$500 million for projects, taking on housing issues, pondering a puuhonua, and … a re-election bid?

Video by David Corrigan, voice of Stephanie Salazar

MILOLII, Hawaii: Today marks the end of the mandatory 5 day recess at the state legislature.

Lawmakers will now roll up their sleeves and get back to voting on important bills and resolutions.

We caught up with State Senator Gil Kahele this past weekend in Milolii, to talk about what he sees as the most important work coming out of the statehouse these days.

Kahele did say that he has his sights on public housing in Hilo, or rather the lack of it at such run down locations as the Lanakila Homes.

Also, we asked his thoughts on legislation moving this session that would designate the former Kulani Correctional Facility as a Puuhonua… rehabilitating Hawaiians in a culturally sensitive manner.

Now that the new political maps have – for the most part – been determined, we wondered if Kahele will be seeking election to the senate seat he now holds.