David Ige - Community Notices

As mentioned in my latest newsletter, published on March 5th, there are a number of bills I introduced at the beginning of session for possible adoption into law.

Every year, legislators have the opportunity to scout out fresh ideas and potential needs in each of our districts. This year, as the newly appointed chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, some of these bills reflect those areas of interest. Below are a few select bills that I find may be of personal interest to our district.

SENATE BILL 9 - Relating to Information

This bill requires public or private entities responsible for the unauthorized disclosure of personal financial information to provide a minimum of one-year's worth of services from a credit reporting agency to its victims.

According to Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute, the right of privacy has evolved to protect the ability of individuals to determine what sort of information about themselves is collected and how that information is used.

Hawaii has passed several laws related to the protection of personal financial information, by imposing limits on the redisclosure and reuse of personal financial information, as well as the destruction of personal financia information to ensure it does not fall into the wrong hands.

I support this bill because I understand the danger identity theft poses to all of Hawaii's residents. The front page of the Honolulu Advertiser in 15 February 2007 recognized that Hawaii ranks 6th in identity theft, with the rates of such crimes being 1 1/2 higher than the national rate. I strongly believe that IF someone's personal information is disclosed, it is the responsibility of the entity who mishandled the information to help protect the victim by helping to alleviate the situation.

Status as of 03.06.07: Referred to CPH, JDL (Held in committee)

SENATE BILL 50 - Relating to AIDS Research

This bill makes an appropriation for the Hawaii AIDS clinical research program at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. This allocation is critical because the National Institute of Health (NIH) no long funds the AIDS clinical trials, which is the basic infrastructure of the entire program. Allocating the $1.2 million to continue this program is essential to the development of medication that will "ultimately improve the lives of patients with HIV-1 infection."

I strongly support the allocation of the $1.2 million to continue the Hawaii AIDS clinical research program because of the role it play in the advancement of AIDS research and care for HIV-1 patients. Losing the program would be devastating because it is the only research program in the state dedicated exclusively to HIV/AIDS, and its experts have become invaluable resources to physicians and patients. Although Hawaii has a small HIV-1 population of roughly 3,000 people, its ethnic diversity, particularly with Asian and Pacific Islanders, is vital to determining how well these ethnic groups will react to those medications.

Status as of 03.06.07: The commitee on WAM recommended that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED.

SENATE BILL 153 - Relating to Natural Disaster Preparedness in Health Care Facilities

Recent natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake that struck Hawaii on October 15, 2006, reiterate the need for the State of Hawaii to assess the ability of its health care facilities to withstand natural disasters. This issue is of particular concern because hospitals and nursing homes play an essential role in our State.

I think it is important that the State adopt measures to ensure the structural integrity of our hospitals and nursing homes. Being an engineer by trade, I understand the danger posed to people while working in or visiting a structurally unsafe building. It is imperative that we will allow registered professional engineers to conduct structural analyses on existing hospitals and nursing homes.

I believe that this bill adaquately addresses the concern many of our citizens hold regarding their safety in hospitals and nursing homes. Moreover, this bill has the potential to force the state to reexamine its disaster preparedness measures on a larger level. Although Hurricane Iniki, which devastated Kauai in 1991, was the last major natural disaster to hit out peaceful island chain, one only has to recall the 40 days of rain and massive flooding that occurred in 2006 and the tidal wave watch that was issued in January 2007. These smaller threats demonstrate that natural disasters do in fact pose a threat to our livelihood. Taking our temperate weather for granted only impedes our ability to be adequately prepared for a large scale and devastating natural disaster. It is with these precautions in mind that I strongly support a bill to ensure the safety of our citizens and the structures which are essential to our survival.

Status as of 03.06.07: The committee on WAM recommended that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS.

