2009 October

State budget to be addressed in West Hawai`i

Linda Smith, the Governor's senior policy advisor, will address the State budget and fiscal outlook and the Lingle-Aiona Administration's five-point economic revitalization plan at a meeting of the Council of Neighbor Island Advisors for West Hawai`i. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Liquor Commission Conference Room. The public is invited to attend.

Working together for habitat improvement

More than 100 volunteers joined Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) staff this week on a large-scale environmental service project to help improve habitat for native birds in the Hamakua Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kawainui Marsh. The group planted native plants, picked up litter and removed invasive weeds. The newly planted naupaka and naio (sandalwood) plants created a natural barrier that will encourage birds to remain in their natural habitat and avoid dangers associated with developed areas, as well as improve air and water quality in the marsh and surrounding habitat.

Canonization of Blessed Damien to be televised live

Lt. Governor Aiona is in Rome for the canonization of Blessed Damien. You can watch the canonization live in Hawai`i tonight at 10:00 p.m. Tune in to KGMB-TV 9, KHON-TV 2, KITV-4 or EWTN to watch the live broadcast. OC16 is scheduled to broadcast an hour-long documentary about Blessed Damien at 9:00 p.m.

Saint Damien

Joseph de Veuster, who would later be known as Father Damien of Moloka`i and Blessed Damien de Veuster, will now be known as Saint Damien. He was a Roman Catholic missionary who sacrificed his life in service to those suffering from Hansen's Disease in Kalaupapa on the Hawaiian island of Moloka`i. Lt. Governor Aiona presented a proclamation in Rome that he signed with Governor Lingle to declare Oct. 11 as Saint Damien Day in Hawai`i. "Though Damien passed away on April 15, 1889, his legacy lives on. His service and ministry at Kalaupapa has perpetuated the Spirit of Aloha, and has offered hope and inspiration to past, present and future generations. In Hawai`i, Damien remains a spiritual hero and an icon of love, compassion, courage, humility and humanitarian service. Deservedly, this noble man is one of only two individuals honored with a statue on the grounds of the Hawai`i State Capitol building. The other is Hawai`i's last reigning monarch, Queen Lili`uokalani. After his beatification by Pope John Paul II on June 4, 1995, Damien received the title, "Servant of God and Servant of Humanity," and was granted a memorial feast day celebrated annually on May 10. On October 11, 2009, Damien will be canonized by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in Rome." - Governor Lingle and Lt. Governor Aiona

H1N1 influenza shots have started to arrive

The Hawai`i State Department of Health (DOH) has announced the inoculation (shot) version of the 2009 H1N1 Influenza vaccine has started to arrive in Hawai`i, and supplies will continue to increase as more orders are placed. The influenza nasal spray version of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine arrived in Hawai`i on October 5, and health care providers began immediately administering the dosage to priority groups. Now that the shot version of the vaccine is here, more people in priority groups can start receiving their vaccine, including health care workers, first responders involved in direct patient care and those at higher risk for developing serious complications from the 2009 H1N1 flu.

Community work day at Kokua Kalihi Valley

Community members today participated in Kokua Kalihi Valley's (KKV) Ho`oulu `Aina program, which included removing invasive bamboo, enjoying the trails in the forest reserve and exploring the plants in the cultural gardens. KKV leases the 100 acres of state park land for exercise, cultural practices and community gardening in the back of Kalihi Valley. The park consists of traditional agricultural areas, archeological sites, natural springs and the remains of a native Koa mesic forest.

Keeping our keiki safe

The State Department of Transportation (DOT) conducted a statewide training program to provide child passenger safety (CPS) technicians with the latest information on technologies and safety standards for installing child safety seats. Through the program, CPS technicians received hands-on training about installing the newest child safety seats and the dangers of improperly installing a seat, such as placing a seat in front of an air bag.

Furlough plan announced

Following the ratification by Hawai`i Government Employees Association (HGEA) members of a new two-year contract, Governor Lingle today announced details of a plan that calls for two furlough days per month for the next 20 months for state employees that will start on Friday, Oct. 23.

School-based H1N1 vaccination clinics coming in November

The Hawai`i State Department of Health (DOH) has announced that participating schools have begun sending home parental consent forms for upcoming H1N1 vaccination clinics. The free, voluntary clinics are being offered K-8 grade students statewide and will begin in November.

Promoting healthy lifestyles and communities

Lt. Governor Aiona is joining forces with the State Department of Health's Healthy Hawai`i Initiative and the Kaua`i Nutrition and Physical Activity Coalition to improve the health and well-being of residents on Kaua`i and throughout the state.

Public meetings set to improve state parks

The State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is inviting the public to attend statewide public hearings in the first two weeks of November on proposed rule changes for state parks, boating and ocean recreation facilities, and forestry and wildlife areas. The rule changes are aimed at improving repair and maintenance at state parks and facilities, along with improved customer service such as online camping permits.

Community forum for Hilo residents

Lt. Governor Aiona on Tuesday will discuss high profile issues affecting the Big Island on his monthly radio show with KPUA 670 AM host Ken Hupp in Hilo.

"Talk Story" with Lt. Governor Aiona

Lt. Governor Aiona on Wednesday will discuss high-profile state issues, including improving accountability in our public education system, on his monthly radio call-in show on Honolulu's KHVH 830 AM, with host Rick Hamada. The hour-long show starts at 7 a.m. To participate, listeners can call (808) 521-8383 from O`ahu or (888) 565-8383 from the Neighbor Islands.

Process for schools to waive instructional furlough days

The Governor, Board of Education (BOE), Department of Education (DOE) and the Hawai`i State Teachers Association (HSTA) are looking at ways that some school instructional time can be restored while still allowing the DOE to proceed with furloughs to help close their budget gap. Right now, any parent or concerned individual can make a request to a School Community Council (SCC) to waive taking school furlough days on Fridays. These Councils are "advisory" groups made up of individuals elected by their peers who represent teachers, parents, students, school staff and community members who share in the school decision-making.

Visitors satisfied with Hawai`i

According to a report by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), Hawai`i received good marks from visitors last year even though the number of people vacationing here has declined. The DBEDT's Visitor Satisfaction and Activity Report stated roughly two-thirds of Mainland and Canadian visitors rated their trips here as "excellent" and with very little fluctuation year-over-year.

Public hearing on proposed `Ilio Point Natural Reserve

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold a public hearing on Nov. 9 to make more active public testimony on a proposed Natural Area Reserve at `Ilio Point on the northwestern tip of Moloka`i. `Ilio Point has long been known for its significant biological and geological features. The coastal vegetation is particularly rich, with 23 native plant species – some of which are extremely rare and found only on Moloka`i.

Saint Damien Tribute

The Lt. Governor on Sunday will participate in a mass, procession and tribute celebrating the life of Saint Damien.