House Bill 345 became law as Act 23 on April 18, 2007, which establishes September 21 annually as Peace Day in Hawaii to promote peace programs, improve international relations, and increase educational awareness of peace. This designated day encourages citizens to observe and celebrate peace.
I am chairing a committee that is planning events to celebrate Hawaii’s first Peace Day. There will also be a peace tree planting on a date following September 21.
Solar Energy
House Bill 334 became law as Act 229 on June 29, 2007, which authorizes the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds in an amount not exceeding $10,000,000 to assist Sopogy Inc. with planning, designing, constructing, equipping, and operating a solar farm power plant at the Natural Energy Labaratory of Hawaii Authority or another suitable site in the state.
Kunia Agriculture Land
Senate Bill 837 was vetoed by Governor Linda Lingle on July 10, 2007, which would have appropriated $9,200,000 to the Agribusiness Development Corporation to purchase agricultural land in Kunia and Ewa from private entities. The ADC could have leased purchased lands in Kunia and Ewa to farmers. The intent was to protect valuable agriculture land.
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 