Daily Archives: June 12, 2009

Published in the House Blog on Monday, June 8, 2009.

A bill expanding the definition of “harassment” and “harassment by stalking” to include contact through electronic communications was signed into law by the governor as Act 090 on June 5, 2009. Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu (District 41-Waipahu, Village Park, Waikele), House Judiciary chairman, introduced the legislation to increase the protection and safety of Hawaii residents.

The law updates Hawaii’s harassment and stalking laws as text messaging and social media websites such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter grow exponentially in popularity. While technology continues to change and new forms of electronic communications develop, so has the increase in harassment and harassment by stalking through electronic communications.

“Passage of these bills will update the current statute with all of the existing forms of today’s technology,” explains Karamatsu. “It is important that lawmakers keep current in order to best serve our constituents.” Karamatsu was inspired to introduce this bill after two friends became victims of electronic harassment and did not have any form of legal recourse.

Law enforcement agencies estimate that electronic communications are a factor in 20 to 40 percent of all stalking cases. Forty-six states now have laws that explicitly include electronic forms of communication within stalking or harassment laws.

On June 10, 2009 from 6:00 P.M., I attended the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl “Flavors” at Sheraton Waikiki, which raised money for local charities.

On Sunday, June 7, 2009 from 10:45 A.M. to noon, I attended the Operating Engineers Picnic at Kapolei.

On June 6, 2009, I attended Seiko Chow’s 12th birthday party at her house.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu & Seiko

On Friday, June 5, 2009, I attended Lincoln Jacobe’s Birthday Party at Oceans 808 from 9:30 P.M.  Lincoln is president of the Hawaii Pacific Entertainment Company.  His latest project is bringing the Pussycat Dolls for a concert in Hawaii, which I will be attending.  He also manages events such as the Taste of Technology, which I have participated in, talent such as Jasmine Trias, and film projects.

On Thursday, June, 4, 2009 from 7:00 A.M., I made a speech to the Kapolei Rotary at Kapolei High School.  This is the second rotary I have spoken to.  In 2006, I spoke to the Kahala Rotary at Waialae Country Club.

On June 3, 2009, from 6:00 P.M., I attended the Nurses Advocates and Mentors, Inc. (NAMI) Graduation at the Filipino Community Center.

Beatrice Ramos Razon, RN, President, Nurses, Advocates & Mentors Inc. and Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

NAMI graduates

On June 3, 2009 from 12:00 P.M. to about 3:45 P.M., Alec Sou of Aloun Farms and I were guests on Chef Chai’s cooking show.  We did two tapings.

Chef Chai and Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

Russell Tanouye and Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

On May 30, 2009, I attended Russell Tanouye’s “Beautiful” event.  Russell is a photographer for many models and did the House pfficial pictures in 2007.  He also raises funds for charities.

Sen. Brian Taniguchi and Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

On May 30, 2009, from 5:30 P.M. I attended Sen. Brian Taniguchi’s Fundraiser at Mid-Pacific Institute’s cafeteria.

On May 30, 2009, I was a guest for Sen. Will Espero’s Olelo show.  We talked about the 2009 Legislative Session.

Sen. Will Espero, Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu, and Waipahu Intermediate School students Olelo television crew.

Every Thursday the 100th Infantry Battalion veterans hang out, talk story, eat pupus, and have some beverages, including beer and wine.  I spent many Thursdays with them in 2007.  After my DUI on October 16, 2007, I stopped attending their gatherings because I got really busy with my legislative duties and I was determined to make a political comeback despite knowing that no politician has ever survived such a mistake.  I would see Mr. Arakaki at events and he said to come by and the boys would ask about me.  I saw Mr. Arakaki at the 2009 Lantern Floating and he told me to come, plus it was his birthday. 

On May 28, 2009 at about noon I stopped by the 100th Infantry Battalion Clubhouse.  It was so good to see all the veterans: Goro, “China”, Aki, “Stu”, Judge Miho, Kiku (longtime friend of the veterans), and others.  I always get emotional and at times, teary-eyed when I think of the sacrifice they did for us.  I was happy to celebrate Mr. Arakaki’s 86th birthday.  I live because of these heroes.  My heart is filled with so much appreciation and love for them.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu, Robert Arakaki (President of the 100th Infantry Battalion) and his wife.

On May 28, 2009 from about 11:00 A.M., I attended the IBEW-ECAH Electrical Training Center Open House Event at 1935 Hau Street.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu and a member of the IBEW.

On May 20, 2009, I went to Waikele Elementary School and surprised Principal Carmielita Minami becoming the Hawaii’s 2009 Distinguished Principal.  She was announced as Hawaii’s 2009 National Distinguished Principal at an awards luncheon held on May 3, 2009.

Minami was nominated by Pearl City/Waipahu Complex Area Superintendent Keith Hayashi and selected for this prestigious award by a committee of fellow principals and business community representatives through a process conducted by the Hawaii Elementary and Middle School Administrators’ Association.

A veteran educator, Minami has devoted 38 years to Hawaii’s public school system. Her leadership has been instrumental in bringing transformational change to Waikele Elementary where she has served as principal since 2004.

“Research results prove what school communities know from experience that successful schools depend on dedicated instructional leaders,” said Vincent Ferrandino, former executive director of the National Association of Elementary School Principals. “This honor represents our deep appreciation to a few of those who are committed to the academic, social, and emotional development of school children both in our nation and overseas.”

Joining Minami at the celebration were nominees: Carol Petersen, Mililani Mauka Elementary (Central); Lehua Veincent, Keaukaha Elementary (Hawaii); Cindy Giorgis, Hahaione Elementary (Honolulu); Fred Rose, Kilauea Elementary (Kauai); Susan Alivado, Paia Elementary (Maui); and Joyce Bellino, Kapunahala Elementary (Windward).

This fall, she will travel to Washington, D.C., to be honored along with other principals from across the nation during two days of activities and recognition events.

The National Distinguished Principals Program is sponsored by the NAESP in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education and in corporate partnership with AIG VALIC.