DC808

House Armed Services Subcommittee Approves Two Measures Important To Hawaii

peernews — Wed, 22 May 2013 23:01:11 -0400

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 privately financed commercial ship construction and shipyard modernization in the United States.

“Private sector capital is needed to inject new life into the American shipbuilding industry,” she said.

The Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces also authorized provisions to procure two Virginia-class subs and prohibits the early retirement of Ticonderoga Class Cruisers.

“These are important provisions for Hawaii. Virginia-class subs are the future of Pearl Harbor and our force structure throughout the Pacific. Two of the cruisers are homeported in Hawaii – the USS Port Royal and USS Chosin. Hawaii remains at the forefront of U.S. interests in the Pacific, and we have seen over the past several months the importance these ships in deterring threats in the region,” Hanabusa said.

We must ensure that we are maximizing the full life of our naval assets, while promoting a fleet capable of protecting national security.”

— Kery Murakami

House Approves Keystone Pipeline Despite Opposition From Hawaii Representatives

peernews — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:46:14 -0400

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 Subsidies

peernews — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:16:10 -0400

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 that the subsidy inflates the cost of sugar, which hurts consumers and sugar-dependant industries like candy companies.

However, Hirono, who her spokesman said lobbied hard to defeat the measure, said U.S. sugar companies compete with those in other countries like Brazil that receive government subsidies.

“This amendment was a raw deal for Hawaii and sugar producers across the country,” Hirono said in a statement after the vote.

“Much is said about supporting ‘made in America’ products, and this measure does the opposite. It would have virtually zeroed out American sugar producers and forced us to depend on heavily subsidized foreign producers for this important commodity,” she said. “Eliminating measures that level the playing field for American sugar producers would cost an estimated 142,000 jobs nationwide and devastate Hawaii’s last remaining sugar farms.”

Schatz in a statement said the Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company, the state’s sole producer of raw and special sugar, is critical to Maui’s workforce and economy.. “HC&S provides $56 million in wages to 800 Maui residents that have served as a cornerstone of this company and community for decades,” he said.

— Kery Murakami

Senate Panel Adds Help For Filipino World War II Veterans

peernews — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:32:07 -0400

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 frustration for the veterans is that the children of veterans from other countries who fought alongside U.S. troops are given a waiver from the limits and can immigrate more immediately.

An amendment by Sen. Mazie Hirono, added as the committee continued to make its way through an all-day hearing that was expected into the night, provides the waiver for the children of Filipino veterans.

“Many of the veterans have had to live their golden years apart from their children,” Hirono said at the hearing.

In a statement after the vote, Hirono said, “Our nation can never fully repay the debt we owe the Filipino World War II veterans who bravely served and sacrificed alongside Americans in the critical South West Pacific Theatre.

“The brave servicemen who are still with us, now in their 80s and 90s, should not have to wait any longer in order to be reunited with their children,” she said.

— Kery Murakami

Gabbard Passes First Bill In House

peernews — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:17:00 -0400

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 injuries will no longer be required to remove their shoes, jackets and hats.

The federal Transportation Security Administration had actually implemented the changes in March after Gabbard proposed her bill. However, the bill would put the changes into law if approved by the Senate.

Gabbard said in a statement: “For our wounded warriors and their families, airline travel will now be a much more dignified experience. Due to the nature of their injuries and disabilities, removing a belt, shoe or jacket can be more than just an inconvenience. These selfless heroes should never have to face lengthy, invasive, and even humiliating screening procedures at our airports.”

The measure was praised by Bill Lawson, president of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. “This Act mandates that TSA make every effort to protect the privacy of wounded warriors and ensure that our nation’s heroes are shown their due respect and appreciation,” he said in a statement.

— Kery Murakami

Hanabusa To Oppose Keystone Pipeline Measure

peernews — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:42:05 -0400

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 non-binding Senate measure in March to back the project.

Hanabusa, in a statement, focused less on concerns raised by Native American tribes, who according to the Associated Press worried both about expanding the use of fossil fuels and sacred sites in the path of the proposed pipeline. The pipeline transported toxic tar sands from under Canada’s Boreal forest 2,000 miles to the Gulf of Mexico to be refined and exported

Hanabusa in her statement said: “My opposition… reflects my belief that before the Administration approves a project of this nature we must ensure that there is a complete review of the potential environmental impacts, including ensuring that the project will not harm Native American sacred sites.

“We in Hawaii share a particular understanding of preserving sites that bear deep cultural significance. Ultimately, expediting the approval process short-circuits the Administration’s ability to provide thorough oversight and analysis,” she said.

— Kery Murakami

UPDATE: Chang Issues Statement On Law License Suspension

peernews — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:58:08 -0400

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 seat in Congressional District 1.

—Nick Grube

Senate Committee Passes Hirono Proposal To Let DREAMers Get College Aid

peernews — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:43:08 -0400

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 next week, also passed a Hirono amendment aimed at reducing the human trafficking of children.

