Aloha Friends,

I hope you and your family are enjoying the summer.

Quite frankly, I’m stoked. When I was knocking on doors in the district before I got elected in 2006, the two main issues people were upset about were UH West Oahu and the North South Road. I vividly remember one lady slamming the door in my face, yelling, “You politicians are all the same. Talk, talk, talk, and no do.” When she calmed down, I asked if she could be more specific, and she said, “Yeah, you guys have been promising the North South Road and UH West Oahu for 30 years, and nothing has happened.”

With UH West Oahu finally opening its doors in 2010, and the North South Road being completed by the end of 2009, there seems to be a collective sigh of “FINALLY” being heard around the district. Getting these two important projects off the ground has been a collective effort of many people in the public and private sector. We are all very thankful for everyone’s efforts.

Two other noteworthy projects coming soon: Bringing many smiles to the faces of countless women, (I’m not sure why) is the March 4, 2009 opening of Hawaii’s first Target store, located just mauka of the Honolulu Advertiser building on Kalaeloa Blvd. Also, Costco will open a full service facility opposite the new Judiciary Complex on Kamokila Blvd. in March as well.

As you may know, the 2008 Legislative Session ended on May 1st. It's been a rewarding experience serving you in the State Senate these past two sessions, and I look forward to the second two years of my four-year term. During the next several months, I’ll be meeting with residents and businesses in our community to find out what your concerns are.

I was very pleased that Senate District #19 received over $295 million in capital investments in the 2007-2009 State Budget. Some of the most important construction project funding is for UH West Oahu, the North South Road, Ft. Barrette Road Widening, East-West Collector Road, Kapolei Court Complex, Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor, and many school repairs and improvements. These projects will go a long way in improving the quality of life for our community.

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

Me ka pumehana,   Mike Gabbard
Senator Gabbard leads his colleagues in the Senate in singing “Hawaii Aloha” to celebrate the closing of the regular Legislative Session of 2008, or "Sine Die," on May 1st.
2007 Kapolei Sunset Festival

Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard performs "E Kupono me ke Aloha" (taking a stand for what's right), a song he co-wrote with Leon Siu, at the Kapolei Sunset Festival on Oahu, August 17, 2007.