Monthly Archives: July 2009

On July 28, 2009, from 5:30 P.M., I attended the Hawaii Women’s Political Caucus Reception at the Outrigger Canoe Club.

On July 16, 2009 from 11:00 A.M., I attended the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce 159th Annual Membership Luncheon at Hilton Hawaiian Village.

On Saturday, July 18, 2009, I left for Hilo with my good friend and campaign chair Brandon R. Mitsuda.  We met up with Rep. Jerry L. Chang, Rep. Clift Tsuji, Hawaii County Councilman “Fresh” Onishi, and their entourage.

At Hawaiian Airlines lounge at Honolulu International Airport

At Hilo Airport

Rep. Jerry L. Chang's friends rocking it!

Rep. Jerry L. Chang. Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu, and Rep. Chang's campaign chair David R. Shiige

Rep. Clift Tsuji, Kazue Uehara, Rep. Jerry L. Chang, and Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu at Hilo Yacht Club

At Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin Bon Dance

Dancing to Fukushima song.

Dancing.

At Relay for Life in Hilo:

Relay for Life in Hilo

Relay for Life in Hilo

Relay for Life in Hilo

Relay for Life in Hilo

Hawaii County Councilman "Fresh" Onishi, Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu, and Rep. Jerry L. Chang

Some good dancing.

Rep. Jerry L. Chang's daughter JC on the far right and her friends helped us to pass over 1200 fans.

The crowd.

Enjoying the festivities.

The dancing goes on...

Relay for Life in Hilo.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi and Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

Campaign Chair Brandon R. Mitsuda likes to say, "We are 24-7, if only we didn't have to sleep."

My house is like a warehouse for my campaign.

5000 Jon Riki Karamatsu campaign hand fans

I attended Rep. Blake Oshiro’s fundraiser on July 14, 2009 from 5:30 P.M. at Bonsai Restaurant at Restaurant Row.

You are cordially invited to attend

A Special Evening With

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu

Candidate for Lt. Governor of Hawaii

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Royal Hawaiian Hotel

2259 Kalakaua Avenue

Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

5:30 P.M. – Reception on the Ocean Lawn

6:30 P.M. – Dinner & Program in the Monarch Room

Aloha Attire 

Please indicate number of tables:

____ $6,000 Lotus

____ $4,000 Orchid

____ $2,000 Lily

Please indicate number of seats:

____ $200

Name: _______________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________

City: __________________ State: ___________ Zip: ___________

Email: ________________________________________________

Home Phone: _______________ Mobile Phone: ________________

Employer: _____________________________________________

Occupation: ____________________________________________

Please make checks payable to Friends of Jon Riki Karamatsu 

Please provide us with the name of your guests:

1. _________________________ 6. _______________________­__

2. _________________________ 7. _________________________

3. _________________________ 8. _________________________

4. _________________________ 9. _________________________

5. _________________________ 10. ________________________

Please print (Pages: 1-2) this form out and mail along with your check to:

Friends of Jon Riki Karamatsu

94-820 Lumiauau Street, Apt. F204

Waipahu, Hawaii 96797

If there are any special dietary requests or special access needs, please contact event coordinator Luella at (808) 342-0204 or jonrikihawaii@gmail.com.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu

House Journal Written Remarks

House Bill 952, House Draft 1, Senate Draft 2, Conference Draft 1

Relating to Labor

Labor Unions; Private Sector

July 15, 2009

The following is submitted in opposition to the motion to override the Governor’s veto on House Bill 952, House Draft 1, Senate Draft 2, Conference Draft 1, the “card check” bill.

The purposes of this bill are to: (1) change the union certification process by allowing certification of a union representative through card check authorizations without a secret ballot election; (2) to permit a union and individual employees, but not an employer, to collect attorneys’ fees and costs in actions before the Hawaii Relations Board (HLRB); and (3) to allow a civil penalty if an employer or employee, but not a union, willfully or repeatedly commits a prohibited practice.

While I support employees’ rights to be represented by unions if they so choose, I must vote “no” on the motion to override the Governor’s veto because the final form of this bill undermines the intent and purpose of “fairness” and process of collective bargaining between employees and employers on several points: (1) The authorization card process destroys the current process of certifying union representatives through election by secret ballots, which is a fair democratic process that protects the privacy of the individual to make a decision without possible outside influence such as intimidation and coercion; (2) This bill gives an unfair advantage to employees in addressing prohibited practices claims whereas, current law is fair to all parties when addressing prohibited practices; (3) This bill gives unions an unfair advantage over both employers and employees because it allows a civil penalty if an employer or employee repeatedly commits a prohibited practice, but not if a union repeatedly commits a prohibited practice; and (4) This bill places the employers in an unfair position to the employees and unions.

First, we should continue the current process of certifying union representatives through election by secret ballots.  In Hawaii, elections have been the exclusive means by which a union may obtain certification by the HLRB to act as a collective bargaining representative for a group of employees.  However, this bill obligates the HLRB to certify a union based on authorization cards without an election.  Authorization cards are not good indicators of support and this method of certifying a collective bargaining representative is susceptible to intimidation, coercion, and other factors.

In contrast, an election by secret ballots similar to the process we elect our public officials is a democratic process that protects the privacy of individuals to make a decision, in this case, a decision on whether one wants or does not want union representation.  This process is a better method of ascertaining whether a union truly has majority support.

Second, this bill gives an unfair advantage to employees in addressing prohibited practices claims by amending section 377-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, modifying the remedial powers of the HLRB to include authority to award employees any interest on back pay awards, plus costs and attorneys’ fees if they prevail in a prohibited practice claim with the HLRB.

There is no downside to an employee, through its union representative, to file unfounded or specious prohibited practice claims against the employer, as the employer must vigorously defend any and all such claims for fear that in the chance that the employee prevails; there will be an additional award of attorneys’ fees and costs to the employee’s representative, the union.

Even if the employer prevails against a frivolous employee’s prohibited practice claim, the employer cannot be awarded its attorneys’ fees and costs.  This will have the unintended consequence of driving up the cost of doing business in Hawaii and presumably driving away business interests at a time when we can least afford it.

In contrast, current law is fair in addressing prohibited practices.  Section 89-14, Hawaii Revised Statutes, provides that any controversy concerning prohibited practices may be submitted to the HLRB in the same manner and with same effect as provided in section 377-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Section 89-13, Hawaii Revised Statutes, provides that it is unlawful for either employers or unions to engage in prohibited practices either against one another or against individual employees.  Complaints alleging prohibited practices may be submitted by a union against an employer on behalf of one or more union members, by an employer against a union, or by an individual employee against his or her union, his or her employer, or both.

Further, this bill may also have a detrimental impact on the resolution of labor disputes through the grievance procedure and arbitration provided for in the current collective bargaining agreements.  Those collective bargaining agreements provide that each side will bear its own costs and fees.  This bill is an incentive for union attorneys to file HLRB claims rather than grievances.  Therefore, it counters the core of the collective bargaining process by replacing negotiations between the parties with mandatory mediation and binding arbitration, leading to the unintended consequences of taking away the need of the parties to negotiate in good faith and come to a reasonable resolution since the party with the best position for an arbitration will not be inclined to meaningfully participate in negotiations but will instead be motivated to “try the issues” before an arbitration panel.

Third, this bill amends section 377-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, by mandating the HLRB impose a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 in the event that an employer or any employee is found to have “willfully or repeatedly” committed a prohibited practice.  This amendment fails to provide such penalties against a union if the HLRB finds it has committed prohibited practices against an employer.  The bill also fails to provide for the imposition of a civil penalty in the event that a union has been found to have committed prohibited practices against one of its own members.  Thus, this bill gives unions an unfair advantage over both employers and employees.

Finally, we need to have fairness and a “give and take” relationship between the employees and employers, and unions and employers.  Of the many things that inspired me to enter politics, fairness is on the top of the list.  I learned how Hawaii’s labor workers were discriminated against and treated very poorly from the 1880s until the middle of the twentieth century.  They had very little rights and were paid low wages.  My heroes of the World War II generation worked hard, proved their loyalty to their country, and entered politics to eliminate the discriminatory laws.  They made sweeping changes beginning from the 1950s that brought more fairness for the people of Hawaii.  Over the last six decades, the rights and benefits of employees have increased tremendously.  Today, the Big Five companies, Republican oligarchy, and powerful descendants of the missionaries no longer dominate the economic landscape, reaping the benefits of native and immigrant laborers here in the islands.  Many of us in elected office are descendants of plantation laborers, the 1954 Democratic Revolution, and the World War II generation. 

As beneficiaries of the sacrifices of the generations before us, we are now both employees and employers.  The state is now made up of many small businesses involved with our largest industry, tourism, followed by federal spending, retail, diversified agricultural, technology, science, and film to name a few.  Our small businesses face a constant threat of being overtaken by large companies from abroad.  It is my goal to do all I can to help Hawaii’s small businesses be sustainable and prosperous, even expanding globally.

In order to strengthen Hawaii’s economy, the relationship between its employees and employers are very important.  I have told the business community and the unions that this relationship is like marriage.  Both sides have to be able to “give and take” because they need each other.  If the employer’s profits increase, employees deserve more benefits.  In contrast, if the employer is facing financial difficulties because unions representing employees refuse to capitulate or compromise, the employer reduces the size of its workforce or worse, closes down and the employees lose their jobs. 

Maybe the big companies from abroad can handle the requests by the labor unions including the other high costs of doing business in Hawaii such as expensive land and high shipping costs; however, they can always pick up and leave for another part of the world that fits their budget better. 

