Category Archives: Uncategorized

On Friday, February 20, 2009, I did a moment of silence for the late Rep. Bob Nakasone.

 

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

2009 Bills

 

House Bill 612

RELATING TO LAND USE COMMISSION.

Land Use Commission; Important Agricultural Lands

Prevents lands designated important agricultural lands from being reclassified to another classification if the primary use of the land is agriculture, the owner or lessee is a farmer, and the gross proceeds from the agricultural activities on the land exceed $1,000,000.

WLO/AGR

 

HB613

RELATING TO ELECTIONS.

Elections; Withdrawal and Declaration of Candidacy

Requires the office of elections to develop a standard withdrawal and declaration of candidacy form by 01/01/2010. Requires a candidate to file the standard form to withdraw as a candidate prior to the subsequent filing of nomination papers for any other elective office.

JUD

 

HB614

RELATING TO ELECTIONS.

Elections; Nomination Papers

Makes nomination papers available until twenty-four hours prior to the deadline for filing nomination papers.

JUD

 

HB615

RELATING TO HARASSMENT.

Harassment

Provides that harassment includes all digital communications.

JUD

 

HB615, HD1

RELATING TO HARASSMENT.

Harassment

Provides that harassment includes all forms of electronic communications. (HB615 HD1)

Senate: EDT, JGO

 

HB616

RELATING TO THE HAWAII EXPORT CENTER.

Hawaii Export Center; Shipping; Small Businesses

Establishes Hawaii export center within department of business, economic development, and tourism located within the Kalaeloa community development district to manage sharing of shipping containers for multiple small Hawaii export businesses who lack sufficient quantities of product to completely fill one standard shipping container at any one time.

EBM, FIN

 

 

HB617

RELATING TO MASS TRANSIT ECONOMIC ZONES.

Mass Transit Route Economic Zone Task Force

Creates a task force to recommend parameters for the creation of mass transit route economic zones including eligibility and benefits and incentives such as tax credits.  Report to legislature, including process to designate economic zones and incentives to attract businesses and affordable housing to encourage ridership.  Task force terminates on 06/30/10.

TRN, EBM, FIN

 

HB 617, HD1

RELATING TO MASS TRANSIT ROUTE ECONOMIC ZONES.

Mass Transit Route Economic Zone Task Force

Creates a task force to recommend parameters for the creation of mass transit route economic zones including eligibility and benefits and incentives such as tax credits. Report to legislature, including process to designate economic zones and incentives to attract businesses and affordable housing to encourage ridership. Task force terminates on 06/30/10. (HB617 HD1)

TRN, EBM, FIN

 

HB618

RELATING TO THE UNIFORM PRUDENT MANAGEMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS ACT.

Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act

Enacts Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act to replace and update existing Uniform Management of Institutional Funds Act. Provides guidance and authority to charitable organizations concerning the management and investment of funds held by those organizations. Provides additional protections for charities and also protects the interests of donors. Modernizes rules governing expenditures from endowment funds. Gives institutions ability to cope more easily with fluctuations in the value of the endowment. Updates provisions governing the release and modification of restrictions on charitable funds to permit more efficient management of these funds.

CPC, FIN

 

HB619

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES.

Public Utilities; Renewable Energy Zones

Directs the public utilities commission to prepare a study on the creation of renewable energy zones and report its findings to the legislature.

CPC, EEP, FIN

 

HB620

relating to sentencing.

Sex Offenders; Sentencing

Authorizes the court at sentencing to require a person with three or more convictions of sexual assault in the first degree to wear a global positioning system transmitter for up to 10 years after the person’s release from prison.

JUD, FIN

 

HB620 HD1

RELATING TO SENTENCING.

Sex Offenders; Sentencing

Authorizes the court at sentencing to require a person with three or more convictions of sexual assault in the first degree to wear a global positioning system transmitter for up to 10 years after the person’s release from prison. Classifies as a class C felony the removal or disabling of the transmitter. (HB620 HD1)

JUD, FIN

 

HB621

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HAWAII CONSTITUTION TO CLARIFY RETIREMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR JUSTICES AND JUDGES IN STATE COURTS.

Constitutional Amendment; Judges; Completion of Terms

Proposes a constitutional amendment to allow justices and judges who attain the age of 70 during their term of office to complete their term prior to retirement.

JUD, FIN

 

HB622

RELATING TO HARASSMENT.

Harassment by Stalking; Digital Communication

Adds digital communication as a form of nonconsensual contact in the offense of harassment by stalking.

JUD

 

HB622 HD1

RELATING TO HARASSMENT.

Harassment by Stalking; Electronic Communication

Adds electronic communication as a form of nonconsensual contact in the offense of harassment by stalking. (HB622 HD1)

Senate: EDT, JGO

 

HB623

relating to state identification.

State Identification; Counties

Allows the attorney general to contract with counties for processing and issuing state identification cards.

JUD, FIN

 

HB623 HD1

RELATING TO STATE IDENTIFICATION.

State Identification; Counties

Allows the attorney general to contract with counties to process and issue state identification cards. (HB623 HD1)

JUD, FIN

 

HB624

RELATING TO PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS.

Public Accommodations; Discrimination

Specifies state-operated schools, libraries, community colleges, and universities as examples of facilities that are places of public accommodation subject to anti-discriminatory prohibitions.

HED/EDN, JUD

 

HB625

RELATING TO SURCHARGE FOR INDIGENT LEGAL SERVICES.

Surcharge for Indigent Legal Services

Increases the initial filing fee for civil actions.

JUD, FIN

KARAMATSU (BR)

 

HB626

RELATING TO ETHICS.

County Ethics Committees; Civil Fines; Appeal Proceedings

Conforms county ethics procedures for civil fines with state ethics commission procedures by allowing appeals of civil fines directly to a court and authorizing counties to adopt an ordinance to allow a county ethics commission to issue civil fines without first requesting correction or ceasing of violation.

JUD, FIN

KARAMATSU (BR)

 

HB774

RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY.

Judiciary; Supreme Court; Rules

Clarifies the supreme court’s rule making authority.

JUD

(Gut and Replace Bill)

 

HB775

RELATING TO GOVERNMENT.

Government; Jury Service

Clarifies the law with respect to jury service.

JUD

(Gut and Replace Bill)

 

HB776

RELATING TO CRIMES.

Crimes; Assault

Clarifies the law with respect to assault against a law enforcement officer.

JUD

(Gut and Replace Bill)

 

HB777

RELATING TO ELECTIONS.

Elections; Campaign Treasurer

Clarifies the law with respect to campaign treasurers.

JUD

(Gut and Replace Bill)

 

HB778

RELATING TO ATTORNEYS.

Attorneys; Attorney General; Private Practice

Clarifies the law with respect to attorneys in the Attorney General’s Office.

JUD

(Gut and Replace Bill)

 

HB779

RELATING TO THE UNIFORM FOREIGN-COUNTRY MONEY JUDGMENTS RECOGNITION ACT.

Uniform Foreign Country Money Judgments Recognition Act

Enacts Uniform Foreign Country Money Judgments Recognition Act and in so doing, replaces and updates similar law codified as chapter 658C, HRS. Updates former law by, among other things, allocating burden of proof with respect to application of law, setting out procedure for obtaining recognition of foreign country money judgments, expanding grounds for denying recognition and allocating burden of proof to do so. Establishes statute of limitations.

JUD, FIN

 

HB780

RELATING TO TORTS.

Joint and Several Liability; Design Professionals

Abolishes joint and several liability for design professionals except when the design professional’s degree of negligence is 25% or more.

EBM, JUD

 

HB781

RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS.

Peace Mission Committee; Office of International Relations

Establishes a peace mission committee within the office of international affairs to plan and implement peace missions to other nations and organizations. Appropriates funds.

TCI, FIN

 

HB782

RELATING TO THE UNIFORM MEDIATION ACT.

