Senator Dan Inouye directed billions of dollars in funding towards various initiatives in Hawaii over his career related to agriculture, education, energy, the environment, equality, healthcare, infrastructure, security, technology, and construction. This included over $1 billion for the military, hundreds of millions for renewable energy and national parks, and ongoing annual appropriations for areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
African American Land Dispossession Historical Time Line
Agricultural Land Retention Priorities in the African Diaspora
1. Produce healthy, toxin-free food locally.
2. Employ holistic agricultural practices which enrich the soil and the Earth.
3. Preserve local biodiversity.
4. Determine agricultural land availability.
5. Work through land retention challenges.
6. Innovate strategies, models, and work-arounds.
American Heirs Property Challenges
Evolution of Kenyan Coastal Land Ownership
Regenerative Agricultural Land Resilience Models &
Farming Methods & Movements
Guyana is a country located in northern South America with a population of over 750,000 people. It gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966 and became a republic in 1970. Guyana has a diverse landscape ranging from forests to mountains and rivers. The economy relies on agriculture, mining, and fishing. The population is ethnically diverse with descendants from Africa, India, and indigenous peoples. English is the official language and Christianity and Hinduism are the major religions practiced in Guyana.
This document provides an overview of Indigenous food strategies and sovereignty in Vancouver and the surrounding bioregion. It discusses the history of Indigenous peoples in the region and the loss of land and culture they experienced with colonization. It outlines traditional Indigenous food systems that were based on harvesting diverse plant and animal species from the land and water. The document also discusses current issues like food insecurity, poverty and lack of access to traditional foods faced by many Indigenous communities. It proposes potential strategies to increase Indigenous food sovereignty, such as securing land, restoring harvesting practices and traditional food spaces in the city.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
The Hawaii Supreme Court decision incorrectly interpreted the 1993 federal apology resolution regarding the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom. The decision conflicts with rules of statutory construction and federalism in three key ways: 1) The 1959 statehood act granted Hawaii title and authority over 1.2 million acres, while the apology resolution did not amend or repeal this grant; 2) Federal precedent holds Congress cannot take back land grants made to states; and 3) Interpreting the apology as interfering with state sovereignty over granted lands violates the constitutional plan of federalism. The decision should be reversed to protect Hawaii's authority as a sovereign state over its lands.
- The document contains exit poll data from voters on a Board of Education amendment. It provides crosstabulations of voters' positions on the amendment based on demographic information like gender, race, party affiliation, and education level.
- The majority of voters (60.6%) were for the amendment, 31.3% were against it, and small percentages were undecided or chose not to vote on the amendment. Support varied somewhat based on demographic factors.
- For example, support was higher among white voters (63.3%) than African American voters (50.0%), and higher among college graduates (66.2%) than among those with only a high school education or less (58.7%).
African American Land Dispossession Historical Time Line
Agricultural Land Retention Priorities in the African Diaspora
1. Produce healthy, toxin-free food locally.
2. Employ holistic agricultural practices which enrich the soil and the Earth.
3. Preserve local biodiversity.
4. Determine agricultural land availability.
5. Work through land retention challenges.
6. Innovate strategies, models, and work-arounds.
American Heirs Property Challenges
Evolution of Kenyan Coastal Land Ownership
Regenerative Agricultural Land Resilience Models &
Farming Methods & Movements
Guyana is a country located in northern South America with a population of over 750,000 people. It gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966 and became a republic in 1970. Guyana has a diverse landscape ranging from forests to mountains and rivers. The economy relies on agriculture, mining, and fishing. The population is ethnically diverse with descendants from Africa, India, and indigenous peoples. English is the official language and Christianity and Hinduism are the major religions practiced in Guyana.
This document provides an overview of Indigenous food strategies and sovereignty in Vancouver and the surrounding bioregion. It discusses the history of Indigenous peoples in the region and the loss of land and culture they experienced with colonization. It outlines traditional Indigenous food systems that were based on harvesting diverse plant and animal species from the land and water. The document also discusses current issues like food insecurity, poverty and lack of access to traditional foods faced by many Indigenous communities. It proposes potential strategies to increase Indigenous food sovereignty, such as securing land, restoring harvesting practices and traditional food spaces in the city.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
The Hawaii Supreme Court decision incorrectly interpreted the 1993 federal apology resolution regarding the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom. The decision conflicts with rules of statutory construction and federalism in three key ways: 1) The 1959 statehood act granted Hawaii title and authority over 1.2 million acres, while the apology resolution did not amend or repeal this grant; 2) Federal precedent holds Congress cannot take back land grants made to states; and 3) Interpreting the apology as interfering with state sovereignty over granted lands violates the constitutional plan of federalism. The decision should be reversed to protect Hawaii's authority as a sovereign state over its lands.
- The document contains exit poll data from voters on a Board of Education amendment. It provides crosstabulations of voters' positions on the amendment based on demographic information like gender, race, party affiliation, and education level.
- The majority of voters (60.6%) were for the amendment, 31.3% were against it, and small percentages were undecided or chose not to vote on the amendment. Support varied somewhat based on demographic factors.
- For example, support was higher among white voters (63.3%) than African American voters (50.0%), and higher among college graduates (66.2%) than among those with only a high school education or less (58.7%).
This document provides an overview of Australia's international aid programs in Asia and the Pacific region. It discusses:
- The history and amounts of aid provided by Australia since the 1980s, which has increased to nearly $3 billion annually.
