NAWILIWILI — While the accomplishments of the Kaua‘i legislative team have already been inked, Lihu‘e Business Association members and members of the public were treated to a more personal approach of the legislative team Thursday at Duke’s at Kalapaki Beach.
NAWILIWILI — While the accomplishments of the Kaua‘i legislative team have already been inked, Lihu‘e Business Association members and members of the public were treated to a more personal approach of the legislative team Thursday at Duke’s at Kalapaki Beach.
Pat Griffith of LBA prefaced the introduction of Reps. Dee Morikawa, James Tokioka and Derek Kawakami and Sen. Ron Kouchi with a series of announcements.
Mina Morita of the Public Utilities Commission will be highlighted during the Sept. 27 LBA meeting where she will discuss what’s happening with the PUC and its actions’ impact on Kaua‘i.
For those who need to get away from the stresses of the office and have ideas on the evolution and community development of Lihu‘e, the next networking opportunity takes place on Sept. 20 starting at 3 p.m. when LBA hosts its next golf tournament at the Puakea Golf Course.
An update meeting on the disassembly of the former Lihu‘e Mill will take place Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall, Griffith announced.
The legislative team commented on how well all four delegates worked together, resulting in overall benefits for the island, and that part of the reason for their visit was to get some input into the next legislative session.
Morikawa said as a freshman legislator, it was “really tough” for her, but she was proud of her contributions on a transportation bill as well as one on Ni‘ihau voting.
Of concern was the failure of the separate bargaining unit for lifeguards which legislators said they will be keeping an eye on in the upcoming legislative session.
“Dr. Monty Downs of the Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association and the Water Safety Task Force is one of our most precious resources,” Kawakami said. “Any time someone drowns, it’s a black eye for us.”
Kawakami said the focus of the legislative team has been to bring resources to Kaua‘i, noting $6 million has been secured for a new library for Kapa‘a Elementary School. The elementary school currently shares a library with Kapa‘a High School.
He said the state has been working with the county to resolve some of the congestion at Hanalei’s Black Pot beach park, and that during the spring rains and floods, some $5 million was secured for roads.
Working with Bev Brody of Get Fit Kaua‘i and Deputy County Engineer Lyle Tabata, one of the big achievements was the passage of the Safe Routes to School bill where Kaua‘i made an impact at the state Legislature. The bill makes a portion of traffic infraction fines go to a special fund to benefit the county.
Tokioka said he would like to see all three of the island’s public high school gyms replaced.
However, money has been set aside for the planning and design of a gym at Kaua‘i High School as well as a “tech center” and a cultural center for the kids.
Kouchi said the “legislative team” has a good relationship with the county government and works well together.
Some of his areas of concern include lifeguards and school bus funding.
The meeting will be aired on the Ho‘ike Community Television at a future date.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
