Upward Bound Programs at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, University of Hawaii-Maui College, and Windward Community College will receive funding to support disadvantaged youth.

The money will be spent helping students from low income families, those living with disabilities, and first generation college students prepare for a successful collegiate career.

Upward Bound provides academic tutoring, advice and assistance, preparation for college entrance exams, and counseling.

“The college admissions process can be a stressful experience.  Students are faced with the daunting task of taking the SAT, writing admissions essays, choosing the right coursework, and then figuring out how to pay for it.  The process is that much more difficult for students coming from challenging backgrounds,” said Senator Inouye.   “The Upward Bound program prepares and guides these students through high school and beyond.  I commend the Upward Bound staff at UH Hilo, UH Maui College, and WCC for their commitment to Hawaii’s youth, and the future of our state and nation. ”

“As a former educator, I know how crucial a solid education is to improving the lives of our nation’s youth,” said Senator Akaka.  “The Upward Bound program has successfully created many opportunities for hundreds of Hawaii’s disadvantaged students to continue their education past high-school, and ultimately obtain advanced degrees.  I applaud the Department of Education’s commitment to helping these students overcome challenging circumstances to make a better future for themselves and their families.”

“From Weimarlyn Martin to Tyler Pitpit, Upward Bound students have shared with me their success stories and dreams of graduating from college. It’s clear Upward Bound makes a big difference in the lives of many students,” said Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee. “As a first generation college graduate myself, I know how daunting the idea of attending and paying for college can be. My experience working with Upward Bound as a UH Manoa student showed me the value of the Upward Bound program. Thanks to Upward Bound at UH Hilo, UH Maui College, and Windward Community College, students will have the information and support they need to be successful college graduates.”

“Hawaii’s Upward Bound Program helps our students from underserved communities prepare for college and  their future. I had the opportunity to visit one of the program sites, and it’s clear that these students are not only getting academic support and career guidance, but also the encouragement and self confidence they need to succeed. I applaud the Upward Bound staff and faculty for their hard work and dedication, and I thank the Administration for their continued investment in Hawaii’s students,” said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa.

The funding comes through grants from the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal TRIO Programs.

The following schools have received funding:

University of Hawaii at Hilo                     $750,000
University of Hawaii Maui College          $378,499
Windward Community College                $262,500

For more information about the Upward bound programs in Hawaii, please visit:

http://upwardbound.wcc.hawaii.edu/

POSTED: 06:40 p.m. HST, May 02, 2011

The University of Hawaii will award honorary degrees to Sen. Daniel Akaka and Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami at commencement ceremonies next week.

Both will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters when the university’s Manoa campus confers master’s and doctor’s degrees on May 12.

Akaka is retiring after representing Hawaii in the U.S. Senate for more than two decades. He also served in the U.S. House for 14 years.

Murakami has been a writer-in-residence at Manoa this school year. He was also a writer-in-residence at the university during the 2006-2007 academic year.

“Hawaii may be dependent on imports for food and energy, but we are not a dependent people,” said Congresswoman Hirono. “I recently met with agriculture and clean energy leaders across our state who want to see a future where the dollars we spend on energy and food stay in Hawaii. They see the value in creating local jobs to produce that energy and food. That’s why we have to accelerate our progress to make Hawaii more sustainable. Doing so will help families across our state and our country while also helping to protect our precious natural resources and beautiful natural places.”

For a complete look at Congresswoman Hirono’s sustainability plan, please click here.

This agenda is based on what she heard was needed to help move Hawaii forward. While this plan is a good start, it’s a living document. Please send your ideas on how we can build Hawaii’s sustainable future to sustainablehawaii@mail.house.gov.

Are you a pet owner? Do you have a pet disaster preparedness plan?

Find out more information on caring for your pets during a disaster by visiting the Department of Emergency Managements (DEM) booth tomorrow and Sunday at the Hawaii Pet Expo located at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall .

DEM staff will be at the booth both days from 10:00AM to 4:00PM to answer your questions as well as show you an example of pet preparedness supplies that you will need.

In addition be sure to ask for your free scooper pet bowl while supplies last.

HAWAII PET EXPO 2012 seeks to encourage responsible pet ownership and strengthen the unique bond between people and their pets through educational displays, live animal demonstrations, and the latest in pet products and services.

The Hawaii Pet Expo is free and pet friendly too! Pets are welcome – dogs must be leashed and pets must be under their owner’s control at all times.

Click to download a PDF of this flier.