- The goals of Australian aid include reducing poverty, improving standards of living, and responding to humanitarian crises through programs focused on health, education, governance, and human rights.
- Major aid is delivered through government organizations like AusAid and multilateral partners, as well as non-governmental organizations, and targets countries in need including Indonesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, East Timor, and Burma.
In May 2016, Haïti Priorise held its fourteenth sector expert roundtable to discuss the best solutions to improve nutrition and food security. Roundtable participants were asked to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current policy efforts and to propose actions they think should be prioritized as a means to improve nutrition and food security in Haiti.
A Family Foundation's Approach to Protecting Wilderness Around the World, by ...WILD Foundation
Don Weeden, Executive Director of The Weeden Foundation, spoke during the Friday (13 November) WILD9 plenary session on Saving Wildlands through Private Finance, Philanthropy and Commitment, specifically on "A Family Foundation's Approach to Protecting Wilderness Around the World."
This document summarizes the accomplishments of a grassroots environmental movement in Hawaii in the past year, which were made possible through the contributions and support of nearly 10,000 individuals. Key accomplishments include winning protections for biodiversity in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, protecting over 3.5 million acres of coral from unrestricted bioprospecting, helping make Maui County taro-free, pursuing expanded protections for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, and supporting legal actions regarding sea turtles and the sacred Mauna Kea summit. The grassroots movement was able to achieve these successes with the financial support of its members.
Seven Ways To Get Ahead in Business:
1. Be forward thinking
2. Be inventive, and daring
3. Do the right thing
4. Be honest and straight forward
5. Be willing to change, to learn, to grow
6. Work hard and be yourself
7. Lead by example
― Germany Kent
The 2015 Annual Report of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation summarizes the organization's work over the past year. NFWF funded over 800 conservation projects across the US in 2015, leveraging $378.1 million for on-the-ground conservation impact. Major initiatives included launching a new fund to help address declines in monarch butterfly populations, surpassing 1 million acres protected through the Acres for America public-private partnership program with Walmart, and providing funding for massive coastal restoration efforts along the Gulf of Mexico.
The sovereignty movement all started with Kaho`olawe. Charles Maxwell and the Mitchells from Ke`anae were strong with the sovereignty movement. A lot of people were involved with it.
~ George Cagasan
Kaho`olawe sparked the return of Hawaiian pride.
~ Jordan Nauka
The Hokule`a, “The Star of Gladness.” opened our eyes and understanding about the incredible skills and knowledge that our forefathers possessed. And of course, the `aina and the protection of it became a major theme and still is today. All of these important elements of the Hawaiian Culture have been preserved and shared with people all over the world because of the Hawaiian Rennaisance.
~ Francine Rindlisbacher
The Hawaiian renaissance changed my generation of Hawaiians in many very important ways. Those changes continue to benefit this new generation of Hawaiians who hopefully will never, ever feel ashamed of their heritage, history, language and culture. It is my sincere hope that our young Hawaiians today will become the leaders who redefine Hawai`i as an innovative global leader and model for a more tolerant world.
~ Teri Freitas Gorman
The latest news shows the oceans are absorbing more heat. Since all life depends on the ocean, and the ocean covers over 70% of Earth's surface - we need solutions like Earth Law to safeguard marine ecosystem health and protection.
Food security and adapting to climate change in the Sahel: A landscape approachCIFOR-ICRAF
This presentation by Anthony Nyong from the African Development Bank shows the challenges, key policy and strategy issues in the Sahel zone, how to strengthen institutional capacities, how people can access financing, what the opportunities are and what can be concluded from all that.
Australia provides foreign aid to the Philippines focused on Mindanao, with the goals of reducing poverty and supporting development. Major aid initiatives include the Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao Project which benefited over 35,000 students, emergency assistance after Tropical Storm Sendong, and health projects addressing issues like pneumonia. Australian aid also supports infrastructure like roads, agriculture, and peacebuilding in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao. However, the document notes that corruption can divert funds from those most in need, and not all regions equally benefit from foreign assistance.
Marine Debris Awareness Grant Application SummaryJillian Wirt
The Pacific Whale Foundation proposes a public awareness campaign on Maui from August 2016 to August 2017 to educate the public about marine debris and a new tobacco-free beaches and parks law. The goal is to change behaviors and reduce cigarette butt litter on beaches through outreach at their events, on tours, and in schools. They will distribute materials explaining the impacts of litter and the new law, and assess changes in public understanding over time through surveys. The campaign aims to support enforcement of the new law through increasing awareness and encouraging voluntary compliance.
Over 5,000 schools in Haiti were destroyed in the earthquake, requiring $470 million to rebuild. So far $82.8 million has been donated for education rebuilding, covering 94.6% of needs. For agriculture, $28.9 million has been funded towards goals of job training and equipment, covering only 49% of the $29.9 million needed. In health, 60% of structures were damaged and MSF provided care for over 92,000 patients, but more funding is still needed across sectors, with an estimated $14 billion required to fully rebuild Haiti.
This document provides testimony in strong support of House Bill 1478, which proposes establishing the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary program and co-manager position within the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The testimony emphasizes that the Sanctuary is an important habitat for humpback whales and draws many visitors and revenue to Hawaii each year. It notes that the Sanctuary has been co-managed by Hawaii and NOAA since 1998 but current federal funding for the State co-manager position will expire in July 2015. The testimony urges allocating general state funds for the co-manager position and Sanctuary operations.
