Aloha,

I hope you and your family are in good health. The legislative session came to a close on Thursday, May 3rd. Here are a couple of things I'd like to highlight from our work over the last several months.

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.

This fall marks the inaugural freshman class at UHWO. The university is leasing space at Island Pacific Academy and hopes to get at least 100 students enrolled. The funding in this year's budget will help to put in the infrastructure on the initial phase of the campus which 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. Initially, UHWO will have about 1,500 students but that number will increase as campus development continues.

UHWO will create educational opportunities for thousands of Leeward residents, decrease traffic congestion and will also help to spur our economy.

Repainting Crosswalks
At a recent Kapolei listen-story meeting, a Makakilo resident told me that she was worried about the safety of pedestrians who cross the street at the intersection of Farrington Highway and Fort Barrette Road. As you might have noticed, the crosswalks had become faded and were no longer visible for drivers.

I contacted the Department of Transportation (DOT) and requested that they repaint the crosswalks. To my surprise, DOT had the crosswalks painted within 10 days. I want to say a big thanks to Mr. Joo Young Ki and his Sign and Marketing crew for doing such a good job and making Kapolei roads safer for pedestrians.

Listen-Story
My next listen-story will be held at Waikele Elementary School on Saturday, June 2nd at 9am. This will be my first listen-story held in the Waikele community and will be a good opportunity for me to hear the concerns of area residents. Please come. If you can't, call or email your concerns.

If I can help you in any way, please call 586-6830 or email me at sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov. Mahalo for the privilege of serving you!