• HHC Meeting
• Monday, May 14, 2012, 10:o0 a.m.
• State Office Building Conference Room A, B, and C
• 3060 ‘Eiwa Street, Līhu’e, Kaua’i
• Agenda will be available six days prior to the meeting
• Community Meeting – Kaua’i, HI
• Monday, May 14, 2012, 6:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.
• Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Cafeteria
• 4431 Nuhou St., Līhu’e, Kaua’i
• Flier/Agenda
• HHC Meeting
• If the HHC Regular Meeting Agenda items are not completed on Monday, the meeting will be recessed to Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.
• (To Be Announced at the Monday meeting’s close).
• Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 8:30 a.m.
• State Office Building Conference Room A, B, and C
• 3060 ‘Eiwa Street, Līhu’e, Kaua’i
• Hawaiian Homes Commission 2012 Meetings Page

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2012

Dedication Held for New Keaukaha Homestead Home Built by Hawaiʻi Community College Students

DHHL-HawCC partnership results in 45th home for Hawaiian home lands beneficiaries

HILO, Hawaiʻi – A home built by students in the Hawai‘i Community College (HawCC) Model Home Program was dedicated today in the Hawaiian homestead community of Keaukaha.

“Today we celebrate the completion of a custom-built home, and the beginning of a new life of homeownership for a Hawaiian home lands beneficiary,” said Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairman Alapaki Nahale-a. “This collaboration helps us fulfil our mission of returning Native Hawaiians to the land, while providing real-world experience to our community college students.”

A traditional Hawaiian ceremony called moku ka piko, meaning the cutting of the umbilical cord, was performed to initiate the new home. The symbolic piko was made of plant materials gathered by the HawCC students and woven together, with each plant possessing a specific reason for its use in the piko. For example, the kukui represents enlightenment and the koa represents strength.

The three-bedroom, two-bath home was built at a cost to the future homeowner of $199,935. Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiary Denice Keliʻikoa is the prospective homeowner for the home. She has been on the Hawaiian homes waiting list since January 1986.

The Pakele Lane home utilizes energy-efficient technology including a solar water heater system, a 4 KW Photovolatic system, and Energy Star qualified appliances. The home also includes custom-built cabinets, doors, and windows.

The Model Home program at HawCC provides instruction in drafting, welding, carpentry, electrical, and landscaping. HawCC coordinates the painting, plumbing, carpeting, and drywall subcontracting work. The residential dwelling was the 45th home to be built under the partnership between DHHL and HawCC.

Under the agreement, the DHHL provided space and funding which allowed the students to acquire on-the-job skills in home construction, while also helping the DHHL fulfill its mission of returning native Hawaiians to the land. Since the Model Home program’s inception in 1965, over 3,640 drafting, welding, carpentry, electrical and agricultural students have participated in the program.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Blaine Fergerstrom
Acting Public Information Officer
Hawaiian Home Lands
808-620-9512
blaine.c.fergerstrom@hawaii.gov

For photos of the event visit www.HawaiianHomeLands.org

Experienced Leaders Join Abercrombie Administration

• NEWS RELEASE
• NEIL ABERCROMBIE, GOVERNOR
• FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2012
• Download a PDF version of this release

HONOLULU — Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the appointment of a new Director of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) and a change at the Public Safety Department (PSD).

Department of Public Safety

To begin the implementation phase of the Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI), Governor Abercrombie will appoint Ted Sakai as the new Director for Public Safety, effective June 1, 2012. Mr. Sakai held the position during the Cayetano Administration. Jodie Maesaka-Hirata, the current Director, will take on the role of Deputy Director of Corrections, which was left vacant by Joe Booker who moved to the mainland.

“This move came at the suggestion from Jodie who is dedicated to seeing the Justice Reinvestment Initiative implemented,”  said Governor Abercrombie. “Jodie has shown true leadership by having the desire to put the public interest first, and that meant committing herself to the Corrections area of Public Safety where she has a wealth of knowledge and experience. With Ted as Director, I am confident that we will accomplish exactly what Jodie and our team have in mind, which is to bring our inmates who are housed on the mainland back home and to move the JRI program forward.”

For nearly 27 years, Ted Sakai, 65, worked in a variety of executive positions in the State’s corrections system. From 1998 to 2002, he served as the Director of Public Safety. In that position, he provided leadership to the corrections and law enforcement entities. Among other assignments, he also served as Administrator of corrections programs and as the Warden of the Waiawa Correctional Facility, where he tightened security (no escapes for over two years) and expanded treatment programs for inmates. His accomplishments include the implementation of substance abuse and sex offender treatment programs for inmates; development of accountability systems for managers; development of strategic plans for the department; coordination of a multiagency approach for substance abuse treatment; implementing programs to minimize suicides by inmates; and developing policies and programs to reduce abuse of inmates by correctional staff.

Mr. Sakai stated, “I’ve been following what’s taken place regarding the Justice Reinvestment Initiative and I believe it provides a great opportunity to bring positive change to the system. It will take a lot of hard work but it is clear this Administration is committed to seeing it through.”