SENATE BILL 810 - Relating to Waimano Ridge

This bill has several components. First, it recognizes the lack of communication that exists between the community residents and the state administration over the use of state-owned lands in the Waimano Ridge area. The bill also expresses particular concern of area residents over the Department of Health laboratory which is located in close proximity to public schools, thus placing children at risk. The laboratory also has fallen under heavy scrutiny with regard to testing for potentially fatal diseases. In addition to summarizing the tension and the subsequent measures by the legislature to serve as a mediator between the Department of Health and community residents, this bill reviews Act 7, Special Session Laws of Hawaii 2005, which requires the Department of Health to give notice to the local neighborhood board and the members of the legislature from the affected districts and obtain approval of the governor for any use of state-owned land under its jurisdiction in the Waimano Ridge area prior to use of the land.
The main substance of the bill involves the appropriation to fund the Waimano Ridge Task Force operating expenses. One of the main objectives of the appropriation is for the task force to develop a Waimano Ridge comprehensive master plan. Second, the bill allocates funds to create a permanent, full-time Waimano Ridge facilities manager position. Finally, the bill allocates funds to provide for building demolition and water system upgrades, as well as building improvements of the Waimano Ridge area.

It is my belief that a productive dialogue can exist between community residents and the State of Hawaii is facilitated in a meaningful and transparent way. As a co-chair of the Waimano Ridge Task Force, I have been holding quarterly meetings to create an open dialogue between all of the involved parties, in homes of developing the Waimano Ridge comprehensive master plan that establishes a "totally integrated community," in which activities on the state-owned Waimano Ridge lands would be community-friendly.

As a native of the Pearl City area, I have concerns about the proximity of a laboratory in relation to Pearl City High School and Momilani Elementary; yet, I believe that both the Department of Health and the community residents need to come to a mutual understanding which addresses both of their needs. I believe having an open dialogue is the solution, and this can be manifested through continued support of the Waimano Ridge Task Force.

Status as of 03.06.07: The commitee on WAM recommended that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS.

SENATE BILL 1808- Relating to Capital Improvement Projects for the Benefit of the Aiea-Pearl City District

Capital improvement project requests for the benefit of the Aiea-Pearl City District total $74,744,360 for fiscal year 2007-2008. Requesters include Aiea Elementary School, Aiea Intermediate School, Aiea High School, Gustav H. Webling Elementary School, Highlands Intermediate School, Kanoelani Elementary School, Lehua Elementary School, Manana Elementary School, Palisades Elementary School, Pearl City Elementary School, Pearl City Highlands Elementary School, Pearl City High School, Pearl Ridge Elementary School, Waiau Elementary School, Waimalu Elementary School, University of Hawaii - West Oahu, and the Kamehameha Highway improvement project. Projects range from redesign and upgrade of old buildings such as the administration buildings at Gustav H. Webling Elementary School. In addition, funds will also be used to continue school-wide air conditing projects and the installation of band room cabinets at Pearl City High School.

The annual capital improvement bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation I introduce every sessions, and I am proud to help make our schools better. Because our keiki are the future, it is my responsibility to provide them with the best education possible in a structurally sound, technologically advanced, and properly maintained schools. The capital improvement project serves one purpose: to improve the essential structures of our schools, without which our students will not be able to prosper.

Status as of 03.06.07: Referred to WAM.

Identity Theft Awareness, Education and Prevention

In our youth, thieves were often depicted as hoodlums who broke into our homes and stole our more precious belongings - wallets, jewelry, cash, and family heirlooms, among other things. By merely locking our doors and installing house alarms, we felt safe and secure. However, the Digital Age and the widespread use of the internet and wireless communications gave birth to a new means of stealing our money - identity theft.

Identity theft has evolved to encompass a broad range of identification-based crimes, providing the police with stolen or forged documents thereby avoid detection, money-laundering, trafficking in human beings, stock market manipulation and even to terrorism.

Characterized by their ability to steal our identities undetected, identity thieves use various means of obtaining our personal information. Whether you are a regular user of the internet or not, your personal information can be easily be obtained by an identity thief rummaging through trash, listening to phone conversations and even posing as lottery agencies giving you a phony cash reward upon receipt of a nominal fee. We may be targeted, yet may not feel the effects for months or even years late. The damage can be severe and irreversible. Victims of identity theft may lose potential job opportunties, be denied loans and credit, or even be arrested.

