DISTRICT 25 NEWS
2010
October 2010
Hawaii Sprints to the Top
State education reform is finally getting the momentum it has long needed.
Some GOOD Reasons to Vote
We get on our soap box.
August/September 2010
2010 Community Survey Results - We publish the entire results of this year’s community survey.
Summer 2010
DOT Options for Lunalilo On-/Off-Ramp Project
A brief overview of the traffic and congestion issues involving the Lunalilo off-ramp and the ideas being considered to ease the problem.
Sneak Peak: 2010 Community Survey Results
Take a look at early results of our tally of resident responses to the 2010 Community Survey. The economy, the economy, the economy.
Back to The Classroom
No more “Furlough Fridays” for schools. Read the Legislative bills proposed to address the problem of the reduction in instructional days.
Legislative Update 2010
Highlights of the legislative bills that passed this 2010 Session.
A Dog Park for Makiki District Park
Advocates discuss the benefits and challenges of bringing Makiki’s first enclosed off-leash dog park to Makiki District Park. Woof!
May/June 2010
Prospects for Final Passage of 2010 Legislation
During the 2010 Session, 250 bills were passed by the Legislature and sent to the Governor for review. This article summarizes some of the more controversial bills left on the Governor’s docket including Civil Unions, a Governor appointed Board of Education, minimum instructional hours for Hawaii’s schools, and additional fireworks regulation.
April 2010
Big Money Politics
Recent landmark judicial decisions have changed the landscape of campaign finance laws and cleared the way for corporate monies to flow into our elections process. Rep. Belatti outlines this year’s legislative bills intended to limit the influence of corporate contributions.
Catholic Charities Makiki Campus
Catholic Charities bought the former First Presbyterian Church located on Keeaumoku and Nehoa in 2006, and has been slowly renovating the building to establish a central campus in Makiki while continuing their mission to provide social services to our neediest. Read the latest on the development of Makiki’s newest neighbor.
March 2010
Recalibrating Unemployment Insurance
Short instruction on the state of Hawaii’s unemployment insurance program and the recent legislation passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor into law.
2010 Mid-Session Legislative Updates
Take a look at a synopsis of some of the big bills moving through the Legislature, as well as learn about the Unemployment Insurance Tax "Fix" that was passed by the Legislature and recently signed into law by the Governor.
Tsunami Preparedness
In light of the Feb. 27th tsunami warning the Islands experienced, this newsletter contains some helpful tips when the next tsunami warning comes including when a tsunami is expected, what to do if caught in an evacuation zone, and what areas of Oahu are vulnerable.
February 2010
Legislature ABCs
What is the Legislative Calendar? How do I get information on bills and resolutions? How do I submit testimony? Read on to learn the basics of the legislative process.
Bills to Follow in 2010
A recommended list of education, urban concerns, and crime bills to watch in 2010. Each bill is identified by number and described in brief.
January 2010
2010 Community Survey
Take our 2010 community survey with over 30 questions on the Hawaii state budget and spending priorities. We promise, there’s less reading than the last one.
Census 2010: A Snapshot
This brief article explains US Census 2010, employment opportunities with the Census, and the importance of the data collected.
2009
December 2009
2nd Annual “The Good List”
After a brief hiatus, District 25 News is back to round out the 2009 year. This year’s "The Good List" provides information about ways you can help our neighborhood community groups that do good work all year round.
Educational Reform?
Rep. Belatti’s thoughts on the ongoing furlough situation in our public schools.
August/September 2009
Rediscovering our Makiki
Read the short article and browse the photo gallery of festival goers and participants of our 2nd ever Rediscover Makiki: Sunset in the Park at Makiki District Park.
2009 Community Survey Results
Mahalo to the respondents of this year’s survey. Review what respondents thought about our state economic priorities, a moratorium on the sale/transfer of state lands, and a ban on fireworks.
June/July 2009
Bills on the Governor’s Veto List
What do you think about these bills the Governor may veto and should the Legislature vote to override any veto?
