Monthly Archives: March 2007

Hello Everyone,

You are welcome to join me at my campaign fundraiser:

Jon Riki Karamatsu Fundraiser

Mahalo,
Jon Riki Karamatsu

House Concurrent Resolution 40 and House Resolution 24

Relating to the establishment of a “State of Hawaii World Trade Center, Honolulu”.

House Concurrent Resolution 62 and House Resolution 42

Requesting the State Historic Preservation Division to research and report to the legislature on how to best protect Hawaii’s historic buildings from demolition.

House Concurrent Resolution 198 and House Resolution 94

Requesting the Department of Health to convene a task force to investigate and coordinate the provision of medical and social services to migrants of Freely Associated States.

House Concurrent Resolution 198 and House Resolution 155

Requesting a study on the feasibility of an open road racing event on Oahu.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu

Journal Written Remarks – Day 26 – March 6, 2007

OD Page 35, Stand. Com. No. 996, House Bill 1456 House Draft 2

Relating to Psychologists

I rise in support with strong reservations.

I have reservations on House bill 1456 House Draft 2, which would allow psychologists practicing in licensed health clinics in federally designated medically underserved areas or mental health professional shortage areas to prescribe psychotropic medications.  I believe the bill does not ensure patient safety because the training required for psychologists in this measure is well below the training psychiatrists go through in undergraduate studies and medical school and the training required by the Department of Defense Psychologist Training Model.

The Department of Defense Psychologist Training Model allowed psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medications, however, the program ended because the program was found to be unnecessary and costly.  In comparing the Department of Defense Psychologist Training Model with the program in this bill, there is a big difference in the requirements.  The differences are as follows:

Department of Defense Psychologist Training Model:

·              3 years full-time training program (over 6,000 hours)

·              2 years full-time classroom training in a medical school and hospital

·              1 year of full-time clinical training under the supervision of a psychiatrist

·              Only allowed to prescribe to 18 to 65 year olds

·              Not allowed to prescribe to patients with any medical complication

House Bill 1456 House Draft 2

·              Eleven and one-half weeks of classroom (450 hours)

·              No full-time classroom training required

·              No full-time clinical training and no hospital training

·              Only required to see 100 patients within 1 year under physician supervision

·              Allowed to prescribe to all ages and to patients with heart disease, cancer, diabetes, 
       substance abusers, etc.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu

Journal Written Remarks – Day 26 – Tuesday, March 6, 2007

OD Page 21, Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1183, House Bill 337 House Draft 2

Relating to Agriculture

I rise in support.

The purpose of this bill is to preserve agricultural lands on Oahu by authorizing the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to purchase through general funds or revenue bonds, agricultural lands located in the Kunia or Ewa areas on Oahu, or both.  In addition, ADC would have the authority to lease ADC-controlled agricultural land by contracting with a financial institution that is transacting business in this state to provide lease management service.  Finally, this measure provides additional flexibility to ADC by allowing it to purchase, accept, and maintain permanent conservation easements in accordance with the Natural Resources Conservation Service Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program.

Thank you.

Dear Friends:

Aloha! I hope all is well. I am in my fifth year as a state representative and currently serve as Vice Speaker of the Hawaii State House of Representatives.

Last year, I introduced a bill to include language in the first degree sexual assault law that would include “the use of a substance to subject one to sexual penetration” to address the relatively recent use of date rape drugs. It was incorporated in a large omnibus penal code bill that passed last year. I am happy to report that my legislation is now a law under HRS Section 707-730(e). Sexual assault issues have always been important to me, and it is gratifying to be in a position where I can make a positive difference.

The theme of my fundraiser this year is “Matsuri”, an occasion for offering prayers, thanksgiving, reports, and praise to a deity or deities. A Matsuri festival generally starts with solemn rituals, which are followed by joyous community celebrations. As some of you may know, I lost my last grandparent last year on April 1, 2006, grandma Bessie Karamatsu. She was very active in the Jodo Mission community, and we were very close. In the last years of her life, I took a greater interest in my roots and culture, and traveled to Japan and saw the Jodo Mission temple in Kyoto where my grandpa Maurice Karamatsu hand-carried a golden Buddha figurine for repairs and back to Hawaii many years ago. I am grateful that I was able to learn more about my heritage from my grandma while she was still with us. For this reason, I have decided that I would like to share a little bit of my heritage with you during my fundraiser. We would be honored to have you join us for some food, beverages, and fun – all items included in a Matsuri festival!

“Matsuri” Fundraiser: A Festive Occasion for Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
5:30 to 7:30 P.M.
Jodo Mission of Hawaii
1429 Makiki Street
Suggested Donation: $25

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.  Mahalo!

With Warmest Aloha,
Jon Riki Karamatsu

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
Journal Written Remarks – Day 24
March 1, 2007
House Bill 334, Relating to the Issuance of Special Purpose Revenue Bonds to Assist Sopogy Inc., in the Development of Renewable Energy

I rise in support.

This bill would authorize the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds in a total amount not to exceed $10,000,000 for the purpose of assisting Sopogy Inc. with the planning, designing, construction, equipping, and operating Sopogy Inc.'s solar farm power plant at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority or at other suitable sites in Hawaii. Sopogy Inc. is a renewable energy company based in Hawaii that was spun-off of Hawaii's own Energy Industries. Its purpose is to bring renewable solar energy technologies to Hawaii and its people for the betterment of clean air, independence from imported fossil fuels, and energy stability. This local company is helping in our goal to diversify our economy and make our state more energy efficient.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
Journal Written Remarks – Day 24 and Day 25
March 1 and 2, 2007
House Bill 345, Relating To Holidays

I rise in support.

I entered politics with hopes to make our state, nation, and world more peaceful. I believe we must all play a role in promoting peace. Too often, the cycle of violence is fueled through anger and revenge. Every generation has witnessed violence domestically and abroad. As a representative of Generation X, I am determined to continue striving for peace throughout the world just as the leaders before me.

I was pleased when I learned that the Hawaii Federation of Junior Young Buddhist Association was working on a peace resolution. After talking to their advisor, I decided to introduce a peace day bill on their behalf. I was touched to know that young leaders in the next generation, Generation Y had the same dream of attaining a more peaceful world.

House Bill 345 would establish September 21st of each year as “Peace Day” to promote peace programs, improve international relations, and increase educational awareness of peace. If we all work towards this goal of a more peaceful world, we will see priceless results and touch many lives.

Thank you.