Two years ago, the Legislature started a task force to address identity theft to issue and discover means of protecting ourselves and prevent identity theft from occurring, the Pearl City and Aiea area legislators organized an informational presentation on Wednesday evening, February 28th. Detective Miles Jung or the Honolulu Police Department, accompanied by Officers Kongton Sitachitta and Brian Reyes of the Pearl City Police Station gave an hour-long presentation with various pamphlets on the dangers of identity theft.

Identity Theft Legislative Task Force

Shortly after 7:00 PM, Senator Ige welcomed guests and introduced area legislators to the audience. He kicked off the meeting by explaining that the government collects all sorts of personal information, which is stored in both physical and digital copies. In a few instances where federal government laptops were stolen. people's personal information was compromised. The Legislative Task Force was created to inform Hawaii State and County agencies of how to prevent constituents from being victims of identity theft.

HPD Detective Miles Jung

Detective Jung then assumed the podium, starting his hour-long presenation entitled "Identity Theft Awareness, Education and Prevention". This presentation addressed five important issues concerning identity theft:

• Defining identity theft


• What criminals do with your information


• How information is stolen


• Protecting oneself and steps to take if you are a victim


• Law enforcement's role in combating and preventing identity theft

HPD's early role in identity theft

In 2002, the Honolulu Police Department began its first attempts to investigate identity theft crimes. Prior to this, the HPD has no obligation to investigate identity theft crimes because they were not yet defined under existing laws. Since then, the Honolulu Police Department, along with the US Secret Service, Federal Trade Commission, credit card companies and banks investigated and categorized them into four groups:

• Financial Identity Theft:
• Use of another's name and social security number to obtain goods and services
• Criminal Identity Theft:
• Posing as another when apprehended for a crime
• Identity Cloning:
• Use of another's information to assume his or her identity in daily life
• Business/Commercial Identity Theft:
• Use of another's business name to obtain credit

Senior citizens were initially thought to be the primary target of identity theft crimes, however recent statistics have proven that everyone is susceptible. In most cases, identity thieves use our personal information to take out loans, create fraudulent credit cards and sometimes even make phony driver's licenses.

Last year's identity theft statistics provided by the Federal Trade Commissions were astounding: 674,354 complaints, 428,319 of which were for fraud and 246,035 categorized as identity theft. All persons filing complaints were entered into a database, providing law enforcement with information on where a victim's identity is being used for easier tracking and investigation. Although these statistics are still high, Detective Jung also pointed out that the number of identity theft cases being reported for the last year were less than previous year

Awareness of the Risks of Identity Theft

The Digital Age and Internet are not the only perpertrators of identity theft proliferation. Detective Jung pointed out that identity theft is on the rise because of drug addiction (particularly with crystal methamphetamines), easy access to public records (court cases, birth and death certificates), high profit margin for selling identity and the difficulty to identity suspects because they are operating from a remote location.

Detective Jung then demonstrated how easy it is to steal one's credit card information, often referred to as "credit card skimming". In a matter of seconds, Detective Jung scanned a credit card with a skimmer, closely resembling a credit card scanner which is frequently used at department store registers and other retail stores we visit daily. Then, Jung stored the information to his computer, explaining that this is usually send to a third party via e-mail or stored on flash drives and sold. Finally, Jung took a Longs gift card, input the credit card information into the gift card and ran it through the scanner, showing the skimmed credit card barcode. This freshly made credit card could be used at any gas station, online, via phone purchases and even some department stores.

Check washing, although not as easily performed or widely used, is another form of financial fraud.

Service fraud, typically required only one's name, address, social security number and phone number, is commonly used to assume one's identity. In California, bitter spouses are filing for bankruptcy under their estranged partner's name, temporarily ruining their credit. In other cases, identity thieves create fraudulent cellular phone accounts, internet accounts and profiles, posing as other people. Worse yet, terrorists can steal identities to gain access to secure areas, including airports, military bases and utility companies.