Uniform Mediation Act

Adopts the Uniform Mediation Act.  Provides certain rules for mediations.  Establishes a privilege that assures confidentiality of mediations in legal proceedings.  Protects integrity and knowing consent through provisions that provide exceptions to the privilege, limit disclosures by the mediator to judges and others who may rule on the case, requires mediators to disclose conflicts of interest, and assures that parties may bring a lawyer or other support person to the mediation session.

JUD, FIN

 

HB782 HD1

RELATING TO THE UNIFORM MEDIATION ACT.

Uniform Mediation Act

Adopts the Uniform Mediation Act. Provides certain rules for mediations. Establishes a privilege that assures confidentiality of mediations in legal proceedings. Protects integrity and knowing consent through provisions that provide exceptions to the privilege, limit disclosures by the mediator to judges and others who may rule on the case, requires mediators to disclose conflicts of interest, and assures that parties may bring a lawyer or other support person to the mediation session. (HB782 HD1)

JUD, FIN

 

HB1314

RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FORTY-FIRST REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT.

CIP; 41st Representative District

Authorizes capital improvement projects for the 41st representative district.

FIN

 

HB1315

RELATING TO PEACE DAY.

Peace Day; Peace Mission Committee

Establishes a peace mission committee to plan, develop, and implement a peace mission in 2017 in honor of the tenth annual Peace Day.

TCI, FIN

 

HB1316

RELATING TO TORTS.

Joint and Several Liability; Design Professionals

Abolishes joint and several liability for design professionals except when design professional’s degree of negligence is 25% or more.

CPC, JUD

 

HB1316 HD1

RELATING TO TORTS.

Joint and Several Liability; Design Professionals

Abolishes joint and several liability for design professionals in tort claims relating to the maintenance and design of public highways, except when the design professional’s degree of negligence is 25% or more. Effective 01/01/2020. (HB1316 HD1)

CPC, JUD

 

HB1317

RELATING TO RURAL PHYSICIANS TAX CREDIT.

Tax Credit; Physicians; Rural Areas

Provides a tax credit on a sliding scale for amounts paid for medical malpractice insurance premiums by physicians that move to, and practice medicine in, rural areas.

HLT, FIN

 

HB1317 HD1

RELATING TO RURAL PHYSICIANS TAX CREDIT.

Tax Credit; Physicians; Rural Areas

Provides a tax credit on a sliding scale for amounts paid for medical malpractice insurance premiums by physicians that move to, and practice medicine in, rural areas. (HB1317 HD1)

HLT, FIN

 

HB1511

RELATING TO THE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

Primary Health Care Incentive Program

Amends the primary health care incentive program to include the development and maintenance of a list of doctors, their specialties, and locations in which they are willing to help serve.

HLT, FIN

 

HB1512

RELATING TO TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS.

Temporary Restraining Order; Pet Animals

Authorizes family court, when issuing a temporary restraining order, to award exclusive care of a pet animal and enjoin the restrained party from having any contact with the pet animal.

JUD

 

HB1513

RELATING TO OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER.

Cruelty to Animals; Possession of Gaff

Prohibits possession of gaff designed to be attached to gamecock or other fighting fowl.

JUD

KARAMATSU (BR)

 

HB1514

RELATING TO MEDICAL TORTS.

Medical Torts; Damages

Places a ceiling on non-economic damages in medical torts involving neurologists and neurosurgeons.

HLT, JUD             

 

HB1514 HD1

RELATING TO MEDICAL TORTS.

Medical Torts; Damages; Notification of Patients; Physician Profiles; Task Force

Places a ceiling on non-economic damages in medical torts involving neurologists and neurosurgeons and reduces insurance premiums for malpractice liability coverage. Requires a health care provider to disclose to patients adverse events relating to their medical treatment. Requires the Hawaii medical board to collect and publish information about physicians licensed in the state to allow consumers to make informed decisions in selecting physicians. Establishes a medical malpractice damages task force to provide support in implementing the provisions of this Act. (HB1514 HD1)

HLT, JUD

 

HB1782

RELATING TO HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE.

Health Information Exchange

Creates an office of state coordinator of health information exchange within the department of health and creates a health information exchange program.  Makes appropriations.

HLT, FIN

 

HB1782 HD1

RELATING TO HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE.

Health Information Exchange

Creates an office of state coordinator of health information exchange within the department of health and creates a health information exchange program. Makes appropriations. Effective Date of July 1, 2020. (HB1782 HD1)

HLT, FIN

 

HB1783

RELATING TO THE MEDICAL CLAIM CONCILIATION PANEL.

Medical Claim Compensation Panel

Amends provisions relating to the medical claim compensation panel by establishing a health court. Increases the number of panel members and amends the manner in which they are appointed.

HLT, JUD, FIN

 

HB1784

relating to Medical Torts.

Medical Tort Claims; Noneconomic Damages

Limits the amount awarded for non-economic damages in medical tort cases to $750,000 aggregate and $250,000 per physician, healthcare provider, healthcare facility, and any other involved parties.  Sets the award limit for non-economic damages in cases of gross negligence at $3,000,000.

HLT, JUD

 

HB1784 HD1

RELATING TO MEDICAL TORTS.

Medical Tort Claims; Noneconomic Damages

Limits the amount awarded for non-economic damages in medical tort cases to $250,000 per physician specialist. Sets the award limit for non-economic damages in cases of gross negligence at $3,000,000. Requires a health care provider to disclose to patients adverse events relating to their medical treatment. Requires the Hawaii medical board to collect and publish information about physicians licensed in the state to allow consumers to make informed decisions in selecting physicians. (HB1784 HD1)

HLT, JUD

 

HB1785

RELATING TO MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CLAIMS.

Task Force; Medical Malpractice

Establishes a medical malpractice damages task force to develop a strategic plan to address the high costs of medical malpractice insurance rates and make recommendations on damage award ranges and guidelines for medical malpractice claims.

HLT, CPC/JUD, FIN

 

HB1786

RELATING TO GAMING.

Gaming; One County; One Casino; Nonresident Adults; Deposit Taxes & Fees into General Fund

Allows casino gaming at 1 location on a 5-year license in a county having a population of more than 500,000 admitting only persons over 21, nonresidents, or who have round-trip tickets for travel to a final destination outside Hawaii. Creates a gaming commission and imposes a 7% tax on the casino’s monthly gross receipts and an annual $250 fee on each gaming device for deposit into the general fund except % and % for administrative costs and administering a problem gamblers program.

TCI, JUD, FIN

 

HB1556

RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY.

Judiciary

Short form bill relating to the judiciary.

JUD

SAY, KARAMATSU

 

HB1557

RELATING TO CRIME.

Crime

Short form bill relating to crime.

JUD

SAY, KARAMATSU

 

HB1558

RELATING TO GOVERNMENT.

Government

Short form bill relating to government.

JUD

SAY, KARAMATSU

 

HB1559

RELATING TO ELECTIONS.

Elections

Short form bill relating to elections.

JUD

SAY, KARAMATSU

 

HB1560

RELATING TO ATTORNEYS.

Attorneys

Short form bill relating to attorneys.

JUD

SAY, KARAMATSU

 

HB1561

RELATING TO REAL ESTATE BROKERS AND SALESPERSONS.

Real Estate Licenses

Specifies that acting as a real estate broker and salesperson pursuant to a real estate license does not constitute the practice of law.

CPC, JUD

SAY, KARAMATSU

 

HB1751

RELATING TO COMMUNICATIONS FRAUD.

Communication Service; Fraud

Establishes the offense of communication service fraud in the first and second degrees. Provides civil remedies. Authorizes forfeiture. Establishes evidentiary presumption. Adds definitions.

JUD

SAY, KARAMATSU

 

 

 

 

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

House Floor Speech

House Bill 444, House Draft 1

Relating to Civil Unions

February 12, 2009

 

I rise in support.

 

Since our existence, we as a human race have been very judgmental of others, especially a minority sector of people because of their sex, color of skin, ethnicity, religious beliefs, culture, behavior, and lifestyle.  It is the majority of the people that decides what is acceptable for society, and often times the minority of the people get the short end of the stick.

 

Our great state and country has come so far in regards to equality and compassion.  In the past, we had laws that discriminated against every type of minority I mentioned.  We have done so much to correct our wrongful acts by changing our laws to be inclusive rather than exclusive.

 

However, we still have much work to do in creating equality for all in our great state and country.  In regards to the same-sex community, our laws do not extend the same rights to them as we do for the heterosexual community.  We as a society want people to take care of each other.  Civil unions would allow same-sex couples to have the same rights as heterosexual couples without having to change our marriage laws.  Keep in mind that we are not only allowing rights, but requiring responsibility on all couples.  There are legal liabilities if couples do not care for each other.  Too often, we hear of cheating, domestic violence, sexual abuse, fighting over money and property, and partnering because of financial greed.  When partnerships are dissolved, properties are divided, and custody and visitation rights of children are decided.  The real threat to marriage or civil unions if this measure passes, is ourselves.

 

Again, this bill does not change the marriage laws, instead it grants the same legal rights and responsibilities available for married couples to same sex couples.

 

We as a society must have love and compassion, rather than anger, hate, and discrimination.  This civil unions bill will help to unify our state and country even further.  Let us try to eliminate or at least minimize our judgments on what we see physically before us.  We are judging are fellow family, friends, and neighbors because they have a minority lifestyle.  Let us look at this issue not only legally, but esoterically.  Body is nothing more than emptiness and emptiness is nothing more than body.  Rather than just looking at what is before us, let us look deeper and see the souls of others.  One’s soul can radiate love and compassion, or it can radiate hate and discrimination.  Instead of judging others, we need to look within our own soul and better ourselves.  Let us spread love and compassion and provide equality for all.  Thank you.

 

 

Rep.  Jon Riki Karamatsu

House Floor Written Remarks

February 12, 2009

House Bill 622, House Draft 1

Relating to Harassment by Stalking

 

I rise in support.

 

            The purpose of this measure is to update Hawaii’s harassment by stalking law to keep up with technology by including the definition of electronic communication as defined in the Hawaii Revised Statutes section 711-1111(2), which means any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photoelectronic, or photo-optical system.  Unfortunately, many individuals are stalking others through the Internet, which is not just accessible through computers, but now through our cellular phones.  Harassment by stalking can cause annoyance, mental distress, and fear for one’s safety.  It is our goal to reduce harassment done in person or through technology.  Thank you.

Rep.  Jon Riki Karamatsu

House Floor Written Remarks

February 12, 2009

House Bill 615, House Draft 1

Relating to Harassment

 

I rise in support.

 

            The purpose of this measure is to update Hawaii’s harassment law to keep up with technology by including the definition of electronic communication as defined in the Hawaii Revised Statutes section 711-1111(2), which means any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photoelectronic, or photo-optical system.  Unfortunately, many individuals are harassing others through the Internet, which is not just accessible through computers, but now through our cellular phones.  Harassment can cause annoyance, mental distress, and fear for one’s safety.  It is our goal to reduce harassment done in person or through technology.  Thank you.

The Difficult Duality of Buddhism and Bushido

Some of my entries includes a lot of Buddhism and Bushido (samurai) philosophy.  I have to have some fun with my job or I will burn myself out like many others.  In order to understand what I am saying, one has to practice it.  Many of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and 100th Infantry Battalion are good examples of the duality of compassion and the samurai spirit.  It is difficult because one is trying to become a Buddha by reaching enlightenment by attaining ultimate compassion and understanding the meaning of life and one’s existence.  However, when people draw swords on you, it is difficult to attain such a high goal.  Bushido is the way of the samurai where one faces his enemies with battle yet shows respect to them. Battles with enemies brings out emotions that is contrary to “compassion,” therefore, there is a conflict in attaining enlightenment.  Bodhisattvas are individuals that are striving for Buddhahood, but their human weaknesses have prevented them from attaining it.  To be clear, all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are everyday people like us, not gods or angels.  One Bodhisattva, Jizo said that after he dies, he would go to the lower six realms to help and save souls who are sufferring so that they can go up to a higher spiritual realm.  He sacrificed attaining Buddhahood to help the suffering souls.  Another named Achala said after he dies, he would try to help living souls in the physical world who are going down the wrong path and try to get them back on the right path.  He finds it challenging to help the most stubborn, angry, or depressed people.  He wards off evil, which brings out a lot of emotions, and because of this, he also sacrificed attaining Buddhahood so that he can help others attain a happy life.  Basically, you can help others to be happy, even if it means sacrificing your own ultimate happiness.

Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, Hawaiian Religion, and Bushido

My foundation is Buddhism.  It has taught me how to practice controlling your mind and soul to become more compassionate.  It also taught me to communicate with your ancestors and teachers of compassion through prayer and esoteric meditation.  Zen meditation is a very powerful practice to relax your body, mind, and soul by clearing all your thoughts and emotions.

Through, Taoism, I have learned to bring balance in my life.  Practices such as Feng Shui has helped me at a psychological level in achieving this.

Shintoism and the Hawaiian religion has taught me that everything has a soul, therefore, we must respect everything around us.

Bushido has taught me to be aware of death at all times.  Since death could happen anytime, we must live life to the fullest.  It also taught me to be careful of my actions becuase it could cost me an unnecessary fight or an untimely death, thus, stress and conflict can be avoided.

I am extremely focused on attaining a thousandfold more strength through positivity.

In my life, I have met so many wonderful, caring, and compassionate people.  On the other hand, I have met a lot of angry, jealous, and mean people.  You can put your anger and blame on me.  I rather take your negative energy, instead of you placing it on the many positive people in our world.

Today I attended the funeral for my uncle Walter Watanabe.  My last words to my uncle was when he was at the hospital.  He served in the U.S. Army soon after World War II started, worked for the City & County of Honolulu, enjoyed golf, and raised two children with my aunty (my late grandma Sakai’s younger sister).  He was very kind and a great role model.  I will miss him.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Doctor Recruitment and Retention Action Plan 2009

Yesterday morning, I woke up from a dream I had about my sister Lara (6 1/2 years younger than me) and she appeared to be between 5 and 7 years old.  In the dream, I was hanging out with her.  At the ending of the dream, my mom and I dropped her off at school.  We were a distance away from the classroom, and we looked and saw her outside of the classroom waving goodbye.

When I was in high school up until my first year in college, I had three recurring dreams.  In the first dream, I am running in pitch black darkness from something chasing me.  In my second dream, I looked back and saw a big shadow chasing me and it was much closer.  In my third and final dream of the series, I tripped and fell, and a giant warrior placed a spear against my throat.  At times, I feel like “death” is like the warrior that was chasing me in my dream.  I have to do all I can now, just in case tomorrow comes sooner than I want.

I am constantly thinking, analyzing, and strategizing on how to better our society or how to resolve some of our most controversial issues.  Every night I can’t sleep until late because of all the thoughts that are racing through my mind.  Instead of avoiding the most difficult issues, I face it head on.

Our world is filled with people that have love and compassion, however, there are many who are full of hate and discrimination.  People are constantly judging others.  We must try to eliminate or at least minimize our shallow judgments on what we see physically before us.  Body is emptiness and emptiness is body.  We need to look deeper and see or feel the soul.  The soul can radiate love and compassion, or it can radiate hate and discrimination.  Instead of judging others, we need to look within our own soul and better ourselves.  Are we radiating love and compassion or hate and discrimination?

In my role as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I am going to do my best to change some of the laws to bring balance.  I am also going to do all I can to resolve many of the controversial issues.  The details will be revealed in time.

Last Sunday, I shot 38 caliber and 45 caliber pistols, 38 caliber rifles, and various shotguns at the firing range.  The last time I fired guns was when I was in the Boy Scouts when I was around 13 years old (I shot 22 caliber rifles and a 9 mill. handgun).  Like lifting weights, running, strategizing and meditating, firing guns was a way for me to release negative energy sent against me from many negative individuals.  In a dream world, guns would only be used for sports such as target shooting.  However, there will alway be the duality of good and evil.  There would be less evil, if evil was not done in the name of good.  At times, “good” has no idea that it is evil.

Let’s do all we can to keep the balance tipped towards the positive.  We only have a limited time in this world.  We need to be faster than “death.”  We have to say what we need to say and do what we need to do before it catches up with us because sooner or later, it will.  We can only do the best we can before our destiny is revealed to us.

1.  Won my fourth election to Hawaii State House of Representatives and saw U.S. Senator Barack Obama become President of the United States on November 4, 2008.

2.  My great uncle Roy Okubo, my grandma Bessie Karamatsu’s younger brother who served in the 522nd Artillery of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.  He passed away on December 2, 2008.

3.  My last conversation with Rep. Bob Nakasone before the elections.  He passed away on December 7, 2008.

4.  Bob Shimoda, a friend of my late grandpa Maurice Karamatsu who was active with Jodo Shu and Kotake Shokai.  He passed away on October 19, 2008.

5. Released my strategy for compassion and peace on 08/08/08.

6.  Several of my bills became law in the Spring and Summer of 2008: Criminal impersonation, bonds for a solar renewable energy plant, and requiring a tow truck to release your vehicle if you arrive at the scene before they move it.

7.  Being surprised with an award, the “2008 Champion of Small Business” from the National Coalition for Capital at the National Conference of State Legislatures held in New Orleans from July 22 to 27, 2008.

8.  Finished the Honolulu Marathon with my sisters Mia and Lara on December 14, 2008.

9.  Going to Okinawa with family in October 2008.

10.  Finding the strength to be at peace within myself despite the attacks from so many people such as the Republicans, dissident Democrats, media, individuals who don’t know me, and political opponents running against me.  My mistake revealed everything to me.

I hope you had a great Christmas, and I wish you the very best in 2009!

In my Judiciary Chairman’s office, I have my grandpa Maurice Karamatsu’s samurai sword behind me as a reminder to go all-out with strength and determination.  I am back seven hundred times stronger and even more determined to accomplish everything I set my mind and soul to do.  All negativity will be converted into positivity.  I have become stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually.  I am going to live everyday as if it will be my last.

As I look back at my life, I am so grateful for my family and friends.  I appreciate every girl I dated and every person I have met.  I am also thankful for my health.  Life is so short, you never know when your time will come.  

In the way of the samurai (bushido), one must be aware of death at all times.  When you are constantly aware of your impermanence, you appreciate your loved ones and your life.  Body is nothing more than emptiness, emptiness is nothing more than body.  All Bodhisattvas and Buddhas have practiced to understand “emptiness” in order to have no delusions.  With no delusions, there is no fear.  Bushido and Buddhism teachings gives us the guidance to not fear death by always preparing for death.  We live to die.  We should never be dying to live where you are always angry, placing harm on others, jealous of others, sad, wishing you could live a better life, or just living day-to-day.  Rather, we must strive to be happy, spread positive energy to others, and do all we possibly can in life.  We must try to face life’s challenges and live life to the fullest because we live, knowing we will die.  It is not easy to master this, but it is worth trying as hard as we can.

I look forward to everyday of life.  I can’t wait until the next day to work, exercise, enjoy my family and old friends, meet new friends, and make the most of my life.  I appreciate everything.

On Sunday, December 21, 2008, I turned 34 years old.  I attended a Shinnyo-en service at 10:00 A.M.  I ate lunch at Ala Moana Shopping center and bumped into my friend Nish.  My friend Scott Imaye, back home for awhile from Tokyo and Gavin Doi joined us to get our Christmas shopping done.   I guess it takes an entourage to get good ideas to get our shopping done for family, friends, and business contacts.  I celebrated my birthday with my mom, dad, and sister Lara at Gyu-Kaku at 6:00 P.M.  My sister and I joined the crew at Loulou’s after and we continued shopping until the mall closed.

My great uncle Roy Sadato Okubo recently passed away on December 2, 2008.  I attended his funeral on Saturday, December 20, 2008.  He was 86 years old and my late grandma Bessie Karamatsu’s younger brother.  When my grandma’s health was failing in the Spring of 2006, Uncle Roy held her hand by her bedside at the Queen’s hospital.  Uncle Roy is a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 522nd Field Artillery Battery B.  For most of my life I didn’t know I had a close relative that was a member of the famed 442, and when people asked me if I had a relative from this unit, I would reply “no.”  I am glad I told my uncle how I appreciated his sacrifice for us.  I recently found out that during the war, he could have returned home, but decided to stay with his friends and continued to serve.  I am so proud of him, and I am sure he is happy with his late wife, family, and friends, including my grandma.

Rep. Bob Nakasone and I at my fundraiser at St. Andrew’s Priory during the 2006 Legislative Session.

“Nada Sou Sou” by Rimi Natsukawa.  This is a song about the loss of a loved one.  Rep. Nakasone is of Okinawan ancestry and I remember him telling me that he was tired of traveling, but he would consider going to Okinawa with some of us in the House in the future.  I feel this song is fitting for him.

Representative Bob Nakasone

On Monday morning, December 8, 2008, I got a phone call and was told that Rep. Bob Nakasone passed away the day before.  I felt deep sadness.  He was my mentor and friend, a person that was so humble but very strong at the same time.  Rep. Nakasone was the stability of the House and the State of Hawaii.  Anyone and everyone would go to his office for advice, support, and friendship.  You name it, representatives and senators of both parties, including House Democrats who were dissidents, the governor, lobbyists, community leaders, and friends.  His closest friends and colleagues always looked forward to meeting with him.  He read the laws and other information constantly and was a wealth of knowledge.

In the 2002 Legislative Session, I had returned to Hawaii after graduating from law school and was working for Senator Carol Fukunaga.  In April 2002, after finishing work at Sen. Fukunaga’s office, I joined Blayne and I believe Reena at Rep. Luke’s office.  I had my binder that included my campaign strategy for 2002 that I began in 1996.  I showed Blayne my plan.  We went out the back entrance of the office to the balcony.  There was a small crowd making noise a little further down West.  We walked down and an older Japanese man said something like this, “Hey, come inside.”  I entered the office and noticed Rep. Jerry Chang and Speaker Joe Souki among a few people.  Rep. Chang told me to sit down on a chair by him.  He made me a cracker with a spread on it.  He asked me where I worked and I told him Sen. Fukunaga’s office.  Later in the conversation I told him I was running for the House.  Rep. Chang yelled out to Speaker Joe, “Hey Speaker, we got a new representative here!”  Later, I found out that the older Japanese man that invited me in was Rep. Bob Nakasone.  I didn’t even know who he was.  I thought he was staff at first.

I got elected that November of 2002 and quickly became friends with Speaker Calvin Say, Rep. Jerry Chang, and of course, Rep. Bob Nakasone.  As a young representative at 27 years old, I had my way of thinking, but I quickly realized that I had so much to learn.  The three of them played a big role in strengthening my legislative and political foundation.  What I learned from them, you can’t get from any degree, including my political science and law degrees.  I went to Rep. Nakasone’s office often on a regular basis to seek his point of view, understand history on an issue, and review laws and bills.  I enjoyed spending time with him and so many people that went in and out of his office.  At night, his office was called Club Bob’s.  There were healthy debates on issues.  Most importantly, there was always laughter and happiness there.  It was like a haven from all the stress of politics and life in general.  Rep. Nakasone had this strength that made you feel that everything was okay.

In the 2005 Legislative Session during the conference period, I was worn down after being yelled at by a couple of chairs in the House and a Senator.  I always just took the hits and tried my best to stay calm.  I was working on a middle ground on one issue and there was miscommunication on another issue.  The stress and emotions within me was at a threshhold.  I entered Rep. Nakasone’s office and just yelled out my frustration in three words.  I walked straight to the balcony and repeated my statement.  Speaker asked me, “what’s the matter and told me to come by him?”  He was sitting in the dark with Senate President Bobby Bunda on a couple of lawn chairs.  I sat on the concrete slab by Speaker Say and Rep. Nakasone came out of his office and sat by me on the concrete slab on the other side.  Speaker talked to me and made me feel better.  Rep. Nakasone didn’t have to say anything, but his presence just made me feel better.  I will never forget that night.

In the 2007 Legislative Session, I was Vice Speaker of the House.  During the conference period, Speaker Say told me to stay with Bob and make sure everything goes okay with the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation bill.  That bill went to the midnight deadline with the language Rep. Nakasone wanted.

Before the 2008 Elections, I had a small talk with Bob in his office.  As usual, he asked, “So how’s everything?”  I told him everything was okay.  He told me, “Don’t forget your dream.”  I looked at him and said, “Rep. Nakasone, I don’t know.  I can’t see past tomorrow.”  He stated again, “Jon, don’t forget your dream.”  I looked up to him, smiled, and nodded.  Those were the last words he told me.  He was hardly in his office and I was campaigning like crazy, so we didn’t get a chance to talk to each other again.

This past Tuesday, December 9, 2008, I laid in my bed all night thinking about Rep. Nakasone.  I couldn’t sleep.  I listened to music with my Ipod and headphones, but some of the songs just made me more sad.

Last night, December 12, 2008, I was working late at my office.  My friend and her daughter came by.  At about 9:15 P.M., we decided to walk to see the Christmas lights at Honolulu Hale.  As we walked down the stairs towards Iolani Palace, I heard a crowd making noise above us and then there was a loud laughter from a lady.  When I looked up to see where the noise was coming from, it was in the area of Rep. Nakasone’s office.  All of a sudden, there was pure silence.  There was no one there and no lights on anywhere.  No one was around us on the ground floor either.  I asked my friend if she heard what I heard and she said “Yes.”  All of a sudden, rain began to pour down heavily, so we returned back into the capitol to my office where I finished my work.  Later, we went to see the Christmas lights at Honolulu Hale.  I truly believe the noise was from another Rep. Nakasone gathering with some of his old friends at his office.  From the sound of it, there was so much joy and happiness.  Rep. Nakasone is happy and still here for us.  I will continue to seek advice from my dear friend and mentor.  He is in my heart forever.

I can’t believe this is the last month of 2008!  I have so much unfinished work to do.   I attended the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii Reception at Kapiolani Community College’s Ka’Ikena Dining Room in the Ohelo Building at 5:00 P.M.

At the majority caucus meeting on Thursday, November, 13, 2008, I officially became the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.  This is one of the three big committees in the House.  In years past, the committee has taken on many challenging issues such as same-sex marriage, civil unions, medical malpractice, death with dignity, and the three-strikes law for criminals.  Many political insiders consider this chairmanship the “kiss of death” leadership post because many chairs lose their seat or retire because of the many controversial issues, onslaught by emotional people, and the high stress level for the chair and his family.  I will do my best for the people of Hawaii.

Aloha,

For all of you who live in District 41, I sincerely appreciate your vote.  I am excited to get back to work on legislation and appropriations for our community and state.  This was the dirtiest election I have experienced as far as smear goes, but I continued to stick with my platform and send out positive energy.

To all my friends and family who volunteered for my campaign, words can’t express my grattitude for your love and support.  With a number of you, I have become friends with you by walking door-to-door, and I am really appreciative of you taking time out of your busy schedule to help my campaign.

To all my donors, I am appreciative of the funds you donated to my campaign, which helped to pay for my brochures, mailing costs, food, beverages, office supplies, and the list goes on.  Without you, I would not have been able to operate a professional campaign.

Thank you so much!  I will continue to do my best.  I love you all!

With Warmest Aloha,

Jon Riki Karamatsu

There were several negative pieces done by my opponent and a recent negative piece by the Republican Party that stated false information on many legislation.  I corrected some of the attacks that was sent earlier, however, there is not enough time for me to respond to the recent attacks against me.  Most recently, they attacked me on voting to weaken the DUI law when in fact I voted against the measure.  The bill would have allowed those who served their criminal sentence for DUI that received a lifetime license revocation to be allowed to drive again (civil side: ADLRO process) if they have special needs such as caring for ailing parents or children.  They also attacked me personally.  Finally, when I sign waved, my opponent’s supporters constantly taunted me about my DUI.

Yesterday was the funeral for Robert “Bob” Shimoda, the last of my late grandpa Maurice Karamatsu’s closest friends.  Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say did the eulogy.  Speaker’s father-in-law, the late Stephen Kotake was a friend of my grandpa and Mr. Shimoda.  They called themselves “sangabarasu” or “three black birds” because they did everything together.  I will never forget Mr. Shimoda’s smile and his pleasant personality.  I am so glad I got to spend time with him.  He was a link to my grandparents and their generation.  A time when all the odds were against them such as racism and the glass ceiling, but they did their best as businessmen, but more importantly as friends.  I have no grandparents left, so anytime one of their friends pass away, I feel sad.  I will live life the best as I can, and help pave the way for the younger generations, and one day, I will join all my family and friends who passed away.  I am so honored to have known Mr. Shimoda.  Shimodasan, jya mata, goodbye until we meet again.

Aloha,

I want to thank all my constituents who have shared their thoughts, concerns, and well-wishes to me over the last several months.  After the anonymous illegal negative mailers against me, and the recent negative fliers against me that are being canvassed throughout the district, many of you have shared with me your kind words.  I just want you to know that your thoughts mean a lot to me. 

The past year has been one of the most challenging years in my career thus far.  I have learned so much as a person.  My life has had successes, but I have also made mistakes.  Many who want access to power have taken advantage of my mistake in life.  The negative attacks has definitely tested my will to be humble and compassionate.  I have become much stronger within myself.  No matter what I do in life, I want to be positive.  As always, I am going all-out in this election.  No matter what the outcome, I have no regrets and will live life to the fullest.  Thank you so much!

With Warmest Aloha,

Jon Riki Karamatsu

On Wednesday, October 22, 2008, I attended the Waikele Elementary School’s School Community Council meeting which I serve as a member.  After, I attended Waipahu Intermediate School’s Social Studies’ student and parent event.  They had a mock election that was very educational.

On Friday, October 17, 2008, I spoke to 3rd grade students at Waikele Elementary School in regards to climate change.  I talked about some of the problems we face and some of the solutions that we as individuals can do to help.  Also, I mentioned some of my legislation on renewable energy.  I handed out a workbook donated by HECO that teaches us how to save energy.  I really had a great time.

Aloha,

The Peace Day Hawaii 2008 was a success after a year of planning.  This was the second annual celebration.  I want to thank all the Peace Day Hawaii Committee members, volunteers, donors, and participants.

Sincerely,

Jon Riki Karamatsu

 

Peace Day Hawaii 2008 

Hawaii Convention Center

Sunday, September 21, 2008

3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

 

 

Peace Day Hawaii 2008 Program

Welcome by Co-Emcees Cameron Kubota of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii and Ayesha Cooray of Students for Peace with Iolani’s Institute for Peace.

