Kohala Okinawa Kenjin Kai

Mark recently participated in the Kohala Okinawa Kenjin Kai New Years Party and presented House Certificates to all senior members.

Gong Xi Fa Ca!

"Wishing you prosperity" is the traditional Chinese New Year Greeting in Mandarin.  2012 is the Year of the Male Water Dragon, the 29th of the Stem-Branch in the system.  Because water is connected to Black in the five element system, Year 2012 is also called the Black Dragon Year.


The Dragon, the fifth animal in the cycle follows the Year of the Rabbit.  While the Year of the Rabbit was characterized by calm and tranquility, the Year of the Dragon will be marked by excitement, unpredictability, exhilaration and intensity.

The Rabbit imbues people with the sense of cautious optimism, but people respond to the spirit of the Dragon with energy, vitality, and unbridled enthusiasm, often throwing all caution to the wind - which can be an unwise move:  The Dragon is all about drama, but if you take unnecessary risks, you may find yourself starring in your own personal tragedy.

Mark feeds the Lion for Wishes of Good Luck in 2012!

Opening Day Visitors

University of Hawaii at Hilo Student Senators make their annual visit to Big Island
Legislators to promote their legislative priorities.  This year, the College of Pharmacy
permanent facilities is the number one need.

Friends from ILWU Hawaii Division drop in to say "hello."

2012 Legislative Session Opens

2012 Session of the 26th Legislature convened on Wednesday, January 18, 2012

For the first time since my election in 2008, I enter a legislative session that is not charged with identifying hundreds of millions of dollars to balance the budget.  While we are by no means out of the woods, it is a sign that prudent economic policy enacted by the legislature in the past several sessions has had the desired effect of strengthening our economy and allowing for the state and it's people to weather the unprecedented financial crisis brought about by unbridled economic greed and catastrophic natural disaster.


This year, my legislative priorities include the promotion of sustainable agriculture by promoting the re-establishment of the Future Farmers of American (FFA) Program in the public schools.  At one time, the FFA had 20 chapters statewide and involved over 2000 students.  Today, there are eight chapters and less than 300 students involved.  I believe that this is a reflection in large part of the Hawaii Department of Education's priorities places on "passing the test" as opposed to providing students with a well rounded educational program.


To get around this problem, I am proposing the creation of a Center for Agricultural Leadership at the University of Hawaii that will provide support to the DOE and the Future Farmers of America program so that we will start "growing the farmers" that will be needed if we are to obtain agricultural self-sufficiency.

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