Detective Jung shared with the audience several videos pertaining to identity theft, starting with a personal testimony of a woman in her mid-twenties who was a victim to one of the most notorious identity thieves still at large. The victim's entire life was ruined at the hand of this identity thief, who maxed out credit cards, rented apartments, purchased a home, recieved medical treatment, obtained birth certificates, got married, and even changed the victim's legal name. After years of filing police reports, the victim is still confronted with delinquent payment notices from the hospital where the identity theif gave birth to a child with one of her three estranged husbands.

To the audience who was in utter shock and mortification at this victim, Detective Jung stated that despite the gravity of identity theft, 62% of identity theft victims do not call the police.

Prevention of Identity Theft: Tips to Follow

• Keep track of your credit card and debit accounts


• Invest in a cross-cut shredder and shred all pre-approved credit offers. If you would like to opt out of a promotional and marketing lists by calling Equifax, Experian and TransUnion at 1-888-567-8688.


• Purchase a locked, secure mailbox or P.O. Box


• Mail all postal correspondences at drop boxes or the post office


• Do not provide social security numbers without asking why it is necessary to do so


• Do not carry insurance cards or social security card in your wallet


• Request a copy of your credit report annuallly


• Report ant suspicious activity in your neighborhood, even if it may not seem major at the time


• Report anyone who is seen tampering with mailboxes or trash cans


• Install firewall software on your computer


• Restrict online purchases to secure sites you trust. You can consult your bank on the reliablity of questionable sites.

What To Do If You Are A Victim

"Call the police and file a police report," is the first thing that an identity theft victim should do, Detective Jung stressed. Many people do not file police reports in fear of retaliation since the identity theft can possibly use their personal information against them. Some even feel shame of what family and friends may think when they find out they are victims. Identity thieves often times victimize their own families and loved ones.

Notify the three credit bureaus to launch a fraud alert to your name and review your credit reports annually. You should cancel all credit and debit accoounts immediately and notify your issuing institutions. Upon placing a fraud alert, the credit bureau will contact the other two, each sending you a free copy of your credit report.

Credit Bureaus
Equifax - 1-800-525-6285
Experian - 1-888-EXPERIAN
TransUnion 1-800-680-7289

In addition to these basic tips, there are many informative websites that are easily accessible.
The Federal Trade Commission has a website dedicated to identity theft (http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/).

Please take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your loved one from financial and identity tragedy.

Every year, talented musicians from public and private schools gather to compete in the Oahu Band Directors Association Select Band and Solo & Ensemble competitions. Held in late January and early February respectively, both ODBA events are the primary music competitions held in the State of Hawaii to feature up and coming instrumentalists, awarding top competitors with medals and highly coveted seats in the prestigious ODBA 9th Grade Select Band and ODBA High School Select Band.

Prior to their audition dates, ODBA Select Band and Solo & Ensemble contestants spend countless hours preparing solo pieces, rehearsing with ensemble members, and preparing audition excerpts. It is also not uncommon for contestants to spend additional time practicing for ODBA events with a private instrument coach. Whatever their preparation method may be, one thing is certain - auditioning for these all-state competitions is a remarkable feat worthy of applause and recognition!

Pearl City High School is home to a significant number of participants in ODBA Solo & Ensemble and ODBA Select Bamd competitions. In February, Pearl City High School Band soloists presented a diverse selection of classical and contemporary pieces, including atypical ensemble groups such as a bass clarinet duet and a trombone quartet. Contestants, who successfully "make the cut" for the ODBA 9th Grade and High School Select Band are invited to meet and rehearse with other finalists, then perform a full-length concert after a week's worth of intense practice. Guest conductors from among the nation's top schools of music are invited to share their musical experiences with the students and encourage student to continue their music education beyond high school.

