licenses, and upon completion of all verifications, the plastic license will be mailed. If there are no subsequent issues that come up after the initial processing, applicants should receive their plastic licenses within two weeks of the date that they applied.

A full list of the Legal Presence Act requirements and frequently asked questions can be found at www.hawaii.gov/dot and click on the legal presence banner. Links to the site are available on all four county websites.

From the Hawaii State Department of Health:

Attached is the fireworks related injury data for New Year’s Day in Hawaii. There was a dramatic reduction in the number of injuries, especially on Oahu. A total of 22 injuries were treated at EDs in Hawaii. This was by far the lowest total over the 12-year period for which these injuries have been counted, and more than 4 times lower than the annual average of 96 injuries over the last 5 years (graph). Most of the decrease was seen in Honolulu County, from 79 injuries last year to only 15 this year. The information is compiled from reports from emergency departments statewide by the DOH Injury Prevention and Control Program.

Summary of fireworks-related injury surveillance for 12/31/2011 – 1/2/2012

*Background: The Injury Prevention Program of the Hawaii Department of Health annually collects information on fireworks-related injuries that require medical attention over the New Year period. (The New Year period is defined as December 31st through January 2nd.) Data was collected from the emergency departments (EDs) of all hospitals in the state (22 in total) and 2 health centers (Hana and Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center).

*Results: A total of 22 injuries were treated at EDs in Hawaii. This was by far the lowest total over the 12- year period for which these injuries have been counted, and more than 4 times lower than the annual average of 96 injuries over the last 5 years (graph). Most of the decrease was seen in Honolulu County, from 79 injuries last year to only 15 this year. There were 2 injuries reported from Hawaii County, 4 from Kauai, and 1 from Maui County. The 7 injuries was the lowest combined total from Neighbor Islands so far recorded.

* The age of the patients ranged from 3 to 55 years, with nearly half (45%, or 8 patients) under 18 years of age. Most of the patients (82%) were males.

*Most (77%) of the patients were discharged from the EDs, but 5 were admitted to hospitals. The total of 5 serious injuries was higher than most years, which has varied from none to 7 since the 2006/2007 holiday.

Two of the patients required EMS transport to the hospital, both of whom were admitted to hospitals.

*Other findings:

• Most of the injuries (86%, or 19) were burns.
• Hands and fingers (10 injuries) the most commonly injured body areas, followed by injuries to the head, face and eyes (7), or legs (4).
• Most (88%) patients were injured while setting off or holding the firework; 12% observing.
• Data on the type of firework were missing for half (11) of the patients. Five injuries were caused by “firecrackers”, and 1 injury each from “flowers”, sparklers, an aerial “mortar”, ignited gunpowder, and a homemade pipe bomb. The injuries from the mortar, gunpowder, and pipe bomb all required hospital admission.

*Although fireworks-related injuries continue to be a significant cause of trauma around the New Year period, particularly among young children, this year’s low total validates the effectiveness of the Honolulu County ordinance to regulate their use.

From the Office of the Governor:

Coordinator on Homelessness Steps Down, Community Approach to Homelessness Initiative Continues

HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced his Coordinator on Homelessness Marc Alexander has resigned to attend to personal matters but stressed that the plan to end homelessness will continue. Actions to address homelessness which are now being led by the Hawai’i Interagency Council on Homelessness (HICH) will remain on track.

Mr. Alexander’s resignation is effective tomorrow.

“Marc Alexander has done outstanding work as the coordinator in bringing together leaders from throughout the community and this work will continue as a priority. The time has come to put more structure to this effort,” said Governor Abercrombie. “I am pleased that Marc accomplished the coordination aspect of what is now a movement to end homelessness.”

“It has been an honor to work with Governor Abercrombie on establishing this mission. Homelessness is not a quick fix, we have established short-term and long-term goals and we are making a positive difference in the lives of individuals who need help,” said Mr. Alexander.

With the resignation of Mr. Alexander, Lynn Heirakuji will serve as interim HICH Vice-Chair. Ms. Heirakuji is the Director of the Governor’s Hawai’i Fair Share Initiative and has worked with Mr. Alexander on the 90-Day Plan on Homelessness and the HICH.

In July 2011, Governor Abercrombie signed an executive order that established HICH, a 24-member council comprised of community leaders, state department directors, and federal agency representatives to develop a unified plan on addressing homelessness.

HICH aligns its efforts with the US Interagency Council on Homeless (USICH), established by President Obama in 2009.

