Capitol Watch: Oct. 19

By /

Watching and reporting about Hawaii politics and government.

4:45 p.m. Hawaii Energy Policy on TV

The Hawaii Energy Policy Forum and Hawaii News Now will broadcast the first of a six-part series at 6 p.m. titled “Hawaii: The State of Clean Energy.”

“The series explores the development of Hawaii’s clean energy and its future,” said Mike Gabbard, chair of Senate Energy and Environment.

Click here for more.

3:50 p.m. Social Media Advice for Lawmakers

Kudos to House media maven Georgette Deemer for passing along this article subtitled, “Social media tools can pose ethical problems for lawmakers.”

Excerpt:

Despite the many advantages these new technologies bring, there also are thorny ethical considerations, such as blurring the lines between personal and public information and privacy.

3:15 p.m. Djou on Djou

Stacey Djou has an update on husband Charles.

Excerpt:

In terms of living conditions, Charles sleeps in a tent with seven other soldiers. There’s no privacy, and his personal space consists of a bed and a foot locker. There are no regular bathrooms — just port-a-pottys — and the closest one to Charles’ tent is a five-minute walk. Interestingly, the detainees in the base’s detention facility have nicer amenities than Charles. They have real bathrooms — not port-a-pottys — and their cells have more living space than what Charles has in his tent, as the detention facilities are required to comply with NATO regulations for humane treatment in holding enemy combatants.

1:05 p.m. Departed Staff Struck From Gov’s Website

It’s new day for the staff and cabinet listing on the Abercrombie administration’s website.

The names of Amy Asselbaye, Andrew Aoki, Josh Levinson and Laurie Au, who each submitted their resignations two weeks ago, are no longer listed.

12:40 p.m. Cain Leads Hawaii GOP Poll

A new poll says Herman Cain now leads in seven public opinion polls, including one conducted here.

Cain, according to Public Policy Polling, leads Mitt Romney 36-24 percent.

Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich poll at 8 percent, Michele Bachmann at 6 percent and Ron Paul at 4 percent.

“This is one of the more diverse Republican electorates in the country; 44% are something other than white,” according to PPP.

11 a.m. State Applies for ‘Race to the Top’ Grant

The Abercrombie administration submitted its application today for the “Race to the Top: Early Learning Challenge” grant competition, a new “federal funding opportunity” by the Obama Administration, according to a press release.

Hawaii applied for about $50 million over a four-year period, based on Hawaii’s share of the national population of children from birth to 5 years old from low-income families.

It’s noteworthy, however, that the state is struggling to meet its initial Race to the Top obligations.

Earlier this year the DOE sought permission from the feds to push back the timeline for achieving some of its ambitious goals.

—Katherine Poythress

10 a.m. Gov, Ledge Exempt from HSTA Subpoena

Yet another blow to the Hawaii State Teachers Association in its labor complaint case against the state.

The Hawaii Labor Relations Board last week told the union it may not call Neil Abercrombie to the witness stand until it has called all its other witnesses and proved the governor has “unique knowledge” about teacher contract negotiations that can’t otherwise be obtained through others.

The labor board also revoked HSTA’s subpoenas for several high-ranking legislators, citing legislative immunity outlined in the Hawaii State Constitution, Article III, Section 7:

“No member of the legislature shall be held to answer before any other tribunal for any statement made or action taken in the exercise of the member’s legislative functions.”

—Katherine Poythress

9:45 a.m. APEC News You Can Use

Here’s four local TV reports regarding APEC:

• KHON has this report on how UPW is leaning against calling a strike during APEC.
• KITV has this report in how local businesses say they’ve been “left in the dark” before APEC’s arrival.
• KHON has this report on how APEC security changes may be extending beyond Waikiki and Ko Olina.
• KITV has this report on the city granting the first protest permit during APEC week.

Tourism Push for APEC

It’s not just about protests, security, beautification and homeless people.

Local visitor industry officials are pulling out all the stops to play up the APEC summit next month as an opportunity to celebrate Hawaii’s multiculturalism.

Public-relations firms for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Hawaii Convention Center and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau issued a press release today headlined “Vibrant Cultural Diversity Makes Hawaii Ideal for Hosting APEC.”

Excerpt:

“Hawaii is a special place where people from around the world can do business while experiencing new cuisine, cultures and activities, yet feel right at home,” said Joe Davis, SMG general manager of the Hawaii Convention Center. “Our welcoming host culture and genuine aloha spirit make Hawai‘i an ideal gathering place that also offers shared convenience for global travel.”

Click here for more.

Meeting: Ethics Commission

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission meets this morning at the American Savings Bank Tower.

The agenda includes discussion of acceptance of invitations and tickets by legislators to fundraising events, invitations to legislators regarding APEC events and pending and proposed legislation.

Labor Department Seeks Employers

The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is seeking employers who are hiring and training new employees who were laid off from their previous employers.

Press release:

Employers are encouraged to take advantage of this rare opportunity to receive 50-90 percent reimbursement of the wages paid to these new workers.

Hawaii obtained $601,873 through a competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for the period June 30, 2010 to June 30, 2012. Interested employers should contact the One-Stop Center in each county.

The grant will provide training for up to 70 individuals for a period of up to 6 months.

Forum: OHA

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has scheduled a community forum for 6 p.m. at the 
Kanu O Ka Aina – Halau Hoolako Campus in Kamuela on the Big Island.

The OHA Board of Trustees will be on hand.

Nobel Winner to Speak at UH-Hilo

Check out the latest in Neighbor Island government-related news:

UPDATE: Kalaupapa post office concerns persist

Watanabe confirmed as interim Kauai County clerk

Open space panel nominee advances on Big Isle

Federal building in Hilo renovated

State boots Honokowai Kauhale manager

Nobel winner to speak at UH-Hilo

Saddle Road work advances

Hawaii County ag tax exemption abused, consultant says

Catch up on previous coverage:

What it means to support Civil Beat.

Supporting Civil Beat means you’re investing in a newsroom that can devote months to investigate corruption. It means we can cover vulnerable, overlooked communities because those stories matter. And, it means we serve you. And only you.

Donate today and help sustain the kind of journalism Hawaiʻi cannot afford to lose.

Donate

About the Author