Military Matters
by Mike Gabbard

I recently returned from one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life: the Hawaii Civic Leaders Tour at Fort Hood, Texas. The event gave local business and community leaders a chance to see up close the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Hawaii Army National Guard and the vital mission it performs. Read Article

The Hawaii Senate on Thursday announced its leadership and committee chair assignments for the 2009 session.

Colleen Hanabusa will begin her third term as Senate president in January, with Russell Kokubun as the new vice president. Gary Hooser remains majority leader.. Read Article

State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, D-21st (Nanakuli, Makaha), and her leadership team today announced committee assignments and other changes for the upcoming session of the state Legislature. Read Article

By Gregg K. Kakesako

Tammy Kubo, owner of Hawaii Pet Nanny and mother of Kuwait-bound soldier Spc. William Lurbe Jr., was among several hundred Hawaii residents who flew to Fort Hood in Texas to see their loved ones at Wednesday's farewell ceremony for the 29th Brigade Combat Team. "Seeing three days of training comforts me. I know he has been trained really well," she said. Read Article

By Gregg K. Kakesako

FORT HOOD, Texas » Hawaii's 29th Brigade Combat Team is going back to war.
More than 600 people — many of them from the islands — made a special trip yesterday to Fort Hood, Texas, near Waco, to give the "Lava Brigade" a Hawaii send-off as it prepared to leave for a nine-month tour in Kuwait at the end of the month. Read Article

By Gregg K. Kakesako

FORT HOOD, Texas » When the Hawaii Army National Guard begins its second combat tour in Iraq and Kuwait later this year, it will have the benefit of wartime experience and several months of high-tech training. Read Article

By Gregg K. Kakesako

FORT HOOD, Texas » They're ready to go.

Poised at the country's largest Army post, more than 1,700 soldiers from Hawaii are completing two months of drills and will leave for Kuwait beginning next week. Read Article

By Diana Nomura

KAPOLEI — More than 350 residents in the Villages of Kapolei haven't received a single parcel of mail at their homes since the beginning of this year, and they're not happy about the lack of service.

The homes, which sit on a 52-acre subdivision known as Kaupea, are owned by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and were purposely built without home delivery boxes. But residents say that even the promised cluster box units (CBUs) - which the United States Postal Service (USPS) has been adding to new housing developments across the country as a way of slashing growing costs in mail service - aren't an available option at the moment. Read Article

Doesn't make sense to live in paradise and stress over commutes

By Sen. Mike Gabbard

A pilot project in the state Department of Human Resources Development for a four-day work week? It's about time. This makes perfect sense as our soaring gas prices and traffic congestion take their toll on everyone in Hawai'i. It's a good first step in getting people off our roads and allowing them to spend more time with their families. But we can do much more.... . Read Article

Aloha Friends,

I hope you and your family are enjoying the summer. Here are a few things I’d like to share with you.

Important Legislation Passes

Three important pieces of legislation that I authored passed the Legislature this session: SB 1891 gives the Department of Land and Natural Resources greater enforcement powers to protect our public lands and prevent ATVs and other vehicles from illegally driving on our beaches; SB 2373 requires retailers to maintain an electronic log of pseudoephedrine sales (a primary ingredient in making “ice") and submit a monthly report... . Read Article

Bill allows for citations, other penalties; Lingle's signature is all that's left

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources could soon have the muscle it needs to combat a problem that has plagued Wai'anae Coast residents, pedestrians and motorists for years: Illegal all-terrain vehicles tearing along beaches, roadways and wilderness areas.