I worry about the future economic viability of our small businesses will go the way of many “mom and pop” stores that have closed because the cost of doing business here far outweighed their profits.  I will do all I can to avoid this.  This bill places employers in an unfair position to their employees and the unions, and could have the unintended consequence of further driving businesses to shut down and discouraging future businesses from operating in Hawaii.

For the foregoing reasons, I vote “no” on the motion to override the Governor’s veto of House Bill 952, House Draft 1, Senate Draft 2, Conference Draft 1.  Thank you.

On Saturday, July 11, 2009, from 7:20 P.M., I attended the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii 55th Anniversary & Installation Banquet at Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu and Rep. Joey Manahan

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu and Sen. Will Espero

On Saturday, July 11, 2009, I attended the Korean Festival at Kapiolani Park.

Rep. Tom Brower and Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu, Chantelle deJesus, Russell Tanoue, Lynsey Kwock, and Lara Karamatsu (Jon's sister)

On Friday, July 10, 2009 from 8:00 P.M., I attended Russell Tanoue’s birthday at Bonsai.

With my thoughts on my loved ones who passed away and my ancestors, I can’t help but feel deep sadness.  I am fourth generation or Yonsei on my father’s side of the family and 5th generation or Gosei on my mother’s side.  On my father’s side, Karamatsu is from Yamaguchi-ken and Okubo is from Hiroshima-ken, and on my mother’s side, Sakai and I believe Hayashida is from Kumamoto-ken. 

Now that my campaign has gone statewide since the first week of June 2009, I have met so many more people in our diverse and beautiful state.  I have attended many cultural events and ceremonies in my life: Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Irish, Hispanic, Vietnamese, Hawaiian, Okinawan, and Japanese to name a few.  I am so touched by all the kind words I have received.  I am familiar with hearing Ilocano, Tagalog, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Hawaiian since I have friends who can speak it fluently.  I love culture and I have incorporated many of these cultures in my life, which is reflected by the displays and items in my house and office.  Culture is so important.

I have friends who can speak Japanese in its modern form.  However, since my grandparents passed away, I miss hearing the Nisei generation’s style of the Japanese language in their unique local style mixed with Hawaiian words, pidgin words, and old school Japanese words.  As I campaign across the state, I would hear some of the familiar Japanese language from the Nisei generation: “Karamatsu-san, ganbatte ne!” (Do your best!).  Some of them would bow to me as I walked up to them.  I would bow to them with deep emotion. 

I am friends with members of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the 1954 Democratic Revolution class, a dream come true for me.  Friends of my grandparents, especially grandpa Maurice Karamatsu (Former Vice President of DFS Hawaii) continue to approach me at events.  With these moments, I feel more complete.

As I reflect on this generation who faced racism, death, and so much struggle, I feel deep gratitude.  They helped to change the United States to make it better for the unborn generations to come such as mine.  To the generation of my grandparents: “Okage sama de.  Because of your sacrifice and love, I am who I am.  Domo arigatou gozaimashita.” 

Below is a mix of two songs, “Hana” & “Warabigami” sang by Rimi Natuskawa with ukulele music by Hawaii’s own Jake Shimabukuro.  I dedicate this song to the Issei and the Nisei Generation for everything they have done for us.  “Hana” means flower and “Warabigami” is about a young child born into this world.  The Issei and Nisei generations sacrificed for us, the unborn children in their thoughts as they preservered and died for us.  I pray to them.

“Hana” & “Warabigami” – Rimi Natsukawa and Jake Shimabukuro

“HANA”

Kawa wa nagarete doko doko iku no
Hito mo nagarete doko doko iku no
Sonna nagare ga tsuku koro niwa
Hana toshite hana toshite sakassete aguetai
Nakinasai Warainasai
Itsuno hi ka itsu no hi ka hana wo sakasoyo [Included in the mix)

Namida nagarete doko doko iku no
Ai mo nagarete doko doko iku no
Sonna nagare wo kono uti ni
Hana toshite hana toshite Mukaette aguetai
Nakinasai Warainasai
Itsuno hi ka itsu no hi ka hana wo sakasoyo

Hana wa hana toshite warai mono dekiru
Hito wa hito toshite namida mo nagassu
sorega shizen no utananossa
kokoro no naka ni kokoro no naka ni hana wo sakasoyo
Nakinasai Warainasai
itsu itsu mademo itsu itsu mademo
hana wo tsukamoyo
Nakinasai Warainasai
itsu itsu mademo itsu itsu mademo
hana wo tsukamoyo
Nakinasai Warainasai
Itsuno hi ka itsuno hi ka hana wo tsukamoyo

