May 2013
32 posts
House Armed Services Subcommittee Approves Two...
civilbeat:
A House Armed Services subcommittee approved two funding measures today pushed by Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. In a release, Hanabusa, who is in the minority in the Republican House, stressed her work to get bipartisan support.
One authorizes $70 million in new funding for the Maritime Guaranteed Loan Program, also known as the “Title XI” program. It guarantees commercial loans for...
House Approves Keystone Pipeline Despite...
civilbeat:
The House approved construction of the construction of the Keystone Pipeline, 241-175, with both of Hawaii’s representatives, Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard, voting no.
The measure now goes to the Senate. As we reported yesterday, Hanabusa cited not only environmental concerns, but potential problems with Native American sacred grounds.
— Kery Murakami
Hawaii Sugar Farmers Escape Loss Of Federal...
civilbeat:
A measure that Sen. Mazie Hirono says would have “killed off Hawaii’s last sugar farms” narrowly failed being added to the federal Farm Bill this afternoon, by a 45-54 vote. Hirono and Sen. Brian Schatz voted against the measure.
The proposed amendment by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., would have done away with price supports for sugar. Sheahan and bipartisan co-sponsors had argued...
Senate Panel Adds Help For Filipino World War II...
civilbeat:
The Senate Judiciary Committee just added a long-sought measure to make it easier for the children of World War II Filipino veterans to join them in the U.S.
The veterans have in some cases had to wait two decades to bring their children to join them from the Philippines. Annual limits on the number who can immigrate from the country has created a long backlog.
Exacerbating the...
Gabbard Passes First Bill In House
civilbeat:
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard can now say she’s passed a bill in the House. The House today unanimously approved a measure she sponsored, which improves airport security for wounded and severely disabled service members and veterans.
The Helping Heroes Fly Act Today allows the service members and veterans to be escorted through security checkpoints when scheduled in advance. Those with severe...
Hanabusa To Oppose Keystone Pipeline Measure
civilbeat:
Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said today she is planning to vote against the controversial Keystone Pipeline when a bill that would allow it comes before the House this week.
In doing so, Hanabusa would join Sen. Brian Schatz in opposing the project and would bolster her own environmental credentials as she takes aim at Schatz’s seat.
Schatz, as well, as Sen. Mazie Hirono voted against a...
UPDATE: Chang Issues Statement On Law License...
civilbeat:
We blogged earlier in the day about Honolulu City Councilman Stanley Chang’s suspended law license.
He has since provided a brief statement about the lapse in membership dues.
Here it is:
“I’ve made public service my life’s work and allowed my membership to lapse as I have no plans to practice law in the future.”
Chang, of course, is running for U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa’s...
Senate Committee Passes Hirono Proposal To Let...
civilbeat:
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved two more amendments to its immigration bill pushed by Sen. Mazie Hirono, including a provision that would allow illegal immigrants brought to the U.S, as children to be eligible for college financial aid.
The panel, which is working through more than 100 proposed amendments to pass the sweeping reform package before Congress leaves for recess...
Honolulu City Councilman Stanley Chang Has Law...
civilbeat:
Honolulu City Councilman Stanley Chang recently had his license suspended by the Hawaii State Bar Association for not paying his membership dues.
According to HSBA’s 2013 fee schedule, Chang would have to pay $504 this year for his bar membership.
He’s now one of 996 attorneys in the state who is not allowed to practice law in Hawaii for non-payment of fees.
Chang is running for...
Hanabusa and Gabbard Vote Against Health Care...
civilbeat:
Reps. Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard joined other House Democrats today in voting against a Republican attempt the repeal health care reform.
The measure actually passed the Republican House, 279-195, but is unlikely to go anywhere in the Democratic Senate.
However, the vote does give Hanabusa, who is running against Sen. Brian Schatz, a chance to play to Democrats back home....
Gabbard Weighs In On IRS Scandal
civilbeat:
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard weighed in today on the IRS scandal, conservative groups in Hawaii and around the country, received extra scrutiny by the agency.
“I am shocked and disappointed by the Internal Revenue Service’s targeting of certain groups. It exposes a problem that lies not just with a few ‘bad apples,’ but rather a systemic problem with a culture that condoned this type of...
Transportation Nominee Tells Schatz He'd Keep Rail...
civilbeat:
Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, President Barack Obama’s nominee for transportation secretary, told Sen. Brian Schatz he’d keep Honolulu’s rail project on track if he were to be confirmed, Schatz’s office said.
In a statement after their meeting, Schatz said, “Mayor Foxx informed me that the Department of Transportation transition will be seamless when it comes to the Honolulu rail...
Measures For Native Hawaiian Home Ownership Pass...
civilbeat:
Three bills pushed by Sen. Brian Schatz and Sen.Mazie Hirono to increase home ownership for Native Hawaiians cleared the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee earlier today.