A bill giving DLNR... . Read Article

Talking Story With Sen. Mike Gabbard

Aloha, I hope you and your family are well! I’d like to share a few things that are happening at the Capitol:

Important Legislation Back on Track in 2008

Last year, I introduced two bills that would help better protect both Hawaii residents and our environment. SB 1617, SD1 and SB 1891, SD1 passed unanimously through the state Senate in 2007 but stalled in the House. Fortunately, I’ve been able to work with my colleagues in the House to get this critical legislation moving again.. ... . Read Article

Aloha,
I hope you and your family are well! Here are a few things I'd like to share with you:

Bill Would Help Fight "Ice"

You might have heard that DEA officers recently busted "ice" dealers in Royal Kunia. The officers seized 50 pounds of "ice" with a street value of over $1 million. This is one of the largest drug busts in Hawaii history. ... . Read Article

I hope you and your family are well! I’d like to share the following with you this month:

Legislation Moving Forward

Several bills that I introduced this session are moving forward at the Capitol. All of them have passed the first round of committee hearings with a unanimous vote ... . Read Article

I hope you and your family are well! I’d like to share the following with you this month:

Legislation Moving Forward

Several bills that I introduced this session are moving forward at the Capitol. All of them have passed the first round of committee hearings with a unanimous vote ... . Read Article

BY MIKE GABBARD

Eighty-five percent of Hawaii residents think it's important that genetically engineered fruit be labeled. That was the shocking statistic that I read in a study by Sabry Shehata, an agricultural economics professor at the University of Hawaii-Hilo.

If you're not familiar, genetic engineering, producing what... . Read Article

Talking Story With Sen. Mike Gabbard

Aloha! I hope you and your family are well.

You may have noticed that more and more of our supermarkets are carrying organic foods. My family and I have been eating organic foods ... Read Article

Aloha, I hope you and your family are well and enjoying 2008! Here are a few things I'd like to share with you:

State Legislature in Session

From January 16th to May 1st, the State Legislature will be in session. During this time, we will be considering thousands of bills which may or may not become law. I encourage you to get involved in the process by testifying... . Read Article

STORY SUMMARY »
Two bills affecting one of the fastest-growing industries in Hawaii have been introduced to the state legislature.

Sen. Mike Gabbard is proposing the mandatory labeling of genetically modified whole foods sold in Hawaii, as well requiring growers to say what is being grown in the state and where.

Gabbard says his bills reflect the wishes of the majority of consumers in Hawaii, but the companies that test such crops here say they are unnecessary. ... Read Article

Aloha and Happy New Year! I want to let you know about an exciting bill that I’ve drafted for the next legislative session which has the potential to make our roads a lot safer for you and your family.

The bill would do two main things: First, it would require the state, by July 2010, to transfer all the revenue it takes in from uncon-tested traffic fines and give that money to the counties where it rightfully belongs. By uncontested traffic fines, I’m referring to those ... . Read Article

Aloha and Happy New Year! The old cliché “time flies when you’re having fun” surely applies to me. I've very much appreciated the opportunity to serve as your State Senator for the past year and look forward to working with you in the years ahead. Here are a few things I'd like to share with you.

Community Input on Legislation 2008

Through my "listen-story" meetings and conversations with constituents I've received a lot of great ideas for bills that could benefit our community. Here are a couple .... . Read Article

New Committee Assignments

I'm pleased to announce that I’ve been appointed to serve as Vice Chair of the Senate’s Transportation and International Affairs Committee (TIA). My first order of business was attending the Superferry Hearings on the Neighbor Islands. Being Vice Chair of TIA is a perfect fit for the people of District 19. I plan to use this leadership position in my continuing efforts to reduce our traffic.... . Read Article

Aloha and Happy New Year!

The old cliché “time flies when you’re having fun” surely applies to me. I've very much appreciated the opportunity to serve as your State Senator for the past year and look forward to working with you in the years ahead. Here are a few things I'd like to share with you: ... . Read Article

Aloha! I hope you and your family are doing well.

Senator Will Espero and I led a delegation from the State Senate on a tour of the site of the former Honouliuli Internment Camp on Saturday morning, September 29th. The Kunia site, which is now overgrown with vegetation, is located on agricultural land (west side of Kunia Road) currently owned by Monsanto Corporation.... . Read Article

Aloha, I hope you and your family are well. Here are a few things I'd like to share with you:

Repairs and Maintenance for Kapolei Schools

It was great news to hear that Governor Lingle released $25 million in funding that we had appropriated this past legislative session for the repair and maintenance of schools across the state. You might have heard or read in the media that because of budget shortfalls some of the school repairs were in danger ... Read Article

By Linda Dela Cruz

Parents can get some pointers on child-rearing from prolific author and former family psychologist John Rosemond, who will be in Hawaii next week to share his knowledge.

