HB1326 from crossover to conference
With the legislative session at its midway point it is time for “crossover” when bills that have been heard and passed in one legislative body cross over to go through the same identical process, in the countervailing body.
Mahalo to Wilcox’s fabulous ‘Chemo Queens’
Very informative article (2/27/19) about Wilcox’s Infusion Center. Unfortunately, missing was a shout-out to the folks who run the place daily — “The Chemo Queens.” That’s what they call themselves when they volunteer at American Cancer Society fundraising rallies. As a cancer survivor who utilized that room (My chair was in the center of the front-page photo), I’d like to share my personal experience with them about six years ago.
Stop neglecting coverage of sex trafficking on Kauai
My patience has run out. I was waiting for more than a month to see any news and an appeal to the public for help to disrupt a very serious crime, the sex trafficking on Kauai.
Special interests driving up housing costs
It seems that we hear about “affordable housing and rentals” in the news daily.
Lessons from the ledge – Power Flow
The question of power flow at the Hawaii State legislature is not as simple as it may appear at first glance.
Hawaii is alive and well at the DNC
I recently had the honor and privilege of traveling to Washington, D.C., to represent the Democratic Party of Hawaii at a meeting of the Democratic National Committee.
Flying between presidents’ birthdays to Kauai’s annual bird blessing
Here it is, Presidents Day again — the holiday that I’ve thought for many years combines the birth dates of two, revered presidents, Washington and Lincoln — Feb. 22 and Feb. 12, respectively. Turns out I’m not the only one to hold that misconception.
Holidays vary by state
It depends on the state you live in whether you officially honor one or the other or both of these presidents, since states decide which holidays to adopt.
Oral health and the opioid epidemic
The opioid epidemic is affecting countless lives and communities across the country, including here in Hawaii. While opioids are extremely beneficial when combating pain, they come with a high risk of misuse and addiction. This is especially true for teens and young adults, in part because adolescent brains are not fully matured and are therefore more susceptible to the effects of opioids.
The power of redemption
Every few weeks there seems to be a new revelation unearthed about some past foible involving a politician, media star or some other public persona.
Legislative testimony: A quick and concise tutorial
First of all, your testimony is important and has an impact. Trust me on this. I have served in public office on both the state and county level for 16 years, and I can say without hesitation that your testimony is important.
Don’t need a wall, need to share nations wealth
Why this big fuss about the border wall? Understanding that starts by asking a different question.
KLA’s ‘Ocean-Minded Community’ to the rescue
The Kauai Lifeguard Association’s goal is to help save lives. And they do so while trying to further an “Ocean-Minded Community.” Its efforts could not take place without the generous support of Kauai’s concerned businesses and individuals.
Emi Oka has been found alive!
Emi has been found!
Just say no to high rises on Kauai
In voting for a candidate running for public office in Kauai you are not just voting for a person, you are voting for the future of Kauai, what are your thoughts and what are your expectations. Also, what are the expectations of those who funded your campaign and what do they want to achieve.
Faith and science are compatible
Certain segments of our current society have chosen for either religious or political reasons or both (a dangerous combination), to wage war on science.
Proposing ‘Mu‘umu‘u Mondays’
My snowy-haired grandpapa, while reminiscing with me after seeing “Great Expectations,” narrowed his eyes, sighed, and said, “Women lost a lot when they gave up wearing beautiful hats.”
Crunch time for a living wage at the legislature
If you are earning less than $17 per hour at your job, a hearing being held at the State Capitol on Thursday, Jan. 31 could change that.
Help make affordable housing happen
Many of you know that our home of 33 years, our dear little Kauai, is facing the major challenge of having no affordable housing for our local families. And some of you know that Harvest and I have committed to help solve this conundrum, and have been working on it for years now.
Time for action on Coco Palms
All of Kauai is aware of the derelict and skeletal remains of the former Coco Palms Resort property in Wailua. For all of us, the view is a constant reminder of the neglect and disrespect these very special lands have endured for the past 27 years.