Mano a Mano International aims to create partnerships with impoverished Bolivian communities to improve health and increase economic well-being. Since 1994, it has built 173 clinics, 64 schools, and improved 1200 miles of roads. It also constructed 9 water reservoirs and 52 wells to provide communities access to water. Mano a Mano operates through community partnerships and relies on donations, volunteers, and collaboration with various organizations to complete its infrastructure projects in Bolivia.
The document outlines the priorities of the Democratic majority of the Hawaii State Senate for the 2015 legislative session. The three main priorities are: improving energy and food resiliency through renewable energy and local agriculture; strengthening community well-being through social services, smart growth, and natural resource protection; and ensuring effective and accountable government through ethical conduct, technology upgrades, and infrastructure protection. The Senate hopes to collaborate with the House and Governor to achieve the goals of the legislative program.
The document discusses the benefits of local food systems and trends in local food nationally and in New Orleans. It highlights the work of organizations like Grow Dat Youth Farm and the New Orleans Food Policy Advisory Committee (FPAC) to envision just and sustainable food systems. FPAC has released two reports with recommendations to expand access to healthy food retail and improve school food. Food hubs are also discussed as coordinating local food distribution and increasing market access for small producers.
This document provides an overview of Hawaiian fishponds or loko i'a:
- Loko i'a were an ancient and sophisticated form of aquaculture unique to Hawaii that helped sustain the large native Hawaiian population. At their peak there were over 350 fishponds producing large yields of fish.
- Over time, fishpond production declined due to changing social conditions. However, there is renewed interest in restoring fishponds to provide economic opportunities and promote Hawaiian culture.
- This manual aims to help with the fishpond restoration process and sustainable management practices, covering topics like permits, construction, fish farming techniques, and developing a business plan. The goal is to revive fishpond traditions and their
Achievement of conservation goals and successful completion of environmental programs is shared by the insight and wisdom of these Chess Masters:
“By playing at Chess then, we may learn:
First: Foresight …
Second: Circumspection …
Third: Caution …
And lastly, we learn by Chess the habit of not being discouraged by present bad appearances in the state of our affairs, the habit of hoping for a favorable chance, and that of persevering in the secrets of resources.”
--- Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father, Scientist, Inventor, Writer, Chess Master
“Play the opening like a book, the middle game like a magician, and the endgame like a machine.”
--- Rudolf Spielmann, Attorney, Chess Master
Fish Night 5 on 17 October 2018 looked at how we can make sure that subsidies designed to benefit marine and coastal ecosystems don’t have a detrimental effect on smaller fisheries.
The presentation was made by Rashid Sumaila, Fisheries Economics Research Unit, Global Fisheries Cluster, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
The event was organised by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).
More details: https://www.iied.org/fish-night-5-can-subsidies-work-for-fish-for-people
Gov. Ige sent a letter to California Congresswoman Anna Eshoo in response to her August 2020 request for information about Hawaii's pandemic response.
https://www.civilbeat.org/2020/08/california-congresswoman-wants-answers-on-hawaiis-virus-response-effort/
Audit of the Department of the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Policies, Proc...Honolulu Civil Beat
This audit was conducted pursuant to Resolution 19-255,
requesting the city auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Honolulu Police Department and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney’s policies and procedures related to employee misconduct.
This document provides an overview of Australia's international aid programs in Asia and the Pacific region. It discusses:
- The history and amounts of aid provided by Australia since the 1980s, which has increased to nearly $3 billion annually.
- The goals of Australian aid include reducing poverty, improving standards of living, and responding to humanitarian crises through programs focused on health, education, governance, and human rights.
- Major aid is delivered through government organizations like AusAid and multilateral partners, as well as non-governmental organizations, and targets countries in need including Indonesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, East Timor, and Burma.
In May 2016, Haïti Priorise held its fourteenth sector expert roundtable to discuss the best solutions to improve nutrition and food security. Roundtable participants were asked to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current policy efforts and to propose actions they think should be prioritized as a means to improve nutrition and food security in Haiti.
A Family Foundation's Approach to Protecting Wilderness Around the World, by ...WILD Foundation
Don Weeden, Executive Director of The Weeden Foundation, spoke during the Friday (13 November) WILD9 plenary session on Saving Wildlands through Private Finance, Philanthropy and Commitment, specifically on "A Family Foundation's Approach to Protecting Wilderness Around the World."
This document summarizes the accomplishments of a grassroots environmental movement in Hawaii in the past year, which were made possible through the contributions and support of nearly 10,000 individuals. Key accomplishments include winning protections for biodiversity in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, protecting over 3.5 million acres of coral from unrestricted bioprospecting, helping make Maui County taro-free, pursuing expanded protections for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, and supporting legal actions regarding sea turtles and the sacred Mauna Kea summit. The grassroots movement was able to achieve these successes with the financial support of its members.
Seven Ways To Get Ahead in Business:
1. Be forward thinking
2. Be inventive, and daring
3. Do the right thing
4. Be honest and straight forward
5. Be willing to change, to learn, to grow
6. Work hard and be yourself
7. Lead by example
― Germany Kent
The 2015 Annual Report of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation summarizes the organization's work over the past year. NFWF funded over 800 conservation projects across the US in 2015, leveraging $378.1 million for on-the-ground conservation impact. Major initiatives included launching a new fund to help address declines in monarch butterfly populations, surpassing 1 million acres protected through the Acres for America public-private partnership program with Walmart, and providing funding for massive coastal restoration efforts along the Gulf of Mexico.