His first talk, “Assuming the Power of Parenthood,"is scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at Hope Chapel Kapolei in Kalaeloa.

Rosemond’s visit is sponsored by Stand Up For America, .... Read Article

By Shawn James Leavey

"Why do they hide? What's there to hide?" asks Dr. Sabry Shehata, talking about the invisible and unlabeled genetically modified food that stocks our grocery stores and produce markets.

"For practical purposes, it's the people's right to know. That's my opinion," says Shehata, a UH-Hilo professor of agricultural economics. The professor's work ... . Read Article

The Volunteer Special Enforcement Officers Program Wants You!

In 2003, while I was a Honolulu City Councilman (Ewa-Kapolei-Waianae), I authored and introduced legislation creating a volunteer policing program within HPD. I got the idea from speaking to Neighborhood Security Watch volunteers in my district ... . Read Article

Party respects all regardless of religion

Whoever the so-called Democrat was who evidently grilled Sen. Mike Gabbard about his "religious affiliation" ("Sen. Gabbard bolts GOP for Democratic Party," Aug. 31) does not represent the values and attitude of the Democratic Party.

It's intolerable for those who call themselves Democrats to hide under the guise of our "big tent" philosophy and then try to grill someone about their religion. We are a party that respects and values everyone regardless of their race, ethnic group, gender or religion.
The Democratic Party doesn't have any room for religious bigots.

Victor Perera
Honolulu

Last week, Sen. Mike Gabbard made his switch to the Democratic Party official, much to the chagrin of former Republican colleagues, the Honolulu Star-Bulletin reports. "His social views didn't all of a sudden change, which caused him to identify more closely with the Democrat Party. I think it's about...Read Article

Gabbard's party isn't the important thing

Democratic or Republican party -- it doesn't matter to the resident of Kapolei. We like Sen. Mike Gabbard, that's why we have him in the job he is in! The parties should be worried about whether or not they really have the citizens' best interests at heart. Out here we support Mike and his staff. He has given good, faithful and sincere service to this district. Thanks, Mike.

Brad Hayes
Kapolei

Democrats oppose gay marriage

I'm a proud Democrat, as my parents and grandparents are. The main reason I'm happy that Mike Gabbard has joined our party is that I now feel I, and the vast majority of Democrats who voted to protect traditional marriage, have at least one of our Democratic leaders who is in touch with our values.

The truth is that most of us do not want civil unions or same-sex marriage in Hawaii. With Gabbard a member of the majority party, it will be even less likely that gay activists will be able to shove this down our throats.

Gabbard is a great addition to the Democratic Party and will do a lot of good by bringing crossover Republican and independent voters to our party.

Saundra Hirano
Kailua

Funding Released for Improvements to Kapolei High School

I was very pleased to learn that Governor Lingle announced on August 6th that she has released $4,797,000 in funding for improvements to the athletic facilities at Kapolei High School. The funds will go toward constructing and equipping the announcer’s booth, bleachers, concession stands, and restrooms. Construction on the project is scheduled to begin ... . Read Article

Saying that he has always been a politician who followed his conscience, Sen. Mike Gabbard switched to the Democratic Party yesterday, disappointing Republicans and further weakening their presence in the state Senate.

Surrounded by his family, friends and other politicians, including U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, who Gabbard said played an "instrumental" role in the switch, the ... Read Article

State Sen. Mike Gabbard switched political parties yesterday and became a Democrat, explaining that he believes he can be more effective to his constituents as part of the majority in the Senate.

"It took a lot of soul-searching," Gabbard, D-19th (Kapolei, Makakilo, Waikele), said at an afternoon news conference at ... Read Article

The Volunteer Special Enforcement Officers Program Wants You!

