Capitol Watch: Nov. 29

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Watching and reporting about Hawaii politics and government.

4:40 p.m. TSA Racial Profiling at HNL

The Hill has this post about a Transportation Security Administration behavior detection program that allows for racial profiling at airport security.

The concern was prompted from reports that Mexican passengers in New Jersey and Honolulu were singled out by some TSA workers who called themselves “Mexicutioners.”

2 p.m. Highlights from ‘Clean and Sober’ Briefing

Kudos to state House of Representatives bloggers for reporting on the briefing yesterday on “Clean and Sober Living Programs” to help homeless folks and others.

Excerpt:

More than 50 percent of people in the programs are “dually diagnosed,” which means they suffer from significant mental illness and substance abuse. Alan Johnson, CEO of Hina Mauka, also said that it is most likely that 80-90 percent are mildly “dually diagnosed.”

1 p.m. Abercrombie Fundraiser Tomorrow

Neil Abercrombie has scheduled a fundraiser tomorrow from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 1288 Ala Moana Boulevard.

That’s the address for luxury condo the Hokua, which was developed by A&B Properties with partners Kobayashi Group and the MacNaughton Group.

The suggested fundraising contribution is $2,000 per person.

12:40 p.m. Okamura on Short List to Replace Oshiro

Former lawmaker Tom Okamura is on the short list to replace Blake Oshiro in the District 33 state House seat that includes Aiea.

Other candidates are said to include Lynn Vasquez, an area neighborhood board member, and Brandon Elefante, a Honolulu City Council staffer for Breene Harimoto.

(A message left with the Democratic Party of Hawaii was not immediately returned.)

The governor will pick the replacement for Oshiro who, though he doesn’t officially step down until Dec. 7, is already spending a lot of time in his new job as the governor’s deputy chief of staff.

Visitor Numbers Rise

The Hawaii Tourism Authority today released October data showing that visitor arrivals and spending continue to grow. (One negative indicator: a 5.1 percentage point drop in West Coast travelers.)

Town Hall: Lahaina

State Sen. Rosalyn Baker and Rep. Angus McKelvey are scheduled to hold a legislative town hall from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the West Maui Senior Center along Lahainaluna Road.

Lingle on Monk Seals

Read Civil Beat’s article on Linda Lingle‘s opposition to expanded protection for monk seals.

Labor Board Hearings Continue

Follow Civil Beat’s live blogging of the HSTA v. State hearings today before the Hawaii Labor Relations Board.

Bag Ban Vote for Big Isle

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

UPDATE: After-the-fact Puako seawall permit given nod

UPDATE: Protesters temporarily prevent cruise ship’s entrance to Molokai

Maui Charter Commission tables district voting

“Bag ban” vote expected soon for Hawaii County

Kau rock-slide victims fight state

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials debate how to develop Kahuku Unit

Couch seeks cap on Maui vacation rentals

Catch up on previous coverage:

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