Aloha,

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. One of the bills, SB 2365, has already passed unanimously through the Senate and now will be considered by the House. Please contact me if you're interested in weighing in on any of these bills or other legislation.

• SB 2364 would authorize the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds of up to $30 million for construction of educational facilities at Island Pacific Academy
  
• SB 2925 would set up a State Organic Program under the Department of Agriculture to develop and expand the organic agriculture industry.
  
• SB 2365 would allow hybrid and other alternative fuel vehicles to use HOV lanes regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle.

Funding Released for Kapolei High Athletic Complex
I was pleased that Governor Lingle announced on January 28th that she released $343,303 in funding to make improvements to Kapolei High School's athletic complex. This important project includes construction of bleachers, an announcer's booth, restrooms, and ticket/concession booths. Construction on the project is expected to be completed by June 2009.

Target's Kapolei Store Opening Soon
It was a pleasure to present Mr. Bryan Berg, Senior Vice President, of Target Co. an honorary certificate from the State Senate in recognition of the Groundbreaking Ceremony for their Kapolei Commons Store (located mauka of Honolulu Advertiser building) on January 24th. I support Target's goal of using environmentally-friendly solar panel systems to supply electricity to the store. Plans are to have the store, which will be the first in Hawaii, open by March 2009.

"Listen-Story"
I'll be hosting my next "listen-story" meeting at Kapolei Starbucks (outside seating, near the Chevron Station) at 9:00am on Saturday, March 15th.

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!