Ms. Maesaka-Hirata described Ted Sakai as a “mentor.” “Ted is a true public servant and I have witnessed his leadership first hand. With the passage of landmark legislation this past session, I saw an opportunity to focus my attention on Corrections for the betterment of our State’s Criminal Justice System and I am looking forward to serving in this role,” said Ms. Maesaka-Hirata.”Overall our goal is to create a mechanism to return inmates from mainland facilities safely to Hawai’i’s community. This will reduce Hawai’i’s need for contractual Mainland Correctional Facility beds and reinvesting monies within our State.”

The Legislature passed two JRI measures (SB 2776 and HB 2515) that are aimed at making the State’s criminal justice system more efficient and improving accountability. But most importantly, these initiatives increase public safety through evidence-based policy models proven in 14 other states that reduce recidivism and invest savings back into community programs and supervision.

New DHHL Director

Jobie Masagatani, newly-appointed Director, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

Today, the Governor also named a Director to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Jobie Masagatani will fill the seat being left vacant by Alapaki Nahale-a. Ms. Masagatani previously served as DHHL Deputy Director from 1995 to 2002.

“I am deeply committed to the Native Hawaiian community and am very familiar with DHHL’;s internal operations, funding, unique challenges and ambitious mission,” said Ms. Masagatani. “I am looking forward to working with Deputy Director Michelle Kauhane and the dedicated staff who share a passion for service to Native Hawaiians and all of Hawai’i.”

Ms. Masagatani leaves her position at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) where she is Special Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer. Prior to serving at OHA, she was an assistant to the President and CEO of The Queen’s Health Systems where she facilitated development of the strategic plan to address Native Hawaiian health. She also previously served as a Land Investment Analyst for Kamehameha Schools.

Governor Abercrombie stated, “Jobie worked in both the public and private sectors as well as with federal agencies on improving conditions for Native Hawaiians. She understands the challenges and the importance of engaging beneficiaries and is ready to hit the ground running.”

Ms. Masagatani, 47, earned a master’s degree in public affairs/urban and regional planning from Princeton University. She earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Northwestern University. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Ms. Masagatani is a resident of Kailua.

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For more information, contact: Donalyn Dela Cruz, Deputy Director of Communications, (808) 586-0012

http://hawaii.gov/gov

Native Hawaiians can sue over funding, high court rules

But they cannot sue over money for homestead lot development

POSTED: 06:26 p.m. HST, May 09, 2012
LAST UPDATED: 07:11 p.m. HST, May 09, 20

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled today that Native Hawaiian beneficiaries can press the state for sufficient money for administrative and operating expenses for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

But the high court said beneficiaries cannot press the state to give the department money for the development of the homestead lots.

Joshua Wisch, spokesman for the Attorney general’s Office, said the decision is “largely a victory for the state.”

“With this ruling, the state and its taxpayers are shielded from potentially tens of millions of dollars in annual liability,” he said.

But David Frankel, Native Hawaiian Legal Corp. attorney who represented Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, hailed the ruling as a “victory” for all beneficiaries of the Hawaiian Home Lands trust.

“The under funding or lack of funding has led to people dying on the wait list,” he said.

The number of Native Hawaiians applicants waiting for residential, ranch and agriculture lots had been growing over the years from 5,300 in 1978 to 23,000 last year, Native Hawaiian Legal Corp. lawyers have said.

They said the department repeatedly had not asked the state for general funds over the past 30 years.

The high court issued a 47-page unanimous decision written by Associate Justice Sabrina McKenna.

The lawsuit by the beneficiaries seeking sufficient funding for the department had been dismissed by Circuit Judge Bert Ayabe.

He ruled that the funding issue is a “political question” that the courts cannot decide.

The Intermediate Court of Appeals last year reinstated the lawsuit.

The state asked the high court to review the appeals court decision.

Today’s ruling said the “political question” doctrine does not bar the beneficiaries from requesting sufficient funding for administrative and operating expenses.

But the doctrine bars the courts from determining what would be adequate funding for development of home, agriculture, aquaculture and farm lots, the ruling said.

This NAHASDA Community Grant Program is provided to solicit project and program
proposals for NAHASDA funding to implement the goals and objectives approved by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and described in DHHL’s Native
Hawaiian Housing Plan.

The NAHASDA Community Grant application for submitting proposals may be obtained
at www.hawaiianhomelands.org or by calling (808) 620-9285.
Proposals must be post-marked on June 15, 2012 or hand-delivered by 4:00 p.m. to

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
Attn: Trisha Paul
91-5420 Kapolei Parkway
Kapolei, Hawaii 96707.
Multiple awards may be made.