The sovereignty movement all started with Kaho`olawe. Charles Maxwell and the Mitchells from Ke`anae were strong with the sovereignty movement. A lot of people were involved with it.
~ George Cagasan
Kaho`olawe sparked the return of Hawaiian pride.
~ Jordan Nauka
The Hokule`a, “The Star of Gladness.” opened our eyes and understanding about the incredible skills and knowledge that our forefathers possessed. And of course, the `aina and the protection of it became a major theme and still is today. All of these important elements of the Hawaiian Culture have been preserved and shared with people all over the world because of the Hawaiian Rennaisance.
~ Francine Rindlisbacher
The Hawaiian renaissance changed my generation of Hawaiians in many very important ways. Those changes continue to benefit this new generation of Hawaiians who hopefully will never, ever feel ashamed of their heritage, history, language and culture. It is my sincere hope that our young Hawaiians today will become the leaders who redefine Hawai`i as an innovative global leader and model for a more tolerant world.
~ Teri Freitas Gorman
The latest news shows the oceans are absorbing more heat. Since all life depends on the ocean, and the ocean covers over 70% of Earth's surface - we need solutions like Earth Law to safeguard marine ecosystem health and protection.
Food security and adapting to climate change in the Sahel: A landscape approachCIFOR-ICRAF
This presentation by Anthony Nyong from the African Development Bank shows the challenges, key policy and strategy issues in the Sahel zone, how to strengthen institutional capacities, how people can access financing, what the opportunities are and what can be concluded from all that.
Australia provides foreign aid to the Philippines focused on Mindanao, with the goals of reducing poverty and supporting development. Major aid initiatives include the Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao Project which benefited over 35,000 students, emergency assistance after Tropical Storm Sendong, and health projects addressing issues like pneumonia. Australian aid also supports infrastructure like roads, agriculture, and peacebuilding in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao. However, the document notes that corruption can divert funds from those most in need, and not all regions equally benefit from foreign assistance.
Marine Debris Awareness Grant Application SummaryJillian Wirt
The Pacific Whale Foundation proposes a public awareness campaign on Maui from August 2016 to August 2017 to educate the public about marine debris and a new tobacco-free beaches and parks law. The goal is to change behaviors and reduce cigarette butt litter on beaches through outreach at their events, on tours, and in schools. They will distribute materials explaining the impacts of litter and the new law, and assess changes in public understanding over time through surveys. The campaign aims to support enforcement of the new law through increasing awareness and encouraging voluntary compliance.
Over 5,000 schools in Haiti were destroyed in the earthquake, requiring $470 million to rebuild. So far $82.8 million has been donated for education rebuilding, covering 94.6% of needs. For agriculture, $28.9 million has been funded towards goals of job training and equipment, covering only 49% of the $29.9 million needed. In health, 60% of structures were damaged and MSF provided care for over 92,000 patients, but more funding is still needed across sectors, with an estimated $14 billion required to fully rebuild Haiti.
This document provides testimony in strong support of House Bill 1478, which proposes establishing the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary program and co-manager position within the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The testimony emphasizes that the Sanctuary is an important habitat for humpback whales and draws many visitors and revenue to Hawaii each year. It notes that the Sanctuary has been co-managed by Hawaii and NOAA since 1998 but current federal funding for the State co-manager position will expire in July 2015. The testimony urges allocating general state funds for the co-manager position and Sanctuary operations.
Mano a Mano International aims to create partnerships with impoverished Bolivian communities to improve health and increase economic well-being. Since 1994, it has built 173 clinics, 64 schools, and improved 1200 miles of roads. It also constructed 9 water reservoirs and 52 wells to provide communities access to water. Mano a Mano operates through community partnerships and relies on donations, volunteers, and collaboration with various organizations to complete its infrastructure projects in Bolivia.
The document outlines the priorities of the Democratic majority of the Hawaii State Senate for the 2015 legislative session. The three main priorities are: improving energy and food resiliency through renewable energy and local agriculture; strengthening community well-being through social services, smart growth, and natural resource protection; and ensuring effective and accountable government through ethical conduct, technology upgrades, and infrastructure protection. The Senate hopes to collaborate with the House and Governor to achieve the goals of the legislative program.
The document discusses the benefits of local food systems and trends in local food nationally and in New Orleans. It highlights the work of organizations like Grow Dat Youth Farm and the New Orleans Food Policy Advisory Committee (FPAC) to envision just and sustainable food systems. FPAC has released two reports with recommendations to expand access to healthy food retail and improve school food. Food hubs are also discussed as coordinating local food distribution and increasing market access for small producers.
This document provides an overview of Hawaiian fishponds or loko i'a:
- Loko i'a were an ancient and sophisticated form of aquaculture unique to Hawaii that helped sustain the large native Hawaiian population. At their peak there were over 350 fishponds producing large yields of fish.
- Over time, fishpond production declined due to changing social conditions. However, there is renewed interest in restoring fishponds to provide economic opportunities and promote Hawaiian culture.
- This manual aims to help with the fishpond restoration process and sustainable management practices, covering topics like permits, construction, fish farming techniques, and developing a business plan. The goal is to revive fishpond traditions and their
Achievement of conservation goals and successful completion of environmental programs is shared by the insight and wisdom of these Chess Masters:
“By playing at Chess then, we may learn:
First: Foresight …
Second: Circumspection …
Third: Caution …
And lastly, we learn by Chess the habit of not being discouraged by present bad appearances in the state of our affairs, the habit of hoping for a favorable chance, and that of persevering in the secrets of resources.”
--- Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father, Scientist, Inventor, Writer, Chess Master
“Play the opening like a book, the middle game like a magician, and the endgame like a machine.”
--- Rudolf Spielmann, Attorney, Chess Master
Fish Night 5 on 17 October 2018 looked at how we can make sure that subsidies designed to benefit marine and coastal ecosystems don’t have a detrimental effect on smaller fisheries.
The presentation was made by Rashid Sumaila, Fisheries Economics Research Unit, Global Fisheries Cluster, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
The event was organised by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).
More details: https://www.iied.org/fish-night-5-can-subsidies-work-for-fish-for-people
Gov. Ige sent a letter to California Congresswoman Anna Eshoo in response to her August 2020 request for information about Hawaii's pandemic response.
https://www.civilbeat.org/2020/08/california-congresswoman-wants-answers-on-hawaiis-virus-response-effort/
Audit of the Department of the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Policies, Proc...Honolulu Civil Beat
This audit was conducted pursuant to Resolution 19-255,
requesting the city auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Honolulu Police Department and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney’s policies and procedures related to employee misconduct.
Audit of the Honolulu Police Department’s Policies, Procedures, and ControlsHonolulu Civil Beat
The audit objectives were to:
1. Evaluate the effectiveness of HPD’s existing policies, procedures, and controls to identify and respond to complaints or incidents concerning misconduct, retaliation, favoritism, and abuses of power by its management and employees;
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of HPD's management control environment and practices to correct errors and prevent any misconduct, retaliation, favoritism, and abuses of power by its
management and employees; and
3. Make recommendations to improve HPD’s policies, procedures, and controls to minimize and avoid future managerial and operational breakdowns caused by similar misconduct.
The report summarizes use of force incidents by the Honolulu Police Department in 2019. There were 2,354 reported incidents, an increase from 2018. Physical confrontation techniques were used most often (53% of applications). The most common types of incidents requiring force were simple assault (13.4%), mental health cases (13.2%), and miscellaneous public cases (6.7%). Most incidents occurred on Mondays and Saturdays between midnight and 1:59am and involved males aged 34 on average, with the largest proportion being Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders (34.5%).
The Office of Health Equity aims to eliminate health disparities in Hawaii. Its vision is for policies and programs to improve the health of underserved groups. Its mission is to increase the capacity of Hawaii's health department and providers to eliminate disparities and improve quality of life. The office identifies disparities, recommends actions to the health director, and coordinates related activities and programs. It works to establish partnerships, identify health needs, develop culturally appropriate interventions, and promote national health objectives. The office's strategic goals are to increase awareness of disparities, strengthen leadership, improve outcomes through social determinants, improve cultural competency, and improve research coordination.
The document calls for unity and collaboration between Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in Hawaii to address COVID-19. It summarizes that government leaders have failed citizens by being slow to respond to the crisis, not working together effectively, and one in three COVID cases impacting Pacific Islanders. It calls on officials to take stronger, transparent leadership and get resources like contact tracers deployed quickly from Pacific Islander communities. Each day without action will lead to more cases, hospitalizations and deaths. It establishes a response team to improve COVID data and policies for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
This letter from the ACLU of Hawaii to the Honolulu Police Department raises concerns about racial disparities in HPD's enforcement of COVID-19 orders and use of force. It cites data showing Micronesians, Black people, Samoans and those experiencing homelessness were disproportionately arrested. It recommends HPD end aggressive enforcement of minor offenses, racial profiling, and using arrest statistics to measure performance. It also calls for implicit bias training, data collection and transparency regarding police stops, searches and arrests.
This letter from the ACLU of Hawaii to the Honolulu Police Department raises concerns about racial disparities in HPD's enforcement of COVID-19 orders and use of force. It cites data showing Micronesians, Black people, Samoans and those experiencing homelessness were disproportionately arrested. It recommends HPD end aggressive enforcement of minor offenses, racial profiling, and using arrest statistics to measure performance. It also calls for implicit bias training, data collection and transparency regarding police stops, searches and arrests.
This document is a complaint filed in circuit court by Jane Doe against The Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific and several individuals. Jane Doe alleges she has experienced discrimination and harassment at her job as a physical therapist at Rehab Hospital based on her sexual orientation. She lists several causes of action against the defendants and is seeking damages for the harm to her career and emotional distress caused by the defendants' actions.
This document provides guidance for large or extended families living together during the COVID-19 pandemic. It recommends designating one or two household members who are not at high risk to run necessary errands. When leaving the house, those individuals should avoid crowds, maintain social distancing, frequently wash hands, avoid touching surfaces, and wear cloth face coverings. The document also provides tips for protecting high-risk household members, children, caring for sick members, isolating the sick, and eating meals together while feeding a sick person.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) requests that the State of Hawaii prioritize collecting and reporting disaggregated data on Native Hawaiians relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, OHA asks for disaggregated data from the Departments of Health, Labor and Industrial Relations, and Human Services on topics like COVID-19 cases, unemployment claims, and applications for assistance programs. Disaggregated data is critical to understand how the pandemic is impacting Native Hawaiians and to direct resources most effectively. OHA also requests information on how race data is currently collected by these agencies.
