Environment

In town halls and on public squares, in every corner of this country, people have gathered and spoken out – in small groups and larger crowds, through phone calls and in letters, through websites and new technologies. Though these petitions come from different walks, their message is uniform: Washington has not been listening. Politicians in Washington have imposed an agenda that doesn’t reflect the priorities of the people. What’s worse, the most important decisions are made behind closed doors, where a flurry of backroom deals has supplanted the will of the people. It’s time to do away with the old politics: that much is clear. It’s not enough, however, to swap out one set of leaders for another. Structure dictates behavior, so we have drafted this blueprint on a process of listening to the American people and fielding their concerns and ideas for turning things around.

Neil Abercrombie may believe “it’s not my job” to participate in gubernatorial debates, but it apparently is David Shapiro’s job to spin it. 

Washington, DC — Congressman Charles K. Djou (HI-01) appeared on CNBC’s “Worldwide Exchange” this morning to discuss the departure of Larry Summers from the White House, the failed economic policies of this Administration and the current majority in Congress and what needs to be done to achieve economic growth. Clip and excerpts below....

"It was reported recently that our opponent said it's not his "job" to debate Duke Aiona. This campaign must be about issues in order for the people of Hawai‘i to make an informed decision on their choice for Governor.

"Our working families and small businesses are facing big challenges, and our opponent has yet to show how he'll accomplish all the promises he's making.

"The people of Hawai‘i need real solutions, not just talk.

The Star-Advertiser’s editors endorsed the call for debates, writing:

We like that Aiona has already challenged Abercrombie to six debates, which will serve to enlighten. He's taken the offensive to call for specifics on balancing the budget, growing the economy and jobs, and revamping education. For his part, Aiona vows a "clear path" on how the GOP will lead the state. We can hardly wait -- frustrations linger over Furlough Fridays and legislative stalemates -- and will be listening intently.

Neil Abercrombie’s answer?  “It’s not my job”

When you are losing—you want distractions.

When you are winning—you do not want distractions.

We are winning at present. -- we should remain the “focus like a laser on spending” movement.

Reid bypassed usual Senate procedure and included "the DREAM Act" in the defense bill. The DREAM Act creates a "path to citizenship" for illegal immigrants who entered the U.S. before the age of 16, have lived here for 5 years, and either serve in the military or attend college. But the bill also prohibits the government from deporting anyone who has even filed an application for the program. This essentially gives amnesty to anyone who applies regardless of whether they actually qualify for the act's protections. Worse, the program would also allow applicants to sponsor their immediate family members for a green card.

HONOLULU - The Duke Aiona for Governor campaign hand-delivered a letter signed by Lt. Governor Duke Aiona, formally challenging his opponent in the general election for Governor to a series of six in-depth debates in the weeks leading up to Election Day....

"By debating each important issue for an extended period of time, our residents will get to see how each of us will govern, so they can make an informed decision in the general election," added Lt. Governor Aiona. "All you have to do is say ‘yes.’"

Today, as we embark on the next phase of our campaign, we are launching a new television commercial entitled "Making A Difference."

It highlights my work in the short time I've been privileged to serve you as your congressman.

Republicans showed unprecedented unity with the unveiling of a 2011 legislative action plan outlining specific proposals to improve Hawaii’s economy, education and government.

The plan, spearheaded by the Republican Caucus, was unveiled today by incumbents and key State House Senate Republican candidates.  

The Lt. Governor is proposing the following debate schedule.

• Friday, Sept. 24 -- Jobs and the Economy
• Week of Sept. 27 -- Education
• Week of Oct. 4 -- State budget and Spending
• Week of Oct. 11 -- Native Hawaiian Issues
• Week of Oct. 18 -- Health and Human Services
• Week of Oct. 25 -- Energy

"I am humbled that the voters of Hawaii's First Congressional District have placed their trust in me. Once again, the voters have spoken: the status quo in Hawaii and in Congress is unacceptable and they want change. Over the next 45 days, I look forward to taking our message of fiscal responsibility and government accountability to all parts of this Congressional district and earning the people's trust to represent them in the U.S. House."

HD33 –D Gay marriage activist Blake Oshiro wins 52.4% to 44.3% against county councilman Gary Okino. 

Transsexual BoE incumbent Mr Kim Coco Iwamoto is sandwiched between an HGEA boss and an HSTA boss for top three positions on BoE.  Voters will have a chance to abolish this mess Nov 2.

Republican Don Couch is leading for S Maui seat on Maui Council

Fred Blas is leading for Hawaii County Council Dist 4 Puna

Faye "Islam Day" Hanohano will face off against Marlene Hapai for HD4 Puna

“We are very excited with Lynn Finnegan’s victory tonight. A Duke Aiona and Lynn Finnegan ticket brings an exciting balance of experience and new ideas for the people of Hawaii.  This kind of young, vibrant leadership is exactly what Hawaii needs.