In 2003, while I was a Honolulu City Councilman representing West Oahu from Ewa to the Waianae Coast, I authored and introduced legislation creating a volunteer policing program within HPD. I got the idea from speaking to Neighborhood Security Watch volunteers in my district who were fed up with crime and drug abuse that was threatening our kama’aina way of life... . Read Article

Attention seniors, retirees, or independently wealthy folks with time on your hands! If you're bored playing golf every day, or if your "honey-do" list keeps getting longer and longer and you want to get out of the house, then there's an opportunity knocking at the door that you may not want to pass up... Read Article

I am a teacher in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minn. In June, my class of at-risk students embarked on an adventure in Hawaii; first at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and then in Oahu. In order to be in my "Leadership" class and to be on this trip, students have to decide to change their lives.

One of the true highlights of our trip was meeting your wonderful state senator, Mike Gabbard, his wife Carol, and several of his staff members... Read Article

National Conference of State Legislatures' (NCSL) Forum a Great Learning Experience

I attended NCSL's Forum – "Opportunities for Working Families" in Denver from June 10 – 13th. The Hawaii delegation also included Senators Chun Oakland and Hooser and Reps. Awana, Rhodes and Mizuno. The focus of the forum was assets management and financial literacy. Our delegation came up with an action plan to give greater opportunities to low-income working families. I was especially surprised to learn there are approximately 27,000... Read Article

National Conference of State Legislatures' Forum a Great Learning Experience

I attended NCSL's Forum – "Opportunities for Working Families" in Denver from June 10 – 13th. I was joined by Senators Chun Oakland and Hooser and Reps. Awana, Rhodes and Mizuno. The focus of the forum was assets management and financial literacy. Our delegation came up with an action plan to give greater opportunities to low-income working families. I was especially surprised to learn there are approximately 27,000 taxpayers ... Read Article

Key Transportation Projects Moving Forward

I'm very pleased that many key transportation projects are moving forward. This year the Legislature appropriated $55 million for the North-South Road. As many of you know, the North-South Road has been a dream for over 30 years. Recently, I had the opportunity to drive out to the site between Ewa and Kapolei and saw with my own eyes that the construction is underway. Even better, I went up in a small plane and got a great aerial view.... Read Article

North-South Road Moving Forward

This year the Legislature appropriated $55 million for the North-South Road. As many of you know, the North-South Road has been a dream for over 30 years. Recently, I had the opportunity to drive out to the site between Ewa and Kapolei and saw with my own eyes that the construction is underway. Even better, I went up in a small plane and got a great aerial view. The North-South Road will be a six-lane divided road from Kapolei Parkway to the H-1 Freeway.... Read Article

University of Hawaii – West Oahu

Probably the best news of the session is the $135 million in funding that was approved this year for the new University of Hawaii – West Oahu (UHWO) campus. As you might remember, last year this funding didn't make it into the budget, which was a great disappointment to our community ... Read Article

University of Hawaii – West Oahu

Probably the best news of the 2007 legislative session is the $135 million in funding that was approved this year for the new University of Hawaii – West Oahu (UHWO) campus. As you might remember, last year this funding didn't make it into the budget, which was a great disappointment to our community ... Read Article

University of Hawaii – West Oahu

After waiting for over 30 years, the University of Hawaii--West Oahu (UHWO) campus will finally become a reality. Probably the best news of the legislative session is the $135 million in funding that was approved this year for UHWO. As you might remember, last year this funding didn't make it into the budget, which was a great disappointment to our community.... Read Article

University of Hawaii – West Oahu

Probably the best news is the $135 million in funding that was approved this year for the new UH – West Oahu campus. The initial phase of the campus will be located on the Diamond Head side of Kapolei Golf Course and will include 4 buildings. Construction will begin in early 2008 and the new campus will open its doors in the Fall 2009. ... Read Article

Hawaii 2050 Needs Your Input

I was invited to serve as a member of the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Task Force (Hawaii 2050), which was created by the Legislature in 2005. The goal of the statewide task force is to come up with a long-range plan to guide future policy decisions so we can achieve a sustainable environment, community, and economy. The plan is scheduled to be presented to the Legislature in December, 2007. The task force has 25 members... Read Article