The CLA audit of OHA from 2012-2016 found significant issues in OHA's procurement processes and identified $7.8 million across 32 transactions as potentially fraudulent, wasteful, or abusive. The audit found 85% of transactions reviewed contained issues of noncompliance with policies and laws, while 17% (32 transactions) were flagged as "red flags". Common issues included missing procurement documents, lack of evidence that contractors delivered on obligations, and contracts incorrectly classified as exempt from competitive bidding. The audit provides a roadmap for OHA to investigate potential wrongdoing and implement reforms to address deficiencies.
This document provides a list of pro bono legal service providers for immigration courts in Honolulu, Hawaii, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. However, as of the January 2018 revision date, there are no registered pro bono legal organizations for the immigration courts in Honolulu, Hawaii, Guam, or the Northern Mariana Islands. The document also notes that the Executive Office for Immigration Review maintains this list of qualified pro bono legal service providers as required by regulation, but that it does not endorse or participate in the work of the listed organizations.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
Mayor Kirk Caldwell issued a statement regarding the construction of a multi-purpose field at Waimānalo Bay Beach Park. City Council member Ikaika Anderson had requested halting all grubbing work until September 15 out of concern for the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat. However, the environmental assessment states grubbing of woody plants over 15 feet tall should not occur after June 1 to protect young bats. The city contractor will finish grubbing by the end of May as required. Canceling the contract would cost $300,000 in taxpayer money. Therefore, the city will proceed with completing Phase 1, including a multi-purpose field, play area, and parking lot, for $1.43 million, and will review additional
1. Senator Dan Inouye’s Record
Agriculture
Improving Food Safety and Reducing Crop Damage Caused by Pests
• Directed $135.3 million to manage pests, especially fruit flies, and
prevent plant diseases.
Building World Class Research Facilities for Hawaii’s Agriculture
Scientists
• Provided approximately $53 million to plan, design, and construct the
Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo.
Helping Displaced Farm Workers Survive and Thrive
• Directed $60.7 million into the Rural Economic Transition Assistance
Hawaii (RETAH) program.
Promoting Diversity to Reduce Imported Food Dependence and
Improve Economic Competitiveness
• Supported many agricultural initiatives by providing in excess of $149.1
million over the years for various agricultural research including tropical
fruits, pineapple, sugarcane, floriculture, coffee, macadamia nuts,
vegetables, melons, livestock, and aquaculture.
Education
Improving Educational Opportunities for Low-income Children and
Teens
• Directs approximately $46 million annually to help children from
disadvantaged home settings.
• Provided an additional $33 million in economic stimulus funds for Title I
programs.
Extending First Class Educational Services to Military Dependents
• Provides about $42.5 million annually for educating the children of
military dependents.
2. • Directed an additional $53 million to be invested by the Department of
Defense in the Joint Venture Education Forum (JVEF).
Educating Children with Special Needs
• Directs approximately $42 million annually to assist with the education of
children with special needs.
• Provided an additional $43 million in the economic stimulus.
Upgrading Technology and Instructors Skills
• Provides $28 million annually to Hawaii’s Department of Education and
provided an additional $1.5 million in 2009.
Improving the University of Hawaii (UH) System
• Directed over $29.2 million to various UH programs and initiatives,
including: the new UH Hilo School of Pharmacy, the Beacon Community
grant for a better information network for medical professionals and
patients as well as nursing, medicine, improvement and research
initiatives.
Providing Education and Workforce Training to Hawaii’s Workforce
• Appropriates about $12..9 million annually for workforce training and
community economic development programs.
Forging Stronger Educational, Cultural and Diplomatic Ties with Asia
• Invested more than $209 million in the East-West Center.
Providing Training and Apprenticeship Programs at Pearl Harbor
Naval Shipyard
• Invested more than $17 million in the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard
Apprentice Program, which trains more than 100 candidates every year.
Expanding Native Hawaiian Education
• Invested $365.2 million to help Native Hawaiians educationally,
professionally, and culturally.
Preserving, Protecting, and Sharing Native Hawaiian Culture and Art
3. • Appropriated nearly $9.1 million to support the Native Hawaiian Culture
and Arts Program (NHCAP), Education through Cultural and Historical
Organizations (ECHO) and other initiatives.
• Directed $8.844 million to the Native Hawaiian library and museum
services.
Strengthening Educational Institutions that Serve Native Hawaiians
• Directed more than $83 million to Chaminade University, the University of
Hawaii at Hilo and the University of Hawaii systems community colleges
to serve diverse underserved populations, including Native Hawaiians.
Preserving and Protecting the Hawaiian Language
• Authored the Native American Languages Act (1990), which allows Native
Hawaiian children the opportunity to obtain their entire K-12 education
in Hawaiian.
Energy
Identifying Undersea Alternative Energy Sources
• Secured funding to establish the Hawaii Energy and Environmental
Technology Initiative (about $5 million annually).
Bringing Hydrogen-powered Vehicles to Hawaii
• Directed about $14.8 million to develop hydrogen powered fuel cell
vehicles in Hawaii.
Encouraging Renewable Energy in Hawaii
• Directed about $5 million to the Hawaii Renewable Energy Development
Venture (HREDV). Funding will continue at $6 million annually. Provided
an additional $18 million for renewable energy initiatives.
Converting Plants into Power
• Directed nearly $5.5 million to University of Hawaii researchers working
to identify and produce biomass energy sources (plants grown to
generate electricity).
Environmental Protection
4. Learning to Protect our Environment
• Appropriates $9.89 million for environmental education and research for
the state of Hawaii.