Makiki’s VERY OWN Farmers’ Market
Introducing Makiki’s first evening farmers’ market hosted by The Parish of St. Clement’s. Support our local farmers and small business owners by joining us every Thursday evening at the market where you can eat in, take out, or buy fresh produce for the next day.
Aloha Duke
“Leaders must not only be true, they must also care.” –Councilmember Duke Bainum
We pay a special tribute to Councilmember Duke Bainum, a dear colleague, friend, and true public servant, who passed away June 9, 2009.
May 2009
It’s Not Over Yet
With the end of the 2009 Legislative Session, District 25 News explains the veto and veto override process.
Prospect for Final Passage of 2009 Legislation
Rep. Belatti reviews 4 special bills related to noise, recycling, energy, & college savings that she believes should be signed into law.
The Legacy of Papakolea
The Legislature celebrates the 75th anniversary of Papakolea Hawaiian Homestead and reflects on this special native Hawaiian community’s heritage.
April 2009
Protecting Hawaii’s Social Safety Net
Rep. Belatti answers what is the “social safety net?” and why smart spending of Federal Medicaid dollars is so important to protecting the safety net and our economy.
Commemorating 50 Years of Statehood
Review of the 50th Anniversary celebration at the State Capitol. Includes remarks by Rep. Belatti to commemorate the work of Thomas Ponce Gill made during the special Joint Session of the Hawaii State Legislature.
Starving for support
As unemployment rates climb and the recession deepens, local community food outreach services need help more than ever. This issue includes a special service spotlight on The Parish of St. Clement’s Food Outreach Ministry.
March 2009
2009 Community Survey
Legislative Mid-Session Update
Summaries of a few of the little-known gems moving through the Legislature this year.
Stemming the Flood
Government agencies move toward drafting of an environmental impact statement as the next step for the long-awaited Ala Wai Watershed canal revitalization project. What is the Ala Wai Watershed canal revitalization project, and why is it important to Makiki?
Papakolea 75th Anniversary Celebration
Papakolea's 75th anniversary as one of the first Hawaiian Homesteads under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920.
Grand Re-opening of Makiki Community Learning Center
Celebration of the official grand re-opening of the Makiki Community Library for public use and dedication of the new Frank F. Fasi Citizen Resource Center.
February 2009
2009 Community Survey
Relaxing Regulations on Corporate Campaign Donations
Rep. Belatti reviews the newest proposals seeking to relax regulations on corporate campaign donations.
Volunteer Tax Preparation Services
Several non-profit organizations provide volunteer tax preparation services to those who qualify.
MCLC Hosts Fundraising Scholastic Book Fair
Friends of the Makiki Community Learning Center (“MCLC”) hosts a book fair to raise funds and add to the collection.
January 2009
2009 Community Survey
What do you think? We want to know. This year’s issues include economic priorities for the state, salary cuts for all high level members of the executive, judiciary, and legislative branches, and the Ceded Lands court case.
The High Court Case on Ceded Lands
A brief primer on the Hawaii State Supreme Court case going before the United States Supreme Court next month and the controversial bill being considered at the Hawaii State Legislature that would place a moratorium on the sale, exchange, and transfer of any State lands. Includes a mini-glossary and links to the State and OHA court briefs.
Renew America Together at Makiki District Park
Friends of Makiki Community Learning Center and Hui o Makiki joined a nationwide volunteer program to “Renew America Together” on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day to prepare the Library for its grand re-opening.