Two of the measures would amend the Native Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (HHCA). One would expand housing program eligibility and succession authority to those who are one-quarter Hawaiian. Another...
Hirono Amendment On Hong Kong Tourist Visas Added...
civilbeat:
The Senate Judiciary Committee agreed this morning to add another measure pushed by Sen. Mazie Hirono to the sweeping immigration bill.
The amendment is a relatively minor one in a bill that would create a path to citizenship and make changes to the long backlog of visa applications to bring family members to reunite with relatives in the U.S. However, Hirono said it could help...
Schatz Thinks People Should Lose Jobs Over IRS...
civilbeat:
Asked by NBC News reporter Kasie Hunt if people should lose their jobs over the IRS’ targeting of Tea Party groups including in Hawaii, Sen. Brian Schatz reportedly said yes.
Schatz apparently doesn’t dispute the report, retweeting Hunt’s tweet about the conversation.
— Kery Murakami
Hanabusa Wins Endorsement From National AAPI Group
civilbeat:
Rep. Colleen Hanabusa picked up the endorsement today of the Asian American Action Fund, a national PAC that works to get Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders elected to office.
In a release, the organization’s executive director Gautam Dutta cited her “distinguished and progressive record,” and as is increasingly becoming a common threat in Hanabusa’s campaign, cited the memory of...
Hanabusa Recalls Inouye At Walter Reed
civilbeat:
Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who may benefit from her ties to the late Sen. Daniel Inouye as she runs for his old seat against Sen. Brian Schatz, invoked Inouye’s name earlier today at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
Inouye, of course, had wanted Hanabusa to replace him. While it remains to be seen how much the Inouye factor will play in her race, it doesn’t hurt to highlight...
CNN: Duckworth, Gabbard Decry Military Sexual...
civilbeat:
U.S. Reps. Tammy Duckworth and Tulsi Gabbard appeared together Sunday (May 12) on CNN’s State of the Union with Candy Crowley. The topic was sexual assault in the military.
Read the story and view the video by clicking here. Excerpt:
REP. TULSI GABBARD (D), HAWAII: These predators seek out people who are weak targets.
REP. TAMMY DUCKWORTH (D), ILLINOIS: Yes.
GABBARD: And, uh, I —...
Hanabusa, Gabbard Vote 'No' On GOP Debt Bill
civilbeat:
The Hill has this story. Excerpts:
The House on Wednesday took a step toward passing a bill that would let the government borrow money above and beyond the debt ceiling to pay interest on the debt and for the Social Security Trust Fund. Members approved a rule for the Full Faith and Credit Act, H.R. 807, in a party-line 226-199 vote. The rule calls for an hour of debate and...
Senate Judiciary Committee Adopts Hirono Amendment
civilbeat:
From a press release Thursday (May 9):
During the first day of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s markup of immigration reform legislation, the committee adopted two of Senator Mazie K. Hirono’s measures that would protect families and strengthen our immigration system. …
The committee adopted Hirono’s “Protect Family Values at the Border Act” that would stop families from being torn...
U.S. Interior Department Tweets Out Kilauea Pic
civilbeat:
Courtesy Twitter and the federal government — US Dept of Interior @Interior (Protecting America’s Great Outdoors and Powering Our Future):
You probably won’t see this on your commute home. The evening lava glow at #Hawaii #Volcanoes National Park. pic.twitter.com/NTrwVY1N0w
—Chad Blair
Hirono: Let's Have An Official U.S. Science...
civilbeat:
From a press release Wednesday (May 8):
Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Roger Wicker (R-MS), along with Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and House Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX), introduced bipartisan companion legislation in the Senate and House of Representatives today that promotes science education and celebrates scientific achievement by establishing an official...
Gabbard Co-Sponsors Filipino Veterans Promise Act
civilbeat:
From a press release Tuesday (May 7):
Today, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) cosponsored the Filipino Veterans Promise Act to restore benefits to Filipino soldiers who fought alongside American troops in World War II. The legislation mandates that the Department of Defense – in coordination with military historians – establish a process to open the “Missouri List” to give...
Filipino WWII Vet Bills Backed By Hanabusa, Hirono
civilbeat:
From a press release Tuesday (May 7):
U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) and U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) teamed up to introduce a bipartisan bill that would help Filipino veterans obtain the benefits they earned for their service to the United States during World War II.
The Filipino Veterans Promise Act authorizes the Department of Defense to establish an appeals...
Hanabusa Wins EMILY's List Endorsement
civilbeat:
As expected, EMILY’S List, a national PAC devoted to electing women, announced it will be endorsing Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in her race against Sen. Brian Schatz.
The PAC, in a press release, did not say how much it might throw toward Hanabusa, who after getting a late start on fundraising trails Schatz in that regard. However, the PAC’s support represents a major boost.