This year, we are proud to recognize the following participants:

ODBA 9th Grade Select Band Participants (January 27, 2007)

• Lauren Anne Maeda, clarinet
• Kristen Matsunaga, clarinet
• Aldric James Ulep, clarinet
• Christopher Otsuka, alto saxophone
• Elaine Le, baritone saxophone
• Jesse Ono, french horn
• Sean Luster, trombone
• Brendan Ige, tuba

ODBA High School Select Band Participants (January 27, 2007)

• Curtis Norborikawa III, clarinet
• Roxanne Cortes, clarinet
• Cory Foo, clarinet
• Kristen Urada, bass clarinet
• Maria Cubi, bass clarinet
• Christopher Foo, alto saxophone
• Rachel Samson, french horn
• Teale Thornburg, trombone
• Jaymen Laupola, trombone
• Renier Kraan-Pilor, percussion
• Hollie Anne Roma, percussion

ODBA High School Solo & Ensemble (February 18, 2007)

• Jesse Ono, french horn
• Roxanne Cortes, clarinet
• Cory Foo, clarinet
• Nicholas Chun, tenor saxophone
• Ashlyn Marumoto, clarinet
• Tiffany Mima, oboe
• Christopher Otsuka, alto saxophone
• Cu Yung Lee, bassoon
• Kristen Urada, bass clarinet
• Kari Urada, clarinet
• Evan Lau, snare drum
• Steven Okai, alto saxophone
• Brendan Ige, tuba
• Joseph Burruso & Maria Cubi, bass clarinet duet
• Teale Thornburg & Travis Nakatani, trombone duet
• Garrett Maruyama, Ian Pang, Nicholas Pand, Jaymen Laupola, trombone quartet

-As reported by session staff, B.M. Higa

The Pearl City High School Band sets itself apart from the amateur pep band stereotype by setting a high performance standard and consistantly achieving it. Head band director Chadwick Kamei takes a community-oriented approach to music education. By inviting some of the finest musicians and conductors in the State of Hawaii to perform with and direct the band, Kamei proves students with the opportunity to fine-tune their ears , thus enabling them to raise the bar of excellence.

Guest performers include Royal Hawaiian Band saxophonists Todd Yukumoto and Tim Tsukiyama, National Guard Band bassoonist Chris Venture, freelance percussionist Abraham Lagrimas and bassist Todd Smith. In order to further develop students' cohesiveness as an ensemble, Kamei enlisted the baton skills of Hawaii Youth Symphony I Conductor Henry Miyamura (scheduled for later this semester), newly appointed University of Hawaii Music Director Brandt Payne, former UH Marching Band Director Thomas Bingham, and University of Las Vegas Music Professor of Conductiong Tom Leslie.

In July, the Charger Marching Band is scheduled to represent the United States in the Olympic World Youth Festival Parade in Beijing, China. Since announcing the Charger Marching Band's decision to appear in the China-hosted Olympic festivals last October, band members and their parents led several fundraisers to help sponsor the costly trip to the People's Republic of China.

With admiration and pride, we are happy to recognize the Pearl City High School Band students maintaining the 16th District's record for excellence in musical performance and dedication to the performing arts.

-As reported by session staffer, B.M. Higa-

[As reported in the Highlands Intermediate School PTSA Newsletter, Volume No. 6, March 2007]

The Ola Pono Awards, sponsored by HMSA, the State Attorney General, State Department of Education and Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii honor those who make meaningful, substantial contributions to our community by promoting safe, healthy and drug-free lifestyles.

Nominees can be a:
* Parent
* Teacher or Educator
* Counselor
* Volunteer
* Friend
* Neighbor
* Student
* Family Member
* Business Associate
* Club
* Business
* Family
* Church Organization
* School Organization
Or other individual or group who promotes and supports safe and drug-free lifestyles in Hawaii.

Some of the guiding principals are as follows:

• Provides age-appropriate information to help prevent violence and substance abuse among youth.


• Addresses the connection between drugs and other high-risk behaviors (such as gangs, unwanted pregnancy and AIDS).


• Promotes culturally sensitive approaches to drug and violence prevention.


• Promotes mentoring through ongoing, one-on-one relationships between adults and youth.


• Teaches life skills that support and promote safe and drug-free lifestyles.


• Promotes family-focused prevention efforts.


• Fosters awareness to strengthen attitudes in favor of healthy, drug-free lifestyles.


• Facilitates environmental or policy changes that support a safe and drug-free lifestyle.


• Is a role model for a safe and drug-free life.

Winners were honored at a special recognition luncheon in February, which was also Drug-Free Hawaii Awareness Month. Winners received a framed Ola Pono Award and $1,000 to be donated to a charitable organization of their choice.