Key mandates of the HICH include:
· Increasing transitional and permanent housing options
· Acquiring increased federal funding to support homeless efforts
· Replicating successful initiatives implemented in other states
· Increasing the integration of social, health, training, and housing services to reduce duplication among homeless assistance programs

Mr. Alexander was appointed the Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness nearly one year ago. He immediately began coordinating efforts between counties, non-profits, state, and federal agencies to work together on homelessness. Under his leadership, the state launched a 90-Day Plan on homelessness, which outlined key objectives in reducing the number of homeless individuals in the state.

At the conclusion of the 90 days, the following achievements were assessed:
· More than 200 people from Waikiki and the urban core were moved from emergency shelters or the streets into transitional or permanent housing, including 40 vulnerable individuals. In the Wai’anae area, 85 people were moved into permanent housing. On Maui, 65 people were moved from the streets or shelters into permanent housing. On Kaua’i, 44 people were moved into permanent housing from the streets or shelters. On Hawai’i Island, 136 people were moved into transitional or permanent housing.
· Next Step Shelter in Kaka’ako expanded its hours to be open for individuals and families on the weekends.
· The State’s first ever “safe parking” zone program has been implemented by Hope Services Hawai’i in their Hilo shelter, Kihei Pua.
· Online resources and information were updated, including a “wish list” and “volunteer opportunities” for the public in the various shelters that serve people who are homeless.
· A statewide homeless hotline system was established and received over 500 calls and emails, and continues to receive calls daily. Through the hotline effort, over 130 were referred into housing resources. The hotline has also served as a means to connect service providers with one another.

From August to November 2011, 1,235 people were moved from the streets, emergency shelters, domestic violence shelters, or transitional shelters into transitional or permanent housing.

“Marc has played a key role in the state’s homelessness initiative,” said Governor Abercrombie. This initiative has always been about collaboration and we now have a strong base to build from.”

HICH has met twice since its establishment. Its next meeting will take place sometime in February.

HONOLULU, Hawaii: After a day of oral arguments, the Hawaii Supreme Court has found the 2011 Final Reapportionment Plan to be constitutionally invalid.

From the Order Granting Petition for Writ of Mandamus and Judicial Review:

(By: Recktenwald, C.J., Nakayama, Acoba, Duffy, and McKenna, JJ.)

Upon consideration of the petition for a writ of mandamus and judicial review filed by petitioners Malama Solomon, Louis Hao, Patricia A. Cook and Steven G. Pavao, the answers by respondent Governor Neil Abercrombie, the Chief Election Officer, and the 2011 State of Hawaii Reapportionment Commission, and oral argument, we conclude that the 2011 Final Reapportionment Plan is constitutionally invalid. The Hawaii Constitution, article IV, section 4, expressly mandates that only permanent residents be counted in the population base for the purpose ofreapportionment. The 2011 Final Reapportionment Plan disregardsthis constitutional mandate by including non-permanent residentsin the population base that the Reapportionment Commission usedto allocate the members of the state legislature among the basicisland units. Therefore, pursuant to our power under the Hawaii Constitution, article IV, section 10, to correct any error in a reapportionment plan,

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the petition for a writ of mandamus and judicial review is granted. The 2011 Final Reapportionment Plan for the state legislature is hereby invalidated. The 2011 State of Hawaii Reapportionment Commission shall prepare and file a new reapportionment plan that: (1) allocates the members of the state legislature among the basic island units by using a permanent resident population base, and then (2) apportions the members among the districts therein as provided by article IV, section 6. The Chief Election Officer shall rescind the publication of the 2011 Final Reapportionment Plan for the state legislature. An opinion will follow.

As the Hawaii State Judiciary website explains, “The 2011 Final Reapportionment Plan apportioned each house of the state legislature by allocating and maintaining, as to the Senate, eighteen seats for Oahu County, three seats for Hawaii County, three seats for Maui County, and one seat for Kauai County. Petitioners contend that the allocation is not based on the total number of permanent residents in each of the counties, as required by the Hawai`i Constitution, article IV, section 4. Petitioners contend that the allocation is based on a permanent resident population that does not exclude all non-permanent residents and that the exclusion of all non-permanent residents results in an allocation wherein Hawaii County gains a fourth senate seat and Oahu County loses a senate seat.”

This media release is from the Hawaii Office of the Governor:

Honolulu – The Abercrombie Administration submitted its budget this afternoon with a renewed commitment to providing a secure and promising future for Hawai’i. The balanced budget seeks to achieve a healthy surplus, incorporates savings achieved through solid fiscal management, funds high-priority programs, and does not rely upon any tax increases. Governor Neil Abercrombie and Budget & Finance Director Kalbert Young announced that a number of New Day priorities will move forward due to the solid foundation laid in the past year.