According...
Hirono, Schatz Vote 'Aye' On Internet Sales Tax
civilbeat:
The Hill has this story. Excerpt:
The Senate on Monday approved legislation that would for the first time allow states to collect billions of dollars in online sales tax revenue from out-of-state purchases.
The 69-27 vote is a major victory for retail groups and state governments, who for years have fought to close what they see as a loophole that allows as much as $23 billion in...
White House Honors Native Hawaiian Health...
civilbeat:
The White House on Monday honored Mary Frances Oneha, chief executive officer of the Waimanalo Health Center and a longtime Native Hawaiian health researcher, naming her a “Champion of Change.”
When asked about role models, she said: “I am not your role model. Your mother, father, sister, brother are your role models.”
Then struggling through her tears, she continued, “Those who...
Schatz Had Asked Inouye's Widow To Stay Out Of The...
civilbeat:
In a sign that Sen. Brian Schatz is at least a little concerned about how the Inouye factor will play into his challenge from Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, Irene Hirano Inouye said that Schatz called her last week to ask for her help.
She said in a statement to Civil Beat: “Brian called me last week after news of Colleen’s intention to enter the race became public. He politely asked if...
Inouye's Widow Endorses Hanabusa; Schatz Responds
civilbeat:
A subtext in Rep. Colleen Hanabusa’s race against Sen. Brian Schatz is the fact that the revered Sen. Daniel Inouye had wanted Hanabusa to take his seat.
Inouye made his wishes known before his passing, but Gov. Neil Abercrombie tabbed Schatz instead. This morning, Inouye’s widow, Irene Hirano Inouye, publicly backed Hanabusa and cited her husband’s memory.
“Colleen is an...
Hanabusa Picks Up First Endorsement
civilbeat:
Hours after declaring her candidacy for U.S. Senate, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa picked up her first endorsement — from the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers.
Among the union’s membership is Local 121, who work at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Naval Facilities Hawaii, Naval Facilities Pacific, Defense Logistics Agency Document Services and Command Navy...
Schatz Campaign Responds To Hanabusa Announcement
civilbeat:
And within minutes after Rep. Colleen Hanabusa’s announcement she’s running against Sen. Brian Schatz, the senator’s campaign spokesman Bill Meheula released a statement. Schatz apparently will be emphasizing that he’s already started doing the work of a senator and building all-important seniority in the Senate.
The Schatz campaign also announced two more labor endorsements — from...
Hanabusa Makes It Official
civilbeat:
It wasn’t the best kept secret, but Rep. Colleen Hanabusa just formally announced she’ll be running against U.S. Brian Schatz.
Based on a statement that appeared on her campaign website, she will apparently be touting her experience in the state legislature and the House. She uses the word “experience” three times.
I’ve made no secret of the fact that I have been considering my...
April 2013
55 posts
Smithsonian Native American Museum Honors Inouye
civilbeat:
Almost 20 years after the late Sen. Daniel Inouye presided over the opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, the institution he helped create remembered him.
At an event designating the museum’s Director’s Terrace in his name, museum director Kevin Gover noted that Inouye had introduced the Senate bill establishing the museum.
Gover at the ceremony...
Schatz Urges Obama To Take Action On VA Backlog
civilbeat:
Sen. Brian Schatz was among a group of senators who wrote President Barack Obama today urging him to take action about the Department of Veterans Affairs long delay in processing disability backlogs. Schatz’s also will be meeting with the VA’s Hawaii office this week to find out why it’s taking so long for the office to process claims.
As Civil Beat reported last month, 70 percent of...
Native Hawaiian Health Researcher To Be Honored At...
civilbeat:
Mary Frances Oneha, a long time nurse who’s served Native Hawaiian communities, will be recognized for her work — at the White House.
Oneha will be one of 15 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women honored as “Champions of Change” next Monday, a White House press release said. The honor is part of the White House’s observance of AAPI Heritage Month. The event will...
Hanabusa Votes To End Air Traffic Furloughs
civilbeat:
As Rep. Colleen Hanabusa heads back to Hawaii where she is expected to announce that she’s running for U.S. Senate, she joined House members in passing a measure to end the furloughs of air traffic controllers.
The move comes after the furloughs caused by sequestration, caused delays in the nation’s airports. Schatz and other senators had approved the measure by unanimous consent on...
Schatz Backs Tax Programs For Children And...
civilbeat:
Sen. Brian Schatz, who may face a challenge from Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who is in turn expected to have the support of the national woman’s group Emily’s List, released a statement supporting a measure important to women and other groups.
The measure, sponsored by U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., would expand tax credits that fund poor families and...