State Budget Moving Forward

The State Budget (House Bill 500) is now in Conference Committee, where members of the House and Senate meet to work out an agreement on the final form of the budget. If you're not familiar, the State Budget includes the operating expenses for the different state agencies and departments, and the capitol improvements, which include road construction, school repair, and grants-in-aid. We're still working out the details... Read Article

Hawaii 2050 Needs Your Input

I was invited to serve as a member of the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Task Force (Hawaii 2050), which was created by the Legislature in 2005. The goal of the statewide task force is to come up with a long-range plan to guide future policy decisions so we can achieve a sustainable environment, community, and economy. The plan is scheduled to be presented to the Legislature in December, 2007. The task force has 25 members... Read Article

By Mike Gabbard

PICTURE this scenario: After an exhausting day at the office, it's 11 p.m., you've tucked the kids in bed, and you and your wife turn out the lights to go to sleep. In the middle of the night, a burglar breaks into your bedroom intent on stealing your valuables. You catch him in the act, tackle him, he falls down the stairs and breaks his arm and suffers a concussion. The police haul him away, and the courts put him in jail for a long time because of his many prior arrests. Then one day, you're handed legal papers ... Read Article

Former state Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Tamayo graduated March 9 at the top of her class at Alabama Military Academy’s Officer Candidate School.

Out of a class of 155 candidates, she was chosen by her peers to receive the Distinguished Honor Graduate award, which recognizes overall achievement in the areas of leadership, academics, physical fitness and peer evaluations. ... Read Article

Aloha. I hope you and your family are in good health.
To give you a sampling of what is going on in the Legislature, the Homeowner Protection Bill has passed the Senate.

Picture yourself and your family in the following scenario: In 2006, Dr. Michael Rainiero, a homeowner in Janesville, Wis., awoke one evening to find an intruder in his hallway. Rainiero asked the intruder to leave several times, but the intruder refused. ... Read Article

Senate Democrats have handed Gov. Linda Lingle her first Cabinet nominee defeat and left the Department of Public Safety without a leader.

By a 16-to-9 vote yesterday, the Senate said "no" to nominee Iwalani White's confirmation as the director of the troubled department. ... Read Article

A bill in the state Legislature that would have given a state agency funds to buy 500 acres in Kalaeloa from the U.S. Navy is dead in the water, but community activists still believe they can revive the former military base.

The state Hawaii Community Development Authority sought $250 million in bonds over a 20-year horizon to buy the lands to jump-start economic development there.
Now it will have to seek those funds elsewhere. ... Read Article

PICTURE this scenario: After an exhausting day at the office, it's 11 p.m., you've tucked the kids in bed, and you and your wife turn out the lights to go to sleep. In the middle of the night, a burglar breaks into your bedroom intent on stealing your valuables. You catch him in the act, tackle him, he falls down the stairs and breaks his arm and suffers a concussion. The police haul him away, and the courts put him in jail for a long time because of his many prior arrests. Then one day, you're handed legal papers ... Read Article

WHILE Hawaii's congressional delegation was disappointed by the Navy's recent decision to base an aircraft carrier in San Diego instead of Pearl Harbor, proponents of an ambitious plan by the state for redevelopment of land at Kalaeloa were encouraged by an end to the uncertainty. A state Senate committee chairman who has injected new uncertainty by killing legislation necessary to go forward with the plans should not be allowed to bury them. ... Read Article

Honoring Kapolei Middle School Speech Contest

I had the privilege of honoring four special people at the Legislature on February 5th. Kapolei Middle School teacher, Ms. Joy Lynch, worked tirelessly and organized the first USS Arizona Memorial Scholarship Speech Contest at Kapolei Middle School. The speech contest was held on June 16, 2006. Flora Cross who is now a 9th grader at Kamehameha Schools, won first place. Ninth grade Kapolei High students Rebecca Manahan and Tafia ... Read Article

