Daily Archives: April 11, 2009

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu speaking on his health information technology bill to the media with Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say in March 2009.

Life is exciting.  I look forward to the future.  Seek the impossibility and make it possible!

Pussycat Dolls ft. A. R. Rahman – Jai Ho (You are my Destiny) [Lead female singer is from Hawaii]

The Entourage: Rep. Jerry L. Chang, Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu, Rep. Ken Ito, and Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say at Karamatsu's March 11, 2009 fundraiser at Bonsai Restaurant.

Rep. Clift Tsuji and Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu at a House-Senate conference during the 2008 Legislative Session.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu and Rep. Bob Nakasone at Karamatsu's 2006 fundraiser at St. Andrew's Priory School.

Sen. Carol Fukunaga and Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu at Karamatsu's 2008 fundraiser at Bishop Museum.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu and former Sen. Nadao "Najo" Yoshinaga in April 2006.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu presiding over the House floor session as Vice Speaker of the House during the 2007 Legislative Session.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu chairing a February 2008 Judiciary Committee Hearing.

2009 has been very challenging thus far.  In the legislature, we have taken on some of the most challenging and difficult issues such as balancing the budget despite the economic crisis, civil unions, ceded lands, disputes on tort, private lessor and lessee disagreements, and amending the campaign finance laws to reflect court decisions.  I experienced threats by individuals, had disagreements with my colleagues, and witnessed disagreements between other individuals.  Everyone is trying their best for Hawaii. 

The biggest void in Hawaii politics is not having Rep. Bob Nakasone.  We could always go to him for advice.  Often times disputes would be aired out at his office at night.  Rep. Nakasone had a presence that made you feel good.  Politicians, lobbyists, bureaucrats, and friends who were close to him tell me how they miss him.  A number of people believe 2009 is one of the biggest years in Hawaii’s political history because of the type of issues we are taking on.  With big policy agendas, come big disputes and high emotions.  It is during those difficult decisions, especially late at night, I think of Rep. Nakasone wishing I could have one more talk.

With all the struggles and stress, I balance myself by exercising, praying to my loved ones who passed away, and listening to music.  Music really helps.  Live your life to the fullest.  Accomplish as much as you can now.  We may never have tomorrow.  That is the reason why I try so hard to achieve as much as I can now.  I am more aware of death and its quickness.  We must try to be faster than death.  Ganbatte!  Do your best!

This past Monday, April 6, 2009, I woke up at 2:45 A.M. with pain in my chest.  It was tight, sore, and hot.  It went away after about 30 minutes.