“I also want to congratulate Adrienne King and her campaign for a fantastic campaign and even more for having the courage to run a solid campaign as a Republican in Hawaii.  King inspired so many others by her leadership and grace."

Here’s a photo of Hawaii Democrats’ Lt Governor candidate Brian Schatz at a 2006 Dan Akaka primary campaign rally in Larry Mehau’s barn. 

The Universal Service Fund (USF) is that pesky tax on your phone bill that subsidizes connections for rural or lower-income households. The multibillion-dollar fund has caught enormous flak over the years for waste, fraud and abuse. And amid an ongoing and much-needed debate in Congress on how to reform the USF, the Federal Communications Commission is set to rule any day on the future of one small, politically connected company that built its entire business around receiving these taxpayer funds.

Primary Election Vote on Saturday, September 18, 2010 -- 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Top women leaders from seven nations will gather in Waikīkī to share their personal and professional stories at the 7th annual International Women’s Leadership Conference (IWLC).  These remarkable women will each share their own incredible story of success in the hopes of inspiring audience members to move forward with their own hopes and dreams, while contributing to the community.

The Democratic Gubernatorial Primary race? “It’s war” according to Abercrombie-backer, East Hawaii ward heeler George Yokoyama. 

Neil Abercrombie agrees.  And he predicts that Republican Lt Governor Duke Aiona will win as a result. 

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today announced state Department of Transportation (DOT) Director Brennon Morioka has accepted a job as executive vice president of Shioi Construction, Inc., in Pearl City.  His last day at the DOT will be Thursday, Sept. 23. 

 “While working families and small business owners across the country are bracing for massive tax hikes, Washington is only piling on the uncertainty as they attempt to avoid action on their scheduled tax increases. It’s time that Colleen Hanabusa finally stand up to President Obama and the Democrats’ job-killing policies and pledge not to support adjournment unless there has been an up or down vote on stopping any and all tax hikes from occurring.”

"Case has no credibility when it comes to three-way special election strategy.  Just four months ago, he was telling Democrats that they should vote for him because if they did not, Charles Djou might win the special election for Congress.  In the end, he finished third and proved that he should have been telling his voters not to vote for him if he really wanted a Democrat to win the seat. 

"The public deserves to have a comprehensive audit by an independent firm that is not connected to the State Legislature or other vested interests....

"A new Board of Education appointed by the Governor could make this one of its first actions, which would help keep the audit from getting bogged down in the State Legislature and the current Board of Education.

Last night's debate is sending shockwaves throughout the political community. Our opponents have outspent us 7:1, yet last night, the people supported Panos by 7:1.  The waves of panic spread so strong that the beleaguered Ed Case had to send out an email asking people to not vote for Panos. We couldn't have gotten a better validation of how we will put an end to the status quo and we thank Mr. Case for his confirmation. 

According to the ad's source, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono votes with her own party 98% of the time, Senator Dan Inouye votes with the national Democrat Party 97.2% of the time and Senator Daniel Akaka votes with his party 96.5% of the time.

The same source also showed Congressman Djou voting with Democrats 60% of the time.

This is to ask you to vote for Peter Carlisle because if it's not Carlisle it'll be Kirk Caldwell.

Charles Djou voted against HR 4213 because altogether, the bill would provide for a net tax increase of $40 billion.  Overall, the bill would cost $226 billion, with $191 billion in higher spending; resulting in a deficit increase of $134 billion.

With the Hannemann-Caldwell administration choosing to assess higher commercial property tax rates on mixed-use buildings previously assessed at residential rates, Kalihi landlords are being forced to dump commercial tenants.

The result will be shuttered storefronts in some of Honolulu's most densely populated neighborhoods and massive rent hikes for low income residents.

That’s funny.  Hanabusa started her political career by saying “no” to Margery Bronster at the behest of Larry Mehau in order to protect the Broken Trustees of Bishop Estate.

HONOLULU, Hawaii. (September 14, 2010) — A new study released today by the American Lung Association, and conducted by researchers at Penn State University, finds that helping smokers quit not only saves lives but also offers favorable economic benefits to states.

With Hawaii media in full lie mode spreading the ridiculous and unfounded assertion that Abercrombie is an Episcopalian, we thought we’d treat our readers to a short trip down memory lane.  The date: March 12, 2008.  The publication: something called the Honolulu Advertiser.  Here is what Jerry Burris wrote...

“The fact is, the final EIS is not on my desk as some have incorrectly stated.  The EIS is currently being reviewed by the Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC), which is analyzing the EIS section by section to make certain that it meets the requirements of the state’s environmental law, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes Chapter 343."