• Directed $4 million for military conservation practices, so the military in
Hawaii can be good stewards of their land.
Protecting Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles
• Provided nearly $67.8 million to protect the endangered Hawaiian green
sea turtle.
Protecting Hawaiian Monk Seal
• Directed more than $14 million to support monitoring the endangered
monk seal population.
Eradicating the Brown Tree Snake Menace
• Invested more than $36 million in a host of brown tree snake eradication
and prevention strategies.
Promoting Responsible Fishing Practices
• Appropriated more than $106 million in funding to ensure that Hawaii’s
fisheries are wisely managed and well-protected.
Protecting our Coral Reef Ecosystems
• Invested about $59 million to conserve, map, assess and monitor
Hawaii’s coral reef ecosystems.
Protecting Our Shorelines and Citizens
• Invested more than $73.6 million for coastal land and sea clean-up
efforts, tsunamis and other natural hazard research programs, and the
purchase of critical areas for conservation.
Responding to Climate Change Threats
• Secured $26 million to place Hawaii at the forefront of the nation’s
response to climate change.
Establishing and Expanding National Parks and Wildlife Refuges
5. • Over the years, hundreds of thousands of acres have been preserved for
future generations.
• Big Island: Volcanoes National Park, Kahuku Ranch, City of Refuge,
Puuhonua O Honaunau National Park.
• Maui: Haleakala National Park, Kealia Wlidlife Refuge and Waihee
Preserve.
• Kauai: Kliauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and Hanalei National Wlidlife
Refuge.
• Oahu: The James Campbell Wildlife Refuge, Waimea Valley, Moanalua
Valley, Honouliuli Preserve, Pupukea-Paumalu.
Returning Kaho’olawe to Hawaii
• Authored legislation (1993) that directed the United States to convey
Kaho’olawe and its surrounding waters back to the State of Hawaii, and
appropriated $400 million for cleanup and restoration efforts of the
island.
• Provided $18 million for removing unexploded ordinances (Kaho`olawe
and Pohakuloa Training Area).
Equality for All
Recognizing Native Hawaiians Right to Sovereignty
• The Hawaii Congressional Delegation is currently working to pass
legislation acknowledging the inherent right of Native Hawaiians to self-
determination and self-governance.
• Co-sponsored, with Senator Akaka, the landmark Apology Resolution
(1993), a formal apology issued by the United States for its role in the
illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy on January 17, 1893.
Strengthening Community for Filipinos in Hawaii
• Provided nearly $3 million for the construction of the Filipino Community
Center located in Waipahu.
Expanding Benefits for Filipino Veterans
• Introduced the Filipino Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act (2003), which
provides a number of vital benefits to assist Filipino veterans and their
spouses.
6. • Appropriated $198 million for payments to eligible Filipino World War II
Veterans.
Providing Redress for Japanese Americans after World War II
• Helped pass the Civli Liberties Act (1988), a law that acknowledges the
injustice of the forced evacuation, relocation and internment of U.S.
citizens and permanent residents of Japanese ancestry during World War
II.
Righting Wrongs for Native Americans
• Highlights from Senator Inouye’s tenure as Chairman of the Indian Affairs
Committee include: The Native American Graves and Repatriation Act,
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, The Indian Self-Determination Act,
The Indian Health Care Act, The Native American Housing Assistance and
Self- Determination Act, The Indian Child Welfare Act, The Indian Child
Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, The Native American
Languages Act, The Indian Energy Resources Act, The Indian Dams Safety
Act, and Establishment of The National Museum of The American Indian
in Washington.
Healthcare
Expanding Healthcare Access to All
• Directs about $17.2 million annually to 14 Community Health Centers,
and provided an additional $2.7 million in economic stimulus funds to
extend services to more uninsured members of our community.
Providing Dignity and Care for Older Native Hawaiians
• Directed $20 million in funding to the Administration on Aging, which
dispenses grants to Native Hawaiian organizations.
Increasing Prevention and Early Detection Programs for Native
Hawaiians
• Secured more than $115 million for Papa Ola Lokahi - Native Hawaiian
Healthcare, 1.9 million for Hawaii Primary Care Association and $1.8
million for a study on the causes and optimum treatment of cancer.
Increasing Cancer Research to Benefit Hawaiian Residents
7. • Secured $10 million for the planning and design of a new cancer center in
Kakaako, and also secured an additional $10.5 million for a study on the
causes and optimum treatment of cancer.
Honoring Commitments to our Veterans
• Secured $18 million in federal support for a $28 million state-run
veterans’ home in Hilo, and another $23 million for the Akamai Hawaii
Federal Health Care Network to improve access and quality of care to
active duty military families and impacted communities.
Infrastructure
Maintaining Hawaii’s Critical Infrastructure
• Directs about $130 million annually in federal highway funds to support
the State of Hawaii and the four counties.
• Provided $127 million in highway funds, with the economic stimulus
package, to both create even more jobs and upgrade infrastructure.
Improving Hawaii’s Public Transportation System
• Directs about $31 million annually to support the City and County of
Honolulu’s The Bus, and secured another $40.6 million in the economic
stimulus package, and another $40.7 million in transportation projects.
Improving Air Safety, Security and Efficiency
• Directed $3 million for pre-clearance passenger baggage inspection for
inter-island passengers.
• Secured about $28 million to support construction and new equipment
upgrades for all of Hawaii’s airports.
• Approved $66.8 million of economic stimulus monies for explosive
detection systems at Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo and Lihue airports and
construction of a new air traffic control tower for the Kona airport.
