Entries for 'News Release'

HONOLULU - Lt. Governor Duke Aiona today released detailed policy plans for transportation and health care that he would seek to implement in an Aiona-Finnegan Administration. The specific policy agendas follow plans the gubernatorial candidate unveiled in recent weeks on jobs and the economy and education.

"We want to focus this campaign on the issues," said Lt. Governor Aiona. "It is only through an active and engaged public that we will achieve lasting solutions to the immediate problems facing our citizens."

The Board is in charge of the school system.  Its responsibilities include selecting the Superintendent; setting policies and priorities; approving how resources are distributed; and negotiating with the unions on things that matter in the classroom.

Despite its influence, the system has clearly failed the children, producing FURLOUGH FRIDAYS and MEDIOCRE TO POOR RESULTS.

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.

"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.

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.’"

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."

“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."

in approximately late 2007 and early 2008, federal authorities began conducting an investigation into allegations of bribes and kickbacks paid by vendors to officials of the American Samoa Government in connection with the government’s purchase of school bus parts and services.

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.

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.”

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.

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has nominated Jonathan Likeke Scheuer, Ph.D. to serve as the deputy director of water resources for the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).  The Governor will submit Scheuer’s name and resume to the Commission on Water Resource Management for its consideration and approval.  The Commission will review Scheuer’s nomination at its September 23 meeting.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Civil Beat just released the poll (below). The good news is that Panos doubled his support since the last poll - but Carlisle is still in the lead, with 10% of those polled undecided.

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.

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. 

According to 2009 YRBS (Youth Risk Behavior Survey) data, Hawai‘i high school students had the highest self-reported prevalence of considering suicide (19%), the highest for making a plan (16%), the highest for attempting (13%), and the 4th highest prevalence for being treated for a self-inflicted injury (4.5%) in the country. 

“I am pleased the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled in my favor in this matter and found that the Circuit Court should never have issued the injunction it did,” Governor Lingle said.  “It is unfortunate that I was prevented from implementing what I believed to be a fiscally sound plan to address the massive deficit Hawaii faced in 2009.  As a result, we were forced to layoff hundreds of State employees,” she added.

Cam is proud to have the endorsement of Honolulu City Councilman Gary Okino of Aiea. Councilman Okino's support shows that standing up for traditional values is a Hawaiian principle, not a partisan one--and that more people across the Islands need to be exposed to the facts on Senator Inouye's voting record.

Weekend retreats offer a safe, supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express, release and reconcile painful post-abortive emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing.

Paychecks Hawaii, the private, independent, Smart Business Hawaii political action affiliate, announced its picks for the September 18 Primary Election....

Due to an event scheduled at the same time by the League of Women Voters, the Townhall Meeting at Haha‘ione Elementary School Cafeteria for Tuesday, September 14 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. has been cancelled.

Complete list of employers planning to attend tomorrow's job fair.

According to Article IX, Section 3 of the Party’s 2010 Constitution, which is available online, “candidates shall submit Candidate Statement Forms... indicating their agreement, disagreement, and/or reservations with the Platform and Resolutions of the State and County Party" and that, a "candidate who fails to abide by these requirements shall not be eligible for endorsement".

In the letter, Mr. Woerner notes that, “the majority of candidates (and especially incumbent candidates) either failed to return their forms at all, or failed to complete them as required”.

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today appointed Laura Figueira to fill the vacant O‘ahu North Shore Senate seat and Ronald Kouchi to fill the vacant Kaua‘i Senate seat.  They will serve on a temporary basis until new Senators are elected in the upcoming General Election and take the oath of office.  The two vacancies were created by the resignation of Robert Bunda and Gary Hooser in July. 

Honolulu, HI — Congressman Charles K. Djou (HI-01) appeared on Hawaii News Now “Sunrise” this morning to discuss returning to Washington, the President’s latest economic proposals and the First Congressional District Job Fair this week:

Washington- It’s been more than 18 months since Colleen Hanabusa's Democrat friends passed a trillion-dollar stimulus bill promising to keep unemployment under eight percent and create four million jobs and, so far, one thing is clear: It’s an utter failure. With unemployment at an unacceptably high 9.6 percent, the economy in a complete tailspin and the nation deeply in debt, Democrats now want to ram through a $50 billion spending bill in a last ditch attempt to salvage their crumbling political careers.

Charles Djou opens his Campaign HQ and releases his first campaign commercial of the fall election season. (VIdeo)

Remember, none of this has anything to do with how much money is coming out of your pocket to line theirs....

This year’s election offers the chance to bring to Hawaii an improved legislative body that will transform the way Hawaii politics works.  That historic change could be the beginning of an improved government.  What happens in the next two months has the potential to change the future of Hawaii forever.  Will you be a part of it?

I humbly ask that we dissolve any ethnic, religious, political or bitter barriers that separate us. Let us unite and seek love rather than hate. Let us seek love rather than ethnic and religious differences, let us vote principles above parties, character above campaign promises.  Let us stand together and be a part of the iVOTE movement to improve Hawaii’s future.

Washington- House Democrats’ summer recess is almost over and it’s time for Colleen Hanabusa and her out-of-touch friends to face the music. With another failed attempt at recovery under their belts, Democrats are facing a bruising uphill battle this November. With unemployment at an unacceptably high 9.6 percent and way above the once-promised eight percent, Democrats have officially run out of excuses. Their trillion-dollar stimulus failed to produce jobs and their runaway spending spree has left the nation in debt, putting their Democrat majority up for grabs this fall – and making Hanabusa accountable for supporting her party’s failed economic agenda.

Motorists in California and Hawaii have to look out for the most potholes on urban Interstates. In those two states, 25 percent of urban interstate pavement is in poor condition. ... Rhode Island, Alaska, California, Hawaii and New York have the least cost-effective roads.

Throughout the month of September, make your trip to the grocery store count for life by donating to Hawaii Right to Life through the Foodland/Sack 'n Save Give Aloha program.

The Republican Governors Association launched new television and radio advertisements in Hawai‘i today highlighting Duke Aiona’s plan to reduce the state’s dependence on oil and move it towards a green energy economy.

You and I both know that hundreds of thousands showed up in DC this weekend, and that even more marched on 9/12 last year. The good news is, the American people are wising up, too. They aren't buying the mainstream media's downplayed story, not when there is obvious photographic evidence discrediting them . . . and a political agenda motivating them.

So we're marching on 9/12 again.

Allen was responsible for organizing the volunteers at the 2010 iVote rally at the Capitol as well as organizing the neighbor island pastors and churches in the HB444 campaign.  He is a leader in our community and we are extremely blessed to have him take this key position.

Lt. Governor Aiona on Thursday delivered remarks on the importance of providing affordable, quality health care at a dedication ceremony for a new Shriners Hospital for Children in Honolulu. The hospital will help provide specialty care and innovative research for children from Hawai`i and the Pacific Northwest.

HONOLULU - Lt. Governor Duke Aiona, the leading Republican candidate for Governor, today announced that he will kick off his Connecting Communities initiative to hold 20 talk stories in 20 communities across the state. The new statewide effort to connect working families and concerned citizens to each other and the issues they care about most follows Duke Aiona's small business initiative in which he met with more than 120 small businesses in 100 days.