“WARABIGAMI”
Ten kara no megumi ukete kono hoshi ni
Umaretaru waga ko inori kome sodate
Irayoo hei irayoo hoi
Irayoo Kanashi umi nashiwa
Nakunayo~ya heiyoo heiyoo
Teida no hikari ukete
Yuuiriyo~ya heiyoo heiyoo.
Sukoya ka ni sodate

Atsuki natsu no hi wa suzukaze wo okuri
Samuki fuyu kureba kono mune ni daite
Irayoo hei irayoo hoi
Irayoo kanashi umi nashiwa
Nakunayo~ya heiyoo heiyoo
Tsuki no hikari abite
Yuuiriyo~ya heiyoo heiyoo.  Ten takaku sodate. [Included in the mix]
Sukoyaka ni nemure

Arashi fuki susamu wataru kono uki yo
Haha no inori kome towa no hanasakaso
Irayoo hei irayoo hoi
Irayoo Kanashi umi nashiwa
Nakunayo~ya heiyoo heiyoo
Ten no hikari ukete
Yuuiriyo~ya heiyoo heiyoo
Ten takaku sodate

“Warabigami” English Translation
A blessing from heaven
Into this world
You are born, my baby,
I will take care of you
Irayo hei, irayo hoi, irayo
My dearest child
Don’t you cry, heiyo heiyo,
May the sun shine on you
Be a good boy, heiyo heiyo
Please grow up
In miraculous health

When summer comes,
I will send you a cool breeze
When winter comes,
I will hold you to my chest
Irayo hei, irayo hoi, irayo
My dearest child
Don’t you cry, heiyo heiyo,
May the moon shine on you
Be a good girl, heiyo heiyo,
Please grow up
To adulthood

Though stormy winds may blow
As you go through this world
I will shelter you from the storm,
so you may bloom like a flower
Irayo hei, irayo hoi, irayo,
My dearest child,
Don’t you cry, heiyo heiyo,
May the heavens shine on you
Be good human beings,
heiyo, heiyo,
To lead a worthy life

On Friday, July 10, 2009 from 6:00 P.M., I volunteered as a parking attendant for Jodo Shu’s 7:00 P.M. obon service (prayers of peace to all the suffering souls and prayers of gratitude to all our ancestors). 

I prayed at my family’s otoba to my loved ones and ancestors. 

I attended the 7:00 P.M. service.  As I closed my eyes, I could picture all my grandparents and I thought of my ancestors, a great number I have never seen.

On Thursday, July 9, 2009 from 8:00 P.M., I attended a 35th Anniversary of a Waikiki Bar & Grill.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu, Panya Owners Alice Yeung and Annie Yeung, and Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say

On Wednesday, July 8, 2009, Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say and I presented a House certificate to Panya Owners Alice Yeung and Annie Yeung for 12 years of service in Hawaii.  As small business owners, Speaker and I understand some of the struggles small businesses go through.  Every so often, we like to surprise businesses by recognizing their hard work.  Best wishes to Owners Alice Yeung and Annie Yeung and the Panya Group for much success!

HONOLULU. A bill allowing temporary restraining orders to be issued to prevent the abuse of household animals in domestic violence situations was signed into law by the governor as Act 159 on June 26, 2009. Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu (District 41-Waipahu, Village Park, Waikele), House Judiciary chairman, introduced the legislation. 

The law authorizes the family court to issue a temporary restraining order in certain circumstances enjoining or restraining both of the parties from taking, concealing, removing, threatening, physically abusing, or otherwise disposing of any animal identified to the court as belonging to the household, until further order of the court.

“This law affords protection for innocent and vulnerable household animals in domestic violence situations where one party may seek to hurt or harm the other party through violence aimed at a beloved household pet,” explains Karamatsu.  Karamatsu added that, “the final draft of the bill that was signed into law addressed several concerns raised by several testifiers during the house judiciary hearing.  We received testimony in support of this measure from many parties including the City and County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, the Domestic Violence Action Center, the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Humane Society of the United States, and the Hawaiian Humane Society.”

The law takes effect on January 1, 2010.

-end-

On 4th of July, I attended events in Waianae, Kailua, Ala Moana, and Nu’uanu.

Waianae:

Kailua:

Ala Moana:

Nu’uanu:

The campaign team/entourage

On Friday, July 3, 2009, I attended “A Tribute to our Filipino Veterans of World War II” at Hale Koa Hotel, Luau Garden.

Rep. Nakasone,

The House of Representatives is not the same without you.  Politics is not the same without you.  Many of your friends hold your friendship and your advice very close.  All that you have told me, I am implementing the best I can.  There are times when I wish I could go to your office and talk.  Despite all the negativity around us, you could make many of us feel better.  Your old school strength, but with compassion and generosity inside was priceless.  Even now, I cherish your positive energy when I try to overcome some of the toughest obstacles.  We will never stop seeking your advice.  Thank you so much.

Jon