Higher Education Visits Mauna Kea

Reps Chang, Johansen, Wooley, Nishimoto and me.

The House Committee on Higher Education spend two days visiting the Big Island to hear about issues and concerns regarding the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Community College.

The Committee Visited the North Hawaii Education and Research Center in Honoka'a, the site of the new Hawaii Community College Center at Palamanui, the current University Center at Kealakekua, Hawaii Community College, and the UH Hilo School of Pharmacy.

Gemini North Telescope

As part of the visitation, the Committee visited the Scientific Reserve which is managed by the Office of Mauna Kea Management (OMKM) under the University of Hawaii at Hilo.  Members heard about the current management plan adopted by the Board of Land and Natural Resources for the care and stewardship of the mountain by the OMKM.

Keck Telescopes

Party pictured with the Gemini Telescope.

Honolulu Hale Christmas

White House Internship Application Period Open

Applications are now being accepted for Summer 2012!  Please read announcement fully before applying.  Questions should be directed to the White House Internship Office directly and applications submitted via the instructions.

The White House Internship Program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. Although unpaid, this hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office and prepare them for future public service opportunities.

The application period for the Summer 2012 White House Internship Program is now open until January 22, 2012.
All White House Internship Program participants must be:

• United States citizens
• At least 18 years of age on or before the first day of the internship
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a college, community college or university OR graduated in the past two years from an undergraduate or graduate program at a college, community college or university
  OR
• A veteran of the United States Armed Forces who possesses a high school diploma or its equivalent and has served on active duty at any time over the past two years

All White House Interns are expected to intern full-time for the entire term of the program.

• The Summer 2012 internship term runs from May 29, 2012-August 10, 2012
• The White House Internship Program is an unpaid program
• Interns will be expected to work from approximately 9 AM-6 PM, Monday-Friday
• Hours may vary by office

To learn more, and to apply, visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships

Lehua Jaycees Christmas Parade

 The Annual Lehua Jaycees stepped off the Saturday following Thanksgiving.  Bands, floats and Santa Claus brought seasons greetings to the people of Hilo.

Hawai'i Wildlife Center Dedicated in Kohala

Dedication ceremonies were held for the Hawai'i Wildlife Center in Hala'ula.  The center fulfills the vision of Executive Director Linda Elliot who has labored tirelessly along with her Board of Directors in garnering community and financial support for the facility that will serve as the first line of care for native Hawaiian animals in the event of an environmental disaster such as an oil spill.

The mission of the Hawai'i Wildlife Center is to protect, conserve and aid in the recovery of Hawai'i native wildlife through hands-on treatment, training, research, science education and cultural programs.  Learn more about the center at www.hawaiiwildlifecenter.org.

UHH Student Services Center

New Student Services Building at UH Hilo under construction on the Kawaili Campus.

Road Maintenance

Isemoto Contracting has been awarded maintenance contracts for road side improvements.  They are currently working on improvements about 1.8 miles north of Honoka'a.

NHERC Pavilion Begins

Construction has begun on a new pavilion structure located makai of the new parking lot at the North Hawaii Education and Research Center.

This structure became an add-on to the recently completed Phase II-B enclosure that now houses the Heritage Center when bids for that project came in below expectations and freed up money for this additional project.  Autonomy granted to the University allows for the re-programming of state appropriations and allows for the scope of projects to be modified.

Hawaii-China CEO Summit on Renewable Energy

State officials, Delegates from China, and businessmen from Hawaii and China gathered in the House Chambers as part of the APEC CEO Conference to discuss renewable energy initiatives.  It is hoped that there will be joint cooperation between Hawaii and China in moving to reduce our carbon footprint for a cleaner, healthier planet.

House Finance Committee Visits Big Island

The House Committee on Finance visited various state programs and projects on the Big Island recently.  Among their stops on the Big Island was a visitation to Big Island Carbon, Hamakua Macadamia Nut Factory, Kawaihae Harbor, a Kohala Zipline and the UH-Hilo Agricultural Park in Panaewa.

At Panaewa, members were briefed on honey production efforts being made by the University and went on tour to view students working with the hives.

Saddle Road Dedication

US Senator Daniel Inouye unties the maile lei signifying the dedication of the Saddle Road in East Hawaii

The last phase of the Saddle Road Improvements on the east side was dedicated marking the completion of a major capital improvement project that will soon provide a connector between east and west Hawaii.  Later that day, a blessing was held to signify the start of construction for the west side leg of the highway which when completed will connect to Mamalahoa Highway approximately 3 miles south of the Waikoloa junction.

School of Pharmacy 5th White Coat Ceremony

The University of Hawaii School of Pharmacy having graduated it's first graduating class last spring inducted its class of 2015 with the White Coat Ceremony with the incoming class reciting the Oath of a Pharmacist.

The ceremony is a rite of passage for the 92 pharmacy students entering their first year in the school.  It affirms their commitment to professionalism, integrity and caring.  Also recognized during the ceremony was the school's preceptor of the Year, Miles Nakatsu, RPh, from Ululani Pharmacy.

Honoka'a Peace Day Parade

Land Dedicated to Lapakahi State Park

The Trust for Public Land dedicated 17 acres of formerly privately-owned shoreline within the Lapakahi State Historical Park.  Previously threatened with potential development, the inholding includes hundreds of extremely well-preserved pre-contact sites, including a fishing village, canoe landing areas, and residences of konokoki or ali'i (chiefs).  The purchase also provides access to the adjacent Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District, which serves as habitat for over 116 marine species.  The $2.35 purchase of the land was made possible by matching grants from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Costal Estuarine and Land Conservation Program (CELP).

Hilo Jaycees Celebrate 60th

The Hilo Jaycees last night celebrated their 60th Anniversary at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.  Hilo Jaycees President Kelton Chang addressed the crowd which included a who's who of Hilo Jaycees Roosters and members and guest that have themselves grown become the movers and shakers on the Big Island.

Also present were Hawaii Jaycees State President Yvette Lee and United States Jaycees President Joanie Cramer.

UH Hosts APEC Quality in Higher Education Conference

Key higher education officials, scholars and experts from throughout the Asia-Pacific region met in Honolulu for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Conference on Quality in Higher Education, organized by the University of Hawaii System in cooperation with the East-West Center.

Participants from 20 of the 21 APEC economies are in attendance to discuss the vital issues of higher education quality, including how to identify, develop and sustain best practices throughout the APEC region.  Dr. Eduardo Ochoa, Assistant Secretary for Post Secondary Education for the US Department of Education, addressed the participants.

CSG Western Regional Delegates Visit Hawaii Fish Auction

Days Catch being prepped for bidding.

Brooks Takenaka explains preparation of the fish.

Sea food harvesting and regulation are among the many issues that the western states, at least those of us with Pacific Coastlines share.

In order to protect and preserve the industry as well as insure its continued business viability requires that government continue to protect the viability of the stock and protecting the resource while allowing the industry to continue to harvest enough to meet the demand for fresh sea food.

Bought, sold and headed to market.

CSG Welcome Reception

The Council of State Governments Western Region meeting was held in Hawaii this year, bringing together leaders from the 13 states in the Western Region.

A welcome reception was held for delegates hosted by the Hawaii Host Committee.  Representative Marcus Oshiro this year serves as chairman of the CSG Western Region and was largely responsible for organizing many of the meetings and activities that will be occurring during the week.