Gabbard Bills Pass Senate Unanimously

I was happy to see two bills that I introduced, SB 1891 and SB 1617, pass the Senate unanimously on March 6, 2007. Both of these bills would help to better protect our community. SB 1891 would allow the Department of Land and Natural Resources to make arrests, confiscate vehicles, and issue criminal citations to address the problem of ATVs and other vehicles creating a safety hazard for families, Read Article

Homeowner Protection Bill Passes Senate

Picture yourself and your family in the following scenario: In 2006, Dr. Michael Rainiero, a homeowner in Jainesville, Wisconsin, awoke one evening to find an intruder in his hallway. Rainiero asked the intruder to leave several times, but the intruder refused. Rainiero then went back into his bedroom and grabbed a pistol. ... Read Article

Homeowner Protection Bill Passes Senate

Picture yourself and your family in the following scenario: In 2006, Dr. Michael Rainiero, a homeowner in Jainesville, Wisconsin, awoke one evening to find an intruder in his hallway. Rainiero asked the intruder to leave several times, but the intruder refused. Rainiero then went back into his bedroom and grabbed a pistol. ... Read Article

The U.S. Navy's decision yesterday to shift the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to San Diego instead of Pearl Harbor removes a shadow over the redevelopment of potentially valuable land at Kalaeloa in West O'ahu.

The possible relocation of the carrier to Pearl Harbor and its air wing to Kalaeloa had colored almost every new idea for land on or near the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station, from affordable housing and high-tech ... Read Article

Legislation Takes Aim at Graffiti
Graffiti is a big problem all over our community. I wanted you to know that there are two bills moving forward at the Legislature to address this problem. SB 676 was authored by Senator Clarence Nishihara who was assisted by Mr. Malcolm Ching, the General Manager of the Community Association, and his fellow members of Take Action Against Graffiti (T.A.A.G). This bill would require a tagger to complete 80 hours of community service ... Read Article

The state Senate yesterday confirmed Glenn Kim as a Circuit Court judge for O'ahu, finding that the Honolulu deputy prosecutor has the intellect and integrity necessary for the 10-year appointment to the bench.

The 16-9 vote, after a lengthy private caucus among majority Senate Democrats, overruled the recommendation of the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee, which had narrowly opposed Kim's confirmation. ... Read Article

Mark Recktenwald, director of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, appears headed for approval as the Intermediate Court of Appeals chief judge.

But the Senate Judiciary Committee that approved Recktenwald's nomination has rejected the nomination of city Deputy Prosecutor Glenn Kim to the Oahu Circuit Court. ... Read Article

On February 5, 2007, Senator Mike Gabbard presented Rudy Gabrillo with an honorary certificate
on behalf of the Hawaii State Senate during a ceremony at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.
Senator Gabbard recognized Mr. Gabrillo for receiving the first civilian George S.B. Walters
Shipyard Service Award at the 46th Annual Navy League Sea Services Awards luncheon
on December 8, 2006 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. .. Read Article

Honoring Kapolei Middle School Speech Contest I had the privilege of honoring four special people at the legislature on February 5th. Kapolei Middle School teacher, Ms. Joy Lynch, worked tirelessly and organized the first USS Arizona Memorial Scholarship Speech Contest at Kapolei Middle School. The speech contest was held on June 16, 2006. Flora Cross, who is now a 9th grader at Kamehameha Schools, won first place. Ninth grade Kapolei High students Rebecca Manahan ... Read Article

Honoring Kapolei Middle School Speech Contest

Aloha! Recently, I had the privilege of honoring four special people on the floor of the State Senate on Monday, February 5th: Ms. Joy Lynch and former Kapolei Middle School students Flora Cross, Rebecca Manahan, and Tafia Taimalelagi.