“One year ago we faced a daunting $1.2 billion deficit forcing us to make tough decisions to rebuild our fiscal situation,” said Governor Abercrombie. “We worked to make the best use of limited resources, asked for certain but temporary sacrifices, and improved efficiency in every department. Now, I submit this budget, which is in the black, for the Legislature’s consideration to build on our New Day agenda, which will result in stimulating the economy and creating jobs.”

Through a combination of cost savings on public employee health plans, better management of state finances as exemplified in the state’s recent bond sale to reduce interest costs, and a retooling of state departments, the state entered the new fiscal year with a positive general fund balance for the first time in three years.

The fiscal year (FY) 2012 – 2013 Executive Supplemental Budget includes proposed amendments that total $119.9 million, an increase of 1.7 percent. However, the Administration is also identifying $85.9 million in savings, the result of which will be a net request for general funds totaling only $35 million. This net request is less than 1 percent of the general fund budget. Although the budget is balanced in consideration of the Council of Revenues’ projection for a 14.5% increase in revenues during the current fiscal year (FY 2012), the budget takes a conservative view of these projections.

“While we appear to be turning the corner fiscally, it does not mean that we can ignore our obligations such as paying our bills on time, paying taxpayers what they are owed, nor obviate our responsibility to fund those core services that the public relies upon,” said Director Young. “We must continue to be fiscally prudent in our management of funds and expenditure of monies. Our goal is to continuously achieve positive cash balances at the end of each year going forward.”

In alignment with his New Day Plan, the Governor’s FY 2013 Supplemental Budget proposes to do the following:

· Restore the Safety Net
· Provide for Education
· Maintain Essential Services
· Execute New Day Initiatives

The Governor’s Budget proposes to restore $174 million to the Hurricane Relief and Rainy Day funds during the current biennium with $75 million in the current fiscal year. Contrary to the misunderstanding of some, this repayment is not through bonds, but by premiums buyers paid to the state in the recent sale of its highly-sought bonds.

“This is another example of our financial prudency and conservatism,” noted Director Young. “The bond transaction enables us to begin recapitalizing the reserves. To be clear, this is not by assuming more ‘debt.’”

The Budget also includes additional Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) that would require another $300 million of General Obligation Bonds.

The CIP projects address critical infrastructure needs that are shovel-ready and will provide the most immediate impact and job creation.

In his first year in office, Governor Neil Abercrombie set forth a comprehensive plan, “A New Day in Hawai’i, to invest in education and rebuild our economy; sustain our Hawai’i for future generations; and to restore public confidence.

“It will take time to restore faith in government but we are working hard to make things right and move Hawai’i forward,” stated Governor Abercrombie. “We now have a clear understanding of our finances and have established unprecedented collaboration to initiate projects that have immediate impact and solve various issues including homelessness, education, and social services.”

The Executive Supplemental Budget can be viewed at http://hawaii.gov/budget.

Media release from the Office of the Governor:

HONOLULU, Hawaii – Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced another addition to his communications team. Keith DeMello will be joining the Governor’s office as Communications Manager on December 12, 2011. DeMello will work alongside Communications Director Jim Boersema, Deputy Director of Communications Donalyn Dela Cruz, and Social Media Specialist Mark Wolf.

Boersema will oversee all aspects of communications, including strategy, between the Office of the Governor and the public and state government. Dela Cruz will continue to serve as the Governor’s spokesperson and primary media contact. In addition, Dela Cruz will assist Boersema in communication operations for the state. Wolf will continue to execute all Social Media, photo and video content for the Office of the Governor.

DeMello will assist in all aspects of communications for the Office of the Governor. He served as a Vice President of Public Affairs at McNeil Wilson Communications, brings over 15 years of experience in public relations. DeMello has led a diverse collection of public relations accounts across a wide spectrum of industries, from visitor/attraction to non-profit to transportation and municipal services. His work has earned various honors from the Hawai’i chapters of the Public Relations Society of America, International Association of Business Communicators, and American Marketing Association. Prior to his time at McNeil Wilson, DeMello worked as an assistant account executive and production manager at Becker Communications. DeMello holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Hawai’i. He is a past president of the Hawai’i chapter of the American Marketing Association, and past president of the Hawai’i Council on Portuguese Heritage.

Earlier this month, Representative Blake Oshiro became the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff. Oshiro will be key in communicating the Governor’s agenda with legislators. The Governor has 60 days to appoint a replacement to the District 33 House Seat.