Army Makes Move Long-Sought By Inouye
civilbeat:
The U.S. Army will elevate the rank of the branch’s Pacific commander to a four-star general status, which Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said this morning had been a priority for the late Sen. Daniel Inouye.
In thanking Army Secretary John McHugh at a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee, Hanabusa said it was important to Inouye to have the Pacific commander have the same rank...
Schatz Opposes Chained CPI Reductions In Benefits
civilbeat:
In a move that will likely play well with seniors and veterans as he runs for re-election, Sen. Brian Schatz joined several other senators in opposing the use of the so-called “Chained CPI” to calculate cost-of-living increases to Social Security and other benefits.
The method, which was included in President Barack Obama’s budget proposal, is drawing fire because it would mean...
Possible Schatz-Hanabusa Senate Race Gets National...
civilbeat:
Rep. Colleen Hanabusa still hasn’t formally announced that she’s running against Sen. Brian Schatz. But after news leaked this week that she’s going to run, the potential race is garnering some national attention this morning.
The National Journal reports that Schatz raised $285,000 of his $1.1 million from big donors who’ve given to Hanabusa is prior campaigns. The Schatz campaign...
civilbeat:
The Senate Judiciary Committee began hearing the nomination of Raymond Chen as United States Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit.
Chen would be the first Asian Pacific American on the federal circuit in over 25 years as well as the first Taiwanese American on a federal appellate court.
Sen. Mazie Hirono, who presided over the hearing, praised Chen in a statement, saying his...
Gabbard Wants Labeling Of Genetically Altered Food
civilbeat:
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is cosponsoring a bill that would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to label genetically engineered (GE) foods so that consumers can make informed choices about what they eat.
“Food is a basic necessity in our everyday lives, and people have a right to know what is in the food that we eat,” Gabbard said on the House floor. “
The Genetically Engineered...
Hirono Says She Talked About Immigration, Military...
civilbeat:
After being part of a group of 20 women senators who dined with President Obama at the White House last night, Sen. Mazie Hirono said she brought up immigration reform and the military’s rebalance to the Pacific.
In a press release, Hirono said she also thanked the Obama for emphasizing early childhood education in his budget proposal.
Roll Call reported that they apparently had...
Honolulu Councilman To Announce Intentions For...
civilbeat:
Is Honolulu City Councilmember Stanley Chang going to announce a bid for U.S. Congress?
Sure seems like it.
Chang’s campaign just sent out an email saying the councilmember will make an announcement tomorrow at noon about his “possible candidacy for Hawaii’s first congressional district.”
While it’s possible he could say he’s not planning on taking a shot at the U.S. House of...
Caldwell: Hanabusa's Candidacy Didn't Come Up
civilbeat:
By the time Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and other officials met with Rep. Colleen Hanabusa this morning, reports had already come out about her deciding to run against Sen. Brian Schatz.
She hadn’t formally announced it though.
Apparently Caldwell and the others refrained from asking her about it. “Strictly about rail,” he said about the meeting afterwards.
He also declined to...
EMILY's List Likely to Support Hanabusa
civilbeat:
Now that Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is all but ready to challenge Sen.Brian Schatz, EMILY’s List is all but ready to endorse her.
Marcy Stech, national press secretary for the women’s political organization, said the group hasn’t endorsed her yet because she hasn’t formally entered the race. But when she does, she’ll “likely” get the group’s backing. And cash. The group made $4.4 million...
Hirono To Have Dinner With Obama Tonight
civilbeat:
Sen. Mazie Hirono will be breaking bread with President Barack Obama over at his place tonight.
Hirono’s office confirmed this morning that she’ll be part of a bipartisan group of women senators invited by Obama to dine at the White House as part of his “charm campaign” of dining with members of Congress.
It’s the first time she has dined with the President at the White House, a...
Dems: Hanabusa To Run Against Schatz
civilbeat:
A national Democratic source told Civil Beat this morning that Rep. Colleen Hanabusa informed the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in Washington D.C. that she will be challenging Sen. Brian Schatz in next year’s special election.
The DSCC typically backs its incumbents and is endorsing Schatz, although it’s unclear how much money it will throw into a primary against another...
Hawaii Congress Members Support Capture Of...
civilbeat:
Apparently, it’s a good thing that Boston authorities captured the second of two brothers suspected in the Boston marathon bombing.
Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said so, in a release late Friday night:
“I share our nation’s relief that the second suspect in the Boston marathon bombing has been taken into custody alive. I hope that we will get more clarity in the days and weeks to come as...
Despite Proposed Missile-Defense Cuts Systems...
civilbeat:
While President Barack Obama’s defense department budget calls for overall cuts in anti-ballistic missile spending — a big deal given the current tensions with North Korea — it actually includes improvements for protecting Hawaii.
The president’s buget calls for reducing missile defense spending in fiscal year 2014 by $558 million to $9.16 billion. However, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa’s...
