"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." - Albert Einstein

Aloha Friends,

Aloha and mahalo for taking the time to visit the Majority Caucus website.

Growing up in Hawaii, I have always appreciated our island home. I have raised my son in my district, and since being elected to the House of Representatives in 2004, I understand even more clearly the need to actively participate in enabling the people of Hawaii to have a quality of life that remains very special. It is with great pleasure that I serve the needs of our communities and particularly, the people of the 18th District.

I have a vision for Hawaii as a model of self-sufficiency and a leader in offering strategies and knowledge for sustainability. I see Hawaii as an example of authentic collaboration in decision-making, mutual respect, and collective efforts toward maintaining balance between economic pursuits and a thriving, healthy natural environment. I envision the public schools fulfilling their fiduciary responsibility to our youth by preparing them for lives of meaningful contribution and for professions that support the ecosystems of the planet.

Citizen engagement and participation in the legislative process are essential components of our constitutional democracy and our island lifestyle. I welcome your phone calls, emails, and visits to discuss your concerns, questions, and ideas about how we will guide Hawaii toward a more prosperous economy with healthy natural resources and a vibrant citizenry.

Mahalo nui loa for sharing the aloha spirit and working with us toward enriching the future of Hawaii.

Me ke aloha pumehana,
Lyla B. Berg, Ph.D
State Representative
18th District

AREAS OF FOCUS

• Early Childhood Education
  With her experience as a principal, classroom teacher, and university instructor, Representative Berg is well aware of the needs and concerns regarding education. She has been diligently visiting various communities across the State to give presentations regarding Act 259 (SLH 2006), Relating to Early Childhood Education. This legislation enhances current early learning services and establishes a working task force to develop a framework for a coherent, comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable early learning system that maximizes public and private resources to provide quality early learning opportunities for all children.
  
  
• Hawaii Sustainability
  The Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Task Force, on which Representative Berg is a member, was legislatively created in 2005 in an effort to enhance the quality of life for residents of the State through coherent legislation responding to a collective vision.  Rep. Berg is deeply committed to the process of community dialogue and citizen engagement to articulate Hawaii’s future based on a more self-sufficient and prosperous island economy.
  
  
• Workforce Development
  The strength of any society - and its economy - is contingent upon citizens that are gainfully employed, interdependent community members. Government bears a fiduciary responsibility to provide opportunities and access for people to help themselves and Hawaii move toward a more enriching future. Preparation and enhancement of the workforce are priorities if we want to build sustainable capactiy to meet the changing demands of emerging professions and work environments.

NEWS AND EVENTS

• October 2008. Community forums in East Oahu. (article)
  
  
• September 2008. Niu Valley Middle School to begin International Baccalaureate Programme. (article)
  
  
• August 28, 2006. Representative Berg will be hosting an expert panel at the East Honolulu Community Meeting: "Economic Prosperity for Hawaii." The event will take place on Monday, August 28, 2006, from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Kahala Elementary School Cafetorium.
  
  
• March 29, 2006. Representative Berg hosted a Lawmaker's Listen meeting on March 29, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. at the Kalani High School Cafetorium. (Event Details)
  
  
• Click on the following to read Representative Berg's latest newsletters:
  
  Legislative Summary 2005
  Legislative Newsletter - February 2005
  Legislative Summary 2006
  Legislative News 2007
  Legislative News 2008