Receive the Insider!
Subscribe to the Capitol Watch newsletter to receive our latest posts.
Article Search
Categories
 |
Agriculture / Food Captain: Amy Brinker Captain: Ashley Lukens |
 |
Energy Captain: Andre Bisquera Captain: Steve Mazur |
 |
Good Governance Captain – Nikki Love |
 |
Marine/Coastal Captain: Dave Raney Captain: Doug Fetterly |
 |
Opala (Waste) Captain: Leilei Shih |
 |
Healthy Communities Captain: Nina Bermudez Captain: Diana Kucmerowski |
 |
Smart Growth/Transport Captain: Nicole Lowen Captain: Scott Glenn |
 |
Administrative Captain: Anthony Aalto Captain: Robert Harris |
Captain Login
What is Capitol Watch?
Resilient Habitats & Healthy Communities
Whether your first moments on our islands were at birth or the minute you stepped off the plane, no doubt Hawaii has touched you in a way that no other locale can claim. A large part of Hawaii's magic can be attributed to its unique ecology. Hawaii is remotely situated in the center of the Pacific Ocean and is home to several species of animals and plants not found anywhere else in the world. Successfully maintaining and creating healthy habitats and natural systems will ensure that our islands are able to survive in our rapidly changing world. Healthy habitats benefit our communities by cleaning and storing drinking water, filtering our air and providing protection against extreme weather. And of course they offer countless opportunities to explore and enjoy! Healthy communities will tracks bills related to global warming/climate change issues, protection of habitats and endangered species, preserving ocean ecosystems and other human impact concerns.
Water Commission Appointment Videos
Written by Robert Harris | Published in Resilient Habitats & Healthy CommunitiesWant to see a bit more about why people are opposing the appointment of Ted Yamamura to the Water Commission? Some folks put together a terrific video of his committee hearing. I love the answer "I don't pretend to understand all the intricacies of water . . . ."
Also, you can see a video of the well-attended press conference held yesterday by clicking below. Thank you to all that participated!
http://www.oiwi.tv/live/article/opposition-to-state-water-commission-nominee/
Finally, take a look at the op ed that Isaac Moriwake and Camille Kalama wrote in the Star Advertiser:
http://www.staradvertiser.com/s?action=login&f=y&id=147490635
So what can you do about this appointment? The hearing might come up on Tuesday (today?). Consider writing to all Senators, send them the video links above, and express your objection to the appointment of an unqualified land appraiser to the state water commission. You can write to all Senators by emailing this address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Calling for the Senate to Reject Water Commission Nominee
Written by Robert Harris | Published in Resilient Habitats & Healthy CommunitiesOn Monday at 10:30 am, please join us for a press conference/rally calling for the rejection of a Maui land appraiser to the state water commission.
WHO: All people interested in long-term sustainability of Hawaii's water supply
WHEN: Monday, April 16 at 10:30 am
WHERE: Iolani Palace Bandstand
Mr. Yamamura is simply not qualified. The State Water Code requires appointees to have “substantial experience in the area of water resource management.” Haw. Rev. Stat. § 174C-7(b). The nominee has not demonstrated “substantial experience,” much less any experience in “water resource management.” The valuation of real estate has nothing to do with managing water as a public trust.
Mr. Yamamura's clients include all the major landowners and developers on Maui, including A&B (Hawaii's biggest stream diverter). His nomination raises improper appearances of attempting to influence specific disputes on that island, rather than serving the water commission's comprehensive, statewide mission.
The selection process remains shrouded in secrecy, although it was revealed that the committee that selected the candidate list met only once for 45 minutes and conducted no interviews. Mr. Yamamura was nominated after a prior nominee from the same list stepped down and admitted he lacked the required qualifications.
Hawaii's long-term sustainability will require objective and knowledgeable leadership. We cannot continue allowing entrenched interests to dictate decisions that will impact Hawaii for generations. There are other qualified applicants that could serve with distinction. The Senate should follow the law and reject Mr. Yamamura and call for Governor Abercrombie to select someone qualified for the job.
We hope to see you there!
Water Commission Appointee
Written by Robert Harris | Published in Resilient Habitats & Healthy CommunitiesPosting courtesy of Isaac Moriwake:
WHO: Senate Committee on Water, Land and Housing
WHAT: Hearing on GM 755: Confirmation of Ted Yamamura to the State Water Commission
WHEN: Thursday, April 5, 2012, 1:15 pm
WHERE: Capitol Bldg., Conference Room 225
Aloha kakou!
We need your kōkua, yet again, to uphold Hawaiʻi’s Water Code and the integrity of the Water Commission. Please take a few minutes to send in testimony on this critical issue. More information below:
Protecting Endangered Species
Written by Robert Harris | Published in Resilient Habitats & Healthy Communities
- Oversight is critical to ensure that DLNR acts responsibly in issuing licenses to kill and injure endangered species. Accordingly, the Legislature should either keep the sunset date in place or provide alternate oversight, so that future generations can continue to enjoy our unique native flora and fauna.
- Proven, effective alternatives to legislative oversight exist. The Legislature should bring our state law in line with the federal Endangered Species Act, which has – since its inception in 1973 – encouraged citizens to take action to protect imperiled species.
- Particularly in these difficult economic times, with government services being cut back, it is vital for the Legislature to encourage Hawai‘i’s citizenry to assist in preventing harm to our imperiled plants and animals.
Save Our Watershed Forests
Written by Nina Bermudez | Published in Resilient Habitats & Healthy CommunitiesYesterday I went hiking on a trail in Aiea. As I was walking in, a couple of trucks came driving out. Nothing unusual, a couple of friendly locals with rabid looking dogs and a gigantic pig tied a top a cage in the back bed. Ordinarily, this scene would make me cringe. But then it occurred to me: This is exactly what we need to help our watersheds! We'll take large groups of people, drop them off on the trails of our mountains and have them hunt pig for sustenance! And they can chop down strawberry guava bushes to build tools and keep warm! What a PERFECT situation!
No volunteers? No fear, there is a better solution. Rallying behind Senate Bill 2511 will help protect watersheds by ensuring funds are available from the fees for single-use plastic grocery bags to be deposited into the natural area reserves fund. These funds can be used for programs to control the ungulate damage to the forests and spread of damaging guava bushes. SB2511 has passed Second Reading and referred to the committee on WAM. Please continue to support this bill to help protect our water supplies and other programs. Contact the Chair of the Ways and Means committee at 808-586-6230 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .