Daily Archives: August 11, 2009

August 11, 2009 · 5:38 pm

Meeting on E-Rate Program that will give Discounts for our Public Schools

I attended a meeting regarding the E Rate program on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Hawaii State Capitol Room 329, which is a federal program that gives public schools discounts on their Internet and telecommunications services based on the students’ families’ income. It helps schools with families that have economic hardship. There is a company that helps schools get the information to meet the federal standards. This program will save Hawaii money. With this bad economy, anything that reduces our state’s costs is terrific. Moreover, we don’t know how long the federal government can uphold this program, thus, our state needs to meet the federal guidelines as soon as possible. I commend Rep. Jerry L. Chang for finding this service and looking out for ways to save the State of Hawaii money.

Happy 90th Birthday Senator “Najo” Yoshinaga!

I attended Senator “Najo” Yoshinaga’s 90th birthday at Manoa Innovation Center on Monday, August 10, 2009. I am so lucky to have him as my mentor and friend. I still remember he and his wife being the first guests to arrive at my first fundraiser for my race for the 41st District Hawaii House of Representatives seat at Alan Wong’s Pineapple Room in the late Spring of 2002. He has been my advisor in my 4 terms in the House, seeing my ups and downs, but always consistent in his support and advice. Senator Yoshinaga is a living legend being a veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, member of the Hawaii Legislature for 20 years from 1954 to 1974 (member of the 1954 Democratic Revolution), and attorney. His life is filled with sacrifice, vision, and tenacity that keeps me inspired to do my best. Like him, I have had many successes, but I also had my failures. I will fly with my successes, but when I get knocked down, I will continue to work hard with tenacity.

Senator "Najo" Yoshinaga and Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu

Maui Yamaguchi (Japan) Kenjinkai Picnic

I attended the Maui Yamaguchi (Japan) Kenjinkai Picnic on Sunday, August, 9, 2009 from 10:30 A.M. to 12:45 P.M. I made a short speech and greeted everyone later. In my speech, I told everyone that my “Karamatsu” family ancestors are from Yamaguchi, Japan. It was so nice to see all the members. They really reminded me of my grandparents and how much I miss them. They invited me to future events in Maui and I look forward to meeting more wonderful people. I saw Maui Councilman Mike Victorino.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu danced with members of the Maui Yamaguchi Kenjinkai

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu, Masa Hokama, and Charlene Hokama. Masa is a 442nd Regimental Combat Team veteran and friend of Senator "Najo" Yoshinaga

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu, Jon Nishihara, and Colin Okumura

Kula Shokufuji Mission Bon Dance

I attended the Kula Shokufuji Mission Bon Dance. One of the best bon dances I have ever attended. The location is beautiful up in the mountains surrounded by darkness with the stars sparkling above. The weather was cool though I was breaking a sweat because I was doing my best to meet as many people as possible. Rep. Kyle Yamashita attended the event as well. I met friends of my late grandpa Maurice Karamatsu and Bessie Karamatsu. My old friend Stacey Hayashi was there too.