That amendment would place independent child welfare professionals at border patrol stations to provide basic humanitarian assistance to unaccompanied immigrant children held in border stations. The measure would also ensures appropriate screening of children to identify victims of persecution or trafficking and ensures children are not held for longer than necessary in U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities.

However, apparently lacking the votes in committee, Hirono also withdrew two other amendments, including one that would have allowed undocumented immigrants to receive Medicaid and other health care.

The amendments still have a long way to go before becoming law. The full Senate would have to pass the package, as does the House, which is expected to take a more conservative approach than the Democratic Senate.

“These DREAMers were brought to our country through no fault of their own, and grew up in our schools and churches. They deserve the opportunity to earn a college degree, start a business and help contribute to our economy,” Hirono said in a statement after the vote “My measure makes DREAM Act students eligible for federal student aid and gives these students financial options to pay for their education like other academically qualified Americans.

— Kery Murakami

Honolulu City Councilman Stanley Chang Has Law License Suspended

peernews — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:13:06 -0400

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 the U.S. House of Representatives in Congressional District 1. He is the only candidate to have officially announced a bid for CD1.

That seat is currently being warmed by Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who has announced her intentions to run against sitting U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz.

—Nick Grube

Hanabusa and Gabbard Vote Against Health Care Reform Repeal

peernews — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:35:00 -0400

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. And in a statement, she said, “My Republican colleagues do not have their priorities straight. Instead of wasting our time on the 37th vote to repeal the health care law, we should be focused on repealing sequestration and working together to pass a responsible, long term budget.”

Gababrd also released this statement:

“People in Hawai‘i and across the country want us to focus on creating jobs and improving our economy. While I continue to have serious reservations about the Affordable Care Act, and feel strongly that improvements must be made, repealing the ACA is not the answer at this time. We should work together to strengthen it, in order to ensure affordable healthcare is available for all people.”

Gababrd said that while health care reforms have had benefits like covering those with pre-existing conditions and allowing young adults to be on their parents’ health care plans, the rising costs of health care are problem.

“Unfortunately, big insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies had significant influence throughout the drafting of legislation. The Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, for example, gave mega-pharmaceutical companies a blank check by restricting the government’s ability to negotiate group rates for prescription drugs. That is unacceptable.

“Together, we must continue to identify creative ways to improve the ACA. We can start by allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices, and encouraging small businesses to use available tax subsidies. This is not an impossible problem to fix if we focus on finding real solutions.”

— Kery Murakami

Gabbard Weighs In On IRS Scandal

peernews — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:25:12 -0400

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 illegal targeting,” she said in a statement. “The IRS and all government agencies have a duty and obligation to apply our laws equally, regardless of political, ethnic, religious affiliation or whether they have exercised their First Amendment rights to criticize the government.”

She said President Barack Obama “has taken first steps to remove those responsible, but more must be done.”.

Read the reaction of two Hawaii Tea Party groups involved in the mess and the reaction of other members of the Congressional delegation here.

– Kery Murakami

Transportation Nominee Tells Schatz He'd Keep Rail On Track

peernews — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:55:08 -0400

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 project… Foxx understands the importance of Honolulu’s rail project and is committed to being our partner in seeing it to completion along with other transportation priorities that will create jobs in Hawaii, and give the people of Hawaii more transportation choices.”

Schatz, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said also, “As Mayor of Charlotte, Foxx expanded Charlotte’s public transit system, implemented street design guidelines that promote walking and bicycling, and expanded Charlotte’s airport. His experience and priorities align with those of Hawaii—economic growth, sustainability, and expansion of our transportation network.”

Foxx is scheduled to appear before the committee next week.

— Kery Murakami

Measures For Native Hawaiian Home Ownership Pass Senate Committee

peernews — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:45:00 -0400

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 authorizes the Hawaiian Homes Commission to set interest rates on home loans based on market conditions. Both were sponsored by Schatz and co-sponsored by Hirono.

The other measure, sponsored by Hirono, reauthorizes the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant. This bill provides an avenue for Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries to secure financing to purchase a home on Hawaiian Home Lands. Schatz, a member of the committe, co-sponsored the measure.

— Kery Murakami

Hirono Amendment On Hong Kong Tourist Visas Added To Immigration Bill

peernews — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:35:00 -0400

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 increase tourism to Hawaii from Hong Kong.

“This small change to the visa waiver system could have a big impact on Hawaii’s economy,” said Hirono in a statement after the hearing. “By fixing the visa waiver process for visitors from Hong Kong, we can make it easier for thousands of tourists from this region to come to Hawaii.”

The provision would allow Hong Kong to be eligible for a program that allows tourists to be waived from having to getting visas when visiting the U.S. At a press conference in April, she noted that tourism increased when visa waivers were granted for other countries, most recently Taiwan. So much so, she said, that Hawaiian Airplines is planning on creating a non-stop flight between Honolulu and Taiwan.

Under the program, citizens of 37 participating countries, as determined by the State Department, are allowed to travel to the United States without obtaining a visa, for stays of 90 days or less. Hirono at this morning’s hearing called the proposal a “technical fix” because Hong Kong is not a country. To qualify for the waiver, visitors must be coming for business, tourism, visiting or pleasure. Studying for credit, employment, working as foreign press, or seeking permanent residence isn’t allowed under the program.

The measure passed the committee in a 14-4 vote, despite objections from Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., that Hong Kong is connected to China, although he noted the two have very different systems of government. He argued that China does not take back immigrants who have committed crimes in the U.S.

The amendment is the fifth proposed by Hirono added ot the bill, as the Judiciary Committee continues to consider more than 300 proposed amendments. Hirono’s other amendments would make it easier for families caught trying to enter the U.S. at the border to stay together, empowers a Homeland Security official to protect the rights of people going through the immigration process, allows Compact of Free Association migrants to be able to get Medicaid, and allowing Hawaii longline fishing crews to get visas.

— Kery Murakami

Schatz Thinks People Should Lose Jobs Over IRS Scandal

peernews — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:15:10 -0400

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

peernews — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:15:07 -0400

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 the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye.

Hanabusa had been Inouye’s choice to replace him in the Senate, but the spot went to Sen. Brian Schatz, who Hanabusa is challenging. Dutta said Hanabusa’s record “in the state Senate and in the U.S. House make her an outstanding candidate to succeed our dearly beloved Senator Inouye.”

The organization also highlighted the opportunity to for Hanabusa to join Sen. Mazie Hirono as the second Asian American woman in the U.S. Senate.

Aside from highlighting race in a state with a large Asian population, the endorsement could represent a financial boost for Hanabusa, who is trying to catch up with Schatz in campaign fundraising. The organization donated $10,000 to Hirono’s campaign last year, as well as $3,000 to Hanabusa last year and $6,150 in 2010, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

In the release, Hanabusa said, “I am truly honored to once again have AAA-Fund’s support in my campaign for the U.S. Senate. Their support made a key difference in my victory in 2010. I look forward to continuing to work with them on issues of critical importance to our AAPI communities, including passing immigration reform, recognizing Native Hawaiian sovereignty and fulfilling our obligations to our Filipino veterans.”

— Kery Murakami

Hanabusa Recalls Inouye At Walter Reed

peernews — Mon, 13 May 2013 20:26:10 -0400

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 opportunities to remind voters of Inouye’s wishes.

Speaking at the institute’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebration, which paid tribute to Inouye in a building named in his honor, Hanabusa said, “I am moved seeing Senator Inouye’s name on this state-of-the-art facility. It is a fitting tribute.

“He stood as its advocate because he knew from experience the importance of quality medicine and quality research,” Hanabusa said, according to a press release from her office. “He believed the care he received in military hospitals saved his life, and he worked tirelessly throughout his career to give back in any way he could.”

— Kery Murakami

CNN: Duckworth, Gabbard Decry Military Sexual Assault

peernews — Sun, 12 May 2013 17:02:09 -0400

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 — I was not a weak target. So it’s not something that I experienced personally.

However, uh, my command was one that was — that — that did create this safe climate for people to be able to make those kinds of reports.

But you can’t make it based on, you know, the personalities or the strengths or weaknesses of any specific commander…

CROWLEY: The system has to be right.

GABBARD: — which is why the system has to be one that is safe…

DUCKWORTH: Yes.

GABBARD: — transparent and fair, holding people accountable.

DUCKWORTH: Right. …

Screen shot courtesy CNN.

—Chad Blair

Hanabusa, Gabbard Vote 'No' On GOP Debt Bill

peernews — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:36:04 -0400

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 consideration of one amendment — the House is expected to approve it later in the week.

Approval of the rule came after a sharp debate in which Republicans defended the bill as a way to ensure the government does not default on its debt, which is approaching $17 trillion, even if it bumps up against the debt ceiling.

There is some threat of a deadlock on the debt ceiling in the coming months. As of May 19, the debt ceiling will be in effect again, and and pressure will mount on Congress to find a way to raise that ceiling. …

Hawaii U.S. Reps. Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard voted with the minority.

In a statement, Hanabusa said, “This bill is evidence that my Republican colleagues did not learn from their mistakes in 2011 when they steered our nation towards default, resulting in the downgrade of the U.S. credit rating for the first time in history. This measure undermines the full faith and credit of the U.S., and as we saw in 2011, will slow job growth, drive up interest rates, and hurt our economic recovery. It also puts payments to foreign bondholders over the salaries of our troops, pensions and benefits for our veterans, small businesses that sell goods to our government, and doctors and hospitals who care for millions of Medicare patients nationwide. …”

—Chad Blair

Senate Judiciary Committee Adopts Hirono Amendment

peernews — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:11:08 -0400

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 apart at the border by allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to consider keeping families together during removal.

Right now, many families are torn apart at the border since current law requires many adult men to be transferred to a border location hundreds of miles away from where they were intercepted. Meanwhile, their families are simply sent back across the border at the place they were intercepted with no money and no idea of where their husbands or fathers were taken. …

The committee also approved another amendment offered by Hirono that would strengthen the Department of Homeland Security official charged with protecting the rights of those navigating the immigration system. …

Watch Hirono’s video remarks.

—Chad Blair