2008
December 2008: “The Good List,” Reflections on Election 2008
October/November 2008: Community Survey Results, Pro/Con ConCon Decision 2008
August/September 2008:
Rediscover Makiki in Pictures, Citizen Resources on Hawaii’s Next Constitutional Convention (“ConCon”)
Summer 2008: Legislative Update 2008, Stevenson Middle School Granted $7.2 Million, Rediscover Makiki: Sunset in the Park
May 2008: Pictorial Recap of Makiki Community Coffee Talk Series
April 2008: New QUEST-Ace Eligibility Requirements, E-Waste Recycling, Managed Healthcare, The Story of Hale Pawaa
March 2008: Community Survey, Maryknoll Schools Hawaii 80th Anniversary, The Opportunity for Wave Energy in Hawaii, Help Collecting Federal Rebates
February 2008: Community Survey, A Call to Overhaul the Grants-in-Aid Award Process, Hawaii’s Approaching Healthcare Crisis, Citizen’s Guide to the Legislative Process
2007
November 2007: District 25 Schools - Repair Updates and Priorities
October 2007: Urban Concerns
August/September 2007: Alternative Energy Initiatives
July 2007: Elder Issues and Legislative Veto Overrides
June 2007: Education Matters
May 2007: Health Care and Condominium Legislation
April 2007: Community Happenings
March 2007: Community Survey Results
COMMUNITY EVENTS
2007
Community Outreach Events
LINKS FOR NEW IDEAS
Hawaii’s Changing Climate: Briefing Sheet, 2010 A short brief that explains how the global climate change crisis impact Hawaii. Developed by the University Hawaii Sea Grant College Program, Center for Island Climate Adaption and Policy, this primer is a must-read for every Hawaii resident.
Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Disasters Authored by Dennis J. Hwang and Darren K. Okimoto and published by the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program, this guide on emergency preparedness and evacuation planning for the homeowner and includes common myths and practical information for residents about tsunami, hurricane, earthquake and flood hazards. Provides emergency supplies lists and how to prepare an evacuation kit.
DRAFT Oahu Bike Plan, Public Review Draft 2009 The City & County of Honolulu has been working on making Honolulu a more pedestrian- and bike-friendly city and is currently updating the DRAFT Oahu Bicycle Master Plan with comments from last year’s public review. Visit OahuBikePlan.org for more information about the Master Plan, draft bike maps for the urban core, and contact info for State and City project coordinators.
HEC, MEC, HECO Energy Tips & Choices: A Guide to an Energy-Efficient Home, 2008 By now we all know incandescent lights are NOT energy efficient and CFLs ARE, and that we should always look for the Energy Star label when shopping for new home appliances. But did you know that when you open the oven to check on your bubbling casserole or rising chocolate cake, you could be losing up to 20% of the heat every time you open the door? Or did you know that top loading chest freezers are more energy efficient than front loading ones? These and more facts and advice about how to keep an energy-efficient home are found in the guide produced by Hawaiian Electric Company Education & Consumer Affairs.
Hawaii's Fraud Prevention & Resource Guide is an easy-to-use reference created to help citizens protect themselves against fraud and find the help they need when they need it. The Guide is published by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Office of the Securities Commissioner, in collaboration with the Attorney General and the Executive Office on Aging.
Amending the Hawaii State Constitution: A Citizen's Guide
Hawaii voters will be asked whether we should hold our next constitutional convention. Prepared by the House Majority Staff Office, May 2008, the Citizen's Guide offers an abbreviated introduction on the processes and reasons for a constitutional convention.
Bulky Item Pickup program overview and helpful links from the City & County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services. Visit the City's website to learn about bulky item collection schedules, rules and guidelines for service, as well as reuse alternatives to bulk item disposal.
Noise Reference Manual: Oahu Edition from the State Department of Health's Noise and Radiological Branch
Pick up the latest version of the Noise Reference Manual: Oahu Edition, where DOH answers the question, “Who are you going to call when the noise gets too LOUD.” Additional copies may be requested from the DOH Indoor and Radiological Branch at 586-4700.
Recycling Assistance for Condos and Apartments from the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services.
The City offers start-up cost reimbursement and the use of 96-gallon, wheeled recycling bins to condos and apartments for long-term use in recycling collection programs. Visit the website for more information and to download the necessary forms by clicking the link above. |
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