Ms. Cara Gebhard is the Pearl City Complex Coordinator for the Challenge Day Program. All elementary, intermediate and high school students in the Pearl City Complex participate in the day-long event that features violence, substance abuse, and other high-risk behavior prevention and awareness sessions. Ms. Gebhard leads the school counselors and support coordinators to secure at least 30 parent and community volunteers per session so that students will have more adult mentors throughout the day. Students have the opportunity to learn about each other and strengthen their attitudes about positive behavior.

Ms. Gebhard also coordinates Leadership Conference for student representatives to plan service learning projects such as beach and park clean-ups, tutoring younger students, and fundraisers for non-profit organizations.

Ms. Gebhard, a school counselor and Social Studies teacher for the past 18 years is an inspirational leader for all students and especially high-risk students during their adolescent years.

Ms. Gebhard was recognized on Friday, February 9th at the Hale Koa Hotel and has designated Highlands Intermediate School as the recipient of her $1,000 award.

Thank you Ms. Gebhard for your dedication to our students!

[As printed in the Leeward People, March 7, 2007]

Call it alchemy, but the Pearl City Wal-Mark converted potato chips into computer chips.

Acually, the Leeward retailer sold a fair amount of Frito-Lay snack chips during a contest last year -- more than any other Wal-Mart location on the island, according to store co-manager Chanda Keawe.

That, in turn, earned the big-box retailer some computer equipment from Frito-Lay -- which then became earmarked for Aiea Elementary.

At a recent ceremony, representatives from the Pearl City Wal-Mart visited the campus to hand over the new equipment to an excited staff and student body.

A printer and computer paper were part of the donated package.

"We couldn't operate the school without organizations like Wal-Mark," said a grateful Principal Ed Oshiro. "We'll place the computer in our computer room so more than one person can operate it."

The Aiea Elementary computer room now features 31 units, thanks to the efforts of Wal-Mart and Frito-Lay.

While the store has donated a number of things to other schools, it has never done so on the Aiea side, Kiawe said.

"The Aiea community makes up a large part of our market," Kiawe acknowledged.

For Oshiro, the principal say any help from the business sector is always appreciated, especially because of the area's economic situation.

He said that between 85 and 90 percent of students at Aiea Elementary are on the U.S. government's free or reduced-price lunch program.

On a more low-tech level, the school would also appreciate donations of shoes and slippers.

Campus rules require that all students wear footwear, so some "emergency" pairs for the office would be appreciated.

Call the school at 483-7200.

- Emily Viglielmo, Leeward People

[Letter from Clifford P. Lum, Manager and Chief Engineer of the Board of Water Supply.]

Subject: Pearl City Water System Improvements, Part III, Pearl City, Oahu, Hawaii - Job 06-012

The Board of Water Supply has awarded a construction contract to Thurston-Pacific, Inc. for work on this project. The construction contract starts April 2, 2007, and is scheduled to end on February 25, 2008.

The work involves the installation of new 8-inch water mains, fire hydrants and appurtenances along the streets shown on the enclosed map. The project will reduce main breaks and improve fire protection and water service to the residents in the area.

[As printed in the Honolulu Advertiser on Friday, March 23, 2007, E5]

"Twelve semi-finalists from eight schools statewide will compete in the Brown Bags to Stardom concert at 7pm tomorrow at the Blaisdell Arena.

Comedian Andy Bumatai will host the event, which caps a two-month video competition via OC16, where viewers voted online or text-messaged with an interactive Oceanic Cable-Mobi phone system that drew 4 million hits from more than 50 nations. Contestants used MySpace, YouTube and other Web sites to promote their entries.

Semifinalists and the schools they represent are:

• Farrington: 8th Story, Lyrical Krew, Miguel Cadoy III and Tiffany Ganotisi


• Kamehameha Kapalama: Colin Kamemoto


• Kalaheo: Lea 'O Oahu


• Kamehameha Maui: Cool Progression


• Maui High: Aysha Janesky & Cherisse Tanno


• Pearl City: Max Louie


• Roosevelt: 2 Way


• Waianae: Sheila Arasato and Kourtney Ka'aihue

Congratulations to Pearl City High School senior Max Louie for his success thus far in the competition! I wish him luck at the last leg of the Brown Bags to Stardom competition!