Last year, Ms. Joy Lynch, an 8th grade Language Arts teacher at Kapolei Middle School , visited the ...Read Article

Everything is going well, as I slip into my new role as state Senator representing the people of Senate District 19 (Waikele to Ko Olina). I’m a member of the Transportation and International Affairs Committee, Education Committee, and the Judiciary and Labor Committee. These committees match up nicely with what you told me were your most important issues: traffic, education and crime. ... Read Article

Kapolei Middle School teacher Joy Lynch and three of her former students were honored Feb. 5 by state Sen. Mike Gabbard for their part in last year’s USS Arizona Memorial Speech Contest.
Lynch, an eight grade language arts teacher, organized the contest after visiting the Pearl Harbor Memorial and Hiroshima peace memorial. . ... Read Article

Everything is going well, as I slip into my new role as State Senator representing the people of Senate District 19 (Waikele to Ko Olina). I'm a member of the Transportation and International Affairs Committee, Education Committee, and the Judiciary and Labor Committee. These committees match up nicely with what you told me were your most important issues: traffic, education, and crime.... Read Article

Hale Kalanianaole broke ground Jan. 23 for the construction of a two-story, 45,000-square-foot office building in Kapolei.

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will relocate its offices to the building when it is completed in 2008. Community leaders at the groundbreaking ceremony included Gov. Linda Lingle, Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona, and Hawaiian Homes . ... Read Article

Honoring Kapolei Middle School Speech Contest
Aloha! Recently, I had the privilege of honoring four special people on the floor of the State Senate on Monday, February 5th: Ms. Joy Lynch and former Kapolei Middle School students Flora Cross, Rebecca Manahan, and Tafia Taimalelagi. ... Read Article

HONOLULU (AP) - Trying to avoid a heated battle over gay marriage, Hawaii lawmakers are considering a renewed push to grant same-sex couples similar benefits through civil unions.

Democratic legislators, who hold overwhelming majorities in both the state House and Senate, ... Read Article

State officials want to stop residents from using their all-terrain vehicles on state beaches, an act that damages Hawaii's natural environment and wildlife and endangers beach goers, they said.

Sen. Mike Gabbard (R, Kalaeloa-Makakilo) said restoring criminal penalties to driving an ATV on the beach will help eliminate the problem. ... Read Article

Villages of Kapolei Maintenance

Shortly after taking office, I sat down with Dan Davidson, the Director of Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corporation (HHFDC). This is the newly created state agency that oversees the Villages of Kapolei and the development of affordable housing in Hawaii (formally HCDCH). Before I took office, I had contacted Mr. Davidson .. Read Article

When the Honolulu City Lights show opens tonight on the City Hall lawn, there will be four displays celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Nonprofit organizations are permitted to present their holiday messages in a corner of the municipal holiday exhibition that features bigger-than-life displays of toys, elves, snow people and Santa. ... Read Article

After a grueling campaign of knocking on doors, sign-waving, and spending hours on the
phone, I’m honored to have been chosen by voters in Senate District 19 (Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale and portions of Waipahu and Ko Olina) to serve in the State Senate. . ... Read Article

After a grueling campaign of knocking on doors, signwaving, and spending hours on the phone, I’m honored to have been chosen by voters in Senate District 19 (Waikele - Ko Olina) to serve in the State Senate. I received 56% of the vote. I commend my opponent, retired police captain George Yamamoto, for running a clean and honest campaign. I also want to thank former senator Brian Kanno for his 14 years of service to the community.... Read Article

State Senate President Robert Bunda and House Speaker Calvin Say hope to get enough support to retain their leadership. In the senate, the balance of Democrats to Republicans remains the same. Sen. Bunda’s supporter, Sen. Brian Kanno’s seat was taken by Republican Mike Gabbard. ... Read Article

President Bush called the Republican Party's defeat last Tuesday a "thumping."
But here at home, while Hawai'i's Republicans lost seats at the Capitol, they handily retained the top spot. Gov. Linda Lingle's win shows competency can trump ideology. Lingle's strategy demonstrates that when you are forced to lead from the middle, a minority party can indeed attract the majority of voters. ... Read Article

Gov. Linda Lingle cruised to victory and re-election, but her dreams of making Hawaii's Republican Party a competitive political force failed.

