Daily Archives: March 6, 2008

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

Written Comments

House Bill 2825, House Draft 1

Issuance of Special Purpose Revenue Bonds to Assist Sopogy, Inc.

March 4, 2008

I rise in support.

The development of clean electricity from a renewable and abundant resource, the sun, at a price lower than the market price and independent from oil price fluctuations will help Hawai'i become more self-sustainable and less reliant on fossil fuels.  Sopogy, Inc., specializes in the development, manufacture, and distribution of its proprietary concentrated solar power systems that generate electricity.  This bill would allow the issuance of $35,000,000 in special purpose revenue bonds to assist Sopogy, Inc. in its planning, designing, construction, equipping, and operating of a solar farm power plant on the island of Oahu.  I am proud to see this Hawai'i company play a role in developing our renewable energy industry.

Thank you.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

Written Remarks

House Bill 509, House Draft 2

Prohibits a towing company from charging the owner of a vehicle hooked up for towing if the owner of the vehicle appears on the scene.

March 4, 2008

I rise in support.

I want to thank Speaker Emeritus Joseph M. Souki for inserting the language for this bill in one of his short form bills that are available for chairpersons.  I made the request on behalf of a concerned citizen.  This bill would prohibit a towing company from charging the owner of a vehicle hooked up for towing if the owner of the vehicle appears on the scene.  Currently, a towing company can charge the owner of a vehicle if it is hooked up.  In the case of a difficult hookup, meaning an above or below ground hookup in a multilevel facility, a towing surcharge of $30 shall be applicable.

Thank you.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

Written Remarks

House Bill 784, House Draft 3

Philippine Language and Filipino-American Studies; Appropriation ($)

March 4, 2008

I rise in support.

I believe we need to have curriculum offerings in the Philippine languages, as well as course offerings on Filipino-American ethnic and Philippine studies in the University of Hawaii system.  The three major Philippine languages that are prevalent in Hawaii are Filipino, Ilokano, and Cebuano.  There is an important need to increase the representation of Filipino students and professionals trained in the Philippine languages and cultures who can work in the area of education, health, legal services, and commerce.  Offering courses in the Philippine languages and cultures on University of Hawaii campuses will provide educational opportunities at the various campuses and support our state's needs.

Thank you.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

Written Remarks

House Bill 3343, House Draft 1
Filipino-American History Month

February 28, 2008

I rise in support.
 
I support House Bill 3343, House Draft 1, which would designate the month of October as Filipino-American History Month to commemorate the contributions of Filipino-Americans to Hawaii and the United States.  It is important that we recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions by Filipino-Americans to the development of Hawaii and United States history.

Thank you.