[Press Release from the Department of Transportation for immediate release on March 22, 2007.]

The Kamehameha Highway Improvements Project Task Force will unveil display boards on proposed improvements for the highway through Aiea/Pearl City on Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 10:30am at Pearlridge Center Uptown (fronting Satellite City Hall).

The Kamehameha Highway Improvements Project is a joint effort of the State Department of Transportation, City Department of Transportation Services, elected officials and community leaders, who have been working on conceptual improvements for the past two years. The project focues on improving traffic flow and beautifying Kamehameha Highway from Center Drive to Waihona Street.

The display boards will be available for public viewing at the shopping center until Sunday, April 15.

"This is one of the most heavily traveled roads on Oahu," said Representative K. Mark Takai. "The goal of the project is to make traffic, safety, and aesthetic improvements while still maintaining a sense of culture and place."

In 2005, a task force was established to identify short-, mid-, and long-term projects that will improve and enhance this stretch of freeway.

Area lawmakers representing Aiea and Pearl City will also host a community meeting on transportation issues. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 25, 2007 from 7pm to 8:30pm at the Waimalu Elementary School cafeteria.

Representatives from the State Department of Transportation and the City Department of Transportation Services will make presentations at the meeting. The State Department of Transportation will give an update on the Kamehameha Highway Improvements project. The Department of Transportation Services will update us on current and upcoming projects, including the Honolulu High Capacity Corridor Project.

Known for his contributions to the Pearl City/Aiea communities, we invited Pastor Mike Silva of Palisades Baptist Church to give the invocation for the Senate floor session held on March 22nd. Pastor Silva opened the invocation with a prayer for the senators, asking for the Lord to give them strength to overcome their personal strife at home." He also prayed that "[f]rom health care to energy use...to domestiv partnerships." the Lord bestow upon the legislators the wisdom to carry out His will on behalf of the people.

For more information about the Palisades Baptist Church congregation:

2251 Auhuhu Street
Pearl City, Hawaii 96782

Phone: (808) 456-9066
Sunday School: 9AM-10AM
Sunday Service: 10:15AM-11:30AM

For photos of Pastor Silva's invocation, visit my online photo gallery and search under "Session 2007"!

To our pleasant surprise, we were visited by a little over a dozen Girl Scouts and their Troop Leaders this Aloha Friday morning. Approximately 200 Girl Scouts gathered at the Capitol today for their annual mid-March visit to the governor, lieutenant governor and the legislators. As part of their visit, the scouts also attended a special speech given by the U.S. Women's Soccer Team.

The scouts shared some of their delicious cookies with the staff, along with their enthusiasm for being a part of the Girl Scouts Council of Hawaii. Founded on the principles to discover their personal best and prepare for a positive future, connect with others in an increasingly diverse world, and take action to solve problems and improve their communities, the Girl Scouts send delegates to the Capitol annually to learn more about the democratic process.

We would like to that the following scouts who brightened our day with their smiles and spirit, as well as the troops they represented:

• Deb Montoya (Troop Leader and mother)
• Tricia Yamashita
• Chandelle Montoya
• Tao Montoya
• Alix Montoya
• Neva Montoya
• Gina Gustafson (accompanied by mother, Becky Gustafson)
• Alanna Machado
• Rachel Watanabe
• Janelle Lau
• Emily Poirier (accompanied by mother, Josephine Poirier)
• Kristen Izuo

Representing Girl Scout Troops 289, 313, 397, 973, 1075

-For photos of their visit, please visit the online photo gallery under "Session 2007"!-

-Reported by staffer Brandon Marc Higa

The Friends of Pearl City Library are holding their annual booksale on Sunday, April 22 from 10am to 3pm! Members are welcome to enter from 9am. Special discounts will be held every hour.

Members of the FoPCL are also welcome to the pre-sale on Monday, April 16 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm!