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 of being put on hold. I'm happy that improvements at two Kapolei schools, Kapolei Elementary and Barbers Point Elementary, were included in the $25 million. At Kapolei Elementary, they will be using $320,000 to repair a school playground and to replace a chill box for the school cafeteria. At Barbers Point, they will be investing $375,000 to replace a wheelchair lift for special needs students, to purchase a new school bell system, and to put in a new stage.

Update on Barbers Point Post Office

I recently presented a petition with over 1,000 signatures to Mr. Daryl Ishizaki, USPS' District Manager, and Mr. Greg Wolny, USPS' Manager of Post Office Operations - Honolulu District. The petition was signed by Kapolei and Kalaeloa residents, who joined me in urging USPS to extend the hours of the Barbers Point Post Office. As you know, USPS cut the hours of operation at the post office on November 6, 2006. Since that time, I've gotten many phone calls and emails from Kalaeloa and Kapolei residents unhappy about USPS' decision. I sat down with Mr. Wolny to see if we could convince him to change USPS' policy. Mr. Wolny informed me that USPS had concluded that the volume of business at the Barbers Point Post Office was not heavy enough to extend the hours. He did say that they are monitoring the issue as Kapolei continues to grow. He also informed me that USPS would make one concession for the community and that is to allow residents to once again pick up their packages at Barbers Point.

“Listen-Story”

My next “listen-story” will be held at the Kapolei High School cafeteria on Saturday, November 10, 2007. Please come. If you can't, call or email your concerns.

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