Aloha! I hope all is well with everyone. My campaign website and livejournal is a way for you to get an insight on who I am and the work I have done for our community and state.
I apologize that my website is outdated, as I need to put more information to reflect the accomplishments I achieved for our state in 2005 to 2006 and there are a number of fun pictures I would like to share with you. Nonetheless, my brochure sent before the Primary Election emphasized the work I did in 2005 and 2006, but I couldn't fit everything, thus, future brochures will show much more.
Serving as state representative for District 41, which consists of Waikele, Royal Kunia, Village Park, and Waipahu has been challenging and a great experience. In 2005, I was promoted in the House leadership as a Majority Whip. In the Summer of that year, I became Chair of the Economic Development and Business Concerns Committee, my “dream committee”.
The following is a summary of some of my personal policy accomplishments for Hawaii in my four years as a state representative:
Commission on the Status of Women (2003)
I helped organize legislators to stop Governor Linda Lingle from eliminating the Commission on the Status of Women, which works on policy affecting women such as discrimination, equal pay, domestic violence, and sex abuse.
Mandatory Ethics Training for State Government Officials (2003-2004)
I introduced and passed a mandatory ethics training bill to encourage better dialogue between the commission and government officials, which can help clear confusion in ethics rules.
Empower Native Hawaiian Craft Makers and Protect Consumers (2003-2004)
I introduced and passed a bill into law to require the Department of Agriculture to authenticate Ni’ihau shell leis to empower Hawaiian Ni’ihau shell lei makers and protect consumers from fraudulent sales.
Prevent Identity Theft (2003-2004)
I introduced a bill to remove the requirement for candidates to collect residents’ full social security numbers on their nomination forms. A similar bill to mine passed into law and now candidates only need to get their residents’ last four digits of their social security on their nomination forms.
Supporting Hawaii Filmmakers (2004)
I introduced a bill to give rental discounts at state film facilities to Hawaii filmmakers. This bill brought the issue to the attention of the Hawaii Film Office, which in turn decided to give these discounts administratively, and therefore legislative action was no longer necessary.
Developing a Film Industry in Hawaii (2006)
I introduced a bill to give 15% production tax credits on Oahu and 20% production tax credits on the neighbor islands to help the film industry attract more film projects to Hawaii and thus create more jobs for residents. The Senate companion bill to mine passed.
Renovations for Aloha Stadium (2004)
I introduced a resolution requesting the Department of Accounting and General Services to conduct a study on the cost of maintaining Aloha Stadium versus building a new stadium. Upon conclusion of the study, the department decided that renovation of Aloha Stadium would be more cost effective.
Develop Hawaii’s Technology Industry (2006)
I introduced and passed a bill to expand a grant program for technology businesses by including partnerships between companies and educational institutions in Hawaii.
Develop Hawaii’s Technology and Renewable Energy Industry (2005)
I introduced and passed a bill to float $10 million in special purpose revenue bonds for Hoku Scientific, Inc., which was used to build their facility in Kapolei. Investors in these bonds do not have to report their interest income for tax purposes. Hoku Scientific, Inc. is a materials science company focused on clean energy technologies, which will help Hawaii and the world be less reliant on fossil fuels. The company develops new products for hydrogen fuel cells and are now forming two new businesses: an integrated photovoltaic, or PV, module business, and a polysilicon business, which is a primary material used in the manufacture of PV modules.
Education to Prepare Our Children for the Knowledge-Based Economy (2003-2006)
I introduced a bill to create a kindergarten to twelfth grade science and technology magnet school to prepare our children for exciting careers in Hawaii’s knowledge-based economy such as science, technology, biotechnology, medical research, agricultural research, film, and digital media. Although my bill did not pass, a similar resolution passed, which will form a task force to create a plan in creating such a magnet school.
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon Riki Karamatsu
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 