Providing Affordable Housing Options for Lower-Income Residents
• Appropriates about $126.8 million annually to the state and counties to
support the construction and upkeep of public housing communities
across the islands.
Protecting Hawaii’s Water Supply
8. • Authorized $50.1 million in stimulus funds to protect Hawaii’s precious
water supply, in addition to the $15.5 million allocated annually and the
$6.1 million in other projects to protect and conserve Hawaii’s water.
Security
Protecting the Citizens of Hawaii
• Secured 5.9 million for initiatives with the Justice Department and the
Hawaii National Guard Counterdrug program to keep Hawaii safe.
Strengthening the Military Presence in Hawaii
• Invested more than $459.1 million to maintain our defenses in the
Pacific.
• Provided an additional $451 million for Military housing requirements.
• Directed more than $950 million to the Pacific Missile Range Facility
(PMRF) to support state-of-the-art missile defense testing and systems.
• One of the Army’s most elite combat teams - The 2nd Brigade, 25th
Infantry Division Stryker Brigade Combat Team - now calls Hawaii home.
• Secured more than $106 million to install 40 C-17 crews in Hawaii, which
are used to provide humanitarian relief around the world.
National Disaster Preparedness
• Provides about $5 million annually for the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security Center in Hawaii, which focuses on disaster preparedness
training.
• Provided more than $23 million for tsunami hazard mitigation.
• Provided $80.5 million to address natural disasters in Hawaii, such as
damage caused by heavy rains, floods, earthquakes, and other events.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Pacific Operations
• Provides more than $2 million annually to increase FEMA’s operations by
ensuring 24/7 staffing, developing a leadership core and growing a
significant stockpile of emergency supplies.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• Directed $68.4 million in TSA funds to Hawaii, along with approximately
$60 million safety upgrades at Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo and Lihue airports.
9. Technology
Advancing Science, Technology and Innovation, Sector by Sector
• Directs more than $60 million to support the Maui High Performance
Computing Center (MHPCC), providing researchers access to state-of-
the-art computing hardware, software tools and applications, high-speed
communications technology, and high-performance storage
technologies.
Illuminating Scientists Understanding of the Sun
• Secured $150 million to help solar physicists from 22 diverse scientific
institutions build a next generation ground-based solar telescope on
Maui.
• Provided $300 million to build the new solar telescope Facility.
Improving Military Maritime Technology While Creating Jobs
• Helped create The National Defense Center of Excellence for Research in
Ocean Sciences, or CEROS (1992). Since its inception, CEROS has
provided more than $100 million to R&D companies in Hawaii and
nationwide to support nearly 250 projects.
• Secured $12.2 million to improve military maritime technology and
science.
Solving the Military’s Toughest Challenges While Creating Jobs
• Helped establish the Pacific-based Joint Information Technology Center
(2001). Akimeka, a fast-growing Native Hawaii company, is the primary
support contractor at the Center, and currently employs over 130 people
in Hawaii, Maryland and Texas, and has an annual budget of
approximately $27 million.
• Secured 76.7 million for military science and technology initiatives to
better protect Hawaii.
Incubating Small Hawaii Tech Companies to Create Jobs
• Established The Hawaii Technology Development Venture (2004), which
supports small Hawaii high tech companies interested in doing research
and development for the Military.
Harnessing Biotechnology to Improve Public Health
10. • Building on an annual investment of approximately $25 million, the
Akamai project advances new dual-use medical technologies and services
for war-fighters and their families Hawaii.
Increasing Employment Opportunities for Women in Technology
• Provided $9.8 million in funding over the past 10 years to the Women in
Technology project, which was developed to bring girls, women and other
underrepresented groups into science, technology, engineering and math
(STEM) careers.
Construction
Military Construction
• Air Force: $394 invested for housing, C-17 facilities, major electrical and
hydrant fuel upgrade for Hickam Air Force Base.
• Army: $1.7 billion invested for housing at Schofield Barracks and Wheeler
Army Air Field, upgrades to Pohakuloa Training Area, improvements to
Saddle Road on the Big Island and the Drum Road and Tank Trails at
Helemano Military Reservation, and significant war facilities and
capabilities at Schofield Barracks.
• Hawaii National Guard: $90.1 million invested in Maui Armory, Barbers
Point facilities, Army Reserve Center at Fort Shafter, Consolidated
Training Facility at Hickam, and Regional Training Institute at Bellows Air
Force Station.
• Marines:$326.1 million invested in housing, spiritual Facility, and
telecommunications upgrades.
• Navy: $1.1 billion invested in the Pearl Harbor Shipyard, housing,
electrical and infrastructure upgrades to Navy Region, Pacific Warfighting
Center, and the U.S. Pacific Command Headquarters.
• Pacific Missile Range Facility: $133.9 million invested in housing, Missile
test and advanced radar detection facliities.
• Regional Security Operations Center: $297.8 million invested to replace
existing center in Kunia.
• USS Missouri:$5 million invested to refurbish the USS Missouri into a
museum.
Privatized Military Housing
• Navy: Invested about $942 million to bulid 1,931 units and renovated
1,030 units.
11. • Army: Invested about $756 million to bulid 2,222 new units and renovate
316 units.
• Air Force: Invested about $42 million to bulid 744 new units and renovate
371 units.
Hawaii at Risk
• Secured $28.4 million to protect and support Hawaii’s most vulnerable.