 

Co-Chairs of Peace Day Hawaii 2008 Committee

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu and Ms. Ann Ishizu

 

 “Voices of Peace”

Hongwanji Mission School Choir

 

Introduction of Dignitaries

 

Key Note Speaker

Ms. Gloria Tumbaga

 

“Now Power and Good Vibrations”

Max Louie and Dani-One

 

Presentation of Peace Day Hawaii Award

Senator Matt Matsunaga

 

“Peace”

Pacific Buddhist Academy Taiko

 

Remarks by The United Nations Association Student Alliance

Alexa Berman, Joni Caminos, and Daniyal Saud

 

“Joy Joy and Down by the Riverside”

A Class Act

 

Peace Video

Rotary Club of Honolulu

 

Candle Lighting Ceremony ~ “A Candle for Peace”

Hongwanji Mission School Choir and A Class Act

 

A Moment of Silence

Commemorating Peace in Hawaii

 

 

Sponsors and Donors

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A & B Foundation

Dean Foods

Hawaii Convention Center

Hawaii Lions District 50

Senator Gary L. Hooser

Na Lei Aloha Foundation

Olelo Community Television

Poi Pounder Hawaii

Projection Presentation Technology

Robert Rivero

 

Peace Day Hawaii

2008 Planning Committee

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu, co-chair

Hawaii House of Representatives

Ann Ishizu, co-chair

Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii

 

Candace Van Buren                Dr. B. Jeannie Lum

Business Owner                                                UH College of Education

 

Erin Fujimoto                           Georgette Deemer

Student Intern, UNA                             State House Communications

 

Ian Kitajima                     Jacob Chang

Oceanit                                                 Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii

 

Joanne Tachibana                  Joni Caminos

UNA – USA Hawaii Division                Pacific Forum CSIS

 

Lauren Zirbel                         Pamela Ferguson-Brey

Hawaii Food Industry Assn.                   Department of Public Safety

 

Pieper Toyama              Rene Mansho

Pacific Buddhist Academy                     Hawaii Lions District 50

 

Rep. Lyla Berg                        Reverend Mike Young

Hawaii House of Representatives           First Unitarian Church of Honolulu

 

Sen. Carol Fukunaga             Sen. Gary Hooser

Hawaii Senate                                       Hawaii  Senate

 

Sparky Rodrigues                  Thelma Dreyer

Olelo Community Television                   State House Communications

 

Dr. Rosemary Casey               Wayne Yagi

UH Office of Int’l  Education                Office of Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu 

 

Background

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On April 18, 2007, Governor Linda Lingle signed House Bill 345 into law as Act 23.  It established a Peace Day Hawaii to be observed on September 21 of each year by promoting peace programs, improving international relations, and increasing educational awareness of peace.  Hawaii is the first state to officially recognize the United Nation’s International Day of Peace, now celebrated in more than 200 countries worldwide.

 

House Bill 345 was introduced by Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu on behalf of the members of the Hawaii Federation of Junior Young Buddhist Associations of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii.  During the 2007 Legislative Session, the bill drew enthusiastic participation from members and advisors of the Hawaii Federation of Junior Young Buddhist Associations and from many diverse groups including the Matsunaga Institute for Peace, Domestic Violence Clearinghouse and Legal Hotline, Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Wahiawa Lions Club, Hawaii State Teachers Association, League of Women Voters, Pacific Buddhist Academy and numerous citizens.

 

An ad hoc committee established in 2007 with members representing a broad cross-section of government, not-for-profit organizations and other participants from the peace education community have worked diligently to make this celebration possible.

 

On Friday, October 17, 2008, I met with a representative of the Hawaii Association of Realtors in the afternoon.  That evening I met with Filipino community leaders and the Vice Governor, mayor, and a principal from Isabella, Philippines to see if we can get them used educational books.

On Saturday, September 13, 2008, I attended the Teo Chew dinner at Ala Moana Hotel from 6:00 P.M.

Thank you for your support in the Primary Election on September 20, 2008.  I will continue to do my best for our community and state. 

On a negative note, I was attacked by negative mailers that were illegal since there was no legitimate organization or address printed.  I will continue to be positive and focus on my platform for my community and Hawaii.  Thank you to all of you who volunteered and donated funds!  I sincerely appreciate your support.

On Friday, September  12, 2008, I attended the dinner portion of the Ironworkers’ golf tournament at Waikele Golf Course.  After, I attended the Subcontractors Association of Hawaii Annual Conference reception at Ihilani Resort.  I talked to a couple of friends and two residents of Waikele I visited going door-to-door.  I can’t believe I walked most of my district 9 times since 2002.  I loss about 7 pounds and am past the 50,000 household mark.

August 29, 2008: Presented a House certificate to Waipahu High School teacher Kristi Hammond for winning the Outstanding Educator 2007 from Oceanic Time Warner and Pizza Hut.  My office manager Wayne Yagi and I surprised her at the school.  Also, we attended Waipahu Intermediate School’s celebration event for Tanner Tokunaga of the Waipio Little League World Series championship team.  Tanner was taken around the campus in a golf cart followed by another as the students went crazy.  The State House and State Senate presented him certificates as well as some of the Waipahu community organizations.

September 3, 2008: Attended HGEA’s “Meet the Candidates Lunch” at their building.

September 4, 3008: Attended Hawaii Agriculture conference lunch through Alec Sou at the Hawaii Convention Center.

September 5, 2008: Peace Day Hawaii Committee meeting from 5:00 P.M.

September 6, 2008: Attended Chinese Dancing dinner and event at Ala Moana Hotel from 6:15 P.M. through friend Wayne Lu.

August 14, 2008: I attended Olelo Waipahu’s First Anniversary Party at Waipahu Intermediate School.  I made a speech congratulating them.

August 16, 2008: I volunteered at Jodoshu’s bon dance.  I helped MC under the yagura.

August 17, 2008: I taped my campaign statement at Olelo in Mapunapuna.

August 18, 2008: I attended Monsanto Hawaii’s groundbreaking Ceremony at Kunia.  Monsanto grows fruit and vegetable seeds.

August 19, 2008: I was recognized for my work by the Science & Technology Council at their press conference at Booz Allen Hamilton in the Pacific Guardian Center, Dowtown Honolulu; I had lunch with a government relations person from Watanabe Ing law firm and Rep. Ken Ito; and I participated in a traditional service at Jodoshu.

August 20, 2008: Met with my S adviser.

August 21, 2008: I presented a House certificate to Sopogy, Inc. and John Rei from the company for their achievements; I had a meeting with the agriculture industry; I attended a meeting/reception with the seafood industry at the Fishing Village at Pier 38.

August 22, 2008:  I had a meeting with a Rep. Kirk Caldwell, Rep. Pono Chong, and Calvin Azama.

August 26, 2008: I had lunch with a government representative from Alexander & Baldwin and Rep. Ken Ito; and I chaired our bi-weekly Peace Hawaii Committee meeting.

August 27, 2008: I attended HGEA Unit 13’s meeting and dinner gathering at HGEA’s headquarters.

August 28, 2008: I met with the Ironworkers; and I spoke at Waipahu Neighborhood Board’s Candidates’ Forum.

I want to thank my family, friends, and numerous individuals for their donations and support.

Mahalo to the Hawaii Carpenters Union, Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA), and the Hawaii Government Employees Associations (HGEA) for their early endorsements.

Thank you to the numerous business organizations and unions for all your support such as the Hawaii Association of Realtors, Insurer’s Council, Island Insurance, Hawaii Science & Technology Council, Sopogy Inc., Energy Industries Inc., Hawaii Farm Bureau, Aloun Farms, Nalu Farms, Fat Law Farms, Hawaii Bankers Association, First Hawaiian Bank, Central Pacific Bank, Outrigger Hotels, Hawaii Transportation PAC, Watanabe Ing & Komeiji, Chun Kerr Dodd Beaman & Wong, Meadow Gold, Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA), Campbell Estate, Alexander & Baldwin, Castle & Cooke, ABC Stores, Hawaii Auto Dealers, Street Bikers United Hawaii Inc., Hawaiian Telcom, HEI, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Ironworkers, Hawaii Operating Engineers, International Longshoremen & Warehouse Union (ILWU), many individual business and union leaders, and many more not typed out here.

