Dear Friends,

It’s been a very difficult time for families in our community and around the state because of the teacher furloughs. As a lifelong educator, I’m committed to finding the best way to resolve this crisis.

I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Inter-island Wind Project Would Move Us Toward Clean Energy

I attended a news conference Oct. 29 at the governor’s office announcing that the state is issuing a request for proposals for the environmental impact statement for the inter-island wind project. The state is currently working on a project to bring 200 megawatts of wind power from Molokai and 200 mw from Lanai to Oahu via an undersea cable. First Wind Hawaii would develop the wind farm on Molokai, and Castle & Cooke would do the same on Lanai. HECO will be working with the state and those companies to upgrade our electricity grid so that it can handle this amount of wind power. This process is expected to take up to two years.

There will be public meetings in the near future where people can learn more about the project and weigh in. In the meantime, you can check it out at http://www.interisland-wind.com.

Prepare your Family for Possible Outbreak of Swine Flu

Since the first cases of swine flu appeared on the Mainland in April, I’ve been urging our state administration to be more vigilant to prevent the spread of the virus in our state. So far we’ve had more than 3,500 confirmed cases and 11 deaths. Last month, President Obama declared the swine flu outbreak a national emergency.

The state Department of Health held a press conference Oct. 27 stating that we should expect a surge in swine flu cases over the next few weeks.

It’s very important for us to do everything we can to protect ourselves and families from getting the virus. If you’re able, I’d recommend you get the H1N1 vaccine as soon as possible. Right now, the DOH has identified the following groups to be first in line to get the vaccine: health-care and emergency medical services personnel; pregnant women; caregivers for children younger than 6 months; people from age 6 months through 24 years old; and persons 25 to 64 years old who have health conditions.

To find out the latest information on the swine flu vaccine, please visit http://hawaii.gov/health/flu-hawaii-gov/vaccination.html.

Makakilo Elementary’s Choral Music Program A Hit

Makakilo Elementary School has launched a new after-school Choral Music program for grades K-5. The chorus has 80 members and will perform at festivals and venues around the island this Christmas season. The program began under the leadership of principal Sean Tajima. If you’d like more information about the performances, please give him a call at 672-1122.

Please contact me if I can help you. My phone is 586-6830 and e-mail is sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov. Mahalo for the privilege of serving you!