On Wednesday, the Kaua‘i legislative delegation celebrated at the Hawai‘i State Capitol as the 2009 legislative session began. Reps. Hermina Morita, D-14 (Hanalei, Anahola, Kealia, Kapa‘a, Waipouli), James Tokioka, D-15 (Lihu‘e, Koloa), Roland Sagum, D-16 (Ni‘ihau, Lehua, Koloa, Waimea), and
On Wednesday, the Kaua‘i legislative delegation celebrated at the Hawai‘i State Capitol as the 2009 legislative session began.
Reps. Hermina Morita, D-14 (Hanalei, Anahola, Kealia, Kapa‘a, Waipouli), James Tokioka, D-15 (Lihu‘e, Koloa), Roland Sagum, D-16 (Ni‘ihau, Lehua, Koloa, Waimea), and Sen. Gary Hooser, D-7 (Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau) were sworn into office during a ceremony that included performances by local high school students, traditional Hawaiian chants, and speeches by House and Senate leaders.
The speeches included laudatory remarks of newly inaugurated and Hawai’i-born President Barack Obama as well as a need for the State of Hawai‘i to be fiscally responsible during one of our nation’s worst financial crisis.
“Here at home, where we felt the pride of accomplishment in the example of a young president whose life foundation was laid just a few miles from this building, we face our own challenges,” said Senate President Colleen Hanabusa. “Hawai‘i has not been spared the crisis facing the rest of this nation. These are times when we can no longer afford partisanship or politics as usual.”
Hanabusa reminded lawmakers that this is a time they must provide service, vision, and leadership to the people who elected them.
Other House and Senate leaders echoed Hanabusa’s concern about the state budget as being the major challenge for the session.
“But, this struggle will be an opportunity to re-examine, to re-evaluate, to re-prioritize,” stated House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro. In addition, he stated that “as posed by President Obama, the question is not whether government is too big or too small — instead, the question is whether government is improving the lives of its people, and doing so effectively and efficiently.”
Oshiro pointed out that another major task in the 2009 session will be renewable energy and self-sufficiency, which is the direction Hawai‘i must take in order to wean itself off an addiction to imported fossil fuels.
As chair of Energy and Environmental Protection Committee (EEP), Morita has spent the past week in briefings with various organizations including Hawaiian Electric Co., Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, Department of Health, Hawai‘i Energy Policy Forum, and Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative for background information that will help shape proposed legislation on energy issues she intends to focus heavily on.
“Energy is definitely a top of mind issue for many of Hawai‘i’s residents and businesses after experiencing the high prices of oil last year. With the momentum of the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative, we have many opportunities to advance efficiency and renewable projects as an economic stimulus,” stated Morita.
The opening ceremony was followed with refreshments hosted by each House and Senate member. Tokioka drew a crowd with his in-office sushi bar. Chefs prepared spicy tuna rolls on order. Hooser offered his guests cake and Hanama‘ulu chicken. Morita offered a local cocktail consisting of Hanalei Poi, kalua pig, and lomi salmon.
Kaua‘i County Council members Derek Kawakami, Dickie Chang, Lani Kawahara, Jay Fufaro, Tim Bynum, and Chair Kaipo Asing attended the opening ceremonies, along with Gary Heu and Beth Tokioka from the mayor’s office.
All the committee hearings on bills will be posted on the Legislature’s Web site, www.hawaii.capitol.gov. The public is encouraged to participate in the legislative process.
• Joel Guy is an aide to Rep. Hermina Morita. He can be reached at repmorita1@hawaii.capitol.gov or toll free at 274-3141, followed by 68435#. Information can also be accessed on facebook under “Joel legislature.”