I appreciate those of you who recently sent me your donations and expressed your support of my campaign.  If you would like to contribute to my campaign, you can write your checks to Friends of Jon Riki Karamatsu and mail it to: P.O. Box 970146, Waipahu HI 96797.

Mahalo for your support!

Today, August, 13, 2008, I had a meeting regarding potential legislation on renewable energy.  We brainstormed on ideas for public/private partnerships for future renewable energy projects.

On Monday, August 11, 2008, I had a meeting regarding an up-coming beach restoration project for Waikiki beach.  I had a lunch meeting with another state representative.  I also had my bi-weekly Peace Day Hawaii Committee meeting.

On Tuesday, August 12, 2008, I had a Waikele Elementary School Community Council meeting.  That evening I attended the Hawaii Women’s Political Caucus meeting.  The caucus has recommended my candidacy for the Hawaii State House in the last couple of elections.

My younger sister Mia flew in from Loma Linda, California for my cousin Ryan Kaneshiro and Rebecca Pacheko’s wedding.  She is a pediatrician and studying for her fellowship in trauma care.  My family celebrated her belated birthday at Alan Wong’s Restaurant on Sunday.  That night she returned to California.  It is one of those few times, our family could all be together.

This morning I attended mass for the St. Paul’s Church, Episcopal and Philippine Independent Church at St. Andrew’s Chapel.  Senator Clarence Nishihara and I presented a certificate to the church for all the community work they have done in the Waipahu area, especially the adopt-a-highway clean-up program.  One of the sermons was about spending time with God.  I mentioned how I communicate to God, the teachers of compassion, and my ancestors in meditation in my quest to better myself.  I also thanked the church for spreading their love and compassion.  We presented the legislative certificate in front of their congregation.  I saw some familiar faces and talked with a couple of constituents.

Today, I participated in a forum with my political opponents at Local 5’s headquarters.

I also attended my cousin’s wedding.  I did the invocation.

On 08/08/08, Senator Nadao “Najo” Yoshinaga turned 89 years old.  I am grateful to have him as my friend and mentor.

WISHING YOU COMPASSION, HAPPINESS, AND PEACE – PART I

My Strategy to Heal Our Soul and Keep Our Lives Positive

 

Dear Friends:

 

            All the laws I create and all the monies I appropriate for our community are not complete if I know many people are still suffering because they are angry or sad.  Unfortunately, policies and funds can only reach so far for a good number of individuals.  I entered politics with hopes that I can play a role in bettering people’s lives.

 

            In the past, I have achieved goals and experienced happy times.  However, I have also made mistakes and experienced sad times.  After years of trying to find an answer to achieving a happy and fulfilling life, all my ideas and life experiences came together in the past two years, and I created a strategy to help myself in my personal struggles and in my quest to be compassionate, happy, and at peace.

 

Sometimes the pain we feel can be overbearing.  There are so many people who are impatient, angry, and full of hatred.  At the extreme, there are people who assault, rape, and murder.  All of these negative acts by individuals lead to suffering for everyone involved.  Many of us experience other types of suffering such as the death of a loved one, health challenges, loss of a job, financial difficulty, regret, insecurity, anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, divorce, or a broken heart.  At times, our worse enemy is ourselves.  We can be hard on ourselves and unsatisfied with our lives.  Therefore, I am sharing with you my strategy to keep our lives positive and happy despite all the negativity we face.

 

We can’t let the negative energy take the best of us.  We must strive to stay positive and achieve happiness and peace.  I dedicate this strategy to many of you who are going through tough challenges in life.  I am happy to share with you some of the things I do to keep my life tipped towards the positive.  It has helped me a lot, and I hope at least some of it may be helpful for you as well.  Although I may not know all of you personally, I want you to know that a little bit of my spirit is there with you.  I only wish the best for you and your family.

 

With Warmest Aloha,

 

Jon Riki Karamatsu

State Representative

41^st District: Waikele, Royal Kunia, Village Park, Waipahu

 

 

My Strategy to Heal Our Soul and Keep Our Lives Positive

 

            I dedicate my strategy for those of you facing difficult challenges.  We get knocked down but we get back up again.  We can come back against negativity a hundred fold stronger and send out waves of positive influence that will help others facing challenges as well.  I list a thirty-one point strategy to heal our soul, mind, and body from negativity.  I hope at least some of my strategy is helpful for you.

 

            First, enjoy and appreciate your loved ones.  I love my family so much.  They have always been there for me through good times and bad.  I also have several close friends who I can seek advice or express myself.

 

            Second, music can uplift your spirit and inspire you.  Create a play list of songs to help you as you go through different situations in your life.

 

            Third, creative writing can be a nice way to release your emotions.  On the evening of October 11, 2006 and the morning of October 12, 2006, I couldn’t sleep, and I came up with a fictional story that I have been writing.  The story has tragedy, romance, spirituality, and a touch of politics.  When, I finish, I hope to share it with everyone.

 

            Fourth, paintings and drawings can be enjoyable.  In my state capitol office, I chose paintings that give me positive energy.  My favorite painting is a chair created by different shades of red by Tadashi Sato.

 

            Fifth, enjoy movies and television shows that make you happy or take you into the world of imagination.

 

            Sixth, meditation is a great way to clear your mind and relax your body.  You can do this sitting down or lying down.

 

            Seventh, meditate or pray to develop insight and wisdom through seeing the true nature of reality.  Reflect on yourself and look into how you can improve.  Fill your mind with positive thoughts and positive actions that you would like to do in the future.  Concentrate on potential negative situations, and how you can resolve these conflicts peacefully, or at least minimize the negative outcome.

 

Eighth, in meditation or prayer, send your love to yourself (your soul).  We need to heal and strengthen ourselves so we can spread positive energy to others.

 

            Ninth, in meditation or prayer, send your love to those who passed away such as your ancestors, loved ones, teachers of compassion, and others.

 

            Tenth, in meditation or prayer, send your love to your family, friends, teachers of compassion, and others.

 

            Eleventh, in meditation or prayer, send your love out to people you wronged or whose feelings you hurt.

 

            Twelfth, in meditation or prayer, send your love to your opponents and enemies.

 

            Thirteenth, in meditation or prayer, send your love to people you don’t know.

 

            Fourteenth, in meditation or prayer, send your love to people you don’t know who passed away.

 

            Fifteenth, enjoy the pleasures of nature such as the ocean, forest, mountains, clouds, blue sky, stars, moon, meteor showers, snow, rain, rainbow, rivers, ponds, lakes, and cherry blossom trees.

 

            Sixteenth, create a pleasant environment in or outside of your home such as plants, flowers, water displays, light displays, candles, or art.  In my second floor townhouse, I have a fifty five gallon tank that displays a beautiful Koi fish that has the colors white, black, red, and orange.  It is very soothing to watch ornamental fish in a beautiful tank.  If I ever bought a house with a yard, I would love to have a Japanese Zen garden.

 

            Seventeenth, pleasant aromas can help relax you such as candles, oils, plants, and flowers.

 

            Eighteenth, pamper your body by getting a massage or taking a nice hot bath.  In Japan, I tried their hot spring water baths (onsen) and it was very relaxing.

 

            Nineteenth, exercise helps you to counter negative energy by releasing endorphins that make you feel good.  An improvement in your physical appearance and good health can boost positive energy within you.  I like to lift weights and run.  It helps to relieve my stress and anxiety.

 

            Twentieth, participate in activities that you enjoy.  Not everything should be work.  Have fun as well!  Attend social events, join organizations, and play sports.

