Dear Friends,
It has been an honor serving you in the Hawaii House of Representatives for the past eight years. Many of you have seen me grow up from a young and eager twenty-seven year-old politician to a leader in the Hawaii House of Representatives. The following are some of my policy accomplishments for our community and the State of Hawaii:
Economy and Sustainability
- Encouraged multi-millions of dollars of investments into Hawaii through tax credits for film production, 15% on Oahu, and 20% on neighbor islands;
- Expanded the Small Business Innovation Research Grants and Small Business Technology Transfer Research Grants to maximize federal matching dollars to help Hawaii’s start-up technology and science businesses;
- Floated $55 million in special purpose revenue bonds for local technology and renewable energy companies to help build research facilities and solar farms in Hawaii;
- Created incentives for important agricultural lands;
- Funded $1 million to be matched with private funds for beach restoration; and
- Required the department of Agriculture to authenticate Ni’ihau shell leis to empower Hawaii Ni’ihau shell lei makers and protect consumers from fraudulent sales using the Ni’ihau shell branding.
Education
- Supported project-based learning in our public schools such as art, culture, history, computer programming, robotics, and television production;
- Appropriated funds for capital improvements for our public schools; and
- Voted in favor of the $67 million appropriation to be used to restore instructional days for the 2010 to 2011 school year.
Public Safety
- Incorporated into the sexual assault law, the use of a substance in subjecting one to a sexual assault;
- Created a criminal impersonation law;
- Updated our harassment and stalking laws to include electronic communication;
- Extended temporary restraining orders to be applied to pet animals;
- Required that pet animals be humanely treated when placed in confinement;
- Secured funding for our specialty courts, which has been proven successful in turning individuals’ lives around to be productive citizens rather than abusing illegal drugs.
It has been an exciting journey. My love and support for you and this great community will continue regardless of where my career leads to. I wish you and your family good health and happiness.
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon Riki Karamatsu
State Representative
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 