Lingle's win over Democrat Randy Iwase may be the only major victory for the Hawaii GOP on a day when the national party lost control of the U.S. House in yesterday's election. ... Read Article

Democrats strengthened their hold on the state Legislature by doing a better job than Republicans at grabbing open seats, particularly in the state House, where the GOP lost two seats.
Democrats now control 43 seats in the House while the number of Republicans went down to eight from a high of 19 following the 2000 election. ... Read Article

Democrats will maintain their solid clout in the state Legislature next year — and add a little more — after winning nearly all the House and Senate seats that had no incumbent in the running.

The majority party lost one House seat, but more than made up for that by winning three more. Democrats also lost one Senate seat, but broke even by gaining another. ... Read Article

...The vacancy created by the departure of Democratic Sen. Brian Kanno, a Bunda supporter, from his West Oahu District 19 seat, which includes Kapolei, is leaving open the possibility that a Republican could take the seat. That Republican is former City Councilman Mike Gabbard, who is up against Democrat George Yamamoto, a member of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board. ... Read Article

Former city councilman Mike Gabbard and retired police officer George Yamamoto will face off in the Nov. 7 general election for the West O'ahu Senate seat that's been occupied by Brian Kanno since 1992.

Gabbard, a Republican, served on the Honolulu City Council from 2002 to 2004. He chose to forgo a re-election bid for a shot at the 2nd Congressional District seat that was won by incumbent Ed Case... Read Article

Aloha! I'm a candidate for State Senate District #19. I've always felt that the only way to truly find out what's in people's hearts and minds is to knock on their door and ask them. I recently finished walking the whole district and was happy to meet you in person and hear what your concerns, complaints, and suggestions are. Mahalo to you who filled out the questionnaire I distributed and also thanks to those of you who emailed or phoned in your responses.

Here's what you said: ... Read Article

Party strategists have identified some of the most competitive state House and Senate races in November. Democrats are expected to keep control of both chambers, but the election could influence internal leadership and determine which party has momentum...

. Senate District 19 (Kapolei, Makakilo). Former Honolulu City Councilman Mike Gabbard (R) has done solid field work in the district for months and has an advantage in name recognition over retired police captain George Yamamoto (D). ... Read Article

Voter turnout for Saturday's primary was 42 percent, only slightly higher than the past two primary elections despite a record number of absentee voters and the heavy media attention on the Democratic primary for Senate between U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka and U.S. Rep. Ed Case.

The strategy by both campaigns to target absentee voters, and the general convenience of voting by mail or by walk-in at early voting sites before election day, pushed absentee voting to 37 percent of the turnout. Two years ago, the absentee vote was 32 percent; it was 25 percent in 2002... Read Article

19 Kapolei, Waikele

Party: Republican

Born: Jan. 15, 1948 in American Samoa . In Hawa'i almost 25 years

Job: Owner, MC Services (healthy living technologies) and Hawaiian Toffee Treasures (candy)

Lives: Kapolei.

Experience:
City Council 2002-04. Founder and president, Stand Up For America.

Why are you running for office?... Read Article

STATE SENATE 19 KALAELOA-MAKAKILO
Mike Gabbard
Republican
Age: 58
Job: Entrepreneur running several businesses ranging from healthy living technologies
Past: Councilman, small businessman, educator

Rep. Ed Case's pet political ploy of writing rhetorical public letters to his campaign opponents is becoming obnoxious. Case has sent a series of such missives to Sen. Daniel Akaka in their Democratic primary contest for the U.S. Senate, most of them agitating for debates.

...Case used similar tactics in his 2004 reelection campaign against Mike Gabbard, writing a series of public letters to Gabbard predicting personal attacks against him that never occurred... Read Article

Aloha! I humbly offer to serve you, the residents of Senate District #19 (Honokai Hale, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa, Royal Kunia, Village Park, Waikele, and portions of Ko Olina and Waipahu) as your State Senator.

As a life-long teacher/educator, small businessman, and former Honolulu City Councilman (District #1, stretching from Ewa Beach to Makaha), I have the necessary background and experience to do an effective job tackling our community's problems, whether its traffic congestion, overcrowded schools, crime, or the high cost of living... Read Article