 

            Twenty-first, eat a well-balanced diet to keep your body and mind nourished.  I am tying to eat more vegetables, fruits, fiber, and lean meats.  I enjoy green tea, which has Vitamin C and antioxidants.

 

            Twenty-second, get enough sleep.  You need rest to replenish your energy, which you will need to be productive and positive.

 

            Twenty-third, it is great to just close your eyes and dream away.

 

            Twenty-fourth, write all your goals down.  Create short-term goals and long-term goals.  Reward yourself when you achieve your goals such as new clothes or a trip to Las Vegas depending on the difficulty of your goals.  Goals and rewards give you something to look forward to.  I strategize all the time for business, politics, community service, and my personal life.

 

            Twenty-fifth, understand that there is no such thing as failure.  The most important thing is that you tried your best.  You learn from everything you strive for.  With hard work, other opportunities may arise.  As the saying goes, “When one door closes, other doors may open.”

 

 

            Twenty-seventh, help others.  Small Acts of kindness can go a long way such as smiling or saying something nice to someone.  Support a loved one going through personal challenges.  Help those less fortunate or those facing physical or mental challenges.  Contribute to the world with an open and caring heart.

 

            Twenty-eighth, try to save others even if you can’t save yourself.  If everyone believed in this theory, one day when you need help, someone will be there to support you.

 

            Twenty-ninth, surround yourself with positive people that embody compassion, happiness, and peace.

 

            Thirtieth, train under an organization, a philosophy, a religion, or a spiritual healer that can help you in your quest to be compassionate, happy, and at peace.

 

            Thirty-first, even with all your efforts, your personal challenges may still be overbearing, thus, professional support can be helpful in such times.  Consult with a psychiatrist or psychologist. 

 

WISHING YOU COMPASSION, HAPPINESS, AND PEACE – PART II

 

Compassion Can Help Us Achieve Happiness, Personal Peace, and World Peace

 

Dear Friends:

 

            We can all play a role in making our community, country, and world more peaceful.  The practice of compassion can lead one to happiness, and the combination of compassion and happiness can ultimately lead you to be at peace within, the ultimate bliss.  Peace cannot exist without compassion and happiness.

 

            Therefore, we must strive to be compassionate instead of angry, happy instead of sad, and at peace rather than in turmoil.  We all face this struggle within us and there are many negative people that may never tip towards the positive.  I feel there is currently more negative energy than positive in the world.  People are more impatient, angry, and full of hatred, which only leads to suffering for everyone.  Negative people affect other people and it goes on and on with waves of negative impact and influence.

 

            On the other hand, when we practice compassion, we can impact and influence many people with waves and waves of positive energy.  Therefore, we must do all we can to counter negativity with compassion and tip the balance towards the positive.  I like to see it as taking negative energy and converting it to positive energy.

 

            Through the practice of compassion, we appreciate life and everything around us, and we are aware of the suffering around us.  The definition of happiness may change.  Even the simple pleasures become very important.  We become happy a majority of the time.  We may never be 100% compassionate and happy, but we must strive for this highest goal.  Only through our determination to reach this highest goal, will we become compassionate and happy for a great majority of the time, and as a result, many of us will understand the meaning of life, our surroundings, and finally, the answer to peace.  When a majority of us are compassionate, happy, and at peace, a majority of the world will be at peace.  In this chapter, I share with you the strategy I use to practice compassion as we strive to achieve happiness and peace.

 

With Warmest Aloha,

 

Jon Riki Karamatsu

State Representative

41^st District: Waikele, Royal Kunia, Village Park, Waipahu

 

 

Compassion Can Help Us Achieve Happiness, Personal Peace, and World Peace
           

In life, there is suffering, a cause to suffering, and a way to end or minimize our suffering.  I have made mistakes in my life, and I am trying hard to better myself using a strategy that can be practiced everyday.  This strategy is called “The Eightfold Path” or the strategy to end or minimize our suffering.  In school, sports, and work, we keep studying and training until we master our skills.  Likewise, in our lives, we must master our thoughts and actions to be compassionate instead of filled with anger and other negative emotions, and as a result, we will be able to be happy and ultimately achieve peace within, the ultimate bliss.  The answer to compassion, happiness, and peace is within each of us.  Thus, only through each of us, can we achieve world peace.  The strategy is as follows:

 

1.  Right View: Believe in the law of cause and effect and not to be deceived by appearances and bad desires.

2.  Right Thought: The resolution not to cherish bad desires, not to be greedy, not to be angry, and not to do any harmful deed.

3.  Right Speech: The avoidance of lying words, idle words, abusive words, and double tongues.

4.  Right Behavior: Not to destroy any life or steal.

5.  Right Livelihood: Avoid any life that would bring shame.

6.  Right Effort: Try to do one’s best diligently toward the right direction.

7.  Right Mindfulness: Maintain a pure and thoughtful mind.

8.  Right Concentration: Keep the mind right and tranquil for its concentration, seeking to realize the mind’s pure essence.

 

            I believe we can achieve compassion, happiness, and peace in our personal lives, and in my dream, I believe we and many others can strengthen the foundation built by our predecessors and influence a majority of the world to be peaceful long after we pass away.  Only together can we ensure the balance is tipped towards the positive.  I wish you and your loved ones only the best!

Achieving Peace

We can all play a role in making our community, country, and world more peaceful.  The practice of compassion can lead one to happiness, and ultimately to peace within, the ultimate bliss.  We must strive to be compassionate instead of angry, happy instead of sad, and at peace rather than in turmoil.  However, I feel frustrated at times because I realize that we are all facing this struggle within us, in addition to the possibility that we face billions of negative people that may never tip back to the positive.  I feel, there is currently more negative energy than positive in our world.  People are more impatient, angry, and hurtful, which only leads to suffering for everyone.  Negative people affect other people and it goes on and on with waves of negative impact and influence. 

On the other hand, when we practice compassion, we can impact many people with waves and waves of positive energy.  Therefore, we must do all we can to counter negativity with compassion and tip the balance towards the positive.  I like to see it as taking negative energy and converting it to positive energy.

Through compassion, we appreciate life and everything around us.  The definition of happiness may change.  Even the simple pleasures become very important.  We become happy a majority of the time.

We can never be 100% compassionate and happy, but we must strive for this highest goal.  Only through our determination to reach this highest goal, will we become compassionate and happy for a great majority of the time, and as a result, many of us will understand the meaning of life, our surroundings, and finally, the answer to peace.  When a majority of us are compassionate, happy, and at peace, a majority of the world will be at peace.

In the future, I will share with you my strategy to achieve compassion, happiness, and peace.

Peace Day Hawaii 2008 Event

Co-Chairs Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu & Ann Ishizu

Date: September 21, 2008

Time: 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Location: Hawaii Convention Center

Personally, not having Rep. Kirk Caldwell in the Hawaii State House of Representatives or politics is a big loss for the State of Hawaii.   I am really saddened with the result of his disqualification for the Honolulu City Council race, but I admire his strength and honor to not appeal the decision.  He is smart, full of positive energy, and just a great person.  When I served as Vice Speaker, I got much closer to him because he served as Majority Leader until present, and together we served on Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say’s leadership team.  Right before his disqualification for the Council race, he helped me lift my spirits.  I sincerely appreciate his friendship.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008, I attended the National Night Out 2008, Police-Community Partnerships from 5:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. at Waipahu Intermediate School.  The partners and sponsors were Target, City & County of Honolulu – Honolulu Police Department (HPD), HPD Community Policing, State of Hawaii – Office of Community Services, Waipahu Community Association, Weed & Seed (Honolulu, Waipahu, & Ewa), and Olelo.

I attended the annual Operating Engineers picnic held at Lanikohonua at Ko’olina.  I made a speech and had lunch.

I was interviewed by the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA).  Then I donated school supplies at the Family Fun Day at Waikele Outlet.  Lastly, I attended Ikaika’s wedding.