AARP Hawaii has released the 2010 State Voter Guide – an election resource featuring the views of candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, and every state legislative race in the primary election this year.

The Voter Guide includes answers from 173 candidates in 68 races to questions posed by AARP members in four key issue areas.

HONOLULU - Duke Aiona, the leading Republican candidate for Governor, today announced the launch of his gubernatorial campaign's first television ad, "Two Live." The 60-second spot weaves together animated, three-dimensional images with a narrative outlining Duke Aiona's accomplishments from the past with his vision for the future.

The ad will be broadcast statewide beginning today. The timing of the ad's launch coincides with a grassroots effort to raise funds to keep the ad up on television and increase the number of times it is broadcast statewide. 

The significant increase in the number of projects is indicative of senators’ continued commitment to earmarking large swaths of transportation funds for pet projects and occurs even as President Obama is proposing yet another “stimulus” package to jumpstart the stagnant economy by funding roads and bridges. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Senate Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), and Senate THUD Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) combined for 122 projects worth $344.4 million, or 15.7 percent of the total.

When it comes to arrogance and hypocrisy, the gay-atheist eco-religionists of the Star-Advertiser rarely outdo themselves.  Today is one of those rare occasions.

In an article titled, The clashing of church, state: Religion-based tactics fire up Hawaii's election season -- causing concern for some but fueling moral claims by others, the Star-Advertiser speaks as if its pretence of secularism was not just another religion.  To make their case, they trot out all the tired old secular humanist voices of Honolulu’s left (aka Neil Abercrombie’s base).  Their core argument: Our religion must rule over yours.

Nearly 400 gathered at the Hilton Hawaiian Village this evening at the Hawaii Republican Party's 8th Annual Governor's Ball.  The event helps raise funds for the Hawaii Republican Party's Victory Program for the upcoming election year. 

In response to demands from the pro-Abercrombie Hawaii Venture Capital Association that he stop using a similar name for his capitalist splinter group, Larry Harmon, executive director of the pro-Hannemann Venture Capital Association of Hawaii has issued a two word response.

Ordinary people turned into heroes in the face of danger, displaying extraordinary acts of courage, selflessness and aloha.

New York City firefighters, policemen and port authority officers, active duty military and reservists, and Department of Defense civilians answered the call without hesitation, risking their lives for their fellow citizens.

“Nine years ago, amid the confusion, shock and rubble, we witnessed something remarkable unfold. Out of the ashes, American courage and charity emerged. Our resilience as a people was tested and strained, but it did not break. We came together and rose above the pettiness that so often marks our day-to-day reality."

Many Republicans are talking about voting in the Democrat Primary for Governor for one reason or another.  I wanted to take a minute of your time to share some perspective and explain why it is not effective and more importantly why it is undermines the hard work of our Party, our  leadership and our candidates. 

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has ordered the Hawai‘i State Flag at all state and county buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, September 11, 2010, in honor of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on our nation on September 11, 2001.  The Governor’s proclamation also encourages Hawai‘i residents to display the state flag at half-staff at their homes and businesses in observance of this day of remembrance.

Colleen Hanabusa today unveiled her fall campaign slogan with the release of her first campaign commercial: “What you see is what you get.”  

In the commercial, we didn’t “see” her husband John Souza, the former State Sheriff, trucking company magnate, and land baron now known as “Mr Invisible”, but that doesn’t mean we don’t “get” it.

She didn’t mention Ko Olina or the Pali Golf Course but we do “get” it.

“A lot of politicians talk about the economy and jobs, I decided to actually do something about it with this job fair.  Hawaii residents understand that doing is always better than talking."

Honolulu, HI — Congressman Charles K. Djou (HI-01) issued the following statement today, expressing relief that North Korea had released the South Korean fishing vessel, the Daesung 55, and its crew yesterday at the East Sea military demarcation line. Congressman Djou introduced a resolution at the time of its seizure, condemning North Korea’s provocations and calling for the release of the Daesung 55 and its crew. Congressman Djou’s statement also praises South Korea for joining the United States in trade sanctions against Iran and urges China to do the same

Furst cites a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ad aired against Rep. Charles Djou (R) before the May special election vote in Hawaii.

Djou and the youthful new leaders reshaping the Hawaii Republican Party suggest that their opponents are living in the past and counting on tradition to overcome voter dismay with deficit spending, rising taxes and protracted economic crisis.

The Hawaii Republican Party filed a formal complaint this afternoon with the Office of Elections, raising concern about a violation of laws that prohibit campaign activity within 200 feet of a polling place.  Yesterday, Colleen Hanabusa held a press conference and had news crews film her as she filed her Primary Election ballot at Honolulu Hale.